Perioperative complications in patients undergoing major liver resection with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Combination of surgery and chemotherapy and the role of targeted agents in the treatment of patients with colorectal liver metastases: recommendations from an expert panel

The past 5 years have seen the clear recognition that the administration of chemotherapy to patients with initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases can increase the number of patients who can undergo potentially curative secondary liver resection. Coupled with this, recent data have emerged that show that perioperative chemotherapy confers a disease-free survival advantage over surgery alone in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with initially resectable liver disease. The purpose of this paper is to build on the existing knowledge and review the issues surrounding the use of chemotherapy +/- targeted agents combined with surgery in the treatment of CRC patients with liver metastases, with a view to providing clinical recommendations. An international panel of 21 experts in colorectal oncology comprising liver surgeons and medical oncologists reviewed the available evidence. In a major change to clinical practice, the panel's recommendation was that the majority of patients with CRC liver metastases should be treated up front with chemotherapy, irrespective of the initial resectability status of their metastases.

The management of colorectal liver metastases: Expanding the role of hepatic resection in the age of multimodal therapy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) caused nearly 204,000 deaths in Europe in 2004. Despite recent advances in the treatment of advanced disease, which include the incorporation of two new cytotoxic agents irinotecan and oxaliplatin into first-line regimens, the concept of planned sequential therapy involving three active agents during the course of a patient's treatment and the integrated use of targeted monoclonal antibodies, the 5-year survival rates for patients with advanced CRC remain unacceptably low. For patients with colorectal liver metastases, liver resection offers the only potential for cure. This review, based on the outcomes of a meeting of European experts (surgeons and medical oncologists), considers the current treatment strategies available to patients with CRC liver metastases, the criteria for the selection of those patients most likely to benefit and suggests where future progress may occur.

Impact of the degree of liver resection on survival for patients with multiple liver metastases from colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Although the degree of hepatic resection has been found to be a key aspect of tumor stimulation, the differences in clinical outcome between a massive liver resection and a less extensive resection for multiple colorectal metastases have not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to clarify the impact of the extent of liver resection on survival outcome.

METHODS

Clinicopathologic data were available for 85 patients who were surgically treated for four or more liver metastases. Forty-nine patients who underwent a major hepatic resection were compared with patients who underwent minor hepatic resections (n = 36).

RESULTS

As the patients undergoing major resection were more likely to have multiple (p = 0.014) and large tumors (p = 0.021) compared to the minor-resection patients, their overall survival was worse (p = 0.046) and the disease-free rate tended to be poorer. By multivariate analysis of the cohorts, the only independent factor affecting survival was the number of liver tumors (< or =5 or > or =6; relative risk [RR] = 0.427; p = 0.014). When patients with six or more metastases were selected and analyzed, the overall survival of patients who had a major resection was significantly poorer than those who had minor resections (p = 0.028), although the clinical characteristics were comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Although the extent of hepatectomy was not an independent prognosticator, minor resections for multiple colorectal metastases may offer a long-term survival advantage compared to a major resection.

Patterns of chemotherapy-induced hepatic injury and their implications for patients undergoing liver resection for colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is increasingly being used to enlarge the cohort of patients who can be offered hepatic resection for malignancy. However, the impact of these agents on the liver parenchyma itself, and their effects on clinical outcomes following hepatic resection remain unclear. This review identifies patterns of regimen-specific chemotherapy-induced hepatic injury and assesses their impact on outcomes following hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases (CLM).

METHODS

An electronic search was performed using the MEDLINE (US Library of Congress) database from 1966 to May 2007 to identify relevant articles related to chemotherapy-induced hepatic injury and subsequent outcome following hepatic resection.

RESULTS

The use of the combination of 5-flourouracil and leucovorin is linked to the development of hepatic steatosis, and translates into increased postoperative infection rates. A form of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) related to chemotherapy and otherwise known as chemotherapy-associated steatohepatitis (CASH) is closely linked to irinotecan-based therapy and is associated with inferior outcomes following hepatic surgery mainly due to hepatic insufficiency and poor regeneration. Data on sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) following treatment with oxaliplatin are less convincing, but there appears to be an increased risk for intra-operative bleeding and decreased hepatic reserve associated with the presence of SOS. Intra-arterial floxuridine therapy damages the extrahepatic biliary tree in addition to causing parenchymal liver damage, and has been shown to be associated with increased morbidity after hepatic resection.

CONCLUSION

Agent-specific patterns of damage are now being recognized with increasing use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery. The potential benefits and risks of these should be considered on an individual patient basis prior to hepatic resection.

Pathologic Response to Preoperative Chemotherapy: A New Outcome End Point After Resection of Hepatic Colorectal Metastases

Purpose

The primary goal of this study was to evaluate whether pathologic response to chemotherapy predicts patient survival after preoperative chemotherapy and resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM). The secondary goal of the study was to identify the clinical predictors of pathologic response.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective review was performed of 305 patients who underwent preoperative irinotecan- or oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, followed by resection of CLM. Pathologic response was systematically evaluated and reported as the mean of the percentage of cancer cells remaining within each tumor. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the predictors of pathologic response and survival.

Results

Cumulative 5-year overall survival rates by pathologic response status were as follows: 75% complete response (no residual cancer cells), 56% major response (1% to 49% residual cancer cells), and 33% minor response (≥ 50% residual cancer cells; complete v major response, P = .037; major v minor response, P = .028). Multivariate analysis revealed that only surgical margin status (P = .050; hazard ratio [HR], 1.77) and pathologic response (major response: P = .034; HR, 4.80; minor response: P = .007; HR, 6.93) were independent predictors of survival. Multivariate analysis of the predictors of pathologic response revealed that carcinoembryonic antigen level ≤ 5 ng/mL, tumor size ≤ 3 cm, and chemotherapy with fluoropyrimidine plus oxaliplatin and bevacizumab were independent predictors of pathologic response.

Conclusion

Pathologic response predicts survival after preoperative chemotherapy and resection of CLM. Degree of pathologic response represents a new outcome end point for prognosis after resection of CLM.

