Hepatectomy for pyogenic liver abscess

BackgroundCommensurate with the advances in diagnostic and therapeutic radiology in the past two decades, percutaneous needle aspiration and catheter drainage have replaced open operation as the first choice of treatment for both single and multiple pyogenic liver abscesses. There has been little written on the place of surgical resection in the treatment of pyogenic liver abscess due to underlying hepatobiliary pathology or after failure of non-operative management.MethodsThe medical records of patients who underwent resection for pyogenic liver abscess over a 15-year period were retrospectively reviewed. The demographics, time from onset of symptoms to medical treatment and operation, site of abscess, organisms cultured, aetiology, reason for operation, type of resection and outcome were analysed. There were 49 patients in whom the abscesses were either single (19), single but multiloculated (11) or multiple (19). The median time from onset of symptoms to medical treatment was 21 days and from treatment to operation was 12 days. The indications for operation were underlying hepatobiliary pathology in 20% and failed non-operative treatment in 76%. Two patients presented with peritonitis from a ruptured abscess.ResultsThe resections performed were anatomic (44) and non-anatomic (5). No patient suffered a recurrent abscess or required surgical or radiological intervention for any abdominal collection. Antibiotics were ceased within 5 days of operation in all but one patient. The median postoperative stay was 10 days. There were two deaths (4%), both following rupture of the abscess.DiscussionExcept for an initial presentation with intraperitoneal rupture and, possibly, cases of hepatobiliary pathology causing multiple abscesses above an obstructed duct system that cannot be negotiated non-operatively, primary surgical treatment of pyogenic liver abscess is not indicated. Non-operative management with antibiotics and percutaneous aspiration/drainage will be successful in most patients. If non-operative treatment fails, different physical characteristics of the abscesses are likely to be present and partial hepatectomy of the involved portion of liver is good treatment when performed by an experienced surgeon.     

Laparoscopic hepatectomy for the treatment of pyogenic liver abscess: A retrospective case-control study

Percutaneous catheter drainage is the first-line treatment for pyogenic liver abscess (PLA). Some patients need hepatectomy because of underling hepatobiliary pathology or unresponsiveness to nonoperative treatment, the traditional method is open hepatectomy (OH). Laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) for PLA is rarely reported. The purpose of this study is to describe our experience of LH for treating PLA and to compare LH with OH. The medical records of patients who underwent LH for treating PLA were retrospectively analyzed, and the results were compared with those of patients with OH. From January 2015 to December 2021, 61 patients with PLA underwent hepatectomy, and 28 patients who underwent LH (LH group) were compared with 33 patients who underwent OH (OH group). There were no significant differences in the basic data between the 2 groups. Two patients in the LH group were converted to open surgery due to hemorrhage and dense perihepatic adhesions, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the operation time (186.2 ± 85.6 vs. 175.9 ± 76.7 minutes, P = .239), Institut Mutualiste Montsouris classification, extent of hepatectomy and drainage tube removal time, however, the blood loss (200.0 ± 100.5 vs. 470.9 ± 120.1 mL, P = .003), numerical rating scale (5.2 ± 1.8 vs. 9.1 ± 1.6, P = .042), the time to resume oral diet (12.3 ± 6.5 vs. 24.6 ± 10.2 hours, P = .005), the ambulant time (20.2 ± 7.3 vs. 40.2 ± 10.8 hours, P = .010), incidence of postoperative complications (14.3% vs.33.3%, P = .002), comprehensive complication index (46.2 vs. 60.6, P = .013), postoperative hospital stay (8.5 ± 7.3 vs. 13.5 ± 10.2 days, P = .025) in the LH group was significantly less than that in the OH group. Wit experience laparoscopic surgeons, treating PLA by LH is safe and feasible and compares favorably with OH.     

Endoscopic transpapillary abscess drainage for a patient with giant pyogenic liver abscess

The primary modalities for management of liver abscesses are usually antibiotics and percutaneous drainage. However, in patients with ascites or bleeding tendency, the percutaneous puncture of liver abscesses may be unsuitable. We applied a new approach, nasobiliary tube drainage, for a giant pyogenic liver abscess following diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Pyogenic liver abscess is often biliary in origin, and this new approach includes assessment of biliary abnormality for the management of the abscess, enabling treatment of parients in whom puncture of the abscess is considered dangerous because of massive ascites around the liver. We propose that this procedure is useful in the management of a subgroup of patients with pyogenic liver abscess. To our knowledge, no previous reports of endoscopic transpapillary abscess drainage in pyogenic liver abscess are available.     

