Resección hepática en enfermedad de Caroli unilobar / Liver resection in monolobar Caroli's disease

RESUMEN La enfermedad de Caroli es un trastorno congénito causado por malformación de la placa ductal. Se manifiesta con litiasis intrahepática y colangitis recurrente, habitualmente en personas jóvenes. Los hallazgos imagenológicos incluyen dilatación multifocal y segmentaria de los conductos biliares intrahepáticos. El colangiocarcinoma puede aparecer como complicación a largo plazo debido a la inflamación crónica de los conductos, por lo que debe estar siempre presente dentro de los posibles diagnósticos diferenciales. Se describe el caso infrecuente de una mujer de 52 años que presentó un cuadro de obstrucción biliar poscolecistectomía laparoscópica y requirió en su tratamiento quirúrgico la resección de los segmentos hepáticos II y III por enfermedad de Caroli, con buena evolución.

ABSTRACT Caroli's disease is a congenital disorder caused by a defect of the ductal plate. The clinical picture includes intrahepatic duct lithiasis and recurrent cholangitis usually in young people. The imaging tests reveal the presence of multifocal and segmental dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. Cholangiocarcinoma can develop as a long-term complication of chronic bile duct inflammation and should always be considered as a differential diagnosis. We describe a rare case of a 52-year-old woman who presented with bile duct obstruction after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and required resection of liver segments II and III due to Caroli's disease with a favorable outcome.

Survival analysis of the surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma at a tertiary care center.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignant tumor of liver epithelial cells and is the most frequent primary liver cancer. The broadening of transplantation and resectability criteria has made therapeutic decisions more complex. Our aim was to describe the clinical and survival characteristics of patients with HCC treated through resection or liver transplantation at our hospital and identify the presence of factors that enable outcome prediction and facilitate therapeutic decision-making. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with HCC that underwent surgery with curative intent at the Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, within the time frame of 2007 and 2017, were retrospectively identified. Survival, mortality, disease-free interval, and different outcome-related variables were analyzed. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients with a mean follow-up after surgery of 44 months were included. Overall mortality and recurrence were higher in the resection group. Mean survival was 51.4 months in the liver transplantation group and 37.5 months in the resection group, and the disease-free interval was 49.4 ±â€¯37.2 and 27.4 ±â€¯28.7 months, respectively (p = 0.002). The tumor burden score was statistically significant regarding risk for recurrence and specific mortality. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be no patient subgroup in whom the results of surgical resection were superior or comparable to those of transplantation. Tumor burden determination could be a useful tool for patient subclassification and help guide therapeutic decision-making.

Surgery and radioembolization of liver tumors.

Surgical resection is considered the curative treatment par excellence for patients with primary or metastatic liver tumors. However, less than 40% of them are candidates for surgery, either due to non-modifiable factors (comorbidities, age, liver dysfunction…), or to the invasion or proximity of the tumor to the main vascular requirements, the lack of a future liver remnant (FLR) adequate to maintain postoperative liver function, or criteria of tumor size and number. In these last factors, hepatic radioembolization has been shown to play a role as a presurgical tool, either by hypertrophy of the FLR or by reducing tumor size that manages to reduce tumor staging (term known as "downstaging"). To these is added a third factor, which is its ability to apply the test of time, which makes it possible to identify those patients who present progression of the disease in a short period of time (both locally and at distance), avoiding a unnecessary surgery. This paper aims to review RE as a tool to facilitate liver surgery, both through the experience of our center and the available scientific evidence.

Laparoscopic liver resections: What have we learned after more than 20 years of experience?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to describe our experience in the last 8 years of laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) for benign and malignant tumors, to evaluate indications and results, and to compare the results with our previous experience and with other reference centers worldwide. METHODS: Based on a prospective database of the Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, patients who underwent LLR between September 2014 and June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed (period B) and where compared to our own experience from 2000 to 2014 previously published (period A). RESULTS: Colorectal liver metastasis was the main indication for surgery (26.4%). Major hepatectomies accounted for 15.7% of resections and the most frequently performed procedure was typical and atypical hepatectomies (58.4%) followed by left lateral hepatectomy (20.3%). The total postoperative major complications rate was 10.1% and the 90-day postoperative mortality was 1%. The median postoperative stay was four (IQR: 3-6) days. The overall survival rate estimated at 1, 3 and 5 years was 94%, 84% and 70%, respectively, with a median follow-up of 22.9 months. CONCLUSIONS: LLRs in the hands of trained surgeons continue to grow safely, and we have seen an increase in the indication of LLR for malignant pathologies and major resections, a trend that follows the rest of the major centers in the world and has become the method of choice for surgical treatment of most liver tumors.

