Aggressive surgical resection for hepatic metastases involving the inferior vena cava

Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases with Major Vessel Involvement

BACKGROUND

Treatment of CRLM with major vessel involvement is still challenging and valid data on outcomes are still rare. We analyzed our experience of hepatectomies with resection and reconstruction of major hepatic vessels with regard to operative and perioperative details, histopathological findings and oncological outcome.

METHODS

Data of 32 hepatectomies with major hepatic vessel resections and reconstructions were included. Results were correlated with perioperative and oncological outcome.

RESULTS

Out of 1236 surgical resections due to CRLM, we performed 35 major hepatic vessel resections and reconstructions in 32 cases (2.6%) during the study period from January 2008 to March 2023. The vena cava inferior (VCI) was resected and reconstructed in 19, the portal vein (PV) in 6 and a hepatic vein (HV) in 10 cases. Histopathological examination confirmed a vascular infiltration in 6/32 patients (VCI 3/17, HV 2/10 and PV 1/6). There were 27 R0 and 5 R1 resections. All R1 situations affected the parenchymal margin. Vascular wall margins were R0. Ninety-day mortality was 0. The median overall survival (OS) for the patient group with vascular infiltration (V1) was 21 months and for the V0 group 33.3 months.

CONCLUSION

Liver resections with vascular resection and reconstruction are rare and histological vessel infiltration occurs seldom. In cases with presumed vascular wall infiltration, liver resection combined with major vessel resection and reconstruction can be performed with low morbidity and mortality. We prefer a parenchymal sparing liver resection with vascular resection and reconstruction to achieve negative resection margins, but in technically difficult cases with higher risk for postoperative complications, tumor detachment from vessels without resection is a most reasonable surgical alternative.

Reconstruction of Inferior Vena Cava by Autologous Great Saphenous Vein Grafts in Liver Surgery

BACKGROUND

To secure surgical margin for hepatic lesion with involvement of the inferior vena cava (IVC), combined radical liver resection and IVC replacement are required. A novel method of replacing IVC by newly customized autologous great saphenous vein (GSV) grafts was introduced by this study. This study aimed at reporting the feasibility and outcome of this novel technique.

METHODS

From January 2014 to January 2021, all consecutive patients who underwent concomitant hepatectomy and IVC replacement by autogenous GSV graft were enrolled in this study. Technical insights, intraoperative details, demographic data, postoperative complication, graft patency and survival data were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Concomitant hepatectomy/autotransplantation (ERAT) with IVC replacement by autogenous GSV graft was successful in 47 patients and there was no 30-day mortality. There were 8 out of the 47 patients whose retrohepatic venae cavae were completely invaded by the lesion and their reconstructed IVCs were totally made from GSV grafts. The other 39 patients whose IVCs were partially invaded had their IVCs reconstructed by both the unaffected part of the IVC wall and newly customized GSV graft. Postoperative complications classified as Clavien-Dindo grade II, III A and III B were observed in 10, 7 and 3 patients, respectively. The median follow-up months were 35 months (29-80 months). No patient developed thrombosis of the graft and 100% patency of the IVC was observed throughout the study.

CONCLUSION

In selected patients, hepatectomy/ERAT with IVC replacement by autogenous GSV graft is safe and feasible. The newly customized autologous GVS graft was ideal for reconstruction of the IVC in liver surgery.

Surgery of Colorectal Liver Metastases Involving the Inferior Vena Cava: A Systematic Review

Combined hepatic and inferior vena cava (IVC) resection is the only potentially curative treatment for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) involving the IVC. Most of the existing data come from case reports or small case series. In this paper, a systematic review based on the PICO strategy was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Papers from January 1980 to December 2022 were searched in Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library databases. Articles considered for inclusion had to present data on simultaneous liver and IVC resection for CRLM and report surgical and/or oncological outcomes. From a total of 1175 articles retrieved, 29, including a total of 188 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 58.3 ± 10.8 years. The most frequent techniques used were right hepatectomy ± caudate lobe for hepatic resections (37.8%), lateral clamping (44.8%) for vascular control, and primary closure (56.8%) for IVC repair. The thirty-day mortality reached 4.6%. Tumour relapse was reported in 65.8% of the cases. The median overall survival (OS) was 34 months (with a confidence interval of 30-40 months), and the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS were 71.4%, 19.8%, and 7.1%, respectively. In the absence of prospective randomized studies, which are difficult to perform, IVC resection seems to be safe and feasible.

Vascular surgery in liver resection

Vascular surgery in liver resection is a standard part of liver transplantation, but is also used in oncological liver surgery. Malignant liver tumors with vascular involvement have a poor prognosis without resection. Surgery is currently the only treatment to provide long-term survival in advanced hepatic malignancy. Even though extended liver resections are increasingly performed, vascular involvement with need of vascular reconstruction is still considered a contraindication for surgery in many institutions. However, vascular resection and reconstruction in liver surgery-despite being complex procedures-are safely performed in specialized centers. The improvements of the postoperative results with reduced postoperative morbidity and mortality are a result of rising surgical and anesthesiological experience and advancements in multimodal treatment concepts with preconditioning measures regarding liver function and systemic treatment options. This review focuses on vascular surgery in oncological liver resections. Even though many surgical techniques were developed and are also used during liver transplantation, this special procedure is not particularly covered within this review article. We provide a summary of vascular reconstruction techniques in oncological liver surgery according to the literature and present also our own experience. We aim to outline the current advances and standards in extended surgical procedures for liver tumors with vascular involvement established in specialized centers, since curative resection improves long-term survival and shifts palliative concepts to curative therapy.

Single-Centre Experience of Supra-Renal Vena Cava Resection and Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Tumours involving the supra-renal segment of IVC have dismal prognosis if left untreated. Currently, aggressive surgical management is the only potentially curative treatment but is associated with relatively high morbidity and mortality. This study aims to evaluate perioperative factors, associated with adverse postoperative outcomes, based on the perioperative characteristics and type of IVC reconstruction.

