Implementation and Outcome of Robotic Liver Surgery in the Netherlands: A Nationwide Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the nationwide implementation and surgical outcome of minor and major robotic liver surgery (RLS) and assess the first phase of implementation of RLS during the learning curve. BACKGROUND: RLS may be a valuable alternative to laparoscopic liver surgery. Nationwide population-based studies with data on implementation and outcome of RLS are lacking. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective cohort study including consecutive patients who underwent RLS for all indications in 9 Dutch centers (August 2014-March 2021). Data on all liver resections were obtained from the mandatory nationwide Dutch Hepato Biliary Audit (DHBA) including data from all 27 centers for liver surgery in the Netherlands. Outcomes were stratified for minor, technically major, and anatomically major RLS. Learning curve effect was assessed using cumulative sum analysis for blood loss. RESULTS: Of 9437 liver resections, 400 were RLS (4.2%) procedures including 207 minor (52.2%), 141 technically major (35.3%), and 52 anatomically major (13%). The nationwide use of RLS increased from 0.2% in 2014 to 11.9% in 2020. The proportion of RLS among all minimally invasive liver resections increased from 2% to 28%. Median blood loss was 150 mL (interquartile range 50-350 mL] and the conversion rate 6.3% (n=25). The rate of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III complications was 7.0% (n=27), median length of hospital stay 4 days (interquartile range 2-5) and 30-day/in-hospital mortality 0.8% (n=3). The R0 resection rate was 83.2% (n=263). Cumulative sum analysis for blood loss found a learning curve of at least 33 major RLS procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The nationwide use of RLS in the Netherlands has increased rapidly with currently one-tenth of all liver resections and one-fourth of all minimally invasive liver resections being performed robotically. Although surgical outcomes of RLS in selected patient seem favorable, future prospective studies should determine its added value.

Minimally Invasive Liver Surgery: A Snapshot from a Major Dutch HPB and Transplant Center.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) has been progressively adopted on a nationwide scale. The aim of this study is to investigate MILS implementation in a high-volume Dutch hepato-pancreato-biliary and transplant center, which is considered a moderate to low-volume center from a European standpoint. METHODS: All patients who underwent MILS at Erasmus Medical Center between April 2010 and December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' surgical outcomes were compared after stratification according to resections' difficulty and liver cirrhosis. RESULTS: A total of 212 cases were included. Major liver resections were performed in 24 patients (11%), while minor resections were performed in 188 patients (89%). Among those, 177 (94%) resections were classified as technically minor and 11 (6%) as technically major. Major morbidity was reported in 14/177 patients (8%) after technically minor resections and in 3/24 patients (13%) after major resections. Anatomically and technically major resections had higher intraoperative blood losses (425 (0-2100) vs. 240 (50-110) vs. 100 (0-2400) mL; p-value < 0.001) and longer hospital stay (6 (3-25) vs. 5 (2-9) vs. 3 (1-44); p-value < 0.001) when compared with the technically minor counterpart. Perioperative outcomes were similar when comparing cirrhotic MILS with the non-cirrhotic cohort. CONCLUSION: MILS program implementation can lead to encouraging surgical outcomes even in low- to moderate-volume centers. Although low procedural volume might be predictive of impaired outcomes, long-standing experience in the HPB and liver transplant field could mitigate low-case volume effects on surgical outcomes.

A novel difficulty grading system for laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Several difficulty grading systems have been developed as a useful tool for selecting patients and training surgeons in laparoscopic procedures. However, there is little information on predicting the difficulty of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN). The aim of this study was to develop a grading system to predict the difficulty of LDN. METHODS: Data of 1741 living donors, who underwent pure or hand-assisted LDN between 1994 and 2018 were analyzed. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors associated with prolonged operative time, defined as a difficulty index with 0 to 8. The difficulty of LDN was classified into three levels based on the difficulty index. RESULTS: Multivariable analyses identified that male (odds ratio [OR] 1.69, 95% CI 1.37-2.09, P < 0.001), BMI > 28 (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.08-1.72, P = 0.009), pure LDN (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.53-2.60, P < 0.001), multiple renal arteries (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.83-3.10, P < 0.001) and multiple renal veins (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.52-3.16, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors influencing prolonged operative time. The difficulty index based on these factors was calculated and categorized into three levels: low (0-2), intermediate (3-5), and high (6-8) difficulty. Operative time was significantly longer in the high difficulty group (225 min) than in the low (169 min, P < 0.001) and intermediate difficulty group (194 min, P < 0.001). The conversion rate was higher in the high difficulty group (4.4%) than in the low (2.1%, P = 0.04) and the intermediate difficulty group (3.0%, P = 0.27). No significant difference in major complications was found between the groups. CONCLUSION: We developed a novel grading system with simple preoperative donor factors to predict the difficulty of LDN. This grading system may help surgeons in patient selection to advance their experiences and/or teach fellows from simple to difficult LDN.

