Laparoscopy-Assisted Hybrid Left-Side Donor Hepatectomy

Background

Laparoscopic liver resection developed for live liver donors has the advantage of reducing the physical and mental stress in donors. However, its safety and efficacy still remain to be established. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of laparoscopy-assisted hybrid donor hepatectomy (LADH) to obtain left side grafts.

Patients and methods

A total of 31 consecutive live liver donors of left side liver grafts underwent LADH, including left lateral segmentectomy (n = 17) and left liver resection with or without the caudate lobe (n = 14) (LADH group). We compared the clinical data between the LADH group and the group of donors in whom traditional open donor hepatectomy was performed to procure the liver graft (open donor hepatectomy [ODH] group, n = 79).

Results

Laparoscopy-assisted hybrid donor hepatectomy was feasible in all patients, and there was no mortality over a follow-up period of 13.9 ± 9.8 months. The operative time to procure a left-lobe graft was significantly longer in the LADH group (510 ± 90 min) than in the ODH group (P < 0.001). A large right lobe on CT (RPv distance) was identified as a significant risk factor for prolonged operative time (P = 0.007). Evaluation using the SF36-v2 questionnaire revealed faster recovery of the physical component summary score and bodily pain score in the LADH group than in the ODH group.

Conclusions

Laparoscopy-assisted hybrid donor hepatectomy for procuring left side grafts was safe and effective up to the left liver with the caudate lobe. Left-lobe LADH in donors with a large right lobe should be carefully planned in view of the potential surgical difficulty.     

Liver Regeneration and Splenic Enlargement in Donors after Living-Donor Liver Transplantation

Liver regeneration after donor hepactectomy offers a unique insight into the process of liver regeneration in normal livers. As the liver restores itself, concurrent splenic enlargement occurs. There are many theories about why this phenomenon takes place: some investigators have proposed a relative portal hypertension that leads to splenic congestion or, perhaps, the presence of a common growth factor that induces both the liver and spleen to enlarge. Between the months of June 2001 and May 2004, 112 live donor liver transplants (LDLTs) were performed in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The total number of donor hepatectomies performed during this period was 113, however, because one of the cases required dual donors. Of our 113 donors, we eventually analyzed the data of 109; 4 patients were lost to follow-up 6 months later and were excluded from our study. The average age of our donor population was 32.32 ± 8.48 years. The mean liver volume at donation was noted to be 1207.72 ± 219.95 cm³, and 6 months later, it was 1027.18 ± 202.41 cm³. Expressed as a percentage of the original volume, the mean liver volume 6 months after hepatectomy was 90.70% ± 12.47% in this series. For right graft donors, mean liver volume after 6 months was 89.68% ± 12.37% of the original liver volume, whereas that for left graft donors was 91.99% ± 12.6%. Only 26 of the 109 (23.85%) donors were able to achieve full regeneration 6 months post-donation. Notably, liver function profiles of all donors were normal when measured 6 months after operation. The average splenic volume at donation as measured by computed tomography (CT) volumetry was 159 ± 58 cm³, and the splenic volume 6 months post-donation was 213 ± 85 cm³. There was a mean increment in splenic volume of 35% ± 28% 6 months after donation. The blood profiles of the donors were monitored; particular attention was given to platelet levels and liver function tests, and these were found to be within normal limits 6 months after operation. Of note, splenic enlargement was significantly greater among right-sided donors than their left-sided counterparts. Greater splenic enlargement was also observed in those donors who achieved full liver regeneration at their evaluation 6 months postoperatively than in those who did not. Although original liver volume was not re-established in most patients 6 months after liver donation, there seemed to have been no untoward effects to the donor. The factors that affect liver regeneration are complex and myriad. Although there is splenic enlargement at 6 months post-donation in donors of LDLT, there are no untoward effects of this enlargement.     

Comparison of Laparoscopy-Assisted and Open Donor Right Hepatectomy: a Prospective Case-Matched Study from China

Background

Laparoscopy-assisted hepatectomy is a new minimally invasive approach for graft harvesting in living donors. Only a few liver transplant centers have introduced this surgical procedure.

