Is bile leakage after hepatic resection associated with impaired long-term survival?

Spray-Type Adhesion Barrier Enhances Safety and Feasibility of Robotic Repeat Liver Resection: Initial Experience and Outcomes

Background Although various types of adhesion barriers are widely utilized in liver surgery, the safety and feasibility of their use during repeat robotic liver resection (R-RLR) are still unknown. Methods Among the 68 patients undergoing RLR with the application of the spray-type adhesion barrier at Kokura Memorial Hospital, Kitakyushu, Japan, between 2021 and 2023, 24 cases that underwent R-RLR were included in this study. The included patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent previous hepatectomy with the use of a spray-type adhesion barrier (R-RLR-B, n = 14) and those without its previous use (R-RLR-NB, n = 10). The perioperative outcomes were compared between the groups. Results There were no differences between the R-RLR-B and R-RLR-NB groups in background characteristics, difficulty scores, operative and console time, or surgical blood loss. Although no difference was found between the groups in the time required for adhesiolysis before the robotic operation, both the time required for robotic adhesiolysis (75 minutes vs. 58 minutes, p = 0.034) and total time for adhesiolysis (192 minutes vs. 141 minutes, p = 0.014) were significantly shorter in the R-RLR-B group than in the R-RLR-NB group. Otherwise, there was no conversion to open hepatectomy, no intraoperative transfusion of red blood cells, no cases of grade B or C post-hepatectomy liver failure, and no mortality in the whole cohort. Conclusions The spray-type adhesion barrier may not be associated with an increase in the incidence of postoperative complications, including bile leakage or intraperitoneal abscess. In addition, its application during the previous hepatectomy can facilitate a secure R-RLR with reduced time for adhesiolysis. Thus, the use of the spray-type adhesion barrier for R-RLR is safe, effective, and time efficient.

The impact of cystic duct tube on the onset time of postoperative bile leakage after hepatectomy: A propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

The cystic duct tube (C-tube) was used to reduce bile leakage (BL) incidence after hepatectomy. Nevertheless, delayed BL is sometimes experienced even using C-tube. This study investigates the impact of C-tube use on the onset time of post-hepatectomy BL.

METHODS

Data from 455 consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy without biliary reconstruction between November 2007 and July 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. A C-tube was used for intraoperative biliary injury or in consideration of BL risk. BL was divided into two groups according to the postoperative onset time: early onset and late onset. To assess the association between C-tube use and BL, propensity score matching in a 1:1 ratio was performed to match BL risk factors between the C-tube and no-C-tube groups.

RESULTS

BL occurred in 30 (6.6%) of the 455 included patients. C-tubes were used in 51 patients (11.2%) with open hepatectomy, high-risk hepatectomy, massive blood loss, long operation time, or prophylactic drain placement. After propensity score matching, BL occurred in 17 of 102 patients (16.7%). Early-onset BL occurred significantly less frequently in the C-tube group than in the no-C-tube group (3.9% vs. 15.7%, p = 0.046); however, late-onset BL was more common in the C-tube group (9.8% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.24). Six of seven patients (85.7%) with BL with C-tube use developed BL after C-tube removal.

CONCLUSION

C-tube drainage may reduce early-onset BL in cases having risk factors for BL. Conversely, since late-onset BL often occurs after C-tube removal, attention should be paid to those cases.

A Multicenter, Open-Label, Single-Arm Phase I Trial of Dual-Wield Parenchymal Transection: A New Technique of Liver Resection Using the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator and Water-Jet Scalpel Simultaneously (HiSCO-14 Trial)

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the safety and feasibility of a technique of liver resection named dual-wield parenchymal transection technique (DWT), using cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) and water-jet scalpel simultaneously.

METHODS

This multicenter, prospective, open-label, and single-arm phase I trial included patients aged 20 years or older with hepatic tumors indicated for surgical resection and scheduled for open radical resection. This study was conducted at two institutions affiliated with the Hiroshima Surgical Study Group of Clinical Oncology (HiSCO). The primary endpoint was the proportion of massive intraoperative blood loss (≥ 1000 mL). The secondary endpoints were the amount of blood loss, operative time, parenchymal transection speed, postoperative complications, and mortality. The safety endpoints were device failure and adverse events associated with devices.

