Treatment options for solitary hepatocellular carcinoma ≤5 cm: surgery vs. ablation: a multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND/AIM

The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of ablation and surgery in solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) measuring ≤5 cm with a large HCC cohort database.

METHODS

The study included consecutive 2,067 patients with solitary HCC who were treated with either ablation (n=1,248) or surgery (n=819). Th e patients were divided into three groups based on the tumor size and compared the outcomes of the two therapies using propensity score matching.

RESULTS

No significant difference in recurrence-free survival (RFS) or overall survival (OS) was found between surgery and ablation groups for tumors measuring ≤2 cm or >2 cm but ≤3 cm. For tumors measuring >3 cm but ≤5 cm, RFS was significantly better with surgery than with ablation (3.6 and 2.0 years, respectively, P=0.0297). However, no significant difference in OS was found between surgery and ablation in this group (6.7 and 6.0 years, respectively, P=0.668).

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that surgery and ablation can be equally used as a treatment for solitary HCC no more than 3 cm in diameter. For HCCs measuring 3-5 cm, the OS was not different between therapies; thus, ablation and less invasive therapy can be considered a treatment option; however, special caution should be taken to prevent recurrence.

Is Precision Surgery Applicable to Colorectal Liver Metastases? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Studies that Investigate the Association of Surgical Technique with Outcomes in the Context of Distinct Tumor Biology

BACKGROUND

Although some data suggest that patients with mutRAS colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) may benefit from anatomic hepatectomy, this topic remains controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether RAS mutation status was associated with prognosis relative to surgical technique [anatomic resection (AR) vs. nonanatomic resection (NAR)] among patients with CRLM.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies were performed to investigate the association of AR versus NAR with overall and liver-specific disease-free survival (DFS and liver-specific DFS, respectively) in the context of RAS mutation status.

RESULTS

Overall, 2018 patients (831 mutRAS vs. 1187 wtRAS) were included from five eligible studies. AR was associated with a 40% improvement in liver-specific DFS [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44-0.81, p = 0.01] and a 28% improvement in overall DFS (HR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.54-0.95, p = 0.02) among patients with mutRAS tumors; in contrast, AR was not associated with any improvement in liver-specific DFS or overall DFS among wtRAS patients. These differences may have been mediated by the 40% decreased incidence in R1 resection among patients with mutRAS tumors who underwent AR versus NAR [relative risk (RR): 0.6, 95% CI 0.40-0.91, p = 0.02]. In contrast, the probability of an R1 resection was not decreased among wtRAS patients who underwent AR versus NAR (RR: 0.93, 95% CI 0.69-1.25, p = 0.62).

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that precision surgery may be relevant to CRLM. Specifically, rather than a parenchymal sparing dogma for all patients, AR may have a role in individuals with mutRAS tumors.

Risk factor analysis of conversion in laparoscopic liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The risk factors of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) requiring conversion to open surgery have not been adequately studied. This study aimed to determine the risk factors and postoperative outcomes of conversion in patients with ICC.

METHODS

From May 2014 to September 2022, Unplanned conversions were compared with successful LLRs.

RESULTS

153 patients with ICC initially underwent LLR, of which 41 (26.8%) required conversion to open surgery. Multivariate analysis for those factors that were statistically significant or confirmed by clinical studies, tumor proximity to the major vessels (OR 6.643, P < 0.001), and previous upper abdominal surgery (OR 3.140, P = 0.040) were independent predictors of unplanned conversions. Compared to successful LLRs, unplanned conversions showed longer operative times (300.0 vs. 225.0 min, P < 0.001), more blood loss (500.0 vs. 200.0 mL, P < 0.001), higher transfusion rates (46.3% vs. 11.6%, P < 0.001), longer length of stays (13.0 vs. 8.0 days, P < 0.001), and higher rates of major morbidity (39.0% vs. 11.6%, P < 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in 30-day or 90-day mortality between the conversion group and the laparoscopic group.

CONCLUSION

Conversion during LLR should be anticipated in ICC patients with prior upper abdominal surgery or tumor proximity to major vessels as features.

The oncologic outcome and prognostic factors for solitary colorectal liver metastasis after liver resection

BACKGROUND

Studies on prognostic factors for patients undergoing surgery to treat solitary liver metastases originating from colorectal cancer (CRC) are limited. This study aimed to analyze significant prognostic factors associated with tumor recurrence and long-term survival after liver resection for solitary colorectal liver metastasis.

METHODS

Data from 230 patients with solitary liver metastases from CRC who received liver resection between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were accessed with the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Cox regression multivariate analysis identified independent variables associated with RFS and OS. Nomograms were developed to predict patient outcomes after surgery.

RESULTS

The 3- and 5-year OS rates were 72.3% and 59.8%, respectively. The 3- and 5-year RFS rates were 40.0% and 27.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed age ≥ 70 years, resection margin width < 10 mm, initial N2 stage, hypoalbuminemia before surgery, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥ 3 after surgery as independent prognostic factors for OS. For RFS, initial N2 stage, hypoalbuminemia before surgery, NLR ≥ 3 after surgery, elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels after surgery, and CEA ratio (after/before liver resection) < 0.3 were identified as independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that initial N2 stage, hypoalbuminemia before liver resection, and NLR ≥ 3 after liver resection exert a significant association on the RFS and OS of patients undergoing surgery for solitary liver metastases from CRC. Thus, upfront chemotherapy, prompt postoperative chemotherapy, and intensive postoperative surveillance are mandatory for patients having these adverse factors.

Impact of Hepatic Pedicle Clamping on Long-Term Survival Following Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Stratified Analysis Based on Intraoperative Blood Transfusion Status

BACKGROUND

Hepatic pedicle clamping (HPC) is frequently utilized during hepatectomy to reduce intraoperative bleeding and diminish the need for intraoperative blood transfusion (IBT). The long-term prognostic implications of HPC following hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain under debate. This study aims to elucidate the association between HPC and oncologic outcomes after HCC resection, stratified by whether IBT was administered.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Prospectively collected data on patients with HCC who underwent curative resection from a multicenter database was studied. Patients were stratified into two cohorts on the basis of whether IBT was administered. The impact of HPC on long-term overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) between the two cohorts was assessed by univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of 3362 patients, 535 received IBT. In the IBT cohort, using or not using HPC showed no significant difference in OS and RFS outcomes (5-year OS and RFS rates 27.9% vs. 24.6% and 13.8% vs. 12.0%, P = 0.810 and 0.530). However, in the non-IBT cohort of 2827 patients, the HPC subgroup demonstrated significantly decreased OS (5-year 45.9% vs. 56.5%, P < 0.001) and RFS (5-year 24.7% vs. 33.3%, P < 0.001) when compared with the subgroup without HPC. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified HPC as an independent risk factor of OS and RFS [hazard ratios (HR) 1.16 and 1.12, P = 0.024 and 0.044, respectively] among patients who did not receive IBT.

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of HPC on the oncological outcomes following hepatectomy for patients with HCC differed significantly whether IBT was administered, and HPC adversely impacted on long-term survival for patients without receiving IBT during hepatectomy.

Postoperative surveillance after surgery for colorectal liver metastasis: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are associated with a high recurrence rate after surgery. There is paucity of high-quality evidence regarding the nature and overall benefit of surveillance after hepatectomy for CRLM. As part of a broader programme of research, this study aimed to assess current strategies for surveillance after liver resection for CRLM and outline surgeons' opinions regarding the benefit of postoperative surveillance.

METHODS

An online survey was sent to clinicians performing surgery for CRLM at tertiary hepatobiliary centres in the UK.

RESULTS

There were responses from a total of 23 centres (88% response rate); 15/23 centres used standardised surveillance protocols for all patients. Most centres followed patients up at six months, but there is variation in postoperative surveillance at 3, 9, 18 and beyond 60 months. Patient comorbidities, indeterminate findings on imaging, margin status and assessment of recurrence risk were identified as the major factors influencing personalised surveillance strategies. There was clear clinician equipoise regarding the costs and benefits of surveillance.

CONCLUSION

There is heterogeneity in postoperative follow-up for CRLM in the UK. High-quality prospective studies and randomised trials are necessary to elucidate the value of postoperative surveillance and identify optimal follow-up strategies.

Pre-hepatectomy dynamic circulating tumor DNA to predict pathologic response to preoperative chemotherapy and post-hepatectomy recurrence in patients with colorectal liver metastases

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the predictive value of pre-hepatectomy dynamic circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) on pathologic response to preoperative chemotherapy and recurrence after liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).

