Laparoscopic partial liver resection improves the short-term outcomes compared to open surgery for liver tumors in the posterosuperior segments

What matters in laparoscopic hepatectomy for lesions located in posterosuperior segments? Initial experiences and analysis of risk factors for postoperative complications: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for lesions in the posterosuperior segments (PSS) is challenging. Identifying and minimizing risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality is crucial. This retrospective cohort study shares initial experiences with LLR of the PSS (VII, VIII, IVa) and wants to identify risk factors for clinically relevant postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III) in these patients.

METHODS

We reviewed our prospective database for all patients who underwent LLR with at least one lesion in the PSS (April 2018-October 2022). Uni- and multivariate analyses were carried out using binary logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

110 patients underwent LLR of the PSS. Median age was 67 years (IQR 59-76); 62% were male (n = 68), with a median BMI of 26 (IQR 23-30). The most frequent indications for LLR were primary liver cancer (37%) and colorectal liver metastasis (36%). Median operating time was 211 min (IQR 135-281) with a median blood loss of 460 mL (IQR 240-1200). Postoperative length of stay was 6 days (IQR 4-8). Clinically relevant postoperative complications were present in 20 patients (18%) with a 90-day mortality rate of 5% (n = 6). Multivariate analyses identified ASA ≥ III (OR 3.23 [95%CI 1.03-10.09]; p = 0.043), diabetes (OR 4.31 [95%CI 1.20-15.49]; p = 0.025), and intraoperative transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBC) (OR 4.80 [95%CI 1.01-22.86]; p = 0.049) as risk factors for Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III complications.

CONCLUSION

ASA ≥ III status, diabetes, and intraoperative PRBC transfusion are associated with an increased risk of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III complications in patients undergoing LLR in PSS. Preoperative optimization should include diabetes management, screening for anemia with appropriate supplementation, and comprehensive risk counseling for ASA ≥ III patients. Additionally, minimizing intraoperative PRBC transfusion should remain a key perioperative goal.

Propensity Score-Matching Analysis Comparing Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Limited Liver Resections of the Posterosuperior Segments: An International Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of robotic limited liver resections (RLLR) versus laparoscopic limited liver resections (LLLR) of the posterosuperior segments.

BACKGROUND

Both laparoscopic and robotic liver resections have been used for tumors in the posterosuperior liver segments. However, the comparative performance and safety of both approaches have not been well examined in the existing literature.

METHODS

This is a post hoc analysis of a multicenter database of 5446 patients who underwent RLLR or LLLR of the posterosuperior segments (I, IVa, VII, and VIII) at 60 international centers between 2008 and 2021. Data on baseline demographics, center experience and volume, tumor features, and perioperative characteristics were collected and analyzed. Propensity score-matching (PSM) analysis (in both 1:1 and 1:2 ratios) was performed to minimize selection bias.

RESULTS

A total of 3510 cases met the study criteria, of whom 3049 underwent LLLR (87%), and 461 underwent RLLR (13%). After PSM (1:1: and 1:2), RLLR was associated with a lower open conversion rate [10 of 449 (2.2%) vs 54 of 898 (6.0%); P =0.002], less blood loss [100 mL [IQR: 50-200) days vs 150 mL (IQR: 50-350); P <0.001] and a shorter operative time (188 min (IQR: 140-270) vs 222 min (IQR: 158-300); P <0.001]. These improved perioperative outcomes associated with RLLR were similarly seen in a subset analysis of patients with cirrhosis-lower open conversion rate [1 of 136 (0.7%) vs 17 of 272 (6.2%); P =0.009], less blood loss [100 mL (IQR: 48-200) vs 160 mL (IQR: 50-400); P <0.001], and shorter operative time [190 min (IQR: 141-258) vs 230 min (IQR: 160-312); P =0.003]. Postoperative outcomes in terms of readmission, morbidity and mortality were similar between RLLR and LLLR in both the overall PSM cohort and cirrhosis patient subset.

CONCLUSIONS

RLLR for the posterosuperior segments was associated with superior perioperative outcomes in terms of decreased operative time, blood loss, and open conversion rate when compared with LLLR.

