The Prognostic Value of Preoperative Serum Markers and Risk Classification in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Complex hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognostic biomarkers have been reported in various studies. We aimed to establish biomarkers that could predict prognosis, and formulate a simple classification using non-invasive preoperative blood test data. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 305 patients for a discovery cohort who had undergone HCC-related hepatectomy at four Japanese university hospitals between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2013. Preoperative blood test parameter optimal cut-off values were determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Cox uni- and multivariate analyses were used to determine independent prognostic factors. Risk classifications were established using classification and regression tree (CART) analysis. Validation was performed with 267 patients from three other hospitals. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, α-fetoprotein (AFP, p < 0.001), protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II, p = 0.006), and C-reactive protein (CRP, p < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). AFP (p = 0.007), total bilirubin (p = 0.001), and CRP (p = 0.003) were independent recurrent risk factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS). CART analysis results formed OS (CRP, AFP, and albumin) and RFS (PIVKA-II, CRP, and total bilirubin) decision trees, based on machine learning using preoperative serum markers, with three risk classifications. Five-year OS (low risk, 80.0%; moderate risk, 56.3%; high risk, 25.2%; p < 0.001) and RFS (low risk, 43.4%; moderate risk, 30.8%; high risk, 16.6%; p < 0.001) risks differed significantly. These classifications also stratified OS and RFS risk in the validation cohort. CONCLUSION: Three simple risk classifications using preoperative non-invasive prognostic factors could predict prognosis.

Treatment strategy for resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases from the viewpoint of time to surgical failure.

PURPOSE: The efficacy of pre or postoperative chemotherapy for resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM) is disputed. This study aimed to examine the risk factors for time to surgical failure (TSF) and analyze the efficacy of pre or postoperative chemotherapy prior to liver resection for CRLM. METHODS: The clinicopathological factors of 567 patients who underwent initial hepatectomy for CRLM at 7 university hospitals between April 2007 and March 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. The prognostic factors were identified and then stratified into two groups according to the number of preoperative prognostic factors: the high-score group (H-group, score 2-4) and the low-score group (L-group, score 0 or 1). RESULTS: Patients who experienced unresectable recurrence within 12 months after initial treatment had a significantly shorter prognosis than other patients (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified age ≥ 70 (p = 0.001), pT4 (p = 0.015), pN1 (p < 0.001), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 ≥ 37 U/ml (p = 0.002), Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ IIIa (p = 0.013), and postoperative chemotherapy (p = 0.006) as independent prognostic factors. In the H-group, patients who received chemotherapy had a better prognosis than those who did not (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Postoperative chemotherapy is beneficial in colorectal cancer patients with more than two of the following factors: age ≥ 70, carbohydrate antigen 19-9-positivity, pT4, and lymph node metastasis.

Superiority of CRP-albumin-lymphocyte index (CALLY index) as a non-invasive prognostic biomarker after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate whether a novel biomarker incorporating albumin, lymphocytes, and CRP can predict the prognosis for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatectomy. METHODS: Between January 2011 and December 2013, 384 patients who underwent hepatectomy in four university hospitals in Japan were investigated as a discovery cohort. The CRP-Albumin-Lymphocyte (CALLY index) was defined as (Albumin × Lymphocyte)/(CRP × 104). Patients with a CALLY index ≥5 (n = 200) were compared to those with an index <5 (n = 184). Next, validation was performed using 267 patients from three other university hospitals (external validation cohort). RESULTS: The number of TNM Stage III and IV patients was significantly higher in the CALLY <5 group than the ≥5 group (p = 0.003). There was a significant difference in the 5-year survival rate (CALLY ≥5: 71% vs. <5: 46%; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified the CALLY index as an independent factor of overall survival. Similarly, there was a significant difference in the 5-year survival rate between the CALLY ≥5 (73%) and <5 (48%) groups (p < 0.001), and the CALLY index was identified as an independent prognostic factor in the external validation cohort. CONCLUSION: The CALLY index derived from CRP, albumin, and lymphocyte values is a promising predictive biomarker for postoperative prognosis of patients with HCC.