Influence of the tumor site and histopathology after resection for non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine liver metastases. A single center experience.

INTRODUCTION: It remains unclear whether liver resection is justified in patients with non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine liver metastases (NCNNLM). A single-center study was conducted to analyse overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and potential prognostic factors in patients with different types of NCNNLM. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent liver resection of NCNNLM from January 2006 to July 2019 was performed. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were analyzed. 82.3% presented metachronous metastases and 74.2% were unilobar. The most frequent primary tumor site (PTS) were breast (24.2%), urinary tract (19.4%), melanoma (12.9%), and pancreas (9.7%). The most frequent primary tumor pathologies were breast carcinoma (24.2%), non-breast adenocarcinoma (21%), melanoma (12.9%) and sarcoma (12.9%). The most frequent surgical procedure performed was minor hepatectomy (72.6%). R0 resection was achieved in 79.5% of cases. The major complications' rate was 9.7% with a 90-day mortality rate of 1.6%. The 1, 3 and 5-year OS/DFS rate were 65%/28%, 45%/36% and 46%/28%, respectively. We identified the response to neoadjuvant therapy and PTS as possible prognostic factors for OS (P =0.06) and DFS (P =0.06) respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of our series, NCNNLM resection produces beneficial outcomes in terms of OS and DFS. PTS and the response to neoadjuvant therapy could be the main prognostic factors after resection.

Survival analysis and identification of prognostic factors in colorectal liver metastasis after liver resection.

INTRODUCTION: Liver resection is the only curative treatment for colorectal liver metastasis. The identification of predictive factors leads to personalize patient management to enhance their long-term outcomes. This population-based study aimed to characterize factors associated with, and survival impact of patients who received hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of all the hepatectomies for colorectal liver metastasis performed at third-level hospital of Spain (2010-2018) was conducted. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analyses. Multivariable Cox and regression models were used to determine prognostic factors associated with overall survival. RESULTS: The 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival were 42 and 33%, respectively. Survival analysis showed that metastasis features (number, largest size, distribution, and extrahepatic disease) and postsurgical factors (transfusion, major complications, and positive margin resection), as well as non-mutated KRAS, showed a significant association with survival. Otherwise, on multivariate analysis, only 5 independent risk factors were identified: major size metastasis >4 cm, RAS mutation, positive margin resection, intraoperative transfusion, and major complications. CONCLUSIONS: According to our findings, major size metastasis >4 cm, intraoperative transfusion, and major postoperative complications continue to be traditional prognostic factors. Meanwhile, the KRAS biomarker has a powerful impact as a survival prognostic factor.

Implementation of an ERAS protocol on elderly patients in liver resection.

BACKGROUND: The increase of quality of life, the improvement in the perioperative care programs, the use of the frailty index, and the surgical innovation has allowed to access of complex abdominal surgery for elderly patients like liver resection. Despite of this, in patients aged 70 or older there is a limitation for the implementation ERAS protocolos. The aim of this study is to evaluate the implementation ERAS protocol on elderly patients (≥70 years) undergoing liver resection. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of patients who underwent liver resection from December 2017 to December 2019 with an ERAS program. We compare the outcomes in patients ≥70 years (G ≥ 70) versus <70 years (G < 70). The frailty was measured with the Physical Frailty Phenotype score. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients were included. 32 of these (31.6%) were patients ≥70 years. 90% of the both groups had performed >70% of the ERAS. Oral diet tolerance and mobilization on the first postoperative day were quicker in <70 years group. The hospital stay was similar in both groups (3.07days/2.7days). Morbidity and mortality were similar; Clavien I-II(G ≥ 70:41% vs G < 70:30,5%) and Clavien ≥ III (G ≥ 70:6% vs G < 70:8.5%), like hospital readmissions. Mortality was <1%. ERAS protocol compliance was associated with a decrease in complications (ERAS < 70%:80% vs ERAS > 90%:20%; p = 0.02) and decrease in severity of complications in both study groups. Frailty was found in 6% of the elderly group; the only patient who died had a frailty index of 4. CONCLUSION: Implementation of ERAS protocol for elderly patients is possible, with major improvements in perioperative outcomes, without an increase in morbidity, mortality neither readmissions.

