Postoperative course and clinical significance of biochemical blood tests following hepatic resection

Quantitative Evaluation of 99m Tc-Galactosyl Human Serum Albumin SPECT/CT for the Prediction of Posthepatectomy Liver Failure

PURPOSE

To evaluate the predictive ability of 99m Tc-galactosyl human serum albumin SPECT/CT quantitative parameters for posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF).

METHODS

Sixty-eight patients who underwent 99m Tc-galactosyl human serum albumin scintigraphy as a preoperative examination for hepatectomy between July 2021 and December 2023 were prospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into PHLF and non-PHLF groups. The clearance index (HH15) and receptor index (LHL15) were calculated from planar images. Quantitative parameters for the total liver (SUV max , SUV mean , peak SUV [SUV peak ], functional liver volume [FLV], SUV mean  × FLV), remnant liver (r-SUV max , r-SUV mean , r-SUV peak , r-FLV, and r-SUV mean  × r-FLV), and r-FLV/FLV were calculated from SPECT/CT images. The areas under the curve (AUCs) of parameters from planar images and SPECT/CT parameters of the total and remnant livers were calculated to evaluate the predictive ability of PHLF.

RESULTS

PHLF occurred in 9 patients. AUC of r-FLV was significantly higher than that of HH15 (0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84-0.99 vs 0.66; 95% CI, 0.46-0.84; P  = 0.026) and LHL15 (0.93; 95% CI, 0.84-0.99 vs 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55-0.86; P  = 0.043). AUC of r-SUV mean  × r-FLV was significantly higher than that of HH15 (0.90; 95% CI, 0.80-0.97 vs 0.66; 95% CI, 0.46-0.84; P  = 0.037). There were no significant differences between the AUC of other SPECT/CT, r-FLV/FLV, and planar image parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

r-FLV can predict PHLF more accurately than HH15 or LHL15.

C-reactive protein and digestive pathologies: A narrative review for daily clinical use

The aim of this narrative review is to familiarize clinicians, especially digestive surgeons, to adequately use of serum C-reactive protein as a reliable noninvasive biomarker in diverse practical clinical situations. We hope that the review will help clinicians for their decision-making when facing various digestive diseases including operative and nonoperative pathologies such as anastomotic leakage, pancreatitis, emergency situation, and digestive cancer management and prognosis.

Role of preoperative transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (Hong Kong liver cancer stage IIB)

INTRODUCTION

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has an established role in advanced HCC. The present study evaluates the role of TACE as a neoadjuvant modality in the management of intermediate HCC [Hong Kong Liver Cancer (HKLC) stage IIB].

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of HCC patients treated between January 2010 and August 2022 was performed. Patients belonging to intermediate-stage HCC (HKLC IIB) were divided into two groups, upfront surgery (UPS) and post-TACE (pTACE). Propensity score matching was done, and the primary endpoint of the study was overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

A total of 247 patients of HKLC IIB were identified during this period. Of these, 77 patients in each group were considered for analysis after propensity matching. The median follow-up was 36.4 months (0.46-144.26). In the propensity matched population (n = 154), on an intention-to-treat analysis, the median OS of the UPS group and the pTACE group was 30.06 and 39.26 months, respectively (p value = 0.77). In patients who underwent curative resection, the median OS of the UPS group was 30.68 versus 90.97 months in the pTACE group (p value = 0.006) and median DFS was 13.56 months for the UPS group versus 44.02 months in the pTACE group, respectively (p value = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

In intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HKLC IIB), pTACE can be used to better select patients with borderline resectability. Survival was significantly improved in patients who received pTACE and were able to undergo surgical resection.

Predictability of combining Technetium-99m-galactosyl human serum albumin single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography and indocyanine green clearance test for posthepatectomy liver failure

PURPOSE

To evaluate the predictive ability of combining Technetium-99m-galactosyl human serum albumin (99mTc‑GSA) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) volume and plasma clearance rate of indocyanine green (ICGK) for posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty patients who underwent 99mTc-GSA scintigraphy as a preoperative examination for segmentectomy or more from July 2021 to June 2023 were evaluated prospectively. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). Total functional liver volume (t-FLV) and remnant FLV (r-FLV) were measured from 99mTc-GSA SPECT/CT image. Future liver remnant ICGK (ICGK-F) was calculated by ICGK and remnant liver volume from CT. Area under the curve (AUC) of ICGK-F, r-FLV, r-FLV/t-FLV, ICGK × r-FLV, ICGK × r-FLV/t-FLV was calculated to evaluate predictive ability of each parameter for PHLF.

RESULTS

PHLF was occurred in 7 patients. AUC of ICGK × r-FLV was significantly higher than that of ICGK-F (0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96-1 vs 0.82; 95%CI: 0.64-0.96; p = 0.036). There was no significant difference between the AUC of r-FLV, r-FLV/t-FLV, ICGK × r-FLV/t-FLV and that of ICGK-F, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The combination of 99mTc‑GSA SPECT/CT volume and ICGK can predict PHLF more accurately than ICGK-F.

Tumor burden score as a prognostic factor in patients with intermediate and locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing liver resection: an attempt to extend resectability criteria

BACKGROUND

Surgery is currently recommended as a curative treatment option for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) belonging to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A only. This study aims to classify various BCLC groups as per Tumor Burden Score (TBS) in an attempt to identify patients who could benefit from resection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of all patients operated for HCC between January 2010 and July 2022 was performed. TBS was defined as, TBS2 = (maximum tumor diameter)2 + (number of tumors)2.

RESULTS

Two hundred and ninety-one patients who underwent resection were staged as per the latest BCLC (A = 219, B = 45, C = 27) staging. Patients were segregated into low (<7.3) and high (>7.3) TBS. With a median follow-up of 36.2 months, the median OS for stages, A and B in the low TBS group was 107.4 and 42.7 months respectively. Median OS was not reached for patients in the BCLC C stage. In patients with high TBS, the median OS for BCLC A, B and C was 42.3, 25.72, and 16.9 months respectively.

CONCLUSION

TBS is a significant factor influencing survival in patients of HCC. TBS can be used to stratify patients in BCLC B and C stages and help select patients who would benefit from surgical resection to achieve good long-term survival with acceptable morbidity.

Enhanced recovery after liver surgery in cirrhotic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Few studies have assessed enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in liver surgery for cirrhotic patients. The present meta-analysis assessed the impact of ERAS pathways on outcomes after liver surgery in cirrhotic patients compared to standard care.

METHODS

A literature search was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Studies comparing ERAS protocols versus standard care in cirrhotic patients undergoing liver surgery were included. The primary outcome was post-operative complications, while secondary outcomes were mortality rates, length of stay (LoS), readmissions, reoperations, and liver failure rates.

RESULTS

After evaluating 41 full-text manuscripts, 5 articles totaling 646 patients were included (327 patients in the ERAS group and 319 in the non-ERAS group). Compared to non-ERAS care, ERAS patients had less risk of developing overall complications (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.31-0.61, p < 0.001). Hospitalization was on average 2 days shorter for the ERAS group (mean difference - 2.04, 95% CI - 3.19 to - 0.89, p < 0.001). Finally, no difference was found between both groups concerning 90-day post-operative mortality and rates of reoperations, readmissions, and liver failure.

CONCLUSION

In cirrhotic patients, ERAS protocol for liver surgery is safe and decreases post-operative complications and LoS. More randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the results of the present analysis.

Remote ischemic preconditioning for reduction of ischemia-reperfusion injury after hepatectomy: A randomized sham-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Remote ischemic preconditioning reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients undergoing hepatectomy. Moreover, there is evidence that the protective effects of remote ischemic preconditioning may be more pronounced in pre-damaged livers. The objective of this trial was to investigate the extent to which remote ischemic preconditioning can attenuate ischemia-reperfusion injury after hepatectomy and Pringle maneuver in patients with chronic liver disease.

METHODS

In this randomized, controlled, triple-blind monocenter trial, a total of 102 patients with chronic liver disease and planned hepatectomy were enrolled between December 2019 and March 2022. Eligible patients were randomized to the remote ischemic preconditioning or sham arms. Remote ischemic preconditioning was induced through 3 10-minute cycles of alternating ischemia and reperfusion of the upper extremity. The study was prospectively registered in the German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS00018931).

