Laparoscopic management of benign solid and cystic lesions of the liver

OBJECTIVE: The authors present their experience in the laparoscopic management of benign liver disease. The aim of the study is to analyze technical feasibility and evaluate immediate and long-term outcome. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Indications for the laparoscopic management of varied abdominal conditions have evolved. Although the minimally invasive treatment of liver cysts has been reported, the laparoscopic approach to other liver lesions remains undefined. METHODS: Between September 1990 and October 1997, 43 patients underwent laparoscopic liver surgery. There were two groups of benign lesions: cysts (n = 31) and solid tumors (n = 12). Indications were solitary giant liver cysts (n = 16), polycystic liver disease (n = 9), hydatid cyst (n = 6), focal nodular hyperplasia (n = 3), and adenoma (n = 9). Only solid tumors, hydatid cysts, and patients with polycystic disease and large dominant cysts located in anterior liver segments were included. All giant solitary liver cysts were considered for laparoscopy. Patients with cholangitis, cirrhosis, and significant cardiac disease were excluded. Data were collected prospectively. RESULTS: The procedures were completed laparoscopically in 40 patients. Median size was 4 cm for solid nodules and 14 cm for solitary liver cysts. Conversion occurred in three patients (7%), for bleeding (n = 2) and impingement of a solid tumor on the inferior vena cava (n = 1). The median operative time was 179 minutes. All solitary liver cysts were fenestrated in less than 1 hour. There were no deaths. Complications occurred in 6 cases (14.1%). Two hemorrhagic and two infectious complications were noted after management of hydatid cysts. There were no complications after resection of solid tumors. Three patients received transfusions (7%). The median length of stay was 4.7 days. Median follow-up was 30 months. There was no recurrence of solitary liver or hydatid cysts. One patient with polycystic disease had symptomatic recurrent cysts at 6 months requiring laparotomy. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic liver surgery can be accomplished safely in selected patients with small benign solid tumors located in the anterior liver segments and giant solitary cysts. The laparoscopic management of polycystic liver disease should be reserved for patients with a limited number of large, anteriorly located cysts. Hydatid disease is best treated through an open approach.     

Laparoscopic treatment of retroperitoneal cystic mesothelioma. Two cases reported

Retroperitoneal cystic mesothelioma is a very rare lesion. The pathogeny is unclear and establishing a preoperative diagnosis versus others retroperitoneal cystic lesions is difficult.Thus, with increasing experience in laparoscopic retroperitoneal surgery, the use of this approach for exploration of a retroperitoneal mass of unknown origin may provide an alternative to classic open surgery and all the benefits of laparoscopy. We present two cases treated laparoscopycally and review the literature.     

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目的　探讨胰腺囊性肿瘤的诊断和治疗。方法　对 1978年以来 19例胰腺囊性肿瘤的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果　肿瘤位于胰头部 4例 ,胰体尾部 15例。行不同术式的肿瘤切除 13例 ,外引流 1例 ,内引流 2例 ,剖腹探查、肿瘤活检 3例。无手术死亡。随访囊腺瘤 3例 ,分别随访 6个月、16年和 2 1年仍生存 ;囊腺癌 9例 ,生存时间 <6个月 3例 ,6个月至 2年 4例 ,3年 4个月 1例 ,最长 1例 8年仍生存。结论　B超和CT是诊断胰腺囊性肿瘤的有效方法 ,二者结合使用可提高诊断率。该病切除率高 ,预后较好。应首选手术治疗。     

Primary benign solid tumors of the liver.

The benign solid primary tumors of the liver separate into three major groups: (1) the most common lesions--small, nodular tumors, often found incidentally with histologic features suggesting a reactive etiology, that never rupture or metastasize, that seem to grow most rapidly in children and pregnant women, and that are probably unrelated to birth control medication; (2) the less common adenomas that are purely epithelial, that most often occur in menstruating females, that often show necrosis and rupture, and that are closely associated with oral contraceptive agents; and (3) very rare tumors, usually mesenchymal, occurring solely in children. The therapeutic and prognostic implications of these tumors are defined based upon a study of 111 patients, all but one of whom have undergone resection.     

