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.

     

Surgical Outcomes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis

Background

Different approaches to surgical treatment of portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) have been advocated. This study investigated the outcomes of different surgical approaches in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with PVTT.

Methods

We reviewed prospectively collected data for all patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC at our hospital between December 1989 and December 2010. Patients were excluded from analysis if they had extrahepatic disease, PVTT reaching the level of the superior mesenteric vein, or hepatectomy with a positive resection margin. The remaining patients were divided into three groups for comparison: group 1, with ipsilateral PVTT resected in a hepatectomy; group 2, with PVTT extending to or beyond the portal vein bifurcation, treated by en bloc resection followed by portal vein reconstruction; group 3, with PVTT extending to or beyond the portal vein bifurcation, treated by thrombectomy.

Results

A total of 88 patients, with a median age of 54 years, were included in the analysis. Group 2 patients were younger, with a median age of 43.5 years versus 57 in group 1 and 49 in group 3 (p = 0.017). Group 1 patients had higher preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein levels, with a median of 8,493 ng/mL versus 63.25 in group 2 and 355 in group 3 (p = 0.004), and shorter operation time, with a median of 467.5 min versus 663.5 in group 2 and 753 in group 3 (p = 0.018). No patient had thrombus in the main portal vein. Two (2.8 %) hospital deaths occurred in group 1 and one (10 %) in group 2, but none in group 3 (p = 0.440). The rates of complication in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 31.9, 50.0, and 71.4 %, respectively (p = 0.079). The median overall survival durations were 10.91, 9.4, and 8.58 months, respectively (p = 0.962), and the median disease-free survival durations were 4.21, 3.78, and 1.51 months, respectively (p = 0.363). The groups also had similar patterns of disease recurrence (intrahepatic: 33.8 vs. 28.6 vs. 40.0 %; extrahepatic: 16.9 vs. 14.3 vs. 0 %; both: 28.2 vs. 42.9 vs. 40.0 %; no recurrence: 21.1 vs. 14.3 vs. 20.0 %; p = 0.836).

Conclusions

The three approaches have similar outcomes in terms of survival, complication, and recurrence. Effective adjuvant treatments need to be developed to counteract the high incidence of recurrence.     

Low Expression of PAI-2 as a Novel Marker of Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis and Poor Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-2 was previously shown to be less frequently expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study was designed to investigate the clinical, pathological, and prognostic significance of PAI-2 expression in HCC.

Methods

Expression of PAI-2 was detected immunohistochemically for specimens from 78 patients with HCC after hepatic resection and correlated with clinicopathological features and patient survival. Risk factors of portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) were also analyzed.

Results

Positive PAI-2 staining was observed in tumor and non-tumor tissues from 21 (26.9 %) and 56 (71.8 %) patients, respectively. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 negativity in tumor tissues was significantly associated with PVTT, with a high sensitivity not only in univariate analysis but also in multivariate analysis. In addition, positive PAI-2 staining was related to smaller tumor size and prolonged patient survival. The Cox regression model identified intratumoral PAI-2 staining as an independent prognosticator in patients with HCC after resection.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrated that low expression of PAI-2 serves as a novel marker of PVTT and poor prognosis in HCC.     

Surgical Resection Versus Conformal Radiotherapy Combined With TACE for Resectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus: A Comparative Study

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the results of surgical resection with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in the treatment of resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) was given to both groups of patients when possible.

Methods

A retrospective study of 371 patients with resectable HCC with PVTT was conducted in two tertiary referral centers. The treatment of choice for these patients in one center was surgical resection. In the other center it was 3D-CRT. In the radiotherapy group (RG, n = 185), patients received 3D-CRT to the tumor and PVTT for a total radiation dose of 30–52 Gy (median 40 Gy). In the surgical group (SG, n = 186), patients underwent surgical resection. TACE was applied after surgery or 3D-CRT and then was repeated every 4–6 weeks if the patient tolerated the treatment.