METHODS

We identified 44 consecutive patients, who underwent supra-renal IVC resection with a mean age of 57.3 years. Isolated resection of IVC was performed in four patients, concomitant liver resection was performed in 27 patients and other associated resection in 13 patients. Total vascular exclusion was applied in 21 patients, isolated IVC occlusion in 11 patients. Neither venovenous bypass (VVB) nor hypothermic perfusion was used in any of the cases.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 205 min (150-324 min) and the mean estimated blood loss was 755 ml (230-4500 ml). Overall morbidity was 59% and major complications (Dindo-Clavien ≥ III) occurred in 11 patients (25%). The 90-day mortality was 11% (5pts). Intraoperative haemotransfusion was significantly associated with postoperative general complications (p < 0,001). With a mean follow-up of 26.2 months, the actuarial 1-, 3- and 5-year survival is 69%, 34%, and 16%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

IVC resection and reconstruction in the aspect of aggressive surgical management of malignant disease confers a survival advantage in patients, often considered unresectable. When performed in experienced centres it is associated with acceptable morbidity and mortality.

Current trends in vena cava reconstructive techniques with major liver resection: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Historically, invasion of the inferior vena cava (IVC) represented advanced and often unresectable hepatic disease. With surgical and anesthetic innovations, IVC resection and reconstruction have become feasible in selected patients. This review assesses technical variations in reconstructive techniques and post-operative management.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed according to PRISMA. Inclusion criteria were (i) peer-reviewed articles in English; (ii) at least three cases; (iii) hepatic IVC resection and reconstruction (January 2015-March 2020). Primary outcomes were reconstructive technique, anti-thrombotic regimen, post-operative IVC patency, and infection. Secondary outcomes included post-operative complications and malignant disease survival.

RESULTS

Fourteen articles were included allowing for investigation of 351 individual patients. Analysis demonstrated significant heterogeneity in surgical reconstructive technique, anti-thrombotic management, and post-operative monitoring of patency. There was increased utilization of ex vivo approaches and decreased use of venovenous bypass compared with previously published reviews.

CONCLUSION

This review of literature published between 2015 and 2020 reveals persistent heterogeneity of hepatic IVC reconstructive techniques and peri-operative management. Increased utilization of ex vivo approaches and decreased use of venovenous bypass point towards improved operative techniques, peri-operative management, and anesthesia. In order to gain evidence for consensus on management, a registry would be beneficial.

Surgical treatment of a rare case of hepatocellular carcinoma with right atrial metastasis: A case report

RATIONALE

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with intracavitary metastasis extending to the heart, also known as inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombus, is an extremely rare late-stage disease with no effective treatment. In fact, the median survival is reportedly less than 2 months; thus, there is an urgent need for better treatment.

PATIENT CONCERNS

In this study, a 48-year-old patient was admitted to our hospital to seek medical treatment for advanced primary HCC with right atrial metastasis.

DIAGNOSIS

The patient was diagnosed as primary HCC with a large mass in the right lobe of the liver and intracavitary metastasis to the right atrium.

INTERVENTIONS

A new surgical treatment of right hemihepatectomy, complete resection of the involved IVC and the right atrium thrombus, plus reconstruction of the resected IVC using autologous pericardial tube graft were undertaken and successfully performed.

OUTCOMES

The patient recovered rapidly, and 14 days after the surgical procedures, he was discharged from the hospital. Notably, serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein dropped to normal range and no clinical signs of recurrence were observed during follow-up.

LESSONS

This report highlights an unusual case of right atrial metastasis from HCC. The surgical treatment appeared to be suitable and effective, together with postoperative administration of lenvatinib, a tyrosine kinase multitarget inhibitor selected by performing whole-exome sequencing. These therapies have offered favorable clinical outcomes such as prevention of recurrence and prolongation of patient survival. In addition, clinicians may benefit from our experience for their future treatment of patients with similar clinical conditions.

A new treatment strategy for end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis: IVC resection without reconstruction

Patients with hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) infringing on the inferior vena cava (IVC) have a poor prognosis when radical resection cannot be performed because curative resection is limited by IVC reconstruction. There is little information concerning combined resection of the liver and the IVC. This study explored a novel treatment method for HAE infringing on the IVC and evaluated the safety and feasibility of combined resection of the liver and the IVC. A total of 13 patients were treated with liver resection combined with IVC resection for end-stage HAE between January 2016 and July 2018 at the Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University. The demographic, clinical, and follow-up data were collected and analysed. The 13 patients underwent resection of the IVC without reconstruction. Of these, 3 exhibited oedema of both lower limbs and the scrotum (23.1%), 2 exhibited pneumothorax (15.4%), 1 exhibited bile leakage (7.7%), 1 exhibited bacteraemia (7.7%), and 1 developed abdominal haemorrhage that was stopped with conservative treatment (7.7%). There was 1 case of operation-related mortality because of upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage (7.7%), and no patients developed recurrence or had residual lesions. Liver resection combined with IVC resection is effective and feasible for patients with HAE infringing on the IVC.

Endovascular Thrombectomy of Septic Thrombophlebitis of the Inferior Vena Cava: Case Report and Review of the Literature

We describe the cases of 2 patients who had septic thrombophlebitis and were successfully managed with endovascular thrombectomy. Patient A developed septic thrombophlebitis of the inferior vena cava after several retroperitoneal resections for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The thrombus was successfully removed via endovascular mechanical balloon thrombectomy. Patient B was a patient with pancreatic adenocarcinoma involving the portal vein who developed a septic inferior vena cava thrombus extending from the level and beyond the renal veins, for which she underwent endovascular thrombectomy. We argue that this approach is safe and feasible. It should be considered as a supplemental treatment modality for select decompensating patients who require lifesaving interventions and have contraindications to traditional management of surgical thrombectomy or excision of the involved venous segment.

