Laparoscopic Portal Vein Ligation and Embolization During First-Stage Hepatectomy for Initially Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases.

BACKGROUND: Two-stage hepatectomy (TSH) is the only treatment for the patients with multiple bilobar colorectal liver metastases (CRMs) who are not candidates for one-step hepatectomy because of insufficient future remnant liver volume and/or impaired liver function.1-5 Although laparoscopic approaches have been introduced for TSH,6-8 the postoperative morbidity and mortality remains high because of the technical difficulties during second-stage hepatectomy.9,10 The authors present a video of laparoscopic TSH with portal vein (PV) ligation and embolization, which minimizes adhesions and PV thrombosis risk in the remnant liver, thereby facilitating second-stage hepatectomy. METHODS: Three patients with initially unresectable bilateral CRMs received a median of chemotherapy 12 cycles, followed by conversion TSH. After right PV ligation, laproscopic PV embolization was performed by injection of 100% ethanol into the hepatic side of the right PV using a 23-gauge winged needle. After PV embolization, a spray adhesion barrier (AdSpray, Terumo, Tokyo, Japan)11 was applied. RESULTS: During the first stage of hepatectomy, two patients underwent simultaneous laparoscopic colorectal resection (left hemicolectomy and high anterior resection). In the initial hepatectomy, two patients underwent two limited hepatectomies each, and one patient underwent six hepatectomies in the left lobe. After hepatectomy, all the patients underwent right PV embolization. During the second stage, two patients underwent open extended right hepatectomy (right adrenalectomy was performed because of adrenal invasion in one patient), and one patient underwent laparoscopic extended right hepatectomy. No postoperative complications occurred in the six surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic TSH with PV embolization is recommended for safe completion of the second hepatectomy.

Meta-Analysis on the Therapeutic Effect of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization Combined with Portal Vein Embolization.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to conduct a systematic review to explore the therapeutic effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with portal vein embolization (PVE) for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Chinese and English databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, and VIP database) were searched from database inception to August 15, 2023. Studies comparing TACE combined with PVE versus TACE alone for patients with HCC were included. The degree of heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics and a Q test. The effect size was represented by risk ratio and mean difference (MD), and the effect size range was estimated using a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Eight eligible studies were included in the systematic review, involving 689 participants. The results showed that the future liver residual (FLR) of patients treated with TACE combined with PVE was significantly higher than that of those treated with PVE alone (MD = 3.99%; 95% CI: 1.03-6.94). Furthermore, compared with PVE alone, TACE combined with PVE had a positive effect on disease-free survival (odds ratio [OR] = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.20-3.88), recurrence rate (OR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.07-9.42), and complications (OR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.30-0.96). There was no statistically significant impact on mortality with TACE combined with PVE treatment. CONCLUSION: The combination of TACE with PVE can significantly reduce the FLR of patients with HCC, with higher disease-free survival, lower recurrence rate, and fewer complications.

Management of potential portal vein thrombus during laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy following portal vein embolization.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein embolization (PVE) is often performed prior to right hemihepatectomy (RH) to increase the future liver remnants. However, intraoperative removal of portal vein thrombus (PVT) is occasionally required. An algorithm for treating the right branch of the PV using laparoscopic RH (LRH) after PVE is lacking and requires further investigation. METHODS: In our department, after the confirmation of a lack of extension of PVT to the main portal trunk or left branch on preoperative examination (ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography), a final evaluation was performed using intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS). Here we present the cases of eight patients who underwent LRH after PVE and examine the safety of our treatment strategies. RESULTS: IOUS revealed PVT extension into the main portal trunk in two cases. For the other six patients without PVT extension, we continued the laparoscopic procedure. In contrast, in the two cases with PVT extension, we converted to laparotomy after hepatic transection and removed the PVT. The median operation time for hepatectomy was 562 min (421-659 min), the median blood loss was 293 mL (85-1010 mL), no liver-related postoperative complications were observed, and the median length of stay was 10 days (6-34 days). CONCLUSIONS: PVT evaluation and removal are important in cases of LRH after PVE. Our strategy is safe and IOUS is particularly useful for laparoscopically evaluating PVT extension.

