Treatment of the liver cross section following hepatectomy.

The incidence of complications after hepatectomy has been considerably reduced over the last 20 years. Better knowledge of liver anatomy and liver regeneration, and methods preventing bleeding during surgery have resulted in morbidity rates below 20% and mortality rates less than 5%. The treatment of the liver cross section remains controversial. Experimental studies have reported convincing biological effects of fibrin sealants or compresses when applied on the liver to decrease hemorrhagic or biliary complications. However, clinical studies are very heterogeneous, providing conflicting results compromising recommendations for routine use.