Surgical outcome of extended liver resections for colorectal liver metastasis compared with standard liver resections

Colorectal liver metastatic lesions sometimes invade adjacent organs. A hepatectomy is often extended to include the involved adjacent organ to achieve negative surgical margins. The purpose of the present retrospective study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes of extended liver resections and patients' prognoses. The medical records of 178 patients with colorectal liver metastasis who underwent liver resections in the Department of Gastroenterological Surgery at Osaka University Hospital (Suita, Japan), from 2000 to 2015 were reviewed. These patients were divided into two groups: the extended resection group (n=20) and the non-extended resection group (n=158). The disease-free and overall survival curves were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method and analyzed with the log rank test. It was observed that the extended resection group had longer operation times and increased blood loss, however perioperative morbidity was similar. The organs resected most frequently were the diaphragm (n=10) and inferior vena cava (n=5). Overall survival rates in the extended resection group were lower compared with the non-extended resection group (5-year survival rates; 45.0 vs. 67.9%), however the difference was not significant. It was indicated that the aggressive hepatectomy combined with resection of adjacent organs was an acceptable treatment with low perioperative morbidity. The overall survival rate may not be inferior to that of simple hepatectomy.

Repeat hepatectomy with inferior vena cava re-resection for colorectal liver metastases: case report and review of the literature

Liver resection in patients with inferior vena cava (IVC) involvement is becoming more common with the adoption of vascular exclusion techniques and replacement of the IVC. Repeat hepatectomy and an aggressive surgical approach can offer satisfactory disease-free survival and a cure in selected patients. We herein describe a case of repeat hepatectomy with en bloc re-do IVC resection and reconstruction with Gore-Tex graft for recurrent colorectal liver disease. The patient had previously undergone non-anatomical right liver resection with IVC partial excision and reconstruction with a porcine pericardial patch. The patient is currently disease-free at 12 months' follow-up. Surgical treatment of liver tumors involving the IVC offers the only hope for prolonged survival. Re-do liver surgery with concomitant re-excision of the IVC is feasible and can be contemplated when macroscopic removal of the tumor is expected. Management of these complex cases by a specialist team with expertise in liver transplantation and vascular techniques is advised.

Repeated hepatic resection combined with inferior vena cava replacement: Case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION

Advanced tumors of the liver involving the inferior vena cava (IVC) have always been considered a contraindication to surgery.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report a case of a patient, who previously underwent right hepatectomy, with recurrence of colorectal liver metastasis invading the IVC. The patient had a liver resection together with replacement of the vena cava using a ringed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft tube. The operation was carried out in hepatic vascular exclusion (HVE) without the use of veno-venous bypass. The patient was healthy and tumor-free at 6 months post-surgery.

DISCUSSION

In patients with hepatic malignancy involving the IVC, extended hepatic resection and reconstruction of the IVC is often the prerequisite to obtaining a resection margin.

CONCLUSION

Extended hepatic resection with IVC reconstruction for hepatic malignancy may offer a chance of cure to selected patients who otherwise have poor survival rates.

Combined vascular resection and reconstruction during hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancer surgery

Prospective studies needed at high-volume centres

Evolving role of vascular resection and reconstruction in hepatic surgery for malignancy

Primary and secondary hepatic malignancies, including hepatocellular cancer, cholangiocarcinoma and metastatic disease from colorectal cancer continue to increase in incidence worldwide, and remain diseases with a high mortality. Liver resection, with negative margins, is associated with improved survival and better quality of life over nonoperative treatment. As liver resection continues to evolve, aggressive centers are increasingly using vascular resection and reconstruction to achieve negative margins and improve outcomes. As these resections become more common, the morbidity and mortality associated with these complex surgical procedures is decreasing. Currently, resections of the portal vein are becoming routine in major liver and pancreatic resections, and experience with hepatic artery, hepatic vein and inferior vena cava resections is increasing. This review paper looks at the current indications, techniques and outcomes for major vascular resection in hepatic malignancy.

Resection of the liver and inferior vena cava for hepatic malignancy

BACKGROUND

Involvement of the IVC has traditionally been considered a relative contraindication to resection for advanced tumors of the liver. Combined resection of the liver and IVC for malignancy can be performed safely and results in long-term survival in select patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Sixty patients undergoing hepatic and IVC resection by the primary author from 1996 to 2012 were reviewed. Median age was 52 years. Resections were carried out for cholangiocarcinoma (n = 26), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 16), colorectal metastases (n = 13), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (n = 2), hepatoblastoma (n = 2), and squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1). Resections performed included 27 right and 5 left trisegmentectomies and 25 right and 3 left lobectomies, including the caudate lobe. Ex vivo procedures were performed in 6 patients using veno-venous bypass and the other 54 procedures were performed using varying degrees of vascular isolation. In situ cold perfusion of the liver was used in 8 patients. The IVC was reconstructed using a tube graft (n = 38) primarily (n = 8) or with patches (n = 14).

RESULTS

There were 5 perioperative deaths (8%). Three patients died of liver failure, 1 patient died of pulmonary hemorrhage, and 1 patient died of massive pulmonary embolism. Nine patients had evidence of postoperative liver failure that resolved with supportive management. Three patients required temporary dialysis. With a median follow-up of 31 months, 14 patients have died of recurrent malignancy between 22 and 44 months, and an additional 4 patients are alive with disease at 16 to 33 months. Actuarial 1- and 5-year survival rates were 89% and 35%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Inferior vena cava involvement by malignancy does not obviate liver resection. The procedure's increased risk is balanced by the possible benefits, given the lack of alternative curative approaches.

Combined resection of a tumor and the inferior vena cava: report of two cases

Tumor resection and caval tumor thrombectomy, with or without cavotomy and inferior vena cava (IVC) replacement are sometimes performed in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) extending into the IVC or liver tumors invading the IVC. Two such cases were treated. Case 1: a 68-year-old female was transferred with a diagnosis of right RCC with tumor thrombus extending into the IVC. A plication was performed to prevent extension into the right atrium before the nephrectomy and cavotomy with removal of the tumor thrombus was accomplished, because the IVC was almost completely obstructed and the hemodynamics were stable during cross-clamping of the IVC. Case 2: a 37-year-old female was transferred with a diagnosis of a giant metastatic liver tumor. A trisegmentectomy with resection of the invaded IVC and IVC replacement was performed while the abdominal aorta was cross-clamped to maintain the hemodynamics. Therefore, abdominal aortic cross-clamping was convenient to maintain the hemodynamics when the IVC replacement was performed during IVC cross-clamping.

