Pure laparoscopic anatomical segment VI resection using the Glissonian approach, Rouviere’s sulcus as a landmark, and a modified liver hanging maneuver (with video)

Anatomical insights into Rouviere's Sulcus through the Glissonean approach in minimally invasive right-sided sepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Understanding the liver anatomy, particularly the Rouviere sulcus (RS), is crucial for safely performing cholecystectomy and hepatectomy. As surgical interest in right-sided hepatectomies using the Glissonean pedicle approach has increased, a thorough understanding of the RS anatomy is becoming increasingly important. This study aimed to investigate the presence and anatomical contents of the RS during right-sided hepatectomy and to develop a preoperative assessment method to improve surgical safety and precision.

METHODS

Patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic right-sided hepatectomy with RS dissection were included in the study. The RS was categorized into open and closed types, and its contents were examined to identify the presence of Glissonean pedicles. The findings were compared with simulations generated from 3-dimensional reconstruction imaging for further analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 83 patients, 62 (74.7%) had open-type RS, and 21 (25.3%) had closed-type RS. Among the open-type RS cases, 38 patients (61.3%) involved the right posterior Glissonean pedicle within the RS, whereas 19 patients (30.7%) involved segment 6 Glissonean pedicle. Preoperative imaging revealed that when the right posterior Glissonean pedicle did not form a common trunk with segments 6 and 7, the Glissonean pedicle of segment 6 was located within the RS. The variation observed in 5 cases (8.1%) with the right main Glissonean pedicle in the RS was significant and should be carefully considered during surgery.

CONCLUSION

A thorough understanding of the RS anatomy is essential for safe and precise right-sided hepatectomy. Our findings emphasize the variability of RS, particularly concerning the presence of different Glissonean pedicles, including the right posterior segment 6 and, in rare cases, the right main Glissonean pedicle. Our findings highlight the necessity for individualized preoperative imaging and careful consideration of anatomical variations to minimize complications during right-sided hepatectomy.

Reducing invasiveness in liver surgery-where is the limit?

In this article, we comment on the article by Wang et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology Surgery. Most prominent advancements in liver surgery in the last two decades are related to refinements in surgical technique (extraglissonean approach) and advancements in surgical technology (laparoscopy and robotics). In this article, authors present both these aspects: Laparoscopic segmentectomy using extraglissonean approach. Furthermore, they describe segmental resections of all 8 segments which is the main novelty that can be observed in the article. By now, extraglissonean approach was thoroughly described mainly in hepatectomies or lateral sectionectomies. Various “hilar gates” are defined which allows safe liver resection by ligating Glissonean pedicles first which is then followed by parenchymal resection. We here focus on past, present and future perspectives of extraglissonean approach and laparoscopic liver resections and comment the value of the presented article.

Expert Consensus Guidelines: How to safely perform minimally invasive anatomic liver resection

BACKGROUND

The concept of minimally invasive anatomic liver resection (MIALR) is gaining popularity. However, specific technical skills need to be acquired to safely perform MIALR. The "Expert Consensus Meeting: Precision Anatomy for Minimally Invasive HBP Surgery (PAM-HBP Surgery Consensus)" was developed as a special program during the 32nd meeting of the Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery (JSHBPS).

METHODS

Thirty-four international experts gathered online for the consensus. A Research Committee performed a comprehensive literature review, classifying studies according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network method. Based on the literature review and experts' opinions, tentative recommendations were drafted and circulated among experts using online Delphi Rounds. Finally, formulated recommendations were presented online in the Expert Consensus Meeting of the JSHBPS on February 23rd, 2021. The final recommendations were validated and finalized by the 2nd Delphi Round in May 2021.

RESULTS

Seven clinical questions were selected, and 22 recommendations were formulated. All recommendations reached more than 85% consensus among experts at the final Delphi Round.

CONCLUSIONS

The Expert Consensus Meeting for safely performing MIALR has presented a set of clinical guidelines based on available literature and experts' opinions. We expect these guidelines to have a favorable effect on the safe implementation and development of MIALR.