Management of hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancers: an update

Approximately 50%-60% of patients with colorectal cancers will develop liver lesions in their life span. Despite the potential of surgical resection to provide long-term survival in this subset of patients, only 15%-20% are found to be resectable. The introduction of new neoadjuvant chemotherapeutic agents and the expanding criteria of resection have enhanced the overall 5-year survival from 30% to 60% in the past decade. The use of technical innovations such as staged resection; portal vein embolization, and repeat resection have allowed higher resection rates in patients with bilobar disease. Extrahepatic primary and liver-exclusive recurrent disease no longer represent an absolute contraindication to resection. The role of regional therapy using hepatic arterial infusion is being redefined for liver-exclusive unresectable disease. Adjuvant chemotherapy in combination with regional therapies is being looked at from fresh perspectives. Ablative approaches have gained a firm role both as an adjunct to surgical resection and in the management of patients who are not surgical candidates. Overall, the management of hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancers requires a multimodal approach.

Sinusoidal obstructive syndrome diagnosed with superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in patients with chemotherapy-treated colorectal liver metastases

PURPOSE

To assess the predictive value of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) -enhanced T2-weighted gradient echo (GRE) imaging to determine the presence and severity of sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (SOS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty hepatic resection patients with colorectal metastases treated with chemotherapy underwent unenhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) followed by T2-weighted GRE sequences obtained after SPIO. The images were reviewed in consensus by two experienced observers who determined the presence and severity of linear and reticular hyperintensities, indicating SOS-type liver injury, using a 4-point ordinal scale. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) with 95% CIs for the detection of SOS were calculated.

RESULTS

Twenty-four of 60 patients had moderate to severe SOS on MRI. MRI achieved a sensitivity of 87% (95% CI, 66% to 97%), specificity of 89% (95% CI, 75% to 97%), PPV of 83% (95% CI, 63% to 95%), and NPV of 92% (95% CI, 77% to 98%). SOS was never found at surgery or histology in patients whose background liver parenchyma was normal on SPIO-enhanced MRI.

CONCLUSION

SOS is present in a significant proportion of patients with treated colorectal metastases and is effectively detected on SPIO-enhanced T2-weighted GRE images.

Hepatectomy for resectable colorectal cancer metastases--indicators of prognosis, definition of resectability, techniques and outcomes

The field of surgery for liver metastases is evolving rapidly. The proportion of patients viewed as amenable to resection is increasing with surgeons becoming more aggressive and systemic therapy more effective. Surgical resection is associated with low mortality and overall 5-year survival approaching 40%. Best candidates for resection are those with stage I or II colorectal cancer, fewer than 4 hepatic lesions, no lesions larger than 5 cm in diameter, no evidence of extra-hepatic disease, CEA level less than 5 ng/mL, and a disease-free interval of at least 2 years. Perioperative chemotherapy with or without biotherapies, in-situ ablation techniques, portal vein embolization, and staged hepatectomy have extended the indications without lessening the results of liver resection for colorectal metastases.

Liver resection for colorectal liver metastases in older patients

INTRODUCTION

Seventy-six percentages of patients with a newly diagnosed colorectal carcinoma are between 65 and 85 years old. A substantial proportion will develop liver metastases, for which resection is the only potential curative treatment. This study was conducted to investigate both the feasibility, and short- and long-term outcomes of liver resection for colorectal liver metastases in elderly patients.

METHODS

Between August 1990 and April 2007 data were prospectively collected on patients over 70 years of age who underwent a liver resection for colorectal liver metastases in a single centre.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty-one liver resections were performed in 178 consecutive patients (median age 74 years). Thirty-four patients (18.8%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (all FOLFOX) prior to liver surgery and the majority (57.5%) of liver resections involved more than two Couinaud's segments. Median hospital stay was 13 days, 70 (38.5%) patients had postoperative complications, and overall in hospital mortality was 4.9% (9 patients). Overall- and disease-free survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 86.1%, 43.2% and 31.5% and 65.8%, 26% and 16%, respectively. In multivariate analysis: T3 primary staging; major liver resections; more than three liver lesions; and the occurrence of postoperative complications were associated with inferior overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver resection for colorectal liver metastases in elderly patients is safe and may offer long-time survival to a substantial percentage of patients. We strongly recommend considering senior patients for surgical treatment whenever possible.

Partial splenic embolization for cancer patients with thrombocytopenia requiring systemic chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Partial splenic embolization (PSE) has been used to improve hematologic parameters related to hypersplenism. The purpose of this study was to review our institutional experience with PSE for cancer patients with thrombocytopenia because of splenic sequestration precluding the administration of systemic therapy (ST).

METHODS

A retrospective review of cancer patients undergoing PSE was undertaken. Twenty-eight patients underwent PSE to correct thrombocytopenia to facilitate the initiation or resumption of ST. Primary and secondary endpoints of the current study included a platelet count increase > 150 K/UL and the initiation of ST, respectively. Periprocedural laboratory values and adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

Thirty PSEs were performed in 28 patients. Two patients underwent repeat PSE because of recurrent thrombocytopenia after the successful initiation of ST. For procedures with adequate follow-up, primary and secondary endpoints were achieved in 96.3% (26 of 27 patients) and 95.7% (22 of 23 patients) of patients, respectively. The mean platelet count was 81 K/UL immediately before PSE and peaked at 293 K/UL after PSE. For 23 patients with frequent laboratory follow-up, the mean time to a platelet count > 150 K/UL was 10 days. The mean hospital stay was 4.5 days. Postprocedure abdominal pain occurred in all patients. Fever was documented in 16 patients and pulmonary consolidation/atelectasis or effusion was documented in 10 patients; 9 patients received empiric antibiotic coverage. The median overall survival was 9.40 months (95% confidence interval, 8.2-10.7 months) among the 28 patients after PSE.

CONCLUSIONS

PSE is a safe and effective means of managing thrombocytopenia secondary to hypersplenism to facilitate the administration of ST in patients with cancer.

Effect of preoperative chemotherapy on liver resection for colorectal liver metastases

AIM

To compare the effects of preoperative chemotherapy on liver parenchyma morphology, as well as morbidity and mortality after liver resection for colorectal liver metastases.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data on 173 patients undergoing liver resection for CLM between 1/2003 and 9/2005 was analysed in three groups: A: preoperative oxaliplatin (Ox, n=70); B: other chemotherapeutic agents (OC, n=60); and C: surgery alone without chemotherapy (SA, n=43). Blood transfusion, hospital stay, operative procedure, peak postoperative bilirubin levels, complications and histopathology of the resected liver were compared.