RESULTS

From June 2022 to May 2023, 20 patients were enrolled; one was excluded and 19 were included in the full analysis set (FAS). In the FAS, segmentectomy was performed in nine cases, sectionectomy in four cases, and hemihepatectomy in six cases. Radical resection was achieved in all patients. Intraoperative blood loss greater than 1000 mL was observed in five patients (26.3%). The median amount of blood loss was 545 mL (range, 180-4413), and blood transfusions were performed on two patients (10.5%). The median operative time was 346 minutes (range, 238-543) and the median parenchymal transection speed was 1.2 cm2/minute (range, 0.5-5.1). Postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ Grade 3 occurred in four patients (21.1%). No mortalities occurred in this study. In the safety analysis, there were no device failures or adverse events associated with devices.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the safety and feasibility of DWT for liver resection. The efficacy of the DWT will be evaluated in future clinical trials.

Risk factors of postoperative bile leakage after liver resection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative bile leakage (POBL) is one of the most common complications after liver resection. However, current studies on the risk factors for POBL and their impacts on surgical outcomes need to be more consistent. This study aims to conduct a meta-analysis to analyze the risk factors for POBL after hepatectomy.

METHODS

We incorporated all eligible studies from Embase, PubMed, and the Web of Science database (until July 2022) into this study. RevMan and STATA software were used to analyze the extracted data.

RESULTS

A total of 39 studies, including 43,824 patients, were included in this meta-analysis. We found that gender, partial hepatectomy, repeat of hepatectomy, extended hepatectomy, abdominal drain, diabetes, Child≥B, solitary tumor, and chemotherapy are the factors of grade B and C POBL. Some recognized risk factors were considered potential risk factors for grade B and C bile leakage because no subgroup analysis was performed, like HCC, cholangiocarcinoma, major resection, posterior sectionectomy, bi-segmentectomy, S4 involved, S8 involved, central hepatectomy, and bile duct resection/reconstruction. Meanwhile, cirrhosis, benign diseases, left hepatectomy, and Segment 1 resection were not significant for grade B and C bile leakage. The influence of lateral sectionectomy, anterior sectionectomy, S1 involved, S3 involved, high-risk procedure, laparoscope, and blood loss>1000 mL on POBL of ISGLS needs further research. Meanwhile, POBL significantly influenced overall survival (OS) after liver resection.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified several risk factors for POBL after hepatectomy, which could prompt the clinician to decrease POBL rates and make more beneficial decisions for patients who underwent the hepatectomy.

Efficacy and safety of adhesion barrier in living-donor liver transplantation with right liver graft to prevent delayed gastric emptying

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a common complication of liver transplantation. This study aimed to clarify the efficacy and safety of the application of an adhesion barrier for preventing DGE in living-donor liver transplantation. This retrospective study included 453 patients who underwent living-donor liver transplantation using a right lobe graft between January 2018 and August 2019, and the incidence of postoperative DGE and complications was compared between patients in whom adhesion barrier was used (n=179 patients) and those in whom adhesion barrier was not used (n=274 patients). We performed 1:1 propensity score matching between the 2 groups, and 179 patients were included in each group. DGE was defined according to the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery classification. The use of adhesion barrier was significantly associated with a lower overall incidence of postoperative DGE in liver transplantation (30.7 vs. 17.9%; p =0.002), including grades A (16.8 vs. 9.5%; p =0.03), B (7.3 vs. 3.4%; p =0.08), and C (6.6 vs. 5.5%; p =0.50). After propensity score matching, similar results were observed for the overall incidence of DGE (29.6 vs. 17.9%; p =0.009), including grades A (16.8 vs. 9.5%; p =0.04), B (6.7 vs. 3.4%; p =0.15), and C (6.1 vs. 5.0%; p =0.65). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed a significant correlation between the use of adhesion barrier and a low incidence of DGE. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative complications between the 2 groups. The application of an adhesion barrier could be a safe and feasible method to reduce the incidence of postoperative DGE in living-donor liver transplantation.