BACKGROUND

Pathologic response is a predictor of clinical outcomes for patients undergoing hepatectomy for CRLM. Postoperative ctDNA has been proven to be sensitive for recurrence detection. However, few studies investigate the impact of pre-hepatectomy ctDNA on pathologic response and recurrence.

METHODS

Patients with potential resectable CRLM underwent preoperative chemotherapy and hepatectomy between 2018 and 2021 was considered for inclusion. Plasma ctDNA was collected before and after preoperative chemotherapy. Pathologic response was analyzed for all patients after liver resection. Recurrence free survival was compared between patients with different ctDNA status and different pathologic response. The relation between ctDNA and pathologic response was also analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 114 patients were included. ctDNA was detectable in 108 of 114 patients (94.7%) before chemotherapy, in 56 of 114 patients (49.1%) after chemotherapy. Patients with ctDNA positive at baseline and negative after chemotherapy had significantly longer RFS (median RFS 17 vs 7 months, p = 0.001) and HRFS (median HRFS unreached vs 8 months, p < 0.001) than those with ctDNA persistently positive after chemotherapy. Two patients (1.6%) had a pathologic complete response and 56 patients (45.2%) had a pathologic major response. Post-chemotherapy ctDNA- was associated with improved major pathologic response (53.4% vs 32.1%, p = 0.011). In the multivariable analysis, ctDNA- after chemotherapy (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28-0.93), major pathologic response (HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.19-0.62) and surgery combined with radiofrequency ablation (HR 2.62, 95% CI 1.38-5.00) were independently associated with RFS (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-hepatectomy dynamic monitoring of ctDNA could predict pathologic response to preoperative chemotherapy and post-hepatectomy recurrence in CRLM patients. Negative ctDNA after preoperative chemotherapy was associated with better tumor regression grade and recurrence-free survival, which might be used to guide pre-hepatectomy chemotherapy and predict prognosis.

Additional nodules detected using EOB-MRI in patients with resectable single hepatocellular carcinoma: an implication for active treatment strategy

BACKGROUND/AIM

Gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOBMRI) further enhances the identification of additional hepatic nodules compared with computed tomography (CT) alone; however, the optimal treatment for such additional nodules remains unclear. We investigated the long-term oncological effect of aggressive treatment strategies for additional lesions identified using EOB-MRI in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Data from 522 patients diagnosed with solitary HCC using CT between January 2008 and December 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis was used to compare the oncologic outcomes between patients with solitary HCC and those with additional nodules on EOB-MRI after aggressive treatment (resection or radiofrequency ablation [RFA]).

RESULTS

Among the 383 patients included, 59 had additional nodules identified using EOB-MRI. Compared with patients with solitary HCC, those with additional nodules on EOB-MRI had elevated total bilirubin, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase; had a lower platelet count, higher MELD score, and highly associated with liver cirrhosis (P<0.05). Regarding long-term outcomes, 59 patients with solitary HCC and those with additional nodules after PSM were compared. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were comparable between the two groups (DFS, 60.4 vs. 44.3 months, P=0.071; OS, 82.8 vs. 84.8 months, P=0.986).

CONCLUSION

The aggressive treatment approach, either resection or RFA, for patients with additional nodules identified on EOBMRI was associated with long-term survival comparable with that for solitary HCC. However, further studies are required to confirm these findings.

Extended left hepatectomy associated with resection of the vena cava and suprahepatic veins by in situ perfusion to treat intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is a heterogeneous group of aggressive tumors that correspond to the second most common primary liver tumor. They can be classified according to their anatomical position concerning the biliary tree, and each subtype demonstrates different behavior and treatment. A 38-year-old male patient presenting solely right lumbar pain was diagnosed with a 7 cm hepatic tumor involving segments I, Iva, and VIII associated with involvement of the hepatic veins. He underwent a bloc resection of hepatic segments I, II, III, IV, partial V, partial VII, and VIII; right, middle, and left hepatic veins; and inferior vena cava segment, with perfusion of the remaining liver in situ with a preservation solution. As the patient had a large accessory inferior right hepatic vein draining the remaining liver, no reimplantation of hepatic veins was necessary. He remained clinically stable in outpatient follow-up, with excellent performance status-current survival of 2 years 6 months after surgical treatment.

A new risk calculation model for complications of hepatectomy in adults over 75

BACKGROUND

Owing to poor organ function reserve, older adults have a high risk of postoperative complications. However, there is no well-established system for assessing the risk of complications after hepatectomy in older adults.

METHODS

This study aimed to design a risk assessment tool to predict the risk of complications after hepatectomy in adults older than 75 years. A total of 326 patients were identified. A logistic regression equation was used to create the Risk Assessment System of Hepatectomy in Adults (RASHA) for the prediction of complications (Clavien‒Dindo classification ≥ II).

RESULTS

Multivariate correlation analysis revealed that comorbidity (≥ 5 kinds of disease or < 5 kinds of disease, odds ratio [OR] = 5.552, P < 0.001), fatigue (yes or no, OR = 4.630, P = 0.009), Child‒Pugh (B or A, OR = 4.211, P = 0.004), number of liver segments to be removed (≥ 3 or ≤ 2, OR = 4.101, P = 0.001), and adjacent organ resection (yes or no, OR = 1.523, P = 0.010) were independent risk factors for postoperative complications after hepatectomy in older persons (aged ≥ 75 years). A binomial logistic regression model was established to evaluate the RASHA score (including the RASHA scale and RASHA formula). The area under the curve (AUC) for the RASHA scale was 0.916, and the cut-off value was 12.5. The AUC for the RASHA formula was 0.801, and the cut-off value was 0.2106.

CONCLUSION

RASHA can be used to effectively predict the postoperative complications of hepatectomy through perioperative variables in adults older than 75 years.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The Research Registry: researchregistry8531. https://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry#home/registrationdetails/63901824ae49230021a5a0cf/ .

Total laparoscopic partial hepatectomy versus open partial hepatectomy for primary left-sided hepatolithiasis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The advantages of laparoscopic left-sided hepatectomy (LLH) for treating hepatolithiasis in terms of the time to postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS), morbidity, long-term abdominal wall hernias, hospital costs, residual stone rate, and recurrence of calculus have not been confirmed by a randomized controlled trial. The aim of this trial is to compare the safety and effectiveness of LLH with open left-sided hepatectomy (OLH) for the treatment of hepatolithiasis.

METHODS

Patients with hepatolithiasis eligible for left-sided hepatectomy will be recruited. The experimental design will produce two randomized arms (laparoscopic and open hepatectomy) at a 1:1 ratio and a prospective registry. All patients will undergo surgery in the setting of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programme. The prospective registry will be based on patients who cannot be randomized because of the explicit treatment preference of the patient or surgeon or because of ineligibility (not meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria) for randomization in this trial. The primary outcome is the LOS. The secondary outcomes are percentage readmission, morbidity, mortality, hospital costs, long-term incidence of incisional hernias, residual stone rate, and recurrence of calculus. It will be assumed that, in patients undergoing LLH, the length of hospital stay will be reduced by 1 day. A sample size of 86 patients in each randomization arm has been calculated as sufficient to detect a 1-day reduction in LOS [90% power and α = 0.05 (two-tailed)]. The trial is a randomized controlled trial that will provide evidence for the merits of laparoscopic surgery in patients undergoing liver resection within an ERAS programme.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the outcomes of LLH have been proven to be comparable to those of OLH in retrospective studies, the use of LLH remains restricted, partly due to the lack of short- and long-term informative RCTs pertaining to patients with hepatolithiasis in ERAS programmes. To evaluate the surgical and long-term outcomes of LLH, we will perform a prospective RCT to compare LLH with OLH for hepatolithiasis within an ERAS programme.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03958825. Registered on 21 May 2019.

Multicenter randomized phase II study on S-1 and oxaliplatin therapy as an adjuvant after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (YCOG1001)

PURPOSE

The high recurrence rate of colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM) after surgery remains a crucial problem. However, adjuvant chemotherapy after hepatectomy for CRCLM has not yet been established. This study evaluated the efficacy of adjuvant therapy with S-1 and oxaliplatin (SOX).

