ObjectiveTo investigate various methods and strategies of lowering central venous pressure (CVP) during hepatectomy.MethodThrough literature review, the definition, implementation, related complications, and prognosis of low CVP were reviewed and summarized and the most appropriate CVP in the liver surgery was also summarized.ResultsThe low CVP had been widely applied in the different clinical settings. Its effect of reducing hemorrhage and transfusion had been recognized. There were many techniques to intraoperatively reduce the CVP such as the volatile anesthetics, vasoactive agents, fluid restrictive strategy, inferior vena cava clamping, low tidal volume, etc. However, there was no consensus on the best strategy to reduce the CVP and there were no studies focusing on the prognosis of patients underwent the low CVP hepatectomy. Maintaining the CVP between 2.1–3 mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) intraoperatively might be appropriate, once the section had been made normal hemodynamic state of the patient should be restored immediately.ConclusionsApplication of low CVP could reduce blood loss and transfusion in hepatectomy. Prognosis of patients receiving low CVP is not clear. Application of low CVP in specific population should be cautious.