Assessment of risk for non-hepatic surgery in cirrhotic patients

Leaking Umbilical Hernias in Cirrhotic Patients, Repair or Observe?

BACKGROUND

Umbilical hernias (UHs) in cirrhotic patients are common, can be quite complicated and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Leakage of ascites is a challenging entity and poses significant risks.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of patients with cirrhosis and UHs with ascitic leakage. Patients were divided into two groups: patients managed operatively during index admission (Group 1) and those managed non-surgically during index admission (Group 2). Group 2 was further divided into those that subsequently underwent repair of UH and those managed medically.

RESULTS

Of 47 cirrhotic patients with leaking UHs, 19 patients were managed surgically during index admission (Group 1). In Group 2, 15 patients were managed non-surgically and 13 subsequently underwent surgery. The groups had comparable demographics, MELD-Na and Child-Pugh class. Group 2 had a higher rate of emergency surgery (92% vs 58%, P = .04) and higher rate of recurrence (31 vs. 0%, P = .02). The non-surgical patients in Group 2 had higher 1-year mortality (67%) compared to Group 1 (21%) and surgical patients in Group 2 (31%, P = .007). Multi-variable logistic regression for 1-year mortality demonstrated MELD-Na as the most significant risk factor (OR = 1.2, P = .05) and undergoing UH repair as the most significant protective factor (OR = .16, P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Cirrhotic patients with leaking UHs should undergo urgent repair. Non-operative management confers high risk of continued or increased ascitic leakage necessitating more emergent surgery. Despite high rate of post-operative complications related to cirrhosis, there is a clear mortality benefit to the repair of leaking UHs in cirrhotic patients.

Should we be reluctant to perform pancreatectomy in patients with chronic liver disease? A single center 10-year experience

PURPOSE

Many studies have shown extra-hepatic surgery in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) with or without portal hypertension can result in complications. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of major pancreatectomy in patients with CLD including cirrhosis and to evaluate their efficacy and safety.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 319 patients undergoing open pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) or distal pancreatectomy (DP) in our center. Those who received PD and DP in patients without CLD were classified into groups A and D, and those with CLD into groups B and C, respectively. Group B and C were subdivided into groups 1 and 2 according to the presence of portal hypertension.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients (13.5%) had CLD. Of the 221 patients who received PD, 25 had CLD. Of the 98 patients who received DP, 18 (Group C) had CLD. In the PD group, patients with portal hypertension (group B1) had longer operative time. However, the transfusion rate and complication rate were not significantly different from other groups. There was no mortality in patients with CLD without portal hypertension (group B2) and the complication and mortality rate was comparable to patients with normal liver function (group A). In the DP group, the transfusion rate, complication rate and mortality rate were significantly higher in patients with portal hypertension (group C1).

CONCLUSIONS

Acceptable outcomes were obtainable following pancreatic surgery in cirrhotic, non-portal hypertensive patients with surgical outcomes equivalent to non-cirrhotic patients.

AbbreviationsCLDchronic liver diseasePDpancreaticoduodenectomyDPdistal pancreatectomy.

Guidance document: risk assessment of patients with cirrhosis prior to elective non-hepatic surgery

As a result of the increasing incidence of cirrhosis in the UK, more patients with chronic liver disease are being considered for elective non-hepatic surgery. A historical reluctance to offer surgery to such patients stems from general perceptions of poor postoperative outcomes. While this is true for those with decompensated cirrhosis, selected patients with compensated early-stage cirrhosis can have good outcomes after careful risk assessment. Well-recognised risks include those of general anaesthesia, bleeding, infections, impaired wound healing, acute kidney injury and cardiovascular compromise. Intra-abdominal or cardiothoracic surgery are particularly high-risk interventions. Clinical assessment supplemented by blood tests, imaging, liver stiffness measurement, endoscopy and assessment of portal pressure (derived from the hepatic venous pressure gradient) can facilitate risk stratification. Traditional prognostic scoring systems including the Child-Turcotte-Pugh and Model for End-stage Liver Disease are helpful but may overestimate surgical risk. Specific prognostic scores like Mayo Risk Score, VOCAL-Penn and ADOPT-LC can add precision to risk assessment. Measures to mitigate risk include careful management of varices, nutritional optimisation and where possible addressing any ongoing aetiological drivers such as alcohol consumption. The role of portal decompression such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting can be considered in selected high-risk patients, but further prospective study of this approach is required. It is of paramount importance that patients are discussed in a multidisciplinary forum, and that patients are carefully counselled about potential risks and benefits.

Association of indirect measurement of cell function by bioimpedance analysis with complications in oncologic hepatic surgery

BACKGROUND

Bioelectric impedance vector analysis (BIVA) is a reliable tool to assess body composition. The aim was to study the association of BIVA-derived phase angle (PA) and standardized PA (SPA) values and the occurrence of surgery-related morbidity.

METHODS

Patients undergoing hepatectomy for cancer in two Italian centers were prospectively enrolled. BIVA was performed the morning of surgery. Patients were then stratified for the occurrence or not of postoperative morbidity.

RESULTS

Out of 190 enrolled patients, 76 (40%) experienced postoperative complications. Patients with morbidity had a significant lower PA, SPA, body cell mass, and skeletal muscle mass, and higher extracellular water and fat mass. At the multivariate analysis, presence of cirrhosis (OR 7.145, 95% CI:2.712-18.822, p < 0.001), the Charlson comorbidity index (OR 1.236, 95% CI: 1.009-1.515, p = 0.041), the duration of surgery (OR 1.004, 95% CI:1.001-1.008, p = 0.018), blood loss (OR 1.002. 95% CI: 1.001-1.004, p = 0.004), dehydration (OR 10.182, 95% CI: 1.244-83.314, p = 0.030) and SPA < -1.65 (OR 3.954, 95% CI: 1.699-9.202, p = 0.001) were significantly and independently associated with the risk of complications.

CONCLUSION

Introducing BIVA before hepatic resections may add valuable and independent information on the risk of morbidity.

Non-osseous considerations in diagnostic imaging for pelvic and acetabular trauma

High-quality imaging is crucial for orthopedic traumatologists in the evaluation and management of pelvic and acetabular fractures. Computed tomography (CT) plays an essential role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with these complex injuries. A thoughtful evaluation of associated soft tissues can reveal additional details about the patient and their injury that may impact treatment. This review aims to highlight soft tissue findings that should be identified when evaluating the initial diagnostic imaging after pelvic and acetabular trauma.

The Management of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Cirrhotic Patients: An Overview of the Literature

Background and objectives: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) represents a decreased cognitive performance in patients undergoing general anesthesia for major surgery. Since liver cirrhosis is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates, cirrhotic patients also assemble many risk factors for POCD. Therefore, preserving cognition after major surgery is a priority, especially in this group of patients. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the effectiveness of perioperative therapeutic strategies in terms of cognitive dysfunction reduction. Data Collection: Using medical search engines such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library, we analyzed articles on topics such as: POCD, perioperative management in patients with cirrhosis, hepatic encephalopathy, general anesthesia in patients with liver cirrhosis, depth of anesthesia, virtual reality in perioperative settings. We included 115 relevant original articles, reviews and meta-analyses, and other article types such as case reports, guidelines, editorials, and medical books. Results: According to the reviewed literature, the predictive capacity of the common clinical tools used to quantify cognitive dysfunction in cirrhotic settings is reduced in perioperative settings; however, novel neuropsychological tools could manage to better identify the subclinical forms of perioperative cognitive impairments in cirrhotic patients. Moreover, patients with preoperative hepatic encephalopathy could benefit from specific preventive strategies aimed to reduce the risk of further neurocognitive deterioration. Intraoperatively, the adequate monitoring of the anesthesia depth, appropriate anesthetics use, and an opioid-sparing technique have shown favorable results in terms of POCD. Early recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols should be implemented in the postoperative setting. Other pharmacological strategies provided conflicting results in reducing POCD in cirrhotic patients. Conclusions: The perioperative management of the cognitive function of cirrhotic patients is challenging for anesthesia providers, with specific and targeted therapies for POCD still sparse. Therefore, the implementation of preventive strategies appears to remain the optimal attitude. Further research is needed for a better understanding of POCD, especially in cirrhotic patients.