Methods

A prospective case-matched study was conducted on 25 consecutive donors who underwent laparoscopy-assisted donor right hepatectomy (LADRH) between July 2011 and March 2013 at our transplant center. These donors were matched 1:1 according to age, gender, and body mass index with 25 donors who underwent open donor right hepatectomy (ODRH).

Results

LADRH was successfully performed in all 25 of the donors. Donor complications, estimated blood loss, and operative time were similar between the groups. Hospital stay and periods of analgesic use were significantly shorter in the LADRH group [7.0?±?1.4 (LADRH) vs 8.7?±?2.4 (ODRH), p?=?0.003, and 2.4?±?1.0 (LADRH) vs 3.2?±?1.0 (ODRH), p?=?0.011, respectively). The total in-hospital cost is higher with LADRH, primarily due to the additional material costs for LADRH. Finally, there were no differences in graft size, graft survival, or recipient complications between the two groups.

Conclusion

The results of this study show that LADRH is a feasible and safe procedure compared with ODRH. Although higher material costs for laparoscopic assisted procedures are inevitable, LADRH may have an advantage over ODRH by causing less pain and facilitating earlier recovery. Efforts can be made to improve the technical success of LADRH for some overweight donors.     

Predictors for Early Recurrence After Hepatectomy for Initially Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastasis

Background

Early recurrence correlates with poor survival following various cancer surgeries and puts considerable stress on patients both physically and mentally. This retrospective study investigated the predictive factors for early recurrence after surgical resection for initially unresectable colorectal liver metastasis to elucidate indications for conversion strategies.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 46 patients who underwent hepatectomy after chemotherapy for initially unresectable colorectal liver metastasis from 1997 to 2010.

Results

Recurrences occurred within 6 months after hepatectomy in 13 patients (37 %). The median survival time of 21.2 months and the 5-year survival rate of 0 % after hepatectomy in patients with recurrence within 6 months were significantly worse than those in patients with recurrence more than 6 months after hepatectomy. Recurrence in less than 6 months was significantly correlated with impossibility of anticancer therapy for recurrence after hepatectomy (p?=?0.01). Eight or more hepatic tumors after chemotherapy were the only predictor of recurrence within 6 months (p?=?0.01; odds ratio 9.6; 95 % confidence interval 1.5–60.6).

Conclusion

Recurrence within 6 months was significantly correlated with a poorer outcome following surgery for initially unresectable colorectal liver metastasis. Surgical indication for initially unresectable colorectal liver metastasis with eight or more hepatic tumors after chemotherapy should be considered carefully in the light of mental and physical status, co-morbidity, and alternative treatment plans.     

Laparoscopic Greater Curve Plication in Asia: Initial Experience

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic greater curve plication (LGCP) for the treatment of obesity in ethnic Chinese in Hong Kong.

Methods

Twenty-seven consecutive Chinese patients (23 females; mean age 37.6?±?8.9 years) received LGCP for the treatment of obesity from September 2010 to December 2011. Mean baseline body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI) were 84.6?±?17.5 kg and 31.2?±?4.7 kg/m², respectively.

Results

All procedures were performed laparoscopically with conversion to open surgery in one patient. There was neither mortality nor any postoperative complications. Mean follow-up was 10.6?±?6.5 months. Mean procedure time was 117.9?±?22.3 min and mean hospital stay was 2.6?±?0.7 days. Mean BMI loss was 4.1?±?1.6, 4.8?±?2.0 and 5.2?±?2.5 kg/m² at 3, 6 and 12 months. Mean % EBL was 67.3?±?42.1, 66.4?±?35.9 and 60.2?±?25.5 % at 3, 6 and 12 months. Mean % EBL in BMI >35 group (n?=?7) was 38.2?±?11.1, 43.5?±?14.0 and 50.6?±?21.6 % at 3, 6 and 12 months. Mean % EBL in BMI <35 group (n?=?20) was 76.5?±?44.2, 76.5?±?38.2 and 65.0?±?27.0 % at 3, 6 and 12 months.

Conclusions

LGCP is safe and effective in achieving significant weight loss in obese ethnic Chinese patients. However, weight loss in BMI <35 is more pronounced. It is a very valid alternative to other procedures in Asian population.     