Results

The median survival was 12.3 months for RG and 10.0 months for SG. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survivals were 51.6, 28.4, and 19.9 %, respectively, for RG and 40.1, 17.0, and 13.6 %, respectively, for SG (p = 0.029). Stepwise multivariate analysis showed that the extent of PVTT and mode of treatment were independent risk factors of overall survival. The most common cause of death after treatment was liver failure as a consequence of progressive intrahepatic disease.

Conclusions

3D-CRT gave better survival than surgical resection for HCC with PVTT.     

Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Macroscopic Vascular Invasion

Background

Survival for Child’s A patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC) and macroscopic vascular invasion (MVI) has been reported as approximately 8.1 months with sorafenib. The role of surgery for these patients remains controversial.

Methods

The records of all patients undergoing resection of HCC at a single center were reviewed. Only patients with pathologically proven MVI were included. Inclusion criteria for resection required Child’s A liver disease, no clinical portal hypertension (after 2002), and no extrahepatic disease. The superior mesenteric vein and portal vein branch to the remaining lobe had to be patent.

Results

We identified 165 patients with MVI treated with hepatic resection between June 1992 and March 2010. Median follow-up was 11.9 months with 127 deaths, including 12 (7.3 %) perioperative mortalities. Median and 5-year survivals were 13.1 months and 14 %. Multivariate analysis found α-fetoprotein (AFP) >30 ng/ml (hazard ratio 2.07), tumor size >7 cm (hazard ratio 1.59), and extent of vascular invasion (hazard ratio 1.74) to be independently associated with survival. Those with invasion of hepatic veins or vena cava had a median survival of only 4.7 months.

Conclusions

The results for resection of HCC with MVI remain somewhat disappointing but are better than what is reported with medical therapy in similar patients. Tumor size, AFP, and extent of vascular invasion can help select those that will benefit most from hepatic resection. Resection of patients with hepatic vein or vena cava involvement may not be justified, given such poor results.     

Long-Term Outcomes and Prognostic Factors with Reductive Hepatectomy and Sequential Percutaneous Isolated Hepatic Perfusion for Multiple Bilobar Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Sorafenib is currently recommended as first-line therapy for patients with intermediate or advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) per Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging. However, the median overall survival (OS) with sorafenib in these patients is 10.7 months with an overall response rate of 2 %. We retrospectively investigated the long-term outcomes and prognostic factors with reductive hepatectomy and sequential percutaneous isolated hepatic perfusion (PIHP) for refractory intermediate or advanced HCC.

Methods

A total of 68 patients who had intermediate or advanced stage HCC without extrahepatic metastases were scheduled for reductive hepatectomy plus PIHP. All patients underwent reductive hepatectomy and PIHP with mitomycin C 20–40 mg/m² and/or doxorubicin 60–120 mg/m² 1–3 months after surgery (mean, 1.51 times/patient).

Results

The objective response rate of PIHP was 70.6 % (complete plus partial response). The median OS of all 68 patients was 25 months, and the 5-year OS rate was 27.6 %. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that tumor response to PIHP and normalization of serum des-γ-carboxy prothrombin concentrations after PIHP were independent prognostic factors for OS.

Conclusions

The median OS of the study population treated by reductive hepatectomy and sequential PIHP was 25 months. This treatment strategy can offer a possible curative treatment to patients with refractory intermediate and advanced HCC.     

Laparoscopic Caudate Hepatectomy for Cancer—An Innovative Approach to the No-Man’s Land

Background

Caudate hepatectomy remains a surgical challenge in spite of recent advances in laparoscopic technique. Hepatic tumor in the caudate lobe is usually deeply located in the center of the liver and close to the vena cava and hepatic hilum. Thus, lesion in this region was considered as a contraindication of laparoscopic hepatectomy. Only sporadic reports could be found in the literature. The aim of this study is to review the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic hepatectomy for lesions in the caudate lobe.