RESULTS

Intra-operative blood transfusion requirement (34%) and biliary complications (16%) was higher in patients receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy (p=0.01 and p=0.06, respectively). Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy was also associated with sinusoidal dilatation of mild grade in 52.8% vs. 26.6% and 23.3% patients (p=0.007 and p=0.004) in other groups, respectively. Steatosis was similarly distributed across the study group. Postoperative mortality was 2, 1 and 4 patients, respectively (p=ns).

CONCLUSION

Oxaliplatin-based preoperative chemotherapy is associated with vascular alterations in the liver parenchyma without significantly increasing the risk of steatosis, or postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Steatosis predicts postoperative morbidity following hepatic resection for colorectal metastasis

BACKGROUND

Few studies are available on the effect of steatosis on perioperative outcome following hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM).

METHODS

Patients undergoing resection for CRLM from January 2000 to September 2005 were identified from a hepatobiliary database. Data analysed included laboratory measurements, extent of hepatic resection, blood transfusion requirements and steatosis.

RESULTS

There were 386 patients with a median age of 66 (range 32-87) years, of whom 201 had at least one co-morbid condition and 194 had an American Society of Anesthesiologists grade of I. Anatomical resection was performed in 279 patients and non-anatomical resection in 107; 165 had additional procedures. Steatosis in 194 patients was classified as mild in 122, moderate in 60 and severe in 12. The overall morbidity rate was 36 per cent (139 patients) and the mortality rate was 1.8 per cent (seven patients). Admission to the intensive care unit, morbidity, infective complications and biochemical profile changes were associated with greater severity of steatosis. Independent predictors of morbidity were steatosis, extent of hepatic resection and blood transfusion.

CONCLUSION

Steatosis is associated with increased morbidity following hepatic resection. Other predictors of outcome were extent of hepatic resection and blood transfusion.

Systemic chemotherapy and two-stage hepatectomy for extensive bilateral colorectal liver metastases: perioperative safety and survival

BACKGROUND

Two-stage hepatectomy has been proposed for patients with bilateral colorectal liver metastases (CLM). The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of patients with CLM treated with preoperative chemotherapy followed by one- or two-stage hepatectomy.

METHODS

From a prospective database, 214 consecutive patients who received preoperative systemic chemotherapy (fluoropyrimidine with irinotecan or oxaliplatin) followed by planned one- or two-stage hepatectomy were retrospectively analyzed (1998-2006). In patients undergoing two-stage procedures, minor hepatectomy (wedge or segmental resection[s]) was systematically performed before major (more than three segments), second-stage hepatectomy. Preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) was performed if indicated.

RESULTS

One- (group I) and two-stage (group II) hepatectomies were performed in 184 and 21 patients, respectively. Median number of metastases in groups I and II were two (range 1-20) and seven (range 2-20). All patients in group II had bilateral disease vs 39% in group I. Major hepatectomy was performed in all patients in group II and 79% in group I. PVE was performed in 18 group I and 12 group II patients without increase in morbidity. For group I, group II first stage, and group II second stage, respectively, morbidity (24%, 24%, 43%), median hospital stay (7 days, 6 days, 6.5 days) and 30 days postoperative mortality (2%, 0%, 0%) were not significantly different (P = NS). Median follow-up was 25 months; median survival has not been reached. One- and 3-year overall and disease-free survival rates from the time of hepatic resection were 95% and 75%, 63% and 39%, respectively in group I; 95% and 86%, 70% and 51%, respectively in group II (P = NS).

CONCLUSIONS

Two-stage hepatectomy with preoperative chemotherapy results in comparable morbidity and survival rates as one-stage hepatectomy. This approach enables selection and treatment of patients with multiple, bilateral CLM who will benefit from aggressive surgery with good outcomes.

Addition of bevacizumab to irinotecan- and oxaliplatin-based preoperative chemotherapy regimens does not increase morbidity after resection of colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

Although commonly used in combination with irinotecan or oxaliplatin (iri/oxal) for treatment of colorectal liver metastases before extirpation, the effects of preoperative bevacizumab on surgical outcomes are not established. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine if addition of bevacizumab to iri/oxal preoperative chemotherapy increases morbidity after hepatic resection.

STUDY DESIGN

We compared demographics, clinicopathologic data, treatments, and postoperative outcomes between patients given preoperative iri/oxal with and without bevacizumab and patients who underwent hepatic resection within and after 8 weeks from the last dose of bevacizumab.

RESULTS

From 1996 to 2006, 96 patients were treated with preoperative iri/oxal; 39 (40.6%) received concurrent bevacizumab. Preoperative bevacizumab treatment was associated with less blood loss (median 425 mL versus 600 mL, p=0.01) and lower RBC transfusion rates (43.9% versus 23.1%, p=0.06) after partial hepatectomy on univariable analysis. Only age>or=70 years (hazard ratio=8.52, 95% CI [2.00 to 36.45]) and concurrent extrahepatic procedures (hazard ratio=4.12, 95% CI [1.49 to 11.39]) independently predicted RBC transfusion and overall complications, respectively. There were no differences in overall (43.6% versus 38.6%), severe (28.2% versus 24.6%), hepatic (17.9% versus 26.3%), wound (10.3% versus 7%), or thromboembolic or bleeding (2.6% versus 5.3%) complications (all p > 0.05). For patients treated with iri/oxal and bevacizumab, overall complications were more common when resection was performed within 8 weeks after the last bevacizumab dose (62.5% versus 30.4%), but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

If discontinued at least 8 weeks before hepatic resection, addition of bevacizumab to preoperative iri/oxal does not increase morbidity after hepatic resection.

Surgical therapy for colorectal metastases to the liver

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in the West and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Approximately 35 to 55% of patients with colorectal cancer develop hepatic metastases during the course of their disease. Surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases represents the only chance at potential cure, and long-term survival can be achieved in 35 to 58% of patients after resection. The goal of hepatic resection should be to resect all metastases with negative histologic margins while preserving sufficient functional hepatic parenchyma. In patients with extensive metastatic disease who would otherwise be unresectable, ablative approaches can be used instead of or combined with hepatic resection. The use of portal vein embolization and preoperative chemotherapy may also expand the population of patients who are candidates for surgical treatment. Despite these advances, many patients still experience a recurrence after hepatic resection. More active systemic chemotherapy agents are now available and are being increasingly employed as adjuvant therapy either before or after surgery. Modern treatment of colorectal liver metastasis requires a multidisciplinary approach in an effort to increase the number of patients who may benefit from surgical treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastasis.