Portal triad clamping versus other methods of vascular control in liver resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Portal triad clamping (PTC) is the most commonly used method of achieving vascular control during liver resection. However, the efficacy and safety of PTC, compared with those of other methods of vascular control, are uncertain.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PTC with other methods of vascular control during liver resection. Endpoints included in-hospital mortality, need for transfusion, number of complications and length of hospital stay. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Ten RCTs were identified; these included a total of 820 patients. No statistically significant differences between PTC and other forms of vascular control in liver resection were demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence, on the basis of this meta-analysis of RCTs, of any difference between PTC and other forms of vascular control in liver resection.

Anesthetic Considerations in Hepatectomies under Hepatic Vascular Control

Background. Hazards of liver surgery have been attenuated by the evolution in methods of hepatic vascular control and the anesthetic management. In this paper, the anesthetic considerations during hepatic vascular occlusion techniques were reviewed. Methods. A Medline literature search using the terms "anesthetic," "anesthesia," "liver," "hepatectomy," "inflow," "outflow occlusion," "Pringle," "hemodynamic," "air embolism," "blood loss," "transfusion," "ischemia-reperfusion," "preconditioning," was performed. Results. Task-orientated anesthetic management, according to the performed method of hepatic vascular occlusion, ameliorates the surgical outcome and improves the morbidity and mortality rates, following liver surgery. Conclusions. Hepatic vascular occlusion techniques share common anesthetic considerations in terms of preoperative assessment, monitoring, induction, and maintenance of anesthesia. On the other hand, the hemodynamic management, the prevention of vascular air embolism, blood transfusion, and liver injury are plausible when the anesthetic plan is scheduled according to the method of hepatic vascular occlusion performed.

Liver resection for advanced or aggressive colorectal cancer metastases in the era of effective chemotherapy: a review

Liver surgery has been known to cure metastatic colorectal cancer in a small proportion of patients. However, advances in procedural technique and chemotherapy now allow more patients to have safe, potentially curative surgery. Here we review surgery for unresectable colorectal liver metastases using an expert multidisciplinary approach. With multidisciplinary management of patients with effective chemotherapy that can downstage metastases, more patients with previously inoperable disease can benefit from surgery. Portal vein embolization results in hypertrophy of the future liver remnant; on occasions, combining embolization with staged liver resection permits potentially curative surgery for patients previously unable to survive resection. However, increasing use of chemotherapy has raised awareness of potential hepatotoxicity and other deleterious effects of cytotoxic agents. Prolonged prehepatectomy chemotherapy therefore can reduce resectability even using a 2-stage procedure. Suitable timing of surgery for unresectable liver metastases during chemotherapy is critical. Because of advances in chemotherapy, colorectal cancer, like ovarian cancer, can now show survival benefit from maximum surgical debulking. Benefit from such maximum hepatic debulking surgery for metastatic colorectal disease is uncertain, but likely. Surgery in isolation may be approaching technical limits, but is now likely to help more patients because of the success of complementary strategies, particularly newer chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Expert individualized multidisciplinary treatment planning and problem-solving is essential.

Irreversible electroporation of the liver and liver hilum in swine

BACKGROUND

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a novel, non-thermal form of ablation. We studied the safety and efficacy of IRE for the ablation of liver tissue around the liver hilum. We also studied the ability of triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining (TTC) to predict the zone of ablation after IRE.

METHODS

Eight swine underwent 20 ablations of the liver and liver hilum. Two monopolar probes were positioned 2 cm apart. IRE was performed using 90 pulses of 2500-3000 V/cm. IRE treatments were performed from 15 min to 14 days (n= 4) before sacrifice.

RESULTS

All animals survived. No major complications were encountered. Ablation width ranged from 2.27 to 4.45 cm and ablation height ranged from 1.5 to 1.8 cm. TTC staining demonstrated the zone of ablation in all animals. Hepatocyte necrosis occurs immediately adjacent to large central veins without evidence of heat sink. Bile ducts, portal veins and hepatic arteries appear to be more resistant to the effects of IRE.

CONCLUSIONS

IRE appears to be safe and effective for liver tissue ablation in the liver hilum. The portal structures appear more resistant to the effects of IRE. TTC staining can predict the zone of IRE ablation as early as 15 min after treatment.

Vascular clamping in liver surgery: physiology, indications and techniques

This article reviews the historical evolution of hepatic vascular clamping and their indications. The anatomic basis for partial and complete vascular clamping will be discussed, as will the rationales of continuous and intermittent vascular clamping.

Specific techniques discussed and described include inflow clamping (Pringle maneuver, extra-hepatic selective clamping and intraglissonian clamping) and outflow clamping (total vascular exclusion, hepatic vascular exclusion with preservation of caval flow). The fundamental role of a low Central Venous Pressure during open and laparoscopic hepatectomy is described, as is the difference in their intra-operative measurements. The biological basis for ischemic preconditioning will be elucidated. Although the potential dangers of vascular clamping and the development of modern coagulation devices question the need for systemic clamping; the pre-operative factors and unforseen intra-operative events that mandate the use of hepatic vascular clamping will be highlighted.

Aggressive liver resection including major-vessel resection for colorectal liver metastases

AIM

To clarify short- and long-term outcomes of combined resection of liver with major vessels in treating colorectal liver metastases.

METHODS

Clinicopathologic data were evaluated for 312 patients who underwent 371 liver resections for metastases from colorectal cancer. Twenty-five patients who underwent resection and reconstruction of retrohepatic vena cava, major hepatic veins, or hepatic venous confluence during hepatectomies were compared with other patients, who underwent conventional liver resections.

