Preoperative portal vein embolization for major liver resection: a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) is used clinically to prevent postoperative liver insufficiency. The current study examined the impact of portal vein embolization on liver resection. METHOD: A comprehensive Medline search to identify all registered literature in the English language on portal vein embolization. Meta-analysis was performed to assess the result of PVE and its impact on major liver resection. RESULT: A total of 75 publications met the search criteria but only 37 provided data sufficiently enough for analysis involving 1088 patients. The overall morbidity rate for PVE was 2.2% without mortality. Four weeks following PVE, 85% patients underwent the planned hepatectomy (n = 930). Twenty-three patients had transient liver failure following resection after PVE (2.5%) but 7 patients developed acute liver failure and died (0.8%).The reason for nonresection following PVE (n = 158, 15%) included inadequate hypertrophy of remnant liver (n = 18), severe progression of liver metastasis (n = 43), extrahepatic spread (n = 35), refusal to surgery (n = 1), poor general condition (n = 1), altered treatment to transcatheter artery embolization or chemotherapy (n = 24), complete remission after treatment with 3 cycles of fluoracil and interferon alpha in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 1), incomplete pre- or postembolization scanning (n = 8). Of those who underwent laparotomy without resection, (n = 27) reasons included intraoperative finding of peritoneal dissemination (n = 15), portal node metastasis (n = 2), severe invasion of the tumor to the hepatic artery and portal vein (n = 1), and gross tumoral extension precluding curative resection (n = 9).Two techniques were used for portal vein embolization: percutaneous transhepatic portal embolization, (PTPE) and transileocolic portal embolization, (TIPE). The increase in remnant liver volume was much greater in PTPE than TIPE group (11.9% vs. 9.7%; P = 0.00001). However, the proportion of patients who underwent resection following PVE was 97% in TIPE and 88% PTPE, respectively (P = <0.00001). Although there was no significant difference in patients who had major complications post-PVE, the rate for minor complications was significantly higher among patients who had PTPE (53.6% vs. 0%, P = <0.0001). CONCLUSION: PVE is a safe and effective procedure in inducing liver hypertrophy to prevent postresection liver failure due to insufficient liver remnant.     

Results of surgical treatment for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma; comparison of outcome among patients with multicentric carcinogenesis, intrahepatic metastasis, and extrahepatic recurrence

No consensus has been reached on the indications for and effectiveness of surgery for secondary intrahepatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and extrahepatic metastasis after macroscopically complete removal of primary HCC. Secondary intrahepatic HCCs, usually regarded as recurrence are classified into those arising as a result of multicentric carcinogenesis or intrahepatic metastases derived from the primary HCC. The present study was designed to evaluate the utility of surgical treatment in relation to the pathogenesis of the secondary HCC: classified as multicentric carcinogenesis (MC), intrahepatic metastasis (IM), and extrahepatic metastasis. Thirty patients underwent extirpation of secondary HCC: 22 patients had secondary HCCs in the remnant liver (MC group; n = 8; IM group, n = 14), 6 patients had extrahepatic metastases, and 2 patients had both intrahepatic and extrahepatic metastases. Survival rates after the re-resection in the 22 patients with the secondary intrahepatic HCCs were 94.7% at 1 year, and 50.2% at 3 years postoperatively, and the 8 patients with extrahepatic metastasis had survival rates of 62.5% at 1 year, 37.5% at 3 years, and at 5 years. The survival rates after re-resection in the MC group were 100% at 1 year and 80.0% at 3 years, whereas those in the IM group were 91.7% at 1 year, and 38.1% at 3 years. Surgery can be indicated not only in patients with localized intrahepatic secondary HCCs but also in those with extrahepatic metastasis. In particular, patients with secondary HCCs arising as a result of multicentric carcinogenesis are expected to have a good prognosis. Received for publication on Jan. 13, 1997; accepted on Aug. 22, 1997     

Right portal vein embolization before right hepatectomy for unilobar colorectal liver metastases reduces the intrahepatic recurrence rate

