Patterns of colorectal liver metastases according to Couinaud's segments

Segmental Distribution of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Livers

Background: To evaluate the segmental distribution of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) according to Couinaud’s anatomical division in cirrhotic patients. Methods: Between 2020 and 2021, a total of 322 HCC nodules were diagnosed in 217 cirrhotic patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the evaluation of suspicious nodules (>1 cm) detected during ultrasound surveillance. For each patient, the segmental position of the HCC nodule was recorded according to Couinaud’s description. The clinical data and nodule characteristics were collected. Results: A total of 234 (72.7%) HCC nodules were situated in the right lobe whereas 79 (24.5%) were detected in the left lobe (p < 0.0001) and only 9 nodules were in the caudate lobe (2.8%). HCC was most common in segment 8 (n = 88, 27.4%) and least common in segment 1 (n = 9, 2.8%). No significant differences were found in the frequencies of segmental or lobar involvement considering patient demographic and clinical characteristics, nodule dimension, or disease appearance. Conclusions: The intrahepatic distribution of HCC differs among Couinaud’s segments, with segment 8 being the most common location and segment 1 being the least common. The segmental distribution of tumour location was similar to the normal liver volume distribution, supporting a possible correlation between HCC location and the volume of hepatic segments and/or the volumetric distribution of the portal blood flow.

Role of CT in Two-Stage Liver Surgery

Complete resection is the only potentially curative treatment for primary or metastatic liver tumors. Improvements in surgical techniques such as conventional two-stage hepatectomy (TSH) with portal vein embolization and ALPPS (associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy) promote hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (FLR), expanding resection criteria to include patients with widespread hepatic disease who were formerly not considered candidates for resection. Radiologists are essential in the multidisciplinary approach required for TSH. In particular, multidetector CT has a critical role throughout the various stages of this surgical process. The aims of CT before the first stage of TSH are to define the feasibility of surgery, assess the number and location of liver tumors in relation to relevant anatomy, and provide a detailed anatomic evaluation, including vascular and biliary variants. Volume calculation with CT is also essential to determine if the FLR is sufficient to avoid posthepatectomy liver failure. The objectives of CT between the first and second stages of TSH are to recalculate liver volumes (ie, assess FLR hypertrophy) and depict expected liver changes and complications that could modify the surgical plan or preclude the second stage of definitive resection. In this review, the importance of CT throughout different stages of TSH is discussed and key observations that contribute to surgical planning are highlighted. In addition, the advantages and limitations of MRI for detection of liver metastases and assessment of complications are briefly described. ^©RSNA, 2022.

Postoperative liver regeneration does not elicit recurrence of colorectal cancer liver metastases after major hepatectomy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Recurrence is a frequent concern in curatively resected CRC liver metastases. Translational research suggests that regeneration upon hepatectomy may also alleviate metastatic recurrence; however, the significance in patients is unclear. We therefore sought to study the effect of liver regeneration on tumor recurrence in patients.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we included 58 out of 186 potentially eligible patients from our prospectively maintained database of CRC liver metastasis patients between 2001 and 2012 with a median follow-up of 42 months who underwent a formal right or left hemihepatectomy. Liver regeneration in CT volumetry was correlated with recurrence of CRC liver metastases and overall survival.

RESULTS

Liver regeneration increased up to 14 months to 21.0% for left and 122.6% for right hemihepatectomy, respectively, with comparable final volumes. Regeneration was independent of initial tumor stage, number of metastases, and preoperative chemotherapy. Patients with lower liver regeneration showed earlier recurrence of CRC liver metastases (p = 0.006). Overall survival did not differ in patients with weak versus strong liver regeneration.

CONCLUSIONS

The extent of liver regeneration after major hepatectomy does not impede overall survival. Therefore, our data encourage aggressive therapeutical regimes for CRC liver metastases involving major hepatectomies as part of a curative approach.

Hepatic pinworm infestation misdiagnosed as a liver metastasis in a patient with colonic adenocarcinoma

An extra-intestinal infestation of Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is uncommon. We present a case of hepatic infestation of pinworm in a 57-year-old woman, misdiagnosed as a colorectal adenocarcinoma metastasis. The route of migration from the intestine to the liver is not well established but the most plausible route seems to be hematogenous. In concordance with previously published cases, the hepatic pinworm infestation is usually localised superficially in the right liver lobe. Hence solitary lesions in this location detected radiologically should be interpreted carefully. Additionally, the serum CEA level could be useful to distinguish pinworm from malignancy.

Liver metastasis in colorectal cancer: evaluation of segmental distribution

Introduction

It is known that the liver is the main target for metastasis in colorectal cancer. However, we do not know enough from the literature to describe the segmental distribution of liver metastatic lesions of colorectal cancers.

Aim

To investigate which liver segment is affected.