RESULTS

Morbidity was 20% (75/371) and mortality was 0.3% (1/312) in all patients after hepatectomy. Hepatic resection combined with major-vessel resection/reconstruction could be performed with acceptable morbidity (16%) and no mortality. By multivariate analysis, repeat liver resection (relative risk or RR, 5.690; P = 0.0008) was independently associated with resection/reconstruction of major vessels during hepatectomy, as were tumor size exceeding 30 mm (RR, 3.338; P = 0.0292) and prehepatectomy chemotherapy (RR, 3.485; P = 0.0083). When 312 patients who underwent a first liver resection for initial liver metastases were divided into those with conventional resection (n = 296) and those with combined resection of liver and major vessels (n = 16), overall survival and disease-free rates were significantly poorer in the combined resection group than in the conventional resection group (P = 0.02 and P < 0.01, respectively). A similar tendency concerning overall survival was observed for conventional resection (n = 37) vs major-vessel resection combined with liver resection (n = 7) performed as a second resection following liver recurrences (P = 0.09). Combined major-vessel resection at first hepatectomy (not performed; 0.512; P = 0.0394) and histologic major-vessel invasion at a second hepatectomy (negative; 0.057; P = 0.0005) were identified as independent factors affecting survival by multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Hepatic resection including major-vessel resection/reconstruction for colorectal liver metastases can be performed with acceptable operative risk. However, such aggressive approaches are beneficial mainly in patients responding to effective prehepatectomy chemotherapy.

Liver resection with selective hepatic vascular exclusion: a cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience on the safety and efficacy of hepatic resection under selective hepatic vascular exclusion (SHVE).

METHODS

SHVE was used in 246 consecutive patients undergoing major or complex liver resection in our center. Preoperative demographic and clinical data, details of the surgical procedure, pathologic diagnosis, postoperative course, and complications were collected prospectively.

RESULTS

From January 2000 to July 2007, liver resections were performed under SHVE in 246 patients; total SHVE, right partial SHVE, and left partial SHVE in 145, 54, and 47 patients, respectively. SHVE was converted to total hepatic vascular exclusion in 3 patients because the tumor invaded the wall of the inferior vena cava. Hemodynamic tolerance to SHVE was excellent, with only a slight increase in systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance during clamping. There were no deaths and the morbidity rate was 24.8%. The mean hospital stay was 9.6 days (range, 8-18).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that SHVE was safe, efficacious, and it was applicable to liver tumors which were near, but had not invaded into the inferior vena cava.

Interval period tumor progression: does delayed hepatectomy detect occult metastases in synchronous colorectal liver metastases?

BACKGROUND

Rapid remnant liver recurrence in patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) is occasionally experienced after simultaneous colorectal and liver resection. We evaluated the tumor progression during interval periods to determine whether delayed hepatic resection detects occult metastases.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-seven patients underwent hepatectomy for synchronous CRLM. Up to 2003, 116 patients underwent simultaneous colorectal and hepatic resection. From 2004 onward, we identified 21 patients undergoing delayed hepatectomy for synchronous CRLM. The tumor progression during interval was determined by a dynamic computed tomography scan.

RESULTS

Median/mean interval between the two evaluations prior to the first and second surgery was 2/2.4 months. The median/mean number of metastases detected at each evaluation was 2/3.3 and 3/4.6, respectively. Nine of the 21 (43%) patients had new detectable metastatic lesions after reevaluation. For 11 of the 21 patients, it was necessary to reconsider planned surgical procedure which was determined prior to colorectal surgery. Hepatic disease-free survival was significantly different between patients undergoing delayed and simultaneous hepatectomy. Multivariate analysis showed that the delayed hepatectomy was a significant independent prognostic factor in hepatic disease-free survival.

CONCLUSION

Tumor progression was recognized and occult metastases were detected after the interval reevaluation. Delayed hepatectomy may be a useful approach to reduce rapid remnant liver recurrence in synchronous CRLM.

Comparison of two methods of selective hepatic vascular exclusion for liver resection involving the roots of the hepatic veins

BACKGROUND

Selective hepatic vascular exclusion (SHVE) is an effective hepatic vascular exclusion in controlling both inflow and outflow without interruption of caval flow, as it combines Pringle maneuver with extrahepatic selective occlusion of hepatic veins. But SHVE has not been widely used due to difficulty in extrahepatic dissection of hepatic veins. When the tumor is very close to the roots of the hepatic veins, dissecting the posterior wall of the hepatic vein may lead to rupture and massive bleeding of the hepatic vein. With our experience, clamping hepatic veins with Satinsky clamps is a safer and easier occlusion method by which the posterior wall of the hepatic veins does not need to be separated and encircled. In this report, we compared the results of selective hepatic vascular occlusion with tourniquet and Satinsky clamp for major liver resection involving the roots of the hepatic veins.

METHODS

Between January 2003 to June 2006, 180 patients who underwent major liver resection with SHVE were divided into two groups according to different methods of hepatic vascular occlusion: occlusion with tourniquet (tourniquet group, n = 95) and occlusion with Satinsky clamp (Satinsky clamp group, n = 85). In the tourniquet group, the hepatic veins were encircled and occluded with tourniquet. In the Satinsky clamp group, the hepatic veins were not encircled and clamped directly by Satinsky clamp.

RESULTS

Intraoperative and postoperative consequences of the patients were analyzed. The dissecting time for each hepatic vein was significantly shorter in the Satinsky group (6.2 +/- 2.4 min vs 18.3 +/- 6.2 min) than in the tourniquet group. In the tourniquet group, five hepatic veins (one right hepatic vein and four common trunk of left-middle hepatic veins) could not be dissected and encircled because the tumors involved the cava hepatic junction, and another common trunk of the left-middle hepatic vein had a small rupture during the dissection. These six patients then received successful occlusion with Satinsky clamp. There was no difference between the two groups regarding the operation duration, ischemia time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative complication rate.

CONCLUSION

Both methods of the hepatic vein occlusion have the same effect on controlling hepatic vein bleeding, but occlusion with Satinsky clamp is safer, easier, and consumes less time in dissecting.

Caval invasion by liver tumor is limited

BACKGROUND

Successful hepatic resection with combined inferior vena cava (IVC) resection has been reported. The necessity of a combined IVC resection for hepatic malignancies that have attached to the IVC has not been fully evaluated.

