Preoperative portal vein embolization for extended hepatectomy

OBJECTIVE: To examine the authors' experience with preoperative ipsilateral portal vein embolization (PVE) and assess its role in extended hepatectomy. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Extended hepatectomy (five or more liver segments) has been associated with higher complication rates and increased postoperative liver dysfunction than have standard hepatic resections involving lesser volumes. Recently, PVE has been used in patients who have a predicted (postresection) future liver remnant (FLR) volume less than 25% of total liver volume in an attempt to increase the FLR and reduce complications. METHODS: Sixty patients from 1996 to 2002 were reviewed. Thirty-nine patients had PVE preoperatively. Eight patients who had PVE were not resected either due to the discovery of additional unresectable disease after embolization but before surgery (n = 5) or due to unresectable disease at surgery (n = 3). Therefore, 31 patients who had PVE subsequently underwent extended hepatic lobectomy. A comparable cohort of 21 patients who had an extended hepatectomy without PVE were selected on the basis of demographic, tumor, and liver volume characteristics. Patients had colorectal liver metastases (n = 30), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 15), Klatskin tumors (n = 9), peripheral cholangiocarcinoma (n = 3), and other tumors (n = 3). The 52 resections performed included 42 extended right hepatectomies, 6 extended left hepatectomies, and 4 right hepatectomies extended to include the middle hepatic vein and the caudate lobe but preserving the majority of segment 4. Concomitant vascular reconstruction of either the inferior vena cava or hepatic veins was performed in five patients. RESULTS: There were no differences between PVE and non-PVE groups in terms of tumor number, tumor size, tumor type, surgical margin status, complexity of operation, or perioperative red cell transfusion requirements. The predicted FLR was similar between PVE and non-PVE groups at presentation. After PVE the FLR was higher than in the non-PVE group. No complications were observed after PVE before resection. There was no difference in postoperative mortality, with one death from liver failure in the non-PVE group and no operative mortality in the PVE group. Postoperative peak bilirubin was higher in the non-PVE than the PVE group, as were postoperative fresh-frozen plasma requirements. Liver failure (defined as the development of encephalopathy, ascites requiring sustained diuretics or paracentesis, or coagulopathy unresponsive to vitamin K requiring fresh-frozen plasma after the first 24 hours postresection) was higher in the non-PVE patients than the PVE patients. The hospital stay was longer in the non-PVE than the PVE group. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative PVE is a safe and effective method of increasing the remnant liver volume before extended hepatectomy. Increasing the remnant liver volume in patients with estimated postresection volumes of less than 25% appears to reduce postoperative liver dysfunction.     

Sequential arterial and portal vein embolizations before right hepatectomy in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Selective transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and portal vein embolization (PVE) could improve the rate of hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (FLR) in patients with chronic liver disease. This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of this combined procedure. METHODS: Between November 1998 and October 2004, 36 patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma underwent right hepatectomy after PVE. Additional TACE preceded PVE by 3-4 weeks in 18 patients (TACE+PVE group) and the remaining 18 patients had PVE alone (PVE group). RESULTS: PVE was well tolerated in all patients. The mean increase in percentage FLR volume was significantly higher in the TACE+PVE group than in the PVE group (mean(s.d.) 12(5) versus 8(4) percent; P=0.022). The rate of hypertrophy was more than 10 percent in 12 patients in the TACE+PVE group and in five who had PVE alone (P=0.044). Duration of surgery, blood loss, incidence of liver failure and mortality (two patients in each group) were similar in the two groups. None of the 17 patients with an increase in FLR volume of more than 10 percent died, whereas there were four deaths among 19 patients with a smaller increase. The incidence of complete tumour necrosis was significantly higher in the TACE+PVE group (15 of 18 versus one of 18; P<0.001), with a higher 5-year disease-free survival rate (37 versus 19 percent; P=0.041). CONCLUSION: Sequential TACE and PVE before operation increases the rate of hypertrophy of the FLR and leads to a high rate of complete tumour necrosis associated with longer recurrence-free survival.     