Preoperative Risk Assessment for Loss of Independence Following Hepatic Resection in Elderly Patients: A Prospective Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a preoperative risk assessment method for loss of independence after hepatic resection. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Hepatic resection often results in loss of independence in preoperatively self-sufficient elderly people. Elderly patients should therefore be carefully selected for surgery. METHODS: In this prospective, multicenter study, 347 independently-living patients aged ≥65 years, scheduled for hepatic resection, were divided into study (n = 232) and validation (n = 115) cohorts. We investigated the risk factors for postoperative loss of independence in the study cohort and verified our findings with the validation cohort. Loss of independence was defined as transfer to a rehabilitation facility, discharge to residence with home-based healthcare, 30-day readmission for poor functionality, and 90-day mortality (except for cancer-related deaths). RESULTS: In the study cohort, univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that frailty, age ≥ 76 years, and open surgery were independent risk factors for postoperative loss of independence. Proportions of patients with postoperative loss of independence in the study and validation cohorts were respectively 3.0% and 0% among those with no applicable risk factors, 8.1% and 12.5% among those with 1 applicable risk factor, 25.5% and 25.0% among those with 2 applicable risk factors, and 56.3% and 50.0% among those with all 3 factors applicable (P < 0.001 for both cohorts). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the study and validation groups were 0.777 and 0.783, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative risk assessments using these 3 factors may be effective in predicting and planning for postoperative loss of independence after hepatic resection in elderly patients.

Clamp-Crush Technique for Laparoscopic Liver Resection.

Liver parenchymal transection is the most important process in laparoscopic liver resection (LLR). Various surgical methods and devices for LLR have been applied including the cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator, ultrasonic scalpel, and staplers. Very few reports have investigated the clamp--crush technique for LLR.1,2 Current study shows a clamp-crush technique for LLR and evaluates its perioperative outcomes. The clamp-crush technique was performed using simple forceps and the Pringle maneuver under a low central venous pressure. The vessels that remained after crushing were clipped if they were thick; or removed with an ultrasonic cutting-coagulation system if they were thin. Sixty-one LLRs were performed using the clamp-crush technique. Pathological cirrhosis was observed in 22 patients (36.0%). The types of resection were as follows: 31 wedge resections (50.8%), 11 segmentectomies (19.0%), 9 sectionectomies (14.8%), and 10 hemihepatectomies (16.4%). The intraoperative blood loss was 62 ml; the surgical duration was 272 min. The postoperative major complication (Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIa) rate was 4.9%. The median hospital stay was 8 days (range = 4-53 days). A 76-year-old female underwent right LLR for a 9-cm HCC. The right hepatic artery and portal vein were dissected separately. After mobilizing the liver, parenchymal transection was performed using the clamp-crush technique. The middle hepatic vein was totally exposed. Intraoperative blood loss was 32 ml and the surgical duration was 5 h 32 min with no postoperative complications. The clamp-crush technique is safe and feasible for LLR and could contribute to quick parenchymal transection and flattening of the transection plane.

Clinical Importance of CD200 Expression in Colorectal Liver Metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 30% of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) develop liver metastases. We evaluated the role of CD200, a potent immunosuppressive molecule, in colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). METHODS: We examined 110 patients who underwent curative liver resection for CRLM at our institution between 2000 and 2016. Based on the results of immunohistochemical analysis, the patients were divided into high-CD200 (n = 47) and low-CD200 (n = 63) expression groups. The relationships between CD200 expression and various clinicopathological outcomes were investigated. RESULTS: The overall survival (OS) of patients in the high-CD200 group was significantly worse than that in the low-CD200 group (p = 0.009). Multivariate analysis showed that the independent prognostic factors in CRLM were maximum tumor size > 30 mm (p = 0.002), preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen level > 20 ng/mL (p < 0.001), primary CRC N2-3 (p = 0.049), and high-CD200 expression (p = 0.004). Furthermore, CD4+, CD8+, and CD45RO+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in CRLM were significantly higher in the low-CD200 group than in the high-CD200 group (p = 0.005, p = 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, patients who had received preoperative chemotherapy had higher CD200 expression than those who had not received preoperative chemotherapy, and OS was significantly worse in patients in the high-CD200 group who had received preoperative chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: CD200 expression was an independent prognostic factor in CRLM. CD200 may play a critical role in tumor immunity in CRLM, and can therefore be used as a potential therapeutic target in CRLM.

Pulmonary complications after laparoscopic liver resection.