Methods

Nine consecutive patients with caudate hepatic tumor received laparoscopic caudate hepatectomy in our institute from February 2006 to July 2010. One patient with hepatic adenoma was excluded from the analysis. Demographic data, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes of the remaining eight patients were assessed.

Results

All procedure for these eight patients with caudate hepatic tumors (size 0.9–4.5 cm) were completed with totally laparoscopic technique except one in which additional left hepatectomy was also done. The average operative time was 254 min (range 210–345 min) and estimated blood loss was 202 ml (range 10–1,000 ml), and average length of postoperative hospital stay was 6.9 days (range 4–11 days). There was no perioperative complications and patient mortality in this series.

Conclusions

Our experience demonstrated that laparoscopic hepatectomy is a safe and feasible procedure for caudate hepatic tumors in selected patients.     

巨块型肝癌合并门静脉癌栓的治疗：附15例报告

目的　探讨外科手术、肝动脉化疗栓塞及联合或不联合门静脉灌注化疗治疗巨块型肝癌伴门静脉癌栓的效果。方法　 15例伴有门静脉癌栓的巨块型肝癌 ,均采用切除原发癌灶并取尽癌栓治疗 ,其中 5例患者留置门静脉化疗泵 ,术后 2周行肝动脉化疗栓塞或联合门静脉化疗。结果　全组术后无严重并发症发生。 6,12 ,18个月生存期分别为 10 0 % (15 /15 ) ,80 .0 % (12 /15 ) ,60 .0 %(9/15 )。结论　手术仍是治疗巨块型肝癌合并门静脉癌栓的有效方法 ,手术后辅以介入为主的综合治疗能有效提高生存率。     

Portal vein tumor thrombus from colorectal cancer with no definite metastatic nodules in liver parenchyma

Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common entity. In colorectal liver metastasis, microscopic tumor invasion into the intrahepatic portal vein is also usually observed, but the incidence of macroscopic tumor thrombus in the first branch and trunk of the portal vein is rare. Most reported cases of PVTT from colorectal cancer had concomitant metastatic nodules in liver parenchyma, and the PVTT was continuous with the liver nodule, like PVTT in HCC. We present a case of PVTT from colorectal cancer with no definite metastatic nodules in liver parenchyma. A 58-year old man underwent laparoscopic high anterior resection for rectosigmoid carcinoma accompanied by bulky tumor thrombus in the branch of the inferior mesenteric vein. Six months later, he received left lobectomy and left caudate resection for liver metastasis. The resected specimen demonstrated there was no metastatic nodule in liver parenchyma and that the left portal system was filled with the tumor thrombus. The patient is alive with no sign of recurrence 66 months after hepatectomy. Even if there is a macroscopic PVTT from colorectal cancer, a better prognosis may be expected when the tumor can be completely resected en-bloc by anatomic hepatectomy including PVTT.     

Oral supplementation of branched-chain amino acids reduces early recurrence after hepatic resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective study

Purposes

The long-term outcomes of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) administration after hepatic resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. This study assessed the effect of oral supplementation with BCAA on the development of liver tumorigenesis after hepatic resection in HCC patients.

Methods

Fifty-six patients were randomly assigned to receive either BCAA supplementation (Livact group, n = 26) or a conventional diet (Control group, n = 30). Twenty-six patients in the BCAA group were treated orally for 2 weeks before and 6 months after hepatic resection. Postoperative tumor recurrence was continuously evaluated in all patients by measuring various clinical parameters.

Results

There was no significant difference in the overall survival rate between the two patient groups; however, the recurrence rate at 30 months after surgery was significantly better in the Livact group in comparison to the Control group. Interestingly, the tumor markers, such as AFP and PIVKA-II, significantly decreased at 36 months after liver resection in the Livact group in comparison to the Control group.

Conclusions

Oral supplementation of BCAA reduces early recurrence after hepatic resection in patients with HCC. This treatment regimen offers potential benefits for clinical use in such patients, even in cases with a well-preserved preoperative liver function.     