The impact of margins on outcome after hepatic resection for colorectal metastasis

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the impact of margin width on long-term outcome after hepatic resection for colorectal metastasis.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

The optimal margin width and its influence on long-term outcome after hepatic resection for colorectal metastasis are unclear.

METHODS

All patients undergoing hepatic resection for colorectal metastasis from 1991 to 2003 were identified, and the prognostic influence of margin width and other clinicopathologic factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 1019 patients with a clear description of margin width were included. Analysis of margin width as a continuous variable suggested the following grouping: group I, involved (n = 112, 11%); group II, <1-10 mm (n = 563, 55%); and group III, >10 mm (n = 344, 33.7%). On univariate analysis, there was a statistically significant difference in median survival between all 3 groups: group II versus group I (42 vs. 30 months, P < 0.01) and group III versus group II (55 vs. 42 months, P < 0.01). Margin width >1 cm retained statistical significance (P < 0.01) on multivariate analysis after adjusting for established risk factors. After adjustment, survival in group III was significantly better than either group I or II (P < 0.01), but there was no difference between groups I and II (P = 0.31).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence that margin width of >1 cm is optimal and is an independent predictor of survival after hepatic resection for colorectal metastasis. However, subcentimeter resections are also associated with favorable outcome and should not preclude patients from undergoing resection.

Hepatic steatosis is a risk factor for postoperative complications after major hepatectomy: a matched case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of microsteatosis (MiS) and macrosteatosis (MaS) on major hepatectomy.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

While steatosis of a liver graft is an established risk factor in transplantation, its impact on major hepatectomy remains unclear.

METHODS

Fifty-eight steatotic patients who underwent major hepatectomy were matched 1:1 with patients with normal liver according to age, gender, ASA score, diagnosis, extent of hepatectomy, and need of hepaticojejunostomy. Steatosis was evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively. Primary endpoints were mortality and complications.

RESULTS

Pure MaS and MiS were present in only 10 and 3 patients, respectively, while mixed steatosis was noted in 45 patients. Forty-four patients had mild (10%-30%) and 14 moderate/severe (>30%) steatosis. Steatotic patients had significantly higher serum transaminase and bilirubin levels, and lower prothrombin time. Blood loss (P = 0.04) and transfusions (P = 0.03), and ICU stay (P = 0.001) were increased in steatotic patients. Complications were higher in steatotic patients when considered either overall (50% vs. 25%, P = 0.007) or major (27.5% vs. 6.9%, P = 0.001) complications. Patients with pure MaS had increased mortality (MaS: 20% vs. MiS: 6.6% vs. mixed: 0%; P = 0.36) and major complications (MaS: 66% vs. MiS: 50% vs. mixed: 24%; P = 0.59), but not significantly. Preoperative cholestasis was a highly significant risk factor for mortality in patients with hepatic steatosis.

CONCLUSION

Steatosis per se is a risk factor for postoperative complications after major hepatectomy and should be considered in the planning of surgery. Caution must be taken to perform major hepatectomy in steatotic patients with preexisting cholestasis.

Preoperative chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases: impact on hepatic histology and postoperative outcome

Some investigators have suggested that preoperative chemotherapy for hepatic colorectal metastases may cause hepatic injury and increase perioperative morbidity and mortality. The objective of the current study was to examine whether treatment with preoperative chemotherapy was associated with hepatic injury of the nontumorous liver and whether such injury, if present, was associated with increased morbidity or mortality after hepatic resection. Two-hundred and twelve eligible patients who underwent hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases between January 1999 and December 2005 were identified. Data on demographics, clinicopathologic characteristics, and preoperative chemotherapy details were collected and analyzed. The majority of patients received preoperative chemotherapy (n = 153; 72.2%). Chemotherapy consisted of fluoropyrimidine-based regimens: 5-FU monotherapy, 31.6%; irinotecan, 25.9%; and oxaliplatin, 14.6%. Among those patients who received chemotherapy, the type of chemotherapy regimen predicted distinct patterns of liver injury. Oxaliplatin was associated with increased likelihood of grade 3 sinusoidal dilatation (p = 0.017). Steatosis >30% was associated with irinotecan (27.3%) compared with no chemotherapy, 5-FU monotherapy, and oxaliplatin (all p < 0.05). Irinotecan also was associated with steatohepatitis, as two of the three patients with steatohepatitis had received irinotecan preoperatively. Overall, the perioperative complication rate was similar between the no-chemotherapy group (30.5%) and the chemotherapy group (35.3%) (p = 0.79). Preoperative chemotherapy was also not associated with 60-day mortality. In patients with hepatic colorectal metastases, preoperative chemotherapy is associated with hepatic injury in about 20 to 30% of patients. Furthermore, the type of hepatic injury after preoperative chemotherapy was regimen-specific.

Intra-operative Blood Loss Predicts Complications After a Second Hepatectomy for Malignant Neoplasms

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the risk of morbidity after repeat resections for liver recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma or for colorectal liver metastases.

BACKGROUND DATA

Although repeat hepatectomy for recurrences of hepatocellular carcinoma or for colorectal cancer liver metastases is well known only to carry risks similar to those seen for an initial liver resection, the safety of such a procedure is questionable because, typically, only a few liver tumors are thought suitable for repeat hepatectomy.

METHODS

Clinicopathology data were available for 412 hepatectomy patients (hepatocellular carcinoma in 226, colorectal liver metastases in 186). Risk factors for postoperative complications were analyzed retrospectively among the 57 patients undergoing a repeat hepatectomy.

RESULTS

Using multivariate analysis, intraoperative blood loss (relative risk, 9.61; P = 0.02) affected the occurrence of postoperative complications after a second hepatectomy. In patients who lost more than 1.29 l blood intraoperatively at the second hepatectomy, a major hepatectomy (P < 0.05) by means of an anatomical type of resection (P < 0.01) was more often performed than in the patients with 1.29 l or less of blood loss.

CONCLUSIONS

The major independent risk factor associated with complications after a second hepatectomy for liver recurrence was intraoperative blood loss. The extent of liver resection, especially in an anatomical manner, directly influences the amount of blood loss.

Hepatic steatosis is a risk factor for postoperative complications after major hepatectomy: a matched case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of microsteatosis (MiS) and macrosteatosis (MaS) on major hepatectomy.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

While steatosis of a liver graft is an established risk factor in transplantation, its impact on major hepatectomy remains unclear.

