Hepatic resection: haemostatic control by means of compression sutures: a new method.

Blood loss during partial hepatic resection is a major concern. Controlling haemorrhage by means of non-cutting compression sutures, without the risk of disrupting the liver tissue, was experimentally investigated. Twenty-two beagles underwent a partial resection of the right median liver lobe with this technique. Blood loss was negligible and no complications occurred during surgery or follow-up. There were no deaths. The method of using compression sutures is a simple, quick and efficient technique to prevent blood loss during and after partial hepatic resection.