Post-hepatectomy biliary leaks: analysis of risk factors and development of a simplified predictive scoring system

PURPOSE

Most studies identifying risk factors for post-hepatectomy biliary leaks (PHBLs) have relatively small proportions of major hepatectomies. A simplified predictive score to identify high risk patients is necessary in order to investigate the efficacy of mitigation strategies.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of liver resections from a high-volume cancer center was performed. Multivariate regression was utilized for identification of risk factors and development of the predictive score.

RESULTS

A total of 862 patients underwent a curative hepatic resection over 10 years, of whom 146 (16.9%) developed a biliary leak; 85 (9.86%), 52 (6.03%), and 9 (1.04%) patients had a grade A, B, and C leak respectively. A biliary-enteric anastomosis [OR 5.1 (95% CI 2.45-10.58); p < 0.001], a central [OR 4.33 (95% CI 1.25-14.95); p = 0.021] or an extended hepatectomy [OR 4.29 (95% CI 1.52-12.12); p = 0.006], liver steatosis [OR 2.28 (95% CI 1.09-4.77); p = 0.027], and blood loss of ≥ 2000 mL [OR 2.219 (95% CI 1.15-4.27); p = 0.017] were identified as independent predictors of a clinically significant biliary leak and were assigned 1 point each to develop the biliary leak score. Clinically significant biliary leaks were seen in 11 (2.79%), 20 (6.38%), 19 (15.4%), 9 (56.3%), and 1 (100%) patients with scores of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

A biliary-enteric anastomosis, a central or extended hepatectomy, liver steatosis, and blood loss ≥ 2L combined result in a simple predictive score for clinically significant biliary leaks.

Influencing factors of biliary fistula after radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a prospect cohort

Background

Biliary fistula is a common but serious complication after radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. We aimed to evaluate the influencing factors of biliary fistula after radical resection, to provide insights to the clinical treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods

Patients undergoing radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma from January 1, 2015 to March 31, 2022 were selected. Patients’ personnel characteristics and laboratory test results of patients with and without biliary fistula were collected and compared. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the associated risk factors of biliary fistula.

Results

160 patients undergoing radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma were included, the incidence of postoperative biliary fistulas was 20.63%. There were significant differences in the age, preoperative cholangitis and number of biliary anastomosis between biliary fistula and no biliary fistula patients (all p < 0.05). There were significant differences in the gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) on the first day after surgery, Klebsiella pneumoniae between biliary fistula and no biliary fistula patients (all p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that age ≥ 65 years (OR  2.035, 95%CI 1.131–3.007), preoperative cholangitis (OR 1.584, 95% CI 1.081–2.361), number of biliary anastomosis ≥ 2(OR 2.866, 95%CI 1.942–3.624), GGT on the first day after surgery ≥ 120 U/L (OR 1.823, 95%CI: 1.274–2.906), preoperative bile culture for Klebsiella pneumoniae (OR 3.181, 95%CI: 2.426–3.992) were the risk factors of postoperative biliary fistulas (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

There are many independent risk factors for postoperative biliary fistula in patients undergoing radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Clinical medical workers should take early interventions and treatment measures for these high-risk patients to reduce the occurrence of postoperative biliary fistula.

Stereotactic radiofrequency ablation of tumors at the hepatic venous confluence

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is subject to "heat-sink" effects, particularly for treatment of tumors adjacent to major vessels.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 104 patients with 137 tumors (40 HCC, 10 ICC and 54 metastatic liver tumors) close to (≤1 cm from) the hepatic venous confluence underwent stereotactic RFA (SRFA) between June 2003 and June 2018. Median tumor size was 3.7 cm (1.4-8.5) for HCC, 6.4 cm (0.5-11) for ICC and 3.8 cm (0.5-13) for metastases. Endpoints comprised safety, local tumor control, overall and disease-free survival.