Cirrhosis and non-hepatic surgery in 2023 - a precision medicine approach

INTRODUCTION

Patients with liver disease and portal hypertension frequently require surgery carrying high morbidity and mortality. Accurately estimating surgical risk remains challenging despite improved medical and surgical management.

AREAS COVERED

This review aims to outline a comprehensive approach to preoperative assessment, appraise methods used to predict surgical risk, and provide an up-to-date overview of outcomes for patients with cirrhosis undergoing non-hepatic surgery.

EXPERT OPINION

Robust preoperative, individually tailored, and precise risk assessment can reduce peri- and postoperative complications in patients with cirrhosis. Established prognostic scores aid stratification, providing an estimation of postoperative mortality, albeit with limitations. VOCAL-Penn Risk Score may provide greater precision than established liver severity scores. Amelioration of portal hypertension in advance of surgery may be considered, with prospective data demonstrating hepatic venous pressure gradient as a promising surrogate marker of postoperative outcomes. Morbidity and mortality vary between types of surgery with further studies required in patients with more advanced liver disease. Patient-specific considerations and practicing precision medicine may allow for improved postoperative outcomes.

Clinical Guideline on Perioperative Management of Patients with Advanced Chronic Liver Disease

(1) Background: Patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) are living longer with more comorbidities because of improved medical and surgical management. However, patients with ACLD are at increased risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality; (2) Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature to support a narrative clinical guideline about the assessment of mortality risk and management of perioperative morbidity in patients with ACLD undergoing surgical procedures; (3) Results: Slight data exist to guide the perioperative management of patients with ACLD, and most recommendations are based on case series and expert opinion. The severity of liver dysfunction, portal hypertension, cardiopulmonary and renal comorbidities, and complexity of surgery and type (elective versus emergent) are predictors of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Expert multidisciplinary teams are necessary to evaluate and manage ACLD before, during, and after surgical procedures; (4) Conclusions: This clinical practice document updates the available data and recommendations to optimize the management of patients with advanced chronic liver disease who undergo surgical procedures.

Risk factors for decompensation and death following umbilical hernia repair in patients with end-stage liver disease

INTRODUCTION

Symptomatic umbilical hernias are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease (ESLD). This study set out to characterise the factors predicting outcome following repair of symptomatic umbilical hernias in ESLD at a single institution.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of all patients with ESLD who underwent repair of a symptomatic umbilical hernia between 1998 and 2020. Overall survival was predicted using the Kaplan-Meier method. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of decompensation and 30-day, 90-day and 1-year mortality.

RESULTS

One-hundred-and-eight patients with ESLD underwent umbilical hernia repair (emergency n = 78, 72.2%). Transjugular shunting was performed in 29 patients (26.9%). Decompensation occurred in 44 patients (40.7%) and was predicted by emergency surgery (OR, 13.29; P = 0.001). Length of stay was shorter in elective patients compared to emergency patients (3-days vs. 7-days; P = 0.003). Thirty-day, 90-day and 1-year survival was 95.2, 93.2 and 85.4%, respectively. Model for ESLD score >15 predicted 90-day mortality (OR, 18.48; P = 0.030) and hyponatraemia predicted 1-year mortality (OR, 5.31; P = 0.047). Transjugular shunting predicted survival at 1 year (OR, 0.15; P = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

Repair of symptomatic umbilical hernias in patients with ESLD can be undertaken with acceptable outcomes in a specialist centre, however, this remains a high-risk intervention. Patients undergoing emergency repair are more likely to decompensate postoperatively, develop wound-related problems and have a longer length of stay. Transjugular shunting may confer a benefit to survival, but further prospective trials are warranted.

MELD-Na Score as a Predictor of Postoperative Complications in Ventral Skull Base Surgery

Background: The Model for End-stage Liver Disease-Sodium (MELD-Na) Score was designed for prognosis of chronic liver disease and has been predictive of outcomes in a variety of procedures. Few studies have investigated its utility in Otolaryngology. This study uses the MELD-Na score to investigate the association between liver health and ventral skull base surgical complications. Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify patients who underwent ventral skull base procedures between 2005 and 2015. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the association between elevated MELD-Na score and postoperative complications. Results: 1077 patients undergoing ventral skull base surgery with lab values required to calculate the MELD-Na score were identified. The mean age was 54.2 years. The mean MELD-Na score was 7.70 (SD=2.04). Univariate analysis showed that elevated MELD-Na score was significantly associated with increased age (58.6 vs. 53.8 years) and male gender (70.8% vs. 46.1%). Elevated MELD-Na score was associated with increased rates of postoperative acute renal failure, transfusion, septic shock, surgical complications, and extended length of hospital stay. On multivariate analysis, associations between elevated MELD-Na and increased risk of perioperative transfusions (OR 1.62, 95%CI 1.20-2.93, p=0.007) and surgical complications (OR 1.58, 95%CI 1.25-2.35, p=0.009) remained significant. Conclusions: This analysis points to an association between liver health and postoperative complications in ventral skull base surgery. Future research investigating this association is warranted.

FIB-4 and APRI as Predictive Factors for Short- and Long-Term Survival in Patients with Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Stent Shunts

(1) Background: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a standard therapy for portal hypertension. We aimed to explore the association of established baseline scores with TIPS outcomes. (2) Methods: In total, 136 liver cirrhosis patients underwent TIPS insertion, mainly to treat refractory ascites (86%), between January 2016 and December 2019. An external validation cohort of 187 patients was chosen. (3) Results: The majority of the patients were male (62%); the median follow-up was 715 days. The baseline Child—Turcotte−Pugh stage was A in 14%, B in 75% and C in 11%. The patients’ liver-transplant-free (LTF) survival rates after 3, 12 and 24 months were 87%, 72% and 61%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, neither bilirubin, nor the international normalized ratio (INR), nor liver enzymes were associated with survival. However, both the APRI (AST-to-platelet ratio index) and the FIB-4 (fibrosis-4 score) were associated with LTF survival. For patients with FIB-4 > 3.25, the hazard ratio for mortality after 2 years was 3.952 (p < 0.0001). Liver-related clinical events were monitored for 24 months. High FIB-4 scores were predictive of liver-related events (HR = 2.404, p = 0.001). Similarly, in our validation cohort, LTF survival was correlated with the APRI and FIB-4 scores. (4) Conclusions: Well-established scores that reflect portal hypertension and biochemical disease activity predict long-term outcomes after TIPS and support clinical decisions over TIPS insertion.

Risk stratification of cirrhotic patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: A single-centre experience

Background

Concomitant liver cirrhosis is a crucial risk factor for major surgeries. However, only few data are available concerning cirrhotic patients requiring esophagectomy for malignant disease.

