Abstract: In the past 30 years, laparoscopic hepatectomy has developed rapidly, which multi‑dimensionally promoted the innovation of hepatectomy technology and strategy. This is mainly attributed to the key factors such as the improvement of domestic and foreign scholars′ under-standing of liver anatomy, the conversion and application of laparotomy technology, the expansion of laparoscopic vision and the feedback in surgery related fields. The authors summarize the enlighten-ment, development, promotion and sublimation of laparoscopic hepatectomy, and discuss the classi-fication and evolution of the surgical approach of laparoscopic hepatectomy.