Role of liver augmentation prior to hepatic resection - a survey on standards, procedures, and indications in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

PURPOSE: For primary and secondary liver tumors oncological resection remains a chance of cure. Augmentation of functional liver tissue may be necessary to preserve sufficient future liver remnant (FLR). Clinical decision-making on liver augmentation techniques and indications may differ internationally. Thus, this study aims to identify standards of liver augmentation in hepato-pancreatico-biliary (HPB) centers in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. METHODS: Using a web-based survey, 48 hospitals in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria were invited to report their surgical indication, standard procedures, and results of liver augmentation. RESULTS: Forty (83.3%) of the hospitals invited participated. Most of the hospitals were certified liver centers (55%), performing complex surgeries such as liver transplantation (57.5%) and ALPPS (80%). The standard liver augmentation technique in all countries was portal vein embolization (PVE; 56%), followed by ALPPS (32.1%) in Germany or PVE with hepatic vein embolization (33.3%) in Switzerland and Austria. Standard procedure for liver augmentation did not correlate with certification as liver center, performance of liver transplantation or ALPPS. Surgical indication for PVE varied depending on tumor entity. Most hospitals rated the importance of PVE before resection of cholangiocarcinoma or colorectal metastases as high, while PVE for hepatocellular carcinoma was rated as low. CONCLUSION: The survey gives an overview of the clinical routine in HPB centers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. PVE seems to dominate as standard technique to increase the FLR. However, there is a variety in the main indication for liver augmentation. Further studies are necessary evaluating the differing PVE techniques for liver augmentation.

Histological and radiological analysis of simultaneous dual hepatic vein embolization for right-sided major hepatectomy.

PURPOSE: Simultaneous dual hepatic vein embolization (DHVE) has been proposed for safe right-sided hepatectomy, with good results for liver hypertrophy and function. However, the histological and radiological findings of DHVE have not been thoroughly investigated. METHODS: This study included 14 patients who underwent DHVE before right-sided major hepatectomy. DHVE was performed if the future liver remnant was < 35% or borderline, but with concomitant vascular resection. The liver function was assessed using the signal intensity on Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI. A histological evaluation of the area of DHVE and portal vein embolization (PVE) were performed. RESULTS: The median pre- and post-functional liver remnants were 363 ml and 498 ml, respectively (p < 0.001). The median growth rate was 48.6%, and there was no post-hepatectomy liver failure in the patients who underwent DHVE. The signal intensity ratio in the area of DHVE was lower than that in the areas of PVE and the remnant liver (p < 0.01). The degree of congestion and necrosis was greater in the area of DHVE than in the area of PVE alone (p < 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We observed good liver hypertrophy after DHVE and histological and radiological changes in the area of DHVE. Our findings provide a compelling rationale for further investigation of the mechanism of liver hypertrophy in DHVE.

The Cross-Sectional Area Ratio of Right-to-Left Portal Vein Predicts the Effect of Preoperative Right Portal Vein Embolization.

Background and Objectives: Preoperative right portal vein embolization (RPVE) is often attempted before right hepatectomy for liver tumors to increase the future remnant liver volume (FRLV). Although many factors affecting FRLV have been discussed, few studies have focused on the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the right portal vein to that of the left portal vein (RPVA/LPVA). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of RPVA/LPVA on predicting FRLV increase after RPVE. Materials and Methods: The data of 65 patients who had undergone RPVE to increase FRLV between 2004 and 2021 were investigated retrospectively. Using computed tomography scans, we measured the total liver volume (TLV), FRLV, the proportion of FRLV relative to TLV (FRLV%), the increase in FRLV% (ΔFRLV%), and RPVA/LPVA twice, immediately before and 2-3 weeks after RPVE; we analyzed the correlations among those variables, and determined prognostic factors for sufficient ΔFRLV%. Results: Fifty-four patients underwent hepatectomy. Based on the cut-off value of RPVA/LPVA, the patients were divided into low (RPVA/LPVA ≤ 1.20, N = 30) and high groups (RPVA/LPVA > 1.20, N = 35). The ΔFRLV% was significantly greater in the high group than in the low group (9.52% and 15.34%, respectively, p < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, RPVA/LPVA (HR = 20.368, p < 0.001) was the most significant prognostic factor for sufficient ΔFRLV%. Conclusions: RPVE was more effective in patients with higher RPVA/LPVA, which is an easily accessible predictive factor for sufficient ΔFRLV%.