Glissonean approach for hepatic inflow control in minimally invasive anatomic liver resection: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The Glissonean approach has been widely validated for both open and minimally invasive anatomic liver resection (MIALR). However, the possible advantages compared to the conventional hilar approach are still under debate. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the application of the Glissonean approach in MIALR.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was conducted on PubMed and Ichushi databases. Articles written in English or Japanese were included. From 2,390 English manuscripts evaluated by title and abstract, 43 were included. Additionally, 23 out of 463 Japanese manuscripts were selected. Duplicates were removed, including the most recent manuscript.

RESULTS

The Glissonean approach is reported for both major and minor MIALR. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd order divisions of both right and left portal pedicles can be reached following defined anatomical landmarks. Compared to the conventional hilar approach, the Glissonean approach is associated with shorter operative time, lower blood loss, and better peri-operative outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Glissonean approach is safe and feasible for MIALR with several reported advantages compared to the conventional hilar approach. Clear knowledge of Laennec's capsule anatomy is necessary and serves as a guide for the dissection. However, the best surgical approach to be performed depends on surgeon experience and patients' characteristics. Standardization of the Glissonean approach for MIALR is important.

Landmarks to identify segmental borders of the liver: A review prepared for PAM-HBP expert consensus meeting 2021

BACKGROUND

In preparation for the upcoming consensus meeting in Tokyo in 2021, this systematic review aimed to analyze the current available evidence regarding surgical anatomy of the liver, focusing on useful landmarks, strategies and technical tools to perform precise anatomic liver resection (ALR).

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted on MEDLINE/PubMed for English articles and on Ichushi database for Japanese articles until September 2020. The quality assessment of the articles was performed in accordance with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN).

RESULTS

A total of 3169 manuscripts were obtained, 1993 in English and 1176 in Japanese literature. Subsequently, 63 English and 20 Japanese articles were selected and reviewed. The quality assessment of comparative series and case series was revealed to be usually low; only six articles were qualified as high quality. Forty-two articles focused on analyzing intersegmental/sectional planes and their relationship with specific hepatic landmark veins. In 12 articles, the authors aimed to investigate liver surface anatomic structures, while 36 articles aimed to study technological tools and contrast agents for surgical segmentation during ALR. Although Couinaud's classification has remained the cornerstone in daily diagnostic/surgical practices, it does not always portray the realistic liver segmentation and there has been no standardization on which a single strategy should be followed to perform precise ALR.

CONCLUSIONS

A global consensus should be pursued in order to establish clear guidelines and proper recommendations to perform ALR in the era of minimally invasive surgery.

Up-to-down open and laparoscopic liver hanging maneuver: an overview

BACKGROUND

The liver hanging maneuver (LHM) was described by Belghiti et al. to facilitate liver resection and is done classically by creating a space between the caudate lobe and the inferior vena cava starting on the edge of caudate lobe and extending cranially, in a para-caval fashion, towards the space between the right and middle hepatic veins. LHM facilitates liver transection, guides anatomical resections, decreases blood loss, facilitates harvesting of the liver graft in live donors, and also has oncological advantages.

STUDY DESIGN

We describe a new approach named "up-to-down" to perform LHM in open and laparoscopic liver resections. This approach was mainly used in obese patients, in laparoscopic liver resections and in cases of failure of the classic approach. The advantages/disadvantages, complications, and different modalities of LHM are also summarized.

RESULTS

The peritoneal layer between the liver capsule and the infrahepatic vena cava is opened, and a short blind dissection is initiated on the right anterolateral aspect of the inferior vena cava to the left of the hepatic vein of segment VI. The suprahepatic vena cava is exposed, and the space between the right and middle hepatic veins and the vena cava is created by gentle dissection. A 16-Fr nasogastric tube is positioned in the space between the right and middle hepatic vein, pointing inferiorly, and pushed downwards, in a para-caval manner caudally until it is seen inferiorly. The results of this approach are given.

CONCLUSION

LHM facilitates liver resection, and many variations have been described worldwide in open and laparoscopic liver surgery. The up-to-down approach should be part of the surgical armamentarium in order to offer a safer way to achieve LHM in some patients.

