Selective hepatic vascular exclusion and Pringle maneuver: A comparative study in liver resection

Objective

Most liver resections require champing of the hepatic pedicle (Pringle maneuver) to avoid excessive blood loss. But Pringle maneuver cannot control backflow bleeding of the hepatic vein. Resection of liver tumors involving hepatic veins may cause massive hemorrhage or air embolism from injuries of the hepatic vein. Although total hepatic vascular exclusion (THVE) can prevent bleeding of the hepatic vein effectively, it also may result in systemic hemodynamic disturbance because of the clamped inferior vena cava (IVC). SHVE, a new technique, can control the inflow and outflow of the liver without clamping the vena cava. We compared the effects of selective hepatic vascular exclusion (SHVE) and Pringle maneuver in resection of liver tumors involving the junction of the hepatic vein.

Methods

From January 2000 to October 2005, 2100 patients with liver tumors had undergone liver resections in our department. Among them, tumors of 235 cases adhered to or were close to the junction of one or more hepatic veins. Both SHVE and Pringle maneuver were used to control blood loss during hepatectomy. These 235 cases were divided into two groups: Pringle maneuver group (110) from January 2000 to December 2002 and SHVE group (125) from January 2003 to October 2005. Data were analyzed regarding the intraoperative and postoperative courses of the patients. In the SHVE group, total SHVE (clamping the porta hepatis and all major hepatic veins) was used in 69 cases and partial SHVE (clamping the porta hepatic and one or two hepatic veins) in 56 cases. There were three methods in hepatic veins occlusion: ligating with suture, encircling and occluding with tourniquets and clamping with Satinsky clamps.

Results

There was no difference between the two groups regarding the age, gender, tumor size, cirrhosis and HBsAg rate, ischemia time and operating time. Intraoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements were significantly decreased in the SHVE group. Hepatic veins rupture with massive blood loss occurred in 14 and air embolism in three during the tumor resection, but there was no massive blood loss and air embolism in the SHVE group due to hepatic vein occlusion. Postoperative bleeding, reoperation, liver failure and mortality rate were higher, and ICU stay and hospital stay were longer in the Pringle group than those in the SHVE group.

Conclusion

SHVE is much more effective than Pringle maneuver in controlling intraoperative bleeding. It can prevent massive blood loss and air embolism from hepatic veins rupture and can reduce the postoperative complication rate and mortality rate. Clamping the hepatic veins with Satinsky clamps is much safer and easier than ligating with suture and occluding with tourniquets.     

Prolonged chemotherapy impairs liver regeneration after portal vein occlusion – An audit of 26 patients

Aim

The aim of the present retrospective study was to investigate the influence of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on liver regeneration after portal vein occlusion before major hepatectomy.

Method

Between 2003 and 2007, 26 patients underwent portal vein occlusion, of whom 22 had portal vein embolisation and 4 portal vein ligation. 15 of 23 patients with colorectal liver metastases had neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

After portal vein occlusion, the ratio of the future liver remnant volume to total parenchymal liver volume (FLR%) was reduced in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (27 ± 1% vs 32 ± 1%, p = 0.03). A smaller future liver remnant before portal vein occlusion resulted in a greater degree of hypertrophy (r² = 0.18, p = 0.04). Patients with tumour size greater than 60 mm showed a decreased degree of hypertrophy (7 ± 1)% as compared to patients with smaller tumours (13 ± 1%, p = 0.01). There was one death shortly after portal vein embolisation. 19/26 patients were resected with zero operative mortality.

Conclusion

Prolonged neoadjuvant chemotherapy has a small negative effect on liver regeneration induced by portal vein occlusion. Liver regeneration induced by portal vein occlusion is relatively large when tumour burden is small.     

Two-stage hepatectomy: Who will not jump over the second hurdle?

Background

Two-stage hepatectomy uses compensatory liver regeneration after a first noncurative hepatectomy to enable a second curative resection in patients with bilobar colorectal liver metastasis (CLM).

