Laparoscopic hepatic wedge resection of hemangioma: report of two cases.

INTRODUCTION: Cavernous hemangiomas are the most frequent type of benign liver tumor. A large proportion are discovered unexpectedly. The widespread use of ultrasound (US) and computerized tomography (CT) scanning has made diagnosis more common. Laparoscopic liver surgery has, however, developed more slowly. There have been only a few anecdotal reports of hepatic laparoscopic resections, most of which are limited to wedge resections. Laparoscopic anatomical liver resections are still at an early stage of development. DISCUSSION: This paper describes two cases of hepatic cavernous hemangiomas, both of which were removed laparoscopically. No blood transfusion was necessary. No surgical complications occurred and the patients were discharged on the second postoperative day. We conclude that, depending on the size and location of the tumor, laparoscopic resection of liver hemangiomas can be performed safely.