METHODS

In a multicenter, randomized, phase II study, patients undergoing curative resection of CRCLM were randomly enrolled in a 1:1 ratio to either the low- or high-dose group. S-1 and oxaliplatin were administered from days 1 to 14 of a 3-week cycle as a 2-h infusion every 3 weeks. The dose of S-1 was fixed at 80 mg/m2. The doses in the low- and high-dose oxaliplatin groups were 100 mg/m2 (low-dose group) and 130 mg/m2 (high-dose group), respectively. This treatment was repeated eight times. The primary endpoint was the rate of discontinuation owing to toxicity. The secondary endpoints were the relapse-free survival (RFS) and frequency of adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS

Between August 2010 and March 2015, 44 patients (low-dose group: 31 patients and high-dose group: 13 patients) were enrolled in the study. Of these, one patient was excluded from the efficacy analysis. In the high-dose group, five of nine patients were unable to continue the study due to toxicity in February 2013. At that time, recruitment to the high-dose group was stopped from the protocol. The relative dose intensity (RDI) for S-1 in the low- and high-dose groups were 49.8 and 48.7% (p = 0.712), and that for oxaliplatin was 75.9 and 73.0% (p = 0.528), respectively. The rates of discontinuation due to toxicity were 60 and 53.8% in the low- and high-dose groups, respectively, with no marked difference noted between the groups (p = 0.747). The frequency of grade ≥ 3 common adverse events was neutropenia (23.3%/23.1%), diarrhea (13.3%/15.4%), and peripheral sensory neuropathy (6.7%/7.7%). The disease-free survival (DFS) at 3 years was 52.9% in the low-dose group, which was not significantly different from that in the high-dose group (46.2%; p = 0.705).

CONCLUSIONS

SOX regimens as adjuvant therapy after hepatectomy for CRCLM had high rates of discontinuation due to toxicity in both groups. In particular, the RDI of S-1 was < 50%. Therefore, the SOX regimen is not recommended as adjuvant chemotherapy after hepatectomy for CRCLM.

Low versus standard central venous pressure during laparoscopic liver resection: A systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

To compare the outcomes of low central venous pressure (CVP) to standard CVP during laparoscopic liver resection. The study design was a systematic review following the PRISMA statement standards. The available literature was searched to identify all studies comparing low CVP with standard CVP in patients undergoing laparoscopic liver resection. The outcomes included intraoperative blood loss (primary outcome), need for blood transfusion, mean arterial pressure, operative time, Pringle time, and total complications. Random- effects modelling was applied for analyses. Type I and type II errors were assessed by trial sequential analysis (TSA). A total of 8 studies including 682 patients were included (low CVP group, 342; standard CVP group, 340). Low CVP reduced intraoperative blood loss during laparoscopic liver resection (mean difference [MD], -193.49 mL; 95% confidence interval [CI], -339.86 to -47.12; p = 0.01). However, low CVP did not have any effect on blood transfusion requirement (odds ratio [OR], 0.54; 95% CI, 0.28-1.03; p = 0.06), mean arterial pressure (MD, -1.55 mm Hg; 95% CI, -3.85-0.75; p = 0.19), Pringle time (MD, -0.99 minutes; 95% CI, -5.82-3.84; p = 0.69), operative time (MD, -16.38 minutes; 95% CI, -36.68-3.39; p = 0.11), or total complications (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 0.97-3.80; p = 0.06). TSA suggested that the meta-analysis for the primary outcome was not subject to type I or II errors. Low CVP may reduce intraoperative blood loss during laparoscopic liver resection (moderate certainty); however, this may not translate into shorter operative time, shorter Pringle time, or less need for blood transfusion. Randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes will provide more robust evidence.

Surgical techniques for robotic right donor hepatectomy, part 1: robotic hilar dissection and right lobe mobilization

Robotic surgery is emerging as a feasible minimally invasive approach for donor hepatectomy at specialized centers. The aim of this article is to systematically describe the surgical techniques for robotic hilar dissection and right lobe mobilization in right donor hepatectomy. The setup of the robotic arms, the dissection of inflow vessels and retrohepatic inferior vena cava, and the pearls and pitfalls of these two parts of the operation are detailed.

Tumour response following preoperative chemotherapy is affected by body mass index in patients with colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent malignancy globally and ranks second in cancer-related mortality, with the liver being the primary organ of metastasis. Preoperative chemotherapy is widely recommended for initially or potentially resectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs). Tumour pathological response serves as the most important and intuitive indicator for assessing the efficacy of chemotherapy. However, the postoperative pathological results reveal that a considerable number of patients exhibit a poor response to preoperative chemotherapy. Body mass index (BMI) is one of the factors affecting the tumorigenesis and progression of colorectal cancer as well as prognosis after various antitumour therapies. Several studies have indicated that overweight and obese patients with metastatic colorectal cancer experience worse prognoses than those with normal weight, particularly when receiving first-line chemotherapy regimens in combination with bevacizumab.

AIM

To explore the predictive value of BMI regarding the pathologic response following preoperative chemotherapy for CRLMs.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed in 126 consecutive patients with CRLM who underwent hepatectomy following preoperative chemotherapy at four different hospitals from October 2019 to July 2023. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were applied to analyse potential predictors of tumour pathological response. The Kaplan-Meier method with log rank test was used to compare progression-free survival (PFS) between patients with high and low BMI. BMI < 24.0 kg/m2 was defined as low BMI, and tumour regression grade 1-2 was defined as complete tumour response.

RESULTS

Low BMI was observed in 74 (58.7%) patients and complete tumour response was found in 27 (21.4%) patients. The rate of complete tumour response was significantly higher in patients with low BMI (29.7% vs 9.6%, P = 0.007). Multivariate analysis revealed that low BMI [odds ratio (OR) = 4.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.42-14.63, P = 0.011], targeted therapy with bevacizumab (OR = 3.02, 95%CI: 1.10-8.33, P = 0.033), preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen level < 10 ng/mL (OR = 3.84, 95%CI: 1.19-12.44, P = 0.025) and severe sinusoidal dilatation (OR = 0.17, 95%CI: 0.03-0.90, P = 0.037) were independent predictive factors for complete tumour response. The low BMI group exhibited a significantly longer median PFS than the high BMI group (10.7 mo vs 4.7 mo, P = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

In CRLM patients receiving preoperative chemotherapy, a low BMI may be associated with better tumour response and longer PFS.

Surgical techniques for robotic right donor hepatectomy, part 2: robotic parenchymal transection and bile duct division

Robotic surgery is emerging as a feasible minimally invasive approach for donor hepatectomy at specialized centers. The aim of this article is to systematically describe the surgical techniques for robotic parenchymal transection and bile duct division in right donor hepatectomy. The setup of the robotic arms, methods of parenchymal transection using robotic instruments, and right hepatic duct division with the aid of indocyanine green dye are detailed, along with the pearls and pitfalls of these two parts of the operation.

Impact of preoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) on postoperative long-term survival in patients with nonsmall hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was to compare the effects of preoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and non-TACE on the long-term survival of patients who undergo radical hepatectomy.

METHODS

PSM analysis was performed for 387 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (single > 3 cm or multiple) who underwent radical resection of HCC at our centre from January 2011 to June 2018. The patients were allocated to a preoperative TACE group (n = 77) and a non-TACE group (n = 310). The main outcome measures were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) since the treatment date.

RESULTS

After PSM, 67 patients were included in each of the TACE and non-TACE groups. The median PFS times in the preoperative TACE and non-TACE groups were 24.0 and 11.3 months, respectively (p = 0.0117). The median OS times in the preoperative TACE and non-TACE groups were 41.5 and 29.0 months, respectively (p = 0.0114). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed that preoperative TACE (hazard ratio, 1.733; 95% CI, 1.168-2.570) and tumour thrombosis (hazard ratio, 0.323; 95% CI, 0.141-0.742) were independent risk factors significantly associated with OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative TACE is related to improving PFS and OS after resection of HCC. Preoperative TACE and tumour thrombus volume were also found to be independent risk factors associated with OS.

A pathologic scoring system for predicting postoperative prognosis in patients with ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The accuracy of pathological factors to predict the prognosis of patients with ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (rHCC) is unclear. We aimed to develop and validate a novel scoring system based on pathological factors to predict the postoperative survival of patients with rHCC.

METHOD

Patients with rHCC who underwent hepatectomy were recruited from three hospitals and allocated to the training (n = 221) and validation (n = 194) cohorts. A new scoring system, namely the MSE (microvascular invasion-satellite foci-Edmondson Steiner) score, was established based on three pathological factors using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses, including microvascular invasion, satellite foci, and differentiation grade. Finally, patients were stratified into three groups based on their risk of prognosis (low, intermediate, or high) according to their MSE score. We also constructed MSE score-based nomograms. The performance of the nomograms was assessed by receiver operating characteristic and calibration curve analyses and validated using the validation cohort.