Hemangioma hepático gigante único: serie de casos con seguimiento de pacientes tratados quirúrgicamente / Single giant liver hemangioma: case series with follow-up of patients treated surgically

El tratamiento del hemangioma hepático gigante (HHG), sigue siendo motivo de controversia. El objetivo de este estudio fue reportar los resultados de pacientes con HHG resecados quirúrgicamente en términos de morbilidad postoperatoria (MPO). Serie de casos con seguimiento. Se incluyeron pacientes con HHG, sometidos a cirugía de forma consecutiva, en Clínica RedSalud Mayor, entre 2011 y 2020. La variable resultado fue MPO. Otras variables de interés fueron: tiempo quirúrgico, estancia hospitalaria y mortalidad. Las pacientes fueron seguidas de forma clínica. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva, con medidas de tendencia central y dispersión. Se intervinieron 5 pacientes, con una mediana de edad de 38 años. La medianas del tiempo quirúrgico y estancia hospitalaria; fueron 75 min y 4 días respectivamente. La MPO fue 20 % (1 caso de seroma). Con una mediana de seguimiento de 41 meses, los pacientes se encuentran asintomáticos y no se ha verificado morbilidad alejada. La resección quirúrgica de un HHG se puede realizar con escasa morbilidad, tanto en términos numéricos como de gravedad de la complicación observada.

SUMMARY: Treatment of giant hepatic hemangioma (GHH) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to report the outcomes of surgically resected GHH patients in terms of postoperative morbidity (POM). Case series with follow-up. Patients with GHH who underwent surgery consecutively at the RedSalud Mayor Clinic between 2011 and 2020 were included. The outcome variable was POM. Other variables of interest were surgical time, hospital stay and mortality. The patients were followed up clinically. Descriptive statistics were used, with measures of central tendency and dispersion. Five patients underwent surgery, with a median age of 38 years. The median surgical time and hospital stay; were 75 min and 4 days respectively. The MPO was 20 % (1 case of seroma). With a median follow-up of 41 months, the patients are asymptomatic, and no distant morbidity has been verified. Surgical resection of GHH can be performed with low morbidity, both in terms of numbers and the severity of the complication observed.

Impact and outcomes of liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with clinically significant portal hypertension.

PURPOSE: Clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH), although not a contraindication for liver resection in cirrhosis, is considered a determinant prognostic factor for post-surgical outcomes. This study aims to investigate the effects of CSPH on short and long-term results after hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Single-center retrospective analysis of 126 consecutive hepatic resections for HCC in Child-Pugh A patients, performed between 2008 and 2018. Patients were divided according to the presence of CSPH, defined as a hepatic venous pressure gradient ≥ 10 mmHg. To overcome selection bias, 42 patients with CSPH were matched through propensity score with 42 patients without CSPH. Intraoperative and post-operative outcomes, along with overall and disease-free survival, were compared between the matched groups. RESULTS: Liver decompensation was four-fold in the CSPH group (28.6% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.010), while rate of severe complications, including 90-days mortality, was not statistically different between patients with and without CSPH. Overall and recurrence-free survival was not inferior in patients with CSPH compared to non-CSPH group. CONCLUSIONS: The present study has demonstrated acceptable outcomes of liver resection for HCC in carefully selected Child-Pugh A cirrhotic patients, even in the presence of elevated portal pressure.

OBJETIVOS: La hipertensión portal clínicamente significativa (HPCS), si bien no representa una contraindicación para la resección hepática en la cirrosis, se considera un factor pronóstico determinante en los resultados posoperatorios. Este estudio se propone de estudiar los efectos de la HPCS en los resultados a corto y largo plazo tras la resección hepática por carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC). MÉTODOS: Análisis retrospectivo mono-céntrico de 126 resecciones hepáticas por CHC en pacientes Child-Pugh A, realizadas entre el 2008 y el 2018. Los pacientes se han dividido según la presencia de HPCS, definida como gradiente de presión venoso hepático ≥ 10 mmHg. Para controlar el sesgo de selección, 42 pacientes con HPCS se han apareado con puntaje de propensión con 42 pacientes sin HPCS. RESULTADOS: La tasa de descompensación hepática fue 4 veces superior en los pacientes con HPCS (28.6% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.010), mientras las complicaciones graves, incluyendo la mortalidad a 90 días, no se mostraron diferentes en los pacientes con y sin HPCS. La supervivencia global y libre de recidiva no fueron inferiores en los pacientes con HPCS comparados. CONCLUSIONES: El presente estudio ha demostrado resultados aceptables en la resección hepática en pacientes con cirrosis Child-Pugh A cuidadosamente seleccionados, también en presencia de hipertensión portal.

