Function-preserving segmentectomy of the cirrhotic liver.

Background/aims: A cirrhotic case of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicating portal vein tumor thrombi which underwent posterior segmentectomy with anterior portal venoplasty is reported.
Materials and Methods: The HCC originated in the right posterior segment and grew intraluminally up to the right portal vein, and the laboratory data indicated a presence of severe cirrhosis. The operative procedure undertaken consisted of internal shunting of the portal blood stream by mesentero-umbilical bypass, resection of the posterior segment and the anterior portal venous root, and reconstruction of the anterior portal branch by patch grafting.
Results: This operation produced no distinct complications, and it was defined pathologically as being curative.
Conclusion: The case here introduces rationale of this modified hepatic segmentectomy in view of functional preservation of the residual cirrhotic liver.