Prognostic significance of pancreatic fistula and postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The influence of postoperative complications, specifically, pancreatic fistula (PF), on long-term oncologic outcome in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is unclear. METHODS: Prospectively collected data of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for PDAC between 2008 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Deaths within 90 days were excluded. Median follow-up time was 22 months for the entire cohort (range 2-102 months). PF was graded as biochemical leak, grade B, or grade C according to the criteria of the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula. Postoperative complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC). Data on clinical and pathological characteristics as well as on recurrence and survival were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-nine of the 148 identified patients (19%) developed PF, of whom 17 (11.4%) had a PF grade B or C. 29 patients developed a postoperative complication CDC grade 3 or 4. The respective 3-year disease-free survival was 15.5% and 19.2% (P = 0.725), and the 5-year overall survival was 20% and 16% (P = 0.914) in patients with and without PF. On multivariate analysis, the use of adjuvant chemotherapy, lymph node involvement, surgical margin involvement, and tumor grade were associated with patient survival. PF and postoperative complications CDC grade 3 or 4 were not associated with decreased long-term survival, disease-free survival or local recurrence rate. CONCLUSIONS: While acknowledging the limited sample size, no association was seen between PF or postoperative complications and overall or disease-free survival in patients undergoing PD for PDAC.

Resection Versus Observation of Small Asymptomatic Nonfunctioning Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Management of asymptomatic, nonfunctioning small pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) is controversial because of their overall good prognosis, and the morbidity and mortality associated with pancreatic surgery. Our aim was to compare the outcomes of resection with expectant management of patients with small asymptomatic PNETs. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients with nonfunctioning asymptomatic PNETs < 2 cm that underwent resection or expectant management at the Tel-Aviv Medical Center between 2001 and 2018. RESULTS: Forty-four patients with small asymptomatic, biopsy-proven low-grade PNETs with a KI67 proliferative index < 3% were observed for a mean of 52.48 months. Gallium67DOTATOC-PET scan was completed in 32 patients and demonstrated uptake in the pancreatic tumor in 25 (78%). No patient developed systemic metastases. Two patients underwent resection due to tumor growth, and true tumor enlargement was evidenced in final pathology in one of them. Fifty-five patients underwent immediate resection. Significant complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3) developed in 10 patients (18%), mostly due to pancreatic leak, and led to one mortality (1.8%). Pathological evaluation revealed lymphovascular invasion in 1 patient, lymph node metastases in none, and a Ki67 index ≥ 3% in 5. No case of tumor recurrence was diagnosed after mean follow-up of 52.8 months. CONCLUSIONS: No patients with asymptomatic low-grade small PNETs treated by expectant management were diagnosed with regional or systemic metastases after a 52.8-month follow-up. Local tumor progression rate was 2.1%. Surgery has excellent long-term outcomes, but it harbors significant morbidity and mortality. Observation can be considered for selected patients with asymptomatic, small, low grade PNETs.

Resection vs Transplant Listing for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Intention-to-Treat Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation (LT) and liver resection (LR) are curative treatment options for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria. Severe organ shortage dictates the preference for LR. Our aim was to provide an intention-to-treat retrospective comparison of survival between patients who were placed on waiting lists for LT and those who underwent LR. METHODS: The medical records of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria treated by LR or listed for LT between 2007 and 2016 were reviewed. We performed intention-to-treat analyses of overall survival and recurrence. RESULTS: There were 54 patients on the waiting list for LT, and 30 of them underwent LR. Thirteen of the 54 patients (24%) were not transplanted because of disease-related mortality or tumor progression. The median waiting time to transplantation was 304 days. The 90-day mortality was higher in transplanted patients (9.8% vs 3.3%, P = .003). Intention-to-treat survival was similar for the LT and LR groups (5-year survival, 47.8% vs 55%, respectively, P = .185). There was a trend toward improved 5-year disease-free survival for listed patients (56.2% vs 26.3% for patients undergoing LR, P = .15). CONCLUSION: Intention-to-treat survival is similar in patients undergoing LR and those on waiting lists for LT. There is a 24% risk to drop from the transplant list. The higher perioperative mortality among patients undergoing LT is balanced by a higher tumor recurrence rate after LR.