Objective

To determine the predictive factors of failure of two-stage hepatectomy.

Method

Between 2000 and 2010, 48 patients with irresecable CLM were eligible for two-stage hepatectomy. The planned strategy was a) cleaning of the left hepatic lobe (first hepatectomy), b) right portal vein embolisation and c) right hepatectomy (second hepatectomy). Six patients had occult CLM (n = 5) or extra-hepatic disease (n = 1), which was discovered during the first hepatectomy. Thus, 42 patients completed the first hepatectomy and underwent portal vein embolisation in order to receive the second hepatectomy. Eight patients did not undergo a second hepatectomy due to disease progression.

Results

Upon univariate analysis, two factors were identified that precluded patients from having the second hepatectomy: the combined resection of a primary tumour during the first hepatectomy (p = 0.01) and administration of chemotherapy between the two hepatectomies (p = 0.03). An independent association with impairment to perform the two-stage strategy was demonstrated by multivariate analysis for only the combined resection of the primary colorectal cancer during the first hepatectomy (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Due to the small number of patients and the absence of equivalent conclusions in other studies, we cannot recommend performance of an isolated colorectal resection prior to chemotherapy. However, resection of an asymptomatic primary tumour before chemotherapy should not be considered as an outdated procedure.     

A survival benefit of major hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma identified by preoperative [F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in patients with well-preserved hepatic function

Aims

Hepatic resection can cure hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the optimal extent of resection remains controversial. Major hepatectomy could minimize a tumor recurrence, but it is harmful due to decreased hepatic functional reserve. [¹⁸F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scans are known as their reflection tumor differentiation and biological activity in HCC. To evaluate a benefit of major hepatectomy for HCC, we performed this retrospective analysis in patients with well-preserved hepatic function, and further analyzed in the subset identified by preoperative FDG-PET.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 189 patients with HCC who underwent curative resection between August 2004 and December 2010 at two institutes. All patients underwent anatomical resection, either by major or minor hepatectomy.

Results

Median overall survival did not differ significantly between the major and minor hepatectomy groups (29.4 versus 26.3 months, p = 0.269). However, the major hepatectomy group had a better recurrence-free survival (24.5 versus 19.9 months, p = 0.004). On multivariate analysis, the presence of intrahepatic metastasis independently predicted overall survival (p = 0.009), but other examined variables did not. Overall survival and recurrence-free survival were significantly better following major hepatectomy rather than minor hepatectomy in patients whose preoperative FDG-PET indicated that the maximum standardized uptake value of the tumor (SUV_tumor) was ≥4 and the tumor-to-nontumor SUV ratio (TNR) was ≥1.5.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that preoperative FDG-PET may be useful in identifying patients with favorable hepatic reserve who are most likely to benefit from major rather than minor hepatectomy.     

Fast-track surgery improves postoperative recovery in patients undergoing partial hepatectomy for primary liver cancer: A prospective randomized controlled trial

Background and aim

Fast-track surgery (FTS), combining several techniques with evidence-based adjustments, has shown its effectiveness to accelerate recovery, reduce morbidity and shorten hospital stay in many operations. This randomized controlled study was carried out aiming to compare the short-term outcomes of partial hepatectomy for liver cancer managed with FTS or with conventional surgery (CS).

Methods

To compare the short-term effects between FTS and CS, a randomized controlled trial was carried out for liver cancer patients undergoing partial hepatectomy from September 2010 to June 2012.

Results

Patients with liver cancers before receiving partial hepatectomy were randomized into the FTS group (n = 80) and the CS group (n = 80). Compared with the CS group, the FTS group had significantly less complications (P < 0.05), shorter durations of nausea/vomiting, paralytic ileus and hospital stay, higher general comfort questionnaire measures (GCQ) by Kolcaba Line (all P < 0.05), and lower serum levels of C-reactive protein on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5.