Methods

From a prospectively maintained database of esophageal cancer patients, who underwent curative esophagectomy between 01/2012 and 01/2016, patients with concomitant liver cirrhosis (liver-cirrhotic patients, LCP) were compared to non-liver-cirrhotic patients (NLCP).

Results

Of 170 patients, 14 cirrhotic patients with predominately low MELD scores (≤ 9, 64.3%) were identified. Perioperative outcome was significantly worse for LCP, as proofed by 30-day (57.1% vs. 7.7, p<0.001) and 90-day mortality (64.3% vs. 9.6%, p<0.001), anastomotic leakage rate (64.3 vs. 22.3%, p = 0.002) and sepsis (57.1 vs. 21.5%, p = 0.006). Even after adjustment for age, gender, comorbidities, and surgical approach, LCP revealed higher odds for 30-day and 90-day mortality compared to NLCP. Moreover, 5-year survival analysis showed a significantly poorer long-term outcome of LCP (p = 0.023). For risk stratification, none of the common cirrhosis scores proved prognostic impact, whereas components as Bilirubin (auROC 94.4%), INR (auROC = 90.0%), and preoperative ascites (p = 0.038) correlated significantly with the perioperative outcome.

Conclusion

Curative esophagectomy for cirrhotic patients is associated with a dismal prognosis and should be evaluated critically. While MELD and Child score failed to predict perioperative mortality, Bilirubin and INR proofed excellent prognostic capacity in this cohort.

Perioperative management of patients with liver disease for non-hepatic surgery: A systematic review

Background

Liver disease is a multisystem condition that is classified as acute or chronic depending on the length of time. Cirrhosis patients are expected to undergo surgery in the last two years of their lives, according to estimates. In patients with elevated liver enzyme levels, anesthesia and surgery may deteriorate liver function. Preoperative identification, optimization and anesthetic management are essential for optimum outcomes in patients with liver disease undergoing surgery.

Methods

The literatures are searched using medical search engines like Google scholar, PubMed, Cochrane library and HINARI to get access for current and update evidence on perioperative optimization of patients with liver disease. The key words for literature search were (liver disease OR liver failure) AND (liver disease OR perioperative management) AND (non-hepatic surgery OR anesthesia). After searching using these search engines then collected by filtering based on the level of significance to this guideline with proper appraisal and evaluation of study quality with different level of evidences.

Conclusions

and recommendations: Patients with liver disease presenting with non-hepatic surgery might have postoperative complications that can lead to death. Efforts should be expended to favorably alter a patient's preoperative Child's class before undertaking an elective operation.

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Liver disease is a multisystem condition that is classified as acute or chronic.

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Preoperative assessment and risk stratification are paramount for optimization.

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Nephrotoxic drugs should be avoided.

Perioperative Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Is Associated With Decreased Postoperative Complications in Decompensated Cirrhotics Undergoing Abdominal Surgery

BACKGROUND

Operative risk in patients with cirrhosis is related to the severity of liver disease and nature of procedure. Pre and postoperative portal decompression via transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) are logical approaches to facilitate surgery and improve postoperative outcomes. We compared postoperative outcomes of decompensated cirrhotics undergoing abdominal surgery either with or without perioperative TIPS placement.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 41 decompensated cirrhotic patients who had abdominal surgery from 2010-2019 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Patients were stratified based on having received either perioperative TIPS or no TIPS. Demographics, laboratory data, perioperative TIPS status and postoperative complications were compared between the 2 groups using Fisher exact test and Student 2 sample t-test.

RESULTS

Group 1 consisted of 28 patients who had TIPS procedure, with 21 being preoperative and 7 being postoperative. Group 2 had 13 patients who had abdominal surgery without TIPS. When compared to those with perioperative TIPS, patients without TIPS had a significantly increased incidence of postoperative ascites (33% vs 77%, P = .0026), infection (18% vs 54%, P = .028), and acute kidney injury (AKI) (14% vs 46%, P = .0485). Additionally, postoperative Model of End Stage Liver Disease Sodium score was significantly higher in patients without TIPS (22 ± 4.74) when compared to those who had TIPS (17.14 ± 5.48) (P = .009).

DISCUSSION

Perioperative TIPS placement in decompensated cirrhotics was associated with decreased postoperative ascites, infection, and AKI when compared to those without TIPS. Further studies are needed to validate our findings.

CIRRHOTIC PATIENTS WITH ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY (AKI) HAVE HIGHER MORTALITY AFTER ABDOMINAL HERNIA SURGERY

BACKGROUND

The incidence of abdominal hernia in cirrhotic patients is as higher as 20%; in cases of major ascites the incidence may increase up to 40%. One of the main and most serious complications in cirrhotic postoperative period (PO) is acute kidney injury (AKI).

AIM

To analyze the renal function of cirrhotic patients undergoing to hernia surgery and evaluate the factors related to AKI.

METHODS

Follow-up of 174 cirrhotic patients who underwent hernia surgery. Laboratory tests including the renal function were collected in the PO.AKI was defined based on the consensus of the ascite´s club. They were divided into two groups: with (AKI PO) and without AKI .

RESULTS

All 174 patients were enrolled and AKI occurred in 58 (34.9%). In the AKI PO group, 74.1% had emergency surgery, whereas in the group without AKI PO it was only 34.6%.In the group with AKI PO, 90.4% presented complications, whereas in the group without AKI PO they occurred only in 29.9%. Variables age, baseline MELD, baseline creatinine, creatinine in immediate postoperative (POI), AKI and the presence of ascites were statistically significant for survival.

CONCLUSIONS

There is association between AKI PO and emergency surgery and, also, between AKI PO and complications after surgery. The factors related to higher occurrence were initial MELD, basal Cr, Cr POI. The patients with postoperative AKI had a higher rate of complications and higher mortality.

Mortality Following Appendicectomy in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction

With the global prevalence of liver cirrhosis rising, this systematic review aimed to define the perioperative risk of mortality in these patients following appendicectomy.

Methods

Systematic searches of Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library databases, ICTRP, and Clinical trials.gov were undertaken to identify studies including patients with cirrhosis undergoing appendicectomy, published since database inception to March 2021. Studies had to report mortality. Two review authors independently identified eligible studies and extracted data. Pooled analysis of in-patient and 30-day mortality was performed.

Results

Of the 948 studies identified, four were included and this comprised three nationwide database studies (USA and Denmark) and one multi-centre observational study (Japan). A total of 923 patients had cirrhosis and 167,211 patients did not. In-patient mortality ranged from 0 to 1.7% in patients with cirrhosis and 0.17 to 0.3% in patients without. 30-day mortality was 9% in patients with cirrhosis compared to 0.3% in those without. One study stratified cirrhotic patients into compensated and decompensated groups. In patients with compensated cirrhosis, mortality following laparoscopic appendicectomy (0.5%) was significantly lower than open appendicectomy (3.2%). The meta-analysis highlighted a tenfold increase in perioperative mortality in cirrhotic patients (OR 9.92 (95% CI 4.67 to 21.06, I2 = 28%). All studies reported an increased length of stay in patients with cirrhosis.

Conclusion

This review suggests that appendicectomy in the cirrhotic population is associated with increased mortality. LA may be safer in this population. Lack of information on cirrhosis severity and failure to control for age and co-morbidities make the results difficult to interpret. Further large population-based studies are required.

