Comparison of post-hepatectomy long-term survival outcome between non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine and colorectal liver metastases: A population-based propensity-score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

Hepatectomy is an established treatment for colorectal liver metastasis (CLM) or neuroendocrine liver metastasis. However, its role in non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine liver metastasis (NCNNLM) is controversial. This study aims to compare long-term survival outcomes after hepatectomy between NCNNLM and CLM in a population-based cohort.

METHODS

From 2009 to 2018, curative hepatectomy were performed in 964 patients with NCNNLM (n ​= ​133) or CLM (n ​= ​831). Propensity score (PS) matching was performed. Short-term and long-term outcomes were compared between PS-matched groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors affecting survival.

RESULTS

There were 133 patients in the NCNNLM group and 266 patients in the CLM group. The mortality (1.5 ​% vs 1.5 ​%) and morbidity (19.5 ​% vs 20.3 ​%) rates were comparable between the two groups. There was no statistically significant difference in 5-year overall (48.9 ​% vs 39.8 ​%) and recurrence-free (25.1 ​% vs 23.4 ​%) survival rates between NCNNLM and CLM groups. A high pre-operative serum bilirubin level, severe postoperative complications and multiple tumors were independent prognostic factors for poor survival.

CONCLUSION

Hepatectomy for selected patients with NCNNLM can achieve similar long-term oncological outcomes as those with CLM. High serum bilirubin, severe postoperative complication and multiple tumors are poor prognostic factors for survival.

Comparison of clinical outcome between laparoscopic and open hepatectomy of high difficulty score for hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity score analysis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) of high difficulty score is technically challenging. There is a lack of clinical evidence to support its applicability in terms of the long-term survival benefits. This study aims to compare clinical outcomes between LLR and the open liver resection of high difficulty score for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2010 to 2020, using Iwate criteria, 424 patients underwent liver resection of high difficulty score by the laparoscopic (n = 65) or open (n = 359) approach. Propensity score (PS) matching was performed between the two groups. Short-term and long-term outcomes were compared between PS-matched groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors affecting survival.

RESULTS

The laparoscopic group had significantly fewer severe complications (3% vs. 10.8%), and shorter median hospital stays (6 days vs. 8 days) than the open group. Meanwhile, the long-term oncological outcomes were comparable between the two groups, in terms of the tumor recurrence rate (40% vs. 46.1%), the 5-year overall survival rate (75.4% vs. 76.2%), and the 5-year recurrence-free survival rate (50.3% vs. 53.5%). The high preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein level, multiple tumors, and severe postoperative complications were the independent poor prognostic factors associated with worse overall survival. The surgical approach (Laparoscopic vs. Open) did not influence the survival.

CONCLUSION

LLR of high difficulty score for selected patients with HCC has better short-term outcomes than the open approach. More importantly, it can achieve similar long-term survival outcomes as the open approach.

A case series of emergency pancreaticoduodenectomies: What were their indications and outcomes?

Emergency pancreaticoduodenectomy (EPD) is a rarely performed operation. It is important to know the indications and outcomes of EPD to have a better understanding of its application in clinical practice. A review of eight consecutive cases of EPD was done. Between January 2003 and December 2021, 8 out of 370 patients (2.2%) in a single center received pancreaticoduodenectomy as emergency. There were six males and two females with a median age of 45.5 years. The indications were trauma in three patients, bleeding tumors in two patients, and one patient each in obstructing duodenal tumor, postoperative complication and post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) complication. The median operative time and blood loss were 427.5 minutes and 1,825 mL, respectively. There was no operative mortality. Seven patients (87.5%) had postoperative complications. Three patients (37.5%) developed postoperative grade B pancreatic fistula. The median postoperative hospital stay was 23.5 days. Five patients were still alive while three patients survived for 13, 31, and 42 months after the operation. The causes of death were recurrent tumors in two patients, and sepsis in one patient. According to this case series, EPD is associated with increased morbidity and pancreatic fistula, but is still deserved in life-threatening situations and long-term survival is possible after EPD.