RESULTS

Three pathological factors were significantly correlated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS), three of which were included in the MSE score. The score can clearly stratify rHCC patients after hepatectomy (P < 0.05). And we established nomograms based on the MSE score (MSE score, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage, and alpha-fetoprotein concentration) to predict postoperative OS and RFS in patients with rHCC. The nomograms showed good discrimination, with C-indices over 0.760 for OS and RFS at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The calibration curve showed excellent nomogram calibration, which was also verified in the validation cohort.

CONCLUSION

The clinical MSE score were accurate in predicting OS and RFS in patients with rHCC with resectable lesions after hepatectomy.

Comparison of clinical outcome between laparoscopic and open hepatectomy of high difficulty score for hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity score analysis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) of high difficulty score is technically challenging. There is a lack of clinical evidence to support its applicability in terms of the long-term survival benefits. This study aims to compare clinical outcomes between LLR and the open liver resection of high difficulty score for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2010 to 2020, using Iwate criteria, 424 patients underwent liver resection of high difficulty score by the laparoscopic (n = 65) or open (n = 359) approach. Propensity score (PS) matching was performed between the two groups. Short-term and long-term outcomes were compared between PS-matched groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors affecting survival.

RESULTS

The laparoscopic group had significantly fewer severe complications (3% vs. 10.8%), and shorter median hospital stays (6 days vs. 8 days) than the open group. Meanwhile, the long-term oncological outcomes were comparable between the two groups, in terms of the tumor recurrence rate (40% vs. 46.1%), the 5-year overall survival rate (75.4% vs. 76.2%), and the 5-year recurrence-free survival rate (50.3% vs. 53.5%). The high preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein level, multiple tumors, and severe postoperative complications were the independent poor prognostic factors associated with worse overall survival. The surgical approach (Laparoscopic vs. Open) did not influence the survival.

CONCLUSION

LLR of high difficulty score for selected patients with HCC has better short-term outcomes than the open approach. More importantly, it can achieve similar long-term survival outcomes as the open approach.

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct: A case report of a rare tumor with a brief review of literature

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) is a rare neoplasm, mostly found in patients from far Eastern areas where hepatolithiasis and clonorchiasis are endemic. Very few cases are reported from India.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case of recurrent cholangitis in a 59-year-old male, initially suspected to have IPNB based on preoperative imaging. Confirmation occurred intraoperatively, with mucin-filled bile ducts and papillary lesions in the resected hepatic duct. Treatment included left hepatectomy, extrahepatic bile duct excision, and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Histopathology indicated invasive pancreatobiliary-type IPNB with clear margins. The patient experienced post-hepatectomy hepatic insufficiency and superficial incisional surgical site wound infection, managed conservatively. Discharge occurred on postoperative day 21, with satisfactory recovery at the 16-month follow-up.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

IPNB is recognized as the biliary equivalent of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, as these two conditions exhibit multiple commonalities in terms of clinical and histopathological characteristics. The unique aspect of our case lies in the intricacies associated with its diagnosis. Initially, imaging modalities did not yield a definitive characterization of the lesion. Notably, the endoscopist misinterpreted mucin expression emanating from the papilla as purulent material, primarily due to the patient's concurrent cholangitis. Subsequent repetitions of both CT scan and MRI provided some valuable insights that contributed to the diagnostic clarity of the IPNB.

CONCLUSION

In cases of symptoms like biliary obstruction with bile duct dilation, wall nodules, papillary/solid-cystic masses, and upstream-downstream dilation, IPNB should be considered. Striving for R0 resection is crucial for enhanced long-term patient survival.

Prognostic value of geriatric nutritional risk index and prognostic nutritional index in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) are considered prognostic factors for several cancers. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the GNRI and PNI for survival outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 1666 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy. Restricted cubic spline regression was used to analyze the relationship between the GNRI and PNI for recurrence and mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors associated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Interaction analysis was performed to investigate the comprehensive effects of the GNRI, PNI, and subgroup parameters on the prognosis of patients with HCC.

RESULTS

The risks of death and recurrence decreased rapidly and gradually stabilized as the GNRI and PNI scores increased. Patients with lower GNRI and PNI scores had significantly shorter OS and RFS rates than those with higher scores. Multivariate analysis showed that high GNRI [HR and 95%CI = 0.77 (0.70-0.85), P < 0.001] and PNI [HR and 95%CI = 0.77 (0.70-0.86), P < 0.001] scores were associated with decreased mortality risk. This trend was maintained by confounding variables in adjusted models despite partial interactions with clinical factors. The combined GNRI and PNI analysis showed that HCC patients with high GNRI and PNI had longer OS and RFS.

CONCLUSIONS

The GNRI and PNI showed good survival predictions in patients with HCC. Combining the GNRI with PNI may help predict the prognosis of patients (age>18 years) with HCC after hepatectomy.

Impact of perioperative SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection on postoperative complications in liver cancer hepatectomy: A single-center matched study

OBJECTIVES

To explore the effects of perioperative SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection on postoperative complications in patients with liver cancer.

METHODS

A propensity-matched study was conducted, which included patients with primary liver cancer who underwent hepatectomy from September 01, 2022 to January 20, 2023. Patients who infected SARS-CoV-2 Omicron during the perioperative period (7 days before to 30 days after surgery) were matched 1:1 with noninfected patients. The primary outcomes, which were COVID-19-related major complications and liver resection-specific complications, were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 243 patients were included, with 63 cases of perioperative infections, of which 62 were postoperative infections. The overall 30-day postoperative mortality rate was 1.6% (4/243). Compared to noninfected patients, those with perioperative infections showed no significant difference in the occurrence of adverse postoperative outcomes. However, they had a higher rate of 30-day readmission after surgery (11.1% vs 0%, P = 0.013). Perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection was not associated with "major cardiorespiratory complications" or "liver resection-specific complications", but age, pre-existing comorbidities, and tumor type were related to these outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection did not increase the incidence of postoperative complications in patients with liver cancer. However, those patients had a higher rate of 30-day readmission after surgery.

Utilization of muscle area in an accurate prediction formula for renal function for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Accurate assessment of renal function prior to surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma is important for patient outcome, but current methods such as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are inadequate. We developed a new prediction formula that incorporates preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging data to determine renal function.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 400 patients who underwent hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma between January 2010 and December 2021. Predictors associated with renal function were identified by multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Age, sex, body height, body weight, body surface area, body mass index, serum creatinine, and muscle areas including third lumbar vertebra total muscle area (L3 TMA) determined by preoperative CT were identified as independent predictors likely to be associated with renal function. These were used to construct a new prediction formula using multiple regression analysis performed with a stepwise method: 232.2 + (-1.17 × age) + (-89.0 × serum creatinine) + (0.28 × L3 TMA). The median difference between conventional eGFR and CCr was 47.6 ml/min (range, 1.7-137.9 ml/min), while that between the new eGFR and CCr was 14.3 ml/min (range, 0.02-64.7 ml/min). Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed that the new eGFR was more positively correlated with CCr than conventional eGFR (ρ = 0.623, P < 0.05; ρ = 0.700, P < 0.05, respectively), and hence more accurately reflected renal function.

CONCLUSION

A new prediction formula based on L3 TMA determined by CT is more accurate than conventional eGFR for evaluating renal function.

Safety of nighttime elective hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma patients: a retrospective study

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate whether nighttime elective surgery influenced the short-term outcomes and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

Methods

The 1,339 HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy were divided into the daytime surgery group (8 a.m.-6 p.m., n = 1,105) and the nighttime surgery group (after 6 p.m., n = 234) based on the start time of surgery. The 1:2 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to control confounding factors. The short-term outcomes of HCC patients in the 2 groups were compared before and after PSM. Factors associated with major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade, ≥III) and textbook oncologic outcomes (TOO) were separately identified by multivariable logistic regression based on variables screened via least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS).

Results

TOO was achieved after surgery in 897 HCC patients. HCC patients in the nighttime surgery group had a higher body mass index (P = 0.010). After 1:2 PSM, the baseline characteristics of patients between the 2 groups were similar. Short-term outcomes in HCC patients were comparable both before and after PSM (all Ps > 0.05), as were TOO in the 2 groups before (P = 0.673) and after PSM (P = 0.333). In our LASSO-logistic regression, nighttime surgery was not an independent factor associated with major complications or TOO. Both groups also had similar OS (P = 0.950) and RFS (P = 0.740) after PSM.