Open Versus Laparoscopic Right Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Following Sequential TACE-PVE: A Multicentric Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Right hepatectomy (RH) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is ideally preceded by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and portal vein embolization (PVE). Laparoscopic approach improves short-term outcome and textbook outcome (TO), which reflects the "ideal" surgical outcome, after RH. However, laparoscopic RH on an underlying diseased liver and after TACE/PVE remains a challenging procedure. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes in patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) or open liver resection (OLR) following TACE/PVE. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with HCC who underwent RH after TACE/PVE in five French centers were retrospectively included. Outcomes were compared between the LLR group and the OLR group using propensity score matching (PSM). Quality of surgical care was defined by TO. RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2019, 117 patients were included (41 in LLR group, 76 in OLR group). Overall morbidity was comparable (51% versus 53%, p = 0.24). In LLR group, TO was completed in 66% versus 37% in OLR group (p = 0.02). LLR and absence of clamping were the only factors associated with TO completion [hazard ratio (HR) 4.27, [1.77-10.28], p = 0.001]. After PSM, 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 55% in matched LLR versus 77% in matched OLR, p = 0.35, and 13% in matched LLR versus 17% in matched OLR, p = 0.97. TO completion was independently associated with a better 5-year OS (65.2% versus 42.5%, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Major LLR after TACE/PVE should be considered as a valuable option in expert centers to increase the chance of TO, the latter being associated with a better 5-year OS.

Multi-organ Radiomics-Based Prediction of Future Remnant Liver Hypertrophy Following Portal Vein Embolization.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein embolization (PVE) is used to induce remnant liver hypertrophy prior to major hepatectomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of baseline computed tomography (CT) data for future remnant liver (FRL) hypertrophy after PVE. METHODS: In this retrospective study, all consecutive patients undergoing right-sided PVE with or without hepatic vein embolization between 2018 and 2021 were included. CT volumetry was performed before and after PVE to assess standardized FRL volume (sFRLV). Radiomic features were extracted from baseline CT after segmenting liver (without tumor), spleen and bone marrow. For selecting features that allow classification of response (hypertrophy ≥ 1.33), a stepwise dimension reduction was performed. Logistic regression models were fitted and selected features were tested for their predictive value. Decision curve analysis was performed on the test dataset. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients with liver tumor were included in this study. sFRLV increased significantly after PVE, with a mean hypertrophy of FRL of 1.5 ± 0.3-fold. sFRLV hypertrophy ≥ 1.33 was reached in 35 (66%) patients. Three independent radiomic features, i.e. liver-, spleen- and bone marrow-associated, differentiated well between responders and non-responders. A logistic regression model revealed the highest accuracy (area under the curve 0.875) for the prediction of response, with sensitivity of 1.0 and specificity of 0.5. Decision curve analysis revealed a positive net benefit when applying the model. CONCLUSIONS: This proof-of-concept study provides first evidence of a potential predictive value of baseline multi-organ radiomics CT data for FRL hypertrophy after PVE.

Influence of cholestasis on portal vein embolization-induced hypertrophy of the future liver remnant.