Conclusions

FTS was safe and efficacious. It lessened postoperative stress reactions and accelerated recovery for patients undergoing partial hepatectomy for liver cancer.     

Placement of an arterial hepatic catheter after a major hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases: Is this safe?

Background

Studies have suggested that hepatic arterial infusion of chemotherapy (HAI) after resection of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) may improve patient's survival. The placement of a catheter in the hepatic artery at the time of hepatic surgery should therefore be considered in patients at high risk of hepatic recurrence. The aim of this study was to compare post-operative outcomes in patients who underwent at least a major hepatectomy (≥3 segments) for CRLM with or without catheter placement.

Methods

From 2000 to 2010, 57 patients who underwent at least a major hepatectomy for CRLM resection were selected from a prospective database. Among them, 22 had had a catheter insertion during surgery.

Results

The two groups were similar in terms of age, body mass index (BMI), ASA score, and the average number of pre-operative courses of systemic chemotherapy (11 ± 5). The rate of overall complications was slightly higher after catheter insertion (63% vs. 51%) although not significant (p = 0.36). Two patients had died post-operatively from liver insufficiency; both had undergone catheter insertion after a major hepatectomy associated with contralateral procedures resulting in a small remnant liver volume with low outflow capacity. Thrombosis of the common hepatic artery and portal venous gas were depicted on both CT scan.

Conclusion

Although the placement of an arterial catheter during a major hepatectomy does not significantly increase the rate of postoperative complications two patients died post-operatively in this study from vascular thrombosis. In case of extended and complex hepatectomy, with a higher risk of post-operative complications, delaying the catheter placement could be recommended.     

Hepatic resection for synchronous hepatic metastasis from gastric cancer

Background

The role of surgical resection for synchronous hepatic metastases arising from gastric adenocarcinoma has not been established. This study was designed to explore the clinicopathologic features and surgical results of these patients.

Methods

Twenty-five (4.8%) of 526 patients diagnosed with synchronous hepatic metastatic gastric cancer received hepatectomy and gastrectomy at the same time; 2 cases underwent repeat hepatectomy after intrahepatic recurrence. Clinicopathologic parameters of the hepatic metastases and the surgical results for all 25 patients were analysed.

Results

The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates after resection were 96.0%, 70.4%, and 29.4%, respectively, and 56.0%, 22.3%, and 11.1%, respectively. Five patients survived for more than 5 years after surgery, and no mortality has occurred within 30 days after resection. Univariate analysis revealed that patients with multiple hepatic metastases suffered poorer OS (P = 0.026) and RFS (P = 0.035) than those with solitary hepatic metastasis. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was a significant indicator of a favourable OS (P = 0.022). Number of metastatic lesions remained significant in the multivariate analysis of OS and RFS (P = 0.039, P = 0.049, respectively). None of variables of the primary lesion was a significant prognostic factor for those patients.

Conclusions

Gastric cancer patients with a solitary synchronous liver metastasis may be good candidates for hepatic resection. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy may provide a benefit by aiding in OS.     

Pre-hepatectomy portal vein embolization: Single center experience

Aim

To evaluate the feasibility and the effectiveness of portal vein embolization (PVE) as preoperative treatment in patients scheduled to undergo right hepatectomy, when the volume of the future remnant liver (FRL) appears to be insufficient to prevent the risk of post-surgical hepatic failure.

Materials and Methods

Thirty-one consecutive patients (19 men, 12 women; age range: 54–77 years; mean age: 66.2 years) with liver malignancy (7 hepatocellular carcinoma, 13 metastases, 9 cholangiocarcinoma, and 2 gallbladder carcinoma) were selected after clinical–radiological evaluation for PVE. After the embolization changes in volume of FRL, portal pressure, liver enzymes, and complications before and after hepatectomy were assessed.

