Oncological Superiority of Hilar En Bloc Resection for the Treatment of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Purpose

Long-term results after liver resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma are still not satisfactory. Previously, we described a survival advantage of patients who undergo combined right trisectionectomy and portal vein resection, a procedure termed “hilar en bloc resection.” The present study was conducted to analyze its oncological effectiveness compared to conventional hepatectomy.

Patients

During hilar en bloc resection, the extrahepatic bile ducts were resected en bloc with the portal vein bifurcation, the right hepatic artery, and liver segments 1 and 4 to 8. With this “no-touch” technique, preparation of the hilar vessels in the vicinity of the tumor was avoided. The long-term outcome of 50 consecutive patients who underwent curative (R0) hilar en bloc resection between 1990 and 2004 was compared to that of 50 consecutive patients who received curative conventional major hepatectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (perioperative deaths excluded).

Results

The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates after hilar en bloc resection were 87%, 70%, and 58%, respectively, which was significantly higher than after conventional major hepatectomy. In the latter group, 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 79%, 40%, and 29%, respectively (P = 0.021). Tumor characteristics were comparable in both groups. A high number of pT3 and pT4 tumors and patients with positive regional lymph nodes were present in both groups. Multivariate analysis identified hilar en bloc resection as an independent prognostic factor for long-term survival (P = 0.036).

Conclusions

In patients with central bile duct carcinomas, hilar en bloc resection is oncologically superior to conventional major hepatectomy, providing a chance of long-term survival even in advanced tumors.

     

Rapid Liver Hypertrophy After Portal Vein Occlusion Correlates with the Degree of Collateralization Between Lobes—a Study in Pigs

Background

Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) induces more rapid liver growth than portal vein ligation (PVL). Transection of parenchyma in ALPPS may prevent the formation of collaterals between lobes. The aim of this study was to determine if abrogating the formation of collaterals through parenchymal transection impacted growth rate.

Methods

Twelve Yorkshire Landrace pigs were randomized to undergo ALPPS, PVL, or “partial ALPPS” by varying degrees of parenchymal transection. Hepatic volume was measured after 7 days. Portal blood flow and pressure were measured. Portal vein collaterals were examined from epoxy casts.

Results

PVL, ALPPS, and partial ALPPS led to volume increases of the RLL by 15.5% (range 3–22), 64% (range 45–76), and 32% (range 18–77), respectively, with significant differences between PVL and ALPPS/partial ALPPS (p < 0.05). In PVL and partial ALPPS, substantial new portal vein collaterals were found. The number of collaterals correlated inversely with the growth rate (p = 0.039). Portal vein pressure was elevated in all models after ligation suggesting hyperflow to the portal vein-supplied lobe (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

These data suggest that liver hypertrophy following PVL is inversely proportional to the development of collaterals. Hypertrophy after ALPPS is likely more rapid due to reduction of collaterals through transection.

     

The diagnostic value of 99m-Tc GSA scintigraphy for liver function and remnant liver volume in hepatic surgery: a retrospective observational cohort study in 27 patients

Background

The aim was to analyze hepatic hypertrophy after portal vein embolization (PVE) and Associating Liver Partition with Portal vein ligation for Staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) to determine whether clinical circumstances associated with major hepatic resections correlated with remnant growth.

Methods

Data was abstracted from a retrospectively maintained database on 27 patients undergoing hepatic resection followed by PVE and the ALPPS procedure between October 1, 2007 and December 31, 2016. The increasing rate of liver volume and remnant liver LU15 was defined as the percentage-point difference between the liver volume and remnant liver LU15 before and after the intervention or surgery. And correlation between kinetic growth rate (KGR) of liver and future remnant liver volume or remnant liver LU15 was analyzed.