PURPOSE: In the pre-clinical setting, hepatocellular bile salt accumulation impairs liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy. Here, we study the impact of cholestasis on portal vein embolization (PVE)-induced hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (FLR). METHODS: Patients were enrolled with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) or colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) undergoing PVE before a (extended) right hemihepatectomy. Volume of segments II/III was considered FLR and assessed on pre-embolization and post-embolization CT scans. The degree of hypertrophy (DH, percentual increase) and kinetic growth rate (KGR, percentage/week) were used to assess PVE-induced hypertrophy. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients (31 CRLM, 19 pCCA) were included. After PVE, the DH and KGR were similar in patients with CRLM and pCCA (5.2 [3.3-6.9] versus 5.7 [3.2-7.4] %, respectively, p = 0.960 for DH; 1.4 [0.9-2.5] versus 1.9 [1.0-2.4] %/week, respectively, p = 0.742 for KGR). Moreover, pCCA patients with or without hyperbilirubinemia had comparable DH (5.6 [3.0-7.5] versus 5.7 [2.4-7.0] %, respectively, p = 0.806) and KGR (1.7 [1.0-2.4] versus 1.9 [0.8-2.4] %/week, respectively, p = 1.000). For patients with pCCA, unilateral drainage in FLR induced a higher DH than bilateral drainage (6.7 [4.9-7.9] versus 2.7 [1.5-4.2] %, p = 0.012). C-reactive protein before PVE was negatively correlated with DH (ρ = - 0.539, p = 0.038) and KGR (ρ = - 0.532, p = 0.041) in patients with pCCA. CONCLUSIONS: There was no influence of cholestasis on FLR hypertrophy in patients undergoing PVE. Bilateral drainage and inflammation appeared to be negatively associated with FLR hypertrophy. Further prospective studies with larger and more homogenous patient cohorts are desirable.

Sequential Y90 liver radioembolization and portal vein embolization: an additional strategy to downstage liver tumors and to enhance liver hypertrophy before major hepatectomies.

BACKGROUND: Yttrium (Y)90 liver radioembolization (TARE) induces both tumor downsizing and contralateral liver hypertrophy. In this study, we report the preliminary results of a sequential strategy combining Y90 radioembolization and portal vein embolization (PVE) before major right liver resections. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical, radiological, and biological data of 5 consecutive patients undergoing Y90 TARE-PVE before major right liver resections. Comparison was made with patients undergoing PVE alone or liver venous deprivation (LVD) during the same period. RESULTS: Between January 2019 and September 2022, five patients underwent sequential TARE-PVE. Type of resection included the following: right hepatectomy (n = 1), right hepatectomy + 1 (n = 2), and right hepatectomy + 1 + 4 (n = 2) with no postoperative mortality. Volumetric data showed a mean hypertrophy ratio of 30.4% after TARE and an additional 37.4% after sequential PVE. Patients undergoing sequential TARE-PVE had higher hypertrophy ratio (p = 0.02; p = 0.004), hypertrophy degree (p = 0.02; p < 0.0001), shorter time to normalize bilirubin (p = 0.04), and prothrombin time (p = 0.003; p < 0.0001) compared with patients receiving LVD or PVE. Time from diagnosis to surgery was statistically significant longer in patients undergoing sequential TARE-PVE compared with LVD or PVE (293.4 ± 169.1 vs 54.18 ±18.26 vs 58.62±13.15; p = 0.0008; p = <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary report suggests that sequential PVE and TARE can represent a safe and an alternative strategy to downstage liver tumors and to enhance liver hypertrophy before major hepatectomies. When compared with PVE and LVD, sequential TARE/PVE takes longer times but achieves some advantages which warrant further evaluation in a larger setting.

Future liver remnant augmentation preceding ex vivo hepatectomy with IVC replacement: a strategy to achieve R0 margins.

