Impact of Three-Dimensional (3D) Visualization on Laparoscopic Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background The impact of three-dimensional (3D) visualization on laparoscopic hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma is largely unknown. Methods A retrospective review with propensity-score matched analysis of 3D and two-dimensional (2D) laparoscopic hepatectomy performed in a tertiary hepatobiliary surgery center. Results Since the availability of 3D laparoscopy, the proportion of laparoscopic major hepatectomies has significantly expanded (1.7% vs. 24.0%, p < 0.0001) and the percentage of difficult resections among patients who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy has also increased (12.6% vs. 40.0%, p = 0.0001). A total of 305 patients (92 in the 3D group and 213 in the 2D group) underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy between 2002 and 2019. The 3D group had better liver function, larger tumors at more difficult locations, more major resections, and more difficult surgeries. After propensity score matching, 144 patients were analyzed (72 in both the 3D and 2D groups). Patients were comparable in terms of liver status, tumor status, and complexity of liver surgery. Operative time (218 vs. 218 mins, p = 0.50) and blood loss (0.2 vs. 0.2L, p = 0.49) were comparable between the two groups, however overall complications were higher in the 2D group (1.4 vs. 11.1%, p = 0.03). Patients who underwent 3D laparoscopic major hepatectomy had a shorter hospital stay than their comparable counterparts operated through an open approach (7 vs. 6 days, p = 0.003). Conclusions 3D visualization enhanced the feasibility of laparoscopic major hepatectomy and difficult laparoscopic liver resection. 3D resection was potentially associated with fewer operative morbidities and the 3D laparoscopic approach did not jeopardize the outcome of major hepatectomy.