Laparoscopic management of cystic disease of the liver

Background: Laparoscopic management of cystic disease of the liver, including severe polycystic disease, is evolving. Methods: Wide unroofing, or ``fenestration,'' as is required for a successful result in open cases, leads to complete resolution of the cysts. This can even occur in chronic cysts, with wide-enough unroofing, given time. Results: In polycystic disease, adequate fenestration of superficial cysts allows deeper cysts to prolapse and be similarly fenestrated, thus reducing pressure effects on the liver and restoring normal function. Conclusion: However, because of the distortion of anatomy by this disease, it is important that an experienced liver surgeon perform such a complex procedure, as operative complications could be severe.     

Laparoscopic surgery of liver tumors

Introduction

Despite initial concerns regarding safety and oncological adequacy, the use of laparoscopic liver resections for benign and malignant diseases has spread worldwide. As in open liver surgery, anatomical orientation and the ability to control intraoperative challenges as bleeding have to be combined with expertise in advanced laparoscopic techniques.

Methods

In this review, we provide an overview regarding the literature on laparoscopic liver resection for benign and malignant liver tumors with the aim to discuss the current standards and define remaining challenges. Although numerous case series and meta-analyses have addressed the evolving field of laparoscopic liver surgery recently, data from randomized controlled trials are still not available.

Results and conclusions

Laparoscopic liver resection is feasible and safe in selected patients and experienced hands. Even major liver resections can be performed laparoscopically. The minimal invasive approach offers benefits in perioperative short-term outcome without compromising oncological outcomes compared to open liver resections. Further randomized trials are needed to formally prove these statements and to define the optimal indication and techniques for the individual patient.     

Laparoscopic liver resection of benign liver tumors

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and outcome of laparoscopic liver resection for benign liver tumors in a multicenter setting. Background: Despite restrictive, tailored indications for resection in benign liver tumors, an increasing number of articles have been published concerning laparoscopic liver resection of these tumors. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 18 surgical centres in Europe regarding their experience with laparoscopic resection of benign liver tumors. Detailed standardized questionnaires were used that focused on patient's characteristics, clinical data, type and characteristics of the tumor, technical details of the operation, and early and late clinical outcome. Results: From March 1992 to September 2000, 87 patients suffering from benign liver tumor were included in this study: 48 patients with focal nodular hyperplasia (55%), 17 patients with liver cell adenoma (21%), 13 patients with hemangioma (15%), 3 patients with hamartoma (3%), 3 patients with hydatid liver cysts (3%), 2 patients with adult polycystic liver disease (APLD) (2%), and 1 patient with liver cystadenoma (1%). The mean size of the tumor was 6 cm, and 95% of the tumors were located in the left liver lobe or in the anterior segments of the right liver. Liver procedures included 38 wedge resections, 25 segmentectomies, 21 bisegmentectomies (including 20 left lateral segmentectomies), and 3 major hepatectomies. There were 9 conversions to an open approach (10%) due to bleeding in 45% of the patients. Five patients (6%) received autologous blood transfusion. There was no postoperative mortality, and the postoperative complication rate was low (5%). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5 days (range, 2–13 days). At a mean follow-up of 13 months (median, 10 months; range, 2–58 months), all patients are alive without disease recurrence, except for the 2 patients with APLD. Conclusions: Laparoscopic resection of benign liver tumors is feasible and safe for selected patients with small tumors located in the left lateral segments or in the anterior segments of the right liver. Despite the use of a laparoscopic approach, selective indications for resection of benign liver tumors should remain unchanged. When performed by expert liver and laparoscopic surgeons in selected patients and tumors, laparoscopic resection of benign liver tumor is a promising technique.     

Benign solid liver tumors

Benign solid liver tumors are a heterogeneous group of lesions (adenoma, focal nodular hyperplasia, hemangioma, etc.) with highly varied epidemiological characteristics. Advances in diagnostic methods have improved preoperative diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging has become the key test, but there is still a percentage of cases in which definitive preoperative diagnosis is not feasible. The most frequent symptom is abdominal pain, although patients are frequently asymptomatic. Surgery is indicated when diagnosis is uncertain or there are complications (rupture, hemorrhage, etc.). Because of the risk of malignant transformation, adenomas should always be resected. Morbidity and mortality after resection of these tumors is very low since excision is limited, performed in young people without concomitant disease, and in healthy liver.     