Results

The degree of hypertrophy (DH) of volume and LU15 was significantly greater after ALPPS (volume: 40.3% and LU15: 65.0%) than after PVE (volume: 22.7% and LU15: 48.8%) (P <?0.05). KGR of volume and LU15 was significantly greater after ALPPS (volume: 19.0 cm³/day and 2.00%/day) (LU15: 0.61 /day and 1.82%/day) than after PVE (volume: 3.89 cm³/day and 0.42%/day) (LU15: 0.19 /day and 0.63%/day) (P <?0.001). An inverse correlation between KGR and initial remnant liver volume was observed. And a positive correlation between KGR and LU15 was observed.

Conclusion

Future remnant liver volume and KGR was greater after the ALPPS procedure than after PVE. Liver hypertrophy is related to the expected remnant liver volume and total liver function. This study suggested that total liver function and initial remnant liver volume might be a new indication of hepatectomy after PVE and ALPPS in the case of insufficient remnant liver volume.

     

Non-lethal Right Liver Atrophy After TIPS Occlusion in A Cirrhotic Patient: Introducing The Hepatic Biembolization

Background

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is the standard procedure in the treatment of refractory ascites and variceal bleeding in the setting of portal hypertension. Secondary obstruction of the shunt is a classic but potentially lethal complication.

Methods

We present here the case of a cirrhotic patient that underwent a TIPS for refractory ascites, with early complete thrombosis without lethal complication.

Results

Obstruction of the TIPS led to thrombosis of both the right hepatic and the right portal veins with progressive total atrophy of the right liver and marked hypertrophy of the left liver. Despite initial poor liver function, biological hepatic markers improved slowly until complete recovery.

Conclusion

Hence, we suggest the concept of combined right portal and hepatic vein embolization as a new procedure to induce partial liver hypertrophy before major liver resection, even in cirrhotic patients.

     

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)-Assisted Hepatic Resection in an Animal Model

Background

Bleeding is the main cause of postoperative complications of hepatic surgery. To minimize intraoperative bleeding during hepatectomy, resections are generally carried out under hepatic vascular control despite the risk of liver dysfunction in patients with chronic liver disease. This study evaluates the feasibility and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)-assisted hepatic resection during an open procedure in an animal model.

Methods

Three groups of 12–14-week-old Landrace pigs (n = 7/group) were used to evaluate HIFU-assisted liver resection (group A) vs liver resection with or without portal triad clamping (groups B and C). In each pig, liver resection was performed on the right and left paramedian lobes. The following were evaluated and compared in the 3 groups: total blood loss, blood loss/cm² of resection area, clip density, procedure duration, morbidity, and mortality.

Results

Median blood loss was significantly lower in group A than in group B (P = .02), and group C (P = .007). Median blood loss/cm² of resection area was 4.77 mL/cm² in group A, 11.35 mL/cm² in group B, 12.22 mL/cm² in Group C. Precoagulation resulted in sealing blood vessels <5 mm; therefore, median clip density during liver transection was 0.78 clip/cm² in group A, 1.61 clip/cm² in group B, and 1.57 clip/cm² in group C. Median duration of the surgical procedure was 12 min in group A, 21 min in group B, and 19 min in group C.

Conclusions

HIFU-assisted hepatic resection during an open procedure in an animal model is safe, reduces bleeding, and allows real-time ultrasound guidance.

     

Simultaneous resection for colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases

Purposes

The correct timing of hepatectomy in patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical value of simultaneous resection (SR) for patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases.

Methods

Between January 2006 and December 2013, 158 patients underwent resection of primary colorectal cancer and liver metastases. Sixty-three patients possessed synchronous colorectal liver metastases. Of those with synchronous colorectal liver metastases, 41 patients (65 %) underwent SR, and 22 (35 %) underwent delayed resection (DR). The clinicopathologic and operative data and the surgical outcomes of the patients in the SR and DR groups were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The type of primary/liver resection, liver resection time, total blood loss volume, R0 resection rate, and morbidity rate were similar between the two groups. The SR group was associated with a shorter total postoperative hospital stay (21 vs 32 days, p < 0.001). However, the overall survival rate was similar between the two groups (3-year survival, 65.6 % in the SR group versus 66.8 % in the DR group, p = 0.054).

Conclusion

Simultaneous resection of colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases is associated with a comparable morbidity rate and shorter hospital stay, even when following rectal resection and major hepatectomy.