Surgical Risk Assessment in Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases

Chronic liver diseases (CLD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The overall life span of patients with CLD has increased and so is the number of surgical procedures these patients undergo. Pathophysiological and hemodynamic changes in cirrhosis make these patients more susceptible to hypotension and hypoxia during surgery. They also have a high risk of drug induced liver injury, renal dysfunction and post-operative liver decompensation. Patients with CLD planned for elective or semi-elective surgery should undergo detailed preoperative risk assessment. Patients should be evaluated for the presence of clinically significant portal hypertension and cirrhosis. In the absence of both cirrhosis and clinically significant portal hypertension, patients with CLD can undergo surgery with minimal or low risk. Various risk assessment tools available for patients with advanced CLD are-CTP score, MELD Score, Mayo risk score, VOCAL-Penn score. A Child class C and/or Mayo risk score >15 in general is associated with high risk of post-operative mortality and elective surgery should be deferred in these patients. In patients with Child class, A and MELD 10-15 surgery is permissible with caution (except liver resection and cardiac surgery) while in Child A and MELD <10 surgery is well tolerated. VOCAL-Penn score is a new promising tool and can be the better alternative of CTP, MELD, and Mayo risk score models but more prospective studies with large patients' population are warranted. Certain surgeries like Hepatic resection, intraabdominal, and cardiothoracic have higher risk than abdominal wall hernia repair and orthopedic surgery. Laparoscopic approaches have better outcomes and less risk of liver failure than open surgery. Minimally invasive alternatives like colonic stent placement in case of obstruction can be considered in high-risk cases. Perioperative optimization and management of ascites, HE, bleeding, liver decompensation, and nutrition should be done with multidisciplinary approach. Patients with cirrhosis undergoing high risk elective surgery can develop liver failure in post-operative period and should be evaluated and counseled for liver transplantation if not contraindicated.

Liver regeneration biology: Implications for liver tumour therapies

The liver has remarkable regenerative potential, with the capacity to regenerate after 75% hepatectomy in humans and up to 90% hepatectomy in some rodent models, enabling it to meet the challenge of diverse injury types, including physical trauma, infection, inflammatory processes, direct toxicity, and immunological insults. Current understanding of liver regeneration is based largely on animal research, historically in large animals, and more recently in rodents and zebrafish, which provide powerful genetic manipulation experimental tools. Whilst immensely valuable, these models have limitations in extrapolation to the human situation. In vitro models have evolved from 2-dimensional culture to complex 3 dimensional organoids, but also have shortcomings in replicating the complex hepatic micro-anatomical and physiological milieu. The process of liver regeneration is only partially understood and characterized by layers of complexity. Liver regeneration is triggered and controlled by a multitude of mitogens acting in autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine ways, with much redundancy and cross-talk between biochemical pathways. The regenerative response is variable, involving both hypertrophy and true proliferative hyperplasia, which is itself variable, including both cellular phenotypic fidelity and cellular trans-differentiation, according to the type of injury. Complex interactions occur between parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells, and regeneration is affected by the status of the liver parenchyma, with differences between healthy and diseased liver. Finally, the process of termination of liver regeneration is even less well understood than its triggers. The complexity of liver regeneration biology combined with limited understanding has restricted specific clinical interventions to enhance liver regeneration. Moreover, manipulating the fundamental biochemical pathways involved would require cautious assessment, for fear of unintended consequences. Nevertheless, current knowledge provides guiding principles for strategies to optimise liver regeneration potential.

Whipple's Pancreatoduodenectomy in the Background of Chronic Liver Disease (CLD): An Institutional Experience

Introduction

Whipple's pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is a formidable operation, associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. In the setting of an underlying chronic liver disease, the incidence of complications and mortality increases manifold. Patients and Outcomes. Of the 112 Whipple's PD performed between 2018 to 2020 at a high-volume HPB and liver transplant centre, 4 patients underwent the surgery in the background of an underlying chronic liver disease (CLD). All except one were performed in Child's A cirrhotics. There was a single 30-day mortality in this series of 4 patients that occurred in the background of Child's B cirrhosis. On follow-up at 1 year, there was one more mortality in the series, owing to liver decompensation following chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Judicious preoperative selection criteria, adequate preoperative nutritional and physiological optimisation, and prudent weighing of risk vs. benefit of undergoing Whipple's PD in periampullary malignancies in the setting of CLD are the major determinants of the surgical outcome.

Ischemic Colitis From Idiopathic Myointimal Hyperplasia of the Mesenteric Veins in a Post-Liver Transplant Patient

Idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins (IMHMV) is a rare cause of nonthrombotic, noninflammatory ischemic colitis. IMHMV classically presents in men with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea and is frequently misdiagnosed as inflammatory bowel disease. However, IMHMV causes a more protracted, relapsing course of abdominal pain that does not respond to medical therapy. The diagnosis can be secured by colonoscopic biopsy. Surgical resection is curative and should be considered even in high-risk patients. Here, we describe a case of IMHMV diagnosed preoperatively in a post–liver transplant patient with residual portal hypertension who ultimately underwent successful surgical resection.

Gastrointestinal Cancers and Liver Cirrhosis: Implications on Treatments and Prognosis

Liver cirrhosis tends to increase the risk in the management of gastrointestinal tumors. Patients with gastrointestinal cancers and liver cirrhosis often have serious postoperative complications and poor prognosis after surgery. Multiple studies have shown that the stage of gastrointestinal cancers and the grade of cirrhosis can influence surgical options and postoperative complications. The higher the stage of cancer and the poorer the degree of cirrhosis, the less the surgical options and the higher the risk of postoperative complications. Therefore, in the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal cancer and liver cirrhosis, clinicians should comprehensively consider the cancer stage, cirrhosis grade, and possible postoperative complications. This review summarizes the treatment methods of patients with different gastrointestinal cancer complicated with liver cirrhosis.

Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: A Review of Pertinent Considerations

The incidence of liver cirrhosis is increasing worldwide. Patients with cirrhosis are generally at a higher risk of harbouring hepatic and non-hepatic malignancies, including bladder cancer, likely due to the presence of related risk factors such as smoking. Cirrhosis can complicate both the operative and non-surgical management of bladder cancer. For example, cirrhotic patients undergoing abdominal surgery generally demonstrate worse postoperative outcomes, and chemotherapy in patients with cirrhosis often requires dose reduction due to its direct hepatotoxic effects and reduced hepatic clearance. Multiple other considerations in the peri-operative management for cirrhosis patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer must be taken into account to optimize outcomes in these patients. Unfortunately, the current literature specifically related to the treatment of cirrhotic bladder cancer patients remains sparse. We aim to review the literature on treatment considerations for this patient population with respect to perioperative, surgical, and adjuvant management.

Management of Flood syndrome: What can we do better?

Approximately 20% of cirrhotic patients with ascites develop umbilical herniation. These patients usually suffer from multisystemic complications of cirrhosis, have a significantly higher risk of infection, and require accurate surveillance– especially in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The rupture of an umbilical hernia, is an uncommon, life-threatening complication of large-volume ascites and end-stage liver disease resulting in spontaneous paracentesis, also known as Flood syndrome. Flood syndrome remains a challenging condition for clinicians, as recommendations for its management are lacking, and the available evidence for the best treatment approach remains controversial. In this paper, four key questions are addressed regarding the management and prevention of Flood syndrome: (1) Which is the best treatment approach–conservative treatment or urgent surgery? (2) How can we establish the individual risk for herniation and possible hernia rupture in cirrhotic patients? (3) How can we prevent umbilical hernia ruptures? And (4) How can we manage these patients in the conditions created by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic?

