The use of water-jet dissection in open and laparoscopic liver resection

Background. We intend to give an overview of our experiences with the implementation of a new dissection technique in open and laparoscopic surgery. Methods. Our database comprises a total of 950 patients who underwent liver resection. Three hundred and fifty of them were performed exceptionally with the water-jet dissector. Forty-one laparoscopic partial liver resections were accomplished. Results. Using the water-jet dissection technique it was possible to reduce the blood loss, the Pringle- and resection time in comparison to CUSA® and blunt dissection. In the last five years we could reduce the Pringle-rate from 48 to 6% and the last 110 liver resections were performed without any Pringle's manoeuvre. At the same time, the transfusion-rate decreased from 1.86 to 0.46 EC/patient. In oncological resections, the used dissection technique had no influence on long-time survival. Conclusions. The water-jet dissection technique is fast, feasible, oncologically safe and can be used in open and in laparoscopic liver surgery.