RESULTS

A total of 102 patients were included in the study and were randomized (51 per arm). The median age was 69.5 years, approximately two-thirds of the patients were male (69/102, 67.7%), and the mean body mass index was 25.6 kg/m2. Most patients were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists II (55/102, 53.9%) or III (45/102, 44.1%). The primary endpoint, the transaminases on the first postoperative day (alanine aminotransferase /aspartate aminotransferase: remote ischemic preconditioning arm: 250 (35-1721)/320 (42-1525) U/L versus sham control arm: 283 (32-792)/356 (20-1851) U/L, P = .820/0.639), clinical outcomes as well as remote ischemic preconditioning biomarker levels were comparable between both arms.

CONCLUSION

Remote ischemic preconditioning did not achieve a significant reduction in postoperative transaminase levels, nor did it affect clinical results and biomarkers.

Comparing the accuracy of prediction models to detect clinically relevant post-hepatectomy liver failure early after major hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Arterial lactate measurements were recently suggested as an early predictor of clinically relevant post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). This needed to be evaluated in the subgroup of major hepatectomies only.

METHOD

This observational cohort study included consecutive elective major hepatectomies at Karolinska University Hospital from 2010 to 2018. Clinical risk factors for PHLF, perioperative arterial lactate measurements and routine lab values were included in uni- and multivariable regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristics and risk cut-offs were calculated.

RESULTS

In total, 649 patients constituted the study cohort, of which 92 developed PHLF grade B/C according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS). Lactate reached significantly higher intra- and postoperative levels in PHLF grades B and C compared to grade A or no liver failure (all P < 0.002). Lactate on postoperative day (POD) 1 was superior to earlier measurement time points in predicting PHLF B/C (AUC 0.75), but was outperformed by both clinical risk factors (AUC 0.81, P = 0.031) and bilirubin POD1 (AUC 0.83, P = 0.013). A multivariable logistic regression model including clinical risk factors and bilirubin POD1 had the highest AUC of 0.87 (P = 0.006), with 56.6% sensitivity and 94.7% specificity for PHLF grade B/C (cut-off ≥0.32). The model identified 46.7% of patients with 90-day mortality and had an equally good discriminatory potential for mortality as the established ISGLS criteria for PHLF grade B/C but could be applied already on POD1.

CONCLUSION

The potential of lactate to predict PHLF following major hepatectomy was inferior to a prediction model consisting of clinical risk factors and bilirubin on first post-operative day.

Post-hepatectomy liver failure: A timeline centered review

BACKGROUND

Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a leading cause of postoperative mortality after liver surgery. Due to its significant impact, it is imperative to understand the risk stratification and preventative strategies for PHLF. The main objective of this review is to highlight the role of these strategies in a timeline centered way around curative resection.

DATA SOURCES

This review includes studies on both humans and animals, where they addressed PHLF. A literature search was conducted across the Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Web of Knowledge electronic databases for English language studies published between July 1997 and June 2020. Studies presented in other languages were equally considered. The quality of included publications was assessed using Downs and Black's checklist. The results were presented in qualitative summaries owing to the lack of studies qualifying for quantitative analysis.

RESULTS

This systematic review with 245 studies, provides insight into the current prediction, prevention, diagnosis, and management options for PHLF. This review highlighted that liver volume manipulation is the most frequently studied preventive measure against PHLF in clinical practice, with modest improvement in the treatment strategies over the past decade.

CONCLUSIONS

Remnant liver volume manipulation is the most consistent preventive measure against PHLF.

Interleukin-8 is superior to CRP for the prediction of severe complications in a prospective cohort of patients undergoing major liver resection

INTRODUCTION

Early detection of severe complications may reduce morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing hepatic resection. Therefore, we prospectively evaluated a panel of inflammatory blood markers for their value in predicting postoperative complications in patients undergoing liver surgery.

METHODS

A total of 139 patients undergoing liver resections (45 wedge resections, 49 minor resections, and 45 major resections) were prospectively enrolled between August 2017 and December 2018. Leukocytes, CRP, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), thrombocyte-lymphocyte ratio (TLR), bilirubin, INR, and interleukin-6 and -8 (IL-6 and IL-8) were measured in blood drawn preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 4, and 7. IL-6 and IL-8 were measured using standardized immunoassays approved for in vitro diagnostic use in Germany. ROC curve analysis was used to determine predictive values for the occurrence of severe postoperative complications (CDC ≥ 3).

RESULTS

For wedge and minor resections, leukocyte counts at day 7 (AUC 0.80 and 0.82, respectively), IL-6 at day 7 (AUC 0.74 and 0.73, respectively), and CRP change (∆CRP) at day 7 (AUC 0.72 and 0.71, respectively) were significant predictors of severe postoperative complications. IL-8 failed in patients undergoing wedge resections, but was a significant predictor of severe complications after minor resections on day 7 (AUC 0.79), had the best predictive value in all patients on days 1, 4, and 7 (AUC 0.72, 0.72, and 0.80, respectively), and was the only marker with a significant predictive value in patients undergoing major liver resections (AUC on day 1: 0.70, day 4: 0.86, and day 7: 0.92). No other marker, especially not CRP, was predictive of severe complications after major liver surgery.

CONCLUSION

IL-8 is superior to CRP in predicting severe complications in patients undergoing major hepatic resection and should be evaluated as a biomarker for patients undergoing major liver surgery. This is the first paper demonstrating a feasible implementation of IL-8 analysis in a clinical setting.

A Single Centre Experience with Pre-Operative Markers in the Prediction of Outcomes after Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The C-reactive protein to albumin ratio, albumin-bilirubin index and platelet-albumin-bilirubin index have emerged as prognostic scores in hepatocellular carcinoma, although their clinical utility remains unclear, with ongoing investigation in multiple patient populations. This study aims to report survival outcomes and evaluate these indices in a cohort of patients undergoing liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in a tertiary Australian centre.

METHODS

This retrospective study reviewed data from the Department of Surgery at Austin Health and electronic health records (Cerner corporation). The impact of pre, intra and post-operative parameters on post-operative complications, overall and recurrence free survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

163 liver resections were performed in 157 patients between 2007 and 2020. Post-operative complications occurred in 58 patients (35.6%), with pre-operative albumin < 36.5 g/L (3.41(1.41-8.29),p = 0.007) and open liver resection (3.93(1.38-11.21),p = 0.011) demonstrating independent predictive significance. 1,3 and 5-year overall survival was 91.0%, 76.7% and 66.9% respectively, with a median survival time of 92.7 months (81.3-103.9). Hepatocellular carcinoma recurred in 95 patients (58.3%) with a median time to recurrence of 27.8 months (15.6-39.9). 1,3 and 5 year recurrence-free survival rates were 94.0%, 73.7% and 55.1% respectively. Pre-operative C-reactive protein-albumin ratio > 0.034 was significantly associated with reduced overall (4.39(1.19-16.16),p = 0.026) and recurrence-free (2.53(1.21-5.30),p = 0.014) survival.

CONCLUSION

C-reactive protein-albumin ratio > 0.034 is a strong predictor of poor prognosis following liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, pre-operative hypoalbuminemia was associated with post-operative complications, and future studies are required to assess the potential benefits of albumin replacement in reducing post-surgical morbidity.

A deep learning model for prediction of post hepatectomy liver failure after hemihepatectomy using preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography: a retrospective study

Objective

Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) remains clinical challenges after major hepatectomy. The aim of this study was to establish and validate a deep learning model to predict PHLF after hemihepatectomy using preoperative contrast-enhancedcomputed tomography with three phases (Non-contrast, arterial phase and venous phase).

Methods

265 patients undergoing hemihepatectomy in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital were enrolled in this study. The primary endpoint was PHLF, according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery's definition. In this study, to evaluate the proposed method, 5-fold cross-validation technique was used. The dataset was split into 5 folds of equal size, and each fold was used as a test set once, while the other folds were temporarily combined to form a training set. Performance metrics on the test set were then calculated and stored. At the end of the 5-fold cross-validation run, the accuracy, precision, sensitivity and specificity for predicting PHLF with the deep learning model and the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated.