Multiplication product of Model for End-stage Liver Disease and Donor Risk Index as predictive models of survival after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation (LT) is the treatment of choice for most end-stage liver diseases. This treatment increases survival rates and improves quality of life. Because of the shortage of organ donors, as opposed to waiting patients, the need to optimize the matching of donors to recipients for maximum utility is crucial. AIM: The aim of this study was to examine a predictive model based on the combination of donor and recipient risk factors using the liver Donor Risk Index (DRI) and recipient Model of End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) to predict patients' survival following LT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The charts of 289 adult primary LT patients, who had undergone transplantation in Israel between 2010 and 2015, were studied retrospectively using prospectively gathered data. RESULTS: Two variables, DRI and MELD, were found to significantly affect post-transplant patient survival. DRI negatively affected survival in a continuous fashion, whereas MELD had a significantly negative effect only at MELD more than 30. Both female sex and the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma were associated with increased patient survival. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, the model described here is a novel prediction tool for the success of orthotopic LT and can thus be considered in liver allocation.

Kidney transplantation in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD): analysis of transplantation outcome and IBD activity.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is a systemic disorder with possible renal involvement, yet data regarding the outcome of kidney transplantation (KT) in those patients, and IBD course post KT, are scarce. In this retrospective analysis, we studied the outcome of 12 IBD kidney recipients (seven Crohn's disease, five ulcerative colitis; primary kidney disease was IgA nephropathy in five, polycystic disease in four), compared to two control groups: matched controls and a cohort of recipients with similar kidney disease. During a follow-up period of 60.1 (11.0-76.6) months (median, interquartile range), estimated 5-year survival was 80.8 vs. 96.8%, with and without IBD, respectively (P = 0.001). Risk of death with a functioning graft was higher with IBD (HR = 1.441, P = 0.048), and with increased age (HR = 1.109, P = 0.05). Late rehospitalization rate was higher in IBD [incidence rate ratio = 1.168, P = 0.030], as well as rate of hospitalization related to infection [1.42, P = 0.037]. All patients that were in remission before KT, remission was maintained. Patients that were transplanted with mild or moderate disease remained stable or improved with Infliximab or Adalimumab treatment. In conclusion, IBD is associated with an increased risk of mortality, hospitalization because of infection and late rehospitalization after KT. Clinical course of IBD is stable after KT.

Long term metabolic and renal outcomes of kidney donors compared to controls with excellent kidney function.

BACKGROUND: Only few studies of living kidney donors have included controls that were similarly healthy, including excellent kidney function. METHODS: In this study, we aimed to estimate long term metabolic and renal outcome in a cohort of 211 living donors compared to two control groups: paired-matched controls, and another control group of 2534 healthy individuals with excellent kidney function. RESULTS: Donors presented with higher estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): (97.6 ± 15.2 vs 96.1 ± 12.2 vs 94.5 ± 12.4 ml/min/1.73m2) and lower urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) (4.3 ± 5.9 vs 5.9 ± 6.1 vs 6.1 ± 6.9 mg/g) for donors, matched controls and healthy controls, respectively (p <  0.001). In a mean follow up period of 5.5 for donors, donors presented with positive eGFR slopes during the first 3 years post donation, followed by negative slopes, compared to constantly negative slopes presented in the control group (p <  0.05). The variables related to the slope were being a donor, baseline eGFR, Body Mass Index (BMI) and age but not eGFR on the last day of follow-up or increased delta UACR. There was a significant increase in UACR in donors, as well as a higher rate of albuminuria, associated with a longer time since donation, higher pre-donation UACR and higher pre-donation BMI. Healthy controls had a lower BMI at baseline and gained less weight during the follow up period. Donors and controls had similar incidence of new onset diabetes mellitus and hypertension, as well as similar delta systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Donors were more likely to develop new onset metabolic syndrome, even after adjustment for age, gender and BMI. The higher incidence of metabolic syndrome resulted mainly from increased triglycerides and impaired fasting glucose criteria. However, prevalence of major cardiovascular events was not higher in this group. CONCLUSIONS: Donors are at increased risk to develop features of the metabolic syndrome in addition to the expected mild reduction of GFR and increased urine albumin excretion. Future studies are needed to explore whether addressing those issues will impact post donation morbidity and mortality.

Early reoperation following pancreaticoduodenectomy: impact on morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival.

BACKGROUND: Reoperation following PD is a surrogate marker for a complex post-operative course and may lead to devastating consequences. We evaluate the indications for early reoperation following PD and analyze its effect on short- and long-term outcome. METHODS: Four hundred and thirty-three patients that underwent PD between August 2006 and June 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients (11%; ROp group) underwent 60 reoperations within 60 days from PD. Forty-two patients underwent 1 reoperation, and 6 had up to 6 reoperations. The average time to first reoperation was 10.1 ± 13.4 days. The most common indications were anastomotic leaks (22 operations in 18 patients; 37.5% of ROp), followed by post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) (14 reoperations in 12 patients; 25%), and wound complications in 10 (20.8%). Patients with cholangiocarcinoma had the highest reoperation rate (25%) followed by ductal adenocarcinoma (12.3%). Reoperation was associated with increased length of hospital stay and a high post-operative mortality of 18.7%, compared to 2.6% for the non-reoperated group. For those who survived the post-operative period, the overall and disease-free survival were not affected by reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Early reoperations following PD carries a dramatically increased mortality rate, but has no impact on long-term survival.

