Laparoscopic liver resection--current update

Safety and Feasibility of Laparoscopic Liver Resection with the Clamp-Crush Method Using the BiSect

BACKGROUND

Various energy devices are available for resection of the liver parenchyma during laparoscopic liver resection (LLR). We have historically performed liver resections using the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator (CUSA). More recently, we have used new bipolar forceps (BiSect; Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH, Tübingen, Germany) to perform clamp-crush dissection with good results. The BiSect is a reusable bipolar forceps with a laparoscopic dissecting forceps tip and both an incision mode and coagulation mode. We evaluated the perioperative clinical course of patients who underwent LLR using the clamp-crush method with the BiSect compared with the CUSA.

METHODS

This single-center case control study involved patients with liver metastasis from colorectal cancer who underwent LLR using either the BiSect or CUSA at our hospital from January 2019 to December 2022. We performed the LLR using CUSA from January 2019 to early October 2020. After introduction of the BiSect in late October 2020, we used BiSect for the LLR. Before surgery, the three-dimensional liver was constructed based on computed tomography images, and a preoperative simulation was performed. We evaluated the results of LLR using the BiSect versus the CUSA and assessed the short-term results of LLR.

RESULTS

During the study period, we performed partial liver resection using the BiSect in 26 patients and the CUSA in 16 patients. In the BiSect group, the median bleeding volume was 55 mL, the median operation time was 227 minutes, and the median postoperative length of hospital stay was 9 days. In the CUSA group, the median bleeding volume was 87 mL, the median operation time was 305 minutes, and the median postoperative length of hospital stay was 10 days. There were no statistically significant differences in the clinical course including bile leakage, bile duct stenosis, and post operative hospital stay between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with LLR using the CUSA, the clamp-crush method using the BiSect in LLR is a safe and useful liver transection technique. Further study should be conducted to clarify whether BiSect is safe and useful in LLR for patients with other tumor types and patients who undergo other procedures.

Robotic and laparoscopic right anterior sectionectomy and central hepatectomy: multicentre propensity score-matched analysis

Both robotic and laparoscopic right anterior sectionectomy and central hepatectomy can be performed safely in expert centres, with excellent outcomes. The robotic approach was associated with statistically significant less blood loss compared with laparoscopy, although the clinical relevance of this finding remains unclear.

Indications and Complications of Hepatic Resection Patients at Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences: An Observational Study

Aim: This study aimed to determine the indications and demographic profile of hepatic resection at Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), the performed types of hepatic resection, as well as assess the details of the operation and perioperative complications of hepatic resection.

Methods: This is a prospective, retrospective observational study. The retrospective study period was from January 2005 to August 2015 and the prospective study period was from 2015 till 2017. Prospective patients were clinically evaluated by medical history and clinical examination and also underwent various investigations. The patients were scored on Child-Pugh and American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) scores for risk stratification and prepared for surgery, which included segmentectomy to major liver resection. The retrospective data were obtained from the Medical Records Department (MRD). Statistical analysis was done on SPSS software 25.0 version (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.).

Results: This study included 122 patients with a male to female ratio of 1:1.59. The patients' age was between 1 and 73 years. The patients' most common complaint was right upper quadrant abdominal pain. The main established clinical diagnosis was oriental cholangiohepatitis (OCH) (36.9%) followed by carcinoma of gallbladder (CaGB) which accounted for 37 cases (30.4%). Liver metastases including solitary masses and multiple lesions were 10 cases (8.2%). Fifty-five patients underwent left lateral segmentectomy (45.1%) and mostly for OCH. Standard wedge resection was done in 30.7% of cases and for all cases of CaGB. The mean blood loss was 146.5 ml. A total of 37 patients had complications. Wound infection was the most common complication, occurring in 10 patients (8.2%).

Conclusion: Patients with hepatobiliary pathology, necessitating liver resection are now routinely admitted to the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology in SKIMS, Srinagar. Patients are carefully evaluated and operated with a confirmed definitive diagnosis. The overall surgical outcome does not differ from India's best centers.

