Anaesthesia and the perioperative management of hepatic resection

SummaryLiver resection is very major surgery. The assessment of these patients preoperatively is discussed with emphasis on the potential complications to which the site and scale of the surgery predispose. The anaesthetic techniques are described and the intra operative management as well as the problems that may be encountered including hypovolaemia, air embolism and the difficulties encountered with clamping of the hepatic artery and portal vein. Some of the various surgical techniques such as radiofrequency probes and their potential complications are also discussed. Postoperative management and potential complications are highlighted.