The Impact of Chronic Liver Disease on Postoperative Outcomes and Resource Utilization

BACKGROUND

Multiple studies have shown high rates of postoperative morbidity and mortality in individuals with chronic liver disease (CLD). However, analyses from comparisons with individuals without CLD are not available. Such analyses might provide opportunities to improve outcomes.

METHODS

Data from The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) from 2008 to 2011 were analyzed comparing CLD patients undergoing non-liver surgery propensity matched to those without CLD. Patients with CLD were stratified by Model of End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores <15 and ≥15. Primary outcome was all cause mortality, and secondary outcomes were composite and individual morbidity, hospital length of stay, readmission, reoperation, and discharge destination. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated, and length of hospital stay was estimated using Poisson regression.

RESULTS

There were 6,209 patients with CLD (4,013 with low MELD, 2,196 with high MELD) matched to 18,627 patients without. Patients with CLD had 1.8- and 3.3-times higher odds of mortality (95% CI 1.6-2.1 for Low MELD (10.6%), 2.9-3.8 for high MELD (35.2%), and 1.8- and 2.2-times higher odds of any morbidity (1.6-1.9 and 1.9-2.4). Complications specific to CLD were increased based on MELD specifically coma (OR 1.6, 0.9-2.9 for Low MELD, 2.2, 1.5-3.2 for High MELD), renal failure (OR 1.4, 1.1-1.8 and 2.4, 2.0-2.9), and bleeding (OR 1.7, 1.5-1.9 and 2.0, 1.8-2.3). They also had a 20% and 80% longer length of stay, 2.2- and 3.4-times higher odds of being discharged somewhere other than home, 1.7- and 1.6-times higher odds of readmission, and 1.5- and 1.6-times higher odds of reoperation.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CLD have significantly higher odds of mortality and morbidity, which is increased with a higher MELD. Interventions that decrease those morbidities are needed and have the potential to decrease mortality and resource utilization.

Predicting morbidity in liver resection surgery: external validation of the revised frailty index and development of a novel predictive model

BACKGROUND

Perioperative complications of liver resection surgery are common but individual patient-level prediction is difficult. Most risk models are unvalidated and may not be clinically useful. We aimed to validate a risk prediction model for complications of liver resection, the Revised Frailty Index (rFI), at a high volume centre. We also aimed to derive a predictive model for complications in our cohort.

METHODS

Records were reviewed for 300 patients undergoing liver resection. The rFI's discrimination of 90-day major complications was assessed by receiver operating curve analysis. Logistic regression analysis was then used to fit rFI covariates to our dataset. A further analysis produced a model with optimal discrimination of 90-day major complications.

RESULTS

The rFI was a poor discriminator of 90-day major complications (AUROC 0.562) among patients at our centre. The rFI optimised fit model demonstrated improved discrimination of 90-day major complications (AUROC 0.685). We developed a novel model with improved fit and similar discrimination (AUROC 0.710).

CONCLUSION

We were unable to validate the rFI as a predictor of complications. We developed a novel model with discrimination at least equal to other published risk models. However, there is an unmet need for well-validated, clinically useful risk tools in this area.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy combined with splenectomy for a patient with pancreatic cancer and pancytopenia due to liver cirrhosis: Case report

•

Patients with LC are known to have a greater risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality than patients without LC.

•

The outcomes of surgery in patients with LC have been reported to vary, based not only on the degree of damage to the liver but also the invasiveness of the surgery.

•

For patients with PC with pancytopenia due to LC, PD combined with splenectomy is effective.

Introduction and importance

The incidence of patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) is increasing. Patients with LC are known to have a greater risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality than patients without LC. A treatment option such as pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has not been validated to be safe for these patients, especially those with pancytopenia due to portal hypertension (PH). Providing an effective treatment option for these patients is essential.

Case presentation

Herein, we describe a patient with pancreatic cancer with pancytopenia due to LC that was successfully treated with PD combined with splenectomy. The patient was a 70-year-old woman who was referred to our hospital for evaluation of a mass in the pancreatic head after she developed obstructive jaundice. She was diagnosed with T2N0M0, Stage IB pancreatic cancer and pancytopenia due to PH associated with LC. She received 2 cycles of adjuvant gemcitabine/S-1 chemotherapy and underwent radical subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy with splenectomy to improve her pancytopenia. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed an R0 resection showing an Evans grade IIa histological response. Her pancytopenia improved rapidly after surgery.

Clinical discussion

Strict indications for PD, haemostatic control of intraoperative bleeding, and optimal perioperative management were important for preventing hepatic decompensation in this patient. Splenectomy is effective for thrombocytopenia due to LC; however, attention to postoperative complications such as overwhelming post-splenectomy infection and portal vein thrombosis is required.

Conclusion

For patients with pancreatic cancer with pancytopenia due to LC, PD combined with splenectomy plus optimal perioperative management is effective.

Guidelines on the management of ascites in cirrhosis

The British Society of Gastroenterology in collaboration with British Association for the Study of the Liver has prepared this document. The aim of this guideline is to review and summarise the evidence that guides clinical diagnosis and management of ascites in patients with cirrhosis. Substantial advances have been made in this area since the publication of the last guideline in 2007. These guidelines are based on a comprehensive literature search and comprise systematic reviews in the key areas, including the diagnostic tests, diuretic use, therapeutic paracentesis, use of albumin, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and beta-blockers in patients with ascites. Where recent systematic reviews and meta-analysis are available, these have been updated with additional studies. In addition, the results of prospective and retrospective studies, evidence obtained from expert committee reports and, in some instances, reports from case series have been included. Where possible, judgement has been made on the quality of information used to generate the guidelines and the specific recommendations have been made according to the 'Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)' system. These guidelines are intended to inform practising clinicians, and it is expected that these guidelines will be revised in 3 years' time.

Association of Sarcopenia and Body Composition With Short-term Outcomes After Liver Resection for Malignant Tumors

Importance

Previous retrospective studies have shown that sarcopenia substantially alters the postoperative and oncological outcomes after liver resection for malignant tumors. However, the evidence is limited to small retrospective studies with heterogeneous results and the lack of standardized measurements of sarcopenia.

Objective

To investigate the role of sarcopenia as a risk factor associated with 90-day morbidity after liver resection for malignant tumors.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included 234 consecutive patients undergoing liver resection for malignant tumors at San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy, between June 1, 2018, and December 15, 2019. Muscle mass and strength were assessed using the skeletal muscle index (SMI) on preoperative computed tomographic scans and the handgrip strength test, respectively. Patients were then divided into the following 4 groups: group A (normal muscle mass and strength), group B (reduced muscle strength), group C (reduced muscle mass), and group D (reduced muscle mass and strength).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome of the study was 90-day morbidity. The following secondary outcomes were investigated: 90-day mortality, hospital stay, and readmission rate.