Laparoscopy-assisted versus open and pure laparoscopic approach for liver resection and living donor hepatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopy-assisted (hybrid) liver surgery is considered a minimally invasive technique, however there are doubts regarding loss of the benefits of laparoscopy due to the use of an auxiliary incision. The aim of this study was to compare perioperative results of hybrid vs. open and hybrid vs. pure laparoscopic approach to liver resection for focal lesions and living donation.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed in Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library Central and LILACS databases. Perioperative outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

21 studies were included. Hybrid vs. open: operative time was lower in open group (mean difference [MD] = 34 min; 95%CI: 22-47; P < 0.001; N = 669). Hybrid technique was associated with a reduction in operative blood loss [MD = -43 ml; 95%CI: -74-(-13); P = 0.005, N = 1738]; shorter hospital stay [MD = -1.9 days; 95%CI: -3.2-(-0.5); P = 0.008; N = 833] and lower morbidity [risk difference (RD) = -0.05; 95%CI: -0.10-(-0.01); P = 0.010; N = 1359]. Hybrid vs. pure laparoscopic: There was no difference regarding blood loss, transfusion rate, hospital stay and morbimortality.

DISCUSSION

Hybrid technique had perioperative outcomes that were more in keeping with pure laparoscopic outcomes than open surgery. Hybrid liver surgery should be considered a minimally invasive approach.

Arantius Ligament Suspension: A Novel Technique for Retraction of the Left Lateral Lobe Liver During Laparoscopic Isolated Caudate Lobectomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic isolated caudate lobectomy remains a challenging procedure because of its deep location and proximity to the important vessels. We present a novel technique, Arantius ligament suspension, which could improve operative field exposure in laparoscopic isolated caudate lobectomy through retraction of the left lateral lobe liver.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Arantius ligament suspension technique was performed in 6 selected patients during laparoscopic isolated caudate lobectomy in our center: 2 with symptomatic hepatic cavernous hemangioma and 4 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The Arantius ligament suspension technique was performed using a 2-0 polypropylene suture (Prolen2-0®; Ethicon, Somerville, NJ), which was secured to the Arantius ligament with surgical clips at its halfway point and the left lateral lobe of liver would be retracted toward the abdominal wall when the suture was tightened. Perioperative data of these patients and follow-up data of HCC patients were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

All 6 procedures were completed without conversion to open surgery or requiring additional ports. The mean tumor size was 5.4 cm (2.2-7.8 cm), the mean blood loss was 260 mL (50-440 mL), and no patients required blood transfusion during the operation. The mean time required for this technique was 2 minutes 5 seconds (1 minutes 36 seconds-2 minutes 44 seconds) and the mean duration of entire surgery was 249 minutes (173-300 minutes). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 7 days (5-9 days) and no postoperative complication related to the suspension procedure occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Our outcomes demonstrated the Arantius ligament suspension technique is a feasible and ideal method during laparoscopic isolated caudate lobectomy for providing a rapid and safe left lateral lobe retraction.

Advances and challenges in laparoscopic surgery in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fifth most common malignancy and the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. From the wide variety of treatment options, surgical resection and liver transplantation are the only therapeutic ones. However, due to shortage of liver grafts, surgical resection is the most common therapeutic modality implemented. Owing to rapid technological development, minimally invasive approaches have been incorporated in liver surgery. Liver laparoscopic resection has been evaluated in comparison to the open technique and has been shown to be superior because of the reported decrease in surgical incision length and trauma, blood loss, operating theatre time, postsurgical pain and complications, R0 resection, length of stay, time to recovery and oral intake. It has been reported that laparoscopic excision is a safe and feasible approach with near zero mortality and oncologic outcomes similar to open resection. Nevertheless, current indications include solid tumors in the periphery < 5 cm, especially in segments II through VI, while according to the consensus laparoscopic major hepatectomy should only be performed by surgeons with high expertise in laparoscopic and hepatobiliary surgery in tertiary centers. It is necessary for a surgeon to surpass the 60-cases learning curve observed in order to accomplish the desirable outcomes and preserve patient safety. In this review, our aim is to thoroughly describe the general principles and current status of laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as future prospects.