RESULTS

The overall major complication rate was 16.0% (20/125 ablations), where 8 (40%) were successfully treated by the interventional radiologist in the same anesthetic session and did not prolong hospital stay. 134/137 (97.8%) tumors were successfully ablated at initial SRFA. Local recurrence (LR) developed in 19/137 tumors (13.9%). The median and overall survival (OS) rates at 1-, 3-, and 5- years from the date of the first SRFA were 51.5 months, 73.5%, 67.0%, and 49.7% for HCC, 14.6 months, 60.0%, 32.0% and 32.0% for ICC and 38.1 months, 91.4%, 56.5% and 27.9% for metastatic disease, respectively.

CONCLUSION

SRFA represents a viable alternative to hepatic resection for challenging tumors at the hepatic venous confluence.

Right posterior bile duct stricture after central bisectionectomy or anterior sectionectomy

PURPOSE

Before performing anterior sectionectomy (AS) or central bisectionectomy (CBS), the anatomy of the right posterior bile duct (RPBD) must be cautiously assessed owing to the many variations of the RPBD and its variations could be related to bile duct injury.

METHODS

Clinical data of patients who underwent AS or CBS from 2009 to 2018 were reviewed. The bile duct anatomy according to Okubo's criteria and the right bile duct (RBD) length were evaluated using MRI, and we performed a risk factor analysis of the RPBD stricture (RPBDS).

RESULTS

A total of 68 patients were included. Type A bile ducts were the most common (n = 36, 52.9%). Five (7.2%) patients had RPBDS requiring intervention. RPBDS only occurred in patients with a type A bile duct and a type A portal vein undergoing surgery using the Glissonian sheath approach. Moreover, when the RBD length was > 12 mm, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.8 and 0.889, respectively. In multivariate analysis, RBD length of > 12 mm was significant.

CONCLUSION

A careful review of RPBD anatomy especially in patient with long RBD and caution when using the anterior Glissonian sheath approach might be helpful to prevent RPBDS during AS or CBS.

Incidence and Clinical Impact of Bile Leakage after Laparoscopic and Open Liver Resection: An International Multicenter Propensity Score-Matched Study of 13,379 Patients

BACKGROUND

Despite many developments, postoperative bile leakage (POBL) remains a relatively common postoperative complication after laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) and open liver resection (OLR). This study aimed to assess the incidence and clinical impact of POBL in patients undergoing LLR and OLR in a large international multicenter cohort using a propensity score-matched analysis.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients undergoing LLR or OLR for all indications between January 2000 and October 2019 were retrospectively analyzed using a large, international, multicenter liver database including data from 15 tertiary referral centers. Primary outcome was clinically relevant POBL (CR-POBL), defined as Grade B/C POBL.

RESULTS

Overall, 13,379 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis (6,369 LLR and 7,010 OLR), with 6.0% POBL. After propensity score matching, a total of 3,563 LLR patients were matched to 3,563 OLR patients. In both groups, propensity score matching accounted for similar extent and types of resections. The incidence of CR-POBL was significantly lower in patients after LLR as compared with patients after OLR (2.6% vs 6.0%; p < 0.001). Among the subgroup of patients with CR-POBL, patients after LLR experienced less severe (non-POBL) postoperative complications (10.1% vs 20.9%; p = 0.028), a shorter hospital stay (12.5 vs 17 days; p = 0.001), and a lower 90-day/in-hospital mortality (0% vs 5.4%; p = 0.027) as compared with patients after OLR with CR-POBL.

CONCLUSION

Patients after LLR seem to experience a lower rate of CR-POBL as compared with the open approach. Our findings suggest that in patients after LLR, the clinical impact of CR-POBL is less than after OLR.

Bile Leakage After Hepatic Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Does It Impact the Short- and Long-term Outcomes?

BACKGROUND

Bile leakage (BL) is one of the commonest morbidities after hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The current study was conducted to evaluate the incidence and different predictive factors for BL after hepatic resection for HCC, and to evaluate of the impact of BL on the long-term survival outcomes.

METHODS

We reviewed the patients' data who underwent hepatic resection for HCC during the period between June 2010 and June 2019.