AIM: To assess the effect of portal vein embolization (PVE) on intrahepatic recurrence rate after right hepatectomy for unilobar colorectal liver metastases (CLM). SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND: Recent research suggests that CLM could spread retrogradely through the portal vein. PVE may reduce tumor shedding by the occlusion of distal portal branches. However, no study reported the clinical effect of PVE on intrahepatic recurrence after CLM resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1995 and 2003, 44 patients requiring a right hepatectomy for unilobar CLM were operated in our institution. Right hepatectomy was performed after PVE in 23 patients (group A) and without PVE in 21 (group B). Surgical outcome and site of recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: The postoperative mortality was nil. Overall morbidity and transitory liver failure rates were similar in groups A and B (43.4% and 17.3% vs. 33.3% and 14.2%, respectively). The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates did not differ in group A and B patients (61.2% and 43.7% vs. 49.7% and 35.5%, respectively; P = 0.862). The disease-free survival rate was similar in both groups. Thirty patients (68.2%) developed recurrences. Recurrences were intrahepatic in 22 patients (50%) and extrahepatic in 27 (61.3%). Intrahepatic recurrence rate was significantly lower in group A compared with group B (26.0% vs. 76.1% respectively; P < 0.001). PVE, number of CLM, and administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for intrahepatic recurrences. CONCLUSION: This study showed that PVE reduces intrahepatic recurrence rate after right hepatectomy for unilobar CLM.     

Application of preoperative portal vein embolization before major hepatic resection in patients with normal or abnormal liver parenchyma.

BACKGROUND: Clinical parameters influencing the effect of preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) in hypertrophying the nonembolized lobe of patients with either normal or abnormal liver parenchyma and its effect upon portal pressure were examined to identify the patient population for whom this approach is most suited. METHODS: The study population included 43 patients undergoing major hepatectomy after PVE. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their liver parenchyma: 17 patients with normal liver parenchyma (N group) and 26 patients with damaged liver parenchyma due to viral hepatitis (D group). We calculated the correlation between volumetric increases in the nonembolized (left) lobe after PVE (hypertrophic ratio = post-PVE left lobe volume/pre-PVE left lobe volume) using computed tomography volumetry before and 2 weeks after PVE. Clinical parameters also were examined to identify those parameters modifying the hypertrophic ratio in each group, and changes in portal pressure by PVE and the subsequent hepatectomy were recorded. Finally, by comparing patients with or without postoperative liver failure after hepatectomy, the influence of the hypertrophic ratio and portal pressure on the outcome of subsequent hepatectomy was examined. RESULTS: The hypertrophic ratio was 1.34 +/- 0.23 in the N group, and 1.25 +/- 0.21 in the D group. This difference was not significant. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the parenchymal volumetric rate of the right lobe (PVR) in the D group and both PVR and prothrombin time in the N group were independent parameters predicting the hypertrophic ratio. The portal pressure increased immediately after PVE and was similar in both groups to levels after hepatectomy. Six patients in the D group experienced postoperative liver dysfunction. In 5 of these 6 patients, the hypertrophic ratio was below 1.2, and the portal pressure was higher than that in patients without liver dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: PVE induces hypertrophy of the nonembolized lobe of both abnormal and normal liver parenchyma, and the effect was predictable. Postoperative liver failure appeared to be more severe in patients having a lower hypertrophic ratio and higher portal pressure in abnormal liver parenchyma, however. PVE also may have diagnostic use in predicting portal pressure after hepatectomy, which may be associated with surgical outcome.     

