Three-dimensional CT angiography for preoperative evaluation of patients undergoing hepatic resection using the Glissonean pedicle transection method

AIM: To investigate the use of three-dimensional CT angiography for preoperative evaluation of patients undergoing hepatic resection using the Glissonean pedicle transection method. METHODS: The image data for 23 patients undergoing CT angiography with a Philips 256-slice Intelligent CT Scanner were analyzed with Philips brilliance software. Three-dimensional and maximum intensity projection (MIP) image reconstruction was performed. Based on the reconstructed data, liver segment resection models were developed to evaluate the possibility of preoperative virtual liver segment resection. RESULTS: Based on three-dimensional reconstruction data, the average liver volume and weight, excluding the portal vein and hepatic vein, were 1 219 mL ± 191 mL and 1 451 g ± 227 g, respectively. The portal vein could be divided into four types: I, II, III and IV. Patients with types I and II portal vein were fit for hepatic resection using the Glissonean pedicle transection method. There is no significant difference in the weight of resected liver between virtual and actual hepatectomy (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional CT angiography is a good strategy for preoperative evaluation of patients undergoing hepatic resection using the Glissonean pedicle transection method.