Hand-assisted Approach as a Model to Teach Complex Laparoscopic Hepatectomies: Preliminary Results

BACKGROUND

Currently, there are limited and scarce models to teach complex liver resections by laparoscopy. The aim of this study is to present a hand-assisted technique to teach complex laparoscopic hepatectomies for fellows in liver surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Laparoscopic hand-assisted approach for resections of liver lesions located in posterosuperior segments (7, 6/7, 7/8, 8) was performed by the trainees with guidance and intermittent intervention of a senior surgeon. Data as: (1) percentage of time that the senior surgeon takes the surgery as main surgeon, (2) need for the senior surgeon to finish the procedure, (3) necessity of conversion, (4) bleeding with hemodynamic instability, (5) need for transfusion, (6) oncological surgical margins, were evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 12 cases of complex laparoscopic liver resections were performed by the trainee. All cases included deep lesions situated on liver segments 7 or 8. The senior surgeon intervention occurred in a mean of 20% of the total surgical time (range, 0% to 50%). A senior intervention >20% was necessary in 2 cases. There was no need for conversion or reoperation. Neither major bleeding nor complications resulted from the teaching program. All surgical margins were clear.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary report shows that hand-assistance is a safe way to teach complex liver resections without compromising patient safety or oncological results. More cases are still necessary to draw definitive conclusions about this teaching method.

Hepatobilio-pancreatic robotic surgery: initial experience from a single center institute

The use of robotic surgery in the hepatobilio-pancreatic (HBP) field is still limited. Our aim is to present our early experience of robotic liver resection. A retrospective review of robotic pancreatic and liver resection was performed at Sanchinarro University hospital from October 2010 to April 2016. Since the beginning of the robotic program in our center, 22 hepatic procedures and 45 pancreatic robotic procedures have been performed. Of the 21 patients subjected to liver resection, 13 (65%) were for malignancy. There were two left hepatectomies, one right hepatectomy, one associated liver partition and portal vein ligation staged procedure (both steps by robotic approach), three bisegmentectomies and three segmentectomies, eight wedge resections, and three pericystectomies. The mean operating time was 282 min. The overall conversion rate and postoperative complication rate were 4.7 and 19%, respectively. The mean length of hospital stay was 13.4 days (range 4-64 days). Of the 45 patients subjected to pancreatic resection, 22 were male and 23 female. The average age of all patients was 62 years (range 31-82 years). The mean operating room (OR) time was 370 min (120-780 min). Among the procedures performed were 15 pancreatico-duodenectomies, 19 distal pancreatectomies, and 11 enucleations. All procedures in the HBP area were R0. Our early experience shows that robotic surgery is a safe and feasible procedure in the HBP area. The complication and mortality rates are comparable to those of open surgery, but with the advantages of minimally invasive surgery.

What is the Learning Curve for Laparoscopic Major Hepatectomy?

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic liver resection is rapidly expanding with more than 9500 cases performed worldwide. While initial series reported non-anatomic resection of benign peripheral hepatic lesions, approximately 50-65 % of laparoscopic liver resections are now being done for malignant tumors, primarily hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or colorectal cancer liver metastases (mCRC).

METHODS

We performed a literature review of published studies evaluating outcomes of major laparoscopic liver resection, defined as three or more Couinaud segments.

RESULTS

Initial fears of adverse oncologic outcomes or tumor seeding have not been demonstrated, and dozens of studies have reported comparable 5-year disease-free and overall survival between laparoscopic and open resection of HCC or mCRC in case-cohort and propensity score-matched analyses. Increased experience has led to laparoscopic anatomic liver resections including laparoscopic major hepatectomy. A steep learning curve of 45-60 cases is evident for laparoscopic hepatic resection.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic major hepatectomy is safe and effective in the treatment of benign and malignant liver tumors when performed in specialized centers with dedicated teams. Comparable to other complex laparoscopic surgeries, laparoscopic major hepatectomy has a learning curve of 45-60 cases.

Video assisted resections. Increasing access to minimally invasive liver surgery?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate perioperative outcomes, safety and feasibility of video-assisted resection for primary and secondary liver lesions.

METHODS

From a prospective database, we analyzed the perioperative results (up to 90 days) of 25 consecutive patients undergoing video-assisted resections in the period between June 2007 and June 2013.

RESULTS

The mean age was 53.4 years (23-73) and 16 (64%) patients were female. Of the total, 84% were suffering from malignant diseases. We performed 33 resections (1 to 4 nodules per patient). The procedures performed were non-anatomical resections (n = 26), segmentectomy (n = 1), 2/3 bisegmentectomy (n = 1), 6/7 bisegmentectomy (n = 1), left hepatectomy (n = 2) and right hepatectomy (n = 2). The procedures contemplated postero-superior segments in 66.7%, requiring multiple or larger resections. The average operating time was 226 minutes (80-420), and anesthesia time, 360 minutes (200-630). The average size of resected nodes was 3.2 cm (0.8 to 10) and the surgical margins were free in all the analyzed specimens. Eight percent of patients needed blood transfusion and no case was converted to open surgery. The length of stay was 6.5 days (3-16). Postoperative complications occurred in 20% of patients, with no perioperative mortality.