Results

Of the 265 patients, 170 patients with left liver resection and 95 patients with right liver resection. The diagnosis had 6 types: hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, liver metastases, benign tumor, hepatolithiasis, and other liver diseases. Laparoscopic liver resection was performed in 187 patients. The accuracy of prediction was 84.15%. The AUC was 0.7927. In 170 left hemihepatectomy cases, the accuracy was 89.41% (152/170), and the AUC was 82.72%. The accuracy was 77.47% (141/182) with liver mass, 78.33% (47/60) with liver cirrhosis and 80.46% (70/87) with viral hepatitis.

Conclusion

The deep learning model showed excellent performance in prediction of PHLF and could be useful for identifying high-risk patients to modify the treatment planning.

Predicting Post-Hepatectomy Liver Failure in HCC Patients: A Review of Liver Function Assessment Based on Laboratory Tests Scores

The assessment of liver function is crucial in predicting the risk of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) in patients undergoing liver resection, especially in cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) which is often associated with cirrhosis. There are currently no standardized criteria for predicting the risk of PHLF. Blood tests are often the first- and least invasive expensive method for assessing hepatic function. The Child-Pugh score (CP score) and the Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score are widely used tools for predicting PHLF, but they have some limitations. The CP score does not consider renal function, and the evaluation of ascites and encephalopathy is subjective. The MELD score can accurately predict outcomes in cirrhotic patients, but its predictive capabilities diminish in non-cirrhotic patients. The albumin-bilirubin score (ALBI) is based on serum bilirubin and albumin levels and allows the most accurate prediction of PHLF for HCC patients. However, this score does not consider liver cirrhosis or portal hypertension. To overcome this limitation, researchers suggest combining the ALBI score with platelet count, a surrogate marker of portal hypertension, into the platelet-albumin-bilirubin (PALBI) grade. Non-invasive markers of fibrosis, such as FIB-4 and APRI, are also available for predicting PHLF but they focus only on cirrhosis related aspects and are potentially incomplete in assessing the global liver function. To improve the predictive power of the PHLF of these models, it has been proposed to combine them into a new score, such as the ALBI-APRI score. In conclusion, blood test scores may be combined to achieve a better predictive value of PHLF. However, even if combined, they may not be sufficient to evaluate liver function and to predict PHLF; thus, the inclusion of dynamic and imaging tests such as liver volumetry and ICG r15 may be helpful to potentially improve the predictive capacity of these models.

Clearance of the liver remnant predicts short-term outcome in patients undergoing resection of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Estimation of the functional reserve of the remnant liver is important to reduce morbidity and mortality.

AIM

To estimate the functional reserve of the remnant liver in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 199 patients who underwent resection of HCC. Hepatic clearance of the remnant liver was calculated using fusion images of ^99mTc-labelled galactosyl-human serum albumin liver scintigraphy and computed tomography. Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) was classified according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery. Complications was classified according to Clavien–Dindo classification. We analyzed by the risk factors for PHLF, morbidity and mortality with multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven (30%) patients had major complications and 23 (12%) developed PHLF. The incidence of major complications increased with increasing albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade. The area under the curve values for hepatic clearance of the remnant liver, liver to heart-plus-liver radioactivity at 15 min (LHL15), and ALBI score predicting PHLF were 0.868, 0.629, and 0.655, respectively. The area under the curve for hepatic clearance of the remnant liver, LHL15, and ALBI score predicting major complications were 0.758, 0.594, and 0.647, respectively. The risk factors for PHLF and major complications were hepatic clearance of the remnant liver and intraoperative bleeding.

CONCLUSION

The measurement of hepatic clearance may predict PHLF and major complications for patients undergoing resection of HCC.

Impact of post-hepatectomy liver failure on morbidity and short- and long-term survival after major hepatectomy

Background

Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is one of the most serious postoperative complications after hepatectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) definition of PHLF on morbidity and short- and long-term survival after major hepatectomy.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent major hepatectomy (three or more liver segments) for various liver tumours between 2010 and 2018 at two Swedish tertiary centres for hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. Descriptive statistics, regression models, and survival analyses were used.

Results

A total of 799 patients underwent major hepatectomy, of which 218 patients (27 per cent) developed ISGLS-defined PHLF, including 115 patients (14 per cent) with ISGLS grade A, 76 patients (10 per cent) with grade B, and 27 patients (3 per cent) with grade C. The presence of cirrhosis, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, and gallbladder cancer, right-sided hemihepatectomy and trisectionectomy all significantly increased the risk of clinically relevant PHLF (grades B and C). Clinically relevant PHLF increased the risk of 90-day mortality and was associated with impaired long-term survival. ISGLS grade A had more major postoperative complications compared with no PHLF but failed to be an independent predictor of both 90-day mortality and long-term survival. The impact of PHLF grade B/C on long-term survival was no longer present in patients surviving the first 90 days after surgery.

Conclusions

The presently used ISGLS definition for PHLF should be reconsidered regarding mortality as only PHLF grade B/C was associated with a negative impact on short-term survival; however, even ISGLS grade A had clinical implications.

Prediction of Posthepatectomy Liver Failure with a Combination of Albumin-Bilirubin Score and Liver Resection Percentage

BACKGROUND

Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a main cause of death after partial hepatectomy. The aim of this study was to develop a practical stratification system using the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score and liver resection percentage to predict severe PHLF and conduct safe hepatectomy.

METHODS

Between January 2002 and March 2021, 361 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who underwent partial hepatectomy were enrolled. Medical image analysis software was applied postoperatively to accurately simulate hepatectomy. The liver resection percentage was calculated as follows: (postoperatively reconstructed resected specimen volume [ml] - tumor volume [ml])/total functional liver volume (ml) × 100. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for PHLF grade B/C. A heatmap for predicting grade B/C PHLF was generated by combining the ALBI score and liver resection percentage.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients developed grade B/C PHLF; 2 of these patients (5.1%) died. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a high ALBI score and high liver resection percentage were independent predictors of severe PHLF (odds ratio [OR], 8.68, p < 0.001; OR, 1.10, p < 0.001). With a threshold PHLF probability of 50% for the heatmap, hepatectomy was performed for 346 patients meeting our criteria (95.8%) and 325 patients meeting the Makuuchi criteria (90.0%). The positive predictive value and negative predictive value for severe PHLF were 91.6% and 66.7% for our system and 91.7% and 33.3% for the Makuuchi criteria.

CONCLUSION

Our stratification system could increase the number of hepatectomy candidates and is practical for deciding the surgical indications and determining the upper limit of the liver resection percentage corresponding to each patient's liver function reserve, which could prevent PHLF and yield better postoperative outcomes.

Risk Prediction Model Based on Magnetic Resonance Elastography-Assessed Liver Stiffness for Predicting Posthepatectomy Liver Failure in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background/Aims

Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a major complication that increases mortality in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after surgical resection. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the utility of magnetic resonance elastography-assessed liver stiffness (MRE-LS) for the prediction of PHLF and to develop an MRE-LS-based risk prediction model.

Methods

A total of 160 hepatocellular carcinoma patients who underwent surgical resection with available preoperative MRE-LS data were enrolled. Clinical and laboratory parameters were collected from medical records. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the risk factors for PHLF and develop a risk prediction model.

Results

PHLF was present in 24 patients (15%). In the multivariate logistic analysis, high MRE-LS (kPa; odds ratio [OR] 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12 to 1.98, p=0.006), low serum albumin (≤3.8 g/dL; OR 15.89, 95% CI 2.41 to 104.82, p=0.004), major hepatic resection (OR 4.16, 95% CI 1.40 to 12.38, p=0.014), higher albumin-bilirubin score (>-0.55; OR 3.72, 95% CI 1.15 to 12.04, p=0.028), and higher serum α-fetoprotein (>100 ng/mL; OR 3.53, 95% CI 1.20 to 10.40, p=0.022) were identified as independent risk factors for PHLF. A risk prediction model for PHLF was established using the multivariate logistic regression equation. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the risk prediction model was 0.877 for predicting PHLF and 0.923 for predicting grade B and C PHLF. In leave-one-out cross-validation, the risk model showed good performance, with AUCs of 0.807 for all-grade PHLF and 0. 871 for grade B and C PHLF.

