Extrahepatic collaterals and liver damage in embolotherapy for ruptured hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm following hepatobiliary pancreatic surgery

AIM： To evaluate the effects of extrahepatic collaterals to the liver on liver damage and patient outcome after embolotherapy for the ruptured hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm following hepatobiliary pancreatic surgery.
METHODS： We reviewed 9 patients who underwent transcatheter arterial embolization （TAE） for the ruptured hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm following major hepatobiliary pancreatic surgery between June 1992 and April 2006. We paid special attention to the extrahepatic arterial collaterals to the liver which may affect post-TAE liver damage and patient outcome.
RESULTS： The underlying diseases were all malignancies, and the surgical procedures included hepatopancreatoduodenectomy in 2 patients, hepatic resection with removal of the bile duct in 5, and pancreaticoduodenectomy in 2. A total of 11 pseudoaneurysm developed： 4 in the common hepatic artery, 4 in the proper hepatic artery, and 3 in the right hepatic artery. Successful hemostasis was accomplished with the initial TAE in all patients, except for 1. Extrahepatic arterial pathways to the liver, including the right inferior phrenic artery, the jejunal branches, and the aberrant left hepatic artery, were identified in 8 of the 9 patients after the completion of TAE. The development of collaterals depended on the extent of liver mobilization during the hepatic resection, the postoperative period, the presence or absence of an aberrant left hepatic artery, and the concomitant arterial stenosis adjacent to the pseudoaneurysm. The liver tolerated TAE without significant consequences when at least one of the collaterals from the inferior phrenic artery or the aberrant left hepatic artery was present. One patient, however, with no extrahepatic collaterals died of liver failure due to total liver necrosis 9 d after TAE.
CONCLUSION： When TAE is performed on ruptured hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm, reduced collateral pathways to the liver created by the primary surgical procedure and a short postoperative interval may lead to an unfavorable ou     

Successful liver resection in a giant hemangioma with intestinal obstruction after embolization

Hepatic hemangiomas are the most common benign tumor of the liver.Most hepatic hemangiomas remain asymptomatic and require no treatment.Giant hepatic hemangiomas with established complications,diagnostic uncertainty and incapacitating symptoms,however,are generally considered an absolute indication for surgical resection.We present a case of a giant hemangioma with intestinal obstruction following transcatheter arterial embolization,by which the volume of the hemangioma was significantly reduced,and it was completely resected by a left hepatectomy.A 21-yearold Asian man visited our hospital for left upper quadrant pain.Examinations at the first visit revealed a left liver hemangioma occupying the abdominal cavity,with a maximum diameter of 31.5 cm.Embolization of the left hepatic artery was performed and confirmed a decrease in its size.However,the patient was readmitted to our hospital one month after embolization for intestinal obstruction.A left hepatectomy was completed through a herringbone incision,and safely removed a giant hemangioma of 26.5 cm × 19.5 cm × 12.0 cm in size and 3690 g in weight.Pre-operative arterial embolization is effective for reducing tumor size,but a close follow-up to decide the time for hepatectomy is important.     

Late hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm： A rare complication after resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

We report an unusual pathological entity of a pseudoaneurysm of the right hepatic artery, which developed two years after the resection of a type 11 hilar cholangiocarcinoma and secondary to an excessive skeletonization for regional lymphadenectomy and neoadjuvant external-beam radiotherapy. After a sudden and massive hematemesis, a multidetector computed tomographic angiography （MDCTA） showed a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm. Angiography with embolization of the pseudoaneurysm was attempted using microcoils with adequate patency of the hepatic artery and the occlusion of the pseudoaneurysm. A new episode of hematemesis 3 wk later revealed a partial revascularization of the pseudoaneurysm. A definitive interventional radiological treatment consisting of transarterial embolization （TAE） of the right hepatic artery with stainless steel coils and polyvinyl alcohol particles was effective and welltolerated with normal liver function tests and without signs of liver infarction.     