Material and methods

A total of 326 patients (female/male, n = 115/221; age: 53 ±8/51 ±7 years) were included in our study, classified according to their pathological diagnosis. After liver metastases of the patients were determined, they were divided according to Couinaud classification.

Results

While the total number of metastases detected in the right lobe was 691 (70.1%), the number of metastases detected in the left lobe was 294 (29.9%), and the difference was highly significant (p < 0.0001). Metastases in the right lobe anterior segment amounted to 279 (40.4%), and metastasis in right lobe posterior segment was 412 (59.6%), and the difference was significant. When the total number of metastatic lesions is evaluated by excluding segment I, the largest number of lesions were observed in segment VIII. The liver segments with the highest number of metastatic lesions were, respectively, VII, IV, VI, V, III, and II. In this case, the fewest metastatic lesions were observed in segment II.

Conclusions

Liver metastases of colorectal cancer are more common in the right lobe than in the left lobe. The right lobe posterior segment (segment VI) is the main target of metastases.

Liver metastasis in colorectal cancer: evaluation of segmental distribution

INTRODUCTION

It is known that the liver is the main target for metastasis in colorectal cancer. However, we do not know enough from the literature to describe the segmental distribution of liver metastatic lesions of colorectal cancers.

AIM

To investigate which liver segment is affected.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 326 patients (female/male, n = 115/221; age: 53 ±8/51 ±7 years) were included in our study, classified according to their pathological diagnosis. After liver metastases of the patients were determined, they were divided according to Couinaud classification.

RESULTS

While the total number of metastases detected in the right lobe was 691 (70.1%), the number of metastases detected in the left lobe was 294 (29.9%), and the difference was highly significant (p < 0.0001). Metastases in the right lobe anterior segment amounted to 279 (40.4%), and metastasis in right lobe posterior segment was 412 (59.6%), and the difference was significant. When the total number of metastatic lesions is evaluated by excluding segment I, the largest number of lesions were observed in segment VIII. The liver segments with the highest number of metastatic lesions were, respectively, VII, IV, VI, V, III, and II. In this case, the fewest metastatic lesions were observed in segment II.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver metastases of colorectal cancer are more common in the right lobe than in the left lobe. The right lobe posterior segment (segment VI) is the main target of metastases.

Proposal of Two Prognostic Models for the Prediction of 10-Year Survival after Liver Resection for Colorectal Metastases

Background

One-third of 5-year survivors after liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (CLM) develop recurrence or tumor-related death. Therefore 10-year survival appears more adequate in defining permanent cure. The aim of this study was to develop prognostic models for the prediction of 10-year survival after liver resection for colorectal liver metastases.

Methods

N=965 cases of liver resection for CLM were retrospectively analyzed using univariable and multivariable regression analyses. Receiver operating curve analyses were used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of developed prognostic models and their potential clinical usefulness.

Results

The 10-year survival rate was 15.2%. Age at liver resection, application of chemotherapies of the primary tumor, preoperative Quick's value, hemoglobin level, and grading of the primary colorectal tumor were independent significant predictors for 10-year patient survival. The generated formula to predict 10-year survival based on these preoperative factors displayed an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 0.716. In regard to perioperative variables, the distance of resection margins and performance of right segmental liver resection were additional independent predictors for 10-year survival. The logit link formula generated with pre- and perioperative variables showed an AUROC of 0.761.

Conclusion

Both prognostic models are potentially clinically useful (AUROCs >0.700) for the prediction of 10-year survival. External validation is required prior to the introduction of these models in clinical patient counselling.

First Left Hepatic Trisectionectomy Including Segment One with New Associated Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation with Staged Hepatectomy (ALPPS) Modification: How To Do It?

BACKGROUND Associated Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation with Staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) leads to rapid hepatic hypertrophy and decreases incidence of post-hepatectomy liver failure in patients with a marginal future liver remnant. Various procedural ALPPS modifications were previously described. Here, we present the first case of a new ALPPS modification, carrying out a left hepatic trisectionectomy with segment 1. CASE REPORT We present the case of a 36-year-old woman with locally advanced sigmoid adeno-carcinoma and extensive left liver metastases extending to segment V and VIII, who received state-of-the-art systemic conversion chemotherapy. Preoperative CT volumetric scan demonstrated a FLR/TLV (Future Liver Remnant/Total Liver Volume) of 22%. A left hepatic trisectionectomy procedure was conducted using our new ALPPS modification. Sufficient hepatic hypertrophy of FLR was reached with a volume increase of 100%. The period between the 2 stages was 7 days. The patient underwent left trisectionectomy and left colectomy with tumor-free margins. All dissected lymph nodes were tumor-negative. The surgical intra- and postoperative course was uneventful. Medically, the patient acquired an Acinetobacter infection, with severe sepsis and acute renal injury. After 3 dialysis sessions, the renal function recovered completely. Afterwards, the patient recovered slowly, and reintroduction ambulation and oral feeding was prolonged. Later on, the patient received Xeloda 1500 mg twice daily as adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS The new ALPPS modification leads to a sufficient hypertrophy of FRL within 1 week, allowing left hepatic trisectionectomy with tumor-free FRL. Despite the challenging complications, the new ALPPS modification might represent an alternative procedure for use when the classic ALPPS procedure is not applicable. Further studies are required.