STUDY DESIGN

In this retrospective study, 162 lesions for which preoperative CT findings suggested attachment to the IVC were evaluated. Patient survival rates were examined according to type of tumor and the operative procedure. For adenocarcinoma lesions, several CT findings, including extent of the IVC circumference attached to the tumor compared with the whole IVC circumference (E(IVC)), were evaluated in conjunction with IVC resection.

RESULTS

Among 162 lesions, 18 adenocarcinoma lesions were resected in combination with an IVC resection. Histologic IVC invasion was confirmed in eight patients. None of the 67 hepatocellular carcinoma lesions required concomitant IVC resection. Overall 5-year survival rate of the patients who underwent concomitant liver and IVC resections was 33.1%. Among the adenocarcinoma lesions, the positive predictive factors for IVC resection were an E(IVC) value > 25% and a peaked deformity of the IVC wall, according to a multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Most hepatic malignancies attached to the IVC wall can be completely removed without IVC resection. E(IVC) and deformity of the IVC on CT can be useful indicators for a concomitant liver and IVC resection. Careful separation of the liver and IVC is a key point for minimizing the size of the resected IVC and to avoid unnecessary IVC resection.

Prognostic value of concomitant resection of extrahepatic disease in patients with liver metastases of colorectal origin

BACKGROUND

Operative resection is the treatment of choice for colorectal liver metastasis. In the present study, we investigated the prognostic factors after hepatic resection, focusing on the concomitant resection of extrahepatic metastases.

METHOD

A retrospective cohort study was performed in 187 consecutive patients who had undergone initial hepatic resections for colorectal metastases using the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

The overall survival rates at 3, 5, and 10 years were 49%, 30%, and 22%, respectively. Hilar lymph node involvement (HLN), localized peritoneal seeding (P), and distant organ metastasis (M) were resected in addition to the liver metastases in 9, 13, and 21 patients, respectively. The P and M factors were related univariately to an unfavorable patient prognosis, but the HLN factor was not. In a multivariate regression analysis, the hazard ratios of these three factors of interest were 1.58 (HLN; 95% confidence interval 0.64-2.52, median survival 48 months), 2.12 (P; 1.38-2.85, 18 months), and 3.07 (M; 2.45-3.68, 19 months), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Aggressive operative resection for colorectal liver metastases yielded an acceptable long-term outcome. The presence of distant organ metastasis seems to be a contraindication for operative intervention and/or resection; although the number of patients enrolled in the present study was small, resection of localized peritoneal seeding or hilar lymph node involvement, in addition to the resection of the liver metastases, may benefit patient survival.

Poor postoperative blood glucose control increases surgical site infections after surgery for hepato-biliary-pancreatic cancer: a prospective study in a high-volume institute in Japan

Two hundred and sixty-five consecutive patients awaiting hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery were prospectively observed for surgical site infections (SSIs). SSI rates differed according to type of hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery. Multivariate analysis identified enteric anastomoses, poor postoperative blood glucose control and type of cancer as independent risk factors. SSI rates were directly correlated with the degree of hyperglycaemia encountered during the postoperative period. In particular, SSI rates were 5/25 (20%) among patients in whom a blood glucose level of <200mg/dL was maintained by insulin infusion therapy, which was significantly better than the rates of 49/94 (52%) among patients in whom a blood glucose level of <200mg/dL was not maintained despite insulin infusion therapy (P<0.01). It is necessary to maintain postoperative blood glucose levels of <200mg/dL in order to reduce SSI rates.

Resection of malignant tumors invading the vena cava: perioperative complications and long-term follow-up

OBJECTIVE

Invasion of the vena cava by malignant tumors is generally considered an absolute contraindication for surgery as a result of high surgical risk. Surgical treatment with resection of the vena cava may be beneficial for selected patients. This study was performed to evaluate our experiences with resection of the vena cava for malignant tumors, with a special focus on secondary tumors involving the inferior caval vein.

METHODS

A total of 35 patients underwent extended resection of malignant tumors invading the vena cava. Prosthetic repair was performed in 13 patients by using a ringed polytetrafluoroethylene graft. Preoperative risk factors, mortality and morbidity, and long-term follow-up and graft patency rates were examined.

RESULTS

The operative mortality rate was 6%. Minor complications occurred in 12 patients (34%). The graft patency rate was 85%, and there was no graft-related perioperative morbidity. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 76%, 32%, and 21%, respectively, with a median survival of 29 months. Incomplete resection and cardiopulmonary risk have a significant negative effect on survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Radical resection of the vena cava is a feasible procedure in highly selected patients, with low morbidity and mortality and acceptable survival rates, especially in patients with complete resection of the tumor.

Selective hepatic vascular exclusion and Pringle maneuver: a comparative study in liver resection

OBJECTIVE

Most liver resections require champing of the hepatic pedicle (Pringle maneuver) to avoid excessive blood loss. But Pringle maneuver cannot control backflow bleeding of the hepatic vein. Resection of liver tumors involving hepatic veins may cause massive hemorrhage or air embolism from injuries of the hepatic vein. Although total hepatic vascular exclusion (THVE) can prevent bleeding of the hepatic vein effectively, it also may result in systemic hemodynamic disturbance because of the clamped inferior vena cava (IVC). SHVE, a new technique, can control the inflow and outflow of the liver without clamping the vena cava. We compared the effects of selective hepatic vascular exclusion (SHVE) and Pringle maneuver in resection of liver tumors involving the junction of the hepatic vein.

METHODS

From January 2000 to October 2005, 2100 patients with liver tumors had undergone liver resections in our department. Among them, tumors of 235 cases adhered to or were close to the junction of one or more hepatic veins. Both SHVE and Pringle maneuver were used to control blood loss during hepatectomy. These 235 cases were divided into two groups: Pringle maneuver group (110) from January 2000 to December 2002 and SHVE group (125) from January 2003 to October 2005. Data were analyzed regarding the intraoperative and postoperative courses of the patients. In the SHVE group, total SHVE (clamping the porta hepatis and all major hepatic veins) was used in 69 cases and partial SHVE (clamping the porta hepatic and one or two hepatic veins) in 56 cases. There were three methods in hepatic veins occlusion: ligating with suture, encircling and occluding with tourniquets and clamping with Satinsky clamps.