Technical note on ALPPS for a patient with ad-vanced hepatocellular carcinoma associated with invasion of the inferior vena cava

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma have a very short life expectancy if they receive no surgical interven-tion. A relatively new surgical technique termed “Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepa-tectomy” (ALPPS) has been employed for inducing rapid hypertrophy of the future liver remnant for patients waiting for hepatectomy. As portal vein embolization may not result in satisfactory hypertrophy before tumor progression occurs, ALPPS can be an alternative for patients with advanced hepa-tocellular carcinoma. Herein we describe an ALPPS procedure with tumor thrombectomy for a patient who had a small left liver lobe and a large hepatocellular carcinoma involving the whole right liver lobe and the middle hepatic vein and extend-ing into the inferior vena cava. In the ifrst-stage operation, the right portal vein was controlled and divided with a Hemolock. The right hepatic artery was well protected. Hepatic transec-tion was performed with a 1-cm margin from the tumor. The middle hepatic vein trunk was preserved. Ten days afterwards, there was signiifcant hypertrophy of the left lateral section of the liver, and the second-stage operation was conducted. Ex-tended right hepatectomy and tumor thrombectomy were per-formed under sternotomy and total vascular exclusion. The patient had good recovery and was free of disease 10 months after the operation. ALPPS may be a good treatment option even for patients with advanced disease if carried out at high-volume centers.     

Influential factors and formation of extrahepatic collateral artery in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To analyze the influence factors and formation of extrahepatic collateral arteries (ECAs) in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with or without chemoe-mbolization. METHODS: Detailed histories of 35 patients with 39 ECAs of HCC and images including computerized tomography scan, digital subtraction angiography were reviewed carefully to identify ECAs of HCC, ECAs arising from, and anatomic location of tumors in liver. Tumor sizes were measured, and relations of ECAs with times of chemoemb-olization, tumor size, and the anatomic tumor location were analyzed. Complications were observed after chemoemb-olization through ECAs of HCC with different techniques. RESULTS: Influence factors of formation of ECAs of HCC included the times of repeated chemoembolization, the location of tumors in liver, the tumor size and the types of chemoembolization. ECAs in HCC appeared after 3-4 times of chemoembolization (17.9%), but a higher frequency of ECAs occurred after 5-6 times of chemoembolization (56.4%). ECAs presented easily in peripheral areas (71.8%) of liver abutting to the anterior, posterior abdominal walls, the top right of diaphragm and right kidney. ECAs also occurred easily after complete obstruction of the trunk arteries supplying HCCs or the branches of proper hepatic arteries. Extrahepatic collaterals of HCC originated from right internal thoracic (mammary) artery (RTTA, 5.1%), right intercostal artery (RICA, 7.7%), left gastric artery (LGA, 12.8%), right inferior phrenic artery (RIPA, 38.5%), omental artery (OTA, 2.6%), superior mesenteric artery (SMA, 23.1%), and right adrenal and renal capsule artery (RARCA, 10.3%), respectively. The complications after chemoembolization attributed to no super selective cathet-erization. CONCLUSION: The formation of ECAs in unresectable HCC is obviously correlated with multiple chemoembolization, tumor size, types of chemoembolization, anatomic location of tumors. Extrahepatic collaterals in HCC are corresponding to the tumor locations in liver.     