Conclusions

Our novel MRE-LS-based risk model had excellent performance in predicting PHLF, especially grade B and C PHLF.

Hepatectomy risk assessment with functional magnetic resonance imaging (HEPARIM)

Background

Post hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) remains a significant risk in patients undergoing curative liver resection for cancer, however currently available PHLF risk prediction investigations are not sufficiently accurate.

The Hepatectomy risk assessment with functional magnetic resonance imaging trial (HEPARIM) aims to establish if quantitative MRI biomarkers of liver function & perfusion can be used to more accurately predict PHLF risk and FLR function, measured against indocyanine green (ICG) liver function test.

Methods

HEPARIM is an observational cohort study recruiting patients undergoing liver resection of 2 segments or more, prior to surgery patients will have both Dynamic Gadoxetate-enhanced (DGE) liver MRI and ICG testing.

Day one post op ICG testing is repeated and R15 compared to the Gadoxetate Clearance (GC) of the future liver remnant (FLR-GC) as measure by preoperative DGE- MRI which is the primary outcome, and preoperative ICG R15 compared to GC of whole liver (WL-GC) as a secondary outcome.

Data will be collected from medical records, biochemistry, pathology and radiology reports and used in a multi-variate analysis to the value of functional MRI and derive multivariant prediction models for future validation.

Discussion

If successful, this test will potentially provide an efficient means to quantitatively assess FLR function and PHLF risk enabling surgeons to push boundaries of liver surgery further while maintaining safe practice and thereby offering chance of cure to patients who would previously been deemed inoperable. MRI has the added benefit of already being part of the routine diagnostic pathway and as such would have limited additional burden on patients time or cost to health care systems. (Hepatectomy Risk Assessment With Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Full Text View -ClinicalTrials.gov, n.d.)

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04705194 - Registered 12th January 2021 – Retrospectively registered

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08830-4.

Functional transition: Inconsistently parallel to the increase in future liver remnant volume after preoperative portal vein embolization

BACKGROUND

Preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) is a widely used strategy to enable major hepatectomy in patients with insufficient liver remnant. PVE induces hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (FLR) and a shift of the functional reserve to the FLR. However, whether the increase of the FLR volume (FLRV) corresponds to the functional transition after PVE remains unclear.

AIM

To investigate the sequential relationship between the increase in FLRV and functional transition after preoperative PVE using 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) and ^99mTc-galactosyl-human serum albumin (^99mTc-GSA) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) fusion images.

METHODS

Thirty-three patients who underwent major hepatectomy following PVE at the Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Hospital between October 2013 and March 2018 were enrolled. Three-phase dynamic multidetector CT and ^99mTc-GSA SPECT scintigraphy were performed at pre-PVE, and at 1 and 2 wk after PVE; 3D ^99mTc-GSA SPECT CT-fused images were constructed from the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine data using 3D image analysis system. Functional FLRV (FFLRV) was defined as the total liver volume × (FLR volume counts/total liver volume counts) on the 3D ^99mTc-GSA SPECT CT-fused images. The calculated FFLRV was compared with FLRV.

RESULTS

FFLRV increased by a significantly larger extent than FLRV at 1 and 2 wk after PVE (P < 0.01). The increase in FFLRV and FLRV was 55.1% ± 41.6% and 26.7% ± 17.8% (P < 0.001), respectively, at 1 wk after PVE, and 64.2% ± 33.3% and 36.8% ± 18.9% (P < 0.001), respectively, at 2 wk after PVE. In 3 of the 33 patients, FFLRV levels decreased below FLRV at 2 wk. One of the three patients showed rapidly progressive fatty changes in FLR. The biopsy at 4 wk after PVE showed macro- and micro-vesicular steatosis of more than 40%, which improved to 10%. Radical resection was performed at 13 wk after PVE. The patient recovered uneventfully without any symptoms of pos-toperative liver failure.

CONCLUSION

The functional transition lagged behind the increase in FLRV after PVE in some cases. Evaluating both volume and function is needed to determine the optimal timing of hepatectomy after PVE.

Linear radiofrequency ablation using dual switching-control mode achieves rapid and bloodless liver resection, an experimental research

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency (RF)-assisted devices are widely used for hemostasis during liver resection. This study compared the use of dual switching (DS) versus single switching (SS) control modes for RF-based liver resections in a pig model.

METHODS

The RF-based system comprised a 200-W generator and three electrodes with 4-cm tips arranged in a linear configuration using an adaptor. Eight Lanyu pigs were used to assess ablation outcomes with electrode spacing of 2 or 3 cm, and ablation durations of 1.5, 2 or 3 min. All combinations were tested in DS and SS modes. Procedures were performed on left lateral, caudal and right anterior liver lobes, and after which transections were performed using a scalpel. Blood loss, complete ablation rate and ablation speed were compared.

RESULTS

DS mode was shown to induce significantly less blood loss than SS mode when the electrode spacing was set at 2 cm and the ablation duration was 2 min or 3 min (p=.010 and .012, respectively). Extended ablation duration and narrow electrode spacing tended to induce less blood loss, regardless of operating mode. Bloodless resection was achieved using DS mode with electrode spacing of 2 cm and ablation duration of 2-3 min. The highest rate of complete ablation (11.3 cm2/min) was achieved using DS mode with electrode spacing of 2 cm and ablation duration of 1.5 min.

CONCLUSION

RF-based hepatic resection using DS mode is safe and feasible, resulting in less blood loss than SS mode with a higher rate of complete ablation (i.e., superior ablation efficiency).

A simple and clinically applicable model to predict liver-related morbidity after hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND & AIM

Hepatic resection is a treatment option for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, factors associated with candidacy for resection and predictive of liver-related morbidity after resection for HCC remain unclear. This study aimed to assess candidacy for liver resection in patients with HCC and to design a model predictive of liver-related morbidity after resection.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 1,565 patients who underwent liver resection for HCC between January 2016 and December 2017 was performed. The primary outcome was liver-related morbidity, including post-hepatectomy biochemical dysfunction (PHBD), ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, rescue liver transplantation, and death from any cause within 90 days. PHBD was defined as international normalized ratio (INR) > 1.5 or hyperbilirubinemia (> 2.9 mg/dL) on postoperative day ≥ 5.

RESULTS

The 1,565 patients included 1,258 (80.4%) males and 307 (19.6%) females with a mean age of 58.3 years. Of these patients, 646 (41.3%) and 919 (58.7%) patients underwent major and minor liver resection, respectively. Liver-related morbidity was observed in 133 (8.5%) patients, including 77 and 56 patients who underwent major and minor resection, respectively. A total of 83 (5.3%) patients developed PHBD. Multivariate analysis identified cut-off values of the platelet count, serum albumin concentration, and ICG R15 value for predicting liver-related morbidity after resection. A model predicting postoperative liver-related morbidity was developed, which included seven factors: male sex, age ≥ 55 years, ICG R15 value ≥ 15%, major resection, platelet count < 150,000/mm3, serum albumin concentration < 3.5 g/dL, and INR > 1.1.

CONCLUSION

Hepatic resection for HCC was safe with 90-day liver-related morbidity and mortality rates of 8.5% and 0.8%, respectively. The developed point-based scoring system with seven factors could allow the prediction of the risk of liver-related morbidity after resection for HCC.

Development and validation of the bile leakage grading criterion in patients following Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy

OBJECTIVE

The present research aimed to propose a severity grading criterion for bile leakage in pediatric patients after Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy for choledochal cysts.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Despite a bile leakage classification system from the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) has been developed, a commonly used grading system for pediatric patients after Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy has not yet been established.

METHODS

A review of clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic parameters were used to develop a grading system for classifying the severity of bile leakage. A total of 267 patients with bile leakage were retrospectively assessed to review the system.