118例细菌性肝脓肿临床特点分析

目的 探讨近年来细菌性肝脓肿的临床特点、病原学、诊断和治疗的变化.方法 回顾性分析1986年1月-2010年6月北京协和医院118例细菌性肝脓肿住院患者的临床资料.结果 118例平均年龄53.3岁,其中发热(97.5%)、寒战(91.5%)、右上腹痛(44.1%)是最常见的临床表现.糖尿病(41.5%)、胆系疾病(24...     

Laparoscopic hepatectomy for liver tumors: proposals for standardization

Background/purpose

We draw on our experience with laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) to present recommendations for standardization of LH for the treatment of liver tumors.

Methods

At our center, 90 LHs were performed from April 1993 to January 2008. These were divided equally into early cases and late cases, and short-term postoperative results were compared. Forty-nine of the LH procedures were total-laparoscopic procedures, 16 were hand-assisted procedures, and 25 were laparoscopy-assisted procedures. The tumors were malignant in 76 cases and benign in 14 cases.

Results

Among late cases, the numbers of malignant tumors and tumors located in the posterosuperior region of the liver (Segments VII, VIII, and IVb) were significantly higher than among early cases; however, operative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay were significantly lower in the late cases (158.9 ± 213.4 vs. 377.6 ± 421.2 cc, P = 0.007; and 8.7 ± 3.6 vs. 15.3 ± 8.7 days, P = 0.0001, respectively). No operative deaths occurred in either group.

Conclusions

Although LH does have a steep learning curve, we believe that it can be standardized and provide a less invasive surgical option—with no reduction in disease curability—for the treatment of liver tumors in selected patients.     

85例老年细菌性肝脓肿的临床特点分析

目的 总结85例老年细菌性肝脓肿的临床特点,为临床治疗提供依据. 方法 回顾我院1989年1月至2009年12月收治的206例细菌性肝脓肿的临床资料,根据患者年龄将其分为老年组(≥60岁)与非老年组(＜60岁),比较2组间临床表现、实验室与影像学检查以及治疗和预后的特点. 结果 与非老年组相比,老年组患者常伴有内科基础疾病,且血清肌酐水平[( 115.1±44.2) mmol/L比(88.5±37.3) mmol/L,P＜0.01]、APACHEⅡ评分[(8.7±4.1)分比(6.2±4.0)分,P＜0.05]显著升高,且多发、双叶肝脓肿较非老年组多见(32.9％比20.7％,18.8％比8.3％,P均＜0.05).经积极治疗后,老年组患者住院时间、并发症发生率、病死率与非老年组无显著差别(P均＞0.05). 结论 老年肝脓肿患者临床表现、实验宣与影像学检查有其自身特点,经积极治疗可获得与非老年患者相同的预后.     

Patients with culture negative pyogenic liver abscess have the same outcomes compared to those withKlebsiella pneumoniae pyogenic liver abscess

BACKGROUND: Etiologic organism is not frequently isolated despite multiple blood and lfuid cultures during management of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA). Such culture negative pyogen-ic liver abscess (CNPLA) is routinely managed by antibiotics targeted toKlebsiella pneumoniae. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes of such clinical practice.
METHODS: All the patients with CNPLA andKlebsiella pneu-moniaePLA (KPPLA) admitted from January 2003 to Decem-ber 2011 were included in the study. A retrospective review of medical records was performed and demographic, clinical and outcome data were collected.
RESULTS: A total of 528 patients were treated as CNPLA or KPPLA over the study period. CNPLA presented more com-monly with abdominal pain (P=0.024). KPPLA was more com-mon in older age (P=0.029) and was associated with thrombo-cytopenia (P=0.001), elevated creatinine (P=0.002), bilirubin (P=0.001), alanine aminotransferase (P=0.006) and C-reactive protein level (P=0.036). CNPLA patients tend to have anemia (P=0.015) and smaller abscess (P=0.008). There was no differ-ence in hospital stay (15.7 vs 16.8 days) or mortality (14.0% vs 11.0%). No patients required surgical drainage after initiation of medical therapy.
CONCLUSION: Despite demographic and clinical differences between CNPLA and KPPLA, overall outcomes are not different.     