PURPOSE: Ex vivo hepatectomy with autotransplantation (EHAT) provides opportunity for R0 resection. As EHAT outcomes after future liver remnant (FLR) augmentation techniques are not well documented, we examine results of EHAT after augmentation for malignant tumors. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of six cases of EHAT was performed. Of these, four occurred after preoperative FLR augmentation between 2018 and 2022. RESULTS: Six patients were offered EHAT of 26 potential candidates. Indications for resection were involvement of hepatic vein outflow and inferior vena cava (IVC) with metastatic colorectal carcinoma (n = 3), cholangiocarcinoma (n = 2), or leiomyosarcoma (n = 1). Five patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and four had preoperative liver augmentation. One hundred percent of cases achieved R0 resection. Of the augmented cases, three patients are alive after median follow-up of 28 months. Postoperative mortality due to liver failure was 25% (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: For select patients with locally advanced tumors involving all hepatic veins and the IVC for whom conventional resection is not an option, EHAT provides opportunity for R0 resection. In addition, in patients with inadequate FLR volume, further operative candidacy with acceptable results can be achieved by combined liver augmentation techniques. To better characterize outcomes in this small subset, a registry is needed.

Percutaneous radiological interventions of the portal vein: a comprehensive review.

The portal vein is the largest vessel supplying the liver. A number of radiological interventions are performed through the portal vein, namely for primary pathologies of the portal vein, for inducing liver hypertrophy or to treat the sequelae of portal hypertension among others. The routes used include direct transhepatic, transjugular, and, uncommonly, trans-splenic and through subcutaneous varices. Portal vein embolization and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt are among the most common portal vein interventions that are performed to induce hypertrophy of the future liver remnant and to treat complications of portal hypertension, respectively. Other interventions include transhepatic obliteration of varices and shunts, portal vein thrombolysis, portal vein recanalization, pancreatic islet cell transplantation, and embolization of portal vein injuries. We present a detailed illustrative review of the various radiological portal vein interventions.

Simultaneous portal and hepatic vein embolization is better than portal embolization or ALPPS for hypertrophy of future liver remnant before major hepatectomy: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is the Achilles' heel of hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases. The most commonly used procedure to generate hypertrophy of the functional liver remnant (FLR) is portal vein embolization (PVE), which does not always lead to successful hypertrophy. Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) has been proposed to overcome the limitations of PVE. Liver venous deprivation (LVD), a technique that includes simultaneous portal and hepatic vein embolization, has also been proposed as an alternative to ALPPS. The present study aimed to conduct a systematic review as the first network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy, effectiveness, and safety of the three regenerative techniques. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search for literature was conducted using the electronic databases Embase, PubMed (MEDLINE), Google Scholar and Cochrane. RESULTS: The time to operation was significantly shorter in the ALPPS cohort than in the PVE and LVD cohorts by 27 and 22 days, respectively. Intraoperative parameters of blood loss and the Pringle maneuver demonstrated non-significant differences between the PVE and LVD cohorts. There was evidence of a significantly higher FLR hypertrophy rate in the ALPPS cohort when compared to the PVE cohort, but non-significant differences were observed when compared to the LVD cohort. Notably, the LVD cohort demonstrated a significantly better FLR/body weight (BW) ratio compared to both the ALPPS and PVE cohorts. Both the PVE and LVD cohorts demonstrated significantly lower major morbidity rates compared to the ALPPS cohort. The LVD cohort also demonstrated a significantly lower 90-day mortality rate compared to both the PVE and ALPPS cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: LVD in adequately selected patients may induce adequate and profound FLR hypertrophy before major hepatectomy. Present evidence demonstrated significantly lower major morbidity and mortality rates in the LVD cohort than in the ALPPS and PVE cohorts.

Laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy following a novel optimized portal vein embolization: a video case report.

BACKGROUND: This article is the first report of laparoscopic major hepatectomy of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following optimized portal vein embolization (oPVE). CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was diagnosed with a single 3 × 3.5 cm HCC located in segment 5 and 8 detected by enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The lesion was adjacent to the right anterior and posterior portal veins, making it difficult to confirm the adequate liver functional remnant volume, surgical margin and R0 resection. In addition, the liver cirrhosis induced by a long history of chronic hepatitis B virus increased the potential risk of postoperative liver failure and refractory ascites. Therefore, we conducted a laparoscopic surgery following oPVE, by which the safe tumor margin was ensured and the outcome of the surgery was improved. The patient was discharged on the seventh day after the surgery. The AFP gradually decreased to a normal level during the 90-day follow-up. CONCLUSION: This case report demonstrates that, in experienced hands for selected patients, laparoscopic hepatectomy after portal vein embolization is feasible and may be an alternative to open liver resection.