Survival Benefit of Surgical Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Inferior Vena Cava/Right Atrium Tumor Thrombus: Results of a Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

The significance of surgery in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) extending into the inferior vena cava (IVC)/right atrium (RA) is currently unclear. We sought to clarify whether surgical treatment can improve survival in such patients.

Methods

A retrospective review was undertaken of patients with HCC and IVC/RA tumor thrombus who were potential candidates for surgery but who were finally treated surgically and nonsurgically between September 2000 and October 2010. The patients were subdivided according to therapeutic modalities, and the results for each group were compared.

Results

A total of 56 patients were included in this study. They were divided into three groups. Twenty-five patients underwent hepatectomy plus thrombectomy (surgical group), with minor morbidity and no mortality; the patients in this group had 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 68.0, 22.5, and 13.5 %, respectively, with a median survival of 19 months. Twenty patients were treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, with 1- and 3-year survival rates of 15.0 and 5.0 %, respectively (median survival 4.5 months). Eleven patients received symptomatic treatment only, and no one in this group survived longer than 1 year (median survival 5 months). The patients in surgical group survived significantly longer than the patients in the other two groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Although technically challenging, surgery for HCC with IVC/RA tumor thrombus can be safely performed and should be considered in patients with resectable primary tumor and sufficient hepatic reservoir because compared with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization or symptomatic treatment, it significantly improved patient survival.     

Safety of Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Sorafenib Therapy: A Multicenter Case-Matched Study

Background

Liver resection can be considered in some hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who received sorafenib. The lack of clinical data about safety of resection after sorafenib treatment led us to assess its potential impact on perioperative course in a multicentric study.

Methods

From 2008 to 2011, a total of 23 HCC patients who underwent liver resection after treatment with sorafenib (sorafenib group) were compared with 46 HCC patients (control group) matched for age, gender, underlying liver disease, tumor characteristics and type of resection. Patients received sorafenib for a median duration of 1 (range 0.2–11) months and drug was interrupted at least 7 days before surgery. End points were intraoperative (operative time, vascular clamping, blood loss and transfusion), and postoperative outcomes focusing on recovery of liver function.

Results

In the sorafenib group, HCC was developed on F4 cirrhosis in 48 % and the rate of major resection was 44 %. Surgical procedure duration (280 vs. 240 min), transfusion rate (26 vs. 15 %), blood loss (400 vs. 300 mL) and vascular clamping (70 vs. 74 %) were similar in the two groups. Mortality was zero in the sorafenib group and one (2.1 %) in the control group (p = 1.000). The incidence of postoperative complications was 44 % in the sorafenib group and 59 % in the control group (p = 0.307). Recovery of liver function was similar in the two groups in terms of prothrombin time (90 vs. 81 %, p = 0.429) and bilirubin level (16 vs. 24 μmol/L, p = 102) at postoperative day 5.

Conclusions

No adverse effect of preoperative administration of sorafenib was observed during and immediately after liver resection for HCC.     

Surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in China

Background and aims Surgery remains the most effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While resection and liver transplantation achieve the best outcomes in patients with small HCC, controversy surrounds treatment of large HCC, HCC with portal vein tumor thrombus, and HCC with hypersplenism.Patient/methods From January 1988 to December 2002, 2,102 patients with large HCC underwent hepatectomy in our hospital. The traditional resection method was used on 959 patients, after which the improved new method was used on 1,143 patients. Meanwhile, from January 1990 until December 2003, hepatic resection ± thrombectomie has been performed in 438 patients with HCC and portal vein tumor thrombus. Among them, 286 patients showed portal vein tumor thrombus located in the primary and secondary branch of the main portal vein (group A), and 152 patients showed portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) involved in the main portal vein (group B). Additionally, out of 204 HCC patients with cirrhotic hypersplenism, 94 patients had hepatectomy and splenectomy, and 100 patients had only hepatectomy without hospital death.Results The 3- and 5-year survival after resection of large HCCs (over 5 cm) with improved new method in China was between 50.7 and 58.8% and 27.9 and 38.7%, respectively. Tumor recurrence in the liver within 1 year after hepatic resection + thrombectomie was detected in 45% of group A and in 78.8% in group B. The cumulative 5-year overall survival rates were 18.1% for group A and 0% for group B. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival in HCC plus portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) was 58.7, 22.7, and 18.1%. The hepatectomy/splenectomy group had a 5-year tumor-free survival rate of 37.2% and the hepatectomy group alone had 27.2%.Conclusion The new resection methods, hepatic resection + thrombectomy and hepatectomy + splenectomy, are very effective treatments for large HCC, HCC with portal vein tumor thrombus, and HCC with hypersplenism, respectively. Local treatment modalities, e.g. percutaneous ethanol injection, cryosurgery, and radiofrequency ablation as well as microwave coagulation are used in patients with poor liver function in small and large HCCs.     

Total laparoscopic limited anatomical resection for centrally located hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic liver

Background

Limited anatomical liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is complicated in cirrhotic patients with centrally located HCC and limited liver reserve. We present a case of total laparoscopic left medial and right ventroanterior sectionectomy performed using the intrahepatic Glissonian approach in a cirrhotic liver for curative resection of HCC.

Methods

The patient was a 69-year-old man with a 6.5-cm-diameter HCC located at segments 4, 5, and 8 and which was compressing the middle hepatic vein (MHV). Child–Pugh class A liver cirrhosis was noted, and the 15-min retention rate for indocyanine green was 14 %. Preoperative surgical planning suggested the feasibility of limited anatomical subsegmental resection. The patient was placed in the supine position and 5 trocars were used for the procedure. The operation began with cholecystectomy, division of liver ligaments, and exposure of the right hepatic vein root and the umbilical Glissonian pedicles to the left medial segment. Parenchymal transection was performed using a laparoscopic harmonic scalpel and Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator until the MHV was reached. After exposing the ventral branches of the right anterior Glissonian pedicle and dividing them, resection was continued along the demarcation line. Fissure veins draining to the MHV root were identified and divided. The MHV root was closed using an automatic stapler.

Results

The operation time was 565 min and estimated blood loss was 665 ml; blood transfusion was not required. Pathological examination confirmed a moderately differentiated HCC with all resected margins free of malignancy. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the postoperative day 7. There was no tumor recurrence 18 months after the operation.

Conclusions

Total laparoscopic left medial and right ventroanterior sectionectomy via the intrahepatic Glissonian approach is feasible for HCC in a cirrhotic liver with limited liver reserve. Preoperative planning is essential in order to compute successful hepatic function. Standardization of surgical techniques may aid in safely performing this procedure.     

Hepatectomy based on the tumor hemodynamics for hepatocellular carcinoma: a comparison among the hybrid and pure laparoscopic procedures and open surgery

Purpose

This study was designed to evaluate the surgical parameters and treatment outcomes of tumor hemodynamics-based pure laparoscopic (PURE) and laparoscopy-assisted (HYBRID) hepatectomy for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared with those of open hepatectomy.

Methods

Using a prospectively collected database from 1997 to 2011, we analyzed the data of 56 consecutive cases of laparoscopic hepatectomy for HCC (PURE, n = 24; HYBRID, n = 29; HALS, n = 3) from among 102 cases undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy. We employed 27 cases treated by open hepatectomy during the same period as controls.

Results

PURE was associated with lesser blood loss, lower weight of the resected liver, and a shorter skin incision than HYBRID and open hepatectomy [median blood loss (mL): PURE 7, HYBRID 380, Open 450; P < 0.05]. On the other hand, HYBRID hepatectomy was associated with a longer operation time [operation time (min): HYBRID 232, Open 185; P = 0.0226]. The length of hospitalization in the cases treated by PURE and HYBRID hepatectomy was shorter than that in the cases treated by open hepatectomy [length of hospitalization (days): PURE 11, HYBRID 12, Open 17; P < 0.05]. One case each of transfusion and morbidity was recorded in this series. There was no significant difference of the overall (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS) between the patients treated by laparoscopic and open hepatectomy (3-year OS: 100 vs. 100 %; DFS 50 vs. 62 %, respectively).