CONCLUSION

The video-assisted liver resection is feasible and safe and should be part of the liver surgeon armamentarium for resection of primary and secondary liver lesions.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial caudate lobe resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic liver

PURPOSE

To evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of robot-assisted laparoscopic partial caudate lobe resection using the robotic surgical system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a report of the use of robot-assisted laparoscopic partial caudate lobe resection on 2 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

RESULTS

Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial caudate lobe resection was completed successfully in these 2 patients. The operating time was 137 and 150 minutes, respectively. The blood loss was 137 and 150 mL, respectively. They were able to tolerate liquids on the second postoperative day. Both patients recovered from the operation. They were discharged 4 and 5 days after the operation, respectively. The resected margins of both specimens were tumor free (R0 resections).

CONCLUSIONS

Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial caudate lobe resection is a feasible and safe procedure. Our results demonstrate the advantages of robotic system on short-term outcomes and suggest the extended indication of minimally invasive hepatectomy even in the technically challenging anatomic area.

Margin status after laparoscopic resection of colorectal liver metastases: does a narrow resection margin have an influence on survival and local recurrence?

OBJECTIVES

Recent studies of margin-related recurrence have raised questions on the necessity of ensuring wide resection margins in the resection of colorectal liver metastases. The aim of the current study was to determine whether resection margins of 10 mm provide a survival benefit over narrower resection margins.

METHODS

A total of 425 laparoscopic liver resections were carried out in 351 procedures performed in 317 patients between August 1998 and April 2012. Primary laparoscopic liver resections for colorectal metastases were included in the study. Two-stage resections, procedures accompanied by concomitant liver ablations and one case of perioperative mortality were excluded. A total of 155 eligible patients were classified into four groups according to resection margin width: Group 1, margins of < 1 mm [n = 33, including 17 patients with positive margins (Group 1a)]; Group 2, margins of 1 mm to < 3 mm (n = 31); Group 3, margins of ≥ 3 mm to <10 mm (n = 55), and Group 4, margins of ≥ 10 mm (n = 36). Perioperative and survival data were compared across the groups. Median follow-up was 31 months (range: 2-136 months).

RESULTS

Perioperative outcomes were similar in all groups. Unfavourable intraoperative incidents occurred in 9.7% of procedures (including 3.2% of conversions). Postoperative complications developed in 11.0% of patients. Recurrence in the resection bed developed in three (1.9%) patients, including two (6.1%) patients in Group 1. Rates of actuarial 5-year overall, disease-free and recurrence-free survival were 49%, 41% and 33%, respectively. Median survival was 65 months. Margin status had no significant impact on patient survival. The Basingstoke Predictive Index (BPI) generally underestimated survival. This underestimation was especially marked in Group 1 when postoperative BPI was applied.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with margins of <1 mm achieved survival comparable with that in patients with margins of ≥ 10 mm. When modern surgical equipment that generates an additional coagulation zone is applied, the association between resection margin and survival may not be apparent. Further studies in this field are required. Postoperative BPI, which includes margin status among the core factors predicting postoperative survival, seems to be less precise than preoperative BPI.

Rationale and surgical technique of laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy using endoscopic staples

Purpose

Laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy (LLLS) has been widely accepted due to benefits of minimally invasive surgery. Some surgeons prefer to isolate glissonian pedicles to segments II and III and to control individual pedicles with surgical clips, whereas opt like to control glissonian pedicles simultaneously using endoscopic stapling devices. The aim of this study was to find the rationale of LLLS using endoscopic staples.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed and compared the clinical outcomes (operation time, drainage length, transfusion, hospital stay, and complication rate) of 35 patients that underwent LLLS between April 2004 and February 2012. Patients were dichotomized by surgical technique based on whether glissonian pedicles were isolated and controlled (the individual group, n = 21) or controlled using endoscopic staples at once (the batch group, n = 14).

Results

Mean operation time was 265.3 ± 21.3 minutes (mean ± standard deviation) in the individual group and 170 ± 22.9 minutes in the batch group. Operation time in the batch group was significantly shorter than the individual group (P = 0.007). Mean drainage length was 4.8 ± 1.6 and 2.6 ± 1.5 days in the individual and the batch group. There was significantly shorter in the batch group, also (P = 0.006). No transfusion was required in the batch group, but 4 patients in the individual group needed transfusion. Mean hospital stay was 10.7 ± 1.1 and 9.4 ± 0.8 days in the individual and the batch groups (P = 0.460). There were no significant complications or mortality in both groups.

