In elective liver resection, hepatic vascular occlusion cannot be recommended over portal triad clamping. Intermittent portal triad clamping seems to be better than continuous portal triad clamping at least in patients with chronic liver disease. There is no evidence to support selective inflow occlusion over portal triad clamping. The optimal method of intermittent portal triad clamping is not clear. There is no evidence for any difference between the ischaemic preconditioning followed by vascular occlusion and intermittent vascular occlusion for liver resection in patients with non-cirrhotic livers. Further randomised trials of low risk of bias are needed to determine the optimal technique of vascular occlusion.
Continuous versus intermittent portal triad clamping during hepatectomy in cirrhosis. Results of a prospective, randomized clinical trial.
It has been shown that hepatic pedicle clamping is a safe and effective technique to control bleeding during liver resection. A major drawback can be the induction of liver ischemia and splanchnic venous stasis.
                This randomized controlled clinical trial compared continuous and intermittent hepatic pedicle clamping during resection of the cirrhotic liver in order to determine which technique is more effective in reducing operative blood loss and producing less ischemic injury. In 18 patients we performed continuous portal triad clamping during liver transection while in 17 patients we performed intermittent clamping. The two groups matched for extent of resection. Serial hepatic function tests were performed on postoperative day 1, 3 and 7.
                No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of operative findings. Operative mortality was 5.7% (2 patients). Six patients (17.3%) had postoperative complications. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to postoperative liver function tests and coagulation profile.
                Continuous and intermittent clamping are both effective in reducing blood loss during hepatectomy in cirrhosis. The two techniques seem to be comparable in terms of ischemic injury. Our findings suggest that intermittent portal triad clamping may not be necessary. As this is contrary to the normal expectancy, additional studies may be needed.