     

Portal Vein Embolization Reduces Postoperative Hepatic Insufficiency Associated with Postchemotherapy Hepatic Atrophy

Background

The risk of postoperative hepatic insufficiency (PHI) is increased among patients with significant postchemotherapy hepatic atrophy. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether the liver regeneration stimulated by portal vein embolization (PVE) can protect against PHI.

Methods

Clinicopathological features of 177 patients treated with preoperative chemotherapy followed by PVE and hepatectomy were reviewed. Degree of atrophy was defined as the ratio of percentage difference in total liver volume (estimated by manual volumetry) to standardized liver volume. Kinetic growth rate (KGR, degree of hypertrophy [absolute % change in future liver remnant volume] divided by the number of weeks after PVE) and PHI events were compared between patients with degree of atrophy <10 vs ≥10%. Risk factors for the PHI were assessed using logistic regression.

Results

Seventy patients (40%) experienced significant hepatic atrophy ≥10% following preoperative chemotherapy. PHI rates were not significantly increased in patients who experienced significant hepatic atrophy (5.6 vs 8.6%, P = 0.443). KGR <2%/week (odds ratio, 8.10, P = 0.037) was the sole independent preoperative predictor of PHI. KGR ≥2% was associated with decreased PHI in both patients with <10% atrophy (0 vs 9.5%, P = 0.035) and ≥10% atrophy (2.6 vs 16.0%, P = 0.044).

Conclusions

Even in high-risk patients with ≥10% degree of atrophy from preoperative chemotherapy, KGR ≥2% mitigates the deleterious effects of hepatic atrophy and significantly reduces PHI to almost zero. In these high-risk patients, PVE with KGR calculation remains the most important preoperative technique to reduce liver failure after major hepatectomy.

     

Postoperative complications following aggressive repeat hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis have adverse oncological outcomes

Purposes

Repeat hepatectomy remains the only curative treatment for recurrent colorectal liver metastasis (CLM) after primary hepatectomy. However, the repeat resection rate is still low, and there is insufficient data on the outcomes after repeat hepatectomy. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and prognostic benefit of aggressive repeat hepatectomy for recurrent CLM.

Methods

Data were reviewed from 282 consecutive patients who underwent primary curative hepatectomy for CLM between January 1994 and March 2015. The short- and long-term outcomes were analyzed.

Results

One hundred ninety-three patients (68 %) developed recurrence, and repeat hepatectomy was conducted in 62 patients. Overall, 62 s, 11 third, 4 fourth, and 1 fifth hepatectomies were performed. The postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were low (11.5 and 1.3 %, respectively). The overall survival rates at 3 and 5 years after primary hepatectomy for CLM in the repeat hepatectomy group were 79.5 and 57.4 %, respectively. A multivariate analysis indicated that postoperative complications were independently associated with overall survival after repeat hepatectomy.

Conclusions

Repeat hepatectomy for CLM is feasible, with acceptable rates of perioperative morbidity and mortality, and the potential for long-term survival. However, postoperative complications following aggressive repeat hepatectomy for CLM are associated with adverse oncological outcomes.

     

Predictors of Futile Liver Resection for Patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage B/C Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

There is little information concerning futile liver resection for patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B/C hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to establish a predictive model of futile liver resection for patients with BCLC stage B/C HCC.

Methods

The outcomes of 484 patients with BCLC stage B/C HCC who underwent liver resection at our centre between 2010 and 2016 were reviewed. Patients were randomised and divided 2:1 into training and validation sets. A novel risk-scoring model and prognostic nomogram were developed based on the results of multivariate analysis.

Results

Fifty-seven futile operations were observed. Multivariate analyses revealed tumour numbers > 3, Vp4 portal vein tumour thrombosis (PVTT) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 400 ng/ml independently associated with futile liver resection. A risk-scoring model based on the above-mentioned factors was developed (predictive risk score = 1 × (if AFP > 400 ng/ml) + 2 × (if tumour number > 3) + 3 × (if with Vp4 PVTT)). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of this model was 0.845, with a sensitivity of 60.0% and a specificity of 94.8%. A prognostic nomogram was also developed and achieved a C-index of 0.831. The validation studies optically supported these results.