METHODS

Fifty-eight steatotic patients who underwent major hepatectomy were matched 1:1 with patients with normal liver according to age, gender, ASA score, diagnosis, extent of hepatectomy, and need of hepaticojejunostomy. Steatosis was evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively. Primary endpoints were mortality and complications.

RESULTS

Pure MaS and MiS were present in only 10 and 3 patients, respectively, while mixed steatosis was noted in 45 patients. Forty-four patients had mild (10%-30%) and 14 moderate/severe (>30%) steatosis. Steatotic patients had significantly higher serum transaminase and bilirubin levels, and lower prothrombin time. Blood loss (P = 0.04) and transfusions (P = 0.03), and ICU stay (P = 0.001) were increased in steatotic patients. Complications were higher in steatotic patients when considered either overall (50% vs. 25%, P = 0.007) or major (27.5% vs. 6.9%, P = 0.001) complications. Patients with pure MaS had increased mortality (MaS: 20% vs. MiS: 6.6% vs. mixed: 0%; P = 0.36) and major complications (MaS: 66% vs. MiS: 50% vs. mixed: 24%; P = 0.59), but not significantly. Preoperative cholestasis was a highly significant risk factor for mortality in patients with hepatic steatosis.

CONCLUSION

Steatosis per se is a risk factor for postoperative complications after major hepatectomy and should be considered in the planning of surgery. Caution must be taken to perform major hepatectomy in steatotic patients with preexisting cholestasis.

Prognostic influence of multiple hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer

AIMS

The aim of this study was to report the results of surgery for multiple colorectal liver metastases on patient outcome.

METHODS

This was a review of 484 consecutive patients who underwent liver resection for colorectal liver metastases between 1993 and 2003. The cohort was divided into 2 groups, those with 1-3 metastases and those with "multiple" metastases, namely 4 or more lesions. The later group was subdivided into those with less than 8 ("several") or 8 or more ("numerous") separate lesions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

the post-operative hospital stay was calculated and morbidity and mortality were assessed.

RESULTS

On multivariate analysis the presence of multiple metastases was the only predictor for both poorer overall survival (p=0.007) and disease-free survival (p=0.031). However, when patients with multiple metastases are analysed in detail this survival disadvantage appears to be only present in patients with numerous (8 or more) lesions.

CONCLUSION

Although patients with multiple metastases appear to have a poorer outcome, significant number of patients with multiple metastases survive to 5 years or more and should not be denied surgery. Patients with numerous (8 or more) metastases showed a poorer survival disadvantage. These patients need alternative treatment speculatives.

Intraoperative margin re-resection for colorectal liver metastases

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate recurrence and survival in patients who underwent intraoperative margin re-resection for colorectal cancer liver (CRC) metastases.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

SETTING

University Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio. Academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

Cohort of 118 patients who underwent resection of CRC liver metastases between 1992 and 2004. All patients were divided into 3 groups: resection margin (MOR) less than 1 cm (n = 64), MOR greater than 1 cm (n = 33), and re-resection margin (re-MOR) greater than 1 cm (n = 21).

RESULTS

Patients with a margin greater than 1 cm, when compared with re-MOR greater than 1 had decreased incidence of liver and distant recurrence (p < 0.05) as well as improved disease-free survival (39.2 vs 22.9 months, p = 0.023). Differences in overall survival (58.6 vs 44.2 months, p = 0.14) were not significant.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative re-resection is associated with an increased risk of local and distant recurrence, which may be a reflection of both inadequate surgery and underlying tumor biology.

Shifting from clinical to biologic indicators of prognosis after resection of hepatic colorectal metastases

Following resection of hepatic colorectal metastases, there are few criteria for predicting which patients have more aggressive disease and are, therefore, more likely to experience recurrence and reduced survival. Traditionally, primary tumor stage, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen level, time from primary tumor treatment to diagnosis of hepatic metastases (disease-free interval), hepatic tumor size, number of hepatic metastases, and presence of extrahepatic disease have been reported to be predictors of survival after resection. However, the data regarding the prognostic importance of these clinicopathologic factors are inconsistent and conflicting. Therefore, conventional clinicopathologic factors may be inadequate for the purposes of prognostication. More recently, there has been increased interest in identifying biologic indicators that may help better define patients at risk for recurrence after hepatic resection for colorectal metastases. Recent studies have shown that proliferation markers such as p53 expression, tritiated thymidine uptake, thymidylate synthase, Ki-67, and human telomerase reverse transcriptase may be better predictors of outcome after resection of hepatic colorectal metastases. Moreover, tumor response to preoperative chemotherapy may also prove to be a useful predictor of outcome following liver resection for colorectal metastases.

Safe liver resection following chemotherapy for colorectal metastases is a matter of timing

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) can improve the resectability of hepatic colorectal metastases (CRM). However, there is concern regarding its impact on operative risk. We reviewed 750 consecutive liver resections performed for CRM in a single unit (1996-2005) to evaluate whether NC affected morbidity and mortality. Redo hepatic resections or patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy following primary resection were excluded. A total of 245 resections were performed in patients not requiring NC (control group) (mean age 63, 67% male) and 252 in patients who had NC (mean age 62, 67% male). The mean (s.d.) duration of surgery was less in the control group (241(64) vs 255(64)min, P=0.014) as was the mean blood loss (390(264) vs 449(424)ml, P=0.069). Postoperative mortality (2 vs 2%) and morbidity (27 vs 29%, P=0.34) was similar between groups. More NC patients developed septic (2.4%) or respiratory (10.3%) complications compared to controls (0 and 5.3%, P<0.03), with significantly more surgical complications if the interval between stopping NC and undergoing surgery was Collapse

Key Words

• colorectal metastases
• liver resection
• neoadjuvant chemotherapy

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MESH Headings

• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
• Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
• Colorectal Neoplasms/drug therapy
• Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Female
• Hepatectomy
• Humans
• Liver Neoplasms/mortality
• Liver Neoplasms/secondary
• Liver Neoplasms/surgery
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neoadjuvant Therapy
• Neoplasm Staging
• Postoperative Care
• Prognosis
• Prospective Studies
• Survival Rate
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome

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Affiliation(s)

F K S Welsh Hepatobiliary Unit, North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke, UK
H S Tilney Department of Biosurgery and Surgical Technology, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College, London, UK
P P Tekkis Department of Biosurgery and Surgical Technology, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College, London, UK
T G John Hepatobiliary Unit, North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke, UK
M Rees Hepatobiliary Unit, North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke, UK

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Chemotherapy-associated hepatotoxicity and surgery for colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

Preoperative systemic chemotherapy is increasingly used in patients who undergo hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases (CLM). Although chemotherapy-related hepatic injury has been reported, the incidence and the effect of such injury on patient outcome remain ill defined.

