Physical Recovery After Laparoscopic vs. Open Liver Resection

Physical Recovery After Laparoscopic vs. Open Liver Resection - a Pilot Trial

The role of laparoscopic liver surgery with respect to clinical outcome remains unclear.

The role of laparoscopic liver surgery with respect to clinical outcome remains unclear. The investigators hypothesized that laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is associated with better postoperative recovery than open liver resection (OLR).

Twenty-one patients who underwent LR were included in this study (11 OLR (52.4%) and 10 LLR (47.6%), respectively). Postoperative recovery was measured by bicycle stress testing at months 1 and 6 after surgery and compared to preoperative stress testing. Standardized performance for bicycle stress testing was calculated based on age, sex, height and weight. Postoperative recovery was compared between groups as change of performance (%).

Inclusion Criteria:

• all patients undergoing liver resection (open vs. laparoscopic)
• all patients willing participate and gave written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy
• significant traumatic injury within 30 days prior to study enrolment
• inability or unwillingness to comply to the protocol or to perform bicycle ergometry