Vascular occlusion or not during liver resection: the continuing story

Background: Vascular occlusion can be applied during liver resection to reduce blood loss. Herein, we provide an update of the current evidence concerning vascular occlusion.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted to review the effects of liver in- and outflow occlusion techniques during liver resection, focusing on blood loss and hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Results: The Pringle maneuver (PM) is effective in controlling blood loss; however, there is no indication for routine vascular clamping during hepatic resection in uncomplicated patients. During complex resections and in patients with abnormal liver parenchyma, the intermittent PM is preferred over continuous clamping. Total hepatic vascular exclusion (THVE) is indicated only in resection of tumors involving the inferior caval vein or the caval hepatic junction. THVE can be applied with the preservation of caval vein flow. This mode of selective hepatic vascular exclusion results in less blood loss in combination with the PM.

Conclusion: If clamping is necessary during complex resections or in abnormal liver parenchyma, intermittent PM is advised. THVE or selective hepatic vascular exclusion may be considered in tumors involving the inferior caval vein or the caval hepatic junction. There is no evidence supporting the use of ischemic preconditioning, maintenance of a low central venous pressure or of pharmacological interventions during liver resection.