METHODS

A systematic review of relevant studies published before May 2006 was performed. Studies that reported on liver injury associated with preoperative chemotherapy for CLM were identified and data on chemotherapy-specific liver injury and patient outcome following hepatic resection were synthesized and tabulated.

RESULTS

Hepatic steatosis, a mild manifestation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), may occur after treatment with 5-fluorouracil and is associated with increased postoperative morbidity. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, a serious complication of NAFLD that includes inflammation and hepatocyte damage, can occur after treatment with irinotecan, especially in obese patients. Irinotecan-associated steatohepatitis can affect hepatic reserve and increase morbidity and mortality after hepatectomy. Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome can occur in patients treated with oxaliplatin, but does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of perioperative death.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative chemotherapy for CLM induces regimen-specific hepatic changes that can affect patient outcome. Both response rate and toxicity should be considered when selecting preoperative chemotherapy in patients with CLM.

Chemotherapy for colorectal cancer prior to liver resection for colorectal cancer hepatic metastases does not adversely affect peri-operative outcomes

BACKGROUND

Systemic chemotherapy is being used increasingly in patients with colorectal cancer. The effects of prior systemic adjuvant or palliative chemotherapy on morbidity following hepatic resection for metastases are not well defined.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the peri-operative impact of systemic chemotherapy on liver resection for colorectal cancer hepatic metastases.

METHODS

Ninety-six resections for colorectal cancer hepatic metastases performed from July 2001 to July 2003 (93% > or =2 segments) were reviewed. Pre-operative demographics, peri-operative features, and post-operative outcomes were collected prospectively. Type of chemotherapy and the temporal relationship of chemotherapy to the liver resection were analyzed.

RESULTS

Fifty-three of 96 patients (55%) received a mean of 5.7 cycles (6.1 months) of systemic chemotherapy prior to hepatic resection, with a median interval of 12 months from end of chemotherapy to liver resection (range 1-75 months). Thirty-five received 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (5-FU/LV) alone, nine had irinotecan (CPT-11) in addition to 5-FU/LV, and nine were not specified. Pre-operative age, sex, co-morbidities, ASA score, biochemical and liver enzyme profiles, tumor number, and extent and technique of hepatic resection were the same in the chemotherapy and non-chemotherapy cohorts. Mean tumor size was smaller (4.5 cm vs. 5.8 cm) and synchronous metastases were half as common (25% vs. 49%) in the chemotherapy group. Liver resection operative time was equivalent (270 min) in the two groups. Higher estimated blood loss (EBL) (1,000 ml vs. 850 ml), but fewer transfusions (23% vs. 15%) were associated with the chemotherapy group. Although not statistically significant, post-operative liver enzyme peaks were higher in the chemotherapy group (AST = 402 U/L vs. 302 U/L, P = 0.09 and ALT = 433 U/L vs. 312 U/L, P = 0.1). Peak changes in INR and serum bilirubin did not differ. Complications and length of stay (LOS) did not differ between the groups. The only post-operative death was in the non-chemotherapy group. Interestingly, hepatic steatosis was present in 28% of the non-chemotherapy cases and 57% of the chemotherapy resection specimens (P = 0.005) and was marked (>30%) in 7% and 10%, respectively. Further analysis of the chemotherapy group based on the interval between completion of chemotherapy and the hepatic resection (<6 months, 7-12 months, 1-2 years, and >2 years) revealed a trend towards worse outcomes in most categories for those in the >2 years cohort. When comparing the 5-FU/LV alone, to the CPT-11 group there were no significant differences except higher intra-operative blood loss in the group receiving 5-FU/LV alone (1,295 ml vs. 756 ml, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Despite variations in biochemical function and hepatic steatosis, short-term clinical outcomes are not affected by the administration of chemotherapy prior to hepatic resection. Furthermore, there is no detrimental effect of close timing of chemotherapy prior to resection, and there are no appreciable differences between irinotecan containing regimes and more traditional 5-FU-only based therapies, although the subset sample sizes were small in this study.

Liver resection for metastatic colorectal cancer in the age of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and bevacizumab

Hepatic metastases from colorectal carcinoma (CRC) were once thought to portend a uniformly grim outcome; however, improvements in chemotherapeutic and surgical approaches have led to significant advances as well as new clinical challenges. Some 60% of the 150,000 patients diagnosed with CRC each year in the United States will develop hepatic metastases. Only a fraction of these metastases are resectable at the time of presentation, but an increasing number of patients are able to undergo resection after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Additionally, recent trials have demonstrated the efficacy of using chemotherapy with bevacizumab as first-line therapy for metastatic CRC, but how this treatment will affect surgical resection is unknown. Herein, we review the recent literature regarding neoadjuvant chemotherapy for hepatic metastases from CRC, discuss key aspects of the basic science of hepatic regeneration with regard to angiogenic mediators, and outline the key problems to be solved so that a rational strategy can be developed to treat patients with hepatic colorectal metastases in the age of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and antiangiogenic drugs.

Liver histology and surgical outcomes after preoperative chemotherapy with fluorouracil plus oxaliplatin in colorectal cancer liver metastases

PURPOSE

Preoperative chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases (CLM) can produce histologic changes in the nontumor-bearing liver (NTBL) that may impact on surgical outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From a cohort of 303 patients treated for CLM with liver resection, 92 patients (75 received preoperative chemotherapy: group C+; and 17 were chemotherapy naïve: group C-) were randomly selected for detailed pathologic analysis. Preoperative chemotherapy consisted of fluorouracil (FU)/leucovorin alone (23 patients, the majority chronomodulated) or in combination with oxaliplatin (52 patients, all chronomodulated). To determine associations between study factors, clinical and operative variables were compared with pathology data and surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

Although clinical and operative factors were similarly distributed, C+ patients, compared with C- patients, were more likely to receive intraoperative RBC transfusions (mean units: 1.9 v 0.5, respectively; P = .03) and to have vascular abnormalities in the NTBL (52% v 18%, respectively; P = .01). Presence of the most severe forms of vascular alterations was closely associated with RBC transfusion requirements (P = .04). In contrast, moderate to severe steatosis was similarly distributed (C- group, 12%; C+ group, 13%). Although perioperative mortality and morbidity rates were similar in all groups, more than 12 courses of chemotherapy, compared with < or = 12 courses, predisposed patients to reoperation (11% v 0%, respectively; P = .04) and to longer hospitalization (15 v 11 days, respectively; P = .02).