Short- and long-term results of extended left hepatectomy for colorectal metastases

BACKGROUND

An extended left hepatectomy is a complex hepatic resection often performed for large tumours in close relationship to major hilar structures. Operative outcomes of this resection for colorectal liver metastases (CLM) remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to assess short- and long-term outcome for patients with CLM after an extended left hepatectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing an extended left hepatectomy for CLM in a large, single-centre cohort between January 1990 and January 2006 was performed.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients (3.9%) from a consecutive series of 802 patients who had undergone hepatic resection were identified as having met the definition of an extended left hepatectomy and were included for further analysis. Maximum tumour size was more than 60 mm in 15 patients, with a median size of 67.5 mm for the total group (range: 20 to 160 mm). Twenty-six patients presented with initially unresectable metastases, related to large tumour size in 11 patients and to a close relation with major vascular structures in six patients. Preoperative chemotherapy was administered to 29 patients. Combined vascular resection was performed in five patients. The mortality rate at 90 days was zero and post-operative morbidity occurred in 17 patients. R0 and R1 resections were performed in 17 and 11 patients, respectively. Three- and 5-year overall survival was 38% and 27%, respectively. Disease-free survival was 9% and 4% at 3 and 5 years. Morbidity did not differ between patients with and without a caudate lobectomy (9 of 17 patients vs. 8 of 14 patients, respectively) (P= 0.815).

CONCLUSIONS

An extended left hepatectomy for CLM can provide significant long-term survival. However, morbidity is increased in this complex procedure. A caudate lobectomy does not impact surgical outcome.

Distribution of hydatid cysts into the liver with reference to cystobiliary communications and cavity-related complications

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to test a hypothesis that intrahepatic hydatid cyst location can effect the incidence of cystobiliary communications and the cavity-related complications.

METHODS

A total of 121 cysts treated by conservative surgical methods in 113 patients were evaluated prospectively. Cysts were grouped as near to the liver hilum (segment I, III, IVb, V, and VI) and far from the hilum (segment II, IVa, VII, and VIII).

RESULTS

There were 58 (48%) hilar and 63 (52%) peripheral cysts. We found more cystobiliary communications (48% versus 27%, P = 0.015), more biliary leakage (36% versus 10%, P <0.001), and more biliary fistula (12% versus 3%, P = 0.080) in the cysts near to the hilum than far from the hilum. Postoperative hospital stay was longer in the cysts near to the hilum (12.3 +/- 3.1 days) than the cysts far from the hilum (7.7 +/- 2.7 days, P = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

The location of the hydatid cyst near to the liver hilum is a risk factor for the cystobiliary communications and the cavity related complications.

Management strategies for colorectal liver metastases--Part I

Colorectal cancer is a common malignancy and the incidence of this disease is increasing. Approximately 50% of patients with colorectal cancer die from recurrent disease following an apparently curative resection of the primary tumour and the liver is the most frequent site of relapse. Although only a small proportion of patients will benefit from resection of liver metastases, this form of treatment offers the only possibility of cure. In selected patients, 5-year survival rates of 25-35% may be achieved following liver resection. A poor prognosis after resection of hepatic metastases is likely when there are more than three metastatic deposits, involved resection margins often as a result of ¿wedge' resections, when there is extrahepatic disease, or when there is nodal involvement at the primary tumour site. Regional hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy may provide palliation and possibly even prolongation of survival for some patients with unresectable metastases. Cytoreductive techniques may also provide palliation in selected patients with hepatic metastases unsuitable for resection; cryotherapy is the most promising of these methods.

The aetiology and management of hepatic metastases

Hepatic metastases are a common event in the metastatic spread of primary tumours and indicate advanced disease. However, the presence of hepatic metastases does not necessarily imply incurability; in selected patients resection of hepatic metastases may result in 5-year survival rates of 25-35%, usually in patients with colorectal liver metastases in whom solitary metastases are more frequent than with other primary tumours. However, hepatic metastases from Wilm's tumours, adrenal tumours, renal cell carcinoma, and neuroendocrine tumours may also be resected with similar success rates. A poor prognosis after resection of hepatic metastases is likely when there are more than three metastatic deposits, involved resection margins (often as a result of 'wedge' resections), when there is extrahepatic disease, or nodal involvement at the primary tumour site. Cyto-reductive procedures may provide excellent palliation and possibly long-term survival in selected patients with hepatic metastases unsuitable for resection. However, further study is required to establish the appropriate role for these treatments.