Long-term survival of a patient with liver metastases from clear cell gastric adenocarcinoma after multimodality treatment including interventional oncology techniques: case report.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most common cancer and the third leading cancer-related cause of death worldwide since most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. The majority of GCs are adenocarcinomas (ACs), and the poorly characterized clear cell AC represents a unique subgroup of GCs and is an independent marker of poor prognosis. Even though the prognosis for patients with advanced GC is poor we present a report of a patient with long-term survival despite having liver metastases from clear cell gastric AC. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45-year-old male with clear cell gastric AC underwent subtotal gastrectomy and postoperative chemoradiation. Only a year and a half after his initial treatment the disease spread to his liver. He received two lines of chemotherapy treatment within the next two years before a right hepatectomy was suggested. Due to an initially insufficient future liver remnant (FLR), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and portal vein embolization (PVE) were performed, which made the surgical procedure possible. Shortly after a disease progression in the remaining liver was detected. In the following three years the patient was treated with a carefully planned combination of systemic therapy and different interventional oncology techniques including selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) and TACE. And as illustrated, an attentive, patient-tailored, multimodality treatment approach can sometimes greatly benefit our patients as he had an overall survival of 88 months despite the poor prognosis of his disease. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first to describe a patient with liver metastases from clear cell gastric AC treated with interventional oncology techniques (PVE, TACE, and SIRT) in combination with other locoregional and systemic therapies thereby presenting that these interventional oncology techniques can be successfully integrated into long-term management of non-conventional liver tumors.

Safety and efficacy of right portal vein embolization in patients with prior left lateral liver resection.

BACKGROUND: In patients with bilobar metastatic liver disease, surgical clearance of both liver lobes may be achieved through multiple-stage liver resections. For patients with extensive disease, a major two-staged hepatectomy consisting of resection of liver segments II and III before right-sided portal vein embolization (PVE) and resection of segments V-VIII may be performed, leaving only segments IV ± I as the liver remnant. PURPOSE: To describe the outcome following right-sided PVE after prior complete resection of liver segments II and III. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 15 patients (mean age = 60.4 ± 9.3 years) with liver metastases from colorectal cancer (n = 14) and uveal melanoma (n = 1) who were scheduled to undergo a major two-stage hepatectomy, were included. Total liver volume (TLV) and volume of the future liver remnant (FLR) were measured on pre- and postinterventional computed tomography (CT) scans, and standardized FLR volumes (ratio FLR/TLV) were calculated. Patient data were retrospectively analyzed regarding peri- and postinterventional complications, with special emphasis on liver function tests. RESULTS: The mean standardized post-PVE FLR volume was 26.9% ± 6.4% and no patient developed hepatic insufficiency after the PVE. Based on FLR hypertrophy and liver function tests, all but one patient were considered eligible for the subsequent right-sided hepatectomy. However, due to local tumor progression, only 9/15 patients eventually proceeded to the second stage of surgery.  . CONCLUSION: Right-sided PVE was safe and efficacious in this cohort of patients who had previously undergone a complete resection of liver segments II and III as part of a major staged hepatectomy pathway leaving only segments IV(±I) as the FLR. .