Conclusion

LLLS using endoscopic staples (batch group) was found to be an easier and safer technique without morbidity or mortality.

Laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer liver metastases

AIM: To investigate the application of laparoscopic resection in the management of colorectal cancer liver metastases.

METHODS: Between March 2008 and September 2013, 21 patients underwent laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer liver metastases at Huashan hospital and Pudong Hospital. Their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS: All laparoscopic resections for colorectal cancer liver metastases were successful with no conversion. There were no severe postoperative complications except one case of bile leakage. The median surgical margin was 12 mm. The overall 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 86%, 67% and 57%, respectively, while the 1-, 2- and 3-year disease-free survival rates were 81%, 62% and 47%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer liver metastases is safe and effective.

Pure laparoscopic liver resection reduces surgical site infections and hospital stay. Results of a case-matched control study in 50 patients

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic resection is an emerging tool in surgical oncology, but its role in liver tumors is far from being universally accepted.

METHODS

We designed a case-matched control study, comparing laparoscopic (LAP) vs. open hepatectomies (OP) performed in the same center during the same period of time. Fifty LAP were performed (34 liver metastases, 7 hepatocellular carcinomas, 2 hydatid cysts, and 5 benign tumors). Cases were compared with 100 OP matched according to: diagnosis, number of lesions, type of resection, age, ASA score, and ECOG performance status. We evaluated intraoperative and postoperative parameters, focusing on morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

Preoperative data were comparable in both groups. Operative features were similar in terms of overall morbidity 18 (36 %) vs. 36 (36 %), p = 1; intraoperative bleeding, 401 (18-2192) vs. 475 (20-2000) mL, p = 0.89; pedicle clamping, 37 (74 %) vs. 88 (88 %), p = 0.55; margin, 0.6 (0-5) vs. 0.65 (0-5) cm, p = 0.94, and mortality p = 0.65 for the LAP and OP groups, respectively. There was a significant decrease in surgical site infections 1 (2 %) vs. 18 (18 %) p = 0.007 in the LAP group. Operative time was longer: 295 (120-600) vs. 200 (70-450) min (p = 0.0001), and hospital stay significantly shorter: 4 (1-60) vs. 7 (3-44) days, p = 0.0001 with less readmissions (0 vs. 7 %) in the LAP.

DISCUSSION

In adequately selected patients, laparoscopic hepatectomy is feasible, safe, shortens hospital stay, and decreases surgical site infections.

Feasibility and safety of laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma with a tumor size of 5-10 cm

Background

Although laparoscopic liver resection has developed rapidly and gained widespread acceptance for the treatment of benign liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma with a small tumor size, its usefulness for the treatment of large tumors is less clear, due to concerns about compromising oncological principles and patient safety. The purpose of this study was to explore the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic liver resection for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with a tumor size of 5–10 cm.

Methods

From March 2007 to December 2011, we performed liver resection in 275 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with a tumor size of 5–10 cm. Laparoscopic liver resection was performed in 97 patients (Lap-Hx group) and open liver resection was performed in 178 patients (Open-Hx group). Operative time, estimated intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion rate, and length of postoperative hospital stay were compared between the two groups. Early and intermediate-term postoperative outcomes were also compared.