Laparoscopic management of benign cystic lesions of the liver

We present our experience in the laparoscopic management of benign liver cysts. The aim of the study was to analyze the technical feasibility of such management and to evaluate safety and outcome on follow-up. Between September 1990 and October 1997, 31 patients underwent laparoscopic liver surgery for benign cystic lesions. Indications were: solitary giant liver cysts (n = 16); polycystic liver disease (PLD; n = 9); and hydatid cysts (n = 6). All giant solitary liver cysts were considered for laparoscopy. Only patients with PLD and large dominant cysts located in anterior liver segments, and patients with large hydatid cysts, regardless of segment or small partially calcified cysts in a safe laparoscopic segment, were included. Patients with cholangitis, cirrhosis, and significant cardiac disease were excluded. Data were collected prospectively. The procedures were completed laparoscopically in 29 patients. The median size of the solitary liver cysts was 14 cm (range, 7–22 cm). Conversion to laparotomy occurred in 2 patients (6.4%), to control bleeding. The median operative time was 141 min (range, 94–165 min) for patients with PLD and 179 min (range, 88–211 min) for patients with hydatid cysts. All solitary liver cysts were fenestrated in less than 1 h. There were no deaths. Complications occurred in 6 patients (19%). Two hemorrhagic and two infectious complications were noted after management of hydatid cysts. Three patients were transfused. The median length of hospital stay was 1.3 days (range, 1–3 days), 3 days (range, 2–7 days), and 5 days (range, 2–17 days) for solitary cyst, PLD, and hydatid cysts, respectively. Median follow-up was 30 months (range, 3–78 months). There was no recurrence of solitary liver cyst or hydatid cysts. One patient with PLD presented with symptomatic recurrent cysts at 6 months, requiring laparotomy. We conclude that laparoscopic liver surgery can be accomplished safely in patients with giant solitary cysts, regardless of location. The laparoscopic management of polycystic liver disease should be reserved for patients with a limited number of large, anteriorly located cysts. Hydatid disease is best treated through an open approach. Received for publication on Aug. 21, 1999; accepted on Sept. 2, 1999     

Laparoscopic distal pancreatic resection: Our own experience in the treatment of solid tumors

A laparoscopic resection is a new treatment for pancreatic tumors. Articles by surgeons who are writing about their first experience in carrying out this treatment have appeared in the literature, reporting that laparoscopic surgery can be used for the treatment of pancreatitis, benign lesions, and solid tumors. This is a study of three patients with pancreatic tumors who were treated by means of a laparoscopic distal pancreatic resection with preservation of the spleen and splenic vessels. In three cases a laparoscopic distal resection was performed for the tumor. The histologic examinations showed one insulinoma and two mucinous cystadenomas. No patient suffered from intra- or postoperative complications. A laparoscopic resection of the distal pancreas is a new alternative for the treatment of pancreatic tumors. This method takes advantage of the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.     

胰腺囊性肿瘤的诊治98例报告

目的探讨胰腺囊性肿瘤的常见类型、诊断及合理手术方式的选择。方法对2000年1月至2008年12月期间收治98例胰腺囊性肿瘤患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果本病无特征性的临床表现,B超、CT和Mill等影像学检查也能发现胰腺囊肿病灶但不能确定具体类型。本组胰腺囊腺瘤57例（浆液性囊腺瘤32例,黏液性囊腺瘤25例）,黏液性囊腺癌13例,实性假乳头状瘤19例,导管内乳头状黏液性肿瘤9例。所有患者均手术治疗,胰十二指肠切除26例,保留十二指肠胰头切除28例,胰腺节段切除术7例,胰体尾切除加脾脏切除25例,肿瘤摘除术12例。术后均进行随访,3例胰腺囊腺癌患者于术后6个月到4年期间死于癌转移或其他疾病,1例囊腺癌患者术后9个月肿瘤复发,再次手术后现仍生存,其他均存活。结论B超,CT和MRI等影像学技术是胰腺囊性肿瘤的主要诊断方法。手术切除为治疗该肿瘤的最有效手段。正确的诊断和合理手术方式的选择是提高其临床治愈率的关键。     