The Impact of Involved Resection Margin on Recurrence and Survival After Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Periampullary Carcinoma, with Emphasis on Pancreatic Head Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The supposed adverse effect of involved resection margin during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for periampullary carcinoma or pancreatic head carcinoma (CaP) on long-term oncological outcomes is still inconclusive.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study on periampullary carcinoma undergoing PD. Patients with R0 (margin clear) resection were compared to patients with R1 (microscopically directly involved margin) resection. Patients with gross involved margin (R2 resection) were excluded. Long-term oncological outcomes measured included incidence and site of recurrent disease, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). A subgroup analysis was made on patients with CaP.

RESULTS

Between January 2003 and December 2019, 203 PD were identified for present study. The incidence of R1 resection was common (12% in periampullary carcinoma and 20% in CaP). In periampullary carcinoma, R1 resection had greater proportion of CaP, lesser proportion of carcinoma of ampulla (CaA), more perineural invasion, more lymph node (LN) metastasis. R1 group had a shorter OS and DFS, but no difference in the incidence and site of recurrent disease. In the subgroup of CaP (91 patients), R1 group did not differ from R0 group except for more LN metastasis. There was no difference in incidence and site of recurrent disease, OS and DFS. On multivariable analysis, R1 resection was not an independent factor for OS and DFS for periampullary carcinoma or for CaP only.

CONCLUSION

Involved resection margin was not uncommon. It was not associated with higher incidence of recurrent disease including local recurrence, and was not an independent prognosticator for OS and DFS.

Is hepatic resection justified for non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine liver metastases? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hepatic resection (HR) is effective for colorectal or neuroendocrine liver metastases. However, the role of HR for non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine liver metastases (NCNNLM) is unknown. This study aims to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on long-term clinical outcomes after HR for NCNNLM.

METHODS

electronic search was performed to identify relevant publications using PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. Primary outcomes were 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Secondary outcomes were post-operative morbidity and 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

There were 40 selected studies involving 5696 patients with NCNNLM undergone HR. Pooled data analyses showed that the 3- and 5-year OS were 40% (95% CI 0.35-0.46) and 32% (95% CI 0.29-0.36), whereas the 3- and 5-year DFS were 28% (95% CI 0.21-0.36) and 24% (95% CI 0.20-0.30), respectively. The postoperative morbidity rate was 28%, while the 30-day mortality was 2%. Subgroup analysis on HR for gastric cancer liver metastasis revealed the 3-year and 5-year OS of 39% and 25%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

HR for NCNNLM may achieve satisfactory survival outcome in selected patients with low morbidities and mortalities. However, more concrete evidence from prospective study is warrant in future.

What is the pancreatic duct size limit for a safe duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy? A retrospective study

Backgrounds/Aims

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remains a dreadful complication. Duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy (DTMPJ) is a commonly performed anastomosis after PD. This study aims to evaluate whether there is a size limit of pancreatic duct below which POPF rate increases significantly after DTMPJ.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed from a database with prospectively collected data on consecutive patients undergoing DTMPJ.

Results

Between the years 2003 and 2019, a total of 288 patients with DTMPJ were recruited. POPF occurred in 56.3% of the patients, of which 43.8% were biochemical leak, 8.7% were grade B, and 1.4% were grade C. Overall operative morbidity was 51.4%, of which 19.1% were major complications. Five patients (1.7%) died within 90 days of operation. Patients with grade B/C POPF had significantly soft pancreas (p < 0.001), smaller duct size (p = 0.031), and a diagnosis of carcinoma of the pancreas (p = 0.027). When a clinically significant POPF rate was analysed based on the pancreatic duct diameter, pancreatic duct size ≤ 1 mm had the highest POPF rate (35.7%). There was a significant difference in POPF rate between adjacent ductal diameter ≤ 1 mm and > 1 mm to 2 mm (35.7% vs 13.3%; p = 0.040). Multivariable analysis showed that for the soft pancreas, pancreatic duct diameter ≤ 1 mm was the only significant predictive factor for POPF (p = 0.027).