International multicenter propensity score matched study on laparoscopic versus open left lateral sectionectomy.

BACKGROUND: Despite a lack of high-level evidence, current guidelines recommend laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy (LLLS) as the routine approach over open LLS (OLLS). Randomized studies and propensity score matched studies on LLLS vs OLLS for all indications, including malignancy, are lacking. METHODS: This international multicenter propensity score matched retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing LLLS or OLLS in six centers from three European countries (January 2000-December 2016). Propensity scores were calculated based on nine preoperative variables and LLLS and OLLS were matched in a 1:1 ratio. Short-term operative outcomes were compared using paired tests. RESULTS: A total of 560 patients were included. Out of 200 LLLS, 139 could be matched to 139 OLLS. After matching, baseline characteristics were well balanced. LLLS was associated with shorter operative time (144 (110-200) vs 199 (138-283) minutes, P < 0.001), less blood loss (100 (50-300) vs 350 (100-750) mL, P = 0.005) and a 3-day shorter postoperative hospital stay (4 (3-7) vs 7 (5-9) days, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This international multicenter propensity score matched study confirms the superiority of LLLS over OLLS based on shorter postoperative hospital stay, operative time, and less blood loss thus validating current guideline advice.

Surgical outcomes of laparoscopic and open resection of benign liver tumours in the Netherlands: a nationwide analysis.

BACKGROUND: Data on surgical outcomes of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) versus open liver resection (OLR) of benign liver tumour (BLT) are scarce. This study aimed to provide a nationwide overview of postoperative outcomes after LLR and OLR of BLT. METHODS: This was a nationwide retrospective study including all patients who underwent liver resection for hepatocellular adenoma, haemangioma and focal nodular hyperplasia in the Netherlands from 2014 to 2019. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to compare 30-day overall and major morbidity and 30-day mortality after OLR and LLR. RESULTS: In total, 415 patients underwent BLT resection of whom 230 (55.4%) underwent LLR. PSM for OLR and LLR resulted in 250 matched patients. Median (IQR) length of stay was shorter after LLR than OLR (4 versus 6 days, 5.0-8.0, p < 0.001). Postoperative 30-day overall morbidity was lower after LLR than OLR (12.0% vs. 22.4%, p = 0.043). LLR was associated with reduced 30-day overall morbidity in multivariable analysis (aOR:0.46, CI:0.22-0.95, p = 0.043). Both 30-day major morbidity and 30-day mortality were not different. CONCLUSIONS: LLR for BLT is associated with shorter hospital stay and reduced overall morbidity and is preferred if technically feasible.