Characteristics of multicentric hepatocellular carcinomas: comparison with intrahepatic metastasis

Characteristics of multicentric hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) remain obscure. We therefore aimed to clarify them and compare them with HCC with intrahepatic metastases. A series of 118 patients who had definite hepatitis C viral status and multinodular HCC were divided into two groups: a multicentric occurrence (MO) group (n= 38), with multicentric HCCs; and an intrahepatic metastasis (IM) group (n= 80), with HCC having intrahepatic metastases. Clinicopathologic variables, including the patient's survival and disease-free survival rates, were compared between the MO and IM groups. Univariate analysis revealed the presence of esophageal varices, the presence of hepatitis C virus infection, a platelet count of less than 10 × 10⁴/μl, hepaplastin test, γ-globulin, the histologically active hepatitis, tumor size, des-γ-carboxy prothrombin > 0.1 AU/ml, positive portal vein invasion, and histologic grade as discriminating factors. The MO score to differentiate multicentric HCCs from intrahepatic metastatic HCCs was determined using the following four independent factors selected by a stepwise regression analysis: the presence of hepatitis C virus infection, a platelet count of less than 10 × 10⁴/μl, tumor size, and histologic grade. The sensitivity and specificity of the MO scores using those factors were 84% and 70%, respectively, when the cutoff value was 0.4. The disease-free survival rate in the MO group was similar to that in the IM group, whereas the survival rate in the MO group was significantly better than that in the IM group. The multivariate analysis revealed the multicentric occurrence of HCC as one of the independent prognostic factors. Clinicopathologic factors differentiating multicentric HCCs from intrahepatic metastatic HCCs were the presence of hepatitis C virus infection, a platelet count of less than 10 × 10⁴/μl, small tumor size, and low histologic grade.     

肝癌多中心发生与肝内转移的临床病理学差异研究

目的 探讨HBV相关的多结节肝癌病人中,多中心发生与肝内转移肝癌的发病情况和两种类型肝癌的临床病理学差异因素.方法 收集天津医科大学附属肿瘤医院经手术切除的多结节肝癌病人的临床病理资料.根据多结节肝癌的病理学特征,分为多中心发生组和肝内转移组,统计学分析两种类型肝癌的差异因素和预后.结果 89例多结节肝癌病人中,16例(18.0%)为多中心发生,57例(64.0%)为肝内转移;逐步回归多因素分析显示肿瘤分级、肿瘤大小、胆碱酯酶、Child's分级和门静脉侵犯在两组间差异显著(P<0.05);多中心发生组的总体生存情况优于肝内转移型病人(P=0.003);多发肿瘤类型(多中心发生或肝内转移)和Child's分级是独立的预后因素.结论 笔者收治的HBV相关的多结节肝癌,以肝内转移型肝癌为主,多中心发生型肝癌比例较低,对于多中心发生的病人,应积极手术切除.其预后优于肝内转移者.临床医生可以通过肿瘤分级、肿瘤大小、胆碱酯酶、Child's分级和门静脉侵犯评价多结节肝癌的类型.     

Resection of nonresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer after percutaneous portal vein embolization

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) on the long-term outcome of liver resection for colorectal metastases. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Preoperative PVE of the liver induces hypertrophy of the remnant liver and increases the safety of hepatectomy. METHODS: Thirty patients underwent preoperative PVE and 88 patients did not before resection of four or more liver segments. PVE was performed when the estimated rate of remnant functional liver parenchyma (ERRFLP) assessed by CT scan volumetry was less than 40%. RESULTS: PVE was feasible in all patients. There were no deaths. The complication rate was 3%. The post-PVE ERRFLP was significantly increased compared with the pre-PVE value. Liver resection was performed after PVE in 19 patients (63%), with surgical death and complication rates of 4% and 7% respectively. PVE increased the number of resections of more than four segments by 19% (17/88). Actuarial survival rates after hepatectomy with or without previous PVE were comparable: 81%, 67%, and 40% versus 88%, 61%, and 38% at 1, 3, and 5 years respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PVE allows more patients with previously unresectable liver tumors to benefit from resection. Long-term survival is comparable to that after resection without PVE.     