R1 resection of colorectal liver metastasis - What is the cost of marginal resection?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The impact of resection margins on the outcome of patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) remains controversial. We evaluated the short and long-term results of R1 resection. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2016, 202 patients underwent liver resection for CRLM. R1 resection was defined as a distance of less than 1 mm between tumor cells and the transection plain. Patient and tumor characteristics, perioperative, and long-term outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: In 161 (79.7%) and 41 (20.3%) patients, an R0 and R1 resections were achieved, respectively. Patients that underwent an R1 resection had higher rates of disease progression while on chemotherapy (12.1% vs 5.5%, P = 0.001), need for second-line chemotherapy (17% vs 6.2%, P < 0.001), increased use of preoperative volume manipulation (14.6% vs 5.5%, P = 0.001), and inferior vena-cava involvement (21.9% vs 8.7%, P < 0.001). These patients had higher rates of major postoperative complications (19.5% vs 6.8%, P < 0.001) and reoperations (7.3% vs 2.4%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that R1 resections were not associated with decreased recurrence-free survival or overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Although R1 resection is associated with worse disease behavior and postoperative complications, the long-term outcome of patients following an R1 resection is non-inferior to those who underwent an R0 resection.

Neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX for locally advanced and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: An intention to treat analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical and pathologic efficacy of neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX for locally advanced (LAPC) and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC). METHODS: Patients receiving neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX for LAPC and BRPC treated between 2014 and 2017 were identified. Post-treatment patients achieving resectability were referred for surgery, whereas unresectable patients continued chemotherapy. Clinical and pathological data were retrospectively compared with control group consisting of 47 consecutive patients with BRPC undergoing pancreatic and portal vein resection between 2008 and 2017. RESULTS: Thirty LAPC and 23 BRPC patients were identified. Reasons for unresectability included disease progression (70%), locally unresectable disease (18%), and poor performance status (11%). Three patients (10%) with LAPC, and 20 (87%) with BRPC underwent curative surgery. Compared with control group, perioperative complication rate (4.3% versus 28.9%, p = 0.016), and pancreatic fistula rate (0 versus 14.8%, p = 0.08) were lower. Peripancreatic fat invasion (52.2% vs 97.8%, p = 0.001), lymph node involvement (22% vs 54.3%, p = 0.01), and surgical margin involvement (0 vs 17.4%, p = 0.04) were higher in the control group. Median survival was 34.3 months in BRPC patients operated after FOLFIRINOX and 26.1 months in the control group (p = 0.07). Three patients (13%) with complete pathological response are disease-free after mean follow-up of 19 months. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX rarely achieves resectability in patients with LAPC (10%), most BRPC undergo resection (87%). Neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX leads to complete pathological response in 13% of cases, tumor downstaging, and a trend towards improved survival compared with patients undergoing up-front surgery.

Attachment patterns moderate the relation between coping flexibility and illness acceptance among kidney transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Post-transplant kidney recipients may experience psychological concerns which have been associated with negative health behaviors. Illness acceptance might have an important role in this process. In line with the Conservation of Resources Theory (COR), the current study aimed to examine the relationship between coping flexibility, attachment patterns and illness acceptance among post-transplant kidney recipients, and to evaluate whether attachment patterns moderate the link between coping flexibility and illness acceptance. DESIGN: The study employed a cross-sectional design. METHODS: Ninety-four post-transplant kidney recipients completed questionnaires assessing demographic and medical characteristics, illness acceptance, coping flexibility and attachment patterns. RESULTS: Our results indicated that coping flexibility was positively associated with illness acceptance. Moreover, attachment moderated this link, as high coping flexibility was associated with increased illness acceptance among individuals with low levels of attachment anxiety, a finding which was not significant when high levels of anxiety were reported. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the potential importance of building greater flexibility in order to enhance illness acceptance among kidney transplants recipients. Moreover, the role of insecure attachment patterns in health-related outcomes among kidney transplants recipients is emphasized.