Results

Sixty-four major and 170 minor hepatectomies were performed in 234 patients (median age, 66.50 [interquartile range, 58.00-74.25] years; 158 men [67.5%]). The median SMI of the entire population was 46.22 (interquartile range, 38.60-58.20) cm/m2. The median handgrip strength was 30.80 (interquartile range, 22.30-36.90) kg. Patients in group D had a statistically significantly higher rate of 90-day morbidity than patients in the other groups (51.5% [35 of 68] vs 38.7% [29 of 75] in group C, 23.1% [3 of 13] in group B, and 6.4% [5 of 78] in group A; P < .001). Compared with patients in the other groups, those in group D had a longer hospital stay (10 days vs 8 days in group C, 9 days in group B, and 6 days in group A; P < .001), and more patients in this group were readmitted to the hospital (8.8% [6 of 68] vs 5.3% [4 of 75] in group C, 7.7% [1 of 13] in group B, and 0% [0 of 78] in group A; P = .02). Sarcopenia, portal hypertension, liver cirrhosis, and biliary reconstruction were independent risk factors associated with 90-day morbidity.

Conclusions and Relevance

Sarcopenia appears to be associated with adverse outcomes after liver resection for malignant tumors. Both muscle mass measurements on computed tomographic scans and muscle strength assessments with the handgrip strength test should be performed at the first clinical encounter to better classify patients and to minimize the risk of morbidity.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality after Small Bowel Surgery in Patients with Cirrhotic Liver Disease-A Retrospective Analysis of 76 Cases in a Tertiary Center

Simple Summary

It is well known that the incidence of liver cirrhosis is increasing and it negatively affects outcome after surgery. While there are several studies investigating the influence of liver cirrhosis on colorectal, hepatobiliary, or hernia surgery, data about its impact on small bowel surgery are completely lacking. Therefore, a retrospective analysis over a period of 17 years was performed including 76 patients with liver cirrhosis and small bowel surgery. Postsurgical complications were analyzed, and 38 parameters as possible predictive factors for a worse outcome were investigated. We observed postsurgical complications in over 90% of the patients; in over 50%, the complications were classified as severe. When subdividing postoperative complications, bleeding, respiratory problems, wound healing disorders and anastomotic leakage, hydropic decompensation, and renal failure were most common. The most important predictive factors for those complications after uni- and multivariate analysis were portal hypertension, poor liver function, emergency or additional surgery, ascites, and high ASA score. We, therefore, recommend treatment of portal hypertension before small bowel surgery to avoid extension of the operation to other organs than the small bowel and in case of ascites to evaluate the creation of an anastomosis stoma instead of an unprotected anastomosis to prevent leakages.

Abstract

(1) Purpose: As it is known, patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) undergoing colon surgery or hernia surgery have high perioperative morbidity and mortality. However, data about patients with LC undergoing small bowel surgery is lacking. This study aimed to analyze the morbidity and mortality of patients with LC after small bowel surgery in order to determine predictive risk factors for a poor outcome. (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients undergoing small bowel surgery between January 2002 and July 2018 and identified 76 patients with LC. Postoperative complications were analyzed using the classification of Dindo/Clavien (D/C) and further subdivided (hemorrhage, pulmonary complication, wound healing disturbances, renal failure). A total of 38 possible predictive factors underwent univariate and multivariate analyses for different postoperative complications and in-hospital mortality. (3) Results: Postoperative complications [D/C grade ≥ II] occurred in 90.8% of patients and severe complications (D/C grade ≥ IIIB) in 53.9% of patients. Nine patients (11.8%) died during the postoperative course. Predictive factors for overall complications were “additional surgery” (OR 5.3) and “bowel anastomosis” (OR 5.6). For postoperative mortality, we identified the model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (OR 1.3) and portal hypertension (OR 5.8) as predictors. The most common complication was hemorrhage, followed by pulmonary complications, hydropic decompensation, renal failure, and wound healing disturbances. The most common risk factors for those complications were portal hypertension (PH), poor liver function, emergency or additional surgery, ascites, and high ASA score. (4) Conclusions: LC has a devastating influence on patients’ outcomes after small bowel resection. PH, poor liver function, high ASA score, and additional or emergency surgery as well as ascites were significant risk factors for worse outcomes. Therefore, PH should be treated before surgery whenever possible. Expansion of the operation should be avoided whenever possible and in case of at least moderate preoperative ascites, the creation of an anastomotic ostomy should be evaluated to prevent leakages.

The Impact of Cirrhosis on Pancreatic Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Cirrhosis has been considered a contraindication to major abdominal surgeries, due to increased risk for postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of pancreatectomy in cirrhotic versus non-cirrhotic patients.

METHODS

The present systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. All meta-analyses were performed using the random effects model.

RESULTS

Eight studies were eventually included, enrolling 1229 patients (cirrhotics: 722; and Child-Pugh A: 593; Child-Pugh B/C: 129) who underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer. The overall postoperative morbidity rate was 66% (51%-80%). Infections (26%) and ascites formation/worsening (23%) were the most common postoperative complications, followed by anastomotic leak/fistula (17%). Non-cirrhotic patients were less likely to suffer from anastomotic leak/fistula (OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.23-0.65) and infections (OR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.25-0.67). Postoperative mortality rate was statistically significantly lower in non-cirrhotic versus cirrhotic patients (OR: 0.18; 95% CI:0.18-0.39). The odds ratios of 1 year (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.30-1.30), 2 year (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.25-1.83) and 3 year all-cause mortality (OR: 0.32; 95% CI: 20.03-2.99) were not significantly different between cirrhotic versus non-cirrhotic patients.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that non-cirrhotic patients were less likely to undergo any type of re-intervention and had statistically significant lower postoperative mortality rates compared to patients with cirrhosis.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in cirrhosis: An exhaustive critical update

More than five decades after it was originally conceptualized as rescue therapy for patients with intractable variceal bleeding, the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure continues to remain a focus of intense clinical and biomedical research. By the impressive reduction in portal pressure achieved by this intervention, coupled with its minimally invasive nature, TIPS has gained increasing acceptance in the treatment of complications of portal hypertension. The early years of TIPS were plagued by poor long-term patency of the stents and increased incidence of hepatic encephalopathy. Moreover, the diversion of portal flow after placement of TIPS often resulted in derangement of hepatic functions, which was occasionally severe. While the incidence of shunt dysfunction has markedly reduced with the advent of covered stents, hepatic encephalopathy and instances of early liver failure continue to remain a significant issue after TIPS. It has emerged over the years that careful selection of patients and diligent post-procedural care is of paramount importance to optimize the outcome after TIPS. The past twenty years have seen multiple studies redefining the role of TIPS in the management of variceal bleeding and refractory ascites while exploring its application in other complications of cirrhosis like hepatic hydrothorax, portal hypertensive gastropathy, ectopic varices, hepatorenal and hepatopulmonary syndromes, non-tumoral portal vein thrombosis and chylous ascites. It has also been utilized to good effect before extrahepatic abdominal surgery to reduce perioperative morbidity and mortality. The current article aims to review the updated literature on the status of TIPS in the management of patients with liver cirrhosis.

Risk and treatment of non-hepatic cancers in patients with cirrhosis

Patients with cirrhosis are at a high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. However, it remains controversial about whether or not there is a high risk for non-hepatic cancers in patients with liver cirrhosis. Additionally, the management of non-hepatic cancers in cirrhotic patients is a clinical challenge, because the use of surgery and anticancer drugs is often compromised by the presence of liver dysfunction. This editorial aims to briefly summarize the findings on the risk and management of non-hepatic cancers in patients with cirrhosis.

Index admission cholecystectomy for acute biliary pancreatitis favorably impacts outcomes of hospitalization in cirrhosis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Despite higher rates of gallstones in patients with cirrhosis, there are no population-based studies evaluating outcomes of acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP). Therefore, we sought to evaluate the predictors of early readmission and mortality in this high-risk population.

