Laparoscopic versus open mesohepatectomy for centrally located hepatocellular carcinoma

Centrally located liver tumors that involve Couinaud’s segment I, IV, V and VIII are surrounded by the inferior vena cava (IVC), the hepatic vein [the middle hepatic vein (MHV) or the right hepatic vein], and the first branch of the Glisson’s pedicle, which need difficult surgical techniques. Extended hemihepatectomy (EH) is a standard procedure to achieve curative resection for centrally located liver tumors when the preoperative hepatic reserve is sufficient.