Conclusion

Our study revealed the safety of nighttime elective hepatectomy for HCC patients.

Prognostic value of preoperative geriatric nutritional risk index in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after hepatectomy: a single‑center retrospective cohort study

AIM

Patients with malignant tumors are prone to develop nutritional disorders. The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a new prognostic indicator for assessing the nutritional status. This study was performed to evaluate whether the preoperative GNRI can serve as a prognostic factor in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) undergoing curative surgery.

METHODS

This study included 123 consecutive patients with ICC who were treated with curative surgery. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to calculate the recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS), and Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Of the 123 patients, 82 were male and 41 were female. The median age of the patients was 70 years, and the median follow-up period was 37.0 months (interquartile range, 16.2-71.7 months). The patients were classified by the median GNRI into a low GNRI group (GNRI < 105) and high GNRI group (GNRI ≥ 105). The patients in the low GNRI group had a significantly poorer prognosis in terms of RFS and OS than the patients in the high GNRI group (RFS, p = 0.0201; OS, p < 0.0001). Lymph node metastasis [hazard ratio (HR), 4.66; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.46-8.85], postoperative complications (HR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.32-4.31), and a low GNRI (HR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.42-4.50) were independent poor prognostic factors for OS.

CONCLUSION

The GNRI may be a useful prognostic indicator in patients with ICC undergoing curative hepatectomy.

Utility of plasma D-dimer for diagnosis of venous thromboembolism after hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potentially fatal complication of hepatectomy. The use of postoperative prophylactic anticoagulation in patients who have undergone hepatectomy is controversial because of the risk of postoperative bleeding. Therefore, we hypothesized that monitoring plasma D-dimer could be useful in the early diagnosis of VTE after hepatectomy.

AIM

To evaluate the utility of monitoring plasma D-dimer levels in the early diagnosis of VTE after hepatectomy.

METHODS

The medical records of patients who underwent hepatectomy at our institution between January 2017 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not they developed VTE after hepatectomy, as diagnosed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography and/or ultrasonography of the lower extremities. Clinicopathological factors, including demographic data and perioperative D-dimer values, were compared between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the D-dimer cutoff value. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression analysis to identify significant predictors.

RESULTS

In total, 234 patients who underwent hepatectomy were, of whom (5.6%) were diagnosed with VTE following hepatectomy. A comparison between the two groups showed significant differences in operative time (529 vs 403 min, P = 0.0274) and blood loss (530 vs 138 mL, P = 0.0067). The D-dimer levels on postoperative days (POD) 1, 3, 5, 7 were significantly higher in the VTE group than in the non-VTE group. In the multivariate analysis, intraoperative blood loss of > 275 mL [odds ratio (OR) = 5.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-27.0, P = 0.044] and plasma D-dimer levels on POD 5 ≥ 21 μg/mL (OR = 10.1, 95%CI: 2.04-50.1, P = 0.0046) were independent risk factors for VTE after hepatectomy.

CONCLUSION

Monitoring of plasma D-dimer levels after hepatectomy is useful for early diagnosis of VTE and may avoid routine prophylactic anticoagulation in the postoperative period.

Radical resection benefits patients suffering pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with liver oligometastases

Purpose

Whether patients suffering liver oligometastases from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (LOPDA) should undergo surgical treatment remains controversial.

Methods

PubMed and Embase databases were systematically reviewed until 2023 June. Survival data were collected from the Kaplan-Meier curves. Safety and survival were evaluated using primary outcomes such as 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates, and 30-day mortality and morbidity. A subgroup meta-analysis was conducted to compare survival rates post-synchronous resection and resection post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy in LOPDA.

Results

Our analysis of 15 studies involving 1,818 patients (surgical group, 648 and nonsurgical group, 1,170) indicates that radical hepatectomy for LOPDA notably improved 1-year (odds ratio [OR], 3.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.45-4.28; P < 0.001), 3-year (OR, 5.74; 95% CI, 3.36-8.90; P < 0.001), and 5-year (OR, 4.89; 95% CI, 2.56-9.35; P < 0.001) overall survival (OS) rates. A separate analysis of 6 studies with 750 patients demonstrated the safety of LOPDA surgery, with no increase in postoperative complications (P = 0.26 for overall morbidity and P = 0.99 for mortality) compared to the patients with no metastatic disease from the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (NMPDA) group. The NMPDA group showed superior 1-year and 3-year OS rates, but not 5-year OS rates compared to the LOPDA group.

Conclusion

Surgical treatment apparently offers a survival advantage to LOPDA by comparing with nonsurgical groups in 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates. Radical resection for LOPDA is a safe treatment without more postoperative complications than NMPDA.

Survival effects of postoperative adjuvant TACE in early-HCC patients with microvascular invasion: A multicenter propensity score matching

Background: The presence of microvascular invasion (MVI) significantly worsens the surgical outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this research was to investigate the survival benefit of adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with MVI after hepatectomy. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1372 HCC patients who underwent curative liver resection in four medical institutions. In order to minimize confounding factors and selection bias between groups, Propensity Score Matching (PSM) (1:1) was performed to ensure balanced clinical characteristics. Results: A total of 1056 patients were enrolled after PSM, including 672 patients with MVI and 384 patients without MVI. Adjuvant TACE improves DFS (Median, 36 months vs 14 months, p < 0.001) and OS (Median, NA vs 32 months, p < 0.001) in patients harboring MVI, but not in those (all p > 0.05) lacking MVI. In different different CNLC stages, adjuvant TACE improved DFS (CNLC stage I, Median, 37 vs 15 months; CNLC stage II, Median, 25 vs 11 months, p < 0.001) and OS (CNLC stage I, Median, NA vs 32 months, p < 0.001; CNLC stage II, Median, NA vs 26 months, p = 0.002) in patients who carried MVI, but not in those (CNLC stage I-II, all p > 0.05) who lacked MVI. Conclusions: Adjuvant TACE may be a potentially effective treatment option for improving survival outcomes in early-HCC patients harboring MVI, but not in those lacking MVI.

Minimally Invasive Robotic Techniques for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Resection: How I Do It

The adoption of minimally invasive techniques for hepatocellular resection has progressively increased in North America. Cumulative evidence has demonstrated improved surgical outcomes in patients who undergo minimally invasive hepatectomy. In this review, the authors' approach and methodology to minimally invasive robotic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma is discussed.

Selective hanging maneuver and rubber band retraction technique for pure laparoscopic donor right hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy (PLDH) is an increasingly performed procedure despite its technical difficulties. This study introduced a selective liver parenchymal hanging maneuver and rubber band retraction technique for PLDH.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed perioperative data from 58 patients who underwent donor right hepatectomy (including right extended) between March 2009 and February 2021. Eighteen patients underwent open donor right hepatectomy (ODRH) and 38 patients underwent pure laparoscopic donor right hepatectomy (PLDRH).

RESULTS

All PLDRH donors underwent the procedure without the need for open conversion. The median PLDRH operative time was 396.84 ± 72.459 min, the median PLDRH intraoperative bleeding amount was 496.05 ± 272.591 ml, and the warm ischemic time was 8.77 ± 3.062 min. Compared to ODRH, laparoscopic surgery showed further advantages in terms of postoperative hospital stay (10.94 ± 4.036 days vs. 8.03 ± 2.646 days, respectively, P = 0.01) and estimated blood loss (676.67 ± 321.046 ml vs. 496.05 ± 272.591 ml, respectively, P = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

The selective liver parenchymal hanging maneuver and rubber band retraction technique is a simple and effective pure laparoscopic procedure for donor hepatectomy. Our results demonstrate the safety and feasibility of this technique.

Right portal vein ligation is still relevant for left hemi-liver hypertrophy: results of a comparative study using a propensity score between right portal vein ligation and embolization

BACKGROUND

In two-stage hepatectomy for bilobar liver metastases from colorectal cancer, future liver remnant (FLR) growth can be achieved using several techniques, such as right portal vein ligation (RPVL) or right portal vein embolization (RPVE). A few heterogeneous studies have compared these two techniques with contradictory results concerning FLR growth. The objective of this study was to compare FLR hypertrophy of the left hemi-liver after RPVL and RPVE.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective comparative study using a propensity score of patients who underwent RPVL or RPVE prior to major hepatectomy between January 2010 and December 2020. The endpoints were FLR growth (%) after weighting using the propensity score, which included FLR prior to surgery and the number of chemotherapy cycles. Secondary endpoints were the percentage of patients undergoing simultaneous procedures, the morbidity and mortality, the recourse to other liver hypertrophy procedures, and the number of invasive procedures for the entire oncologic program in intention-to-treat analysis.