Results of surgical resection for patients with hilar bile duct cancer: application of extended hepatectomy after biliary drainage and hemihepatic portal vein embolization

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of an aggressive surgical approach incorporating major hepatic resection after biliary drainage and preoperative portal vein embolization for patients with hilar bile duct cancer. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Although many surgeons have emphasized the importance of major hepatectomy in terms of curative resection for patients with hilar bile duct cancer, this procedure results in a high incidence of postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients with cholestasis-induced impaired liver function. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 140 patients with hilar bile duct cancer treated from 1990 through 2001. Resectional surgery was performed in 79 patients, 69 of whom underwent major hepatic resection. Thirteen patients underwent concomitant pancreaticoduodenectomy. Preoperative biliary drainage was carried out in all 65 patients who had obstructive jaundice. Portal vein embolization was conducted in 41 of 51 patients undergoing extended right hepatectomy. Short- and long-term outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: No patient experienced postoperative liver failure (maximum total bilirubin level, 5.4 mg/dL). The in-hospital mortality rate was 1.3% (1 in 79, resulting from cerebral infarction). A histologically negative resection margin was obtained more frequently when the scheduled extended hepatic resection was conducted (75% vs 44%, P = 0.0178). The estimated 5-year survival rate was 40% when histologically negative resection margins were obtained, but only 6% if the margins were positive. Multivariate analysis identified the resection margin and nodal status as independent factors predictive of survival. CONCLUSIONS: Extensive resection, mainly extended right hemihepatectomy, after biliary drainage and preoperative portal vein embolization, when necessary, for patients with hilar bile duct cancer can be performed safely and is more likely to result in histologically negative margins than other resection methods.     

Preoperative selective portal vein embolization before hepatectomy for liver metastases: long-term results and impact on survival

BACKGROUND: Some patients cannot undergo curative surgical procedures for liver metastases because of the risk of severe postoperative hepatic failure, which stems from a too-small future remaining liver (FRL). Preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) is an effective means of creating hypertrophy of the FRL, thus permitting safe hepatic resection. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the long-term results of this technique. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients underwent PVE. Of those, 60 (88%) subsequently underwent hepatic resection. Indication for PVE was an estimated FRL ratio (assessed by volumetric computed tomography) of less than 30%. However, if the patient had undergone multiple courses of chemotherapy, the threshold was 40%. The origin of the primary neoplasm was colorectal in 41 patients (68%); in the remaining 19 (32%), the primary neoplasms originated at other sites. RESULTS: Mean growth of the estimated FRL measured by computed tomography 1 month after PVE was 13%. Major complications after hepatectomy occurred in 27% of the patients, and the operative mortality rate was 3%. For the 60 patients who underwent PVE followed by hepatic resection, the 5-year overall survival rate and the disease-free survival rate were 34% and 24%, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rate and the disease-free survival rate of patients with colorectal metastases only were 37% and 21%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term survival rate after PVE followed by resection is comparable with the survival rate obtained after resection without preoperative PVE. The 5-year survival rate of patients undergoing PVE followed by hepatectomy justifies the use of this technique. This technique thus increases the suitability of resection as a treatment choice for patients with liver metastases. PVE should number among the therapeutic options available to every hepatic surgeon.     

Benefit of percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization for extended hepatectomy

Severely locally advanced biliary cancer requires extended hepatectomy in many cases. Percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization (PTPE) is effective to expand the residual liver volume and to avoid postoperative hepatic failure. The ratios of increase in the expected residual liver volume after PTPE are about 10% in cases with right lobar or right trisegment embolization and about 7% in cases with left trisegment embolization. After the introduction of the PTPE technique in our department, the morbidity rate from hepatic failure and mortality rate decreased from 33.3% to 23.8% and from 21.9% to 9.5%, respectively. The technique of PTPE has contributed to an improved survival rate for patients with severely advanced biliary cancer.     

选择性门静脉栓塞在肝叶切除术中的临床应用

手术切除肝脏巨大肿瘤或多发性转移瘤的安全性已大为提高,但半肝或肝三叶切除术后残余肝脏的功能不全仍困扰着外科医师。1986年,日本学者Kinoshita等提出选择性门静脉栓塞（portal vein embolization,PVE）作为扩大肝切除术前准备,并应用于肝癌的治疗。PVE使栓塞侧肝叶萎缩,而非栓塞侧肝叶代偿性增生,     

Combined portal vein and liver resection for biliary cancer]