Predictors of intraoperative blood loss in patients undergoing hepatectomy

Purpose

Despite recent advances in surgical techniques, blood loss can still determine the postoperative outcome of hepatectomy. Thus, the preoperative identification of risk factors predicting increased blood loss is important.

Methods

We studied retrospectively the clinical records of 482 patients who underwent elective hepatectomy for liver disease, and analyzed the clinicopathological and surgical parameters influencing intraoperative blood loss.

Results

Red cell transfusion was required for 165 patients (35 %). Based on blood transfusion requirement and hepatic failure, we estimated predictive cut-off values at 850 and 1500 ml. The factors found to be significantly associated with increased blood loss were as follows: male gender, obstructive jaundice, non-metastatic liver carcinoma, Child-Pugh B disease, decreased uptake ratio on liver scintigraphy, platelet count, or prothrombin activity, longer hepatic transection time, operating time, the surgeon’s technique, J-shape or median incision, major hepatectomy, and not using hemostatic devices (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified male gender, low prothrombin activity, longer transection time, longer operation time, and not using hemostatic devices as factors independently associated with increased blood loss (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Male gender and low prothrombin activity represent risk factors for increased blood loss during hepatectomy. Moreover, every effort should be made to reduce the transection and operating times using the latest hemostatic devices.     

Repeat Hepatectomy for Recurrent Liver Metastasis From Gastric Carcinoma

Background

The efficacy of repeat hepatectomy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal liver metastases is widely accepted. However, the benefits of such treatment for intrahepatic recurrence of gastric cancer liver metastasis remain unknown. This study sought to clarify the survival benefit for patients undergoing repeat hepatectomy for gastric cancer liver metastasis.

Methods

A total of 73 patients underwent hepatectomy for gastric cancer liver metastasis from January 1993 to January 2011. Macroscopically curative surgery was performed in 64 patients. Among them, repeat hepatectomy was performed in 14 of the 37 patients with intrahepatic recurrence. Among these 14 patients, clinicopathologic factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis to identify the factors affecting survival.

Results

The overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates after a second hepatectomy were 71, 47, and 47 %, respectively. The median survival was 31 months. Operative morbidity and mortality rates of repeat hepatectomy were 29 and 0 %, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified the duration of the disease-free interval as the only independent significant factor predicting better survival.

Conclusions

In selected patients, repeat hepatectomy for recurrent gastric cancer liver metastasis may offer the same chance of cure as the primary hepatectomy. Disease-free intervals exceeding 12 months predict good patient survival after repeat hepatectomy.     

Low-Volume Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation Alongside a Strong Living Donor Liver Transplantation Service

Background

At our center, living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is the main workload supported by a strong, mature service. Deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) is performed but in small volume. This study aimed to review the results of a low-volume DDLT service alongside a strong LDLT service.

Methods

Consecutive DDLTs for adults performed from 1991 to 2009 were reviewed. The 1st to the 50th DDLTs were categorized as Era I cases, and the rest were Era II cases. The outcomes of the DDLTs were analyzed and compared with those achieved overseas.

Results

Eras I and II consisted of 59 and 183 DDLTs, respectively. All donors were brain-dead and heart-beating with a median age of 49 years (range 7–76 years). Among the 242 DDLTS, 30.2 % were on a high-urgency basis and 15.3 % were for hepatocellular carcinoma. The patients had a median model for end-stage liver disease score of 21 (range 6–40), and most (67.8 %) were hepatitis B virus carriers. Before transplantation, 16.1 % of the patients were in the intensive care unit and 30.2 % were in the hospital. The hospital mortality rate dropped from 13.6 % (8/59) during Era I to 3.8 % (7/183) during Era II (p = 0.012). For Era I, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 84.7, 79.7, and 76.3 %, respectively, which improved to 92.9, 89.0 and 87.2 % for Era II (p = 0.026).

Conclusions

The recipient survival of this series compares favorably with contemporary series. It is shown that a low-volume DDLT service alongside a strong LDLT service can have excellent results.     

Function and volume recovery after partial hepatectomy: influence of preoperative liver function, residual liver volume, and obesity

Background

The regenerative capacity of the liver is an essential pre-condition for the successful application of partial hepatectomy. However, the actual kinetics of functional recovery remains unspecified and no adequate tool for its clinical monitoring has yet been available.