Results

PVE was successful in all patients without major complications. The mean volume of FRL, calculated before and 4 weeks after PVE, increased from 319.2 ± 45.1 to 460.2 ± 27.7 cm³ (+44.2%) in the non-cirrhotic group and from 458.4 ± 38.3 to 605.2 ± 27 cm³ (+32.1%) in the cirrhotic group. The FRL/TELV ratio increased by 9%.

Conclusion

In our experience, PVE resulted feasible, safe, with a very low rate of complications, and effective to induce liver regeneration before right hepatectomy in patients with liver malignancy.     

Laparoscopic liver resection compared to open approach in patients with colorectal liver metastases improves further resectability: Oncological outcomes of a case-control matched-pairs analysis

Aims

Liver resection is considered the standard treatment of colorectal metastases (CRLM). However, to date, no long term oncological results and data regarding repeat hepatectomy after laparoscopic approach are known. The aim of this study is to analyze single center long-term surgical and oncological outcomes after liver resection for CRLM.

Methods

A total of 57 open resections (OR) were matched with 57 laparoscopic resections (LR) for CRLM. Matching was based mainly on number of metastases, tumor size, segmental position of lesions, type of hepatectomy and type of resection.

Results

Morbidity rate was significantly less in the LR group (p = 0.002); the length of hospital stay was 6.5 ± 5 days for the LR group and 9.2 ± 4 days for the OR group (p = 0.005). After a median follow up of 53.7 months for the OR group and 40.9 months for the LR group, the 5-y overall survival rate was 65% and 60% respectively (p = 0.36) and the 5-y disease free survival rate was 38% and 29% respectively (p = 0.24). More patients in the LR group received a third hepatectomy for CRLM relapse than in the OR group (80% vs. 14.3% respectively; p = 0.015).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic resection for CRLM offers advantages in terms of reduced blood loss, morbidity rate and hospital stay. It provides comparable long-term oncological outcomes but can improve further resectability in patients with recurrent disease.     

Venous complications following petrosal vein sectioning in surgery of petrous apex meningiomas

Objective

Meningiomas involving the petrous apex regularly show a close relationship with the superior petrosal vein which is sometimes obliterated during surgery due to its proximity to the tumour. However, there is no study available so far focusing on the frequency of postoperative venous congestion related complications following petrosal vein obliteration as well as on pre- and intraoperative findings related to them.

Methods

Fifty-nine patients with meningiomas involving the petrous apex were analyzed concerning the intraoperative preservation or sacrifice of the petrosal vein and postoperative complications related to venous occlusion.

Results

When a petrosal vein was occluded, in 9 of 30 cases venous-related complications occurred with a minor venous-congestion phenomenon in seven cases and major complications in two cases. When the petrosal vein complex was preserved, there were no similar complications.

Conclusion

Preservation of the petrosal venous complex, especially of large caliber veins, should be attempted whenever possible to increase the safety of surgery. In cases of petrosal vein obliteration, effective brainstem decompression following tumour removal is essential to minimizing the risk of cerebellar congestion.     

A new measure to assess the difficulty of liver resection

Background

There is no valid measure to assess surgical difficulty and feasibility of a planned liver resection. It is the objective of this study to evaluate a mathematical measure from a 3D graphical analysis.

Methods

Eleven different 3D models of hepatic tumours were evaluated by experts for resectability and analysed with Amira^® graphic software taking into consideration the portal and hepatic venous vascular relationships. Virtual resection volumes with increasing resection margins from 1 to 30 mm were determined separately for portal veins, hepatic veins, their intersections and volume unions. The integral of the increasing resection volumes was defined as risk coefficient. The risk coefficients from this volumetric analysis were compared with the expert opinion.

Results

The risk coefficient based on the integral of portal venous and hepatic venous volume unions reproduced the expert opinion highly significantly (correlation coefficient 0.9, p < 0.05) and more accurately than volumetric analysis of the planned resection margin.