Results

Only one liver resection was performed for every patient with HCC in the present study.No operative deaths occurred in either group. Nine of the laparoscopic procedures were converted to open resection (conversion rate 9.28%). There were no significant differences in mean operative time (245±105 min vs 225±112 min; P = .469), mean estimated intraoperative blood loss (460±426 mL vs 454±365 mL; P = .913), or blood transfusion rate (4.6%, 4/88) vs (2.8%, 5/178)(P = .480) between the Lap-Hx and Open-Hx groups. However, postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the Lap-Hx group than the Open-Hx group (8.2±3.6 days vs 13.5±3.8 days; P = .028). There was a lower rate of postoperative complications in the Lap-Hx group than the Open-Hx group (9% vs 30%; P = .001), but there were no severe complications in either group. The median overall follow-up time was 21 months (range 2–50 months) and the median follow-up of time of survivors was 23 months. The median follow-up time was 25 months in the Lap-Hx group and 20 months in the Open-Hx group. The follow-up rate was 95% (84 patients) in the Lap-Hx group and 95% (169 patients) in the Open-Hx group, which was not a significant difference between the two groups (P = .20). Tumor recurrence occurred in 17 patients (20%) in the Lap-Hx group and 35 patients (21%) in the Open-Hx group, which was not a significant difference between the two groups (P = .876). A total of 33 patients (13%) died during the study period, including 12 patients (14%) in the Lap-Hx group and 21 patients (12%) in the Open-Hx group, which was not a significant difference between the two groups (P = .695). There were also no significant differences in the 1-year rates of overall survival (94% vs 95%; P = .942) or disease-free survival (93% vs 92%; P = .941), or the 3-year rates of overall survival (86% vs 88%; P = .879) or disease-free survival (66% vs 67%; P = .931), between the Lap-Hx and Open-Hx groups.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic liver resection is safe and feasible in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with a tumor size of 5–10 cm. Laparoscopic liver resection can avoid some of the disadvantages of open resection, and is beneficial in selected patients based on preoperative liver function, tumor size and location.

Laparoscopic major hepatectomy: pure laparoscopic approach versus hand-assisted technique

Laparoscopic liver resections are being performed with increasing frequency, with several groups having reported minimally invasive approaches for major anatomic hepatic resections. Some surgeons favor a pure laparoscopic approach, while others prefer a hand-assisted approach for major laparoscopic liver resections. There are clear advantages and disadvantages to a hand-assisted technique. The purpose of this study is to summarize the literature comparing pure laparoscopic and hand-assisted approaches for minimally invasive hepatic resection, and to describe our approach in 432 laparoscopic liver resections.

Techniques of hepatic resection

Liver resections are high risk procedures performed by experienced surgeons. The role of liver resection in malignant disease has changed over the last 100 years with great improvement in morbidity, mortality and long term survival. New understanding in liver anatomy, improved perioperative care, anesthesia techniques, and technological advances has improved this aspect of patient care. With improved techniques, patients previously considered unresectable have an opportunity to undergo curative surgery. This review article describes the various approaches and techniques for liver resection. The relevant anatomy and terminology of hepatic resections is discussed, as well as the role of anatomic vs. nonanatomic resection. Methods of vascular control are examined and the multiple strategies of parenchymal transection are compared, as well as minimally-invasive techniques. Finally, a brief review of the authors' practice in terms of surgical technique is offered.

Dynamic variables of fluid responsiveness during pneumoperitoneum and laparoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND

Few data exist on dynamic variables predicting fluid responsiveness during laparoscopic surgery. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of laparoscopy on four dynamic variables: respiratory variations in pulse pressure (ΔPP), stroke volume variation by Vigileo/FloTrac (SVV (Vigileo) ), pleth variability index (PVI) and respiratory variations in pulse oximetry plethysmography waveform amplitude (ΔPOP), and their relation to fluid challenges during laparoscopic surgery.

METHODS

ΔPP, SVV (Vigileo) , PVI and ΔPOP were studied in 20 adult patients before and during pneumoperitoneum (10-12 mmHg). During ongoing laparoscopic surgery, relations between the dynamic variables and changes in stroke volume oesophageal Doppler, (SV(OD) ) after fluid challenges (250 ml colloid) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Pneumoperitoneum changed the dynamic variables as follows {mean [95% confidence interval (CI)]}: ΔPP 0.5 (-1.3, 2.3)%, P = 0.53; SVV (Vigileo) 0.6 (-1.3, 2.5)%, P = 0.52; PVI 2.9 (0.4, 5.3)%, P = 0.025. For ΔPOP, median difference (95% CI) was 2.5 (-0.15, 6.7)%, P = 0.058. During laparoscopic surgery, areas under receiver operating characteristics curves (95% CI) were ΔPP 0.53 (0.31-0.75), SVV (Vigileo) 0.74 (0.51-0.90), PVI 0.61 (0.38-0.81), ΔPOP 0.63 (0.40-0.82). Correlation coefficients (P-values) between changes in dynamic variables and changes in SV(OD) were ΔPP r = -0.65, P = 0.009; SVV (Vigileo) r = -0.73, P = 0.002; PVI r = -0.22, P = 0.44; ΔPOP r = -0.32, P = 0.24.

