# Laparoscopic resection of the hepatic caudate lobe: enhancing surgical precision with inferior vena cava-centric approach

**Authors:** Haoyang Huang, Dingwei Xu, Jie Huang

PMC · DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjag116 · Journal of Surgical Case Reports · 2026-03-07

## TL;DR

A new laparoscopic technique using the inferior vena cava improves safety and precision in removing tumors from the liver's caudate lobe.

## Contribution

A novel laparoscopic approach for caudate lobe resection guided by the inferior vena cava is introduced.

## Key findings

- Laparoscopic resection of caudate hemangioma was completed with minimal blood loss and no complications.
- IVC-centric guidance improved surgical precision and recovery outcomes.
- The technique was successfully applied in a patient with good postoperative recovery.

## Abstract

Hepatic caudate lobe tumor resection is challenging due to anatomical depth. This study presents a laparoscopic technique for caudate hemangioma, using the inferior vena cava (IVC) as a guide to improve safety and feasibility. A 34-year-old male with incidentally detected caudate hemangioma underwent surgery. Preoperative evaluations (normal blood tests, ICG R15 3.0%, Child-Pugh A) confirmed good liver function. Computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis, and surgery was planned with IVC dissection. The surgery lasted 191 minutes, with only 40 ml of blood loss and no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Histopathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma. The patient achieved an uneventful recovery, with the drainage tube removed on postoperative Day 3 and hospital discharge completed on postoperative Day 4. Laparoscopic resection is safe for caudate hemangioma with proper preoperative assessment and experience. IVC guidance minimizes blood loss, shortens operative time, and ensures favourable recovery.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** hemangioma (MONDO:0006500), cavernous hemangioma (MONDO:0003155)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** cavernous hemangioma (MESH:D006392), bleeding (MESH:D006470), reperfusion injury (MESH:D015427), Hepatic haemangiomas (MESH:D056486), blood (MESH:D006402), pain (MESH:D010146), caudate lobe tumours (MESH:D009369), caudate hemangioma (MESH:D006391), intestinal congestion (MESH:D007410), ischemia (MESH:D007511), benign liver tumours (MESH:D008113), blood loss (MESH:D016063), hepatic portal occlusion (MESH:D006504)
- **Chemicals:** ICG (MESH:D007208)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

_Full body text omitted from this summary view._ Fetch the complete paper as Markdown: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12966783/full.md

## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12966783/full.md

## References

9 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12966783/full.md

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12966783