Eur J Pediatr Surg 2010; 20(1): 57-59
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1215601
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Central Hepatectomy for Hepatic Mesenchymal Hamartoma in Children

M. Khalifeh 1 , W. Faraj 2 , H. Fakih 1 , H. Ajami 1 , S. Akel 1 , F. Jamali 1
  • 1Department of Surgery, Beirut, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2Institute of Liver studies, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
15 May 2009 (online)

Introduction

Hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma (HMH) is the second commonest benign hepatic tumor in children after hemangioma. Typically, it presents as a large benign multicystic liver mass in children younger than 3 years. The natural history of HMH is poorly understood, with some cases undergoing spontaneous regression and others progressing to undifferentiated (embryonal) sarcoma. Most tumors are centrally located in the liver and gradually increase in size, often reaching enormous proportions, making surgical resection challenging and leading some surgeons to advocate a non-radical resection or marsupialization of large centrally located tumors as acceptable management. In the light of recent cytogenetic studies suggesting that HMH may be a neoplasm rather than a hamartoma, complete surgical excision remains the treatment of choice. We report on a parenchyma-sparing resection technique for a centrally located HMH.

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Correspondence

Dr. W. Faraj

Institute of Liver studies

King's College Hospital

Denmark hill

London

United Kingdom

SE5 9RS

Phone: +44/203/299 37 72

Fax: +44/203/299 35 75

Email: wfaraj@hotmail.com