BACKGROUND: Although postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are one of the common complications after liver surgery and might be avoided with the use of a laparoscopic approach, few reports have focused on the comparison of PPCs between laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) and open liver resection (OLR). The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of LLR on PPCs. METHODS: The study included 307 patients who underwent liver resection, excluding biliary reconstruction, at our institution between 2014 and 2018. Patients were divided into the OLR and LLR groups. The perioperative outcomes and PPCs were compared between the two groups using propensity score matching. On day 3 after liver surgery, all patients had chest radiography to confirm the presence of pleural effusion, including cases that required thoracentesis, and pneumonia. RESULTS: Of the 307 patients, 172 and 135 patients were included in OLR and LLR groups, respectively. After propensity score matching, 65 patients were included in each group. Compared with the matched OLR group, the matched LLR group had significantly lower intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.001); rate of intraoperative blood transfusion (P = 0.011); overall PPCs (P = 0.032); and number of cases with chest radiography-confirmed pleural effusion (P = 0.048), pleural effusion requiring thoracentesis (P = 0.029), and pneumonia (P = 0.012). Moreover, postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the matched LLR group than in the matched OLR group. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with OLR, LLR might be a better surgical approach to avoid PPCs.

Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease After Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to clarify the feasibility of liver resection in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: In all, 204 patients who underwent primary liver resection for HCC between 2011 and 2019 were analyzed. Short-term and long-term outcomes were compared between the CKD and control groups. The CKD group was defined by a preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 and chronic kidney disease Stage 3B or higher. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (13.7%) had CKD. No significant differences were observed in the overall complication rates between the groups (46.4% vs. 34.7% p = 0.229). The incidence of bile leakage was significantly higher in the CKD group than in the control group (14.3% vs. 4.0% p = 0.048), and the median postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in the CKD group (11 vs. 9 days p = 0.031). No significant differences were found in the disease-free survival between the two groups (p = 0.763), but overall survival (OS) was significantly worse in the CKD group than in the control group (p = 0.022). In the multivariable analysis, a CKD diagnosis (hazard ratio, 2.261; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.139-4.486 p = 0.020) was identified as an independent poor prognostic factor for OS. The percentage of patients who died from cardiovascular disease was significantly higher in the CKD group (27.3% vs. 2.3% p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Liver resection for HCC in CKD patients is associated with acceptable perioperative outcomes. However, cardiovascular disease may negatively affect the OS of CKD patients after liver resection.

Laparoscopic versus open liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in elderly patients: a multi-centre propensity score-based analysis.

BACKGROUND: The frequency of liver resection in elderly patients has been increasing. However, data are limited regarding the safety of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) compared with that of open liver resection (OLR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in elderly patients. The present study aimed to compare short-term outcomes between LLR and OLR in elderly patients with HCC using propensity score matching. METHODS: The study included 630 patients (age, ≥ 75 years) who underwent liver resection for HCC at nine liver centres between April 2010 and December 2017. Patients were divided into LLR and OLR groups, and perioperative outcomes were compared between the groups. In addition, subgroup analysis was performed according to age (75-79 and ≥ 80 years). RESULTS: Of the 630 patients, 221 and 409 were included in the LLR and OLR groups, respectively. After propensity score matching, 155 patients were included in each group. Intraoperative blood loss and the transfusion, post-operative overall complication and major complication rates were lower in the matched LLR than the matched OLR group (P < 0.001, P = 0.004, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, post-operative pulmonary and cardiovascular complications were less frequent in the matched LLR group (P = 0.008 and P = 0.014, respectively). In subgroup analysis, among octogenarians, the post-operative major complication rate was lower and hospital stay was shorter in the matched LLR than the matched OLR group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: LLR for HCC is associated with good short-term outcomes in patients aged ≥ 75 years compared with OLR. LLR is safe and feasible in selected octogenarians with HCC.

Influence of the Glissonean Pedicle Transection Approach in Spiegel Lobe-Preserving Left Hepatectomy on Spiegel Lobe Volume and Remnant Liver Functions.

BACKGROUND: The extrahepatic surgical technique in liver resection can be divided into glissonean pedicle transection and glissonean separated transection approaches. In this study, we compared remnant liver function and liver regeneration involving the Spiegel lobe between these two approaches regarding Spiegel lobe-preserving left hepatectomy. METHODS: We enrolled 31 patients who underwent Spiegel lobe-preserving left hepatectomy for malignant hepatobiliary diseases between April 2008 and January 2020. The postoperative Spiegel lobe volume was measured using a volume analyzer at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Of the 31 patients, 22 and 9 were included in the glissonean separated transection and glissonean pedicle transection groups, respectively. There was no significant between-group difference in the preoperative Spiegel lobe volume. However, the volumes at 3 and 6 months postoperatively were significantly larger in the glissonean pedicle transection group than in the glissonean transection group (29.92 mL vs. 13.00 mL; P < 0.001 and 28.43 mL vs. 15.01 mL; P < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant between-group difference in postoperative remnant liver function. CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative Spiegel lobe volume was larger, and liver regeneration was better with the glissonean pedicle transection approach because of transection for Spiegel branch of the portal vein. It is desirable to preserve Spiegel branch in possible cases when surgeons select the glissonean separated transection approach based on the location and size of the tumors.