Methods

Eighty-five patients receiving major hepatectomy were investigated from the preoperative evaluation until 12?weeks after surgery. Liver function was determined by the LiMAx test for the enzymatic capacity of cytochrome P450 1A2. Liver volume was determined by volumetric analysis of repeated computer tomography scans. Functional and volume recovery were compared during follow-up.

Results

Major hepatectomy decreased liver function capacity to 35.7?±?13.8?% of preoperative function. It was shown that functional recovery already reaches 77.2?±?33.5?% of preoperative values within 10?days. The actual kinetics were dependent from the type and extent of hepatectomy. Complete functional restoration was achieved within 12?weeks, while liver volume still remained at 73.2?±?14.8?% of preoperative. A constant but interindividually variable correlation between function and volume was observed at all points in time.

Conclusion

Partial hepatectomy leads to fast and complete functional recovery, while volume recovery is delayed and remains often incomplete. The functional recovery is mainly influenced by the preoperative liver function, the residual liver volume, and by obesity.     

A Systematic Review of Repeat Hepatectomy for Recurrent Colorectal Liver Metastases

Background

Selected patients with recurrent colorectal liver metastases (CLM) may be resectable by repeat hepatectomy approach. In this review, we aim to collate and evaluate the published evidence for repeat hepatectomy in patients with recurrent CLM.

Methods

Searches of the Medline and Embase databases were undertaken to identify studies of repeat hepatectomy in patients with recurrent CLM focusing on the perioperative treatment regimen, operative strategy, morbidity, technical success and survival outcomes.

Results

Twenty-two observational studies were reviewed. A total of 1,610 patients underwent second hepatectomy for recurrent CLM. The median percentage of extra-hepatic disease was 15 % (range, 0–39 %). Preoperative chemotherapy was reported in 5/22 studies. Major liver resection was undertaken in 25 % (range, 9–59 %) of patients and the R0 resection rate was 90 % (range, 77–96 %). Postoperative morbidity and mortality after the second hepatectomy were 23 % and 1.2 %, respectively. Recurrence rate after second hepatectomy was 63.9 % (range, 42–91 %) with a median follow-up period of 32 months (range, 19–59 months). Median overall survival was 35 months (range, 19–56 months). The 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 55 % (range, 11–82 %) and 42 % (range, 31–73 %), respectively.

Conclusion

Second hepatectomy is safe and feasible in selected patients with recurrent CLM and is associated with acceptable perioperative and survival outcomes. Future prospective studies are required to further define the patient selection criteria for repeat hepatectomy and the exact role of perioperative chemotherapy.     

Changes in Gastrosplenic Circulation and Splenic Function after Distal Pancreatectomy with Spleen Preservation and Splenic Vessel Excision

Introduction

Distal pancreatectomy with spleen preservation and splenic vessel excision is a commonly used technique. However, it produces significant gastrosplenic circulation and splenic function changes.

Purpose

The aim of this work was to determine the immediate consequences on gastrosplenic circulation, late consequences on splenic function, and development of varicose veins.

Methods

Thirty-five patients with pancreatic tumors and anatomical feasibility were included. Preoperative splenic circulation was evaluated by dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans. Early splenic perfusion was assessed by CT 7 days after surgery and late changes in gastrosplenic circulation 6 months after surgery. Varicose veins were evaluated by CT and endoscopy 6 months after surgery. Pitted cells and Howell–Jolly bodies were used as markers of splenic function. Postoperatory findings included changes in splenic perfusion 7 days and 6 months after surgery, development of varicose veins on CT scans and endoscopy, and detection of markers of splenic hypofunction on blood smears.

Results and Conclusion

Seven days after surgery, 63 % of patients had some degree of splenic hypoperfusion, and 6 months after surgery, 83 % of patients had normal perfusion. CT scans showed varices in 26 patients, and endoscopy revealed varicose veins in 11. Two patients experienced bleeding; markers of splenic hypofunction were found in 59 % of cases.     