Laparoscopic treatment of gastric tumors

PURPOSE: To assess the use of different laparoscopic approaches in the management of gastric tumors based on tumor type and location. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2002 and June 2005, 23 consecutive patients with gastric lesions were treated with laparoscopy procedures. Six patients presented with stromal tumors, 5 with benign lesions, and 12 with resectable gastric cancers. RESULTS: The patients were 13 men and 10 women, mean age 66.2 +/- 11.1 years (range, 29-84 years). Five laparoscopic gastric wedge resections, 6 intragastric submucosal resections, and 12 gastrectomies (10 subtotal and 2 total) were performed. Mean operative time was 49.1 +/- 18.8 minutes (range, 30-85 minutes) in the gastrointestinal stromal tumors and 64.1 +/- 19.2 minutes (range, 45-90 minutes) in benign tumors. Gastrectomy required an average of 197.6 +/- 36.9 minutes (range, 130-260 minutes). The mean times were 142.5 +/- 9.6 minutes in the subtotal gastrectomy group with extracorporeal anastomosis and 190.8 +/- 20.1 minutes when the anastomosis was totally laparoscopic (P < 0.002). All procedures were completed laparoscopically and there were no intraoperative complications. There were four postoperative complications: one wall hematoma secondary to the introduction of a trocar, one prolonged ileus, one intra-abdominal abscess, and one esophagojejunal leakage. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor patients were discharged after a mean 5.8 +/- 1.3 days; patients with benign pathology after 5.2 +/- 0.9 days, and gastric cancer patients after 10.7 +/- 7.3 days (range, 6-28 days). The mean number of dissected lymph nodes in gastric cancer was 21.3 (range, 16-31). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic treatment of gastric lesions is technically feasible and safe. Compared to conventional surgery, it offers the advantages of low invasiveness and improved quality of life.     

胰腺囊性肿瘤的诊断与治疗

自１９６５～１９９４年，作者收治了１６例胰腺囊性肿瘤病人。男性４例，女性１２例，平均年龄５０９岁。１６例中浆液性囊腺瘤２例，良性的粘液性囊腺瘤７例，粘液性囊腺癌４例，乳头状囊腺癌１例，低分化腺癌１例，未分化癌１例。Ｂ超和ＣＴ检查对于肿物的检出、浆液性囊腺瘤内多发小囊的分辨，以及肿物周边钙化的显示具有一定价值。囊肿壁不完全的活组织检查可导致冰冻甚至石腊切片的误诊。除了个别已被确诊的无症状的浆液性囊腺瘤可进行观察，其余各种类型的病变均要行手术切除。本文对各种类型囊性肿瘤的特征、囊性肿瘤与假性囊肿的鉴别诊断以及各类手术方式进行了讨论。     

胰腺囊性肿瘤的诊断与治疗

目的 探讨胰腺囊性肿瘤的诊断与治疗方法.方法 对我院1985年1月至2006年12月间收治的11例胰腺囊性肿瘤的临床资料进行回顾性分析.结果 本组11例中,仅6例术前确诊为胰腺囊性肿瘤,术前误诊为胰腺假性囊肿4例,误诊为胆总管囊肿1例,误诊率为45.4%.行胰头部囊性肿瘤切除术2例,胰体尾部切除和脾切除术3例,囊性肿瘤局部切除术2例.囊肿空肠Roux-Y吻合术3例,囊肿活检,囊腔内置管引流术1例.内引流术后并发胰性腹水1例,全组无手术死亡.结论 提高对本病的警惕性,常规行胰腺B超和CT检查是早期发现本病的有效方法,避免误诊和积极手术切除,可获得较好疗效.     

胰头囊性肿瘤的手术策略15例报告

目的探讨胰头部囊性肿瘤的治疗策略。方法回顾性分析2000年1月至2009年12月收治的15例胰头部囊性肿瘤患者的临床资料。结果上腹饱胀不适及黄疸为胰头部囊性肿瘤患者最主要的症状。术前超声检出率为80%（12/15）,CT检出率为100%。所有患者均接受手术治疗,手术方式包括肿瘤局部切除、胰十二指肠切除、保留幽门的胰十二指肠切除及胆总管空肠吻合。术后并发症率53.3%（8/15）,随访率86.7%。结论对胰头部囊性肿瘤,术前CT或MRI检查及术中冰冻病理检查非常重要,根据上述情况采取个体化的手术方式。