RESULTS

A total of 293 patients were included in the study. BL occurred in 17 patients (5.8%). More Child-Pugh class B patients were found in BL group. There were no significant differences between the two groups except for tumor site, macroscopic portal vein invasion, extent of liver resection, Pringle maneuver use, intraoperative blood loss, and transfusions. Longer hospital stay, higher grades of post-hepatectomy liver failure, and abdominal collections were noted in BL group. After median follow-up duration of 17 months (4-110 months), there were no significant differences between BL and non-BL group regarding overall survival (log-rank, p = 0.746) and disease-free survival (log-rank, p = 0.348). In multivariate analysis, Child-Pugh class, macroscopic portal vein invasion, liver resection extent (minor/major), and Pringle's maneuver use were the only significant predictors of BL.

CONCLUSION

BL did not significantly impair the long-term outcomes after hepatic resection for HCC. Child-Pugh class, macroscopic portal vein invasion, liver resection extent (minor/major), and Pringle's maneuver use were the main risk factors of BL in the current study.

Meta-Analysis of Risk Factors for Bile Leakage After Hepatectomy Without Biliary Reconstruction

Background and Aim: The risk factors for bile leakage after hepatectomy without biliary reconstruction are controversial. This study investigated the risk factors for bile leakage after hepatectomy without biliary reconstruction.

Methods: We searched databases (Embase (Ovid), Medline (Ovid), PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) for articles published between January 1, 2000, and May 1, 2021, to evaluate the risk factors for bile leakage after hepatectomy without biliary reconstruction.

Results: A total of 16 articles were included in this study, and the overall results showed that sex (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.04–1.42), diabetes (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05–1.38), left trisectionectomy (OR: 3.53, 95% CI: 2.32–5.36), central hepatectomy (OR: 3.28, 95% CI: 2.63–4.08), extended hemihepatectomy (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.55–4.22), segment I hepatectomy (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.50–4.40), intraoperative blood transfusion (OR:2.40 95%CI:1.79–3.22), anatomical hepatectomy (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.19–2.44) and intraoperative bleeding ≥1,000 ml (OR: 2.46, 95% CI: 2.12–2.85) were risk factors for biliary leakage. Age >75 years, cirrhosis, underlying liver disease, left hepatectomy, right hepatectomy, benign disease, Child–Pugh class A/B, and pre-operative albumin <3.5 g/dL were not risk factors for bile leakage after hepatectomy without biliary reconstruction.

Conclusion: Comprehensive research in the literature revealed that sex, diabetes, left trisectionectomy, central hepatectomy, extended hemihepatectomy, segment I hepatectomy, intraoperative blood transfusion, anatomical hepatectomy and intraoperative bleeding ≥1,000 ml were risk factors for biliary leakage.

Safety of bioabsorbable membrane (Seprafilim®) in hepatectomy in the era of aggressive liver surgery

BACKGROUND

Repeat hepatectomy has been recognized as an effective treatment for hepatic malignancies, and a sheet type adhesion barrier, Seprafilm® has increasingly been used during hepatectomy to ease future relaparotomy. However, there is not yet sufficient evidence to support the safety of use of Seprafilm in liver surgery.

METHODS

Data of 151 patients who had undergone open hepatectomy were retrospectively reviewed and the incidence of major abdominal morbidity was compared between patients in whom Seprafilm had and had not been used.

RESULTS

Seprafilm was used in 108 patients (Seprafilm group) and no adhesion barrier was used in 43 patients (comparison group). There was no significant difference in the rate of major abdominal morbidities between the two groups (Seprafilm vs. comparison: 10% vs. 16%, P = 0.403). Although the Seprafilm group showed a tendency toward increased incidence of bile leakage (7% vs. 2%), and placement of Seprafilm on the hepatoduodenal ligament or on the visceral surface of the liver seemed to be associated with an increased incidence of major morbidity, multivariate analysis showed no significant correlation between the use of Seprafilm and postoperative major abdominal morbidity.

CONCLUSION

Use of Seprafilm may not increase the risk of major abdominal morbidity in liver surgery.