RESULTS

Fifty-four consecutive patients were retrospectively included and analyzed, 18 in the RPVL group, and 36 in the RPVE group. The demographic characteristics were similar between the groups. After weighting, there was no significant difference between the RPVL and RPVE groups for FLR growth (%), respectively 32.5% [19.3-56.0%] and 34.5% [20.5-47.3%] (p = 0.221). There was no significant difference regarding the secondary outcomes except for the lower number of invasive procedures in RPVL group (median of 2 [2.0, 3.0] in RPVL group and 3 [3.0, 3.0] in RPVE group, p = 0.001)).

CONCLUSION

RPVL and RPVE are both effective to provide required left hemi-liver hypertrophy before right hepatectomy. RPVL should be considered for the simultaneous treatment of liver metastases and the primary tumor.

Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting Postoperative Early Relapse and Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Early relapse after hepatectomy presents a significant challenge in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to construct and validate a novel nomogram model for predicting early relapse and survival after hepatectomy for HCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a large-scale, multicenter retrospective analysis of 1,505 patients with surgically treated HCC from 4 medical centers. All patients were randomly divided into either the training cohort (n=1,053) or the validation cohort (n=452) in a 7:3 ratio. A machine learning-based nomogram model for prediction of HCC was established by integrating multiple risk factors that influence early relapse and survival, which were identified from preoperative clinical data and postoperative pathologic characteristics of the patients.

RESULTS

The median time to early relapse was 7 months, whereas the median time from early relapse to death was only 19 months. The concordance indexes of the postoperative nomogram for predicting disease-free survival and overall survival were 0.741 and 0.739, respectively, with well-calibrated curves demonstrating good consistency between predicted and observed outcomes. Moreover, the accuracy and predictive performance of the postoperative nomograms were significantly superior to those of the preoperative nomogram and the other 7 HCC staging systems. The patients in the intermediate- and high-risk groups of the model had significantly higher probabilities of early and critical recurrence (P<.001), whereas those in the low-risk group had higher probabilities of late and local recurrence (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This postoperative nomogram model can better predict early recurrence and survival and can serve as a useful tool to guide clinical treatment decisions for patients with HCC.

Measuring intraoperative anesthetic parameters during hepatectomy with inferior vena cava clamping

PURPOSE

Uncontrollable bleeding remained problematic in anatomical hepatectomy exposing hepatic veins. Based on the inferior vena cava (IVC) anatomy, we attempted to analyze the hemodynamic and surgical effects of the combined IVC-partial clamp (PC) accompanied with the Trendelenburg position (TP).

METHODS

We prospectively assessed 26 consecutive patients who underwent anatomical hepatectomies exposing HV trunks between 2020 and 2023. Patients were divided into three groups: use of IVC-PC (group 1), no use of IVC-PC (group 2), and use of IVC-PC accompanied with TP (group 3). In 10 of 26 patients (38%), hepatic venous pressure was examined using transhepatic catheter insertion.

RESULTS

IVC-PC was performed in 15 patients (58%). Operating time and procedures did not significantly differ between groups. A direct hemostatic effect on hepatic veins was evaluated in 60% and 70% of patients in groups 1 and 3, respectively. Group 1 showed significantly more unstable vital status and vasopressor use (p < 0.01). Blood or fluid transfusion and urinary output were similar between groups. Group 2 had a significantly lower baseline central venous pressure (CVP), while group 3 showed a significant increase in CVP in TP. CVP under IVC-PC seemed lower than under TP; however, not significantly. Hepatic venous pressure did not significantly differ between groups. Systolic arterial blood pressure significantly decreased via IVC-PC in group 1 and to a similar extent in group 3. Heart rate significantly increased during IVC-PC (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

IVC-PC combined with the TP may be an alternative procedure to control intrahepatic venous bleeding during anatomical hepatectomy exposing hepatic venous trunks.

Nomogram to predict liver surgery-specific complications for hepatocellular carcinoma: A multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Early identification of patients at risk for surgical complications enables surgeons to make better treatment decisions and optimize resource utilization. We propose to develop a nomogram for predicting the risk of moderate-to-severe liver surgery-specific complications after hepatectomy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled HCC patients who underwent radical hepatectomy at four medical centers from January 2014 to January 2019 in southwestern China, randomly (7:3) divided into training and validation cohorts. We used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression to build a nomogram model.

RESULTS

The nomogram model contained 6 variables: diabetes mellitus (yes vs. no, OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.16-4.64, P = 0.02), major hepatectomy (yes vs. no, OR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.64-4.27, P < 0.001), platelets (PLT, ≥100 × 103/μl vs. <100 × 103/μl, OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.33-0.87, P = 0.01), prothrombin time (PT, >13 s vs. ≤13 s, OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.04-3.05, P = 0.04), albumin-indocyanine green evaluation grade (ALICE grade, grade B vs. grade A, OR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.17-3.61, P = 0.01), and prognostic nutrient index (PNI, >48 vs. ≤48, OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.33-0.92, P = 0.02). The concordance index (C-index) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were 0.751 (95% CI, 0.703-0.799) and 0.743 (95% CI, 0.653-0.833) for the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that the nomogram had good clinical value.

CONCLUSION

We provide good preoperative predictors for the risk of moderate-to-high FABIB score complications in patients with HBV-related HCC posthepatectomy.

Outcomes of different parenchymal-sparing hepatectomies in patients with colorectal liver metastases and prognostic impact of peritumoral imaging features

OBJECTIVES

Parenchymal-sparing hepatectomy (PSH) is recommended in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Based on the principle of PSH, to investigate the impact of anatomical resection (AR) and non-anatomic resection (NAR) on the outcome of CRLM and to evaluate the potential prognostic impact of three peritumoral imaging features.

METHODS

Fifty-six patients who had abdominal gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before CRLM surgery were included in this retrospective research. Peritumoral early enhancement, peritumoral hypointensity on hepatobiliary phase (HBP), and biliary dilatation to the CRLM at MRI were evaluated. Survival estimates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and multivariate analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of liver recurrence-free survival (LRFS), recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

NAR had a lower 3-year LRFS compared with AR (36.6% vs. 78.6%, p = 0.012). No significant differences were found in 3-year RFS (34.1% vs. 41.7%) and OS (61.7% vs. 81.3%) (p > 0.05). In NAR group, peritumoral early enhancement was associated with poor LRFS (p = < 0.001, hazard ratio [HR] = 6.260; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.322,16.876]) and poor RFS (p = 0.035, HR =2.516; 95% CI, 1.069,5.919). No independent predictors of CRLM were identified in the AR group.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with CRLM, peritumoral early enhancement was a predictor of LRFS and RFS after NAR according to the principle of PSH.

Impact of Trinal Histological Glandular Differentiation Grade on the Prognosis of Patients with Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: a Multicenter Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

It is unclear whether the histological glandular differentiation (HGD) score that evaluates the tumor grade of two dominant components is prognostic for survival in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

METHOD

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and histopathologic data of 235 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed ICC following hepatectomy at 5 university hospitals in the Kansai region of Japan.

RESULTS

Survival was statistically significantly stratified by trinal HGD grade (p < 0.05). Median disease-free survival (DFS) of patients with high HGD grade was significantly shorter compared with moderate HGD grade (13.0 vs 31.2 months, respectively; p = 0.004). By Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, HGD grade had the fifth-highest hazard ratio (HR = 1.77, p = 0.002) for DFS after vascular and/or biliary invasion, extrahepatic invasion, lymph node metastasis and multiple tumors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed four predictors of early recurrence after hepatectomy (lymph node metastasis: odds ratio [OR] = 3.74, p = 0.001; tumor size > 50 mm: OR = 2.80, p = 0.002; HGD grade, high: OR = 2.11, p = 0.012; and vascular or biliary tract invasion: OR = 2.11, p = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

Trinal HGD grade had a significant prognostic impact on the survival of patients with ICC after radical hepatectomy.

Left hepatectomy for hepatic hydatid cyst with intra-biliary rupture: Better to be radical

Echinococcal liver cysts are predominantly located in the right lobe of the liver and are mostly asymptomatic. A frank intra-biliary rupture (IBR) of hydatid cyst is uncommon, having variable clinical presentation and treatment options. We present a case of a 60-year-old male patient who presented with pain in the upper abdomen associated with vomiting but without jaundice. On investigations, he was diagnosed to have a left lobe hepatic hydatid cyst (HHC) with IBR for which left hepatectomy with bile duct exploration was performed. It highlights the benign nature of the disease for which seldom major hepatectomies have to be performed.