Successful en bloc resection of primary hepatocellular carcinoma directly invading the stomach and pancreas

Multivisceral surgical resection for cure was successfully performed in a 70-year-old man suffering from a primary hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） associated with direct invasion to the stomach and pancreas. The patient presented with gastric outlet obstruction, upper abdominal pain and a history of chronic liver disease due to hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection. Upper gastrointestinal （GI） endoscopy revealed an infiltrating tumor protruding through the gastric wall and obliterating the lumen. Computer tomograghy （CT） and magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） scan demonstrated a 15-cm tumor in the left lateral segment of the liver with invasion to the stomach and pancreas. Alpha-foetoprotein （AFP） levels and liver function tests were normal. The patient underwent an en bloc left hepatectomy, total gastrectomy, distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and radical lymphadenectomy. Pathology revealed a poorly differentiated, giant cell HCC involving the stomach and pancreas. Disease-free margins of resection were achieved. The patient＇s postoperative course was uneventful. Sixteen months after surgery, he has no recurrence or distal metastasis. Direct invasion of HCC into the GI tract is rarely encountered. Complete surgical resection should be considered in selected patients with an appropriate hepatic functional reserve.     

Anabolic steroid abuse causing recurrent hepatic adenomas and hemorrhage

Anabolic steroid abuse is common among athletes and is associated with a number of medical complications. We describe a case of a 27-year-old male bodybuilder with multiple hepatic adenomas induced by anabolic steroids. He initially presented with tumor hemorrhage and was treated with left lateral hepatic segmentectomy. Regression of the remaining tumors was observed with cessation of steroid use. However, 3 years and a half after his initial hepatic segmentectomy, he presented with recurrent tumor enlargement and intraperitoneal hemorrhage in the setting of steroid abuse relapse. Given his limited hepatic reserve, he was conservatively managed with embolization of the right accessory hepatic artery. This is the first reported case of hepatic adenoma regrowth with recidivistic steroid abuse, complicated by life-threatening hemorrhage. While athletes and bodybuilders are often aware of the legal and social ramifications of steroid abuse, they should continue to be counseled about its serious medical risks.     

Pseudoaneurysm following laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND:Laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)is the operation of choice for removal of the gallbladder. Unrecognized bile duct injuries present with biliary peritonitis and systemic sepsis.Bile has been shown to cause damage to the vascular wall and therefore delay the healing of injured arteries leading to pseudoaneurysm formation.Failure to deal with bile leak and secondary infection may result in pseudoaneurysm formation. This study was to report the incidence and outcomes of pseudoaneurysm in patients with bile leak following LC referred to our hospital. METHODS:A retrospective analysis of our prospectively maintained liver database using pseudoaneurysm, bile leak and bile duct injury following laparoscopic cholecystectomy from January 2000 to December 2005 was performed. RESULTS:A total of 86 cases were referred with bile duct injury and bile leak following LC and of these,4 patients (4.5%)developed hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm(HAP) presenting with haemobilia in 3 and massive intra- abdominal bleed in 1.Selective visceral angiography confirmed pseudoaneurysm of the right hepatic artery in 2 cases,cystic artery stump in one and an intact but ectatic hepatic artery with surgical clips closely applied to the right hepatic artery at the origin of the cystic artery in the fourth case.Effective hemostasis was achieved in 3 patients with coil embolization and the fourth patient required emergency laparotomy for severe bleeding and hemodynamic instability due to a ruptured right hepatic artery.Of the 3 patients treated with coil embolization, 2 developed late strictures of the common hepatic duct. . (CHD)requiring hepatico-jejunostomy and one developed a stricture of left hepatic duct.All the 4 patients are alive at a median follow up of 17 months(range 1 to 65)with normal liver function tests. CONCLUSIONS:HAP is a rare and potentially life- threatening complication of LC.Biloma and subsequent infection are reported to be associated with pseudoaneurysm formation.Late duct stricture is common either due to unrecognized injury at LC or secondary to ischemia after embolization.     