Epidemiología de pacientes con hepatocarcinoma en un hospital Universitario / Epidemiology of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in a University hospital

Resumen El carcinoma hepatocelular (HCC) es el tumor primario más frecuente del hígado, con 905 677 casos diagnosticados en 2020, en todo el mundo, y 830 180 muertes. Es responsable de la novena causa de muerte por cáncer en los hombres y la décima en mujeres en Argentina. A diferencia de otros tumo res de alta prevalencia, la evidencia científica acerca del HCC se limita principalmente a pequeñas cohortes y estudios retrospectivos. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir epidemiológicamente a aquellos pacientes con diagnóstico de HCC en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires en un periodo de 12 años. La supervivencia global para nuestra cohorte fue de 58, 46 y 36% a 1, 3 y 5 años respectivamente. El promedio de supervivencia en pacientes con tratamiento paliativo fue de 5 meses, 23 para aquellos que recibieron tratamientos no curativos y 75 meses para los que recibieron tratamientos curativos. El porcentaje de pacientes libres de enfermedad a 1, 3 y 5 años fue de 89%, 76% y 61% respectivamente. Se realizó un estudio minucioso de la etiología, factores de riesgo, incidencia, mortalidad y tratamientos realizados. Su importancia yace en su tamaño muestral, calidad y cantidad de información disponible.

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver tumor, with 905 677 diagnosed cases and 830 180 deaths, in 2020 worldwide. In Argentina, it accounts for the 9th cause of death for cancer in men and the 10th in women. Unlike other highly-prevalent tumors, scientific evidence for most therapeutic options is limited mainly to small cohorts and retrospective studies. The aim of this study is to characterize and describe epidemiologically patients with diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires during a 12-year period. Overall survival for our cohort was 58%, 46%, and 36% at 1, 3 and 5 years respectively. Average survival for patients receiving palliative treatment was 5 months, while for those who received either non-curative or curative treatment was 23 and 75 months respectively. Recurrence-free survival for those patients who under went a curative treatment was 89%, 76% y 61% at 1, 3 and 5 years. A thorough analysis of etiology, risk factors, incidence, mortality and treatment was made. The study's importance lies in its large sample size, quantity and quality of data, and will most certainly stimulate the development of local studies in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Simultaneous resection for colon cancer and synchronous liver metastases: case series with follow-up / Resección simultánea por cáncer de colon y metástasis hepáticas sincrónicas: serie de casos con seguimiento

SUMMARY: Treatment of colonic cancer (CC) and synchronic liver metastasis (SLM) is still controversial in relation to how to act. The aim of this study was to analyze initial single center experience in simultaneous surgical approach of patients with CC and SLM, in terms of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Retrospective case series of patients with CC and SLM undergoing simultaneous surgery, consecutively, at Clínica RedSalud Mayor Temuco, between 2007 and 2021. Outcome variables were OS and DFS. Other variables of interest were postoperative morbidity (POM), surgical time, hospital stay and mortality. Descriptive statistics was used (measures of central tendency and dispersion), and survival analysis was estimated applying Kaplan Meier curves. Sixteen patients (10 female and 6 male) were operated, with a median age of 61 years. The most frequent localization was cecum and right colon (37.5 %). In all patients some type of liver resection was added (parenchymal-sparing hepatectomy or anatomical resection). Median surgical time and hospital stay were 150 min and 5 days respectively. POM was 31.2 % (5 cases), mainly Clavien & Dindo I and II (12.5 % of patients required a re-intervention). With a median follow-up of 52 months 1, 3 and 5-year OS were 100 %, 62.5 %, and 50.0 % respectively. On the other hand, DFS rates of 1, 3 and 5-year were 75.0 %, 43.8 %, and 25.0 % respectively. The series had no mortality. OS, DFS, POM and mortality, were like other series. Simultaneous resection of CC and SLM is an aggressive approach, but not compromise oncological outcomes.

RESUMEN: El tratamiento del cáncer de colon (CC) con metástasis hepática sincrónica (MHS), tiene un tratamiento controvertido aún. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la experiencia unicéntrica en el tratamiento de pacientes con CC y MHS simultáneo, en términos de supervivencia global (SG) y supervivencia libre de enfermedad (SLE). Serie de casos retrospectiva consecutiva, de pacientes con CC y MHS sometidos a cirugía simultánea, en Clínica RedSalud Mayor Temuco, entre 2007 y 2021. Las variables de resultado fueron SG y SLE. Otras variables de interés fueron la morbilidad postoperatoria (MPO), tiempo quirúrgico, estancia hospitalaria y mortalidad. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva (medidas de tendencia central y dispersión) y se estimó supervivencia aplicando curvas de Kaplan Meier. Se operaron 16 pacientes (10 mujeres y 6 hombres), con mediana de edad de 61 años. La localización más frecuente fue ciego-colon derecho (37,5 %). En todos los casos se practicó algún tipo de resección hepática (hepatectomía conservadora o resección anatómica). La mediana del tiempo quirúrgico y la estancia hospitalaria fueron de 150 min y 5 días respectivamente. La MPO fue del 31,2 % (5 casos), principalmente Clavien & Dindo I y II (hubo 12,5 % de reintervenciones). Con una mediana de seguimiento de 52 meses. La SG a 1, 3 y 5 años fue 100 %, 62,5 % y 50,0 %, respectivamente. Por otro lado, la SLE a 1, 3 y 5 años fue 75,0 %, 43,8 % y 25,0 %, respectivamente. La serie no tuvo mortalidad. La SG, SLE, MPO y la mortalidad fueron similares a otras series. La resección simultánea de CC y SLM es agresiva, pero no compromete los resultados oncológicos.