Conclusions

DTMPJ can be safely performed for pancreatic duct > 1 mm without significantly increased POPF risk.

Development and validation of a novel nomogram predicting 10-year actual survival after curative hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Although hepatectomy is a curative treatment modality for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the associated 10-year long-term actual survival are rarely reported. This study aims to develop and validate a predictive nomogram for 10-year actual survivors with HCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2004 to 2009, 753 patients with curative hepatectomy for HCC (development set, n = 325; validation set, n = 428) were included. In development set, comparison of clinic-pathological data was made between patients surviving ≥10 years and those surviving <10 years. Good independent prognostic factors identified by multivariate analysis were involved in a nomogram development, which was validated internally and externally using validation set.

RESULTS

On multivariate analysis, five independent good prognostic factors for 10-year survival were identified, including young age (OR = 0.943), good ASA status (≤2) (OR = 2.794), higher albumin level (OR = 1.116), solitary tumor (OR = 2.531) and absence of microvascular invasion (OR = 3.367). A novel nomogram was constructed with C-index of 0.801 (95% CI 0.762-0.864). A cut-off point of 167.5 had a sensitivity of 0.794 and specificity of 0.730. Internal validation using bootstrap sampling and external validation using validation set revealed C-index of 0.792 (95% CI, 0.741-0.853) and 0.761 (95% CI, 0.718-0.817).

CONCLUSION

A novel nomogram for 10-year HCC survivor using age, ASA status, preoperative albumin, tumor number and presence of microvascular tumor invasion was developed and validated with high accuracy.

Single-center experience on actual mid-term (≥5 years) and long-term (≥10 years) survival outcome in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after curative hepatectomy: A bimodal distribution

Analysis for actual mid-term (≥5 years) and long-term (≥10 years) survivors with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following curative hepatectomy are rarely reported in the literature.This retrospective study aims to study the mid- and long-term survival outcome and associated prognostic factors following curative hepatectomy for HCC in a tertiary referral center.The clinical data of 325 patients who underwent curative hepatectomy for HCC were reviewed. They were stratified into 3 groups for comparison (Group 1, overall survival <5 years; Group 2, overall survival ≥5, and <10 years; Group 3, overall survival ≥10 years). Favorable independent prognostic factors for mid- and long-term survival were analyzed.A bimodal distribution of actual survival outcome was observed, with short-term (<5 years) survival of 52.7% (n = 171), mid-term survival of 18.1% (n = 59), and long-term survival of 29.2% (n = 95). Absence of microvascular invasion (OR 3.690, 95% CI: 1.562-8.695) was independent good prognostic factor for mid-term survival. Regarding long-term overall survival, young age (OR 1.050, 95% CI: 0.920-0.986), ASA grade ≤2 (OR 3.746, 95% CI: 1.325-10.587), high albumin level (OR 1.008, 95% CI: 0.920-0.986), solitary tumor (OR 3.289, 95% CI: 1.149-7.625) and absence of microvascular invasion (OR 4.926, 95% CI: 2.192-11.111) were independent good prognostic factors.Curative hepatectomy results in bimodal actual survival outcome with favorable long-term survival rate of 29.2%. Favorable independent prognostic factors (age, ASA grade, albumin level, tumor number, and microvascular invasion) are identified for overall survival.

Comparison of long-term survival outcome after curative hepatectomy between selected patients with non-colorectal and colorectal liver metastasis: A propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

Liver resection is an established treatment of choice for colorectal liver metastasis (CLM). However, the role of hepatectomy for non-colorectal liver metastasis (NCLM) is less clear.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

From 2004 to 2017, 264 patients received curative hepatectomy for NCLM (n = 28) and CLM (n = 236). Propensity score (PS) matching was performed between two groups, with respect to the significant confounding factors. Short-term and long-term outcomes were compared between PS matched groups. Univariate analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors affecting overall and recurrence-free survival.

RESULTS

After PS matching, there were 28 patients in NCLM group and 56 patients in CLM group. With a median follow-up of 34 months, there was no significant difference in 5-year overall survival rate between NCLM and CLM groups (62% vs. 39%) (P = 0.370). The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was also comparable between NCLM and CLM groups (23% vs. 22%) (P = 0.707). Use of pre-operative systemic therapy (hazard ratio: 2.335, CI 1.157-4.712), multifocal tumors (hazard ratio: 1.777, CI 1.010-3.127), tumor size (hazard ratio: 1.135, CI 1.012-1.273), R1 resection (hazard ratio: 2.484, CI 1.194-5.169) and severe complications (hazard ratio: 6.507, CI 1.454-29.124), but not tumor type (NCLM vs. CLM), were associated with poor overall survival.

CONCLUSION

Hepatectomy for NCLM can achieve similar oncological outcomes in selected patients as those with CLM. Significant prognostic factors were identified associating with worse overall survival.

Robotic versus open hemihepatectomy: a propensity score-matched study

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive approach has been increasingly applied in liver resection. However, laparoscopic major hepatectomy is technically demanding and is practiced only in expert centers around the world. Conversely, use of robot may help to overcome the difficulty and facilitate major hepatectomy.

METHODS

Between September 2010 and March 2019, 151 patients received robotic hepatectomy for various indications in our center. 36 patients received robotic hemihepatectomy: 26 left hepatectomy and 10 right hepatectomy. During the same period, 737 patients received open hepatectomy and out of these, 173 patients received open hemihepatectomy. A propensity score-matched analysis was performed in a 1:1 ratio.

RESULTS

After matching, there were 36 patients each in the robotic and open group. The two groups were comparable in demographic data, type of hemihepatectomy, underlying pathology, size of tumor, and background cirrhosis. Conversion was needed in 3 patients (8.3%) in the robotic group. There was no operative mortality. The operative blood loss and resection margin were similar. Though not significantly different, there was a higher rate of complications in the robotic group (36.1% vs. 22.2%) and this difference was mostly driven by higher intra-abdominal collection (16.7% vs. 5.6%) and bile leak (5.6% vs. 2.8%). Operative time was significantly longer (400.8 ± 136.1 min vs 255.4 ± 74.4 min, P < 0.001) but the postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter (median 5 days vs 6.5 days, P = 0.040) in the robotic group. When right and left hepatectomy were analyzed separately, the advantage of shorter hospital stay remained in left but not right hepatectomy. For patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, there was no difference between the two groups in 5-year overall and disease-free survival.

CONCLUSION

Compared with the open approach, robotic hemihepatectomy has longer operation time but shorter hospital stay. Thus, use of robot is feasible and effective in hemihepatectomy with the benefit of shorter hospital stay.

Robotic versus laparoscopic hepatectomy: application of the difficulty scoring system

BACKGROUND

The development of robotic system may help to relieve the difficulties encountered during laparoscopic hepatectomy. A difficulty scoring system (DSS) was developed to assess the difficulty of various laparoscopic liver resection procedures. The aim of this study is to explore if the DSS is applicable in robotic hepatectomy and to compare the outcomes of robotic hepatectomy and laparoscopic hepatectomy among different difficulty levels.

METHODS

Clinical data from all consecutive patients who underwent robotic and conventional laparoscopic hepatectomy at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, were prospectively collected and reviewed. The difficulty level of operations was graded using the DSS. Perioperative outcomes of robotic and conventional laparoscopic hepatectomy were compared at each difficulty level.

RESULTS

A total of 107 and 94 patients underwent robotic and laparoscopic hepatectomy during the study period, respectively. Among them, 16 and 2 patients were operated for recurrent pyogenic cholangitis, respectively, and were excluded because no mark for tumour location can be assigned. For robotic hepatectomy, a higher DSS was significantly correlated with higher minor complication rate (p = 0.001), more intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.002), longer operation time (p < 0.001) and longer post-operative hospital stay (p < 0.001). The mean DSS scores of robotic and laparoscopic hepatectomy were 4.5 and 3.6, respectively. (p = 0.004). For cases with low (DSS 1-3) and intermediate (DSS 4-6) difficulty level, there was no significant difference in operative blood loss, operation time and overall complications rate. Only 2 cases (2.2%) with high difficulty level were operated with laparoscopic approach while 20% of patients operated with robotic approach had DSS > 6.

CONCLUSIONS

DSS significantly correlated with surgical outcomes in patient who underwent robotic hepatectomy. Perioperative outcomes following robotic and conventional laparoscopic hepatectomy were similar in cases with low and intermediate difficulty. However, robotic system allowed minimally invasive approach in cases with higher difficulty level.

Enhanced recovery after surgery for liver resection

INTRODUCTION

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) reduces postoperative length of hospital stay and patient stress response to liver surgery. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of an ERAS programme for liver resection.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary ERAS protocol was implemented for both open and laparoscopic liver resection in a tertiary hospital in Hong Kong. The clinical outcomes of patients who underwent liver resection and underwent the ERAS perioperative programme were compared with those who received a conventional perioperative programme between September 2015 and July 2016. Propensity score matching analysis was used to minimise background differences.

RESULTS

A total of 20 patients who underwent liver resection were recruited to the ERAS programme. Their clinical outcomes were compared with another 20 patients who received hepatectomy under a conventional perioperative programme after propensity score matching. The ERAS programme was associated with a significantly shorter length of hospital stay (P=0.033) without an increase in complication rates in patients who underwent open liver resection. There was no such significant association in patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection. No patients required readmission in this cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

The ERAS perioperative programme for liver resection is safe and feasible. It significantly shortened the hospital stay after open liver resection but not after laparoscopic liver resection.

Pattern of disease recurrence and its implications for postoperative surveillance after curative hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: experience from a single center

Background

Hepatectomy is a widely accepted curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the disease frequently recurs after a curative hepatectomy. The objective of this study is to provide a better understanding of the pattern of disease recurrence and the risk factors involved so as to improve the postoperative surveillance.

Methods

A retrospective study for all patients receiving hepatectomy for HCC between 2003 and 2014 was performed. Emphasis was made on the timing and pattern of recurrent disease, and type of treatment given.

Results

There were 506 patients in the study. Median follow-up was 43.7 months. The 1-, 3-, 5-, 10-year overall and disease free survival were 89.5%, 74.1%, 63.9%, 49.0% and 69.5%, 54.3%, 43.4%, 30.9% respectively. Recurrent disease occurred in 267 patients, 47.2% occurred within 9 months of hepatectomy and 80.1% recurred only in liver. Median survival was shorter for recurrence occurring within 9 months compared with those occurring between 10 months and 2 years postoperatively (36.2 vs. 65.7 months, P<0.01) whilst less curative treatment was offered for patients with early (within 9 months) intrahepatic alone recurrence (22.2% vs. 51.7%, P<0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed tumor size >3.5 cm and history of rupture were risk factors for recurrence within 9 months.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that recurrent diseases are common after curative hepatectomy for HCC and most recurrences occur in the remnant liver. Since almost half of recurrences occurred within first 9 months after hepatectomy, a more stringent postoperative surveillance with target imaging of liver in this period is needed. Early diagnosis of recurrent disease and curative retreatment hopefully can bring about a longer survival.

Progress toward preparation of universal donor red cells

Coupling of an inert polymer to the surface of red cells was examined as a potential means of covering blood group antigens and producing cells that could serve as universal donor cells for transfusion. Effective blockade of red cell antigens was achieved with N-hydroxysuccinimide-activated esters of polyethylene glycol. It was possible to block all antigens tested, but lower concentrations of reactants were required to block peptide-defined antigens than carbohydrate-defined antigens. Red cells remained intact after modification but were significantly damaged. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of antigenic blockade of red cells, but there is a need to reduce damage during coupling reactions to produce viable red cells.