Conclusions

Neither the surgical parameters nor the treatment outcomes of hemodynamics-based laparoscopic hepatectomy were inferior to those of open hepatectomy.     

Effects of Location and Extension of Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus on Long-Term Outcomes of Surgical Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background The role of surgical resection and thrombectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the location and extent of PVTT on the long-term outcomes of surgical treatment for HCC. Methods A total of 438 patients with HCC and PVTT underwent liver resection with or without thrombectomy. These 438 patients were divided into 2 groups: in group A, PVTT was located in the hepatic resection area or protruded into the first branch of the main portal vein beyond the resection line for <1 cm (286 patients), and in group B, PVTT extended into the main portal vein (152 patients). Concomitant thrombectomy was performed in 147 patients (51.4%) of group A and in all patients of group B. Results PVTT recurrence within 6 months after surgery in group B was significantly higher than that in group A: 76.9% vs. 11.3%. Remnant liver recurrence within 1 year after surgery was 45.0% in group A and 78.8% in group B. The cumulative 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 58.7%, 39.9%, 22.7%, and 18.1% for group A and 39.5%, 20.4%, 5.7%, and 0% for group B, respectively. The overall survivals were significantly better in group A than group B (P < .02). Conclusions Liver resection with thrombectomy yielded better outcomes in the HCC patients with PVTT confined to the first or second branch of the main portal vein compared with PVTT extending into the main portal vein.     

Totally Laparoscopic Right Hepatectomy with Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy for Right-Sided Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Bile Duct

Background

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct is a precursor lesion of cholangiocarcinoma. We present a video of a totally laparoscopic right hepatectomy with hilar dissection and lymphadenectomy, en-bloc resection of the extrahepatic bile duct, and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in a patient with intraductal papillary neoplasm of the right hepatic duct.

Methods

A 58-year-old woman with right upper quadrant pain was referred for evaluation. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed dilatation of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a stop in the right bile duct, with dilatation of the distal bile duct. The decision was to perform a totally laparoscopic right hepatectomy with hilar lymphadenectomy and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.

Results

The operative time was 400 min. Estimated blood loss was 400 ml, without the need for transfusions. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the 10th postoperative day. The abdominal drain was removed on the 14th postoperative drain with no signs of biliary leakage. Final pathology confirmed the diagnosis of intraductal papillary neoplasm without malignant transformation. Surgical margins were free. Patient is well with no evidence of the disease 14 months after the procedure.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic right hepatectomy with hepaticojejunostomy is feasible and safe, provided it is performed in a specialized center and with staff with experience in hepatobiliary surgery and advanced laparoscopic surgery. Currently this operation is reserved for selected cases. This video can help oncologic surgeons to perform this complex procedure.     

Laparoscopic liver resection in the semiprone position for tumors in the anterosuperior and posterior segments,using a novel dual-handling technique and bipolar irrigation system

Background

Hepatic tumors in the lower edge and lateral segments are commonly treated by laparoscopic liver resection. Tumors in the anterosuperior and posterior segments are often large and locally invasive, and resection is associated with a higher risk of insufficient surgical margins, massive intraoperative bleeding, and breaching of the tumor. Laparoscopic surgery for such tumors often involves major hepatectomy, including resection of a large volume of normal liver tissue. We developed a novel method of laparoscopic resection of tumors in these segments with the patient in the semiprone position, using a dual-handling technique with an intercostal transthoracic port. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and usefulness of our technique.