Conclusion

A risk-scoring model and predictive nomogram for futile liver resection were developed in the present study. T`he BCLC stage B/C HCC patients with a high risk obtained no benefit from liver resection.

     

Laparoscopic resection of left liver segments using the intrahepatic Glissonian approach

Background

Recent advances in laparoscopic techniques have resulted in growing indications for laparoscopic hepatectomy. However, this procedure has not been widely developed, and anatomic segmental liver resection is not currently performed due to difficulty controlling the segmental Glissonian pedicles laparoscopically. This study aimed to report a novel technique for laparoscopic anatomic resection of left liver segments using the intrahepatic Glissonian approach based on small incisions according to anatomic landmarks such as Arantius’ and round ligaments.

Methods

Nine consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic liver resection using the intrahepatic Glissonian technique from April 2007 to June 2008. Five patients underwent laparoscopic bisegmentectomy 2–3, one laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy, two resections of segment 3, and one resection of segment 4.

Results

One patient required a blood transfusion. The mean operation time was 180 min (range, 120–300 min), and the median hospital stay was 3 days (range, 1–5 days). No patient had postoperative signs of liver failure or bile leakage. No postoperative mortality was observed.

Conclusion

The main advantage of the intrahepatic Glissonian procedure over other techniques is the possibility of gaining a rapid and precise access to the left Glissonian sheaths facilitating left hemihepatectomy, bisegmentectomy 2–3, and individual resections of segments 2, 3, and 4. The authors believe that the intrahepatic Glissonian technique facilitates laparoscopic liver resection and may increase the development of segment-based laparoscopic liver resection.

     

Robotic Liver Resection: A Case-Matched Comparison

Background

In recent years, increasingly sophisticated tools have allowed for more complex robotic surgery. Robotic hepatectomy, however, is still in its infancy. Our goals were to examine the adoption of robotic hepatectomy and to compare outcomes between open and robotic liver resections.

Methods

The robotic hepatectomy experience of 64 patients was compared to a modern case-matched series of 64 open hepatectomy patients at the same center. Matching was according to benign/malignant diagnosis and number of segments resected. Patient data were obtained retrospectively. The main outcomes and measures were operative time, estimated blood loss, conversion rate (robotic to open), Pringle maneuver use, single non-anatomic wedge resection rate, resection margin size, complication rates (infectious, hepatic, pulmonary, cardiac), hospital stay length, ICU stay length, readmission rate, and 90-day mortality rate.

Results

Sixty-four robotic hepatectomies were performed in 2010–2014. Forty-one percent were segmental and 34 % were wedge resections. There was a 6 % conversion rate, a 3 % 90-day mortality rate, and an 11 % morbidity rate. Compared to 64 matched patients who underwent open hepatectomy (2004–2012), there was a shorter median OR time (p = 0.02), lower median estimated blood loss (p < 0.001), and shorter median hospital stay (p < 0.001). Eleven of the robotic cases were isolated resections of tumors in segments 2, 7, and 8.

Conclusions

Robotic hepatectomy is safe and effective. Increasing experience in more centers will allow definition of which hepatectomies can be performed robotically, and will enable optimization of outcomes and prospective examination of the economic cost of each approach.

     

Monitoring of liver function in a 73-year old patient undergoing ‘Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Staged hepatectomy’: case report applying the novel liver maximum function capacity test

Background

The two-stage liver resection combining in situ liver transection with portal vein ligation, also referred to as ALPPS (Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Staged hepatectomy), has been described as a promising method to increase the resectability of liver tumors. However, one of the most important issues regarding the safety of this procedure is the optimal timing of the second stage at the point of sufficient hypertrophy of the future liver remnant. The recently developed liver maximum function capacity test (LiMAx) can be applied to monitor the liver function postoperatively and hence could be a useful tool for decision-making regarding the timing of the second stage of ALPPS.

