A Case-Matched Analysis of Laparoscopic Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Located in Posterosuperior Segments of the Liver According to Adaption of Developed Techniques

Background and Objectives: Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) located in posterosuperior (PS) segment is technically demanding, but has been overcome by accumulated experiences and technological improvements. We analyzed peri-and post-operative results before and after the adaptation of the enhanced techniques. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 246 patients who underwent LLR for HCC in PS segments from September 2003 to December 2019. According to the introduction of advanced techniques including intercostal trocars, Pringle maneuver, and semi-lateral French position, the patients were divided into Group 1 (n = 43), who underwent LLR from September 2003 to December 2011, and Group 2 (n = 203), who underwent LLR from January 2012 to December 2019. Among these cases, 136 patients (Group 1 = 34, Group 2 = 102) were selected by case-matched analysis using perioperative variables. Results: Mean operation time (362 min vs. 291 min) and hospital stay (11 days vs. 8 days, p = 0.023) were significantly longer in Group 1 than Group 2. Otherwise, disease-free survival (DFS) rate was shorter and resection margin (1.3 mm vs. 0.7 mm, p = 0.034) were smaller in Group 2 than Group 1. However, there was no difference in type of complication (p = 0.084), severity of complication graded by the Clavien–Dindo grade system (p = 0.394), and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates (p = 0.986). In case-matched analysis, operation time (359 min vs. 266 min p = 0.002) and hospital stay (11.5 days vs. 8.0 days, p = 0.032) were significantly different, but there was no significant difference in resection margin, DFS, and OS. Conclusions: The adaptation of improved techniques has reduced the complexity of LLR in PS segments.