Progression and new onset of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in living kidney donors compared to healthy controls.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence linking nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Living kidney donors do not have underlying kidney disease, but have reduced GFR as a result of nephrectomy. Whether kidney donation is associated with a higher risk for development or progression of NAFLD is currently unknown. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of metabolic parameters and sonographic evidence of NAFLD were performed in 232 living kidney donors and 162 healthy controls. RESULTS: A total of 25 donors and 44 controls had NAFLD at baseline. During a mean follow-up of 6.8 years, 6 donors (24%) and 17 controls (38.6%) (P = .29) had a remission of NAFLD, related with decreased body mass index (BMI). The progression of NAFLD fibrosis score was similar in both groups. New onset of NAFLD was observed in 14 (6.8%) donors and 13 (11.01%) controls (P = .211), and was related to increased BMI and a higher baseline Fatty Liver Index score. Neither eGFR nor urine albumin excretion in the donors were related to new onset or progression of NAFLD. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced kidney function secondary to kidney donation is not associated with increased incidence or progression of NAFLD.

Suffer from Dialysis as a Predictor of Mental Health Among Kidney Transplant Recipients: a Preliminary Longitudinal Study.

Kidney transplant (KT) recipients are exposed to extreme physiological and psychological stressors, which make posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms a reasonable concern for this population. In this preliminary longitudinal study, we aimed to explore whether dialysis's duration and level of suffering from dialysis contribute to the explained variance of post-transplant PTSD symptomatology among KT recipients. One hundred and four consecutive KT recipients (wave 1) were surveyed and approached again (wave 2, N = 61) with the same measurement tools. The results revealed that the main predictor of mental health incidents in wave 1 and wave 2 was suffering from dialysis.

Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy: Learning Curve and Experience in a Tertiary Center.

BACKGROUND: Although laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) is gradually recognized as a safe and effective alternative to open distal pancreatectomy (ODP), it is not yet widely accepted. OBJECTIVE: We describe our experience, with emphasis on the learning curve of LDP. METHODS: Patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy (DP) between January 2011 and August 2014 were included. Operative and postoperative parameters, as well as pathology reports were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-nine and 41 patients underwent LDP and ODP, respectively. The mean age and gender distribution were comparable between groups. In six patients (15.4%), a conversion to open surgery was indicated. Operating time and intraoperative blood transfusion rates were comparable between groups. One patient of the LDP group died postoperatively. Postoperative complications were comparable with similar Dindo-Clavien (DC) score. Length of stay (LOS) was shorter following LDP (8.15 ± 4.68 versus 11.3 ± 6.3 days, P = .014). Patients selected to have LDP had larger lesions compared to those who underwent ODP (4.59 ± 4.23 versus 3 ± 2.52 cm, respectively, P = .048). R0 resection rates between the groups were comparable (92.3% in LDP versus 97.5% in ODP) as well as lymph node (LN) harvest (6.4 ± 6.4 LN in LDP versus 7.6 ± 6.6 LN in ODP). Following the 17th patient, LDP operative time decreased by more than 35 minutes, no conversions were done, no blood transfusion was needed, and the LOS was shortened by over 2 days. CONCLUSIONS: Short learning curve, shorter LOS, and satisfactory short-term oncological outcome place LDP as an attractive alternative for selected patients requiring DP.

Resection of colorectal liver metastases in the elderly-Is it justified?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Liver resection of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) may necessitate large metabolic and physiologic reserve. As the population ages, resection of CRLM is increasingly required in the elderly. We assessed the safety and efficacy of these operations. METHODS: Between February 2010 and 2015, 174 patients underwent liver resection of CRLM. Fifty-four and 120 patients were over and under the age of 70 at the time of surgery, respectively (mean ages: 76 ± 4 and 56.5 ± 9 years). Patient and tumor characteristics, perioperative, and long-term outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Elderly patients had increased rates of IHD (18.5% versus 6.6%, P = 0.0002), COPD (9.2% versus 4.1%, P = 0.01), and DM (30% versus 14%, P = 0.02). Operative time was shorter in elderly patients (222 ± 109 versus 261 ± 110 min; P = 0.04). Intraoperative blood loss was comparable. The rate of minor postoperative complications was similar between groups, but elderly patients had higher rate of major complications (11.1% versus 2.5%, P < 0.0001). One elderly patient died following surgery (1.8%). Length of hospital stay was similar between groups. No difference in 3-year survival was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Although associated with a small increase in postoperative morbidity and mortality, liver resection may be performed safely and effectively in carefully selected elderly patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:485-488. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The implications of body-image dissatisfaction among kidney-transplant recipients.