Favorable Changes in Arterial Elasticity,Left Ventricular Mass,and Diastolic Function After Significant Weight Loss Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Obese Individuals

Background

Obesity is accompanied by increased arterial stiffness, left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, and diastolic dysfunction, all associated with a negative prognosis. The evolution of LV mass, function, and arterial elasticity after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) was unknown, and this is what we have investigated.

Methods

Thirty-four consecutive obese subjects (mean age, 39?±?11 years; 35.2 % men), scheduled for LSG, were studied before, at 6 and 12 months after surgery.

Results

The body mass index (BMI) decreased from 43.6?±?11.9 to 32.1?±?7.4 and to 28.9?±?5.8 kg/m² at 6 and 12 months after surgery (all p?<?0.05). The baseline LV mass index was correlated with age, BMI, waist circumference, blood glucose level, systemic hypertension stage, and with aortic distensibility, strain, and stiffness index (all p?<?0.05). Aortic distensibility increased by 110 %, aortic strain by 58 %, and aortic stiffness index decreased by 88 % at 6 months after LSG (all p _{6 months–baseline}?<?0.05) and all the parameters had similar values at 12 months postoperatively (all p _{12–6 months}?=?NS). LV hypertrophy prevalence decreased from 61.8 to 47.1 % and to 32.3 % at 6 and 12 months after surgery (all p?<?0.05). The proportion of patients with LV diastolic dysfunction decreased from 52.9 to 23.5 % at 6 months (p _{6 months–baseline}?<?0.01) and to 20.6 % at 12 months postoperatively (p _{12?–6 months}?=?0.7).

Conclusions

Significant improvements of aortic elasticity and of LV diastolic function were recorded at 6 months, and they were maintained at 12 months after LSG. The LV hypertrophy showed also a favorable evolution: it has been slightly improved 6 months after surgery and further ameliorated 1 year postoperatively.     

Organ donation after cardiac death: donor and recipient outcomes after the first three years of the Ontario experience

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore donor and recipient outcomes from organ donation after cardiac death (DCD) in Ontario and to examine the impact of DCD on deceased donation rates in Ontario since its implementation.

Methods

Donor data were obtained from the Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) TOTAL database from June 1, 2006 until May 31, 2009. All DCDs were tracked, including unsuccessful DCD attempts during that time. For the first 36 months after DCD implementation, all Ontario solid organ transplant programs that utilized organs from DCD provided clinical outcome data at one year. Total DCD activity until December 1, 2010 was also tracked. In addition, we compared organ donation and DCD rates across all Canadian jurisdictions and the USA.

Results

For the first 36 months of DCD activity in Ontario, June 1, 2006 to May 31, 2009, there were 67 successful DCDs out of 87 attempted DCDs in 18 Ontario hospitals, resulting in 128 kidney, 41 liver, and 21 lung transplants. The one-year kidney patient and death-censored allograft survivals were 96 and 97%, respectively. Mean (SD) creatinine at 12 months was 150 (108) μmol·L^?1. In 26 (20%) extended criteria donors (ECD-DCD), the one-year creatinine was 206 (158) μmol·L^?1 vs 137 (80) μmol·L^?1 in 102 standard criteria donors (SCD-DCD) (P = 0.002). The one-year liver and lung allograft survivals were 78% and 70%, respectively. Since its implementation four and a half years ago, DCD has accounted for 10.9% of deceased donor activity in Ontario. In 2009, Ontario had a record number of organ donors. Of the 221 deceased donors, 37 (17%) donors were DCD. By December 1, 2010 there were 121 DCD Ontario donors resulting in > 300 solid organ transplants and accounting for 90% of all DCD activity in the country.

Conclusion

The rapid update of DCD in Ontario can be attributed to strong proponents in the critical care and transplantation communities with continued support from Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN). Ontario is the only province to demonstrate growth in deceased donor rates over the last decade (25% over the last four years), which can be attributed primarily to the success of its DCD activity.     

Liver-to-Spleen Ratio as an Index of Chronic Liver Diseases and Safety of Hepatectomy: A Pilot Study

Background

Hepatic failure is a main cause of death after hepatectomy. Accurate preoperative evaluation of functional liver reserve is the key to ensure safe resection. Studies have found that the spleen would gradually enlarge as chronic liver disease worsened. This study was designed to determine whether preoperative liver-to-spleen ratio (LSR) would be an indicator to evaluate severity of liver disease and predict safety of hepatectomy.