Early portal vein thrombosis after hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: Incidence, risk factors, and management

AIM

To study the incidence, risk factors and management of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) after hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC).

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Single-center retrospective analysis of 86 consecutive patients who underwent major hepatectomy for PHCC, between 2012 and 2019, with comparison of the characteristics of the groups with (PVT+) and without (PVT-) postoperative portal vein thrombosis.

RESULTS

Seven patients (8%) presented with PVT diagnosed during the first postoperative week. Preoperative portal embolization had been performed in 71% of patients in the PVT+ group versus 34% in the PVT- group (P=0.1). Portal reconstruction was performed in 100% and 38% of PVT+ and PVT- patients, respectively (P=0.002). In view of the gravity of the clinical and/or biochemical picture, five (71%) patients underwent urgent re-operation with portal thrombectomy, one of whom died early (hemorrhagic shock after surgical treatment of PVT). Two patients had exclusively medical treatment. Complete recanalization of the portal vein was achieved in the short and medium term in the six survivors. After a mean follow-up of 21 months, there was no statistically significant difference in overall survival between the two groups.

FINDINGS

Post-hepatectomy PVT for PHCC is a not-infrequent and potentially lethal event. Rapid management, adapted to the extension of the thrombus and the severity of the thrombosis (hepatic function, signs of portal hypertension) makes it possible to limit the impact on postoperative mortality. We did not identify any modifiable risk factor. However, when it is oncologically and anatomically feasible, left±extended hepatectomy (without portal embolization) may be less risky than extended right hepatectomy, and portal vein resection should only be performed if there is strong suspicion of tumor invasion.

Meta-analysis of Prognostic Factors for Overall Survival Among Resected Patients with Spontaneous Ruptured Hepatocellular Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Our meta-analysis was performed to explore the prognostic factors for overall survival among post-hepatectomy patients with spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (SRHCC).

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were all searched up for relevant studies regarding prognostic factors with SRHCC. RevMan5.3 software and Stata 14.0 software were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of nineteen studies with 1876 resected SRHCC patients were finally identified. Pooled results indicated that preoperative AFP (high vs low) (P = 0.003), concurrent liver cirrhosis (yes vs no) (P = 0.02), preoperative liver function (child A vs non-child A) (P = 0.0007), tumor size (large vs small) (P < 0.00001), tumor number (solitary vs multiple) (P = 0.002), satellite foci (yes vs no) (P = 0.0006), micro-vascular invasion (yes vs no) (P < 0.00001), type of hepatectomy (major or minor) (P = 0.04), surgical margin (R + vs R -) (P < 0.00001), and type of hepatectomy (emergency hepatectomy vs staged hepatectomy) (P = 0.005) were prognostic factors for overall survival among post-hepatectomy SRHCC patients.

CONCLUSION

Apart from some conventional prognostic factors identified in resected patients with SRHCC, numerous prognostic factors have also been unmasked, which might provide clinical reference to stratify patients with different therapeutic regimes.

The impact of cystic duct tube on the onset time of postoperative bile leakage after hepatectomy: A propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

The cystic duct tube (C-tube) was used to reduce bile leakage (BL) incidence after hepatectomy. Nevertheless, delayed BL is sometimes experienced even using C-tube. This study investigates the impact of C-tube use on the onset time of post-hepatectomy BL.

METHODS

Data from 455 consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy without biliary reconstruction between November 2007 and July 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. A C-tube was used for intraoperative biliary injury or in consideration of BL risk. BL was divided into two groups according to the postoperative onset time: early onset and late onset. To assess the association between C-tube use and BL, propensity score matching in a 1:1 ratio was performed to match BL risk factors between the C-tube and no-C-tube groups.

RESULTS

BL occurred in 30 (6.6%) of the 455 included patients. C-tubes were used in 51 patients (11.2%) with open hepatectomy, high-risk hepatectomy, massive blood loss, long operation time, or prophylactic drain placement. After propensity score matching, BL occurred in 17 of 102 patients (16.7%). Early-onset BL occurred significantly less frequently in the C-tube group than in the no-C-tube group (3.9% vs. 15.7%, p = 0.046); however, late-onset BL was more common in the C-tube group (9.8% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.24). Six of seven patients (85.7%) with BL with C-tube use developed BL after C-tube removal.

CONCLUSION

C-tube drainage may reduce early-onset BL in cases having risk factors for BL. Conversely, since late-onset BL often occurs after C-tube removal, attention should be paid to those cases.

Value and prognostic factors of repeat hepatectomy for recurrent colorectal liver metastasis

BACKGROUND

More than 50% of patients with colorectal cancer develop liver metastases. Hepatectomy is the preferred treatment for resectable liver metastases. This review provides a perspective on the utility and relevant prognostic factors of repeat hepatectomy in recurrent colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM).

DATA SOURCES

The keywords "recurrent colorectal liver metastases", "recurrent hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer", "liver metastases of colorectal cancer", "repeat hepatectomy", "repeat hepatic resection", "second hepatic resection", and "prognostic factors" were used to retrieve articles published in the PubMed database up to August 2020. Additional articles were identified by a manual search of references from key articles.

RESULTS

Despite improvements in surgical methods and perioperative chemotherapy, recurrence remains common in 37%-68% of patients. Standards or guidelines for the treatment of recurrent liver metastases are lacking. Repeat hepatectomy appears to be the best option for patients with resectable metastases. The commonly reported prognostic factors after repeat hepatectomy were R0 resection, carcinoembryonic antigen level, the presence of extrahepatic disease, a short disease-free interval between initial and repeat hepatectomy, the number (> 1) and size (≥ 5 cm) of hepatic lesions, requiring blood transfusion, and no adjuvant chemotherapy after initial hepatectomy. The median overall survival after repeat hepatectomy ranged from 19.3 to 62 months, and the 5-year overall survival ranged from 21% to 73%. Chemotherapy can act as a test for the biological behavior of tumors with the goal of avoiding unnecessary surgery, and a multimodal approach involving aggressive chemotherapy and repeat hepatectomy might be the treatment of choice for patients with early recurrent CRLM.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeat hepatectomy is a relatively safe and effective treatment for resectable recurrent CRLM. The presence or absence of prognostic factors might facilitate patient selection to improve short- and long-term outcomes.

Circumstances and implications of conversion from minimally invasive to open liver resection: a multi-center analysis from the AMILES registry

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive approaches to liver resection (MILR) are associated with favorable outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the implications of conversion to an open procedure on perioperative outcomes.

METHODS

Patients who underwent MILR at 10 North American institutions were identified from the Americas Minimally Invasive Liver Resection (AMILES) database. Outcomes of patients who required conversion were compared to those who did not. Additionally, outcomes after conversion due to unfavorable findings (poor visualization/access, lack of progress, disease extent) versus intraoperative events (bleeding, injury, cardiopulmonary instability) were compared.

RESULTS

Of 1675 patients who underwent MILR, 102 (6.1%) required conversion. Conversion rate ranged from 4.4% for left lateral sectionectomy to 10% for right hepatectomy. The primary reason for conversion was unfavorable findings in 67 patients (66%) and intraoperative adverse events in 35 patients (34%). By multivariable analysis, major resection, cirrhosis, prior liver surgery, and tumor proximity to major vessels were identified as risk factors for conversion (p < 0.05). Patients who required conversion had higher blood loss, transfusion requirements, operative time, and length of stay, (p < 0.05). They also had higher major complication rates (23% vs. 5.2%, p < 0.001) and 30-day mortality (8.8% vs. 1.3%, p < 0.001). When compared to those who required conversion due to unfavorable findings, patients who required conversion due to intraoperative adverse events had significantly higher major complication rates (43% vs. 14%, p = 0.012) and 30-day mortality (20% vs. 3.0%, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Conversion from MILR to open surgery is associated with increased perioperative morbidity and mortality. Conversion due to intraoperative adverse events is rare but associated with significantly higher complication and mortality rates, while conversion due to unfavorable findings is associated with similar outcomes as planned open resection. High-risk patients may benefit from early conversion in a controlled fashion if difficulties are encountered or anticipated.

Should lymphadenectomy performed routinely in patients with primary intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma undergoing curative hepatectomy? A retrospective cohort study with propensity-score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

The benefit of routine lymphadenectomy (LD) in improving outcomes for patients with primary intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) undergoing curative hepatectomy remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study enrolled 269 consecutive patients who underwent liver resection for primary ICC from January 2009 to July 2020 in West China Hospital. The association of the nodal status with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model and 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis.