The sulcus of the caudate process (Rouviere's sulcus): anatomy and clinical applications-a review of current literature

The sulcus of the caudate process is a horizontal groove on the inferior face of the liver. Its prevalence has not previously been determined. Because of its location, it represents a helpful extra-biliary landmark that could be used in biliary surgery to decrease bile duct injury. The goal of this study is to determine the prevalence of Rouviere's sulcus and describe its anatomy and relevant surgical applications. We conducted a literature review on the various characteristics of the sulcus, selecting anatomical clinical studies and dissections. We performed 10 cadaveric dissections in the Laboratory of Anatomy at Purpan University to determine the contents. We selected 12 anatomical studies, conducted between 1924 and January 1st, 2020, which included 2394 patients. The prevalence of the sulcus is 78.24% ± 9.1. Classification of Singh was used to describe anatomical characteristics. Type I ("deep sulcus") was identified in 50.4% ± 9.8 of cases, mostly consisting of Type Ia (open). Type II ("slit-like") was estimated to account for 13.3% ± 13.2, whereas Type III ("scar") described 12.3% ± 8.0. Average dimensions were estimated for length (26 mm ± 5.7), width (6.5 mm ± 1.5), and depth (7.9 mm ± 1.75). The content of the sulcus consists of the right portal vein and its division, the right hepatic artery, along with the right hepatic bile duct. The sulcus determines the orientation of the common bile duct. The sulcus of the caudate process is a reliable extra-biliary landmark, which presents a useful tool for reducing bile duct injuries during hepatobiliary surgery.

Laparoscopic segmentectomy using ultrasound probe compression of hepatic vessel

Although open liver resection using ultrasound (US) probe compression of the hepatic vessel has been reported, laparoscopic liver resection using the same method has not yet been reported. Magnetic resonance imaging of a 55-year-old man with hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis revealed a 2.5 cm liver mass in segment VI. He underwent laparoscopic segmentectomy. After right liver mobilization, the subglissonean pedicle of segment VI was identified and it was compressed with laparoscopic US probe with confirmation using Doppler US. The liver parenchyma was transected with a Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator and advanced bipolar system along the ischemic line. The patient was discharged 9 days after surgery without complications. Laparoscopic segmentectomy using laparoscopic US probe compression has advantages including preservation of the hepatic parenchyma and prevention of injury to the adjacent Glissonean pedicle.

Laparoscopic anatomical segmentectomy using the transfissural Glissonean approach

BACKGROUND

Anatomical segmentectomy is a technically difficult procedure owing to the complexity of the segmental anatomy of the liver. In the conventional Glissonean approach from the liver hilum, the tertiary portal pedicles may be difficult to dissect because of their anatomical variations and deep location. We present a technique of purely laparoscopic anatomical segmentectomy of the liver using the transfissural Glissonean approach.

METHODS

We performed purely laparoscopic anatomical segmentectomy using the transfissural Glissonean approach. This approach involved initially opening the liver parenchyma along the fissure line (main portal, right portal, and umbilical fissures). Thereafter, the target tertiary portal pedicles were approached and ligated within the liver parenchyma above the liver hilum.

RESULTS

Between August 2014 and September 2019, we performed 17 cases of laparoscopic anatomical segmentectomy using the transfissural Glissonean approach. The median operative time was 200 min (range 120-310 min), and the intraoperative blood loss was 80 mL (range 30-280 mL). The median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days (range 3-9 days). There was no major morbidity or mortality.

CONCLUSION

The transfissural Glissonean approach in laparoscopic anatomical segmentectomy is technically feasible because opening the fissure allows direct access to the tertiary portal pedicles.

Modified liver hanging maneuver in laparoscopic major hepatectomy: the learning curve and evolution of indications

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic major hepatectomy is a technically challenging procedure requiring a steep learning curve. The liver hanging maneuver is a useful technique in liver resection, especially for large or invasive tumors, a relative contraindication of the laparoscopic approach. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the learning curve for laparoscopic major hepatectomy using the liver hanging maneuver and extended indications.

METHODS

Patients who underwent laparoscopic major hepatectomy using the liver hanging maneuver by a single surgeon from January 2013 and September 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Our hanging technique involves placing the hanging tape along the inferior vena cava for right-sided hepatectomy or the ligamentum venosum for left-sided hepatectomy. The upper end of the tape was placed at the lateral side of the major hepatic veins. The learning curve for operating time and blood loss was evaluated using the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method.

