Hepatic cavernous hemangioma：an analysis of 172 cases FU Xiao-hui, CHU Kai-jian, LU Chong-de, et al. Department of Comprehensive Therapy of Tumor, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China Corresponding author:YAO Xiao-ping, E-mail: yaoxiaopingehbh@163.com Abstract Objective To explore the feasibility of operation on hepatic cavernous hemangioma. Methods The clinical data of 172 patients with hepatic cavernous hemangioma performed from 2004 to 2006 at Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital of Second Military Medical University were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 128 patients with hemangioma involved porta hepatis. Clinical manifestation, operation and postoperative recovery were analyzed. Results Enucleation of hemangioma involving porta hepatis had more intraoperative bleeding, longer time of inflow exclusion, and higher incidence of postoperative pleural fluid, while no significant difference exists in the complication of operation and postoperative recovery. Conclusion Surgery of hemangioma involving porta hepatis is safe and effective. For patients with symptoms or young patients with rapidly enlarging mass, the enucleation of the tumor is needed and feasible. It should be carried out strictly in accordance with the rules of the liver surgery and the characteristics of the hemangioma so as to ensure the safety of the operation.