Improved management of grade B biliary leaks after complex liver resections using gadoxetic acid disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography

BACKGROUND

Bile leaks occurring after complex liver resection and lasting >1 week (grade B) usually are managed by means of invasive cholangiography either endoscopic or percutaneous, with a substantial risk of procedure-related complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of gadoxetic acid disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography to detect postoperative biliary leaks and avoid invasive cholangiography in case of peripheral location of the fistula.

METHODS

Patients with grade B biliary leak after complex liver resection from January 2018 to March 2020 underwent magnetic resonance cholangiography to guide the management of the leak (study group). The primary endpoint was the ability of magnetic resonance cholangiography to reduce the need for invasive cholangiography with respect to similar posthepatectomy leaks collected in the previous 2 years and approached with upfront invasive cholangiography (controls). A series of in-hospital outcomes also were compared.

RESULTS

Out of 533 liver resections, 11 study patients versus 11 control patients with grade B leaks were compared. Magnetic resonance cholangiography achieved 100% accuracy in detection and location of the leak. Five out of 6 peripheral leaks healed without invasive cholangiography. Overall, 50% reduction in the use of invasive cholangiography was observed in the study versus control patients. Median healing time and hospital stay were 38 and 40 days in patients undergoing invasive cholangiography versus 10 and 11 days in patients treated conservatively (P = .007 and 0.012, respectively). Infection rate and other complications rate were 82% vs 20% (P = .01) and 35% vs 40% (P = .5), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Magnetic resonance cholangiography is a safe, precise, noninvasive tool to detect posthepatectomy bile leaks that can help clinicians in decision-making on conservative versus invasive treatment of fistulas.

Platelet adherence to cancer cells promotes escape from innate immune surveillance in cancer metastasis

The impacts of post‑operative abdominal infectious complications increase hematogenous distant metastasis and result in poor long‑term survival after curative resection. Even if curative resection can be performed, the presence of circulating tumor cells is affected. The liver, the most common site of metastases, is an important organ in innate immune surveillance. However, the molecular mechanisms of distant hematogenous metastasis are not yet fully known. Platelets are crucial components in the tumor microenvironment that function to promote tumor progression and metastasis. The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of platelets on escape from innate immune surveillance in post‑operative abdominal infectious complications. Platelet adherence was assessed by co‑culturing human pancreatic cancer cells including transforming growth factor (TGF‑β)‑treated BxPC‑3. CD44 isoform, transcription factors and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition markers were examined using western blotting. We also assessed whether cancer cells surrounded by activated platelets could escape from innate immune surveillance, using infectious and non‑infectious mouse models injected intraperitoneally with LPS. Platelets were found to preferentially adhere to mesenchymal cells rather than epithelial cells. BxPC‑3 epithelial cells showed upregulation of CD44‑variant and epithelial splicing regulatory protein 1 (ESRP‑1) expression. However, Panc‑1 mesenchymal cells and TGF‑β‑treated BxPC‑3 cells showed upregulation of CD44‑standard and zinc finger E‑box‑binding homeobox 1 (ZEB‑1) expression and a reduction in ESRP‑1. In the non‑infectious model, cancer cells were not found in the liver. In the infectious model, although epithelial cells without platelet adhesion were in an apoptotic state, mesenchymal cells showed many viable cancer cells surrounded by activated platelets. Cancer cells were suggested to have phenotypic plasticity through the switching of CD44 isoforms. Mesenchymal cells, which express CD44‑standard, could escape from immune surveillance by becoming surrounded by adhered activated platelets. Therefore, it may be necessary to administer antiplatelet agents to prevent distant hematogenous metastasis when post‑operative abdominal infectious complications occur.

Primary tumour location affects survival after resection of colorectal liver metastases: A two-institutional cohort study with international validation, systematic meta-analysis and a clinical risk score

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a major cause for cancer death and every third patient develops liver metastases (CRLM). Several factors including number and size of metastases and primary tumour lymph-node status have been linked to survival. The primary tumour location along the colo-rectum continuum (sidedness) was analysed in first-line chemotherapy trials, where right-sided CRCs showed decreased survival. This association has not yet been clearly established in patients undergoing resection for CRLM.