Revisión histórico - narrativa del ALPPS / ALPPS: a historical review

RESUMEN Las resecciones hepáticas en dos tiempos se desarrollaron para aumentar la resecabilidad de los tumo res hepáticos en pacientes con futuro remanente hepático insuficiente. El ALPPS, descripto en 2011, ha representado un gran avance en el mundo de la cirugía hepatobiliopancreática. Esta técnica acelera la hipertrofia del futuro remanente hepático y reduce el intervalo de tiempo entre las dos cirugías en comparación con las técnicas clásicas. El ALPPS ha ganado popularidad rápidamente, con más de 1200 pacientes incluidos en el registro mundial. Los comités internacionales de expertos se han reunido en dos ocasiones con el fin de emitir recomendaciones, principalmente sobre las indicaciones, selección de pacientes y estandarización de la técnica quirúrgica. Aunque ha demostrado ser superior en términos de resecabilidad (entre el 80-100% frente al 60-90% de la hepatectomía en dos tiempos), su rápida implementación ha sido penalizada con alta morbi mortalidad en las series publicadas, que llega a alcanzar el 40% y el 9%, respectivamente. Además, la evidencia actual sobre los posibles beneficios y desventajas se basa mayoritariamente en estudios observacionales. Presentamos una revisión histórica, describiendo las diferentes modificaciones técnicas que se han lle vado a cabo desde su inicio y realizando una revisión rigurosa en términos de morbilidad, mortalidad y resultados oncológicos.

ABSTRACT Two-stage liver resections were described to increase the resectability of liver tumors in patients with insufficient future liver remnant. The ALPPS procedure, described in 2011, has represented a breakthrough in the field of hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery. This technique accelerates the hypertrophy of the future liver remnant and reduces the interval between the two surgeries compared with previous techniques. ALPPS has gained popularity rapidly, with more than 1200 patients included in the world registry. Recommendations about indications, patient selection and surgical standardization have been discussed twice in international expert meetings. Although ALPPS has proven to be superior in terms of resectability (80-100% versus 60-90% of two-stage hepatectomy), its rapid implementation has been punished with high morbidity and mortality reaching up to 40% and 9%, respectively, in the published series. The current evidence on the possible benefits and disadvantages is mainly based on observational studies. We present a historical review, describing the different technical modifications that have been carried out since its description, with a rigorous review in terms of morbidity, mortality, and oncological outcomes.

Hepatocellular carcinoma in the noncirrhotic liver: Clinical features and outcomes in Veracruz, Mexico. / Carcinoma hepatocelular en hígado no cirrótico: características clínicas y resultados en Veracruz, México.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary tumor of the liver. HCC in the noncirrhotic liver accounts for 15-20% of all HCC. Noncirrhotic HCC is a clinically different entity because of the non-neoplastic liver parenchyma involved. Our aim was to describe the presentation, treatment, and predictive survival results of noncirrhotic HCC in Veracruz. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study, spanning 13 years, was conducted on patients with noncirrhotic HCC. It analyzed their clinical characteristics, fibrosis/cirrhosis biologic index (NAFLD, MELD, ALBI, APRI, CDS, FIB-4, GUCI, Lok) results, disease treatment, and survival. RESULTS: From a total of 168 cases of HCC, 33 (19.6%) noncirrhotic patients were included in the study. Of those patients, the mean patient age was 67.3 years (51.5% men), 9.1% had hepatitis C virus infection, and 27.3% were alcoholics. Less than 20% of the patients had biologic indexes suggestive of fibrosis/cirrhosis. Mean tumor size was 7.7cm and 42.4% of the patients had alpha-fetoprotein levels>15ng/ml. A total of 52.5% of the tumors were classified as Okuda II and 30.3% of the patients had advanced disease (the Milan criteria). Liver resection was performed on 51.5% of the patients, radiofrequency ablation on 18.2%, and transarterial chemoembolization on 9.1%. The overall 5-year survival rate was 55.4%. Liver resection resulted in the best 5-year survival rate (72.7%). Age>67 years and elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels were associated with poorer survival (P<.05, log-rank). CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics and survival rate of HCC in the noncirrhotic liver were similar to those reported in other studies. Liver resection provided the highest survival rates. The liver fibrosis biologic indexes were not risk factors for survival.