Safety and Feasibility of Laparoscopic Parenchymal-Sparing Hepatectomy for Lesions with Proximity to Major Vessels in Posterosuperior Liver Segments 7 and 8

Laparoscopic parenchymal-sparing hepatectomy (PSH) for lesions with proximity to major vessels (PMV) in posterosuperior segments (PSS) has not yet been sufficiently examined. The aim of this study is to examine the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic PSH for lesions with PMV in PSS 7 and 8. We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) and open liver resection (OLR) for PSS lesions and focused on patients who underwent laparoscopic PSH for lesions with PMV in PSS. Blood loss was lower in the LLR group (n = 110) than the OLR group (n = 16) (p = 0.009), and no other short-term outcomes were significantly different. Compared to the pure LLR group (n = 93), there were no positive surgical margins or complications in hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) (n = 17), despite more tumors with PMV (p = 0.009). Regarding pure LLR for one tumor lesion, any short-term outcomes in addition to the operative time were not significantly different between the PMV (n = 23) and no-PMV (n = 48) groups. The present findings indicate that laparoscopic PSH for lesions with PMV in PSS is safe and feasible in a matured team, and the HALS technique still plays an important role.

Short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic versus open liver resection for large hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity score study

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial, especially for tumors larger than 5 cm. We compared the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic and open liver resection (OLR) for large HCC.

METHODS

Patients with large HCC after curative hepatectomy were enrolled. To compare the short-term outcomes, propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) were performed to reduce the effect of confounding factors, respectively. Subsequently, Cox-regression analyses were conducted to identify the independent risk factors associated with decreased recurrence-free survival (RFS) and poor overall survival (OS).

RESULT

There were 265 patients enrolled in the final analysis: 146 who underwent OLR and 119 who underwent LLR. There was no significant difference between the OLR and LLR groups according to PSM and IPTW analysis (all P > 0.05). Multivariable analysis revealed that LLR was not independently associated with poorer OS (HR 1.15, 95% CI 0.80-1.67, P = 0.448) or RFS (HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.88-1.70, P = 0.238).

CONCLUSION

There were no significant differences in perioperative complications or long-term prognosis between LLR and OLR for large HCC, which provides evidence for standard laparoscopic surgical practice with adequate surgeon experience and careful patient selection.

Limited liver resections in the posterosuperior segments: international multicentre propensity score-matched and coarsened exact-matched analysis comparing the laparoscopic and robotic approaches

BACKGROUND

Limited liver resections (LLRs) for tumours located in the posterosuperior segments of the liver are technically demanding procedures. This study compared outcomes of robotic (R) and laparoscopic (L) LLR for tumours located in the posterosuperior liver segments (IV, VII, and VIII).

METHODS

This was an international multicentre retrospective analysis of patients who underwent R-LLR or L-LLR at 24 centres between 2010 and 2019. Patient demographics, perioperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were analysed; 1 : 3 propensity score matching (PSM) and 1 : 1 coarsened exact matching (CEM) were performed.

RESULTS

Of 1566 patients undergoing R-LLR and L-LLR, 983 met the study inclusion criteria. Before matching, 159 R-LLRs and 824 L-LLRs were included. After 1 : 3 PSM of 127 R-LLRs and 381 L-LLRs, comparison of perioperative outcomes showed that median blood loss (100 (i.q.r. 40-200) versus 200 (100-500) ml; P = 0.003), blood loss of at least 500 ml (9 (7.4 per cent) versus 94 (27.6 per cent); P < 0.001), intraoperative blood transfusion rate (4 (3.1 per cent) versus 38 (10.0 per cent); P = 0.025), rate of conversion to open surgery (1 (0.8 per cent) versus 30 (7.9 per cent); P = 0.022), median duration of Pringle manoeuvre when applied (30 (20-46) versus 40 (25-58) min; P = 0.012), and median duration of operation (175 (130-255) versus 224 (155-300); P < 0.001) were lower in the R-LLR group compared with the L-LLR group. After 1 : 1 CEM of 104 R-LLRs with 104 L-LLRs, R-LLR was similarly associated with significantly reduced blood loss and a lower rate of conversion to open surgery.