RESULTS

We developed a grading system for bile leakage severity for use in pediatric patients following Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. By applying the criteria to 267 patients, grade I, II, or III bile leakage was determined in 103 patients (8.7%), 115 patients (9.8%), and 49 patients (4.2%) patients, respectively. The most severe bile leakage grade (grade III), was associated with significantly higher γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and amylase levels, greater drain fluid output, more intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and longer postoperative hospital stay. Interestingly, patients with grade II leakage who underwent reoperation had significantly more ICU admissions, longer postoperative hospital stays (p < 0.05), and higher overall hospitalization cost (p < 0.05) compared with those who underwent conservation management. Of the patients with bile duct stricture and common bile duct (CBD) stones, there were no differences among the different grades of postoperative bile leakage.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed bile leakage criteria may optimize objective diagnosis and therapeutic modalities.

Prediction of post-hepatectomy liver failure using gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein invasion

PURPOSE

Accurate prediction of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is important in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to retrospectively evaluate the utility of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI for predicting PHLF in patients who underwent anatomic hepatectomy for HCC with portal vein invasion.

METHODS

Forty-one patients (32 men, 9 women) were included. Hepatobiliary-phase MR images were acquired 20 min after injection of gadoxetic acid using a 3D fat-suppressed T1-weighted spoiled gradient-echo sequence. Liver-spleen ratio (LSR), remnant hepatocellular uptake index (rHUI), and HUI were calculated. The severity of PHLF was defined according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery. Differences in LSR between the resected liver and the remnant liver, and HUI and rHUI/HUI between no/mild and severe PHLF were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test, respectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of severe PHLF. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of rHUI and rHUI/HUI were calculated for predicting severe PHLF.

RESULTS

Nine patients developed severe PHLF. LSR of the remnant liver was significantly higher than that of the resected liver (P < 0.001). Severe PHLF demonstrated significantly lower rHUI (P < 0.001) and rHUI/HUI (P < 0.001) compared with no/mild PHLF. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that decreased rHUI (P = 0.012, AUC=0.885) and rHUI/HUI (P = 0.002, AUC=0.852) were independent predictors of severe PHLF.

CONCLUSION

Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI can be a promising noninvasive examination for assessing global and regional liver function, allowing estimation of the functional liver remnant and accurate prediction of severe PHLF before hepatic resection.

The impact of bile leakage on long-term prognosis in primary liver cancers after hepatectomy: A propensity-score-matched study

BACKGROUND

The impact of bile leakage (BL) on the long-term prognosis in patients with primary liver cancers after hepatectomy remains unclear.

METHODS

One thousand nine hundred and seventy-one consecutive patients with primary liver cancers who underwent curative hepatectomy were enrolled. 75 patients encountered BL, including 34 long-time BL (LTBL) and 41 short-time BL (STBL) according to 4-weeks demarcation. Variables associated with BL were identified using multiple logistic regression analysis. 75 patients without BL were enrolled into the Non-BL group using a one-to-one propensity score matched analysis before assessing the impact of BL on the long-term prognosis. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the serum and drain fluid were detected and compared.

RESULTS

The tumor size, type of liver cancer, operation time, blood loss and blood transfusion were independent risk factors for BL. The long-term survival showed no difference between the patients with and without BL (p > 0.05), while the LTBL was a significant predictor of poor long-term prognosis (p < 0.001). Compared with the patients without BL, the patients with BL had a higher level of IL-6 from postoperative day (POD) 1 to POD 60, and a higher level of CRP from POD 7 to POD 60. By POD 60, the levels of IL-6 and CRP hadn't restored to the normal level in the LTBL group.

CONCLUSIONS

The LTBL has a negative impact on the long-term prognosis of patients with primary liver cancers after hepatectomy, in which the inflammatory responses may play a pivotal role.

Outcome after liver resection for primary and recurrent intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Liver resection is the only curative therapeutic option for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), but the approach to recurrent ICC is controversial. This study analysed the outcome of liver resection in patients with recurrent ICC.

METHODS

Demographic, radiological, clinical, operative, surgical pathological and follow-up data for all patients with a final surgical pathological diagnosis of ICC treated in a tertiary referral centre between 2001 and 2015 were collected retrospectively and analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 190 patients had liver resection for primary ICC. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 74·8, 56·6 and 37·9 per cent respectively. Independent determinants of OS were age 65 years or above (hazard ratio (HR) 2·18, 95 per cent c.i. 1·18 to 4·0; P = 0·012), median tumour diameter 5 cm or greater (HR 2·87, 1·37 to 6·00; P = 0·005), preoperative biliary drainage (HR 2·65, 1·13 to 6·20; P = 0·025) and local R1-2 status (HR 1·90, 1·02 to 3·53; P = 0·043). Recurrence was documented in 87 patients (45·8 per cent). The mean(s.d.) survival time after recurrence was 16(17) months. Independent determinants of recurrence were median tumour diameter 5 cm or more (HR 1·71, 1·09 to 2·68; P = 0·020), high-grade (G3-4) tumour (HR 1·63, 1·04 to 2·55; P = 0·034) and local R1 status (HR 1·70, 1·09 to 2·65; P = 0·020). Repeat resection with curative intent was performed in 25 patients for recurrent ICC, achieving a mean survival of 25 (95 per cent c.i. 16 to 34) months after the diagnosis of recurrence. Patients deemed to have unresectable disease after recurrence received chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy alone, and had significantly poorer survival.

CONCLUSION

Patients with recurrent ICC may benefit from repeat surgical resection.

Perturbations of urea cycle enzymes during posthepatectomy rat liver failure

Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) may occur after extended partial hepatectomy (PH). If malignancy is widespread in the liver, the size of PH and hence the size of the future liver remnant (FLR) may limit curability. We aimed to characterize differences in protein expression between different sizes of FLRs and identify proteins specific to the regenerative process of minimal-size FLR (MSFLR), with special focus on postoperative day (POD) 1 when PHLF is present. A total of 104 male Wistar rats were subjected to 30, 70, or 90% PH (MSFLR in rats), sham operation, or no operation. Blood and liver tissue were harvested at POD1, 3, and 5 (n = 8 per group). Protein expression was assessed by proteomic profiling by unsupervised two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), followed by supervised selected reaction monitoring (SRM)-MS/MS. In all, 1,035 protein spots were detected, 54 of which were significantly differentially expressed between groups and identifiable. During PHLF after PH(90%) at POD1, urea cycle and related proteins showed significant perturbations, including the urea cycle flux-regulating enzyme of carbamoyl phosphate synthase-1, ornithine transcarbamylase, and arginase-1, as well as the ornithine aminotransferase and propionyl-CoA carboxylase alpha chain. Plasma-ammonia increased significantly at POD1 after PH(90%), followed by a prompt decrease. At the protein level, we found perturbations of urea cycle and related enzymes in the MSFLR during PHLF. Our results suggest that these perturbations may augment urea cycle function, which may be pivotal for increased ammonia elimination after extensive PHs and potential PHLF.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is associated with high mortality. In a rat model of 90% hepatectomy, PHLF is present. Our results on liver tissue proteomics suggest that the ability of the liver remnant to sufficiently eliminate ammonia may be brought about by perturbation related to urea cycle proteins and that enhancing the urea cycle capacity may play a key role in surviving PHLF.

Combined anesthesia shows better curative effect and less perioperative neuroendocrine disorder than general anesthesia in early stage NSCLC patients

Objectives

We aimed to compare the effects of general anesthesia with combined epidural and general anesthesia in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

Methods

Patients scheduled to undergo tumor resection with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy were eligible. Patients in the control group received general anesthesia during surgery, and those in the observation group received combined epidural and general anesthesia. The hemodynamic factors mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate, end-tidal carbon dioxide, and oxygen saturation were measured. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1, IL-8, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α as well as β-endorphin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured using the thiobarbituric acid method.

Results

The incidence of specific adverse events was reduced and overall and disease-free survival were improved in the observation group compared with the control group. MAP was generally lower in the observation group compared with the control group, as were the serum levels of IL-1, IL-8, hs-CRP, TNF-α, and MDA.

Conclusions

Compared with general anesthesia, combined epidural and general anesthesia may inhibit the occurrence of short-term adverse events and improve long-term outcomes by inhibiting inflammatory responses in patients with early-stage NSCLC after tumor resection.

Different clinical risk scores for prediction of early mortality after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: which is the best?