Portal vein resection has become common in hepatobiliary resection for biliary cancer with curative intent. When cancer invasion of the portal vein is very limited, wedge resection followed by transverse closure is indicated. Longitudinal closure is contraindicated, as this procedure causes stenosis of the portal vein. In the case of right hepatectomy, segmental resection is feasible before liver transection. Reconstruction is completed with end-to-end anastomosis, in which an intraluminal technique is used for posterior anastomosis and an over-and-over suture for anterior anastomosis. More than 5-cm resection of the portal vein often requires reconstruction with an autovein graft. In the case of left hepatectomy, portal vein resection after liver transection is preferable. The resection and reconstruction method should be determined based on both the extent of cancer invasion of the right portal vein and the length of the right portal trunk. So far, we have aggressively carried out combined portal vein and liver resection in 106 patients with advanced biliary cancer (62 cholangiocarcinoma and 44 gallbladder carcinoma). Twenty-nine patients underwent wedge resections and 77 segmental resections (66 end-to-end anastomosis and 11 autovein grafting using an external iliac vein). In patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (n = 58), 3- and 5-year survival rates were 23% and 8%, respectively. Three patients survived for more than 5 years after resection. In contrast, the prognosis of patients with gallbladder cancer (n = 44) was dismal. All of the patients died within 3 years after surgery, although they survived statistically longer than unresected patients. These data suggest that portal vein resection has survival benefit for patients with cholangiocarcinoma. However, the indications for this procedure in gallbladder cancer should be reevaluated.     

Six hundred consecutive carotid endarterectomies with temporary shunt and vein patch angioplasty: early and long-term results

PURPOSE: This retrospective study evaluates the long-term clinical outcome and the survival of 600 consecutive carotid endarterectomies performed with a temporary shunt. All arteriotomies were closed by vein patch angioplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 1989 and November 1998, 600 isolated carotid endarterectomies (CEA) were performed in 540 patients by a uniform surgical technique at the University Clinic of Mont-Godinne. An intraluminal shunt and patch closure were systematically used. The mean age was 68 yr (ranging from 41 to 91 yr), 400 patients were men. The risk factors included hypertension in 73%, smoking history in 60%, coronary artery disease in 51% and hyperlipidemia in 35%. The indications were asymptomatic stenosis in 47%, transient ischemic attack in 40%, vertebrobasilar symptoms in 7% and stroke in 6%. EARLY RESULTS: The combined 30-day stroke and death rate was 0.9%. There were four deaths. The stroke and TIAs rates were 0.2% and 1.5% respectively. The incidence of early carotid occlusion was 0.5%. Cranial or cervical nerve dysfunction was identified in 6.3%. LATE RESULTS: The median follow-up was 49 months with a range of 2-124 months. Cumulative survival rates at 5 and 10 yr were 92+/-1% and 89+/-2% respectively. Thirty-two patients died during long-term follow-up; the death was stroke-related in only three patients. CONCLUSION: Carotid endarterectomy using an intraluminal shunt and vein patch closure is a safe and effective procedure associated with low morbidity and mortality rates at short and long-term follow-up.     

门静脉减压术和FK506对扩大肝切除术影响的实验研究

目的阐明扩大肝切除术后门静脉减压术和FK5 0 6的有效性。方法将实验猪随机分成 4组 ,每组 10头。A组为切除 80 %肝脏加门静脉腔静脉分流术加术前FK5 0 6处理 ,B组为切除80 %肝脏加门静脉腔静脉分流术 ,C组为切除 80 %肝脏加FK5 0 6 ,D组为对照组 (仅切除 80 %肝脏 )。观察血流动力学、肝功能和剩余肝组织微循环变化。结果A组和B组的 5d生存率分别为 80 %和6 0 % ,C组和D组为 30 %和 2 0 % (P <0 0 5 )。术后PVP≤ 2 0 0mmH2 O时生存率为 90 % (17/19) ,PVP >2 0 0mmH2 O时生存率为 10 % (P <0 0 1)。肝切除后 12h时A组和B组ALT低于C组和D组 (P <0 0 1)。术后 1d时A组剩余肝组织的微循环最好 (P <0 0 5 )。结论猪 80 %肝切除加门静脉腔静脉分流及FK5 0 6预处理能提高术后生存和促进剩余肝组织再生 ,PVP可作为判断扩大肝切除术预后的一个较好的指标。     

Preoperative percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization to extend the indications for hepatectomy and to increase the safety of extended hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma]

