The largest western experience on salvage hepatectomy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: propensity score-matched analysis on behalf of He.RC.O.Le.Study Group

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate, in a large Western cohort, perioperative and long-term oncological outcomes of salvage hepatectomy (SH) for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (rHCC) after primary hepatectomy (PH) or locoregional treatments.MethodsData were collected from the Hepatocarcinoma Recurrence on the Liver Study Group (He.RC.O.Le.S.) Italian Registry. After 1:1 propensity score-matched analysis (PSM), two groups were compared: the PH group (patients submitted to resection for a first HCC) and the SH group (patients resected for intrahepatic rHCC after previous HCC-related treatments).Results2689 patients were enrolled. PH included 2339 patients, SH 350. After PSM, 263 patients were selected in each group with major resected nodule median size, intraoperative blood loss and minimally invasive approach significantly lower in the SH group. Long-term outcomes were compared, with no difference in OS and DFS. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed only microvascular invasion as an independent prognostic factor for OS.ConclusionSH proved to be equivalent to PH in terms of safety, feasibility and long-term outcomes, consistent with data gathered from East Asia. In the awaiting of reliable treatment-allocating algorithms for rHCC, SH appears to be a suitable alternative in patients fit for surgery, regardless of the previous therapeutic modality implemented.     

Outcome after a liver resection of benign lesions

BackgroundBenign liver tumours represent a challenge in clinical management. There is considerable controversy with respect to the indications for surgery as the evidence for surgical treatment is variable. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the indication and outcome after resection of benign, solid liver lesions.MethodsData of 79 patients, who underwent liver resection between 2001 and 2012, were analysed for demographic and outcome parameters.ResultsThirty‐eight patients with focal nodular hyperplasia (48%), 23 patients with haemangioma (29%) and 18 patients with hepatocellular adenoma (23%) underwent a hepatic resection. A major hepatic resection was performed in 23 patients (29%) and a minor resection in 56 patients (71%). The post‐operative mortality rate was zero and the 30‐day morbidity rate 13.9%. After a median follow‐up of 64 months, 75 patients (95%) were alive, and no patient had developed recurrent disease. Fifty‐four patients (68%) were pre‐operatively symptomatic, of which, 87% had complete or partial relief of symptoms after a liver resection. The incidence of symptoms increased with the lesions' size.DiscussionThe management of benign liver lesions necessitates an individualized therapy within a multidisciplinary, evidence‐based, treatment algorithm. Resection of benign liver lesions can be performed safely in well‐selected patients without mortality and low post‐operative morbidity.     

Building a collaboration to improve surgical research through EORTC/ESSO 1409-CLIMB study: A prospective liver metastasis database with an integrated quality assurance program

The challenges of conducting surgical oncology trials have resulted to low quantity and poor quality research [1,2]. Considering the definitive role of surgery to offer cure, immediate response to improve surgical research is needed [3]. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and the European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESSO) share the vision to achieve excellent surgical research and care for cancer patients. Building on their complimentary expertise, they embarked on a pilot project to map out challenges and initiate a sustainable collaboration to advance cancer surgery research in Europe. This pilot project is EORTC-ESSO 1409 GITCG/ ESSO-01: A Prospective Colorectal Liver Metastasis Database with an Integrated Quality Assurance Program (CLIMB). This article will describe the challenges, milestones and vision of both organizations in setting up this collaboration.     

Trade Herbal Products and Induction of CYP2C19 and CYP2E1 in Cultured Human Hepatocytes

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the dose‐dependent induction potential of six commonly used trade herbal products on CYP2C19 and CYP2E1 metabolic activities in cultured human hepatocytes. S‐mephenytoin and chlorzoxazone were used as specific CYP substrates, respectively, and rifampicin was used as a positive induction control for both enzymes. The hepatocytes were exposed to herbal extracts in increasing and biological relevant concentrations for 72 hrs and CYP substrate metabolites were quantified by validated HPLC methodologies. The major findings were that St John's wort was the most potent CYP‐modulating herb, showing a dose‐dependent induction/inhibition of both CYP2C19 and CYP2E1, with induction at low dosages and inhibition at higher. Ginkgo biloba showed an induction/inhibition profile towards CYP2C19 which was similar but weaker than that observed for St John's wort. If cooperative mechanisms are involved is still an open question. Common sage induced CYP2C19 in a log‐linear dose‐dependent manner with increasing concentrations. Common valerian was a weak inducer of CYP2C19, while horse chestnut and cone flower were characterized as non‐inducers of CYP2C19. Only St John's wort showed an inductive effect towards CYP2E1. In addition to St John's wort, Gingko biloba and common sage should be considered as possible candidates for clinically relevant drug‐herb interactions with selected CYP2C19 substrates.     

Right Hepatic Lobectomy Using the Staple Technique in 101 Patients

Background Application of linear stapling devices for extrahepatic vascular control in liver surgery has been well-established. However, the technique for use of stapling devices in hepatic parenchymal transection is not well defined. Purpose To describe the safety and efficacy of our technique for use of vascular stapling devices in hepatic parenchymal transection during open right hepatic lobectomy is the purpose of this study. Methodology We reviewed our experience with 101 consecutive open right hepatic lobectomies performed by a single surgeon between January 2003 and July 2006, in which vascular staplers were utilized for the parenchymal transection phase. Results Of the 101 patients who underwent resection, 53 (52%) were female. The mean age was 58 years. Malignant disease was the indication for resection in the majority of patients (88%). Of those with cancer, 78% (69 of 89) had metastatic colorectal cancer, 6% (5 of 89) had metastatic neuroendocrine tumor, 4% (4 of 89) had hepatocellular carcinoma, 4% (4 of 89) had cholangiocarcinoma, and the remaining 8% were other metastatic cancers. Twelve patients (12%) underwent resection for hepatic adenoma or symptomatic benign disease (FNH or hemangioma). Forty-eight patients (48%) underwent a major ancillary procedure at the time of hepatic resection. Thirty-nine patients (39%) had a nonanatomic wedge resection of a left lobe lesion, 27 patients (27%) had one or more lesions treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and 6 patients (6%) were treated with a synchronous bowel resection. The median total operative time was 336 min (range 155–620 min). A Pringle maneuver for temporary vascular inflow occlusion was utilized in all cases, with a median time of 9 min (range 4–17 min). Ten patients (10%) required blood transfusion during surgery or in the postoperative period. The maximum transfusion was 2 U of packed red blood cells (PRBC) in seven patients and 1 U of PRBC in three patients. The mean nadir postoperative hematocrit was 28.2. All patients with malignant disease had tumor-free margins at the completion of the procedure. The average hospital length of stay was 6.0 days. One patient (1%) developed a clinically significant bile leak requiring a postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP). No patient required reoperation. The 30 and 60-day postoperative survival was 100%. Conclusion These findings indicate that application of vascular stapling devices for parenchymal transection in major hepatic resection is a safe technique, with low transfusion requirements and minimal postoperative bile leak. The technique allows for rapid transection of the entire right hepatic lobe in under 10 min. Short video clips of the technique will be demonstrated. Presented at the 2007 American Hepato–Pancreato–Biliary Association, Las Vegas, Nevada, April 19–22, 2007 (oral presentation/video presentation).