Continuous erector spinae plane block for pain management in laparoscopic liver resection: case report / Bloqueo continuo del elevador de la espina para el manejo del dolor en una reseccion hepática laparoscopica: reporte de caso

Abstract Pain after liver resection can be difficult to manage. Epidural anesthesia (EA) is an effective technique in pain control in this surgery. However, postoperative coagulopathy and hypotension due to autonomic nervous system block in high-risk patients, may result that the EA is an inadequate analgesic technique in according to enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) recommendations for liver surgery. Regional block techniques have been recommended for liver surgery in ERAS guidelines. Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a recent block described for thoracic and abdominal surgeries and provides both somatic and visceral analgesia. We describe a high-risk patient with cardiac dysfunction and Parkinson's disease who underwent laparoscopic right liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. Satisfactory intra and postoperative analgesia was achieved by a combined continuous ESP block, transversus abdominis plane (TAP), and oblique subcostal TAP blocks. Surgery and postoperative period was uneventful. No opioids were administered during hospitalization. A combined of thoracic and abdominal wall blocks can be an effective approach for intra and postoperative analgesia in high-risk patients undergoing laparoscopic liver resection. Further clinical research is recommended to establish the effectiveness of the ESP block as an analgesic technique in this surgery.

Resumen El dolor posterior a una resección hepática puede ser difícil de manejar. La anestesia epidural (AE) es una técnica efectiva para el control del dolor en esta cirugía. Sin embargo, la coagulopatía y la hipotensión postoperatorias debido al bloqueo del sistema nervioso autónomo en pacientes de alto riesgo, puede hacer que la AE sea una técnica analgésica inadecuada, de acuerdo con las recomendaciones de la recuperación mejorada después de cirugía (ERAS, por las iniciales en inglés de Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) para cirugía hepática. Se han recomendado las técnicas de bloqueo regional para cirugía hepática en las guías ERAS. El bloqueo del plano erector de la espina (BEE) (ESP, por las iniciales en inglés de erector spinae plan block) es una técnica reciente, para cirugías torácicas y abdominales, que brinda analgesia tanto somática como visceral. Se describe aquí un paciente de alto riesgo con disfunción cardiaca y enfermedad de Parkinson que se sometió a resección la paroscópica del lóbulo derecho del hígado por carcinoma hepatocelular. Se logró analgesia intra y postoperatoria eficaz mediante una combinación de bloqueo continuo ESP, y bloqueos del plano transverso abdominal (PTA) y del plano transverso abdominal subcostal oblicuo. La cirugía y el periodo postoperatorio transcurrieron sin novedad y no se administraron opioides durante la hospitalización. La combinación de bloqueos combinados torácicos y de la pared abdominal pueden ser un abordaje efectivo para la analgesia intra y postoperatoria en pacientes de alto riesgo que se someten a resección hepática laparoscópica. Se recomienda continuar con la investigación clínica a finde establecer la efectividad del bloqueo ESP como técnica anestésica para esta cirugía.

Técnica de linfadenectomía y resección del lecho vesicular laparoscópica por cáncer vesícula biliar incidental / Lymphadenectomy technique and laparoscopic vesicular bed resection for incidental gallbladder cancer

Resumen El cáncer de vesícula es infrecuente a nivel mundial, a diferencia de su alta incidencia en Chile. Su pronóstico es malo en general, y dependerá de su forma de presentación, siendo mejor en los casos diagnosticados después de una colecistectomía laparoscópica por patología benigna. La reintervención, que incluye la resección hepática y linfadenectomía, es el pilar de la terapia curativa en esta neoplasia. Presentamos la descripción de la técnica quirúrgica realizada en los pacientes con cáncer de vesícula de diagnóstico incidental, en el Servicio de Cirugía de Clínica Alemana de Santiago y en el Hospital de la Fuerza Aérea de Chile. El abordaje laparoscópico representa una alternativa quirúrgica válida en el tratamiento de pacientes con cáncer de vesícula biliar diagnosticados después de la colecistectomía. La estandarización de la técnica debiera contribuir a su mayor empleo y a la obtención de buenos resultados desde un punto de vista oncológico.

Gallbladder cancer is considered an infrequent disease but in Chile has a higher incidence. Prognostic is considered dismal except in those patients in whom the diagnosis is performed after the cholecystectomy specimen study. Reoperation with gallbladder bed resection and lymphadenectomy is considered the treatment in patients with incidental cases. We show the way this operation is performed in Clinica Alemana of Santiago and in the Air Force Hospital. The laparoscopic approach is an alternative to those patients in whom the diagnosis was done after the cholecystectomy. Laparoscopy allows to accomplish same objectives and to obtain identical results that the open approach. The technical standardization should contribute to spread its employment and to improve the results.

