The patient was suffering from hepatocirrhosis (liver cancer), and only lost 300 ml of blood during the operation. Usually, such an operation would result in the loss of about 1,000 ml of blood, and a blood transfusion would be necessary, according to experts.

So far, the patient is in good condition.

The less blood is lost and the less the necessity for a blood transfusion, the lower the possibility of infection and post-operation syndrome, said Professor Shen Zhongyang, of the No.1 Central Hospital in this north China metropolis, who carried out the operation.

Such operations are also less expensive, Shen added.

(Xinhua News Agency January 4, 2002)