Extreme liver resections with preservation of segment 4 only

AIM To evaluate safety and outcomes of a new technique for extreme hepatic resections with preservation of segment 4 only.METHODS The new method of extreme liver resection consists of a two-stage hepatectomy. The first stage involves a right hepatectomy with middle hepatic vein preservation and induction of left lobe congestion; the second stage involves a left lobectomy. Thus, the remnant liver is represented by the segment 4 only(with or without segment 1, ± S1). Five patients underwent the new two-stage hepatectomy(congestion group). Data from volumetric assessment made before the second stage was compared with that of 10 matched patients(comparison group) that underwent a single-stage right hepatectomy with middle hepatic vein preservation.RESULTS The two stages of the procedure were successfully carried out on all 5 patients. For the congestion group, the overall volume of the left hemiliver had increased 103%(mean increase from 438 m L to 890 m L) at 4 wk after the first stage of the procedure. Hypertrophy of the future liver remnant(i.e., segment 4 ± S1) was higher than that of segments 2 and 3(144% vs 54%, respectively, P 0.05). The median remnant liver volume-to-body weight ratio was 0.3(range, 0.28-0.40)before the first stage and 0.8(range, 0.45-0.97) before the second stage. For the comparison group, the rate of hypertrophy of the left liver after right hepatectomy with middle hepatic vein preservation was 116% ± 34%. Hypertrophy rates of segments 2 and 3(123% ± 47%) and of segment 4(108% ± 60%, P 0.05) were proportional. The mean preoperative volume of segments 2 and 3 was 256 ± 64 cc and increased to 572 ± 257 cc after right hepatectomy. Mean preoperative volume of segment 4 increased from 211 ± 75 cc to 439 ± 180 cc after surgery. CONCLUSION The proposed method for extreme hepatectomy with preservation of segment 4 only represents a technique that could allow complete resection of multiple bilateral liver metastases.     

Liver microcirculation after hepatic artery embolization with degradable starch microspheres in vivo

AIM: To observe the dynamic changes of liver microcirculation in vivo after arterial embolization with degradable starch microspheres (DSM). METHODS: DSM were injected into the proper hepatic artery through a silastic tube inserted retrogradely in gastroduodenal artery (GDA) of SD rats. Fluorescent microscopy was used to evaluate the dynamic changes of blood flow through the terminal portal venules (TPVs), sinusoids and terminal hepatic venules (THVs). The movements of DSM debris were also recorded. Six hours after injection of DSM, percentages of THVs with completely stagnant blood flow were recorded. RESULTS: Two phases of blood flow change were recorded. In phase one: after intra-arterial injection of DSM, slow or stagnant blood flow was immediately recorded in TPVs, sinusoids and THVs. This change was reversible, and blood flow resumed completely. In phase two: after phase one, blood flow in TPVs changed again and three patterns of blood flow were recorded. Six hours after DSM injection, 36.9%±9.2% of THVs were found with completely stagnant blood flow. CONCLUSION: DSM can stop the microcirculatory blood flow in some areas of liver parenchyma. Liver parenchyma supplied by arteries with larger A-P shunt is considered at a higher risk of total microcirculatory blood stagnation after injection of DSM through hepatic artery.     

Resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma with left hepatectomy after pre-operative embolization of the proper hepatic artery

Background:

Right or right-extended hepatectomy including the caudate lobe is the most common treatment for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC). A 5-year survival of up to 60% can be achieved using this procedure if R0-resection is obtained. However, for some patients a left-sided liver resection is necessary to obtain radical resection. The close relationship between the right hepatic artery and the HC in these patients frequently limits the ability to achieve a radial R0-resection without difficult vascular reconstruction. The aim of the present study was to describe the outcome of patients who underwent pre-operative embolization of the proper hepatic artery in an effort to induce development of arterial collaterals thus allowing the resection of the proper and right hepatic artery without vascular reconstruction.

Methods:

In patients presenting with HC who were considered to require a left hepatic lobectomy and in whom pre-operative work up revealed possible tumour invasion of the right hepatic artery, transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) of the proper hepatic artery or the left and right hepatic arteries was performed. Three weeks later, a left-sided hepatectomy with resection of all portal structures except the portal vein was performed.