Significance of Herpesvirus Entry Mediator Expression in Human Colorectal Liver Metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) has been suggested to play various roles in cancer biology. The authors report that HVEM expression in tumor cells is associated with a reduction in the number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and a poor prognosis after surgical resection in various human gastrointestinal cancers. This study aimed to clarify the clinical significance of HVEM expression in human colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). METHODS: This study examined the cases of 104 patients with CRLM who underwent curative liver resection at Nara Medical University between 2000 and 2014. The median follow-up period was 50.2 months. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using antibodies against HVEM, CD4, CD8, and CD45RO. RESULTS: High HVEM expression was observed in 49 patients (47.1%) with CRLM. Expression of HVEM was not associated with age, gender, administration of preoperative chemotherapy, tumor size, number of tumors, or histologic differentiation. The high-HVEM group exhibited significantly worse overall survival (OS) than the low-HVEM group (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that high HVEM expression in CRLM, age of 70 years or older, and having five or more tumors are independent poor prognostic factors for OS (hazard ratio [HR], 3.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41-7.93; P = 0.006). The number of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ and CD45RO+ T cells was significantly lower in the high-HVEM group than in the low-HVEM group. High HVEM expression in primary colorectal cancer was significantly associated with synchronous CRLM, but not with metachronous CRLM. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor HVEM expression might play a critical role in CRLM.

Conceptual framework of middle hepatic vein anatomy as a roadmap for safe right hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: While the middle hepatic vein (MHV) guides parenchymal transection during right hepatectomy, its most proximal tributaries can be difficult to identify, and injury to its tributaries can be a source of major bleeding. METHOD: Following simulation modeling of right hepatectomy, reconstructed MHV data was pooled from 40 patients. MHV-tributaries and MHV-relationship to the portal pedicle were mapped out to facilitate their identification from the beginning of parenchymal transection. RESULTS: Hotspots for injury were identified: A median of 1 (1-3) tributaries draining segment 5 (V5) were within 45-90mm from the MHV termination, and 16mm above and 22mm caudal to the portal trunk. Simulation demonstrated a constant anatomic relationship between portal pedicle and the proximal MHV. A median of 2 (0-4) tributaries draining segment 8 (V8) were located 9-35mm from the MHV termination. This information was compiled into an "MHV-road-map" demonstrating 86% of the MHV tributaries at risk for significant bleeding are within 15mm of the MHV, while only thin tributaries are located in the outer area. CONCLUSIONS: The MHV-road-map led to a peripheral-to-central parenchymal transection approach to minimize the risk of MHV-injury thereby reducing bleeding during open and minimally invasive right hepatectomy.

A Novel Navigation for Laparoscopic Anatomic Liver Resection Using Indocyanine Green Fluorescence.

BACKGROUND: Among all laparoscopic liver resection techniques, anatomic liver resection is one of the most challenging procedures, with disorientation readily occurring during the laparoscopic approach compared with the open approach.1 Thus, navigation is warranted for laparoscopic anatomic liver resection. Recent research has remarkably established intraoperative fluorescence imaging techniques using indocyanine green fluorescence (ICG) in the field of liver surgery.2-4 This report describes real-time navigation for anatomic liver resection using the novel ICG system, PINPOINT (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI). METHODS: The target Glissonian pedicle was identified and temporally clamped after confirmation of blood supply to the preserved adjacent segment using ultrasonography. Next, 1.5 mg of ICG was intravenously administered using the negative counterstaining method. After 3 min of administration, the ICG-stained area could be readily recognized. Parenchymal transection was subsequently initiated along the interface between the ICG-positive and ICG-negative areas using the Pringle maneuver. RESULTS: Using PINPOINT, laparoscopic anatomic liver resection was performed for 16 patients. The extent of liver resection comprised two left hepatectomies, three right-anterior sectionectomies, three right-anterior sectionectomies, and eight segmentectomies. The identification rate of clear demarcations in the ICG images was 100%. The intraoperative blood loss was 226 mL, and the operative time was 305 min. Only one patient encountered the major postoperative complication of ascites, and all the patients attained R0 resection. CONCLUSIONS: Because the images provided by the ICG system are clearer than conventional ICG images, it could facilitate real-time navigation for laparoscopic anatomic liver resection.