BACKGROUND

Prediction of early mortality after hepatectomies for hepatocellular carcinoma is essential to identify high-risk patients and to decrease the operative mortality rate. Several post-operative clinical risk scores were developed recently to predict mortality post-hepatectomy; however, which one is the best remains undefined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the different post-operative clinical risk scores in predicting early mortality after hepatectomies.

METHODS

A total of 240 patients who underwent liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma at our hospital between June 2011 and July 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Post-operative clinical risk scores including 50-50 criteria, peak bilirubin >7 mg/dL, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), risk assessment for early mortality and Hyder scores were evaluated for their performance in predicting early mortality after hepatic resection using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

The 90-day mortality rate after hepatic resection was around 2.5%. The 50-50 criteria and peak bilirubin >7 mg/dL were weak predictors of early mortality with low sensitivity (area under the ROC curve: 0.65, 0.66, respectively), whereas, Hyder, risk assessment for early mortality, and post-operative MELD were good predictors of early mortality (area under the ROC curve: 0.89, 0.91 and 0.88, respectively). Moreover, MELD score on post-operative day 3 was an independent risk factor for 90-day mortality with an odds ratio of 1.4 (95% confidence interval 1.06-1.81, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Post-operative clinical risk scores, especially MELD, were capable of predicting early mortality after liver resection and should be used to identify high-risk patients and provide them with more intensive medical care.

High mobility group box 1 can be used to monitor perioperative course in patients with liver cancer

OBJECTIVE

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is produced by inflammation. Regarding liver injuries, HMGB1 is reportedly involved in liver regeneration. The present study investigated the use of HMGB1 as a postoperative marker of surgical course in patients with liver cancer.

METHODS

Patients were enrolled if they had liver cancer, had undergone liver surgery, and did not develop postsurgical complications. Patients who received emergency surgery or patients with unresectable cancerous lesions were excluded. Blood samples were preoperatively obtained as well as at 1 day, 1 week, and 4 weeks following surgery; white blood cell count, serum C-reactive protein, serum albumin, and serum HMGB1 levels were measured.

RESULTS

A total of 36 patients were included in this study. HMGB1 levels significantly changed over time, increasing from a median of 7.1 ng/ml (preoperatively) to 13.9 ng/ml at 1 week postoperatively, and then decreased to 6.3 ng/ml at 4 weeks postoperatively. Peak HMGB1 levels were delayed, and elevated HMGB1 levels persisted as compared with the changes in conventional markers.

CONCLUSIONS

HMGB1 indicates a unique perioperative inflammatory state in patients with liver cancer. Serum HMGB1 may serve as a marker for monitoring surgical course in patients undergoing surgery for liver cancer.

Developing and validating a pre-operative risk score to predict post-hepatectomy liver failure

BACKGROUND

Post hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a serious complication in patients undergoing liver resection. This study hypothesized that a new pre-operative risk score developed through statistical modeling to predict PHLF could be used to stratify patients at higher risk of PHLF.

METHODS

Patients who underwent hepatectomy between 2008 and 2016 were included in the derivation and validation cohorts. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was performed to identify predictors of PHLF, and a prognostic score was derived.

RESULTS

A total of 1269 patients were included in the derivation cohort. PHLF was encountered in 13.1% and was associated with significantly increased 90-day mortality and prolonged post-operative hospital stay (both p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified the extent of surgery (p < 0.001) and pre-operative bilirubin (p = 0.015), INR (p < 0.001), and creatinine (p = 0.048) to be independent predictors of PHLF. A risk score derived from these factors returned an area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.816 (p < 0.001) for an internal validation cohort (N = 453), significantly outperforming the MELD score (AUROC: 0.643).

CONCLUSION

The PHLF risk score could be used to stratify the risk of PHLF among patients planned for hepatectomy.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing Liver Resection with the Rf-Based Device Habib™-4X with the Clamp-Crush Technique

Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer and third most common cause of cancer-related mortality. Presently, indications for liver resections for liver cancers are widening, but the response is varied owing to the multitude of factors including excess intraoperative bleeding, increased blood transfusion requirement, post-hepatectomy liver failure and morbidity. The advent of the radiofrequency energy-based bipolar device Habib™-4X has made bloodless hepatic resection possible. The radiofrequency-generated coagulative necrosis on normal liver parenchyma provides a firm underpinning for the bloodless liver resection. This meta-analysis was undertaken to analyse the available data on the clinical effectiveness or outcomes of liver resection with Habib™-4X in comparison to the clamp-crush technique. The RF-assisted device Habib™-4X is considered a safe and feasible modality for liver resection compared to the clamp-crush technique owing to the multitude of benefits and mounting clinical evidence supporting its role as a superior liver resection device. The most intriguing advantage of the RF-device is its ability to induce systemic and local immunomodulatory changes that further expand the boundaries of survival outcomes following liver resection.

Preliminary Evaluation of Thulium Doped Fiber Laser in Pig Model of Liver Surgery

Partial liver resection is a treatment of choice for liver tumors; the range of parenchyma excision varies from a small part of the tissue surrounding the neoplasm up to 70% of the organ. One of the major concerns during liver resection is blood loss. Thulium lasers which are characterized by the length of emission wave corresponding to a peak absorption of water create a new possibility of cutting tissues efficiently with minimal thermal damage and concurrently providing a good hemostasis control. The aim of our study was to evaluate an impact of liver transection with thulium doped fiber laser on an intraoperative bleeding and histopathological changes during postoperative period in swine model. Ten animals were subjected to open surgery partial liver resection and an incision of liver tissue with an all-fiber, diode-pumped, and continuous-wave Tm³⁺-doped fiber laser emitting 37.4 W of output power at ~1.94 μm wavelength. The macroscopic and histopathological evaluation was performed intraoperatively as well as 7 and 14 days after surgery. Macroscopically almost no bleeding was observed during surgery and no signs of bleeding were stated after 7 and 14 days. Histopathological analysis of the transection margin revealed a thermal damage area ranging in depth from 620.23 ± 23.82 μm on the day of surgery to 1817.70 ± 211.98 μm after 7 days. In the samples taken intraoperatively and after 7 days a superficial zone of carbonization was visibly separated from the deeper changes. After 14 days one 765.35 μm deep zone characterized by a granulation was present. In conclusion, thulium doped fiber laser is efficacious in cutting with a narrow zone of thermal injury and provides a good hemostasis during liver transection, thus being a potential tool for oncotic liver surgery.

Evaluation of the New ISGLS Definitions of Typical Posthepatectomy Complications

Background and Objectives:

The International Study Group of Liver Surgery established the first internationally standardized definitions and grading for posthepatectomy hemorrhage, posthepatectomy liver failure, and bile leakage. We aimed to correlate these definitions and grades of complications with objective parameters of the postoperative course, namely, mortality and length of stay, to assess the usefulness in clinical routine.

Methods:

A total of 415 patients underwent hepatic surgery between 2004 and 2014. Uni- and multivariate analyses were made for correlations of posthepatectomy hemorrhage, posthepatectomy liver failure, and bile leakage with perioperative parameters and mortality.

Results:

Of the total, 25 (6.1%) patients developed a posthepatectomy hemorrhage Grade A, 3 (0.7%) patients a posthepatectomy hemorrhage Grade B, and 1 (0.2%) patient a posthepatectomy hemorrhage Grade C; 23 (5.5%) patients had a posthepatectomy liver failure Grade A, 24 (5.8%) patients a posthepatectomy liver failure Grade B, and 7 patients (1.6%) a posthepatectomy liver failure Grade C. Bile leakage Grade A occurred in 10 (2.4%) patients, bile leakage Grade B in 24 (5.8%) patients, and bile leakage Grade C in 7 (1.6%) patients. Mortality was significantly increased in patients with posthepatectomy hemorrhage Grades B and C and in patients with posthepatectomy liver failure Grades A, B, and C. Three (42.9%) patients with bile leakage Grade C died.

Conclusion:

Our data indicate that the new definitions correlate well with mortality and duration of hospital stay.

A new technique for hepatic parenchymal transection using an articulating bipolar 5 cm radiofrequency device: results from the first 100 procedures

BACKGROUND

Parenchymal transection(PT) still remains a challenge in liver resection. The outcomes of the first experience of a novel vessel-sealer for hepatic transection were assessed.