CONCLUSION

ΔPP and SVV (Vigileo) did not change as pneumoperitoneum was established, whereas PVI increased and ΔPOP tended to increase. All four dynamic variables predicted fluid responsiveness relatively poor during ongoing laparoscopic surgery. ΔPP and SVV (Vigileo) tracked changes in stroke volume induced by fluid challenges during ongoing laparascopic surgery, whereas ΔPOP and PVI did not.

Robotic hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Robotic surgery has emerged as one of the most promising surgical advances since its launch at the turn of the millennium. Despite its worldwide acceptance in many different surgical specialties, the use of robotic assistance in the field of hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HBP) surgery remains relatively unexplored. This article aims to evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of robotic HBP surgery in a single surgical center.

METHODS

Between May 2009 and December 2010, all patients admitted to our unit for robotic HBP surgery were evaluated. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database on clinical outcomes was performed.

RESULTS

There were 55 robotic HBP operations performed during the study period. There were 27 robotic liver resections (left lateral sectionectomies n = 17, left hepatectomy n = 1, other segmentectomies n = 2 and wedge resections n = 7), 12 robotic pancreatic procedures (Whipple's operations n = 8, spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomies n = 2, double bypass n = 1 and cystojejunostomy n = 1) and 16 biliary procedures (biliary enteric bypass n = 9, bile duct exploration and related procedures n = 7). The median postoperative hospital stays for robotic liver resections, biliary procedures and pancreatic operations were 5.5 days (range 3-11 days), 6 days (range 4-11 days) and 12 days (range 6-21 days), respectively. Morbidities for liver resection, biliary procedures and pancreatic operations were 7.4, 18 and 33%, respectively. There was no mortality in our series.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic surgery is feasible and can be safely performed in patients with complicated HBP pathologies. Further evaluation with clinical trials is required to validate its real benefits.

Is surgical resection superior to transplantation in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma?

OBJECTIVE

To compare outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with either liver resection or transplantation.

METHODS

A retrospective, single-institution analysis of 413 HCC patients from 1999 to 2009.

RESULTS

A total of 413 patients with HCC underwent surgical resection (n = 106) and transplantation (n = 270) or were listed without receiving transplantation (n = 37). Excluding transplanted patients with incidental tumors (n = 50), 257 patients with suspected HCC were listed with the intent to transplant (ITT). The median diameter of the largest tumor by radiography was 6.0 cm in resected, 3.0 cm in transplanted, and 3.4 cm in the listed-but-not-transplanted patients. Median time to transplant was 48 days. Recurrence rates were 19.8% for resection and 12.1% for all ITT patients. Overall, patient survival for resection versus ITT patients was similar (5-year survival of 53.0% vs 52.0%, not significant). However, for HCC patients with model end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores less than 10 and who radiologically met Milan or UCSF (University of California, San Francisco) criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival rates were significantly improved in resected patients. For patients with MELD score less than 10 and who met Milan criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival were 92.0% and 63.0% for resection (n = 26) versus 83.0% and 41.0% for ITT (n = 73, P = 0.036). For those with MELD score less than 10 and met UCSF criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival was 94.0% and 62.0% for resection (n = 33) versus 81.0% and 40.0% for ITT (n = 78, P = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Among known HCC patients with preserved liver function, resection was associated with superior patient survival versus transplantation. These results suggest that surgical resection should remain the first line therapy for patients with HCC and compensated liver function who are candidates for resection.

Meta-analysis of trials comparing minimally-invasive and open liver resections for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Recent literature suggests that minimally-invasive hepatectomy (MIH) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with better perioperative results and similar oncologic outcomes compared to open hepatectomy (OH). However, previous reports have been limited by small sample size and single-institution design.

METHODS

To overcome these limitations, we performed a meta-analysis of studies comparing MIH and OH in patients with HCC using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Nine eligible studies were identified that included 227 patients undergoing MIH and 363 undergoing OH. Patients were similar respect to age, gender, rates of cirrhosis, hepatitis C infection, tumour size, and American Society of Anesthesiology classification. The MIH group had lower rates of hepatitis B infection. There were no differences in type of resection (anatomic or non-anatomic), use of Pringle's maneuver, and operative time. Patients undergoing MIH had less blood loss [difference -217 mL; 95% confidence interval (CI), -314 to -121], lower rates of transfusion [odds ratio (OR), 0.38; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.59], shorter postoperative stay (difference -5 days; 95% CI, -7.84 to -2.25), lower rates of positive margins (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.69) and perioperative complications (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.66). Survival outcomes were similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Although patient selection might have influenced some of the observed outcomes, MIH was associated with decreased blood loss, transfusions, rates of positive resection margins, overall and specific morbidity, and hospital stay. Survival outcomes did not differ between MIH and OH, although further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of MIH on long-term results.

