Hepatic vascular exclusion (HVE) for major liver resections.

One hundred fifty-three patients underwent hepatic resection. Hepatic venous exclusion (HVE) was utilized in 23%. Aortic clamping was used in 20% of cases with hepatic venous exclusion. The mean duration of liver ischemia was 33 minutes. HVE increases the resectability of massive posterior or hypervascular liver tumors and prevents the risk of massive bleeding or air embolism. The only counterindication is the presence of severe preexisting cardiac dysfunction.