Case presentation

A 73-year-old female patient presented with metachronous colorectal liver metastasis comprising the complete right liver lobe as well as segment IV. Due to an insufficient future liver remnant (19.3 %; segments II and III of the liver) and a low future liver remnant:body weight ratio (0.28 %) the decision was made to perform an ALPPS-procedure in order to avoid development of postoperative small-for-size syndrome. Despite a formally sufficient increase of the FLR to 30.8 % within 7 days after the first step of ALPPS, the liver function was seen to only slowly increase as expressed by a LiMAx value of 245 μg/h/kg (baseline of 282 μg/h/kg prior to surgery). By means of the LiMAx test, sufficient increase of liver function eventually was detected by postoperative day 11 (LiMAx value of 371 μg/h/kg; FLR 35.2 %) so that the second step of ALPPS (completion of hepatectomy) was performed with no signs of liver failure during further clinical course.

Conclusion

Performing ALPPS we have observed a significant difference between the increase in future liver remnant volume and function applying the LiMAx test. The latter tool thus might proof valuable for application in two-stage liver resection to avoid postoperative small-for-size syndrome.

     

ALPPS for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Is Associated with Decreased Liver Remnant Growth

Background

Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) has been widely described for colorectal liver metastases with insufficient future liver remnant (FLR). However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains poorly defined and not widely accepted.

Methods

A retrospective comparison of clinical data, liver volumetry, histological characteristics, and surgical outcomes between nine HCC and four non-HCC patients who underwent ALPPS was performed.

Results

Patients with HCC were more likely to have histological evidence of hepatic fibrosis (HCC vs. non-HCC, 66.7 vs. 0%, p?=?0.049). Baseline demographic and disease characteristics were otherwise comparable between both groups. FLR growth after ALPPS-Stage 1 was significantly less in HCC patients (HCC vs. non-HCC, 154.5 vs. 251.0 ml, p?=?0.012). FLR growth was also significantly decreased in patients with hepatic fibrosis (fibrosis vs. non-fibrosis, 157.5 vs. 247.5 ml, p?=?0.033). There was no difference in post-hepatectomy liver failure (HCC vs. non-HCC, 28.6 vs. 25%, p?=?0.721) or 90-day mortality (HCC vs. non-HCC, 11.1 vs. 0%, p?=?NS).

Discussion

In our study, HCC patients demonstrated significantly less FLR growth after ALPPS-Stage 1 compared to non-HCC patients. Hepatic fibrosis was also found to negatively impact FLR growth. When considering suitability for ALPPS, patients with HCC may benefit from additional pre-operative assessment of fibrosis.

     

Pharmacological Modulation of Ischemic-Reperfusion Injury during Pringle Maneuver in Hepatic Surgery. A Prospective Randomized Pilot Study

Background

The Pringle maneuver, which is performed during liver surgery to reduce blood loss, may result in liver ischemia/reperfusion injury resulting in metabolic, immunological, and microvascular changes, which may lead to hepatocellular damage. The aim of this study was the investigation of the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and methylprednisolone (MET) in the modulation of liver warm ischemia during hepatic resection.

Methods

Forty-eight patients were enrolled in a pilot double-blind, randomized clinical trial. The patients received either NAC, MET, or placebo. The primary endpoint was the reduction in postoperative alanine aminotransferase and bilirubin. The secondary endpoint was the difference in morbidity and mortality.

Results

All the 48 patients had liver resection with no mortality. Morbidity was observed in 8 (16 %) patients equally distributed among the groups. There was a significant favorable recovery of liver function tests in patients treated with NAC or MET compared with the placebo when the Pringle maneuver exceeded 70 min.

Conclusions

The administration of NAC or MET prior to the Pringle maneuver during hepatic resection is associated with lower postoperative aberration in liver function tests compared with placebo when the Pringle maneuver exceeded 70 min. Larger studies are required to validate our findings and to investigate the specific role of NAC and MET in liver surgery.

