The Inter-Laennec Approach for Liver Tumors in Contact with Hepatic Veins in Laparoscopic Liver Resection

Patients with liver tumors that are in contact with the major hepatic veins may require hepatic vein resection to achieve an adequate surgical margin; however, the potential for venous congestion and impaired remnant liver function must be considered. We introduce the anatomy of the hepatic vein related to Laennec’s capsule as well as the surgical techniques to overcome these limitations in the laparoscopic approach.^1,2

A patient with hepatocellular carcinoma underwent resection of the paracaval portion of the caudate lobe. A 4.5-cm tumor was located on the hepatic hilum, compressing the middle and right hepatic veins (MHV and RHV). The Laennec’s capsule around the hepatic veins consists of cardiac and hepatic layers. In the inter-Laennec approach, the hepatic veins and inferior vena cava were continuously exposed from the root side, during entry into the space between the hepatic and cardiac Laennec’s capsules.^3,4 Hence, the cardiac Laennec’s capsule was preserved on the venous side, and the strength of the hepatic vein walls was maintained without exposing the tumor. Parenchymal transection was performed while preserving the MHV and RHV.

The operative time was 331 min, with minimal estimated blood loss. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 6 without complications. A pathological examination revealed the presence of focal capsular invasion; however, the surgical margin was maintained by leaving the hepatic Laennec's capsule on the tumor side.

Understanding the structure of the Laennec's capsule can contribute to the establishment of safe and feasible liver resection techniques.