Background/purpose To describe surgical techniques and results of right hepatic lobectomy (RHL) with thoracotomy. Methods This procedure consists of laparotomy and thoracotomy, cholecystectomy, division of the right hepatic artery and right portal vein, mobilization of the liver, division of the right hepatic vein, transection of the liver parenchyma, and division of the right hepatic duct. Thoracotomy allows effective retraction of the costal arch, creating a better operative field and widening the working space.