Resección hepática extendida con vena cava inferior por colangiocarcinoma intrahepático: presentación de 2 casos / Extended hepatic resection with inferior cava vein for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: presentation of two cases

Resumen Introducción: El colangiocarcinoma intrahepático (CIH) corresponde al segundo tumor hepático primario y la resección quirúrgica es la única alternativa válida para el tratamiento curativo de esta enfermedad. Reporte de casos: Describimos 2 paciente portadores de CIH con compromiso de vena cava inferior (VCI) que fueron sometidos a resección en Clínica Alemana de Santiago (CAS). Ambas pacientes son de género femenino de 39 y 47 años de edad. Ambas fueron sometidas a resección mayor hepática izquierda, asociada a resección del segmento I y extendida a VCI. La reconstrucción de la VCI fue realizada con parche pericárdico bovino y cierre primario respectivamente. El período desde el posoperatorio hasta el alta, fue de 13 y 23 días respectivamente. Discusión: Aunque la reseccion quirúrgica es la única vía para la curación en el CIH, el compromiso de estructuras vasculares hacen que esto no sea posible. El manejo multidisciplinario asociado a una técnica meticulosa realizada por un equipo quirúrgico experimentado, hacen posible lograr buenos resultados.

Introduction: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary liver tumor and surgical resection the only valid curative treatment. Case reports: We describe two patients harboring an intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with cava vein involvement who underwent resection at Clinica Alemana of Santiago. Both patients were females with ages of 39 and 47 years old. Both patients underwent left liver resection, associated to resection of segment I and of a portion of cava vein. Reconstruction of resected portion of the cava vein was performed by using a pericardium bovine patch and primary closure respectively. Postoperative period was uneventfully being discharged at 13 and 23 days respectively. Discussion: Although surgical resection is the only way to get curativeness, frequent involvement of large vascular structures make treatment unfeasible. A multidisciplinary approach associated with a meticulous technique performed by an experienced surgical team make possible to accomplish the above objective.

Correlation between preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein levels and survival with respect to the surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma at a tertiary care hospital in Veracruz, Mexico. / Correlación de los niveles de alfafetoproteína sérica preoperatoria y sobrevida en el tratamiento quirúrgico del hepatocarcinoma en una unidad médica de alta especialidad en Veracruz, México.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein levels can have predictive value for hepatocellular carcinoma survival. AIM: Our aim was to analyze the correlation between preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein levels and survival, following the surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: Nineteen patients were prospectively followed (07/2005-01/2016). An ROC curve was created to determine the sensitivity and specificity of alpha-fetoprotein in relation to survival (Kaplan-Meier). RESULTS: Of the 19 patients evaluated, 57.9% were men. The mean patient age was 68.1 ± 8.5 years and survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 89.4, 55.9, and 55.9%. The alpha-fetoprotein cutoff point was 15.1 ng/ml (sensitivity 100%, specificity 99.23%). Preoperative alpha-fetoprotein levels below 15.1, 200, 400, and 463 ng/ml correlated with better 1 and 5-year survival rates than levels above 15.1, 200, 400, and 463 ng/ml (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein levels have predictive value for hepatocellular carcinoma survival.

Surgical treatment of non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours based on three clinical scenarios. / Tratamiento quirúrgico de los tumores neuroendocrinos no funcionantes de páncreas basado en 3 escenarios clínicos.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of patients with non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NFPNET) is resection in locally pancreatic disease, or with resectable liver metastases. There is controversy about unresectable liver disease. METHODS: We analysed the perioperative data and survival outcome of 63 patients who underwent resection of NFPNET between 1993 and 2012. They were divided into 3 scenarios: A, pancreatic resection (44patients); B, pancreatic and liver resection in synchronous resectable liver metastases (12patients); and C, pancreatic resection in synchronous unresectable liver metastases (6patients). The prognostic factors for survival and recurrence were studied. RESULTS: Distal pancreatectomy (51%) and pancreaticoduodenectomy (38%) were more frequently performed. Associated surgery was required in 44% of patients, including synchronous liver resections in 9patients. Two patients received a liver transplant during follow-up. According to the WHO classification they were distributed into G1: 10 (16%), G2: 45 (71%), and G3: 8 (13%). The median hospital stay was 11days. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were 49% and 1.6%, respectively. At the closure of the study, 43 (68%) patients were still alive, with a mean actuarial survival of 9.6years. The WHO classification and tumour recurrence were risk factors of mortality in the multivariate analysis. The median actuarial survival by scenarios was 131months (A), 102months (B), and 75months (C) without statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection is the treatment for NFPNET without distant disease. Resectable liver metastases in well-differentiated tumours must be resected. The resection of the pancreatic tumour with unresectable synchronous liver metastasis must be considered in well-differentiated NFPNET. The WHO classification grade and recurrence are risk factors of long-term mortality.