CONCLUSION

Based on a matched analysis of well selected patients, both robotic and laparoscopic access could be undertaken safely with good outcomes for tumours in the posterosuperior liver segments.

Laparoscopic Minor Liver Resections for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Posterosuperior Segments Using the Rubber Band Technique

BACKGROUND

Although laparoscopic minor liver resections (LLR) of posterosuperior (PS) segments are technically challenging, several expert centers are increasingly performing this procedure. In the present study, we introduced novel techniques, including the rubber band traction method and positional changes, and compared surgical outcomes of LLR for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) located in PS segments with open minor liver resection (OLR).

METHODS

From January 2008 to August 2019, 113 patients underwent laparoscopic (n = 55) or open (n = 58) minor liver resections for single small HCCs (<5 cm) located in PS segments. Propensity score matching in a 1:1 ratio was conducted to minimize preoperative selection bias, and surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There was no intraoperative mortality or reoperation in either group. One conversion to open surgery was necessary due to severe post-operative adhesions. The matched LLR group compared to OLR had significantly shorter operative time (215.16 vs. 251.41 min, P = 0.025), lesser blood loss (218.11 vs. 358.92 mL, P = 0.046), lower complication rate (8.1% vs. 29.7%, P = 0.018), and shorter hospital stay (7.03 vs. 11.78 days, P = 0.001). Intraoperative transfusion, R0 resection, resection margin, 5-year disease-free survival and 5-year overall survival were comparable.

CONCLUSION

Our standardized LLR provided improved short-term outcomes and similar long-term outcomes, when compared with OLR. With advanced techniques and accumulated surgical experience, LLR can be the first option for HCC in PS segments at expert centers.

Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery Is Superior to Open Liver Resection for Colorectal Liver Metastases in the Posterosuperior Segments

Introduction: Laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) of colorectal metastasis located in posterosuperior segments (1, 4A, 7 and 8) are challenging and highly demanding. The aim of our study is to determine the safety and feasibility of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) in the resections of the posterosuperior lesions and to compare the peri-operative, short-term and long-term outcomes with the open liver resection (OLR) approach.

Methods and Results: A retrospective study of patients who underwent either HALS or OLR for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) located in the posterosuperior segments of the liver between 2008 and 2018 in two university affiliated medical centers.

Results: A total of 187 patients were identified, of whom 78 underwent HALS and 109 underwent OLR. There was no difference between the HALS and OLR with regard to preoperative factors (age, primary CRC tumor location, number and anatomical distribution of liver metastasis, pre-operative neo-adjuvant treatment, operative time, blood transfusion rate, and resection margins positivity). On the other hand, HALS compared to OLR had a significantly shorter mean hospital stay (4 vs. 6 days; P = 0.003), and a lower total complications rate (25 vs. 47% P = 0.006). Both groups had no 30-day mortality. Also, patients who underwent HALS vs. OLR had similar liver metastases recurrence (55 vs. 51%. P = 0.65) and 5-year survival (47 vs. 45%. P = 0.72).

Conclusions: HALS for mCRC located in posterosuperior liver segments is safe and feasible and it is a preferable approach due to its lower complication rate and shorter hospital stay while not compromising survival and disease recurrence.

Laparoscopic Versus Open Liver Resection for Tumors in the Posterosuperior Segments: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic and open liver resection for tumors in the posterosuperior segments.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement standards. We conducted a search of electronic information sources to identify all studies comparing outcomes of laparoscopic and open liver resection for tumors in the posterosuperior segments. We used the Risk Of Bias In Nonrandomized Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool to assess the risk of bias of the included studies. Fixed-effect or random-effects models were applied to calculate pooled outcome data.