Growth of hepatocellular adenoma during pregnancy: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The presence of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) in pregnant women requires special consideration, as it has been reported to carry the risk of growth and clinically significant haemorrhage. In this prospective study we assessed aspects of growth of HCA <5 cm during pregnancy. METHODS: This was a multicentre prospective cohort study in pregnant women with suspected HCA <5 cm on imaging. Definitive HCA diagnosis was established by MRI with hepatobiliary contrast agents (LCE-MRI), preferably before pregnancy. If at study inclusion a definitive diagnosis was lacking, LCE-MRI was performed after giving birth. Growth of the adenoma (defined as an increase of >20%) was closely monitored with ultrasound examinations throughout pregnancy. RESULTS: Of the 66 women included, 18 were excluded from analysis because postpartum LCE-MRI did not confirm the diagnosis of HCA and showed the lesion to be focal nodular hyperplasia. The remaining 48 women, with an HCA confirmed by LCE-MRI, were followed during 51 pregnancies. Median age was 30 years (IQR 27-33) and median body mass index 31.9 kg/m2 (IQR 26.3-36.6). Growth of HCA was seen in 13 of the pregnancies (25.5%); the median increase was 14 mm (IQR 8-19). One woman whose HCA grew to >70 mm successfully underwent transarterial embolization at week 26 of pregnancy to prevent further growth. The other 50 pregnancies proceeded without complications. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that an HCA <5 cm confers minimal risk to a pregnant woman and none to her child. HCA increased in size during a quarter of pregnancies, so we recommend close monitoring with ultrasound examinations, enabling intervention if needed. In light of the large proportion of misdiagnosed HCA, LCE-MRI should be performed to prevent unnecessary anxiety in women with a benign liver lesion. LAY SUMMARY: The presence of hepatocellular adenoma in pregnant women requires special consideration, as it carries the risk of growth and haemorrhage. In this study we followed 48 patients with hepatocellular adenoma <5 cm during 51 pregnancies and found that a hepatocellular adenoma during pregnancy confers minimal risk to the pregnant woman and none to her child.

Stenting the ureteroneocystostomy reduces urological complications in kidney transplantation: a noninferiority randomized controlled trial, SPLINT trial.

The role of ureteral stents in living-donor kidney transplantation remains uncertain. In this randomized controlled trial (SPLINT), we compared urological complications in living-donor kidney transplantations performed with or without stents. We included 200 consecutive patients that received living-donor kidney transplantations at the Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam. Patients (124 males, 76 females, mean age 54 ± 13) were randomized for suprapubic externalized single J stents (N = 100) or no stent (N = 100). The primary outcome was the probability of a percutaneous nephrostomy insertion (PCN) during a 12-month follow-up. To assess whether no stenting is noninferior to stenting, we allowed the probability of a PCN to increase by at most 5% (this is the noninferiority margin). Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. In the no-stent group, there were more PCN insertions, 14% (95% CI 4.3-23.7%); urinary leakages, 12% (95% CI 5.4-21.3%); and surgical re-interventions because of urological complications, 8% (95% CI 1.5-14.5%). The stent group had more hematuria, 26% (95% CI 13.1-38.9%); and graft rejections, 15% (95% CI 2.7-27.3%). Patients in both groups had similar mean GFRs at several time points. Besides a better Euro-Qol-5D in the no-stent group at 2 and 6 weeks postoperative, similar quality of life was reported based on SF-36 and Euro-Qol-5D scores. In this trial, noninferiority has not been demonstrated for no-stent placement in relation to the number urological complications.

Development of an International Standard Set of Value-Based Outcome Measures for Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Report of the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) CKD Working Group.

Value-based health care is increasingly promoted as a strategy for improving care quality by benchmarking outcomes that matter to patients relative to the cost of obtaining those outcomes. To support the shift toward value-based health care in chronic kidney disease (CKD), the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) assembled an international working group of health professionals and patient representatives to develop a standardized minimum set of patient-centered outcomes targeted for clinical use. The considered outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures were generated from systematic literature reviews. Feedback was sought from patients and health professionals. Patients with very high-risk CKD (stages G3a/A3 and G3b/A2-G5, including dialysis, kidney transplantation, and conservative care) were selected as the target population. Using an online modified Delphi process, outcomes important to all patients were selected, such as survival and hospitalization, and to treatment-specific subgroups, such as vascular access survival and kidney allograft survival. Patient-reported outcome measures were included to capture domains of health-related quality of life, which were rated as the most important outcomes by patients. Demographic and clinical variables were identified to be used as case-mix adjusters. Use of these consensus recommendations could enable institutions to monitor, compare, and improve the quality of their CKD care.