Extension of right portal vein embolization to segment IV portal branches

HYPOTHESIS: Routine embolization of segment IV, combined with right portal vein embolization (PVE), has been suggested in patients who are candidates for right trisegmentectomy to induce higher and faster hypertrophy of segments II-III. Our objective was to compare hypertrophy of segments II-III induced by PVE with and without extension to segment IV in patients undergoing major hepatectomy. METHODS: Twenty-six consecutive patients were prospectively evaluated; the future remnant liver volume was calculated using the portal phase of spiral computed tomographic scans before and 3 to 4 weeks after right PVE (group R, n = 13), which was extended to segment IV branches in 13 patients (group L). RESULTS: Twenty patients (76.9%) underwent the scheduled hepatic resection. Of the 6 patients who did not undergo the planned operation, 5 showed disease progression; in 1 patient (group L), there was an insufficient increase of the future remnant liver volume due to the presence of embolizing material in the left lobe. The mean +/- SD time between PVE and volume measurements was 31.8 +/- 9.3 days. The overall mean +/- SD future remnant liver volume increase was 53.1% +/- 24.8%; the increase for segment IV was significantly higher in group R than group L. The mean +/- SD post-PVE volumes of segments II-III and the rate of volume increase were similar in the 2 groups: group R, 348.4 +/- 83.1 cm3 and 67.8% +/- 30.8%, respectively, vs group L, 391.2 +/- 78.05 cm3 and 56.1% +/- 35.1%, respectively (P = .20 and P = .40). CONCLUSION: Extension of embolization to segment IV portal branches should not be routinely used because a similar volume increase of segments II-III can be simply achieved by right PVE.     

多结节多中心性肝细胞肝癌的临床病理特征及预后

目的 分析多结节多中心性肝细胞性肝癌(hepatocellular carcinoma,HCC)的临床病理特征及其预后.方法 本组患者62例,其中多结节组42例;单结节组16例;门静脉癌栓组4例.正常对照组5例.正常对照肝组织5例,来自肝移植供肝及肝外伤切除组织.对各例组织线粒体DNA(mitochondrial DNA,mtDNA)D-Loop区进行测序,结合临床病理资料分析.结果 42例多结节癌组中有20例各结节的mtDNA D-Loop区序列存在差异,可能为多中心(multicentric occurrence,MO)起源,22例中各结节的mtDNA D-Loop区序列完全相同,可能为单中心(即肝内转移,intrahepatic metastasis,IM)起源;而单结节组16例及门静脉癌栓组4例肿瘤各部位样本的mtDNA D-Loop区序列完全相同,为相同细胞克隆起源.HBeAg(P=0.008)、肿瘤大小(直径之和)(P=0.029)、肿瘤位置(P=0.040)、肝硬化(P=0.011)、门静脉及镜下癌栓(P=0.023)、主瘤的分化程度(Edmondson分级)(P=0.027)等因素是协助区分多结节性肝癌细胞克隆起源的重要指标;HBeAg(+)、肿瘤直径之和≤7 cm、肿瘤结节分别位于不同半肝、肝硬化、门静脉及镜下无癌栓和/或主瘤的病理分化程度为高、中分化者,MO发生的比例较高.MO组无瘤生存时间明显长于IM组的无瘤生存时间(21.6±4.2)个月vs.(8.7±2.5)个月(P=0.031);MO组生存时间明显长于IM组的生存时间(29.6±4.7)个月vs.(14.6±2.9)个月(P=0.034).在多因素分析中,IM/MO是患者术后无瘤生存时间(P=0.012)和生存时间(P=0.011)的独立影响因素.结论 HBeAg、肿瘤大小、位置、肝硬化、癌栓、分化程度等因素是协助鉴别IM和MO起源的重要指标;HBeAg(+)、肿瘤直径之和≤7 cm、肿瘤结节分别位于不同半肝、肝硬化、门静脉及镜下无癌栓和/或主瘤的病理分化程度为高、中分化者,MO发生的比例较高.多中心性来源肝癌的疗效及预后较单中心来源伴肝内转移组为好.     