RESULTS

We identified 11 observational studies, enrolling a total of 1023 patients. The included population in both groups were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics. Laparoscopic approach was associated with lower risks of total complications [odds ratio (OR): 0.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.33, 0.61; P<0.00001], major complications (Dindo-Clavien III or more) (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.73; P=0.0002), and intraoperative blood loss [mean difference (MD): -114.71; 95% CI: -165.64, -63.79; P<0.0001]. Laparoscopic approach was associated with longer operative time (MD: 50.28; 95% CI: 22.29, 78.27; P=0.0004) and shorter length of hospital stay (MD: -2.01; 95% CI: -2.09, -1.92; P<0.00001) compared with open approach. There was no difference between the 2 groups in terms of need for blood transfusion (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 0.75, 2.02; P=0.41), R0 resection (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.66, 1.81; P=0.72), postoperative mortality (risk difference: -0.00; 95% CI: -0.02, 0.02; P=0.68), and need for readmission (OR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.19, 2.60; P=0.60). In terms of oncological outcomes, there was no difference between the groups in terms disease recurrence (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 0.95, 2.63; P=0.08), overall survival (OS) at maximum follow-up (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.66, 1.81; P=0.73), 1-year OS (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 0.48, 4.92; P=0.47), 3-year OS (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 0.67, 2.37; P=0.48), 5-year OS (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.41, 1.99; P=0.80), disease-free survival (DFS) at maximum follow-up (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.65, 1.27; P=0.56), 1-year DFS (OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.60, 1.81; P=0.88), 3-year DFS (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 0.75, 1.69; P=0.57), and 5-year DFS (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.44, 1.24; P=0.25).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the open approach in liver resection for tumors in the posterosuperior segments, the laparoscopic approach seems to be associated with a lower risk of postoperative morbidity, less intraoperative blood loss, and shorter length of hospital stay with comparable survival and oncological outcomes. The best available evidence is derived from observational studies with moderate quality; therefore, high-quality randomized controlled trials with adequate statistical power are required to provide a more robust basis for definite conclusions.

Laparoscopic versus open liver resections of posterolateral liver segments - a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic resection has become an accepted approach to liver tumour surgery. However, it is considered difficult, especially in unfavourably located lesions.

AIM

To compare the outcomes of laparoscopic (LLR) and open liver resection (OLR) of posterolateral segments.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases from inception to 30 September 2019. Full text articles and conference abstracts were included for further analysis. This review follows the PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

From 643 articles, 15 studies (N = 1196 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. All of them were non-randomised. Our findings showed that LLR had significantly lowered overall morbidity compared to OLR (MD = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.51-0.86; p = 0.002). Length of hospital stay (MD = 2.48; 95% CI: -3.87, -1.08; p < 0.001) was also shorter in the LLR group. Operative time (MD = 55.65; 95% CI: 24.14-87.16; p < 0.001) was significantly shorter in the OLR group. In terms of blood loss, major complications, R0 resection rates, and resection margin, there were no significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis showed that the laparoscopic approach to resections of posterolateral liver segments is beneficial. However, the results are based on non-randomised trials, and further research is needed to fully establish their clinical application.

Liver resections in patients with prior bilioenteric anastomosis are predisposed to develop organ/space surgical site infections and biliary leakage: results from a propensity score matching analysis

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to compare the perioperative outcomes after hepatectomy with prior bilioenteric anastomosis to those without prior anastomosis, and to elucidate the mechanisms and preventative measures of its characteristic complications.

METHODS

The demographic data and perioperative outcomes of 525 hepatectomies performed between January 2007 and December 2018, including 40 hepatectomies with prior bilioenteric anastomosis, were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

A propensity score matching analysis demonstrated that hepatectomies with prior bilioenteric anastomosis were associated with a higher frequency of major complications (p = 0.015), surgical site infection (p = 0.005), organ/space surgical site infection (p = 0.003), and bile leakage (p = 0.007) compared to those without. A multivariate analysis also elucidated that prior bilioenteric anastomosis was one of the independent risk factors of organ/space surgical site infection. In the patients with prior bilioenteric anastomosis, bile leakage was associated with organ/space surgical site infection at a significantly higher rate than those without prior bilioenteric anastomosis (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Prior bilioenteric anastomosis is a strong risk factor for organ/space surgical site infections, which might be induced by bile leakage. To prevent infectious complications after hepatectomy with prior bilioenteric anastomosis, meticulous liver transection to reduce bile leakage rate is thus considered to be mandatory.