腹腔镜肝切除术在肝癌合并肝硬化患者的应用

目的：探讨腹腔镜下肝切除（LH）与开腹肝切除（OH）在治疗肝癌合并肝硬化患者近期疗效之间的差别。方法选取2010年9月至2012年6月武汉大学人民医院住院的肝癌合并肝硬化患者78例,分为2组,其中LH组32例,OH组46例,分析比较2组术中、术后恢复以及术后复发之间的差别。计量资料采用成组t检验和配对t检验,计数资料采用χ2检验。结果2组比较,术中失血量,LH组显著低于OH组（t＝0．057,P＝0．040）;手术时间,LH组高于OH组（t＝3．101,P＝0．003）;术后并发症方面,电解质紊乱、胆漏、腹水,LH组显著低于OH组（t＝3．001,3．241,4．255,P均＜0．05）;术后第1天肝功能水平（AST、ALT）,LH组显著低于OH组（t＝3．427、3．201,P＝0．001、0．002）;术后开始经口摄食的时间,LH组显著短于OH组（t＝3．012,P＝0．001）;住院时间LH组显著低于OH组（t＝2．157,P＝0．003）;肿瘤复发方面,LH组显著少于OH组（t＝2．751,P＝0．006）。结论对于肝癌合并肝硬化患者,LH较OH,无论在手术切口、术中失血量、术后腹水发生率、术后并发症、住院时间以及术后肿瘤的复发的发生方面都具有显著优势。     

Anaerobic liver abscesses as initial presentation of silent colonic cancer

Background

Rarely, multiple liver abscesses caused by anaerobic organisms are the presenting form of unsuspected colonic cancer in the absence of liver metastases.

Case outline

A 68-year-old man was admitted with abdominal pain, fever and chills. Imaging scans and repeated cytology yielded a diagnosis of multiple liver abscesses. Pus cultures grew Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Bacteroides melaninogenicus and Peptostreptococcus spp. A search for the underlying cause led to the discovery of an adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon. After a 12-month postoperative follow-up, the patient is free of hepatic metastases.

Discussion

Anaerobic liver abscesses should always alert the clinician to possible silent colonic carcinoma.     

Double liver hanging manoeuvre for central hepatectomy

We describe a modification of Belghiti''s liver hanging manoeuvre (LHM) using two small tubes placed in the cut planes, the first between the left lateral and medial sections, and the second along the right hepatic vein, to achieve complete anatomic central hepatectomy for a large tumour compressing surrounding vessels. Using this technique, a large central hepatocellular carcinoma compressing hilar vessels and the right hepatic vein was easily and safely resected in a 57-year-old man.     

Features distinguishing amoebic from pyogenic liver abscess: a review of 577 adult cases

Distinguishing amoebic from pyogenic liver abscesses is crucial because their treatments and prognoses differ. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 577 adults with liver abscess in order to identify clinical, laboratory, and radiographic factors useful in differentiating these microbial aetiologies. Presumptive diagnoses of amoebic (n = 471; 82%) vs. pyogenic (n = 106; 18%) abscess were based upon amoebic serology, microbiological culture results, and response to therapy. Patients with amoebic abscess were more likely to be young males with a tender, solitary, right lobe abscess (P = 0.012). Univariate analysis found patients with pyogenic abscess more likely to be over 50 years old, with a history of diabetes and jaundice, with pulmonary findings, multiple abscesses, amoebic serology titres <1:256 IU, and lower levels of serum albumin (P < 0.04). Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that age >50 years, pulmonary findings on examination, multiple abscesses, and amebic serology titres <1:256 IU were predictive of pyogenic infection. Several clinical and laboratory parameters can aid in the differentiation of amebic and pyogenic liver abscess. In our setting, amebic abscess is more prevalent and, in most circumstances, can be identified and managed without percutaneous aspiration.     