METHODS

We utilized the Nationwide Readmission Database (2011-2014) to evaluate all adults admitted with ABP. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess independent predictors for 30-day readmission, index admission mortality, and calendar year mortality.

RESULTS

Among 184 611 index admissions with ABP, 4344 (2.4%) subjects had cirrhosis (1649 with decompensation). Subjects with cirrhosis, when compared with those without, incurred higher rates of 30-day readmission (20.9% vs 11.2%; P < 0.001), index mortality (2.0% vs 1.0%; P < 0.001), and calendar year mortality (4.2% vs 0.9%; P < 0.001). Decompensation in cirrhosis was associated with significantly fewer cholecystectomies (26.7% vs 60.2%; P < 0.001) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (23.3% vs 29.9%; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that severe acute pancreatitis (odds ratio [OR]: 14.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.3, 41.2), sepsis (OR: 12.6; 95% CI: 5.8, 27.4), and decompensation (OR: 3.1; 96% CI: 1.4, 6.6) were associated with increased index admission mortality. Decompensated cirrhosis (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.0) and 30-day readmission (OR: 5.6; 95% CI: 3.3, 9.5) were predictors of calendar year mortality. However, index admission cholecystectomy was associated with decreased 30-day readmissions (OR: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4, 0.7) and calendar year mortality (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.25, 0.78).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of cirrhosis adversely impacts hospital outcomes of patients with ABP. Among modifiable factors, index admission cholecystectomy portends favorable prognosis by reducing risk of early readmission and consequent calendar year mortality.

Defining Serious Illness Among Adult Surgical Patients

CONTEXT

Palliative care (PC) for seriously ill surgical patients, including aligning treatments with patients' goals and managing symptoms, is associated with improved patient-oriented outcomes and decreased health care utilization. However, efforts to integrate PC alongside restorative surgical care are limited by the lack of a consensus definition for serious illness in the perioperative context.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to develop a serious illness definition for surgical patients and identify a denominator for quality measurement efforts.

METHODS

We developed a preliminary definition including a set of criteria for 11 conditions and health states. Using the RAND-UCLA Appropriateness Method, a 12-member expert advisory panel rated the criteria for each condition and health state twice, once after an in-person moderated discussion, for validity (primary outcome) and feasibility of measurement.

RESULTS

All panelists completed both rounds of rating. All 11 conditions and health states defining serious illness for surgical patients were rated as valid. During the in-person discussion, panelists refined and narrowed criteria for two conditions (vulnerable elder, heart failure). The final definition included the following 11 conditions and health states: vulnerable elder, heart failure, advanced cancer, oxygen-dependent pulmonary disease, cirrhosis, end-stage renal disease, dementia, critical trauma, frailty, nursing home residency, and American Society of Anesthesiology Risk Score IV-V.

CONCLUSION

We identified a consensus definition for serious illness in surgery. Opportunities remain in measuring the prevalence, identifying health trajectories, and developing screening criteria to integrate PC with restorative surgical care.

Evaluation and Management of Cirrhotic Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cirrhotic patients have an increased risk of surgical complications and higher perioperative morbidity and mortality based on the severity of their liver disease. Liver disease predisposes patients to perioperative coagulopathies, volume overload, and encephalopathy. The goal of this paper is to discuss the surgical risk of cirrhotic patients undergoing elective surgeries and to discuss perioperative optimization strategies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Literature thus far varies by surgery type and the magnitude of surgical risk. CTP and MELD classification scores allow for the assessment of surgical risk in cirrhotic patients. Once the decision has been made to undergo elective surgery, cirrhotic patients can be optimized pre-procedure with the help of a checklist and by the involvement of a multidisciplinary team. Elective surgeries should be performed at hospital centers staffed by healthcare providers experienced in caring for cirrhotic patients. Further research is needed to develop ways to prepare this complicated patient population before elective surgery.

Management of Patients with Liver Cirrhosis and Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Case-series

Liver cirrhosis is a major risk factor for increased mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing non-hepatic surgery with overall mortality rates as high as 45–50%. However, cirrhotic patients are often in need of surgical procedures including urological surgeries like cystectomies for muscle invasive bladder cancer. Data on the prognosis of these patients undergoing cystectomy for bladder cancer are scarce in the literature. In the present case-study, we describe the outcomes of 3 patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent radical cystectomy for muscle invasive bladder cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting on this kind of urological surgery in patients with liver cirrhosis. Accordingly, we provide a review in the literature on prognosis and factors influencing the survival of cirrhotic patients who undergo surgical procedures.

Non-Hepatic Abdominal Surgery in Patients with Cirrhotic Liver Disease

Cirrhotic liver disease is an important cause of peri-operative morbidity and mortality in general surgical patients. Early recognition and optimization of liver dysfunction is imperative before any elective surgery. Patients with MELD <12 or classified as Child A have a higher morbidity and mortality than matched controls without liver dysfunction, but are generally safe for elective procedures with appropriate patient education. Patients with MELD >20 or classified as Child C should undergo transplantation before any elective procedure given mortality exceeds 40%. Laparoscopic procedures are feasible and safe in cirrhotic patients.

Relevante Nebenerkrankungen zu Notfallindikationen und Notfalloperationen in der Viszeral- und Allgemeinchirurgie

Die Adipositas ist eine über das Normalmaß hinausgehende Vermehrung des Körperfetts und wird über den Body-Mass- Index (BMI = kg/m) bestimmt. Ab einem BMI von 30 kg/m liegt definitionsgemäß eine Adipositas vor. Der Krankheitswert ergibt sich aus der Assoziation von Folgeerkrankungen, deren Risiko mit der Prävalenzdauer und dem Schweregrad der Adipositas ansteigt (Tab. 28.1). Dabei korreliert das kardiovaskuläre Risiko besonders mit dem Vorliegen einer viszeralen Adipositas (>88/102 cm Taillenumfang bei Frauen/ Männern). Die Prävalenz der Adipositas steigt in Deutschland kontinuierlich an. Derzeit ist knapp ein Viertel der deutschen Bevölkerung als adipös einzustufen.

Safety of laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer in patients with liver cirrhosis: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Patients with liver cirrhosis represent a high risk group for colorectal surgery. The safety and effectiveness of laparoscopy in colorectal surgery for cirrhotic patients is not clear. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal surgery with those of open procedure for colorectal cancer in patients with liver cirrhosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 62 patients with cirrhosis who underwent radical resections for colorectal cancer from 2005 to 2014 were identified retrospectively from a prospective database according to the technique adopted (laparoscopic or open). Short- and long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Comparison of laparoscopic group and open group revealed no significant differences at baseline. In the laparoscopic group, the laparoscopic surgery was associated with reduced estimated blood loss (136 vs. 266 ml, p = 0.015), faster first flatus (3 vs. 4 days, p = 0.002) and shorter days to first oral intake (4 vs. 5 days, p = 0.033), but similar operative times (p = 0.856), number of retrieved lymph nodes (p = 0.400) or postoperative hospital stays (p = 0.170). Despite the similar incidence of overall complications between the two groups (50.0% vs. 68.8%, p = 0.133), we observed lower morbidities in laparoscopic group in terms of the rate of Grade II complication (20.0% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.014). Long-term of overall and Disease-free survival rates did not differ between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery appears to be a safe and less invasive alternative to open surgery in some elective cirrhotic patients in terms of less blood loss or early recovery and does not result in additional harm in terms of the postoperative complications or long-term oncological outcomes.