METHODS

A bipolar articulating vessel-sealer (Caiman^®, Aesculap Inc., Center Valley, PA) was used in 100 liver resections through both open (OLR) and laparoscopic (LLR) approaches. All data were prospectively collected into an IRB-approved department database, and clinical, surgical and perioperative parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

Fifty patients underwent OLR and 50 patients underwent LLR. Eighty hepatectomies were performed for malignancy. Median number of tumors was 1, with the largest focus measuring an average of 5.1 cm. Forty-nine of the procedures were major liver resections. Parenchymal transection time was 29.9 ± 3.1 min in OLR and 29.9 ± 3.6 min in LLR. Median estimated blood loss was 300 cc (Inter-quartile range (IQR) 100-575 cc). Median hospital stay was 6 days for open and 3 days for laparoscopic procedures. Ninety-day complication rate was 8% without any mortality. Bile leak rate was 4%. Staplers were used for parenchymal transection in 16 cases.

CONCLUSION

This study introduces a new multifunctional device into the armamentarium of the liver surgeon. In our experience, this device facilitated the parenchymal transection by adding speed and consolidating the amount of instrumentation used in liver resection without increasing complications.

Future Liver Remnant Indocyanine Green Plasma Clearance Rate as a Predictor of Post-hepatectomy Liver Failure After Portal Vein Embolization

PURPOSE

To evaluate the utility of future liver remnant plasma clearance rate of indocyanine green (ICGK-F) for predicting post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) compared with percentage future liver remnant volume-to-total liver volume ratio (%FLR) after portal vein embolization (PVE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PVE procedures in 20 patients (15 patients underwent PVE with absolute ethanol; 5 patients with gelatin particles) from 2010 to 2017 were analyzed. %FLR = future liver remnant volume (ml)/[total liver volume (ml) - tumor volume (ml)] × 100; ICGK-F = plasma clearance rate of indocyanine green (ICGK) × %FLR/100 were calculated before and after PVE. PHLF was categorized according to the criteria of the International Study Group of Liver Surgery. For predicting PHLF, we compared the ICGK-F and %FLR after PVE between the grade A PHLF group and the non-grade A PHLF (grades B and C) group.

RESULTS

All PVE procedures were successful. While the ICGK-F of the grade A PHLF group (median 0.073, n = 16) was about twice that of the non-grade A PHLF group (median 0.043, n = 4), showing a significant difference (Mann-Whitney U test: P = 0.002), there was no significant difference in %FLR between the grade A PHLF group and the non-grade A PHLF group (Mann-Whitney U test: P = 0.335).

CONCLUSION

ICGK-F was significantly higher in the grade A PHLF group than in the non-grade A PHLF group (grades B and C), and ICGK-F was more useful for predicting PHLF than %FLR.

Neither ischemic parenchymal volume nor severe grade complication correlate transient high transaminase elevation after liver resection

To clarify whether high transient elevation of serum transaminase predicts severe complications and is related to the ischemic area on CT. Postoperative laboratory data and ischemia area on CT were analyzed on the basis of the presence of high transaminase elevation (aspartate aminotransferase (AST) > 1,000 IU/L within postoperative day (POD) 2 after liver resection. In the high elevation group, volume of ischemic areas was assessed by CT on POD2. The 538 patients were divided into a high transaminase group (n = 51) and a control group (n = 487). Median operation time (527 min vs. 360 min, p < 0.01) and liver ischemia time (121 min vs. 70 min, p < 0.01) were significantly longer, and intraoperative blood loss (478 mL [85-1572 mL] vs. 269 mL [5-4491 mL], p < 0.01) was significantly greater in the high transaminase group. No significant differences observed in frequency of severe complications (Clavien-Dindo classification Grade III or more) or postoperative hospitalization. Operation time (> 500 min; odds ratio (OR), 4.86; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.40-9.89; p < 0.01) and liver ischemia time (> 120 min; OR, 3.47; 95%CI, 1.67-7.17; p < 0.01) were independent predictors of high transaminase elevation. No relationship was observed between degree of transaminase elevation and ischemic area (correlation coefficients: AST, R² < 0.001; alanine aminotransferase, R² = 0.005) CT volumetry on POD2. In conclusions, high transaminase elevations do not predict severe complications or reflect remnant ischemic area.

Bioenergetic adaptations of the human liver in the ALPPS procedure - how liver regeneration correlates with mitochondrial energy status

BACKGROUND

The Associating Liver Partition and Portal Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy (ALPPS) depends on a significant inter-stages kinetic growth rate (KGR). Liver regeneration is highly energy-dependent. The metabolic adaptations in ALPPS are unknown.

AIMS

i) Assess bioenergetics in both stages of ALPPS (T1 and T2) and compare them with control patients undergoing minor (miHp) and major hepatectomy (MaHp), respectively; ii) Correlate findings in ALPPS with volumetric data; iii) Investigate expression of genes involved in liver regeneration and energy metabolism.

METHODS

Five patients undergoing ALPPS, five controls undergoing miHp and five undergoing MaHp. Assessment of remnant liver bioenergetics in T1, T2 and controls. Analysis of gene expression and protein content in ALPPS.

RESULTS

Mitochondrial function was worsened in T1 versus miHp; and in T2 versus MaHp (p < 0.05); but improved from T1 to T2 (p < 0.05). Liver bioenergetics in T1 strongly correlated with KGR (p < 0.01). An increased expression of genes associated with liver regeneration (STAT3, ALR) and energy metabolism (PGC-1α, COX, Nampt) was found in T2 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Metabolic capacity in ALPPS is worse than in controls, improves between stages and correlates with volumetric growth. Bioenergetic adaptations in ALPPS could serve as surrogate markers of liver reserve and as target for energetic conditioning.

Current evidence for the use of N-acetylcysteine following liver resection

BACKGROUND

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has many uses in medicine; notable in the management of paracetamol toxicity, acute liver failure and liver surgery. The aim of this review was to critically appraise the published literature for the routine use of NAC in liver resection surgery.

METHODS

An electronic search was performed of EBSCOhost (Medline and CINAHL database), PubMed and the Cochrane Library for the period 1990-2016. MeSH headings: 'acetyl-cysteine', 'liver resection' and 'hepatectomy' were used to identify all relevant articles published in English.

RESULTS

Following the search criteria used, three articles were included. Two of these studies were randomized controlled trials. All the studies collated data on morbidity and mortality. All three studies did not show a significant difference in overall complications rates in patients that underwent hepatic resection that had NAC infusion compared with patients that did not. In one study, NAC administration was associated with a higher frequency of grade A post-hepatectomy liver failure. In another study, a significantly higher incidence of delirium was observed in the NAC group, which led to the trial to be terminated early.

CONCLUSION

The current published data do not support the routine use of NAC following liver resection.

The autophagy marker LC3 strongly predicts immediate mortality after surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

The remnant liver's ability to regenerate may affect post-hepatectomy immediate mortality. The promotion of autophagy post-hepatectomy could enhance liver regeneration and reduce mortality. This study aimed to identify predictive factors of immediate mortality after surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 535 consecutive HCC patients who had undergone their first surgical resection in Taiwan were enrolled between 2010 and 2014. Clinicopathological data and immediate mortality, defined as all cause-mortality within three months after surgery, were analyzed. The expression of autophagy proteins (LC3, Beclin-1, and p62) in adjacent non-tumor tissues was scored by immunohistochemical staining. Approximately 5% of patients had immediate mortality after surgery. The absence of LC3, hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dl), high alanine aminotransferase, and major liver surgery were significantly associated with immediate mortality in univariate analyses. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that absence of LC3 (hazard ratio/95% confidence interval: 40.8/5.14-325) and hypoalbuminemia (2.88/1.11-7.52) were significantly associated with immediate mortality. The 3-month cumulative incidence of mortality was 12.1%, 13.0%, 21.4% and 0.4%, respectively, among patients with absence of LC3 expression, hypoalbuminemia, both, or neither of the two. In conclusion, the absence of LC3 expression in adjacent non-tumor tissues and hypoalbuminemia were strongly predictive of immediate mortality after resection for HCC.