The usefulness of preoperative percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization (PTPE) in extending the indications for hepatectomy and increasing the safety of extended hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma was studied in 21 patients who underwent right hepatic lobectomy with PTPE of the right first portal branch (group E), in 15 such patients but without PTPE (group N), and in seven such patients who underwent PTPE at this location but could not undergo surgery (group U). The mean volume of the left lobe increased but the results of a 15-minute indocyanine green retention test were worsened 2 weeks after PTPE and again 4 weeks after hepatectomy, but these changes after hepatectomy were almost the same in groups E and N. The worsening of liver function and coagulation test results was less in group E than in group N. The mean prognosis score was better in group E two weeks after PTPE than before, but not in group U. The four patients in group E with high portal vein pressure (> or = 30 cmH2O) or a high prognosis score (> or = 50 points) after PTPE developed hepatic failure after surgery. Preoperative PTPE was useful in extending the indications for hepatectomy and increasing the safety of extended hepatectomy. Evaluation of the clinical course after PTPE was also useful when decisions about the operative method to be used were being made.     

One hundred consecutive hepatobiliary resections for biliary hilar malignancy: preoperative blood donation, blood loss, transfusion, and outcome

BACKGROUND: Many reports on blood loss and transfusion requirements during hepatectomy for metastatic liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma have been published; however, there are no reports on these issues in hepatectomy for biliary hilar malignancy. The aim of this study was to review our experience with blood loss and perioperative blood requirements in 100 consecutive hepatectomies for biliary hilar malignancy. METHODS: One hundred consecutive hepatectomies with en bloc resection of the caudate lobe and extrahepatic bile duct for hilar malignancies were performed, including 81 perihilar cholangiocarcinomas and 19 advanced gallbladder carcinomas involving the hepatic hilus. Fifty-eight hilar resections were combined with other organ and/or vascular resection. Data on preoperative blood donation, intraoperative blood loss, and perioperative transfusion were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Preoperative autologous blood donation was possible in 73 patients (3.4 +/- 1.2 U). Intraoperative blood loss was 1850 +/- 1000 mL (range, 677-5900 mL), and it was < 2000 mL in 62 patients. Intraoperatively, only 7 of the 73 patients (10%) who donated blood received transfusion of unheated, homologous blood products (packed red blood cells or fresh frozen plasma), whereas 18 the 23 patients (67%) without donation received homologous transfusions. Only 16 patients received transfusion postoperatively, and overall, 35 patients received unheated homologous blood products. Total serum bilirubin concentrations after hepatectomy in patients receiving autologous blood transfusion only was similar to those in patients who did not receive transfusion. The incidence of postoperative complications was higher in the 35 patients who received perioperative homologous transfusion than in 65 patients who did not (94% vs 52%; P <.0001). The mortality rate (including all deaths) was 3% (myocardial infarction, intra-abdominal bleeding, and liver failure, 1 patient each). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the technical difficulties arising from hepatectomy for biliary hilar malignancy, approximately two thirds of hepatectomies can be performed in an experienced center without perioperative homologous blood transfusion using preoperative blood donation.     

Two hundred liver hanging maneuvers for major hepatectomy: a single-center experience

OBJECTIVE: To establish the indications of the liver hanging maneuver for major hepatectomy. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The liver hanging maneuver, which is a technique of passing a tape along the retrohepatic avascular space and suspending the liver during parenchymal transection, facilitates anterior approach of major hepatectomy. However, the feasibility and limits of this maneuver have never been established in patients with different clinical backgrounds. METHODS: Medical records of 242 consecutive patients considered for major hepatectomy using the hanging maneuver were reviewed. RESULTS: Among 242 patients, 14 patients (6%) were considered to have contraindication for this maneuver preoperatively because of tumor infiltration to anterior surface of retrohepatic inferior vena cava (IVC). It was successful in 201 patients with overall feasibility of 88%. The feasibility increased significantly in the recent years as compared with the initial years (94% in 2003-2005 vs. 76% in 2000-2002, P < 0.0001). Bleeding during the retrohepatic dissection occurred in 5 patients (2%), which was minor due to injury of hepatic capsule in 3 (1%) and major due to injury of short hepatic vein in 2 (1%). In all cases, bleeding stopped spontaneously. The maneuver was abandoned in 27 patients, including 15 related to severe adhesion between liver and IVC. Univariate analysis showed that adhesion between IVC and liver was the only significant negative predictor affecting the feasibility. Cirrhosis, large tumor, preoperative radiologic treatments did not influence on the feasibility. CONCLUSIONS: The liver hanging maneuver has 94% feasibility in recent years. Absolute contraindication is tumor infiltration to the retrohepatic avascular space. Adhesion between the IVC and liver has a negative impact of the feasibility. According to this indication, the hanging maneuver is easily achievable without risk of the major bleeding during the retrohepatic dissection.     