METHODS

Clinicopathological differences in CRLM resections according to sidedness in two Austrian centres (2003-2016) are described and survival is compared through Kaplan-Meier and multivariable analysis. A risk-score is presented with time-dependent receiver operating curve analysis and international validation in two major hepatobiliary centres. Furthermore, a systematic meta-analysis of studies on primary tumour location and survival after CRLM resection was performed.

RESULTS

259 patients underwent hepatectomy. Right-sided CRC patients (n = 59) more often had positive primary tumour lymph-nodes (76.3%/61.3%;p = 0.043) and RAS-mutations (60%/34.9%;p = 0.036). The median overall and disease-free survival was 33.5 and 9.1 months in right-sided versus 55.5 (p = 0.051) and 12.1 months (p = 0.078) in left-sided patients. In multivariable analysis nodal-status (HR 1.52), right-sidedness (HR 1.53), extrahepatic disease (HR 1.71) and bilobar hepatic involvement (HR 1.41) were significantly associated with overall survival. Sidedness was not independently associated with disease-free survival (HR 1.33; p = 0.099). A clinical risk score including right-sidedness, nodal-positivity and extrahepatic involvement significantly predicted overall (p = 0.005) and disease-free survival (p = 0.027), which was confirmed by international validation in 527 patients (p = 0.001 and p = 0.011). Meta-analysis including 10 studies (n = 4312) showed a significant association of right-sidedness with overall survival after resection (HR 1.55;p<0.001). There was no significant association with disease-free survival (HR 1.22;p = 0.077), except when rectal-cancers were excluded (HR 1.39;p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with liver metastases from right-sided CRC experience worse survival after hepatic resection. Sidedness is a simple yet effective factor to predict outcome.

Intention to Treat Laparoscopic Versus Open Hemi-Hepatectomy: A Paired Case-Matched Comparison Study

BACKGROUND

The benefits of laparoscopic hemi-hepatectomy compared to open hemi-hepatectomy are not clear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to share our experience with the laparoscopic hemi-hepatectomy compared to an open approach.

METHODS

A total of 40 consecutive laparoscopically started hemi-hepatectomy (intention-to-treat analysis) cases between August 2012 and October 2015 were matched against open cases using the following criteria: laterality of surgery and pathology (essential criteria); American Society of Anesthesiologists score, body mass index, pre-operative bilirubin, neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, additional procedures, portal vein embolization, and presence of cirrhosis/fibrosis on histology (secondary criteria); age and gender (tertiary criteria). Hand-assisted and extended hemi-hepatectomy cases were excluded from the study. The two groups were compared for blood loss, operative time, hospital stay, morbidity, mortality, and oncological outcomes. All complications were quantified using the Clavien-Dindo classification.

RESULTS

Two groups were well matched (p = 1.00). In the two groups, 10 patients had left and 30 had right hemi-hepatectomy. Overall conversion rate was 15%. Median length of hospital and high dependency unit stay was less in the intention to treat laparoscopic hemi-hepatectomy group: 6 versus 8 days, p = 0.025 and 1 versus 2 days, p = 0.07. Median operative time was longer in the intention to treat laparoscopic hemi-hepatectomy group: 420 min (range: 389.5-480) versus 305 min (range: 238.8-348.8; p = 0.001). Intra-operative blood loss was equivalent, but the overall blood transfusions were higher in the intention to treat laparoscopic hemi-hepatectomy (50 vs 29 units, p = 0.36). The overall morbidity (18 vs 20 patients, p = 0.65), mortality (2.5%), and the positive resection margin status were similar (18% vs 21%, p = 0.76). The 1- (87.5% vs 92.5%, p = 0.71) and 3-year survival (70% vs 72.5%, p = 1.00) was also similar.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed lower hospital and high dependency unit stay in the laparoscopic group. However, the laparoscopic approach was associated with longer operating time and a non-significant increase in blood transfusion requirements. There was no difference in morbidity, mortality, re-admission rate, and oncological outcomes.