Conclusion

With automated volumetric analysis, anatomically problematic situations in liver surgery can be reproduced and scaled. The risk coefficient obtained is a suitable objective measure for defining risk areas in liver surgery.     

Prognostic influence of the liver hanging maneuver for patients with hepatobiliary malignancies who underwent hepatic resections

Background

Prognostic influences of hepatic transection by an anterior approach using the liver hanging maneuver (LHM) has not been fully clarified.

Methods

We examined 233 patients who underwent major hepatectomy with the LHM (n = 75; hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in 35, colorectal liver metastasis (CLM) in 10, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) in 14 and perihilar bile duct carcinoma (BDC) in 16) or without it (n = 158; HCC in 78, CLM in 21, ICC in 31 and BDC in 28).

Results

In HCC patients, cancer-positive margin rate, blood loss, transection time and prevalence of posthepatectomy ascites in the LHM group were significantly lower than those in the non-LHM group (p < 0.05). In CLM, transection time in the LHM group was significantly lower than that in the non-LHM group (p < 0.05). In BDC patients, amount of blood loss, transection time and prevalence of ascites in the LHM group were significantly lower than those in the non-LHM group (p < 0.05). In CLM patients, tumor recurrence rate in the non-LHM group was significantly higher than that in the LHM group and disease-free survival in the LHM group was significantly better than that in the non-LHM group in CLM patients and, however, this difference was not observed in a large CLM exceeding 5 cm. However, significant differences of posthepatectomy disease-free and overall survivals were not observed in HCC, ICC and BDC patients.

Conclusions

Although advantages of LHM improving surgical records in major anatomical liver resections were clarified, oncological advantages in the long-term survival of LHM was still uncertain in the hepatobiliary malignancies.     

Liver metastases in close contact to hepatic veins ablated under vascular exclusion

Background

Liver metastases (LM) in close contact to hepatic veins (HV) are a frequent cause of unresectability. Reconstruction of hepatic veins is technically difficult and outcomes are poor. Intra-operative radiofrequency ablation (IRFA) with vascular exclusion (VE) may be a useful approach.

Methods

Out of 358 patients operated for LM, 22 with LM close to a HV treated by IRFA under VE with at least one year of follow-up were included in this retrospective study. Technical success was evaluated at four months by CT scan of the ablated lesion. Complications; local, hepatic and extra-hepatic recurrence rates, and overall survival are reported.

Results

The median number of metastases was 4.5 [range: 1–12]. Seventeen patients had bilateral metastases. The median size of ablated lesions was 2 cm [range: 1–5.5]. Seven complications occurred (1 Grade 1, 2 Grade 3b and 4 Grade IVa), with no mortality. No recurrence of ablated lesions was detected at four months or during follow-up. Seventeen patients had new or extra-hepatic lesions. Median overall survival for colorectal patients was 40 months 95%CI[17.5-not reached].

Conclusions

IRFA plus VE for LM in close contact to a HV is a novel approach, appearing to be a safe and effective technique which can extend the applications of liver metastases surgery.     

Comparative study of right portal vein ligation versus embolisation for induction of hypertrophy in two-stage hepatectomy for multiple bilateral colorectal liver metastases

Aim

In patients with two-stage hepatectomy (TSH) for multiple bilobar liver metastases from colorectal cancer, few clinical series compare functional remnant hypertrophy of the liver volume between right portal vein ligation (PVL) and embolisation (PVE). Our objective is to analyse the effectiveness of portal vein ligation to achieve hypertrophy of the functional remnant volume (FRV) of the liver and to compare the results with portal vein embolisation in a series of patients with multiple bilobar liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma.

Patients and methods

Between September 2001 and September 2011 we performed a TSH in 41 patients with multiple bilobar colorectal liver metastases. A right PVL was performed in 23 patients with an insufficient FRV (three patients did not complete the second stage due to tumour progression and were excluded). We prospectively compare these results with the increased remnant volume obtained in 18 patients with right PVE.

