Laparoscopic hepatectomy. Laparoscopic hepatectomy has evolved over the last 5 years. Many major benefits have been observed for patients and surgeons in this new field of surgery. Laparoscopic hepatectomy may become the gold standard for certain indications and procedures. However, it should be clearly distinguished from laparoscopic cholecystectomy or laparoscopic liver biopsy. In addition, major challenges and limitations such as the risk of malignant cell dissemination or the development of liver failure still remain. This paper reviews the different aspects of laparoscopic hepatectomy. Although a large-scale, randomized prospective study is needed to establish the indications and long-term results of laparoscopic hepatectomy in surgical practice, it should be carried out for carefully selected patients.