Background: Laparoscopic hepatectomy has many advantages over open surgery, including minimization of local injury, reduced systemic reactions, and faster postoperative recovery. The aim of this "Consensus" is to provide guidance and reference to surgeons who perform, or are interested in performing laparoscopic liver surgeries. Methods: The National Hepatic Surgery Group of the Society of Surgery, a professional society of the Chinese Medical Association, gathered 60 expert hepatic surgeons in Wuhan, China in December 2012, and an "Expert Consensus on Laparoscopic Hepatectomy" was developed. Results: The types of hepatectomy, indications and contraindications, preoperative preparation, anesthesia, patient position, insufflation pressure, port position, control of hepatic inflow and outflow, indications for conversion to open surgery, and surgical devices and equipment are reviewed. Techniques and procedures of various laparoscopic hepatectomies are also discussed. © 2013 Huazhong University of Science and Technology and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.