CONCLUSION

The main hepatic lesion induced by preoperative FU/oxaliplatin chemotherapy in patients with CLM is vascular and not steatosis. Detailed pathologic analysis determined that the most severe vascular lesions are associated with increased intraoperative transfusions. The risk for other postoperative complications is related to the duration of preoperative chemotherapy administration.

Portal thrombosis and steatosis after preoperativechemotherapy with FOLFIRI-bevacizumab for colorectal liver metastases

In order to discuss the role of preoperative chemo-therapy for colorectal liver metastases, which is used frequently before hepatic resection, even in patients with resectable disease at presentation, we herein report the development of two complications, partial portal vein thrombosis and hepatic steatosis with lobular inflammation, during the course of preoperative chemotherapy with FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab for colorectal liver metastases, which recognition led to timely discontinuation of chemotherapy as well as a change in the surgical strategy to resect the tumors and the damaged liver through advanced techniques. We conclude that duration of treatment and drug doses and combinations may impact the development of chemotherapy-induced liver injury. Surgeons and medical oncologists must work together to devise safe, rational, and oncologically appropriate treatments for patients with multiple colorectal liver metastases, and to improve the understanding of the pathogenesis of chemotherapy-induced liver injury.

Portal triad clamping (TC) or hepatic vascular exclusion (VE) for major liver resection after prolonged neoadjuvant chemotherapy? A case-matched study in 60 patients

BACKGROUND

Prolonged systemic preoperative chemotherapy induces pathologic changes in liver parenchyma. The consequences of vascular occlusion on liver submitted to prolonged preoperative systemic chemotherapy are not known. The aim of this case-matched study was to assess which method of vascular occlusion is most appropriate for major liver resection in patients who have undergone prolonged preoperative systemic chemotherapy.

METHODS

Among 305 patients who had liver resection for colorectal metastases from 1998 to 2003, 28 underwent major liver resections under portal triad clamping after more than 6 cycles of preoperative chemotherapy (TC group). These 28 patients were compared with 32 patients matched for age, sex, ASA status, number of liver metastases, type of liver resection, and type of preoperative chemotherapy, but who had major liver resection under hepatic vascular exclusion after more than 6 cycles of preoperative chemotherapy (VE group).

RESULTS

There was no postoperative mortality. The morbidity rate was 18% after TC and 43% after VE (P = 0.044). Pulmonary complication rate was greater after VE (31% vs 3%, P = 0.017). The transfusion rate was 50% in the TC group and 40% in the VE group (P = 0.482). Postoperative changes of liver function tests were comparable in the two groups except for the prothrombin time, which was more prolonged from day 1 (P = 0.003) to day 5 (P = 0.04) after VE.

CONCLUSION

Vascular occlusion can be used with no mortality and acceptable morbidity for major liver resection after prolonged preoperative chemotherapy. TC should be preferred to VE, permitted by the location of the neoplasm.

Perioperative complications after hepatectomy with or without intra-arterial chemotherapy for bilobar colorectal cancer liver metastases

BACKGROUND

We investigated perioperative complications of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy preceding major hepatectomy for multiple bilobar colorectal cancer metastases. No consensus exists concerning operative feasibility or perioperative course in patients undergoing major liver resection with neoadjuvant chemotherapy--partly because such chemotherapy is considered hepatotoxic, increasing the risk of postoperative liver failure.

METHODS

Clinicopathologic data were available for 41 consecutive patients with 5 or more bilobar liver metastases from colorectal cancer who underwent major liver resection with or without prior hepatic arterial chemotherapy. Data concerning operative feasibility, postoperative liver function, complication rates, and histologic findings in the non-neoplastic liver were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Prehepatectomy and postoperative day 1 platelet counts were lower (P < .01 and P < .05), alkaline phosphatase on postoperative day 3 was higher (P < .01), and prothrombin time on day 1 was more prolonged (P < .01) in the chemotherapy group. No significant difference was seen between groups in intraoperative data, morbidity, or duration of hospitalization. Histologic examination of adjacent non-neoplastic liver confirmed mild to severe fatty degeneration in 91% of the patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy, compared with 53% in those without neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P = .023). Although the number of neoplasms in chemotherapy patients was greater than that of the other group, overall and disease-free survival rates were comparable between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite mild postoperative liver dysfunction, pre-resection hepatic arterial chemotherapy did not increase morbidity.

Chemotherapy regimen predicts steatohepatitis and an increase in 90-day mortality after surgery for hepatic colorectal metastases

PURPOSE

Chemotherapy before resection of hepatic colorectal metastases (CRM) may cause hepatic injury and affect postoperative outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Four hundred six patients underwent hepatic resection of CRM between 1992 and 2005. Pathologic review of the nontumorous liver was performed using established criteria for steatosis, steatohepatitis, and sinusoidal injury. The effect of chemotherapy and liver injury on perioperative outcome was analyzed.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-eight patients (38.9%) received no preoperative chemotherapy, whereas 248 patients (61.1%) did. The median duration of chemotherapy was 16 weeks (range, 2 to 70 weeks). Chemotherapy consisted of fluoropyrimidine-based regimens (fluorouracil [FU] alone, 15.5%; irinotecan plus FU, 23.1%; and oxaliplatin plus FU, 19.5%) and other therapy (3.0%). On pathologic analysis, 36 patients (8.9%) had steatosis, 34 (8.4%) had steatohepatitis, and 22 (5.4%) had sinusoidal dilation. Oxaliplatin was associated with sinusoidal dilation compared with no chemotherapy (18.9% v 1.9%, respectively; P < .001; odds ratio [OR] = 8.3; 95% CI, 2.9 to 23.6). In contrast, irinotecan was associated with steatohepatitis compared with no chemotherapy (20.2% v 4.4%, respectively; P < .001; OR = 5.4; 95% CI, 2.2 to 13.5). Patients with steatohepatitis had an increased 90-day mortality compared with patients who did not have steatohepatitis (14.7% v 1.6%, respectively; P = .001; OR = 10.5; 95% CI, 2.0 to 36.4).