The role that body image plays in the psychological adjustment of kidney-transplant recipients is an understudied issue. In the current study, the association between three variables - (a) body-image dissatisfaction, (b) quality of life (QOL), and (c) psychological distress - was investigated. The research participants were 45 kidney-transplant recipients who were under follow-up care at the Transplant Unit of the Tel-Aviv Medical Center (Israel). Body image, psychological distress, and QOL were measured using self-report questionnaires [Body-Image Ideals Questionnaire (BIIQ), Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI), and SF-12]. Medical and background data were collected from medical and administrative records. The findings indicated an association between higher level of body-image dissatisfaction and a decrease in several quality-of-life dimensions (role emotional, physical pain, general health, and social functioning), and with an increase in psychological distress. These findings highlight the importance of body-image dissatisfaction as a factor that is associated with QOL and psychological distress among kidney-transplant recipients. Body image warrants further attention and should be screened and treated among those who demonstrate high levels of dissatisfaction.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy in elderly adults: is it justified in terms of mortality, long-term morbidity, and quality of life?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate long-term morbidity, mortality, and quality of life (QoL) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in elderly adults. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and sixty-eight individuals aged 70 and older who underwent PD between 1995 and 2010. MEASUREMENTS: A prospective pancreatic surgery database was analyzed for postoperative morbidity; mortality; intensive care unit (ICU), hospital, and rehabilitation facility stay; and readmissions after surgery. QoL was assessed using a validated questionnaire completed 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Seventy-two percent of the participants had an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3 or greater. There was no intraoperative death. Thirty- and 60-day postoperative mortality rates were 5.9% and 6.5%, respectively. Median ICU stay was 2 days, and median hospital stay was 22 days. Sixty-four participants (37.5%) were discharged to a rehabilitation facility. The first-year readmission rate was 31%. One- and 2-year overall survival rates were 58% and 36%, respectively. Global QoL scores 3 and 12 months after surgery were 68% and 73%, respectively. Scores were lower yet comparable with those of matched individuals undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. CONCLUSION: Most elderly adults with pancreatic cancer survive longer than 1 year after PD; 36% survive longer than 2 years. These individuals are likely to have acceptable long-term morbidity and overall good QoL, corresponding with their age.

Early and late presentations of graft arterial pseudoaneurysm following pancreatic transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Graft pseudoaneurysm (PSA) following pancreatic transplantation (PT) is a rarely reported complication that has significant morbidity and mortality. Few case reports and small series of this complication exist. METHODS: Retrospective review of files of 106 patients who underwent PT at the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical center between 1995 and 2010. Accessible asymptomatic patients (n = 35) were referred for graft PSA screening using ultrasound-Doppler. RESULTS: Eight patients developed graft PSA (8 %). All had early posttransplant sepsis. PSA incidence among patients who had perioperative sepsis is 13 %. Three patients developed early postoperative PSA, presenting as massive abdominal bleeding requiring urgent laparotomy and graft resection. Five patients were diagnosed with late-onset graft PSA between 3 months and 11 years posttransplant: clinical presentations were massive gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 2), acute renal failure (n = 1), and asymptomatic finding on screening ultrasound-Doppler (n = 2, 6 % of screened patients). CONCLUSIONS: PSA following PT occurs in 8 % of patients. Perioperative infection is a risk factor. Early PSAs present as massive intra-abdominal bleeding. PSA may develop years posttransplant, may be asymptomatic, but late rupture is possible and presents as gastrointestinal bleeding. We recommend screening of patients at risk with ultrasound Doppler for early detection and treatment of asymptomatic PSAs.

Perioperative complications after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with and without bevacizumab for colorectal liver metastases.

PURPOSE: Bevacizumab has been shown to increase progression free and overall survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Neoadjuvant bevacizumab is commonly used in patients undergoing liver resection. Our purpose was to evaluate whether bevacizumab is associated with increased rate of perioperative complications in patients undergoing hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing hepatic resection for CRLM who received chemotherapy and bevacizumab (group 1, n = 134), or chemotherapy alone (group 2, n = 57). We compared demographics, surgical characteristics, and perioperative course. RESULTS: Perioperative complications developed in 35 % of patients in group 1, and 47 % in group 2 (p = 0.11). Of those complications, 15 (11.2 %) in group 1, and 5 (8.8 %) in group 2 were considered major (p = 0.617). Four patients, all of whom received preoperative bevacizumab, developed enteric leaks following combined liver and bowel resection. The rate of anastomotic leak in group 1 was 10 %, compared with 0 in group 2, p = 0.56. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy along with bevacizumab was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications after hepatic resection. Possible association of increased morbidity with simultaneous bowel and liver resections following bevacizumab administration was found and we recommend avoiding such treatment combination.