Laparoscopic liver resection with simultaneous diaphragm resection

Background

Liver resection or ablation remains the only curative treatment for patients with colorectal metastases. Simultaneous resection of tumors in the liver with invasion to the diaphragm is challenging and controversial. Therefore, we wanted to assess the safety of simultaneous laparoscopic liver and diaphragm resection (SLLDR) in a large single center.

Methods

Patients who underwent primary laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for colorectal liver metastases at Oslo University Hospital between 2008 and 2019 were included in this study. Patients who underwent SLLDR (group 1) were compared to patients who underwent LLR only (group 2). Perioperative and oncologic outcomes were analyzed.

Results

A total of 467 patients were identified, of whom 12 patients needed a simultaneous diaphragm resection (group 1) while 455 underwent laparoscopic liver surgery alone (group 2). The conversion rate was 16.7% in group 1 and 2.4% in group 2 (P=0.040). In 10 of 12 (83.3%) cases the diaphragm resection was performed en bloc with the liver tumor. There was no significant difference in operative time, blood loss, resection margins, hospital stay or postoperative complications. One patient died within 30 postoperative days (0.2%) in group 2 and none in group 1. Overall survival was not statistically different between the groups.

Conclusions

In selected patients, SLLDR can be performed safely with good surgical and oncological outcomes.

Laparoscopic Liver Resection of Segments 7 and 8: from the Initial Restrictions to the Current Indications

Since the beginning of laparoscopic liver surgery, resection of the posterosuperior segments has been considered one of the most challenging procedure due to its difficult access. The main drawbacks of the laparoscopic approach to dome lesions are poor visualization, the difficulty of instrumentation and the greater complexity in the control of bleeding. In the evolution of minimally invasive techniques from hybrid techniques to the current purely laparoscopic approaches, the different authors have established gradually the currents indications and surgical techniques to operate these segments with a similar feasibility and safety than open approach. The standardization in the patient position, the use of intercostal trocars, the learning curve in laparoscopic liver surgery, the management of the hepatic blood flow and the refinement of the technique in the extrahepatic and intrahepatic Glissonean pedicle approaches, has allowed to leave behind the initial contraindications about the laparoscopic approach in these segments. In the present review of the literature, the accumulated experience of the different groups in minimally invasive liver surgery together with the technological advances in the different laparoscopic devices have facilitated the resection of tumors in segments 7 and 8 with similar and even better results than open surgery.

Comparison of laparoscopic versus open liver resection for lesions located in posterosuperior segments: a meta-analysis of short-term and oncological outcomes

BACKGROUND

The role of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for lesions located in posterosuperior (PS) segments remains a matter of development to be further assessed. This systematic review aims to compare the short-term and oncological outcomes between laparoscopic and open liver resection (OLR) in PS lesions.

METHODS

EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library were searched from date of inception to June 2019. This meta-analysis was performed using the STATA 12.0 statistical software. Standardized mean differences (SMDs), odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for continuous variables, dichotomous variables and long-term variables, respectively, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 788 patients from eight studies were identified for the final analysis, with 371 patients in the LLR group and 417 in the OLR group. Although the operation time (SMD 0.22; 95% CI 0.08-0.36; P = 0.003) was longer whereas overall complication rate (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.36-0.70; P < 0.001) and postoperative hospital stay (SMD - 0.45; 95% CI - 0.59 to - 0.30; P = 0.003) were lower in the LLR group than in the OLR group, no significant differences in blood loss (SMD - 0.14; 95% CI - 0.28 to 0.00; P = 0.054), transfusion rate (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.56-1.54; P = 0.764), major complication rate (OR 0.63; 95% CI 0.38-1.05; P = 0.079), R0 resection rate (OR 1.04; 95% CI 0.55-1.96; P = 0.902), and disease-free survival (DFS) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (HR 1.43; 95% CI 0.95-2.17), DFS for colorectal liver metastases (HR 1.05; 95% CI 0.61-1.81), overall survival for HCC (HR 1.00; 95% CI 0.43-2.30) were noted between the groups.

CONCLUSION

LLR is technically feasible and safe without compromising long-term oncological outcomes for selected patients with lesions in the PS segments of the liver.