[Surgical treatment of liver haemangiomas in a third level hospital in south-east Mexico]. / Tratamiento quirúrgico de los hemangiomas hepáticos en una unidad médica de alta especialidad del sureste de México.

BACKGROUND: Liver haemangiomas are the most common benign tumours, commonly presented in women and considered giant when their diameter surpasses 4cm. They are mostly asymptomatic and incidental findings. They manifest with abdominal pain and mass effect. These tumours can be managed by observation, enucleation, resection, and embolisation. OBJECTIVE: To determine the experience in our unit as regards the treatment and post-surgical outcomes of patients with liver haemangiomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 14 patients with a histopathological diagnosis of liver haemangioma. An analysis was made using the sociodemographic, tumour-related and surgical related variables, as well as any complications. RESULTS: Of the 14 patients analyse, there were 7 males and 7 females, with a median age of 43.43±15.03 years, and a mean tumour size of 6.86±3.5cm. Eight (51.7%) of the tumours were located in the right lobe, 3 (21.4%) in the left lobe, and 3 (21.4%) in the caudate lobe. Resection was performed in 7 patients (50%), enucleation in 5 patients (35.7%), and biopsy in 2 patients (14.3). No relationship was found between sex, pathology, or tumour location. No morbidity or mortality was found. CONCLUSIONS: Liver haemangiomas in our unit have similar characteristics to those described in other studies. Surgical treatment in our hospital offers a positive outcome.

Tratamiento resectivo del hepatocarcinoma / Surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major problem in cirrhotic patients. Liver resection has been established as an effective treatment in patients with well-preserved liver function. The goal of this study is to describe the perioperative results and survival rates after liver resection in patients with HCC. Patients and Methods: Retrospective study including patients with HCC who underwent liver resection as definitive treatment between January 2000 and August 2013. Clinical and surgical data were assessed; survival analysis was also performed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Log-rank test. Results: Twenty-five liver resections were performed during the study period, 7 cases in patients with no history of cirrhosis. Most cases were treated by minor resections, including bi-segmentectomies, mono-segmentectomies and non-anatomic resections. In 5 patients a right extended hepatectomy was performed. Intra and postoperative complications were registered in one and 8 cases, respectively. Four patients developed postoperative liver dysfunction and one case developed liver insufficiency. There was no perioperative mortality. The 3 and 5 years disease-free survival rate was 48 percent and 30 percent, respectively. Additionally, the 3 and 5 years overall survival rate was 65 percent and 51 percent, respectively. Conclusions: The present data confirm the feasibility and safety of liver resections in well-selected patients with HCC.

Introducción: El hepatocarcinoma (HCC) es una causa importante de mortalidad en pacientes con daño hepático crónico (DHC) y la resección quirúrgica es una alternativa de tratamiento en pacientes con adecuada función hepática. El objetivo del trabajo es describir los resultados perioperatorios y sobrevida a largo plazo de los pacientes con diagnóstico de HCC sometidos a resección quirúrgica. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo. Análisis de registros clínicos, quirúrgicos y anátomo-patológicos de pacientes resecados con diagnóstico de HCC entre enero de 2000 y agosto de 2013 en nuestra institución. Las variables demográficas y clínicas se expresan en porcentajes y/o medianas, análisis de sobrevida mediante curvas de Kaplan-Meier y test de Log-rank. Resultados: Se realizó un total de 25 resecciones hepáticas por HCC, 7 casos (28 por ciento) en pacientes sin signos de DHC. En un 68 por ciento se realizaron resecciones menores, incluyendo bi-segmentectomías, mono-sectorectomías y resecciones no anatómicas; en 5 casos se realizó una hepatectomía derecha extendidas. Se registraron complicaciones intraoperatorias en un caso y postoperatorias en 8 pacientes (32 por ciento). Cuatro, presentaron disfunción hepática en el postoperatorio y un caso presentó insuficiencia hepática; no se registró mortalidad. La sobrevida libre de enfermedad observada a 5 años alcanzó un 30 por ciento. La sobrevida global de la serie a 3 y 5 años fue de 65 por ciento y 51 por ciento respectivamente, con una mediana de sobrevida de 65 meses. Conclusión: La resección hepática es una alternativa segura y factible en el tratamiento del HCC en pacientes seleccionados, con una sobrevida a largo plazo aceptable.