Implementation and outcome of minor and major minimally invasive liver surgery in the Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: While most of the evidence on minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) is derived from expert centers, nationwide outcomes remain underreported. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation and outcome of MILS on a nationwide scale. METHODS: Electronic patient files were reviewed in all Dutch liver surgery centers and all patients undergoing MILS between 2011 and 2016 were selected. Operative outcomes were stratified based on extent of the resection and annual MILS volume. RESULTS: Overall, 6951 liver resections were included, with a median annual volume of 50 resections per center. The overall use of MILS was 13% (n = 916), which varied from 3% to 36% (P < 0.001) between centers. The nationwide use of MILS increased from 6% in 2011 to 23% in 2016 (P < 0.001). Outcomes of minor MILS were comparable with international studies (conversion 0-13%, mortality <1%). In centers which performed ≥20 MILS annually, major MILS was associated with less conversions (14 (11%) versus 41 (30%), P < 0.001), shorter operating time (184 (117-239) versus 200 (139-308) minutes, P = 0.010), and less overall complications (37 (30%) versus 58 (42%), P = 0.040). CONCLUSION: The nationwide use of MILS is increasing, although large variation remains between centers. Outcomes of major MILS are better in centers with higher volumes.

Ureteral length in live donor kidney transplantation; Does size matter?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ureteral length on urological complications. Data were retrospective collected from the INEX-trial database, a RCT to compare the intravesical to the extravesical ureteroneocystostomy. Ureteral length was measured in 198 recipients and used to divide recipients into three categories based on interquartile ranges: short (≤8.5 cm), medium (8.6-10.9 cm) and long ureters (≥11 cm). Urological complications were defined as the number of percutaneous nephrostomy placements (PCN). Fifty recipients fell into the short, 98 into the medium and 50 recipients into the long ureter category. Median follow-up was 26 (range 2-45) months. There was no significant difference in number of PCN placements between the categories. There were 9 (18%) PCN placements in the short ureter category, 21 (20%) in medium ureter category and 10 (21%) in the long ureter category, P = 0.886. Risk factor analysis for gender, arterial multiplicity and type of ureteroneocystostomy showed no differences in PCN placements between the three ureteral length categories. We conclude that ureteral length alone does not seem to influence the number of urological complications.

A randomized controlled trial comparing intravesical to extravesical ureteroneocystostomy in living donor kidney transplantation recipients.

Urological complications after kidney transplantation are mostly related to the ureteroneocystostomy leading to significant morbidity, mortality, and high costs. The most commonly used techniques for the ureteroneocystostomy are the intravesical and the extravesical anastomosis. No evidence in favor of one of these two anastomoses exists. Our aim was to determine the technique with the best outcome regarding urological complications in a prospective randomized controlled trial (Netherlands Trial Register NTR2320). We randomized 200 consecutive recipients of a living donor kidney for either an intravesical or an extravesical anastomosis. The primary outcome was defined as placement of a percutaneous nephrostomy. No significant differences were found in the number of percutaneous nephrostomy placements or ureter reinterventions between both groups. Nevertheless, significantly fewer urinary tract infections occurred in the group with an extravesical anastomosis. In addition, this anastomosis was performed significantly faster compared with the intravesical anastomosis. Thus, extravesical ureteroneocystostomy was associated with significantly fewer urinary tract infections and might be preferable because of its surgical simplicity.

Can right-sided hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy be advocated above standard laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: a randomized pilot study.

Endoscopic techniques have contributed to early recovery and increased quality of life (QOL) of live kidney donors. However, laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) may have its limitations, and hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy (HARP) has been introduced, mainly as a potentially safer alternative. In a randomized fashion, we explored the feasibility and potential benefits of HARP for right-sided donor nephrectomy in a referral center with longstanding expertise on the standard laparoscopic approach. Forty donors were randomly assigned to either LDN or HARP. Primary outcome was operating time, and secondary outcomes included QOL, complications, pain, morphine requirement, blood loss, warm ischemia time, and hospital stay. Follow-up time was 1 year. Skin-to-skin time did not significantly differ between both groups (162 vs. 158 min, P = 0.98). As compared to LDN, HARP resulted in a shorter warm ischemia time (2.8 vs. 3.9 min, P < 0.001) and increased blood loss (187 vs. 50 ml, P < 0.001). QOL, complication rate, pain, or hospital stay was not significantly different between the groups. Right-sided HARP is feasible but does not confer clear benefits over standard right-sided LDN yet. Further studies should explore the value of HARP in difficult cases such as the obese donor and the value of HARP for transplantation centers starting a live kidney donation program (Dutch Trial Register number: NTR3096). Nevertheless, HARP is a valuable addition to the surgical armamentarium in live donor surgery.