Methods

The volumes of liver and spleen were evaluated on computed tomography scan in 67 patients who received partial hepatectomy. Preoperative LSR was calculated. Statistical analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between LSR and the degree of chronic liver disease. Ability of LSR to predict the safety of hepatectomy also was evaluated.

Results

LSR had a negative correlation with the degree of chronic liver diseases (r = ?0.606, P < 0.0001). LSR = 3.22 was the cutoff point for predicting posthepatectomy complications and inadequacy. AUC, sensitivity, and specificity for predicting posthepatectomy complications and inadequacy respectively were 0.830 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.715–0.950, P < 0.0001), 69.6, 93.2 %, and 0.863 (95 % CI 0.777–0.949, P < 0.0001), 68.8, 84.3 %. Multivariate analysis showed that LSR = 3.22 was the factor that affected both posthepatectomy complications and liver inadequacy.

Conclusions

Preoperative LSR score correlated well with the degree of chronic liver diseases, and it probably help us to improve the safety of hepatectomy.     

New Surgical Approach to Large Splenorenal Shunt in Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Diversion of SMV and SPV Blood Flow

Introduction

The management of a large splenorenal shunt is important because it affects recipient outcome, particularly in living donor liver transplantation.

Methods

To manage large splenorenal shunts in living donor liver transplantation, we diverted superior mesenteric vein and splenic portal vein blood flow by ligation at the root of the splenic portal vein.

Result

This procedure was applied for five patients in whom superior mesenteric vein blood flow had been completely stolen by a splenorenal shunt preoperatively. Postoperative course was excellent in all cases.

Conclusion

This technique completely prevents morbidity related to large splenorenal shunts after living donor liver transplantation.     

Volume of Resected Stomach as a Predictor of Excess Weight Loss After Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is gaining popularity for the treatment of obesity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the volume of the resected stomach (VRS) as a predictor of the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) 1 year after LSG.

Methods

This was a single-surgeon study of prospectively collected data of patients who underwent LSG at Jordan University Hospital (February 2009 to February 2012). The VRS was measured using a standardized technique. The %EWL was calculated at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The correlation between the VRS and %EWL was statistically evaluated.

Results

Ninety patients underwent LSG during the study period. Of these, 73 patients (57 female) completed at least 1 year of follow-up and were analyzed; their body mass index was 45?±?7.6 kg/m² (33–81). The VRS was 1,337.4?±?435.2 ml (600–2,800). The %EWL was 33.6?±?11.1 % at 3 months, 48.6?±?15.5 % at 6 months, and 56.8?±?18.9 % at 12 months. A significant correlation was observed between the VRS and %EWL at 1 year (p?=?0.003). Patients with a VRS of >1,100 ml (n?=?43) achieved significantly greater %EWL at 12 months than did those with a VRS of ≤1,100 (n?=?30). Removal of >1,100 ml of gastric volume was associated with a sensitivity and specificity of 75.5 and 46.2 %, respectively, for achieving a %EWL of ≥50 %.

Conclusion

The VRS can be used as an indicator of excess weight loss 1 year after LSG.     

High Survival in Patients Operated for Small Isolated Liver Metastases from Gastric Cancer: A Multi-institutional Study

Background

Although several studies have reported the outcomes of surgery for the treatment of liver metastases of gastric cancer (GLM), indications for liver resection for gastric metastases remain controversial. This study was designed to identify prognostic determinants that identify operable hepatic metastases from gastric cancer and to evaluate the actual targets of surgical therapy.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was performed on outcomes for 24 consecutive patients at five institutions who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer followed by curative hepatectomy for GLM between 2000 and June 2012.

Results

Overall 5-year survival and median survival were 40.1 % and 22.3 months, respectively. Uni- and multivariate analyses showed that liver metastatic tumour size less than 5 cm was the most important predictor of overall survival (OS, p = 0.03). Four patients survived >5 years. Repeat hepatectomy was performed in three patients. Two of these patients have remained disease-free since the repeat hepatectomy.