Effect of preoperative portal vein embolization on major hepatectomy for advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinomas in injured livers: A preliminary report

With the aim of minimizing postoperative liver dysfunction and promoting increased resectability, we employed portal vein embolization (PVE). In this study, the effect of PVE on major hepatic resection for advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in injured livers was evaluated. PVE was performed prior to hepatectomy in 13 patients with stage III and IV HCCs. Following PVE, right trisegmentectomy was performed in 3 patients, extended right lobectomy in 3 and right lobectomy in 7. To evaluate the effect of PVE, the changes in liver functional capacity and estimated remnant liver volume (ERLV), determined by computed tomography, were examined before and after PVE. The operative morbility, mortality, and survival rates after hepatectomy were also assessed. By 2 weeks after PVE, ERLV had increased in all patients, by an average of 28%, and the mean resection rates had decreased from 70.0% to 62.2%. Postoperatively, the 30-day mortality rate was 15.3%, and the 1- and 2-year survival rates were 69% and 46%, respectively. The results of this study indicate that resectability can be increased, and major hepatectomy can be made safer by employing PVE preoperatively, in view of the fact that major hepatectomy was not considered feasible without PVE in these patients.     

Safety and Efficacy of Portal Vein Embolization Before Planned Major or Extended Hepatectomy: An Institutional Experience of 358 Patients

Introduction

Portal vein embolization (PVE) stimulates hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (FLR) and may improve the safety of extended hepatectomy. The efficacy of PVE was evaluated.

Methods

Records of 358 consecutive patients who underwent PVE before intended major hepatectomy at our institution from 1995 through 2012 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

One hundred twelve patients (31.3 %) had right PVE alone; 235 (65.6 %) had right PVE plus segment IV embolization. The first-session PVE completion rate was 97.8 %. The PVE complication rate was 3.9 %. The median pre-PVE and post-PVE standardized FLRs were 19.5 % (interquartile range, 15.0–25.9) and 29.7 % (interquartile range, 22.5–38.2), respectively. Two hundred forty patients (67.0 %) underwent potentially curative resection. Sixty-two patients (25.8 %) had major post-hepatectomy complications; rates of postoperative hepatic insufficiency and 90-day liver-related mortality were 8.3 and 3.8 %, respectively. The proportion of patients with colorectal liver metastasis increased from 38.6 % before 2005 to 78.2 % in 2010–2012. Despite increased use of preoperative chemotherapy, postoperative hepatic insufficiency and 90-day liver-related mortality rates dropped from 10.6 and 4.1 %, respectively, before 2010 to 2.9 and 2.9 %, respectively, in 2010–2012.

Conclusions

PVE can be safely performed with minimal morbidity. Most patients can proceed to extended hepatectomy, which is associated with a minimal mortality rate.     

肝切除术前门静脉栓塞疗效的荟萃分析

目的 探讨肝切除术(右半肝、扩大半肝切除术)前应用门静脉栓塞(portal veinembolization,PVE)的临床价值.方法 通过电子检索Pubmed、Medline、Ovid数据库,对1986至2008年有关右半肝或扩大半肝切除术前行PVE的病例对照研究资料进行meta分析.结果 共纳入文献9篇,494例患者.荟萃分析结果 显示,PVE手术组较单纯手术组术后肝功能衰竭的发生率降低(P=0.02),但两者术后手术死亡的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);亚组分析肝细胞癌和结直肠癌肝转移PVE手术组较单纯手术组1、3、5年生存率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);1篇文献报道结肠癌肝转移发生率PVE手术组术后肝内复发转移发生较单纯手术组降低(P=0.001),而其他远处转移发生率相对增高(P=0.004).结论 术前行PVE能够有效降低术后肝功能衰竭的发生,但临床医师应当谨慎把握行术前PVE的指征.     

An evaluation of the flow cytometric nuclear DNA analysis of intrahepatic multinodular hepatocellular carcinoma for a diagnosis of their multicentricity