Results

The median FRV was higher in the patients with PVE, rising from 501 ml (range 309–703) to 636 ml (range 387–649), than those with PVL, rising from 510 ml (range 203–824) to 595 ml (range 313–1213) (p < 0.05). The median %FRVI was higher in the patients with PVE (median 40%; range 21–65%) than those with PVL (median 30%; range 21–60%) (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

PVL and PVE were effective in all cases for obtaining hypertrophy of the FRV before major liver resection. Right PVE obtains better results and should be used where necessary to achieve a further increase in volume.     

Petrosal vein occlusion in cerebello-pontine angle tumour surgery: An anatomical study of alternative draining pathways

Objective

The present anatomic study investigates alternative draining pathways of the petrosal vein territory, which allow compensation in case of surgical sacrifice.

Methods

In eight (four formaldehyde fixed and four alcohol fixed) specimens the petrosal vein complex has been dissected and studied. Three heads have been selectively injected via the superior petrous sinus with colored silicon in two different colors. Thereafter the posterior fossa content was removed epidurally from the skull and further fixed in 4% formaldehyde. The nervous and vascular structures were dissected under microscopic control, measured and photographed. 3D-photographs were elaborated.

Results

The petrosal vein was present in all cases and joined the superior petrous sinus always lateral to the trigeminal nerve as a single trunk. In the selectively injected specimens no passage of the colored silicon mixture to the contralateral venous brainstem territory could be discerned. However, the ipsilateral anastomoses to the deep supratentorial venous system – peduncular, anterolateral pontomesencephalic, lateral mesencephalic veins, and the tectal veins in connection with the pontotrigeminal vein – filled in all cases.

Conclusion

Although the present anatomical model does not reflect physiological aspects of vascular dynamics, we document an apparently compensatory venous blood drainage occurring via anastomotic pathways directed to the ipsilateral supratentorial venous system. These findings represent an interesting aspect for preoperative image-guided planning in cerebello-pontine angle surgery.     

Preoperative predictors of vascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma

Aims

Vascular invasion is an established adverse prognostic factor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the current study was to identify the preoperative predictors of vascular invasion in patients undergoing partial hepatectomy for HCC.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 227 consecutive patients who underwent partial hepatectomy for HCC was conducted. Vascular invasion was defined as gross or microscopic involvement of the vessels (portal vein or hepatic vein) within the peritumoral liver tissue.

Results

Seventy-six (33%) patients had vascular invasion. Among the preoperative factors, only the tumour size (relative risk, 16.78; p < 0.01) and the serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) level (relative risk, 3.57; p < 0.01) independently predicted vascular invasion. As the tumour size increased, the incidence of vascular invasion increased: ≤2 cm, 3%; 2.1–3 cm, 20%; 3.1–5 cm, 38%; and >5 cm, 65%. The incidence of vascular invasion was 32% in patients with serum AFP levels ≤1000 ng/mL, compared to 61% in patients with higher serum AFP levels (p < 0.01). Patients with both tumours >5 cm and serum AFP levels >1000 ng/mL had an 82% incidence of vascular invasion.

Conclusions

The tumour size and serum AFP level, alone or in combination, are useful in predicting the presence or absence of vascular invasion before hepatectomy for HCC.     

Selecting patients for a second hepatectomy for colorectal metastases: An systemic review and meta-analysis

Background

Opinions on the suitability of repeat hepatectomy for patients with recurrent colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) vary among studies. We conducted a meta-analysis to establish the criteria for selecting the best candidates for a second hepatectomy.

Methods

Database and manual searches were performed to identify comparative or prognostic studies published up to October 2013. Outcomes of interest included disease characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and long-term survival after initial and second hepatectomies for patients with CRLM. Study quality was appraised using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale and a modified Hayden's score.