Platelets in liver regeneration

Background and Objectives

Loss of liver tissue leading to impairment of liver function represents a major cause of mortality. Understanding the mechanism of liver regeneration and developing therapies to sustain liver regeneration are of high therapeutic relevance. In this regard, platelets are considered as potential candidates for stimulating liver regeneration.

Methods

We aim to review the most recent evidence regarding the role of platelets in liver regeneration.

Results

Platelets stimulate liver regeneration in animal models of liver resection. In humans, platelets are independent predictors of postoperative mortality, liver function and volume recovery. One proposed mechanism by which platelets stimulate liver regeneration relies on their direct effect on hepatocytes. Following partial hepatectomy, platelets accumulate in the residual liver and release their granule content. Platelet‐containing molecules, such as HGF, VEGF, IGF‐1 and serotonin, stimulate hepatocyte proliferation. A putative additional mechanism involves the transfer of platelet mRNA to hepatocytes following platelet internalization. Recent studies have suggested that the effect of platelets relies on their interactions with LSEC. Platelets induce the secretion of IL‐6 from LSEC, a strong initiator of hepatocyte proliferation. Additionally, platelets convey molecules that may impact LSEC function and, by extension, liver regeneration. Platelets potentially interact with Kupffer cells, but the effect of that interaction on liver regeneration remains to be determined.

Conclusion

Platelets stimulate liver regeneration. Several mechanisms seem to be involved, acting on the level of hepatocytes, LSEC and potentially Kupffer cells. Identification of the platelet‐molecule(s) involved may lead to targeted therapies for patients with impairment of liver function.

Predictability of 99mTc-Galactosyl Human Serum Albumin Scintigraphy for Posthepatectomy Liver Failure

OBJECTIVE

Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is one of the most serious complications after hepatectomy. The objective of the present study is to assess the potential diagnostic ability of ^99mTc-galactosyl human serum albumin (GSA) scintigraphy to predict PHLF as defined by the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 100 patients who underwent ^99mTc-GSA scintigraphy and subsequent hepatectomy were retrospectively analyzed. The blood clearance ratio (HH15), hepatic uptake ratio (LHL15), and maximal removal rate (Rmax) of ^99mTc-GSA (GSA-Rmax) were calculated as scintigraphic parameters for the total liver. In addition to the ratio of preoperatively estimated remnant liver (ERL) counts to total liver counts (rERL-GSA), the ratio of actual remnant liver (ARL) counts to total liver counts (rARL-GSA), determined by applying a more accurate resection line with reference to both pre- and postoperative CT, was obtained from SPECT images. Functional remnant liver parameters of ERL-LHL15 (LHL15 of the estimated remnant liver), ERL-Rmax (maximal removal rate of estimated remnant liver counts), ARL-LHL15 (LHL15 of the actual remnant liver), and ARL-Rmax (maximal removal rate of actual remnant liver counts) were calculated using these values. ROC analysis was performed to evaluate the ability of these parameters to predict PHLF. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of PHLF.

RESULTS

PHLF occurred in 33 patients. Each of the ARL parameters had a significantly higher diagnostic performance compared with the corresponding ERL parameter (AUC values: for rARL-GSA vs rERL-GSA, 0.77 vs 0.62 [p = 0.0004]; for ARL-LHL15 vs ERL-LHL15, 0.79 vs 0.64 [p = 0.0005]; and for ARL-Rmax vs ERL-Rmax, 0.78 vs 0.66 [p = 0.0003]). According to multivariate analysis, each of three ARL parameters was identified as an independent predictor of PHLF (p < 0.0001 for all).

CONCLUSION

Technetium-99m-labeled GSA scintigraphy is useful for predicting PHLF, particularly for applying an accurate resection line on GSA-SPECT images.

Liver Stiffness Assessed by Shear Wave Elastography Predicts Postoperative Liver Failure in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Cirrhosis increases a patient's risk of developing postoperative liver failure (PLF). Liver stiffness (LS), assessed by two-dimensional shear wave elastography (SWE), indicates liver fibrosis with high accuracy. Whether LS is superior to portal hypertension (PHT) in predicting PLF remains to be studied.

METHODS

The study enrolled 280 patients who underwent hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma from July 2015 to July 2016. All patients received preoperative assessments for LS, PHT, and serum markers of liver fibrosis in addition to other clinicopathological tests. Risk factors for grade A and grade B (or greater) PLF were subjected to univariate and multivariate analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients (19.6%) experienced PLF. The cutoff value of LS for predicting cirrhosis was 10.1 kPa. Multivariate analysis identified LS, hyaluronic acid, IV collagen, and the presence of splenomegaly as independent predictors of PLF. The cutoff value of LS for predicting PLF and grade B (or greater) PLF was 11.75 and 11.9 kPa, respectively. LS was superior to PHT in predicting PLF or greater than grade B PLF (0.72 vs. 0.60, 0.76 vs. 0.59, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

LS measured by SWE can predict risk of PLF with greater accuracy than PHT.

Perioperative Liver Function after Hepatectomy in a Tertiary University Hospital in Damascus

Background:

Liver resection is the only viable therapeutic treatment option for several neoplastic entities of the liver. Although, the number of resectable patients is increasing in Syria, liver failure is still a major complication affecting mortality and morbidity rates.

Methods:

Between 2009 and 2016, 104 patients undergoing liver resection in Damascus University Faculty of Medicine were retrospectively analyzed. Liver function tests were conducted before surgery (ps) and in the perioperative period (po) and comparisons were performed with division into anatomic VS non-anatomic or malignant VS non-malignant groups.

Results:

Liver synthetic, excretory and detoxifying functions deteriorated after liver resection (INR ps ‘presurgery’=1.129 po ‘perioperative’=1.426 P<0.001, TP ps=7.426 po=5.581 P<0.001, ALB ps=4.204 po=3.242 P<0.001, T-Bill ps=0.061 po=0.136 P<0.001) and liver cell necrosis increased after resection (ALT ps=27.597 po=200.221 P<0.001, AST ps=33.395 po=190.553 P<0.001). There was no significant difference in liver functions when we compared anatomic VS non-anatomic groups or malignant VS non-malignant groups, but liver cell necrosis was higher with malignancies (ALT malignant group=236.475 non-malignant group=89.5 P=0.002, AST malignant group=222.644 non-malignant group=101.125 P=0.001).

Conclusion:

Although liver resection affects liver function significantly, no differences in outcomes were found between anatomic VS non anatomic or malignant VS non-malignant groups.

Influence of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on resection of primary colorectal liver metastases: A propensity score analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

There is ongoing debate about whether patients planned for liver resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC). Therefore, we performed a retrospective survival analysis of patients with and without NC prior to surgery.

METHODS

Data prospectively collected from 468 consecutive patients were analyzed in a retrospective design. We performed a survival analysis and added propensity score matching (PSM). Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to determine independent prognostic risk factors.

RESULTS

NC was performed in 145/468 patients. NC did not have a significant influence on overall survival (OS) either before or after PSM. Patients receiving NC showed increased complication rates, especially concerning non-surgical complications after primary resection (P = 0.025) of CRLM. Multivariate analysis before and after PSM revealed that the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) score and CEA values are strong predictors for OS in patients with CRLM.

CONCLUSIONS

NC was not associated with increased OS in patients suffering from CRLM. Additionally, potentially harmful chemotherapy prior to surgery increases the risk of postoperative complications in these patients.

Postoperative Liver Failure

Technical innovations in surgical techniques, anaesthesia, critical care and a spatial understanding of the intra-hepatic anatomy of the liver, have led to an increasing number of liver resections being performed all over the world. However, the number of complications directly attributed to the procedure and leading to inadequate or poor hepatic functional status in the postoperative period remains a matter of concern. There has always been a problem of arriving at a consensus in the definition of the term: postoperative liver failure (PLF). The burgeoning rate of living donor liver transplants, with lives of perfectly healthy donors involved, has mandated a consensual definition, uniform diagnosis and protocol for management of PLF. The absence of a uniform definition has led to poor comparison among various trials. PLF remains a dreaded complication in resection of the liver, with a reported incidence of up to 8 % [1], and mortality rates of up to 30–70 % have been quoted [2]. Several studies have quoted a lower incidence of PLF in eastern countries, but when it occurs the mortality is as high as in the West [3].