This study aims to evaluate the clinical significance of the nuclear DNA index (DI) for identification of multicentrically occurring (MC) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In 14 multinodular HCC patients, the DI of 30 HCC specimens and 14 non-cancerous liver tissues were analyzed by flow cytometry. Histological studies of the 30 HCCs revealed MC in 6 cases and intrahepatic metastasis (IM) in 7 cases except for a histologically undetermined case who was found to be a hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier, and the MC of this case was determined by a clonal study using the HBV integration pattern. In four of the seven specimens with MC HCC, the DI of all the intrahepatic tumors was 1.0 (diploid pattern), while the remaining three were different. On the other hand, five of the seven IM cases were identical (3 diploid and 2 aneuploid), one similar level (DI = 1.17 – 1.18) and one different (1.0 and 1.24). Moreover, in one IM case, the possibility of an alteration of the DI during the course of HCC development was investigated. Although the DI of the recurrent main tumor (DI = 1.17) of this case, which was identified as metastasis of the primary tumor by a clonal study, was also similar to that of subsequent metastatic lesions (DI = 1.18), the DI of the primary tumor was 1.0. These results indicate that DI analysis was not enough to make a differential diagnosis of the multicentric occurrence of HCC.     

Impact of Biomarkers Expression Before and After Portal Vein Embolization on Recurrence After Two-Stage Hepatectomy for Colorectal Liver Metastases

Background  

The adverse oncological effect of portal vein embolization (PVE) in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM) remains controversial. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of PVE on change of tumor characteristics using tumor specimens obtained from sequential hepatectomy before and after PVE.     

Selective versus total biliary drainage for obstructive jaundice caused by a hepatobiliary malignancy

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding which approach is preferable among types of biliary drainage for obstructive jaundice before major hepatectomy: selective biliary drainage (SBD) only on the future remnant liver (FRL) or total biliary drainage (TBD). METHODS: There were 42 consecutive patients who underwent SBD (n = 15) or TBD (n = 27) for obstructive jaundice caused by a hepatobiliary malignancy, and subsequent portal vein embolization (PVE) before extended hemihepatectomy. The hypertrophy ratio, defined as the ratio of the FRL volume after PVE to that before PVE, was evaluated. The bilirubin clearance also was calculated. RESULTS: The hypertrophy ratio was higher in patients with SBD than in those with TBD (median, 128%; range, 111-152% vs median, 121%; range, 102-138%; P = .013). The bilirubin clearance of FRL with SBD was markedly improved after PVE compared with that in patients with TBD. CONCLUSIONS: SBD is superior to TBD in promoting hypertrophy of the FRL induced by PVE and in guaranteeing good liver function before major hepatectomy.     

Extended right hepatic lobectomy with resection of inferior vena cava and portal vein for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

We report a case of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma treated by extended right lobectomy and resection of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and portal vein. A 53-year-old man was referred with elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP) levels on April 23, 1999. He was not jaundiced and did not have any symptoms. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) revealed irregular strictures in both the anterior and posterior segmental ducts. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a low-density tumor with an unclear margin in the right lobe of the liver. The patient underwent extended right hepatic lobectomy and total caudate lobectomy. Partial resection of the IVC (6 cm) was performed under total hepatic vascular exclusion. The main portal trunk and left portal vein were resected and reconstructed with an end-to-end anastomosis. Macroscopically, a 5.0 × 5.0 × 4.5-cm periductal infiltrating-type tumor occupied the right hepatic parenchyma along the posterior and anterior segmental ducts. Histological examination revealed moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma with marked perineural invasion. Lymph node metastasis was observed in the hepatoduodenal ligament and posterior surface of the pancreatic head. The resected margins of the common bile duct and left hepatic duct were free of tumor. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged from hospital on the 28th postoperative day. Nine months after the operation, he suddenly developed obstructive jaundice, and died with recurrent disease. This is the first reported case of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma treated with major hepatectomy and resection of the IVC and portal vein except ex situ procedure. This aggressive surgical approach may offer hope for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma involving the IVC. Received: March 27, 2000 / Accepted: August 8, 2000     

Pathologic and Radiographic Studies of Intrahepatic Metastasis Hepatocellular Carcinoma; The Role of Efferent Vessels