RESULTS

Among 53 patients, 18 underwent right hepatectomy, 26 underwent left hepatectomy, and 9 underwent right posterior sectionectomy. CUSUM analysis showed that operative time and blood loss improved after the 30th laparoscopic major hepatectomy. The 53 consecutive patients were divided into two groups (early, patients 1-30; late, patients 31-53). The median operative time was lower in the late group, but the difference was not statistically significant (270 vs. 245 min, p = 0.261). The median blood loss was also significantly lower in the late group (350 vs. 150 ml, p < 0.001). Large tumors (measuring > 10 cm) and tumors in proximity to major vessels were significantly higher in the late group (0 vs. 17.4%, p = 0.018; 3.3 vs. 21.7%, p = 0.036; respectively).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that laparoscopic major hepatectomy using the modified liver hanging maneuver has a learning curve of 30 cases. After procedure standardization, the indications have gradually been extended to large or invasive tumors.

Pure Laparoscopic Anatomical Resection of the Ventral Area of the Right Anterior Section Using the Transfissural Glissonean Approach

The introduction of the anatomical concept of classifying the right anterior section (RAS) into the ventral and dorsal areas enabled the development of limited resection of the ventral or dorsal area. Anatomical resection of the ventral area of the RAS is technically demanding because it requires determination of the boundary of the ventral area and two large of transection planes. We present a technique for laparoscopic anatomical resection of the ventral area of the RAS using a transfissural Glissonean approach.In the transfissural Glissonean approach, the portal or umbilical fissure is opened after liver parenchymal dissection, and then, the surgeon can confirm the Glissonean pedicles and territory. The procedure was as follows: (1) dissection of the right anterior portal pedicle (RAPP) for the identification of the main portal fissure, (2) opening of the main portal fissure, (3) dissection and clamping of the ventral branch of the RAPP, and (4) transection of the borderline of the ventral and dorsal areas.The transfissural Glissonean approach is a feasible and effective technique for laparoscopic anatomical resection of the ventral area of the RAS. Opening the main portal fissure allows easy and direct access to the ventral branch of the RAPP.

Pure Laparoscopic Right Posterior Sectionectomy Using the Glissonean Approach and a Modified Liver Hanging Maneuver (Video)

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy is technically challenging secondary to poor exposure of the surgical field and difficulty with controlling hemorrhage during deeper parenchymal transection Cho et al., Surgery 158:135-141, 2015; Lee et al., Surgery 160:1219-1226, 2016. We present laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy using the Glissonean approach and a modified liver hanging maneuver.

METHODS

A 57-year-old man presented with a single mass in segment 7 of the liver. He was placed in the lithotomy position, and five trocars were used in the upper abdomen. The hepatoduodenal ligament was encircled using an umbilical tape to perform the intermittent Pringle maneuver. After detachment of the hilar plate, the right posterior Glissonean pedicle was dissected and clamped to confirm ischemic delineation Takasaki, J Hepato-Biliary-Pancreat Surg 5:286-291, 1998. After complete mobilization of the right liver, the hanging tape was placed along the inferior vena cava between the caval ligament and the right hepatic vein. The hanging tape elevates the liver and guides the surgeon to achieve an accurate transection plane Belghiti et al., J Am Coll Surg 193:109-111, 2001; Kim et al., Surg Endosc 30:3611-3617, 2016; Kim, Choi, J Gastrointest Surg 21:1181-1185, 2017; Kim et al., Langenbecks Arch Surg 403:131-135, 2018 . The transection plane used during a right posterior sectionectomy is horizontal and follows the inferior vena cava. However, with the liver hanging maneuver, the horizontal transection plane becomes vertical.

RESULT

The operation time was 290 min, the estimated blood loss was 120 mL, and the total Pringle maneuver time was 60 min. Final histopathological diagnosis showed a 1.7-cm-sized hepatocellular carcinoma with the resection margin measuring 1.5 cm. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 7 without any complications.

CONCLUSION

A Glissonean approach with a modified liver hanging maneuver is feasible and useful for laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy.