Laparoscopy Decreases Pulmonary Complications in Patients Undergoing Major Liver Resection: A Propensity Score Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare both incidence and types of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) between laparoscopic major hepatectomy (LMH) and open major hepatectomy (OMH). BACKGROUND: LMHs are increasingly performed. Yet, the benefits of laparoscopy over laparotomy regarding PPCs remain unknown. METHODS: In this multi-institutional study, all patients undergoing OMH or LMH between 1998 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Risk factors for PPCs were analyzed on multivariate analysis. Comparison of both overall rate and types of PPCs between OMH and LMH patients was performed after propensity score adjustment on factors influencing the choice of the approach. RESULTS: LMH was performed in 226 (18.6%) of the 1214 included patients. PPCs occurred in 480 (39.5%) patients including symptomatic pleural effusion in 366 (30.1%) patients, respiratory insufficiency in 141 (11.6%), acute respiratory distress syndrome in 84 (6.9%), pulmonary infection in 80 (6.5%), and pulmonary embolism in 47 (3.8%) patients. On multivariate analysis, preoperative hypoprotidemia [hazard ratio (HR): 1.341, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.001-1.795; P = 0.049], open approach (HR: 2.481, 95% CI: 1.141-6.024; P = 0.024), right-sided hepatectomy (HR: 2.143, 95% CI: 1.544-2.975; P < 0.001), concomitant extrahepatic procedures (HR: 1.742, 95% CI: 1.103-2.750; P = 0.017), transfusion (HR: 2.851, 95% CI: 2.067-3.935; P < 0.001), and operative time more than 6 hours (HR: 1.510, 95% CI: 1.127-2.022; P = 0.006) were independently associated with PPCs. After propensity score matching, the overall incidence of PPCs (13.2% vs 40.5%, P < 0.001), symptomatic pleural effusion (11.6% vs 26.4%, P = 0.003), pleural effusion requiring drainage (1.7% vs 9.9%, P = 0.006), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (1.7% vs 9.9%, P = 0.006) were significantly lower in the laparoscopy group than in the open group. CONCLUSIONS: Pure laparoscopy allows reducing PPCs in patients requiring major liver resection.

Preoperative tumour biopsy does not affect the oncologic course of patients with transplantable HCC.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Preoperative fine-needle aspiration biopsy (PFNAB) allows obtaining reliable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis before liver transplantation (LT) in doubtful situations, but may result in higher recurrence rates following LT. This study aimed to evaluate whether PFNAB actually jeopardized the outcome of patients with transplantable HCC. METHODS: From 2002 to 2012, among 309 HCC patients listed for LT, 80 (26%) underwent PFNAB (PFNAB+). Their characteristics, modalities of recurrence, and survivals were retrospectively compared to those of the 229 (74%) patients without PFNAB (PFNAB-). RESULTS: The two groups (PFNAB+ vs. PFNAB-) were similar in terms of demography, rates of lesions within the Milan criteria (81% vs. 79%, p=0.676), and duration on the waiting list (7.0 vs. 6.9 months, p=0.891). Dropout following tumour progression was similar between both groups (6% vs. 11%, p=0.424). Among the 278 (90%) transplanted patients, pathological analysis revealed that 11 (4%) patients had non-HCC lesions including 10 in PFNAB- patients. Median follow-up was 34 months (12-135) and recurrence after LT was observed in 25 (9%) patients with no difference between both groups (9.3% vs. 8.9%, p=0.904). Parietal recurrence was observed in one PFNAB+ patient and in 2 PFNAB- patients after radiofrequency ablation (p=0.797). On an intention to treat basis, 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survivals (89%, 69%, and 60% vs. 85%, 67%, and 61%, p=0.601) were not significantly different between PFNAB+ and PFNAB- patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports that preoperative tumour biopsy does not negatively influence the oncologic course of HCC patients eligible for LT. Hence, there is no argument to restrict biopsy in doubtful situations.

Double incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DILC) with routinary intra-operative cholangiography (IOC) : less trauma, same safety. Report on 30 consecutive non-selected cases.

Laparoscopic approach for cholecystectomy is, actually, the gold standard for gallbladder surgical benign diseases. Single transumbilical incision can further reduce abdominal wall trauma. Two main related issues are still to be enlighten: difficulty in obtaining a clear exposure of the Calot's triangle and routinely use of intra-operative cholangiography (IOC). A standardized technique of double incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DILC) with routine IOC is described. Between January and May 2012, 30 consecutive patients scheduled for elective cholecystectomy underwent DILC with IOC. Exclusion criteria were: clinical and/or radiological suspect of gallbladder malignancy/acute cholecystitis (AC)/common duct stones; ASA > 3; previous extensive abdominal surgery. Follow-up was performed at 7, 30 and 60 days postoperatively. Three 5-mm trocars through the umbilicus and one 3-mm subcostally on the right are used, along with a 30° laparoscopic camera. IOC is performed through the 3-mm channel. Median age was 49.5 years (range 24-78); female/male was 21/9. Median BMI was 27.4 (range 16.2-38.9). AC was encountered in five cases (17 %). Synchronous AC and choledocolithiasis occurred in one case (3 %), requiring conversion to laparoscopic choledocolithotomy. Additional ports were required in these latter five patients (17 %). IOC was routinely attempted in all patients, succeeding in 26 (86 %). Median operative 'skin to skin' time was 47.8 min (range 25-75). In the subgroup not receiving IOC, median operative time was 35 min (range 25-45); 51.5 min as median time (range 25-75) was reported for the subgroup undergone the entire planned procedure. No intraoperative complications occurred. Median length of stay was 1.51 days (range 1-5). Postoperative minor complications occurred in three patients (10 %) and wound umbilical infection occurred in one (3.4 %). DILC with the routine use of IOC seems to be repeatable and safe. Even if DILC seems more easily learnt, further studies are needed to address this issue.