The efferent vessel of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the mechanism and pathogenesis of the high frequency of intrahepatic metastasis in HCC has not yet been clarified. Three hundred ninety-three resected specimens of HCC were examined for tumor thrombosis in the portal vein and the hepatic vein: 231 tumors ≤5 cm in diameter were examined for the relationship between mode of tumor spread and tumor size. Efferent vessels in HCC were identified by direct injection of radiopaque material into the tumor in 23 resected liver specimens and by percutaneous infusion of radiopaque media into tumor nodules in 8 patients. The mode of tumor spread in HCC progressed from capsular invasion to extracapsular invasion, then to vascular invasion, and finally to intrahepatic metastasis. There was a strong statistical correlation between the presence of intrahepatic metastasis and portal vein thrombosis (p<0.05, R=0.998). Radiopaque material injected directly into 23 resected tumors entered only the portal vein in 17 tumors and into both the portal and hepatic veins in 6 tumors. In all 8 patients with unresectable lesions, radiopaque media injected percutaneously into tumor nodules flowed only into the portal vein. These findings suggest that intrahepatic invasion by HCC may occur through the portal vein as an efferent tumor vessel.     

Increase in the Serum Bile Acid Level Predicts the Effective Hypertrophy of the Nonembolized Hepatic Lobe After Right Portal Vein Embolization

Background  The purpose of the present study was to investigate the clinical association between serum bile acid level changes and liver hypertrophy in portal vein embolization (PVE). Methods  In 31 patients, the serum total bile acid level was prospectively measured before and 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after right PVE. Computed tomographic volumetry was performed before and 25.0 ± 3.6 days after PVE. Results  Portal vein embolization induced the liver hypertrophy with a median increase in the left lobe volume (ILV) of 165 cm³ and a median percentage ILV (%ILV) of 29%. Compared with the pretreatment level, the serum bile acid levels significantly increased on day 3 and day 14 after PVE (p = 0.017 and p = 0.003, respectively). In patients with greater hypertrophy after PVE (ILV > 165 cm³ and %ILV > 30%), the increases in the bile acid level on day 3 were larger than that in those with lesser hypertrophy (p = 0.008 and p = 0.002, respectively). The increase on day 3 positively correlated with the ILV and %ILV (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004, respectively). The serum bile acid levels on day 3, 5, and 7 after PVE increased in patients with %ILV > 30% but not in those with %ILV ≤ 30%. Conclusions  Portal vein embolization increases the serum bile acid level in patients with effective liver hypertrophy in the nonembolized lobe. The increase on day 3 is a useful predictor of effective hypertrophy of the nonembolized lobe. Thus, bile acid signaling may be important for liver regeneration post-PVE.     

Predictors of hepatic venous trunk invasion and prognostic factors in patients with hepatocellular carcinomas that had come into contact with the trunk of major hepatic veins

PURPOSE: In this study, we tried to identify the preoperative predictors of hepatic venous trunk invasion and the prognostic factors in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that had come into contact with the trunk of a major hepatic vein over a distance of 1.0 cm or more. METHODS: Forty patients who had such HCCs resected were entered into this study and predictors of hepatic venous trunk invasion and prognostic factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A combined resection of the HCC and the venous trunk was performed in 29 patients. Hepatic venous trunk invasion was observed in 12 patients, including 2 with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus. A stepwise logistic regression analysis indicated that tumors larger than or equal to 7 cm in diameter and tumors showing a poorly differentiated histological grade were independent predictors of hepatic venous trunk invasion. The survival of patients without venous trunk invasion was significantly better than that for patients with venous trunk invasion (P = 0.048). A univariate analysis revealed that Child-Pugh classification B (P = 0.002), a high des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin concentration (> or =400 mAU/ml, P = 0.023), a large HCC (> or =5.0 cm in diameter, P = 0.002), the presence of portal vein invasion (P < 0.001), the presence of venous trunk invasion (P = 0.048), the presence of intrahepatic metastasis (P < 0.001), and poorly differentiated HCC (P = 0.006) correlated with a worse overall survival after hepatic resection. In a multivariate analysis, however, only the presence of intrahepatic metastasis (P = 0.037, relative risk 8.25) was an independent predictor of poor overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Large tumors (> or =7 cm in diameter) and poorly differentiated HCCs were more likely to be associated with hepatic venous trunk invasion and intrahepatic metastasis was an independent prognostic factor in patients with HCC that had come into contact with the trunk of a major hepatic vein.