RESULTS

Seventy-five (27.9%) patients underwent curative liver resection combined with LD (LD+ group), while 194 (72.1%) patients received curative liver resection without LD (LD- group and Nx group). Among the LD+ group, metastatic disease was present in 36 patients (48%, N1 group) and absent in 39 patients (N0 group). During the follow-up period, 116 patients (43.1%) experienced tumor recurrence and 101 patients (37.5%) died due to recurrence. Multivariate analysis revealed that lymph node metastasis (N1, HR 3.682, 95% CI 1.949-6.957, p < 0.001) was associated with worse OS, while LD+ status (HR 0.504, 95% CI 0.298-0.853, p = 0.011) was associated with improved OS. Adjuvant therapy was a protective factor for both DFS (HR 0.602, 95% CI, 0.447-0.810, p = 0.001) and OS (HR 0.683, 95% CI 0.484-0.963, p = 0.030). After 1:1 PSM, the LD+ patients (n = 74) displayed similar 1-, 3- and 5-year DFS rates (40.0, 7.9 and 7.9% vs. 29.0, 13.7 and 13.7%, p = 0.741) and OS rates (56.0, 26.6 and 22.2% vs. 58.9, 25.6, and 16.4%, p = 0.644) to the LD- patients (n = 74). Additionally, among the 75 LD+ patients, 48 patients underwent hepatic hilar lymphadenectomy (HHL), and 27 patients underwent extended hepatic hilar lymphadenectomy (EHL). Both DFS (p = 0.504) and OS (p = 0.215) were similar between the HHL and EHL groups.

CONCLUSION

Routine LD and adjuvant therapy may contribute to improved OS according to the crude analysis. LD could provide accurate staging without excessive risk and guide adjuvant therapy based on the tumor stage, potentially resulting in better survival. These results suggest that a routine LD should be considered during curative hepatectomy for ICC.

Preoperative dexamethasone administration in hepatectomy of 25-min intermittent Pringle's maneuver for hepatocellular carcinoma: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Our previous randomized controlled trial (RCT) have demonstrated that intermittent Pringle's maneuver (IPM) with a 25-min ischemic interval can be applied safely and efficiently in open or laparoscopic hepatectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. But prolonging the hepatic inflow blocking time will inevitably aggravate the ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) caused by systemic response. This RCT aims to evaluate the effect of administration of dexamethasone versus placebo before clamping the hilar pedicle on postoperative liver function, inflammatory response, and perioperative outcomes among HCC patients undergoing liver resection with 25-min hepatic inflow occlusion.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This will be a randomized, dual-arm, parallel-group, double-blinded trial. All eligible and consecutive patients are coming from a regional medical center who are diagnosed with HCC and underwent radical R0/R1 resection. All participates are randomly allocated in dexamethasone group or placebo group. All surgeons, anesthesiologists, and outcome assessors will be blinded to allocation status. Primary endpoints are transaminase-based postoperative hepatic injury on seven consecutive days after surgery and assessed by their peak values as well as area under the curve (AUC) of the postoperative course of aminotransferases. Secondary endpoints are postoperative total bilirubin (TBil), coagulation function, inflammatory cytokines and their respective peaks, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality. The above parameters will be compared using the corresponding statistical approach. Subgroup analysis will be performed according to the liver cirrhosis and major hepatectomy.

DISCUSSION

Based on our previous study, we will explore further the effect of glucocorticoid administration on attenuating the surgical stress response in order to follow securely 25-min hepatic inflow occlusion. Therefore, the trial protocol is reasonable and the results of the trial may be clinically significant.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was registered on 3 December 2022, in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( http://www.chictr.org.cn ), ChiCTR2200066381. The protocol version is V1.0 (20221104).

Prognostic potential of preoperative circulating tumor cells to predict the early progression recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma patients after hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

The role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in prognosis prediction has been actively studied in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, their efficiency in accurately predicting early progression recurrence (EPR) is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the clinical potential of preoperative CTCs to predict EPR in HCC patients after hepatectomy.

METHODS

One hundred forty-five HCC patients, whose preoperative CTCs were detected, were enrolled. Based on the recurrence times and types, the patients were divided into four groups, including early oligo-recurrence (EOR), EPR, late oligo-recurrence (LOR), and late progression recurrence (LPR).

RESULTS

Among the 145 patients, 133 (91.7%) patients had a postoperative recurrence, including 51 EOR, 42 EPR, 39 LOR, and 1 LPR patient. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis indicated that the HCC patients with EPR had the worst OS. There were significant differences in the total-CTCs (T-CTCs) and CTCs subtypes count between the EPR group with EOR and LOR groups. Cox regression analysis indicated that the T-CTC count of > 5/5 mL, the presence of microvascular invasion (MVI) and satellite nodules were the independent risk factors for EPR. The efficiency of T-CTCs was superior as compared to those of the other indicators in predicting EPR. Moreover, the combined model demonstrated a markedly superior area under the curve (AUC).

CONCLUSIONS

The HCC patients with EPR had the worst OS. The preoperative CTCs was served as a prognostic indicator of EPR for HCC patients. The combined models, including T-CTCs, MVI, and satellite nodules, had the best performance to predict EPR after hepatectomy.

Efficacy of a modified FRAIL scale in predicting the peri-operative outcome of hepatectomy in older adults (aged ≥ 75 years): a model development study

BACKGROUND

The FRAIL scale for evaluating frailty consists of five items: fatigue, resistance, aerobic, illness, and loss of weight. However, it is difficult to obtain a specific weight loss value. Since the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) is simple, accurate, and easy to perform, we replaced weight loss with the TUGT in the FRAIL scale, with the remaining four items unchanged, and named it the FRAIT scale. The aim of this study was to determine the value of the FRAIT scale in predicting the peri-operative outcome of hepatectomy.

METHODS

This model development study was conducted between January 2017 and December 2021. The reliability, validity and area under the curve (AUC) of the FRAIL/FRAIT scales were calculated. The frailty status of patients aged ≥ 75 years who underwent hepatectomy was measured using the FRAIL/FRAIT scales. Logistic regression was used to compare the relationship between FRAIL/FRAIT scores/grades and perioperative outcomes.

RESULTS

The AUCs for predicting operation duration, intraoperative bleeding, complications, and death based on the FRAIL score were 0.692, 0.740, 0.709, and 0.733, respectively, and those based on the FRAIT score were 0.700, 0.745, 0.708, and 0.724, respectively. The AUCs for predicting operation duration, intraoperative bleeding, complications, and death based on the FRAIL grade were 0.693, 0.735, 0.695, and 0.755, respectively, and those based on the FRAIT grades were 0.700, 0.758, 0.699, and 0.750, respectively. The FRAIL score has three effective predictors (intraoperative bleeding, complications, and death), while the FRAIT score has four effective predictors (operation duration, intraoperative bleeding, complications, and death). The FRAIL grade has two effective predictors (intraoperative bleeding and death), while the FRAIT grade has three effective predictors (operation duration, intraoperative bleeding, and death).

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes a new and more effective tool for the assessment of preoperative frailty in older adults undergoing hepatectomy. The items of the FRAIT scale are easier to obtain than those of the FRAIL scale, and the predictive effect of the FRAIT scale is stronger than that of the FRAIL scale.

Prognostic value of platelet distribution width to lymphocyte ratio in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma following hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Platelet distribution width (PDW), but not platelet count, was found to more comprehensively reflect platelet activity. The present study, thus, aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of PDW to lymphocyte ratio (PDWLR) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following hepatectomy.

METHODS

Patients following hepatectomy were analyzed retrospectively. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression model were used to determine the prognostic value of PDWLR.

RESULTS

241 patients were analyzed eventually, and stratified into low and high PDWLR groups (≤ 9.66 vs. > 9.66). Results of comparing the baseline characteristics showed that high PDWLR was significantly associated with cirrhosis, and intraoperative blood loss (all P < 0.05). In multivariate COX regression analysis, PDWLR was demonstrated as an independent risk factor for OS (HR: 1.549, P = 0.041) and RFS (HR: 1.655, P = 0.005). Moreover, PDWLR demonstrated a superior capacity for predicting prognosis compared to other indicators.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative PDWLR has a potential value in predicting the prognosis of HCC patients following hepatectomy, which may help in clinical decision-making for individual treatment.