Conclusions

GLM patients with metastatic tumour diameter less than 5 cm maximum are the best candidates for hepatectomy. Hepatic resection should be considered as an option for gastric cancer patients with liver metastases.     

Conventional Versus Laparoscopic Surgery for Hepatic Hydatidosis: a 6-Year Single-Center Experience

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of laparoscopic surgery compared with conventional surgery.

Methods

Records of patients who underwent surgery for liver hydatid disease between 2005 and 2011 were reviewed. Operative time, blood loss, conversion to open, postoperative morbidity, mortality, hospital stay, and recurrence rate were measured.

Results

Among 353 eligible patients, 60 were considered for laparoscopic and 293 for conventional surgery. Operative time was slightly increased in laparoscopic group. No major blood loss and blood transfusion were needed. Postoperative hospital stay was significantly short in laparoscopic group (3.8?±?1.2 days) than that in conventional group (7.4?±?1.4 days). The overall morbidity was 13.3 % (8/60) in laparoscopic and 19.8 % (58/293) in conventional group without significance. Both conversion rate and mortality was 0 %. One recurrence in laparoscopic (1.7 %, 1/60) and five in conventional group (1.7 %, 5/293) occurred within 48 months of follow-up.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic treatment of liver hydatid disease is safe and effective in selected patients with all its advantages.     

Laparoscopic Spleen-Preserving Distal Pancreatectomy: Comparative Study of Spleen Preservation with Splenic Vessel Resection and Splenic Vessel Preservation

Background

Spleen-preserving laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (SPLDP) can be performed with splenic vessel resection (SVR) or splenic vessel preservation (SVP). The purpose of this comparative study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent SPLDP with SVR or SVP at a single institution.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 246 patients who underwent SPLDP at Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, for benign or low-grade malignant tumors found in the body or tail of the pancreas between November 2005 and November 2011.

Results

In total, 206 patients (83.7 %) were managed by SVP. SVR was performed in the remaining 40 (16.3 %) cases. There were no significant differences between the SVP and SVR groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss (378 ± 240 vs. 328 ± 204 ml, respectively; P = 0.240) and operating time (193.4 ± 59.1 vs. 204.4 ± 51.8 min, respectively; P = 0.492). Sixty-seven (32.5 %) and 10 patients (25 %) had complications in the SVP and SVR groups, respectively (P = 0.347). At 3 days after surgery, the rates of splenic infarction were 16.0 % (33/206) in the SVP group and 52.5 % (21/40) in the SVR group, but all recovered within 12 months on postoperative computed tomography. The time of recovery from splenic infarction was 3.6 ± 3.1 and 4.7 ± 3.7 months in the SVP and SVR groups, respectively. At 6 months, the rates of gastric varices were 1.9 % in the SVP group and 35 % in the SVR group (P < 0.001) with no progression at 12 months. No gastrointestinal bleeding occurred at a median follow-up of 34 months (range = 12–84).

Conclusions

SPLDP with SVR can be used for patients with large and benign or low-grade malignant tumors that distort and compress vessel course, as the higher rate of early splenic ischemia and perigastric varices is acceptable.     

Comparison of platelet count in tuberculosis spine to other spine pathology

Purpose

Haematological markers currently used to investigate TB spine vary from WCC, Anaemia, ESR and CRP. Platelet count in TB spine as a marker has been inadequately investigated.

Method

In this retrospective review, Platelet count in TB spondylitis on admission was compared to patients undergoing other elective spinal surgery (control) preoperatively. Comparisons of the platelets with ESR and the effect of HIV on platelet count in TB spine were also evaluated.

Results

160 TB spine patients showed statistically significant higher platelet count when compared to 210 patients in the control group (p < 0.001). 52.5 % patients had a raised platelet count in the TB spondylitis group. Raised Platelet count had a sensitivity and specificity of 52.5 % and 86.2 %, respectively in TB spondylitis. ESR and platelet count had a Pearson correlation r = 0.31 (p < 0.001). HIV however did not statistically show any difference in the platelet count (p = 0.12).

Conclusion

A raised platelet count in spinal pathology may be used as an inflammatory marker of TB spondylitis.