Methods

Of 160 patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection at our center from June 2008 to May 2013, we retrospectively reviewed those with tumors in the anterosuperior and posterior segments. Patients were placed supine or semilateral during surgery until January 2010 and semiprone from February 2010.

Results

Before the introduction of the semiprone position in February 2010, a total of 7 of 40 patients (17.5 %) with tumors in the anterosuperior and posterior segments underwent laparoscopic liver resection, and after introduction of the semiprone position, 69 of 120 patients (57.5 %) with tumors in the anterosuperior and posterior segments underwent laparoscopic liver resection (P < 0.001). There were no conversions to open surgery, reoperations, or deaths. The semiprone group had a significantly higher proportion of patients who underwent partial resection or segmentectomy of S7 or S8, lower intraoperative blood loss, and shorter hospital stay than the supine group (all P < 0.05). Postoperative complication rates were similar between groups.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic liver resection in the semiprone position is safe and increases the number of patients who can be treated by laparoscopic surgery without increasing the frequency of major hepatectomy.     

Feasibility of Laparoscopic Re-resection for Patients with Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Repeated resection via an open approach is an effective treatment for post-operative recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there are limited data on the application of laparoscopic approach for recurrent HCC in patients with prior liver resections. The aim of this study was to review our experience of laparoscopic re-resection in patients with postoperative tumor recurrence.

Materials and methods

A total of 11 patients received laparoscopic re-resections for postoperative tumor recurrence in our center. Data were reviewed for demographics, tumor characteristics, and perioperative outcomes. Case-match analysis with the open approach was performed in a 1:2 ratio.

Results

Six patients had their first liver resection carried out via the open approach and the remaining five patients received the laparoscopic approach. The recurrent tumor size was 20 mm (12–50 mm) and ten patients had a solitary recurrence. Two patients had laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy and the remaining nine patients had sub-segmentectomies. There was no significant difference in patient characteristics, preoperative liver function, and tumor features between the laparoscopic and open groups. Perioperative blood loss was significantly reduced in the laparoscopic group (100 vs. 314 mL; p = 0.014) but the morbidity rate (18.2 vs. 4.5 %; p = 0.199) and length of hospitalization were comparable (6 vs. 5 days; p = 0.831). The 3-year overall survival rates for the laparoscopic and open groups were 60.0 and 89.3 %, respectively (p = 0.279).

Conclusion

Our study showed that laparoscopic re-resection for recurrent HCC was feasible with satisfactory postoperative and oncological outcomes, even in patients with previous major liver resections.     

Inferior Right Hepatic Vein-preserving Major Right Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Significant Fibrosis or Cirrhosis

Background

Liver resection represents a most effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The extent of hepatectomy for HCC involves maintaining a tricky balance between radical resection of tumors and preservation of sufficient liver parenchyma. Generally, removal of the right hepatic vein often involves resection of the whole posterior right lobe, which may prevent patients with impaired liver function from maintaining a functional reserve and could also limit the future liver remnant from curative hepatectomy. As a common anatomic variation, preservation of the inferior right hepatic vein (IRHV) may enable preservation of liver segment 6, even when the right hepatic vein has to be removed. In the present study, we report our experience with IRHV-preserving major right hepatectomy.

Methods

From February 2009 to December 2011, eight trisegmentectomies 5-7-8 and two segmentectomies 4-5-7-8 were performed with the IRHV-sparing technique on patients with HCC and significant fibrosis or cirrhosis. Data including demographic information, preoperative evaluations, postoperative outcomes, and follow-up results were collected and evaluated.

Results

All patients survived and recovered from hepatectomy. The incidence of complications was higher in cirrhotic patients. The 1-year overall survival rate was 80 %, and the 1-year disease free survival rate was 60 %.

Conclusions

IRHV-preserving major right hepatectomy increases the resectability of HCC. Intraoperative ultrasonography is recommended to facilitate protection of the IRHV. This technique is safe with careful preoperative evaluation and meticulous perioperative care. The short-term outcome of IRHV-preserving liver resections is satisfactory.