CONCLUSION

Steatohepatitis is associated with an increased 90-day mortality after hepatic surgery. In patients with hepatic CRM, the chemotherapy regimen should be carefully considered because the risk of hepatotoxicity is significant.

Novel two-step resection for lesions between the middle hepatic vein and vena cava which allows the middle hepatic vein to be preserved

Patients with bilobar colorectal cancer metastases to the liver present a unique problem in terms of resection. They sometimes require a staged approach to resection that takes advantage of the liver's ability to regenerate, as well as the newer chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., oxaloplatin, irinotecan (CPT-11), and bevacizumab) that have become available. In cases of multiple bilobar metastases, if segment IV is clear of tumor, a left lateral segmentectomy (LLS) can be performed, followed several months later by a formal right hepatectomy. The remnant liver composed of the hypertrophied segment IV is drained by the middle hepatic vein (MHV). In this context, patients with lesions between the origin of the MHV and the inferior vena cava (IVC) present a particularly difficult problem. Conventional excision would require an extended hepatectomy and division of the MHV along with either the right or left hepatic veins (RHV, LHV). This would make it impossible to continue with a formal resection of the remaining lesions in the contralateral liver without sacrificing the sole remaining hepatic vein. We present a novel two-step hepatectomy for lesions between the MHV and the IVC that allows the MHV to be preserved and all lesions to be resected.

Effect of steatohepatitis associated with irinotecan or oxaliplatin pretreatment on resectability of hepatic colorectal metastases

BACKGROUND

The objective was to evaluate the effect of preoperative administration of newer chemotherapeutic agents (irinotecan and oxaliplatin) on development of steatohepatitis, which could limit surgical options.

STUDY DESIGN

Thirty-seven patients were referred for resection of hepatic colorectal metastases. Thirteen patients received no neoadjuvant therapy (NO CHEMO group); 10 received neoadjuvant 5-fluorouracil only (5-FU group), and 14 received neoadjuvant irinotecan (n = 12), or oxaliplatin, or both (n = 4), in conjunction with 5-FU (IRI-OXALI group). Specimens were graded for the presence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) according to established criteria. Specimens were also evaluated by a nine-criteria liver injury score (LIS).

RESULTS

Mean biopsy scores were: NO CHEMO: NASH, 1.2, LIS, 5.2; 5-FU only: NASH, 1.1, LIS 5.7; and IRI-OXALI: NASH, 1.9, LIS, 9.4. Biopsy scores were significantly worse for IRI-OXALI compared with NO CHEMO or 5-FU only for NASH score, p = 0.003, and close to significantly worse for LIS score, p = 0.057. A multivariate analysis showed that both being in the IRI-OXALI group and body mass index were independent risk factors for developing this type of steatohepatitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe steatohepatitis can be associated with preoperative administration of irinotecan or oxaliplatin, especially in the obese. It can affect the ability to perform large liver resections. Consideration should be given to performing resections before commencing these agents and to obtaining preoperative biopsy in those who have received these agents.

Hepatic surgery using the Ligasure vessel sealing system

Blood loss, a well-known risk factor for morbidity and mortality during liver resection, occurs during parenchymal transection, so many approaches and devices have been developed to limit bleeding. Surgical technique is an important factor in preventing intraoperative and postoperative complications. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the bipolar vessel sealing device allows a safe and careful liver transection, achieving a satisfactory hemostasis thus reducing blood loss and related complications.A total of 30 consecutive patients (18 male, 12 female with a mean age of 63 years) underwent major and minor hepatic resection in which the bipolar vessel sealing device was used without routine inflow occlusion. A crush technique followed by energy application was used to perform the parenchymal transection. No other devices were applied to achieve hemostasis. The bipolar vessel sealing device was effective in 27 cases of hepatic resection. It failed to achieve hemostasis in three patients, all of whom had a cirrhotic liver. Median blood loss was 250 ml (range: 100-1600 ml), and intraoperative blood transfusions were required in five patients (17%). Mean operative time was 200 minutes (range: 140-360 minutes). There was no clinical evidence of postoperative hemorrhage, bile leak, or intraabdominal abscess. The postoperative complication rate was 17%. The bipolar vessel sealing device is a useful tool in standard liver resection in patients with a normal liver parenchyma, but its use should be avoided in cirrhotic livers.

Effect of surgical margin status on survival and site of recurrence after hepatic resection for colorectal metastases

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of surgical margin status on survival and site of recurrence in patients treated with hepatic resection for colorectal metastases.

METHODS

Using a multicenter database, 557 patients who underwent hepatic resection for colorectal metastases were identified. Demographics, operative data, pathologic margin status, site of recurrence (margin, other intrahepatic site, extrahepatic), and long-term survival data were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

On final pathologic analysis, margin status was positive in 45 patients, and negative by 1 to 4 mm in 129, 5 to 9 mm in 85, and > or =1 cm in 298. At a median follow-up of 29 months, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year actuarial survival rates were 97%, 74%, and 58%; median survival was 74 months. Tumor size > or =5 cm, >3 tumor nodules, and carcinoembryonic antigen level >200 ng/mL predicted poor survival (all P < 0.05). Median survival was 49 months in patients with positive margins and not yet reached in patients with negative margins (P = 0.01). After hepatic resection, 225 (40.4%) patients had recurrence: 21 at the surgical margin, 56 at another intrahepatic site, 82 at an extrahepatic site, and 66 at both intrahepatic and extrahepatic sites. Patients with negative margins of 1 to 4 mm, 5 to 9 mm, and > or =1 cm had similar overall recurrence rates (P > 0.05). Patients with positive margins were more likely to have surgical margin recurrence (P = 0.003). Adverse preoperative biologic factors including tumor number greater than 3 (P = 0.01) and a preoperative CEA level greater than 200 ng/mL (P = 0.04) were associated with an increased risk of positive surgical margin.

CONCLUSIONS

A positive margin after resection of hepatic colorectal metastases is associated with adverse biologic factors and increased risk of surgical-margin recurrence. The width of a negative surgical margin does not affect survival, recurrence risk, or site of recurrence. A predicted margin of <1 cm after resection of hepatic colorectal metastases should not be used as an exclusion criterion for resection.