     

New macroscopic classification and back-flow thrombectomy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus invading the contralateral second portal branch

Purpose

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) invading the portal trunk (Vp4) are poor surgical candidates because of the technical difficulties involved. To overcome the limitations, we developed a technique of back-flow thrombectomy (BFT) based on the inherent portal hemodynamics and the macroscopic form of PVTT.

Methods

Forty-six patients with multiple HCC and Vp4 PVTT underwent hepatectomy with tumor thrombectomy. We used the BFT to treat 24 patients, 18 of whom had PVTT in the contralateral second portal branch. The form of PVTT was classified macroscopically into the floating and expansive types.

Results

The rate of complete removal by BFT of PVTT in the contralateral second portal branch was 89%. The patency rates at the thrombectomy site in all 46 patients and in the 24 BFT patients, 3 months after hepatectomy were 93 and 90%, respectively. The median OS of all 46 patients was 15 months, with 1- and 3-year OS rates of 58.5 and 17.1%, respectively. The median OS of the 24 patients treated with BFT vs. the 22 not treated with BFT was 14 and 15 months, respectively.

Conclusions

BFT can expand the therapeutic time window for patients with HCC and deep-seated PVTT and may improve their survival.

     

Impact of intraoperative blood loss on the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic liver resection

Background

Intraoperative blood loss is one of the predictors of outcome of open hepatectomy. But the impact of blood loss in laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) on postoperative outcomes is poorly understood. The aim of this study is to analyze the association between blood loss and postoperative outcomes after LH.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing LH from 1995 to 2016 was performed. The data were divided into two groups based on the extent of blood loss: Group 1 (<250 ml) and Group 2 (≥250 ml). The basic characteristics and postoperative outcomes were compared between these groups.

Results

A total of 504 patients underwent 611 LH (Group 1: 414 and Group 2: 197). The mean age was 62.4 years. The most common indication was liver secondaries (71.7%). Major hepatectomy was performed in 37% cases. Mean operative time was 225?±?110.5 min and estimated blood loss was 239?±?399.4 ml (range 0–4500 ml). Group 2 had significantly higher number of patients with malignant lesions undergoing major hepatectomy, anatomical resection with higher requirement for blood transfusion, and longer hospital stay. The incidence of conversion rate, overall complications including liver failure, renal failure, and postoperative mortality, was significantly higher in Group 2. However, the bile leak rate was similar in the two groups.

Conclusion

Intraoperative blood loss is most frequent in patients undergoing major LH. Blood loss ≥250 ml during LH may adversely affect the postoperative outcomes.

     

Predictive risk factors for peritoneal recurrence after pancreatic cancer resection and strategies for its prevention

Purpose

To evaluate the risk factors for peritoneal recurrence (PR) of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and to discuss the appropriate management strategies.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 236 patients who underwent pancreatectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We then compared the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with vs. those without PR. The independent risk factors for PR were defined using the Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

The median survival of patients with PR was 13.3 months after surgical treatment. The PR group had a significantly higher incidence of portal vein resection, longer operative time (≥648 min), greater blood loss (≥2179 mL), blood transfusion, tumor size, portal vein invasion, artery invasion, pancreatic nerve plexus invasion, and histological grade. Multivariate analysis revealed that excessive blood loss (≥2179 mL; P = 0.010), artery invasion (P = 0.025), pancreatic nerve plexus invasion (P = 0.001), and histological grade 3 (P = 0.011) were independent risk factors for PR. Excessive blood loss was also strongly related to tumor size (P = 0.018).

Conclusions

Local invasion and tumor size-related factors suggested the possibility of intraoperative dissemination at the time of tumor resection. Preoperative treatment and an operative procedure to prevent tumor exposure may help prevent PR.

     

Impact of Perioperative Phosphorus and Glucose Levels on Liver Regeneration and Long-term Outcomes after Major Liver Resection

Introduction

The impact of phosphorus as well as glycemic alterations on liver regeneration has not been directly examined. We sought to determine the impact of phosphorus and glucose on liver regeneration after major hepatectomy.