RESULTS

There was no difference between the two groups regarding the age, gender, tumor size, cirrhosis and HBsAg rate, ischemia time and operating time. Intraoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements were significantly decreased in the SHVE group. Hepatic veins rupture with massive blood loss occurred in 14 and air embolism in three during the tumor resection, but there was no massive blood loss and air embolism in the SHVE group due to hepatic vein occlusion. Postoperative bleeding, reoperation, liver failure and mortality rate were higher, and ICU stay and hospital stay were longer in the Pringle group than those in the SHVE group.

CONCLUSION

SHVE is much more effective than Pringle maneuver in controlling intraoperative bleeding. It can prevent massive blood loss and air embolism from hepatic veins rupture and can reduce the postoperative complication rate and mortality rate. Clamping the hepatic veins with Satinsky clamps is much safer and easier than ligating with suture and occluding with tourniquets.

Liver resection for colorectal liver metastasis

At some point in the natural course of colorectal cancer up to 50% of patients will develop metastasis to the liver. Historically only 20% of these patients would have to be deemed resectable, with an intent to cure, at the time of presentation. But with recent improvements in cross-sectional imaging, chemotherapeutic agents and advances in the techniques of surgical resection the emphasis of resection has now changed to 'who is not resectable' as opposed to 'who is resectable'. There are few contraindications to liver resection on the proviso that the patient is fit enough. As a result of this paradigm shift, 5 year survival rates are approaching 60%. Historically liver resection was perceived as a formidable operation but now liver resection for CRLM is safe and specialist centres are reporting mortality rates of less than 1%. This review briefly covers the standard techniques currently employed and some of the recent innovations being developed to improve resectability.

New MR techniques for the detection of liver metastases

It is well established that hepatic resection improves the long-term prognosis of many patients with liver metastases. However, incomplete resection does not prolong survival, so knowledge of the exact extent of intra-hepatic disease is crucially important in determining patient management and outcome. MR imaging is well recognised as one of the most sensitive methods for detecting metastases. Recent developments in gradient coil design, the use of body phased array coils and the availability of novel MR contrast agents have resulted in MR being recognised as the pre-operative standard in this group of patients. However, diagnostic efficacy is extremely dependent on the choice and optimisation of pulse sequences and the appropriate use of MR contrast agents. This article reviews current MR imaging techniques for the detection and characterisation of metastases and discusses the relative capability of different techniques for detecting small lesions.

Ex vivo liver surgery for extraadrenal pheochromocytoma

A case of a 15-year-old girl with a malignant extraadrenal pheochromocytoma situated between the inferior vena cava and the portal triad is described. Using ex vivo technique, the tumour was successfully resected on the bench, as a previous attempt to remove the tumour in situ had been abandoned. The surgical aspects and implications of ex vivo surgery are discussed, highlighting the increased operative risk, perioperative mortality, and poor long-term results in patients with malignant tumours.

Vascular control during hepatectomy: review of methods and results

The various techniques of hepatic vascular control are presented, focusing on the indications and drawbacks of each. Retrospective and prospective clinical studies highlight aspects of the pathophysiology, indications, and morbidity of the various techniques of hepatic vascular control. Newer perspectives on the field emerge from the introduction of ischemic preconditioning and laparoscopic hepatectomy. A literature review based on computer searches in Index Medicus and PubMed focuses mainly on prospective studies comparing techniques and large retrospective ones. All methods of hepatic vascular control can be applied with minimal mortality by experienced surgeons and are effective for controlling bleeding. The Pringle maneuver is the oldest and simplest of these methods and is still favored by many surgeons. Intermittent application of the Pringle maneuver and hemihepatic occlusion or inflow occlusion with extraparenchymal control of major hepatic veins is particularly indicated for patients with abnormal parenchyma. Total hepatic vascular exclusion is associated with considerable morbidity and hemodynamic intolerance in 10% to 20% of patients. It is absolutely indicated only when extensive reconstruction of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is warranted. Major hepatic veins/ and limited IVC reconstruction has been also achieved under inflow occlusion with extraparenchymal control of major hepatic veins or even using the intermittent Pringle maneuver. Ischemic preconditioning is strongly recommended for patients younger than 60 years and those with steatotic livers. Each hepatic vascular control technique has its place in liver surgery, depending on tumor location, underlying liver disease, patient cardiovascular status, and, most important, the experience of the surgical and anesthesia team.

[Prosthetic replacement of the inferior vena cava. Current controversies]

A ringed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft is currently the most widely used replacement for the inferior vena cava, although clinical studies comparing this technique with non-ringed prostheses are lacking. There is no consensus on the need to use an anticoagulant or associate a temporary distal arteriovenous fistula to increase venous flow. At present, the best therapeutic strategy cannot be determined. We present a case of retroperitoneal sarcoma infiltrating the infrarenal vena cava, right colon and ureter that was surgically treated in our hospital. En bloc resection was performed and the vena cava was reconstructed using a non-ringed PTFE graft associated with systemic anticoagulation.

Hepatic resection for primary or secondary malignancies with involvement of the inferior vena cava: is this operation safe or hazardous?

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated surgical techniques and results of patients with tumors who had undergone liver resection with partial resection and reconstruction of the IVC.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent combined liver and IVC resection and reconstruction at a single institution. We identified 19 patients and two categories of tumors, primary (n = 8) and metastatic (n = 11). In 12 patients, a direct suture of the IVC was performed; in 3 patients a pericardium bovine patch was applied; in another 4 patients the IVC was replaced by PTFEt prosthesis. In nine patients, total hepatic vascular occlusion was required.