Non-operative management of pyogenic liver abscess

BackgroundLiver abscess is a serious disease traditionally managed by open drainage. The advances in interventional radiology over the last two decades have allowed a change in approach to this condition. We have reviewed our experience in managing liver abscess over the last 7 years.MethodsDetails of all patients admitted with liver abscess between 1995 and 2002 were prospectively entered onto our database. A review was performed to document the use of imaging and drainage techniques. Aetiology, morbidity, mortality and duration of hospital stay were recorded.ResultsForty-two patients (median age 53 [22–85] years; M:F 18:24) were admitted with liver abscess (multiple abscess 20); 19 cases were of portal tract origin, 16 cases were of biliary tract origin and 7 cases were spontaneous. Forty-one patients were managed non-operatively, all received antibiotics (cephalo-sporins 76%, metronidazole 88%, quinolones 33%). Diagnosis was made on ultrasound scan (22) or CT (20). Five patients were managed with antibiotics alone. Fifteen patients were managed initially with percutaneous aspiration and five subsequently required percutaneous drainage. Twenty-one patients had primary percutaneous drainage, nine requiring a further procedure (aspiration 3, drainage 6). One patient underwent hepatic resection. Median hospital stay was 16 (6–35) days. There was one death, but no procedure-related morbidity.DiscussionNon-operative management of solitary and multiple liver abscesses is safe and effective.     

老年细菌性肝脓肿的临床特点

目的　探讨老年细菌性肝脓肿的临床特点。　 方法 　对 1993年 1月～ 1999年 12月间收治的细菌性肝脓肿作回顾性研究 ,比较老年组和中青年组患者的临床特点。　 结果 　与中青年组比较 ,老年组伴有胸水(87 5 %vs 45 8% )、腹水 (37 5 %vs 8 3 % )、大脓腔 (10 0 %vs 6 6 7% )、胆道疾病 (5 6 3 %vs 2 9 2 % )、糖尿病 (37 5 %vs 4 2 % )的比例显著升高 ,而血浆白蛋白 [(2 8 1± 6 0 )g·L-1vs (33 4± 4 8)g·L-1]、血红蛋白 [(95 2± 2 2 5 )g·L-1vs (99 7± 17 0 )g·L-1]水平明显下降。使用抗生素 (10例 )和经肝抽脓术 (4例 )占治疗总数的 87 5 %。治疗总有效率为 93 8%。　 结论 　老年细菌性肝脓肿的发生与胆道疾病、糖尿病有关。抗生素和经肝抽脓术是本病的主要治疗手段。伴有严重贫血、低蛋白血症的患者应予积极纠正。     

Endothelial autophagy is not required for liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice with fatty liver

Background & Aims

Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have impaired liver regeneration. Liver endothelial cells play a key role in liver regeneration. In non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver endothelial cells display a defect in autophagy, contributing to NASH progression. We aimed to determine the role of endothelial autophagy in liver regeneration following liver resection in NAFLD.

Methods

First, we assessed autophagy in primary endothelial cells from wild type mice fed a high fat diet and subjected to partial hepatectomy. Then, we assessed liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice deficient (Atg5^lox/lox;VE-cadherin-Cre⁺) or not (Atg5^lox/lox) in endothelial autophagy and fed a high fat diet. The role of endothelial autophagy in liver regeneration was also assessed in ApoE^−/− hypercholesterolemic mice and in mice with NASH induced by methionine- and choline-deficient diet.

Results

First, autophagy (LC3II/protein) was strongly increased in liver endothelial cells following hepatectomy. Then, we observed at 40 and 48 h and at 7 days after partial hepatectomy, that Atg5^lox/lox;VE-cadherin-Cre⁺ mice fed a high fat diet had similar liver weight, plasma AST, ALT and albumin concentration, and liver protein expression of proliferation (PCNA), cell-cycle (Cyclin D1, BrdU incorporation, phospho-Histone H3) and apoptosis markers (cleaved Caspase-3) as Atg5^lox/lox mice fed a high fat diet. Same results were obtained in ApoE^−/− and methionine- and choline-deficient diet fed mice, 40 h after hepatectomy.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that the defect in endothelial autophagy occurring in NASH does not account for the impaired liver regeneration occurring in this setting.     

A case of hepatocolic fistula after percutaneous drainage for a gas-containing pyogenic liver abscess

We describe a rare of gas-containing pyogenic liver abscess which penetrated the adjacent colon, forming a hepatocolic fistula, after percutaneous transhepatic abscess drainage (PTAD) had been performed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of hepatocolic fistula associated with a gasforming liver abscess in a diabetic patient, with radiological and surgical confirmation of the fistula.     

Pure laparoscopic hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma with chronic liver disease

Pure laparoscopic hepatectomy is a less invasive procedure than conventional open hepatectomy for the resection of hepatic lesions. Increases in experiences with the technique, in combination with advances in technology, have promoted the popularity of pure laparoscopic hepatectomy. However, indications for usage and potential contraindications of the procedure remain unresolved. The characteristics and specific advantages of the procedure, especially for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with chronic liver diseases, are reviewed and discussed in this paper. For cirrhotic patients with liver tumors, pure laparoscopic hepatectomy minimizes destruction of the collateral blood and lymphatic flow from laparotomy and mobilization, and mesenchymal injury from compression. Therefore, pure laparoscopic hepatectomy has the specific advantage of minimal postoperative ascites production that leads to lowering the risk of disturbance in water or electrolyte balance and hypoproteinemia. It minimizes complications that routinely trigger postoperative serious liver failure. Under adequate patient positioning and port arrangement, the partial resection of the liver in the area of subphrenic space, peri-inferior vena cava area or next to the attachment of retro-peritoneum is facilitated in pure laparoscopic surgery by providing good vision and manipulation in the small operative field. Furthermore, the features of reduced post-operative adhesion, good vision, and manipulation within the small area between the adhesions make this procedure safer in the context of repeat hepatectomy procedures. These improved features are especially advantageous for patients with liver cirrhosis and multicentric and/or metachronous HCCs.     

Donor evaluation and hepatectomy for living-donor liver transplantation

In the past decade, considerable technical advances have been accomplished in living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The procedure has become accepted globally as a standard modality for the treatment of end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma in both pediatric and adult populations. During the period of this procedure’s development, however, tragedy has occurred. Serious morbidity and even mortality have been experienced and reported in live donors. The transplant community has been very much aware of its responsibilities toward live donor care, and much effort has been made to improve and secure the overall outcomes of donors. Unlike in deceased-donor liver transplantation (DDLT), opportunity or chance plays a lesser role in the availability of an organ for LDLT. Judgment calls are often made by individuals; therefore, the evaluation process includes social and ethical aspects not encountered among the usual indications for hepatobiliary surgical disease. Thus, the selection of live donors should be made from a wider perspective compared with that for conventional patient care. The approach to selecting live donors may vary slightly between the West, where a large number of DDLTs are performed daily, and the Far East, where they are much less frequent. However, the recognition that the transplant community has a responsibility to provide care to living donors is common. This review provides an overview of the current donor evaluation and surgical procedures involved in LDLT, with the recognition that an open and educated debate is key to ensuring public confidence and maintaining ethical standards in the field.     

Current status of associating liver partition with portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy: Comparison with two-stage hepatectomy and strategies for better outcomes

Since its introduction in 2012, associating liver partition with portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) has significantly expanded the pool of candidates for liver resection. It offers patients with insufficient liver function a chance of a cure. ALPPS is most controversial when its high morbidity and mortality is concerned. Operative mortality is usually a result of post-hepatectomy liver failure and can be minimized with careful patient selection. Elderly patients have limited reserve for tolerating the demanding operation. Patients with colorectal liver metastasis have normal liver and are ideal candidates. ALPPS for cholangiocarcinoma is technically challenging and associated with fair outcomes. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma have chronic liver disease and limited parenchymal hypertrophy. However, in selected patients with limited hepatic fibrosis satisfactory outcomes have been produced. During the inter-stage period, serum bilirubin and creatinine level and presence of surgical complication predict mortality after stage II. Kinetic growth rate and hepatobiliary scintigraphy also guide the decision whether to postpone or omit stage II surgery. The outcomes of ALPPS have been improved by a combination of technical modifications. In patients with challenging anatomy, partial ALPPS potentially reduces morbidity, but remnant hypertrophy may compare unfavorably to a complete split. When compared to conventional two-stage hepatectomy with portal vein embolization or portal vein ligation, ALPPS offers a higher resection rate for colorectal liver metastasis without increased morbidity or mortality. While ALPPS has obvious theoretical oncological advantages over two-stage hepatectomy, the long-term outcomes are yet to be determined.