Efficacy and safety of different options for liver regeneration of future liver remnant in patients with liver malignancies: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several treatments induce liver hypertrophy for patients with liver malignancies but insufficient future liver remnant (FLR). Herein, the aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of existing surgical techniques using network meta-analysis (NMA). METHODS: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from databases for abstracts and full-text articles published from database inception through Feb 2022. The primary outcome was the efficacy of different procedures, including standardized FLR (sFLR) increase, time to hepatectomy, resection rate, and R0 resection margin. The secondary outcome was the safety of different treatments, including the rate of Clavien-Dindo≥3a and 90-day mortality. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies, including three randomized controlled trials (RCTs), three prospective trials (PTs), and twenty-one retrospective trials (RTs), and a total number of 2075 patients were recruited in this study. NMA demonstrated that the Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) had much higher sFLR increase when compared to portal vein embolization (PVE) (55.25%, 95% CI 45.27-65.24%), or liver venous deprivation(LVD) (43.26%, 95% CI 22.05-64.47%), or two-stage hepatectomy (TSH) (30.53%, 95% CI 16.84-44.21%), or portal vein ligation (PVL) (58.42%, 95% CI 37.62-79.23%). ALPPS showed significantly shorter time to hepatectomy when compared to PVE (-32.79d, 95% CI -42.92-22.66), or LVD (-34.02d, 95% CI -47.85-20.20), or TSH (-22.85d, 95% CI -30.97-14.72), or PVL (-43.37d, 95% CI -64.11-22.62); ALPPS was considered as the highest resection rate when compared to TSH (OR=6.09; 95% CI 2.76-13.41), or PVL (OR =3.52; 95% CI 1.16-10.72), or PVE (OR =4.12; 95% CI 2.19-7.77). ALPPS had comparable resection rate with LVD (OR =2.20; 95% CI 0.83-5.86). There was no significant difference between them when considering the R0 marge rate. ALPPS had a higher Clavien-Dindo≥3a complication rate and 90-day mortality compared to other treatments, although there were no significant differences between different procedures. CONCLUSIONS: ALPPS demonstrated a higher regeneration rate, shorter time to hepatectomy, and higher resection rate than PVL, PVE, or TSH. There was no significant difference between them when considering the R0 marge rate. However, ALPPS developed the trend of higher Clavien-Dindo≥3a complication rate and 90-day mortality compared to other treatments.

Increased Hepatic Microvascular Density, Oxygenation, and VEGF in the Hypertrophic Lobe following Portal Vein Embolization in Rabbits.

INTRODUCTION: The microvascular events following portal vein embolization (PVE) are poorly understood despite the pivotal role of the microcirculation in liver regeneration and tumor progression. We aimed to assess the changes in hepatic microvascular perfusion and neo-angiogenesis after experimental PVE. METHODS: PVE of the cranial liver lobes was performed in 12 New Zealand White rabbits divided into 2 groups of permanent (P-PVE) and reversible PVE (R-PVE), respectively. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy and CT were used to evaluate hepatic function and volume. Hepatic microcirculation was assessed using a handheld vital microscope (Cytocam) to measure microvascular density (total vessel density; TVD) before PVE, right after PVE, and 20 min after PVE, as well as at 14 days (D14 post-PVE) and 35 days (D35 post-PVE). Additionally, on D35, microvascular PO2 and liver parenchymal VEGF were assessed. RESULTS: Eleven rabbits were included after PVE (R-PVE, n = 5; P-PVE, n = 6). TVD in the nonembo-lized (hypertrophic) lobes was higher than in the embolized (atrophic) lobes of the P-PVE group at D35 post-PVE (36.7 ± 7.2 vs. 23.4 ± 4.9 mm/mm2; p < 0.05). In the R-PVE group, TVD in the nonembolized lobes was not increased at D35. Function and volume were increased in the nonembolized lobes of the P-PVE group compared to the embolized lobes, but not in the R-PVE group. Likewise, the mmicrovascular PO2 and VEGF staining rate were higher in the nonembolized lobes of the P-PVE group at D35 post-PVE. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Successful volumetric and functional hypertrophy of the nonembolized lobe was accompanied by microvascular alterations featuring increased neo-angiogenesis, microvascular density, and microvascular oxygen pressure following P-PVE.