RESULTS

Perioperative mortality was 5.9%, related to technical complications and hepatic insufficiency. Postoperative morbidity was 57.9%. Median survival time was 32 months (range 3 to 125 months). The 1-, 2-, and 5-year cumulative survival rates were 78.9%, 68%, and 49.1%, respectively. Tumor recurrence appeared in 13 patients and was the main cause of death (55.5%). Among the seven patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma, three are still alive at 31, 60, and 125 months after resection. In this group, 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates were 71.4%, 57.1%, and 38.1%. Among the 11 patients resected for colorectal liver metastases, the 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates were 81.8%, 62.3%, and 51.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver resection combined with IVC resection and reconstruction is a feasible procedure that can be performed with an acceptable operative risk leading to longterm outcome in selected patients.

Extending the frontiers of surgical therapy for hepatic colorectal metastases: is there a limit?

Hepatic resection for colorectal metastases, limited to the liver, has become the standard of care, and currently remains the only potentially curative therapy. Numerous single institutional reports have demonstrated long-term survival, and there are no other treatment options that have shown a survival plateau. However, curative resection is possible in less than 25% of patients with disease limited to the liver, which consequently translates into only 5% to 10% of the original group developing colorectal cancer. To increase the number of patients who could benefit from hepatic resection, the last decade has seen considerable effort directed towards the following areas, (1) refining prognostic factors that would improve patient selection, (2) advancements in surgical technique such as, use of intraoperative ultrasonography, controlling hemorrhage through use of vascular clamping techniques supplemented with low central venous pressure anesthesia, availability of novel devices for parenchymal transection, and controlled anatomic hepatectomy with Glissonian technique, and (3) novel approaches to permit curative hepatic resection such as, preoperative portal vein embolization for hypertrophy of future liver remnant and staged hepatic resection. This article reviews development of these innovative multidisciplinary modalities and the aggressive surgical approach that has been adopted to extend the frontiers of surgical therapy for colorectal hepatic metastases.

Renal function is well maintained after use of left renal vein graft for vascular reconstruction in hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery

BACKGROUND

Advanced hepatobiliary-pancreatic malignancy occasionally involves major vasculatures, such as the portal vein or the inferior vena cava, and complete removal of the tumor is required for longterm survival. We used a left renal vein graft to reconstruct resected vessels in some patients. In this study, we evaluated early and late renal complications of this procedure.

STUDY DESIGN

We identified 14 patients undergoing vascular reconstruction with use of a left renal vein graft in hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery. Renal function and graft patency were assessed by observing serum creatinine levels and radiologic findings during perioperative and followup periods.

RESULTS

Of these 14 patients, 7 were men and 7 were women. Diseases included hilar cholangiocarcinoma in two, gallbladder carcinoma in two, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in one, pancreas carcinoma in five, hepatic metastasis in three, and mass-forming pancreatitis in one. No significant postoperative renal dysfunction was recognized, and the mean value of the maximal serum creatinine was 1.0 mg/dL during the perioperative period. Renal scintigraphy was performed in six patients postoperatively, and there was no significant left renal dysfunction. Mean followup time was 18 months after operation, and no severe renal dysfunction was found. Graft patency, which was assessed with enhanced abdominal CT, was well maintained after operation.

CONCLUSIONS

The left renal vein could be safely obtained and used for vascular reconstruction in resection of hepatobiliary-pancreatic malignancy without adverse effects on early and longterm renal function.

Should the inferior vena cava be reconstructed after resection for malignant tumors?

BACKGROUND

Caval replacement after circumferential resection of the inferior vena cava remains controversial. The aim of the current study is to determine whether or not inferior vena cava replacement should be performed.

METHODS

We reviewed 36 cases undergoing resection of the inferior vena cava concomitant with resection of malignant neoplasms. Our criteria for circumferential resection of the inferior vena cava were half or more of the circumference of the vessel wall invaded by tumor, a primary tumor of the caval wall, or massive intraluminal tumor thrombus suspected of adhering to the caval wall. We detailed 10 patients undergoing circumferential resection of the inferior vena cava.

RESULTS

Most of patients who did not undergo replacement of the inferior vena cava showed no sign of swelling of the lower limbs, but one showed persistent leg edema with oliguria. This patient had poor development of collateral circulation and mild obstruction of the inferior vena cava before surgery. Two patients who underwent replacement of inferior vena cava had no venous sequelae, although they had poor development of collateral circulation before surgery.

CONCLUSION

Caval replacement after circumferential resection of the inferior vena cava may be necessary in patients who have preoperative poor development of collateral circulation or who have oliguria or unstable hemodynamics intraoperatively.

Surgical treatment for colorectal liver metastases involving the paracaval portion of the caudate lobe

BACKGROUND

Hepatic neoplasms in the paracaval portion of the caudate lobe (S1r) are usually difficult to treat surgically because such neoplasms often invade the hepatic veins and/or inferior vena cava (IVC). We reevaluated resected cases of colorectal liver metastases involving S1r to confirm the significance of aggressive surgical treatments.

METHODS

Between July 1977 and December 2002, 95 consecutive patients with colorectal liver metastases underwent hepatic resection. Seven patients with liver metastases involving the S1r underwent resection.

RESULTS

The surgical procedures for liver metastases comprised 3 isolated caudate lobectomies, 2 right hepatectomies, and 2 right hepatic trisectionectomies with caudate lobectomy. Combined resections included partial resection of the hepatic vein in 2 patients, wedge resection of the IVC in 3, and segmental resection of the IVC in 1. Six of the 7 patients with S1r metastasis had recurrent disease in liver and/or lung. A second hepatectomy was carried out in 4 patients and a partial lung resection in 2 patients. Four of the 7 patients survived more than 5 years, but 2 of them died of recurrent disease at 61 and 95 months after initial hepatectomy. The remaining 2 patients are alive 72 and 118 months without any sign of recurrence. The median survival time of the 7 patients was 60 months.

CONCLUSION

Liver metastases involving the S1r could be resected radically with en bloc resection of the major hepatic veins and/or the inferior vena cava. An aggressive surgical approach with combined resection of the adjacent major vessels may offer a better chance of long-term survival in selected patients with caudate lobe metastasis from colorectal cancer.