Laparoscopic extended liver resection: are postoperative outcomes different?

BACKGROUND: Although laparoscopic major hepatectomy (LMH) is becoming increasingly common in specialized centers, data regarding laparoscopic extended major hepatectomies (LEMH) and their outcomes are limited. The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes of LEMH to standard LMH. METHODS: All patients who underwent purely laparoscopic anatomical right or left hepatectomy and right or left trisectionectomy between February 1998 and January 2016 are enrolled. Demographic, clinicopathological, and perioperative factors were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. Perioperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes in LEMH were compared to those of standard LMH. RESULTS: Among 195 patients with LMH, 47 (24.1%) underwent LEMH, colorectal liver metastases representing 66.7% of all indications. Preoperative portal vein embolization was undertaken in 31 (15.9%) patients. Despite more frequent vascular clamping, blood loss was higher in LEMH group (400 vs. 214 ml; p = 0.006). However, there was no difference in intraoperative transfusion requirements. Thirty-one patients experienced liver failure with no differences between LMH and LEMH groups. Postoperative mortality was comparable in the two groups [3 (2.5%) LMH patients vs. 2 (5%) LEMH patients (p = 0.388)]. Overall morbidity was higher in the LEMH group [49 LMH patients (41.5%) vs. 24 LEMH patients (60%) (p = 0.052)]. Patients treated with left LEMH experienced more biliary leakage (p = 0.011) and more major pulmonary complications (p = 0.015) than left LMH. CONCLUSION: LEMH is feasible at the price of important morbidity, with manageable and acceptable outcomes. These exigent procedures require high-volume centers with experienced surgeons.

Risk Factors for Unresectable Recurrence After Up-Front Surgery for Colorectal Liver Metastasis.

BACKGROUND: There is no clear evidence that preoperative chemotherapy for resectable colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) is superior to up-front surgery (UFS). The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with poor prognosis after UFS for CRLM. METHODS: Data about consecutive patients with CRLM who underwent liver resection at Nara Medical University Hospital between January 2000 and December 2015 were retrieved from a prospective database. Recurrence that developed within 2 years after liver resection and could not be surgically resected was defined as unresectable recurrence (UR). Preoperative risk factors associated with UR after UFS were analyzed. Among the patients with the identified risk factors, the patients who were treated with UFS were compared with those who received preoperative chemotherapy via propensity score-matching analysis. RESULTS: There were 167 patients treated with UFS, and 71 of them developed UR (the UR group). The overall survival (OS) rate of the UR group was significantly worse than that of the non-UR group (5-year survival rate: 3.8 vs. 66.8%, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified a primary colorectal cancer N factor of N2-3 as a risk factor for UR (hazard ratio 2.72, p = 0.004). Propensity score-matching analysis demonstrated that among patients with N2-3 primary colorectal cancer the post-initial treatment OS of the patients treated with UFS was significantly worse than that of the patients who received preoperative chemotherapy (5-year survival rate: 11.1 vs. 30.0%, p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CRLM with a primary colorectal cancer N factor of N2-3 should be considered for preoperative chemotherapy.

Significance of bacterial culturing of prophylactic drainage fluid in the early postoperative period after liver resection for predicting the development of surgical site infections.

PURPOSES: The relationship between the results of bacterial drainage fluid cultures in the early postoperative period after liver resection and the development of surgical site infections (SSIs) is unclear. We evaluated the diagnostic value of bacterial cultures of drainage fluid obtained on postoperative day (POD) 1 after liver resection. METHODS: The cases of all consecutive patients who underwent elective liver resection from January 2014 to December 2016 were analyzed. The association between a positive culture result and the development of SSIs was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 195 consecutive patients were studied. Positive drainage fluid cultures were obtained in 6 patients (3.1%). A multivariate analysis revealed that a positive drainage fluid culture was an independent risk factor for SSIs (odds ratio: 8.04, P = 0.035), and combined resection of the gastrointestinal tract was a risk factor for a positive drainage fluid culture (P = 0.006). Among the patients who did not undergo procedures involving the gastrointestinal tract, there was no association between drainage fluid culture positivity and SSIs. CONCLUSIONS: The detection of positive culture results for drainage fluid collected on POD 1 after liver resection was associated with SSIs. However, among patients who did not undergo procedures involving the gastrointestinal tract, it was not a predictor of SSIs.

