Expert consensus on Laennec capsule guided hepatobiliary surgery (2026 edition)

The Laennec capsule is an intrinsic fibrous connective tissue covering the intra-hepatic and extrahepatic parenchyma. With the first described in 1802, the value of Laennec capsule in surgical procedures has become increasingly prominent in recent years, with the advancement of laparoscopic technology and in‑depth research on liver anatomy. The Chinese Chapter of the International Hepato‑Pancreato‑Biliary Association have organized domestic experts in this field to formulate the Expert consensus on Laennec capsule guided hepatobiliary surgery (2026 edition). Based on evidence‑based medicine principles, the consensus systematically summarizes the anatomical definition of Laennec capsule and its applications in hepatobiliary surgery, clarifies the anatomical spaces between Laennec capsule and Glisson sheath, hepatic veins, and inferior vena cava, and proposes the Laennec capsule guided surgical approach, aiming to standardize surgical procedures, improve surgical safety and efficacy, promote the popularization and stardardization of surgical plans, outline future directions in researches.