Results:

In six patients, pre-operative embolization of the proper hepatic artery was performed. Almost instantaneously in all six patients arterial flow signals could be detected in the liver using Doppler ultrasonography. No patient died peri-operatively. In all six patients an R0 radial resection was achieved and in three an R0 proximal transection margin was obtained. All post-operative complications were managed successfully using percutaneous drainage procedures. No patient developed local recurrence and two patients remain disease free more than 7 years after surgery.

Summary:

After pre-operative embolization of the proper hepatic artery, resection of the HC with left hepatectomy is a promising new approach for these technically demanding patients, giving them the chance of a cure.     

Necrosis of a large hepatic tumor after hemorrhage and subsequent selective arterial embolization

INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular adenomas are uncommon benign liver tumours that are present mainly in women of reproductive age[1]. Their existence is associated with the use of oralcontraceptives[2]. The first clinical presentation of the tumour can consist …     

Gastric variceal bleeding caused by an intrahepatic arterioportal fistula that formed after liver biopsy: a case report and review of the literature

An intrahepatic arterioportal fistula is a rare cause of portal hypertension and variceal bleeding. We report on a patient with an intrahepatic arterioportal fistula following liver biopsy who was successfully treated by hepatectomy after unsuccessful arterial embolization. We also review the literature on symptomatic intrahepatic arterioportal fistulas after liver biopsy. A 48-year-old male with bleeding gastric varices and hepatitis B virus-associated liver cirrhosis was transferred to our hospital; this patient previously underwent percutaneous liver biopsies 3 and 6 years ago. Abdominal examination revealed a bruit over the liver, tenderness in the right upper quadrant, and splenomegaly. Ultrasonographic examination, computed tomography, and angiography confirmed an arterioportal fistula between the right hepatic artery and the right portal vein with portal hypertension. After admission, the patient suffered a large hematemesis and developed shock. He was treated with emergency transarterial embolization using microcoils. Since some collateral vessels bypassed the obstructive coils and still fed the fistulous area, embolization was performed again. Despite the second embolization, the collateral vessels could not be completely controlled. Radical treatment involving resection of his right hepatic lobe was performed. For nearly 6 years postoperatively, this patient has had no further episodes of variceal bleeding.     

Preoperative embolization of the common hepatic artery in preparation for radical pancreatectomy for pancreas body cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To assess preliminary results of preoperative embolization of the common hepatic artery in preparation for distal pancreatectomy with en bloc resection of the celiac and common hepatic arteries for carcinoma of the body of the pancreas involving these arteries. METHODOLOGY: Four patients underwent the embolization with coils 1-7 (median: 5) days before surgery. A detachable coil was used to obtain the best position of the first coil as an anchor in 3 patients. RESULTS: Immediately after embolization, collateral pathways developed from the superior mesenteric artery via the pancreatoduodenal arcades to the proper hepatic and gastroduodenal arteries in all 4 patients; however, they were relatively poor in one patient. There were no complications after embolization. The pulsation of the proper hepatic and gastroduodenal arteries was well palpable during surgery, although it had been compromised sometimes in previous cases without embolization. There were no ischemia-related complications in the 2 patients who underwent radical surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative embolization of the common hepatic artery is a safe technique and has the potential to enlarge the collateral pathways by the time of distal pancreatectomy with en bloc resection of the celiac artery and prevent postoperative fatal ischemia-related complications.     

Gonadal vein graft for hepatic artery reconstruction.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Resection of hepatic arteries is often obligatory on resecting pancreatic, gastric and hepatobiliary malignancies. Hepatic artery reconstruction is required to preserve liver function and blood flow to the bile duct. We applied the gonadal vein to hepatic artery reconstruction. METHODOLOGY: Hepatic artery reconstruction using a gonadal vein graft was performed in two patients: one with gallbladder cancer and the other with recurrent gastric cancer. RESULTS: The right ovarian vein, 2 mm in diameter and 4 cm in length, was grafted for reconstruction between the proper hepatic and the posterior hepatic artery in one patient who underwent modified central hepatic bisegmetectomy and common bile duct resection. The left spermatic vein, 3 mm in diameter and 6 cm in length, was grafted for reconstruction between the celiac artery and the right hepatic artery in the other, who underwent upper abdominal exenteration. The former graft was occluded due to tumor invasion at 4 months after surgery, the latter one was patent at 8 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The gonadal vein had an ideal diameter and sufficient length to accomplish hepatic arterial reconstruction. The gonadal vein graft will be a new and preferable addition to the selection of an optimal graft for hepatic arterial reconstruction.     