肝动脉插管化疗栓塞联合选择性门静脉栓塞后手术切除治疗大肝癌的安全性和有效性观察

目的:初步探讨经导管肝动脉栓塞化疗(TACE)联合选择性门静脉栓塞(SPVE)后手术切除治疗大肝癌的可行性、安全性和有效性。方法:回顾性收集解放军总医院第六医学中心肝胆外科2016年1月至2019年12月完成的17例TACE联合SPVE治疗的大肝癌患者临床资料,其中男性15例,女性2例,年龄(59.17±10.30)岁...     

Extracorporeal portal vein arterialization in man after extended hepatectomy to prevent acute liver failure: a case report

Experimental studies have shown that increasing the oxygen supply to the liver through portal vein arterialization (PVA) enhances liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. Moreover, our previous study demonstrated a beneficial effect of an extracorporeal device to increase the oxygenated blood to the liver and to improve the survival rate of animals subjected to subtotal hepatectomy. Herein we have reported a case of PVA through an extracorporeal device to treat a man after extended hepatectomy leading to acute liver failure (ALF). An obese 69-year-old man (body mass index > 35) affected by multiple metastases from colorectal cancer underwent 80% liver resection; at laparotomy, a steatotic liver was evident due to adjuvant chemotherapy. Moreover, the liver experienced 20 minutes of hepatic ischemia during the resection. At the end of resection he underwent extracorporeal PVA treatment. Blood was withdrawn from the femoral artery and returned into the portal venous system through the umbilical vein. An extracorporeal device was interposed between the outflow and inflow to monitor hemodynamic parameters. Starting from operating room each of six treatments lasted 6 hours per day. Serum and liver samples were collected daily. The extracorporeal device was dismounted at the seventh postoperative day. The postoperative course was assessed at 1 month. The PVA-extracorporeal treatment yielded beneficial effects for subtotal hepatectomy by decreasing serum ammonia, transaminases, and total bilirubin concentration. The international normalized ratio recovered rapidly, remaining significantly lower during the entire postoperative period. The ten-day postoperative period was uneventful. The patient was discharged in good health. He is alive and well at the moment. The arterial blood supply in the portal system through the umbilical vein using an extracorporeal device was easily applicable, efficacious, safe, and cost-effective. It may represent a novel approach to treat patients with potential ALF after subtotal liver resection.     

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.     

门静脉和肝动脉结扎序贯二步法肝切除术治疗巨大肝癌

巨大肝癌切除术后剩余肝脏体积不足是发生肝衰竭的主要原因.通过阻断一侧的门静脉和肝动脉,使肿瘤降低分期,增加对侧术后剩余肝脏体积,成为目前切除巨大肝癌的方法之一.2013年3-4月厦门大学附属第一医院收治的1例原发性右半肝巨大肝癌患者,因肝脏剩余体积不足,术者一期行选择性门静脉及肝动脉结扎术后,序贯二期行肝切除术.患者2次手术均顺利完成,一期行门静脉右支及肝右动脉结扎术,术后肝肿瘤体积缩小,剩余左半肝代偿性增生良好,肝脏体积由术前488 mL增加到术后1个月689 mL.一期手术后33 d顺利实施二期巨大肝癌肝切除术,2次术后均无严重并发症发生.术后随访2个月,患者剩余肝脏未见肿瘤复发,AFP由术前425 mg/L降至26×10^-3mg/L.因此,选择性门静脉及肝动脉结扎后序贯二步法肝切除术可能是传统手术无法切除的巨大肝癌患者有效的治疗方法.     

联合肝脏离断和门静脉结扎的二步肝切除术研究进展

联合肝脏离断和门静脉结扎的二步肝切除术(ALPPS)作为一种新的外科手术方法,给因传统手术后剩余肝脏体积不足而不能接受大范围肝切除术的患者带来了希望。该方法一经提出便得到肝外科学家们的青睐,并在应用中不断地提出新的改进方法。早期的研究结果表明ALPPS的手术病死率和并发症发生率较高,随着技术的发展,已有零病死率报道。但是ALPPS后的远期治疗效果尚无明确报道。笔者复习相关文献就该技术的应用进行综述。