Objective: Resection of the hepatic vein because of the proximity of tumors may result in increased congestion in the noncancerous parenchyma, which in turn may lead to functional hepatic volume loss and postoperative hepatic failure, especially in a case of low hepatic reserve. However, to our knowledge, no technique for estimating the extent of dependent hepatic venous territories before hepatic resection has been established. We examined the possibility of using color Doppler ultrasonography for this purpose.
Methods: A color Doppler system and a linear array transducer equipped with multiple Doppler frequencies ranging from 7 to 13 MHz were used intraoperatively. Two patients with hepatocellular carcinomas were examined. By tracking entire branches of the targeted vessel, from the trunk to the terminal branches extending to the liver surface, it was possible for the boundaries of the dependent areas to be projected and marked on the liver surface with either ink or electrocautery.
Results: In both cases, this method was effective for either minimizing the congestive area or preserving the hepatic mass that was being drained via aberrant routes.
Conclusions: Identification of hepatic venous territories by means of color Doppler ultrasonography may provide new information about intrahepatic blood circulation and may increase the safety and curability of hepatic resection.