Preservation of segment 4 inferior by distal middle hepatic vein reconstruction combined with extended right hepatectomy after portal vein embolization in a patient with a huge initially unresectable HCC

An extended hepatectomy combined with preoperative portal venous embolization can offer curative resection in patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. However, hypertrophy of the future remnant liver is occasionally unsatisfactory after portal venous embolization in some patients to remove the initially unresectable tumor. In these patients, hepatic venous reconstruction to preserve hepatic parenchyma may contribute to the possibility of resection. The present case report shows a patient with an initially unresectable huge hepatocellular carcinoma in whom transarterial chemoembolization, portal vein embolization, and an extended right hepatectomy combined with distal middle hepatic venous reconstruction were performed to preserve Segment 4 inferior. The patient was a 66-year-old male. He presented with a huge hepatocellular carcinoma located at Segment 8, 7 and 4 superior, but the volume of the left lateral segment was only 267 mL. Transarterial chemoembolization was performed twice and right portal vein embolization was performed once, but the volume of the left lateral segment was only 318 mL compared to 487 mL which was a limit of future remnant liver volume. We therefore performed an extended right hepatectomy combined with distal middle hepatic venous reconstruction to preserve Segment 4 inferior. The left saphenous venous graft was used for this hepatic venous reconstruction. His postoperative course was almost uneventful. Postoperative abdominal computed tomography showed the satisfactorily preserved Segment 4 inferior. Distal hepatic venous reconstruction combined with an extended hepatectomy may further offer a chance of a curative resection for patients in whom enough hypertrophy of the future remnant liver is not obtained after portal venous embolization.     

Total pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection for a pancreatic adenocarcinoma involving both the gastroduodenal artery and the celiac artery

A pancreatic adenocarcinoma involving both the celiac artery and the gastroduodenal artery is often considered to be unresectable because the simultaneous division of both arteries may result in an acute severe ischemia of the liver and the stomach. We report here a case of total pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection for a 61-year-old female with a pancreatic adenocarcinoma involving both the celiac artery and the gastroduodenal artery. The patient had a replaced right hepatic artery from the superior mesenteric artery and a replaced left hepatic artery from the left gastric artery, which was directly arising from the aorta. Preserving these collateral arteries, neither hepatic artery reconstruction nor total gastrectomy was needed after resection. The reported incidence of similar arterial anatomy was only 0.2% but the precise evaluation of arterial anatomy is important to offer a chance of curative resection for patients with usually unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer.     

葡聚糖微球肝栓塞治疗肝癌疗效的病理学评估

病理组织学评估葡聚糖微球栓塞治疗肝癌的疗效。11例原发性肝癌行葡聚糖微球肝栓塞治疗，栓塞后择期作有切除术。切除后的肝瘤标本作组织病理研究以观察肿瘤的坏死程度及葡聚糖微球在人体内的状况。7例肝癌病灶为完全坏死，未见存活癌细胞；另4例为不完全坏死。两者相比，完全坏死组肿瘤较为远离膈面、肝裂、及胆囊窝等动脉侧支吻合丰富的区域。葡聚糖微球能产生均一的末梢性动脉栓塞。微球在体内191天仍未被吸收。门脉系统内未见栓子微球。部分远离肝侧支循环的肝癌可通过葡聚糖微球肝栓塞得到临床治愈。