Is surgical resection superior to transplantation in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma?

OBJECTIVE

To compare outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with either liver resection or transplantation.

METHODS

A retrospective, single-institution analysis of 413 HCC patients from 1999 to 2009.

RESULTS

A total of 413 patients with HCC underwent surgical resection (n = 106) and transplantation (n = 270) or were listed without receiving transplantation (n = 37). Excluding transplanted patients with incidental tumors (n = 50), 257 patients with suspected HCC were listed with the intent to transplant (ITT). The median diameter of the largest tumor by radiography was 6.0 cm in resected, 3.0 cm in transplanted, and 3.4 cm in the listed-but-not-transplanted patients. Median time to transplant was 48 days. Recurrence rates were 19.8% for resection and 12.1% for all ITT patients. Overall, patient survival for resection versus ITT patients was similar (5-year survival of 53.0% vs 52.0%, not significant). However, for HCC patients with model end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores less than 10 and who radiologically met Milan or UCSF (University of California, San Francisco) criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival rates were significantly improved in resected patients. For patients with MELD score less than 10 and who met Milan criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival were 92.0% and 63.0% for resection (n = 26) versus 83.0% and 41.0% for ITT (n = 73, P = 0.036). For those with MELD score less than 10 and met UCSF criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival was 94.0% and 62.0% for resection (n = 33) versus 81.0% and 40.0% for ITT (n = 78, P = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Among known HCC patients with preserved liver function, resection was associated with superior patient survival versus transplantation. These results suggest that surgical resection should remain the first line therapy for patients with HCC and compensated liver function who are candidates for resection.

Multimodality laparoscopic liver resection for hepatic malignancy--from conventional total laparoscopic approach to robot-assisted laparoscopic approach

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic liver resection can either be total laparoscopic or hand-assisted laparoscopic approach. The recent introduction of robotic surgical systems has revolutionized the field of minimally invasive surgery. It was developed to overcome the disadvantages of conventional laparoscopic surgery. The role of robotic system in laparoscopic surgery was not well evaluated yet. The aim of this cohort study was to evaluate the outcome of multimodality approach of laparoscopic liver resection for hepatic malignancy

METHODS

From January 1998 to August 2010, all patients with hepatic malignancy underwent laparoscopic liver resection were included. A prospectively collected data was analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

During the study period, a total of 56 patients with hepatic malignancies (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC, n = 42; colorectal liver metastases, CLM, n = 14) underwent laparoscopic liver resection in our surgical unit. The majority of cases were performed by hand-assisted laparoscopic approach, n = 31 (55.3%) and the remainder were with total laparoscopic approach, n = 10 (17.9%) and robot-assisted laparoscopic approach, n = 15 (26.8%). The median operation time was 150 min (range, 75-307 min). The median blood loss during surgery was 175 ml (range, 5-2000 ml). Two patients (3.6%) needed open conversion and one patient (1.8%) needed to be converted to hand-assisted laparoscopic approach. The morbidity rate was 14.3%. There was no procedure-related death. 89.3% of patients had R0 resection and 10.7% of patients had R1 resection. The median hospital stay was 6.5 days (range, 2-13 days). The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year disease-free survival rates for HCC were 85%, 47%, and 38%, respectively. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival rates for HCC were 96%, 67%, and 52%, respectively. The 1-year, and 3-year disease-free survival rates for CLM were 92% and 72%. The 1-year, and 3-year overall survival rates for CLM were 100% and 88%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Multimodality approach of laparoscopic liver resection of hepatic malignancy was feasible, and safe in selected patients. It was associated with a low complications rate. The mid-term and long-term survival outcome was favorable also.

Single port laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a preliminary report

Single port laparoscopic surgery is an emerging technique, now commonly used in cholecystectomy. The experience of using this technique in liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma is described in a series of 3 cases with single port laparoscopic liver resection performed during 2010. All patients were male aged 61 to 70 years, with several comorbidities. There were no complications in this early series. The length of hospital stay was 3-5 days. The blood loss was 200-450 mL, with operating time between 142 and 171 minutes. We conclude that this technique is feasible and safe to perform in experienced centers.