Methods

Early and late liver regeneration index was defined as the relative increase of liver volume (RLV) within 2[(RLV_2m-RLV_p)/RLV_p] and 7 months[(RLV_7m-RLV_p)/RLV_p] following surgery. The association of perioperative metabolic factors, liver regeneration, and outcomes was assessed.

Results

On postoperative day 2, 50 (52.6 %) patients had a low phosphorus level (≤2.4 mg/dl), while 45 (47.4 %) had a normal/high phosphorus level (>2.4 mg/dl). Despite comparable clinicopathologic characteristics (all P?>?0.05) and RLV/TLV at surgery (P?=?0.84), regeneration index within 2 months was lower in the normal/high phosphorus group (P?=?0.01) with these patients having increased risk for postoperative liver failure (P?=?0.01). The inhibition of liver regeneration persisted at 7 months (P?=?0.007) and was associated with a worse survival (P?=?0.02). Preoperative hypoglycemia was associated only with a lower early regeneration index (P?=?0.02).

Conclusions

Normal/high phosphorus was associated with inhibition of early and late liver regeneration, as well as with an increased risk of liver failure and worse long-term outcomes. Immediate preoperative hypoglycemia was associated with a lower early volumetric gain. Metabolic factors may represent early indicators of liver failure that could identify patients at increased risk for worse outcomes.

     

Symptomatic Perihepatic Fluid Collections After Hepatic Resection in the Modern Era

Background

Improvements in liver surgery have led to decreased mortality rates. Symptomatic perihepatic collections (SPHCs) requiring percutaneous drainage remain a significant source of morbidity.

Study Design

A single institution’s prospectively maintained hepatic resection database was reviewed to identify patients who underwent hepatectomy between January 2004 and February 2012.

Results

Data from 2173 hepatectomies performed in 2040 patients were reviewed. Overall, 200 (9 %) patients developed an SPHC, the majority non-bilious (75.5 %) and infected (54 %). Major hepatic resections, larger than median blood loss (≥360 ml), use of surgical drains, and simultaneous performance of a colorectal procedure were associated with an SPHC on multivariate analysis. Non-bilious, non-infected (NBNI) collections were associated with lower white blood cell (WBC) counts, absence of a bilio-enteric anastomosis, use of hepatic arterial infusion pump (HAIP), and presence of metastatic disease, and resolved more frequently with a single interventional radiology (IR) procedure (85 vs 46.5 %, p?<?0.001) more quickly (15 vs 30 days, p?=?0.001).

Conclusions

SPHCs developed in 9 % of patients in a modern series of hepatic resections, and in one third were non-bilious and non-infected. In the era of modern interventional radiology, the need for re-operation for SPHC is exceedingly rare. A significant proportion of minimally symptomatic SPHC patients may not require drainage, and strategies to avoid unnecessary drainage are warranted.

     

Risk Factors for Early Recurrence of Single Lesion Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Curative Resection

Background and objectives

Hepatic resection is established as the treatment for HCC. However, patients sometimes experience early recurrence of HCC (ER HCC) after curative resection.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted for 193 patients with single HCC who underwent curative liver resection in our medical center between April 2000 and March 2013. We divided the cohort into two groups; early recurrence group (ER G) which experienced recurrence within 6 months after resection, and non-early recurrence group (NER G). Risk factors for ER HCC were analyzed.

Results

Thirty-nine out of 193 (20.2 %) patients had ER HCC. Univariate analysis showed Glasgow prognostic score (GPS, p = 0.036), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR, p = 0.001), level of PIVKA-II (p = 0.0001), level of AFP (p = 0.0001), amounts of blood loss (p = 0.001), operating time (p = 0.002), tumor size (p = 0.0001), stage III and IV (p = 0.0001), and microvascular invasions (portal vein: p = 0.0001 and hepatic vein: p = 0.001) to be associated with ER HCC. By multivariate analysis, there were significant differences in high NLR (p = 0.029) and high AFP (p = 0.0001) in patients with ER HCC.

Conclusions

Preoperative high AFP (more than 250 ng/ml) and high NLR (more than 1.829) were independent risk factors for ER HCC.