Impact of intraoperative blood loss on the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic liver resection.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative blood loss is one of the predictors of outcome of open hepatectomy. But the impact of blood loss in laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) on postoperative outcomes is poorly understood. The aim of this study is to analyze the association between blood loss and postoperative outcomes after LH. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing LH from 1995 to 2016 was performed. The data were divided into two groups based on the extent of blood loss: Group 1 (<250 ml) and Group 2 (≥250 ml). The basic characteristics and postoperative outcomes were compared between these groups. RESULTS: A total of 504 patients underwent 611 LH (Group 1: 414 and Group 2: 197). The mean age was 62.4 years. The most common indication was liver secondaries (71.7%). Major hepatectomy was performed in 37% cases. Mean operative time was 225 ± 110.5 min and estimated blood loss was 239 ± 399.4 ml (range 0-4500 ml). Group 2 had significantly higher number of patients with malignant lesions undergoing major hepatectomy, anatomical resection with higher requirement for blood transfusion, and longer hospital stay. The incidence of conversion rate, overall complications including liver failure, renal failure, and postoperative mortality, was significantly higher in Group 2. However, the bile leak rate was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative blood loss is most frequent in patients undergoing major LH. Blood loss ≥250 ml during LH may adversely affect the postoperative outcomes.

A comparison of laparoscopic resection of posterior segments with formal laparoscopic right hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases: a single-institution study.

INTRODUCTION: The benefit of by laparoscopic resection for lesions located in postero-superior segments is unclear. The present series aimed at comparing intraoperative and post-operative results in patients undergoing either laparoscopic RPS or laparoscopic RH for colorectal liver metastases located in the right postero-superior segments. METHODS: From 2000 to 2015, patients who underwent laparoscopic resection of segment 6 and/or 7 (RPS group) were compared with those with right hepatectomy (RH group) in terms of tumour characteristics, surgical treatment, and short-term outcomes. RESULTS: Among the 177 selected patients, 78 (44.1 %) had laparoscopic RPS and 99 (55.9 %) a laparoscopic RH. Among RPS patients, 26 (33.3 %) underwent anatomical resection of either segment 7, 8 or both. Three (3 %) patients undergoing RH died in the post-operative course and none in the RPS group. Sixty-three (35.5 %) patients experienced post-operative complications, including major complications in 24 (13.5 %) patients. Liver failure (17.1 vs. 0 %, p = 000.1), biliary leakage (6.0 vs. 1.2 %, p = 00.1), intra-abdominal collection (19.1 vs. 2.5 %, p = 000.1), and pulmonary complication (16.1 vs. 1.2 %, p = 000.1) were significantly increased in the RH group. CONCLUSION: The present series suggests that patients who underwent laparoscopic resection of CRLM located in the postero-superior segments developed significantly less complications than patients undergoing formal RH.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Ascites in Patients Undergoing Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative ascites is a common complication after liver resection. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for ascites in patients after liver resection and the relationship between postoperative ascites and other complications. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data that were obtained from 266 patients who underwent liver resection for treating hepatocellular carcinoma between 2008 and 2015. Postoperative ascites was defined as a daily ascitic fluid drainage exceeding 500 mL on postoperative day 3 or later. The participants were categorized and analyzed with respect to the presence or absence of postoperative ascites. RESULTS: Overall, 17 (6.4%) patients developed postoperative ascites. A multivariate analysis identified that three significant factors-serum albumin, platelet count, and operation duration-were associated with the development of postoperative ascites. Sixteen (94.1%) of the 17 patients with postoperative ascites experienced other associated complications. The patients with ascites had more pleural effusion (70.6 vs. 17.7%, P < 0.001) than the patients without ascites. Postoperative morbidity, except for pleural effusion, was similar between the groups. The postoperative hospital stay duration was significantly longer in patients with ascites than in those without ascites. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative ascites frequently occurred in patients with decreased liver functional reserve. Moreover, the presence of ascites was associated with significantly increased pleural effusion rates, and postoperative hospital stay duration was significantly prolonged.