Efficacy and Tolerability of Direct-Acting Antivirals for Hepatitis C in Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in individuals aged 65 and older.

DESIGN

Retrospective review between June 2014 and January 2017.

SETTING

Viral hepatitis outpatient clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals aged 65 and older treated with DAA therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) during the study period (N=113) divided into 2 cohorts: aged 65 to 74 (n=88) and aged 75 and older (n=25).

MEASUREMENTS

Drug-drug interactions (DDIs), adverse events (AEs), and rates of sustained virologic response with DAA therapy were assessed.

RESULTS

Sustained virologic response rate was 97.7% in individuals aged 65 to 74 and 95.8% in those aged 75 and older. Individuals aged 75 and older were more likely to be taking more than 2 medications per day for chronic conditions (84% vs 62%, p=.02) and more likely to have clinically significant DDIs necessitating cessation or adjustment of medications before commencement of DAA therapy (80% vs 36%, p=.001). Moreover, individuals aged 75 and older were more likely to experience an AE during therapy (50% vs 26%, p=.03) and were more susceptible to developing anemia secondary to ribavirin (60% vs 20%, p=.02).

CONCLUSION

DAA therapy is highly efficacious for the treatment of HCV in older adults, but those aged 75 and older are more likely to have clinically significant pretreatment DDIs and experience AEs, including ribavirin-induced anemia, during therapy.

Assessing the Non-tumorous Liver: Implications for Patient Management and Surgical Therapy

INTRODUCTION

Hepatic resection is performed for various benign and malignant liver tumors. Over the last several decades, there have been improvements in the surgical technique and postoperative care of patients undergoing liver surgery. Despite this, liver failure following an extended hepatic resection remains a critical potential postoperative complication. Patients with underlying parenchymal liver diseases are at particular risk of liver failure due to impaired liver regeneration with an associated mortality risk as high as 60 to 90%. In addition, live donor liver transplantation requires a thorough presurgical assessment of the donor liver to minimize the risk of postoperative complications.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Recently, cross-sectional imaging assessment of diffuse liver diseases has gained momentum due to its ability to provide both anatomical and functional assessments of normal and abnormal tissues. Various imaging techniques are being employed to assess diffuse liver diseases including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound (US). MRI has the ability to detect abnormal intracellular and molecular processes and tissue architecture. CT has a high spatial resolution, while US provides real-time imaging, is inexpensive, and readily available. We herein review current state-of-the-art techniques to assess the underlying non-tumorous liver. Specifically, we summarize current approaches to evaluating diffuse liver diseases including fatty liver alcoholic or non-alcoholic (NAFLD, AFLD), hepatic fibrosis (HF), and iron deposition (ID) with a focus on advanced imaging techniques for non-invasive assessment along with their implications for patient management. In addition, the role of and techniques to assess hepatic volume in hepatic surgery are discussed.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt as a bridge to non-hepatic surgery in cirrhotic patients with severe portal hypertension: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Portal hypertension (PHTN) increases the risk of non-hepatic surgery in cirrhotic patients. This first systematic review analyzes the place of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in preparation for non-hepatic surgery in such patients.

METHODS

Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were searched from 1990 to 2017 to identify reports on outcomes of non-hepatic surgery in cirrhotic patients with PHTN prepared by TIPS. Feasibility of TIPS and the planned surgery, and the short- and long-term outcomes of the latter were assessed.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies (64 patients) were selected. TIPS was indicated for past history of variceal bleeding and/or ascites in 22 (34%) and 33 (52%) patients, respectively. The planned surgery was gastrointestinal tract cancer in 38 (59%) patients, benign digestive or pelvic surgery in 21 (33%) patients and others in 4 (6%) patients. The TIPS procedure was successful in all, with a nil mortality rate. All patients could be operated within a median delay of 30 days from TIPS (mortality rate = 8%; overall morbidity rate = 59.4%). One year overall survival was 80%.

CONCLUSIONS

TIPS allows non-hepatic surgery in cirrhotic patients deemed non operable due to PHTN. Further evidence in larger cohort of patients is essential for wider applicability.

Prevalence of Liver Fibrosis and its Association with Non-invasive Fibrosis and Metabolic Markers in Morbidly Obese Patients with Vitamin D Deficiency

Background

Morbidly obese patients are at risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and vitamin D deficiency (VDD). Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the progressive variant of NAFLD and can advance to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. We aimed to examine prevalence of liver fibrosis and its non-invasive predictors in bariatric patients with VDD (<75 nmol/l).

Methods

Baseline liver biopsy of a randomized controlled trial was performed in 46 patients with omega loop gastric bypass. Clinical, laboratory, and histological data were examined and tested with univariate and multivariable analysis.

Results

In total, 80 % were females, aged 42 (SD 13) years with BMI 44 (4) kg/m². Twenty-six percent had diabetes mellitus (DM) and 44 % metabolic syndrome (MeS). Seventy-two percent had NASH, 11 % simple steatosis, and 17 % normal liver. In total, 30 % demonstrated significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2) with 9 % of advanced (F3) and 4 % cirrhosis (F4). Increased stages of fibrosis were primarily associated with higher levels of HOMA2-insulin resistance (IR), procollagen type I propeptide (P1NP), lower osteocalcin, albumin-corrected calcium, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, male sex, and higher age. Other independent risk factors for advanced fibrosis were MeS (OR = 9.3 [0.99–87.5], p = 0.052) and DM (OR = 12.8 [1.2–137.4], p = 0.035). The fibrosis FIB-4 index <10.62 and NAFLD fibrosis score <−26.93 had a negative predictive value of 100 and 96 %, respectively.

Conclusions

Liver fibrosis is frequent in morbidly obese patients with concurrent DM and/or MeS. Increased serum levels of IR, P1NP, lower osteocalcin, and VDD are clinically relevant predictors of fibrosis. Consequently, we suggest that patients with preoperative presence of these markers are at increased risk for liver fibrosis and should be monitored closely.

Oncologic and surgical outcomes in colorectal cancer patients with liver cirrhosis: A propensity-matched study

The management of colorectal cancer in patients with liver cirrhosis requires a thorough understanding of both diseases. This study evaluated the effect of liver cirrhosis on oncologic and surgical outcomes and prognostic factors in colorectal cancer patients. Fifty-five consecutive colorectal cancer patients with liver cirrhosis underwent colorectal resection (LC group). Using a prospectively maintained database, these patients were matched 1:4 using propensity scoring with R programming language, package "MatchIt" and "optmatch" by sex, age, cancer location, and tumor stage with 220 patients without liver cirrhosis (non-LC group), resulting in 275 patients. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was significantly worse in the LC group than in the non-LC group (46.7% vs. 76.2% respectively, P < 0.001); however, the 5-year proportion of recurrence free (PRF) rates were similar (73.1% vs. 84.5% respectively, P = 0.094). On multivariate analysis of the LC group, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage ≥III disease, venous invasion, and a model for end-stage liver disease plus serum sodium (MELD-Na) score >10 were prognostic factors for OS. However, the OS was not different between the LC group with MELD-Na score ≤10 and the non-LC group (5-year OS rate, TNM stage ≤II, 85.7 vs 89.5%, p = 0.356; TNM stage ≥III, 41.1 vs 66.2%, p = 0.061). Colorectal cancer patients with liver cirrhosis have poorer OS compared to those without liver cirrhosis; however, the PRF rates are similar. It might be due to the mortality from the liver, and surgical treatment should be actively considered for patients with MELD-Na score <10.