Results

A total of 7226 patients from 27 studies were included. Recurrent CRLMs after initial hepatectomy were more likely to be solitary (RR = 0.86, P = 0.045), unilobar (RR = 0.60, P < 0.001), and smaller (WMD = −0.66, P < 0.001). Postoperative morbidity and mortality were comparable between initial and second hepatectomies (RR = 1.10, P = 0.191; RR = 0.78, P = 0.678, respectively). In high-quality studies, patients showed better survival after a second hepatectomy than those after a single hepatectomy (HR = 0.68, P = 0.022). Patients meeting the following six predictors survived longer after second hepatectomy: disease-free survival after initial hepatectomy >1 y (P = 0.034); solitary CRLM at second hepatectomy (P < 0.001); unilobar CRLM at second hepatectomy (P = 0.009); maximal size of CRLM at second hepatectomy ≤5 cm (P = 0.035); lack of extrahepatic metastases at second hepatectomy (P < 0.001); and R0 resection at second hepatectomy (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Second hepatectomy is a safe and feasible procedure for patients with recurrent CRLM. In fact, in well-selected patients it improves overall survival. The established criteria can help clinicians to select the best candidates for second hepatectomy and to achieve better long-term outcomes after resection.     

Hepatitis B virus reactivation after radiofrequency ablation or hepatic resection for HBV-related small hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective study

Background and purpose

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) happens after systemic chemotherapy, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or hepatic resection for HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The incidence and risk factors of HBV reactivation after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are unclear.

Patients and methods

From August 2006 to August 2011, 218 consecutive patients with HBV-related small HCC treated with RFA (n = 125) or hepatic resection (n = 93) were retrospectively studied. The incidence of HBV reactivation and risk factors were analyzed.

Results

HBV reactivation developed in 20 (9.2%) patients after treatment. The incidence of HBV reactivation was significantly lower in the RFA group (5.6%, 7/125) than the hepatic resection group (14.0%, 13/93, P = 0.034). On univariate and multivariate analyses, no antiviral therapy (OR 11.7; 95% CI 1.52–90.8, P = 0.018) and treatment with RFA/hepatic resection (OR3.36; 95% CI 1.26–8.97, P = 0.016) were significant risk factors of HBV reactivation. On subgroup analysis, the incidence of HBV reactivation was lower in patients who received antiviral therapy than those who did not receive antiviral therapy in both the hepatic resection group (2.9% vs. 20.7%, P = 0.027) and the RFA group (0% vs. 7.6%, P = 0.188), although the difference was not significant in the latter group.

Conclusion

The incidence of HBV reactivation after RFA was relatively low when compared with hepatic resection. Prophylactic antiviral therapy is recommended, especially for patients who are going to receive hepatic resection for HBV-related HCC to decrease the incidence of post-treatment HBV reactivation.     

Isolated hepatic perfusion with oxaliplatin combined with 100 mg melphalan in patients with metastases confined to the liver: A phase I study

Aim

To improve isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP), we performed a phase I dose-escalation study to determine the optimal oxaliplatin dose in combination with a fixed melphalan dose.

Methods

Between June 2007 and July 2008, 11 patients, comprising of 8 colorectal cancer and 3 uveal melanoma patients and all with isolated liver metastases, were treated with a one hour IHP with escalating doses of oxaliplatin combined with 100 mg melphalan. Samples of blood and perfusate were taken during IHP treatment for pharmacokinetic analysis of both drugs and patients were monitored for toxicity, response and survival.

Results

Dose limiting sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) occurred at 150 mg oxaliplatin. The areas under the concentration–time curves (AUC) of oxaliplatin at the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) of 100 mg oxaliplatin ranged from 11.9 mg/L h to 16.5 mg/L h. All 4 patients treated at the MTD showed progressive disease 3 months after IHP.

Conclusions

In view of similar and even higher doses of oxaliplatin applied in both systemic treatment and hepatic artery infusion (HAI), applying this dose in IHP is not expected to improve treatment results in patients with isolated hepatic metastases.