Application of hepatic lobe hyperplasia techniques in the treatment of advanced hepatic alveolar echinococcosis: a single-centre experience.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to investigate clinical efficiency and application indications of hepatic lobe hyperplasia techniques for advanced hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE) patients. METHODS: A retrospective case series covering 19 advanced hepatic AE patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from September 2014 to December 2021 and undergoing hepatic lobe hyperplasia techniques due to insufficient remnant liver volume were analyzed. Changes of liver function, lesions volume, remnant liver volume, total liver volume before and after operation have been observed. RESULTS: Among the patients, 15 underwent portal vein embolization (PVE). There was no statistical difference in total liver volume and lesions volume before and after PVE (P > 0.05). However, the remnant liver volume was significantly increased after PVE (P < 0.05). The median monthly increase rate in future liver remnant volume (FLRV) after PVE stood at 4.49% (IQR 3.55-7.06). Among the four patients undergoing two-stage hepatectomy (TSH), FLRV was larger than that before the first stage surgery, and the median monthly increase rate in FLRV after it stood at 3.34% (IQR 2.17-4.61). Despite no statistical difference in total bilirubin (TBil), albumin (Alb), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in all patients with PVE, four patients who underwent TSH showed a decrease in ALT, AST and GGT. During the waiting process before the second stage operation, no serious complications occurred in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: For patients suffering from advanced hepatic AE with insufficient FLRV, PVE and TSH are safe and feasible in promoting hepatic lobe hyperplasia.

[Application of liver venous deprivation in secondary hepatic resection of primary liver cancer].

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of liver venous deprivation (LVD) before secondary resection of primary liver cancer. Methods: 56 patients with advanced primary liver cancer who were not suitable for primary resection in Liver Surgery Department of Xinxiang Central Hospital from January 2018 to January 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided into liver vein deprivation group (LVD group: LVD+ PVE, n=26) and portal vein embolization group (PVE group, n=30). The dynamic changes of liver reserve function and future liver remnant volume (FLR-V), R0 resection rate, surgical complications, postoperative recurrence rate and overall survival rate of two groups before and after LVD/PVE were compared. Results: The success rate of puncture and embolization in LVD group and PVE group was 100%. There were no grade Ⅳ complications, and there was no significant difference of grades Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ complications between the groups (P=0.808). The FLR-V of LVD group before embolization, 7, 14 and 21 days after embolization was (493.1±25.8), (673.2±56.1), (779.5±81.6) and (853.3±85.2) cm(3), respectively. The FLR-V of PVE group before embolization, 7, 14 and 21 days after embolization were (502.4±20.1), (688.6±43.9), (656.8±73.7) and (563.5±69.1) cm(3), respectively. There was no significant difference in FLR-V between the two groups before and 7 days after embolization (P>0.05). The FLR-V of LVD group was higher than that of PVE group at 14 and 21 days after embolization (P<0.01). The preparation time of LVD group was (20.4±6.3) days, which was shorter than that of PVE group [(31.5±8.8) days, P=0.045]. The rate of secondary hepatectomy was 92.3% (24/26), which was higher than that of PVE group [70.0% (21/30), P=0.036]. The R0 resection rate was 87.5% (21/24), which was higher than that of the PVE group [57.1% (12/21), P=0.022]. However, there were no significant differences in surgical methods, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, Clavien-Dindo complication grade and length of hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). After hepatectomy, the median recurrence time and median survival time of LVD group were 12.6 months and 21.3 months, respectively, which were longer than those of PVE group (9.4 months and 13.5 months, respectively, P<0.01). Conclusions: For patients with advanced liver cancer who are not suitable for primary hepatectomy, preoperative LVD can significantly increase FLR-V, improve the resection rate of secondary surgery, shorten the preparation time of two operations, and do not increase surgical complications. Moreover, patients with LVD can improve the R0 resection rate of secondary surgery. The postoperative recurrence time and overall survival rate of patients with LVD are better than those of patients with PVE, and LVD has a good long-term effect.