The measurement of liver resection margins

Abstract

Background. All tissue shrinks to some degree when placed in formalin fixative solution. The degree of shrinkage of liver tissue has particular relevance to the measurement of resection margins, as the current recommendation is that the surgeon should aim to achieve a resection margin of at least 1 cm. We were unable to find any published data concerning shrinkage of liver tissue in formalin. The aim of this study was therefore to quantify the shrinkage of liver specimens in the fixation process. Methods. Distances of 10, 30 and 50 mm were measured and marked on 18 fresh liver specimens. The specimens were then fixed in 10% formalin solution for 24 h, and the distances were remeasured to assess shrinkage. Results. The observed shrinkage at all three distances was <10% after 24 h in formalin. The degree of shrinkage was statistically significant. Conclusion. Although the degree of shrinkage is small, it may be important when considering resection margins of the order of 1 cm and should therefore be taken into account. © 2004 Taylor & Francis.