Successful adult domino living donor liver transplantation in methylmalonic acidemia: case report.

Background: Liver transplantation (LT) is a therapeutic option in multiple inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs), including methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), as LT reduces the risk of acute metabolic decompensations and long-term complications associated with these diseases. In certain IMDs, such as maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), domino liver transplant (DLT) is an accepted and safe method which expands the donor pool. However, only one adult case of DLT using an MMA donor liver has been reported; outcome and safety are still unknown and questioned. Case Description: In this case report, we describe our experience with DLT using MMA livers. Two adult MMA patients underwent living donor liver transplant (LDLT); their MMA livers were consecutively transplanted into two patients on the liver transplant waiting list who had limited chance of receiving a liver transplant in the short term due to their low model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores. No severe peri- or postoperative complications occurred, however the recipients of the MMA livers biochemically now have mild MMA. Conclusions: DLT using MMA grafts is a feasible strategy to treat end-stage liver disease and expand the donor organ pool. However, the recipient of the MMA domino liver may develop mild MMA which could affect quality of life, and long-term safety remains unclear. Further long-term of outcomes for domino recipients of MMA livers, focusing on quality of life and any metabolic complications of transplantation are needed to better define the risks and benefits.

Risk factors and outcomes of conversions in robotic and laparoscopic liver resections: A nationwide analysis.

BACKGROUND: Unfavorable intraoperative findings or incidents during minimally invasive liver surgery may necessitate conversion to open surgery. This study aimed to identify predictors for conversion in minimally invasive liver surgery and gain insight into outcomes following conversions. METHODS: This nationwide, retrospective cohort study compared converted and non-converted minimally invasive liver surgery procedures using data from 20 centers in the Dutch Hepatobiliary Audit (2014-2022). Propensity score matching was applied. Subgroup analyses of converted robotic liver resection versus laparoscopic liver resection and emergency versus non-emergency conversions were performed. Predictors for conversions were identified using backward stepwise multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 3,530 patients undergoing minimally invasive liver surgery (792 robotic liver resection, 2,738 laparoscopic liver resection), 408 (11.6%) were converted (4.9% robotic liver resection, 13.5% laparoscopic liver resection). Conversion was associated with increased blood loss (580 mL [interquartile range 250-1,200] vs 200 mL [interquartile range 50-500], P < .001), major blood loss (≥500 mL, 58.8% vs 26.7%, P < .001), intensive care admission (19.0% vs 8.4%, P = .005), overall morbidity (38.9% vs 21.0%, P < .001), severe morbidity (17.9% vs 9.6%, P = .002), and a longer hospital stay (6 days [interquartile range 5-8] vs 4 days [interquartile range 2-5], P < .001) but not mortality (2.2% vs 1.2%, P = .387). Emergency conversions had increased intraoperative blood loss (1,500 mL [interquartile range 700-2,800] vs 525 mL [interquartile range 208-1,000], P < .001), major blood loss (87.5% vs 59.3%, P = .005), and intensive care admission (27.9% vs 10.6%, P = .029), compared with non-emergency conversions. Robotic liver resection was linked to lower conversion risk, whereas American Society of Anesthesiologists grade ≥3, larger lesion size, concurrent ablation, technically major, and anatomically major resections were risk factors. CONCLUSION: Both emergency and non-emergency conversions negatively impact perioperative outcomes in minimally invasive liver surgery. Robotic liver resection reduces conversion risk compared to laparoscopic liver resection.

A nationwide assessment of hepatocellular adenoma resection: Indications and pathological discordance.

Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) are benign liver tumors associated with bleeding or malignant transformation. Data on the indication for surgery are scarce. We analyzed indications and outcome of patients operated for HCAs < 50 mm compared to HCAs ≥ 50 mm. Changes in final postoperative diagnosis were assessed. We performed a retrospective study that included patients who underwent resection for (suspected) HCAs in the Netherlands from 2014 to 2019. Indication for resection was analyzed and stratified for small (<50 mm) and large (≥50 mm) tumors. Logistic regression analysis was performed on factors influencing change in tumor diagnosis. Out of 222 patients who underwent surgery, 44 (20%) patients had a tumor <50 mm. Median age was 46 (interquartile range [IQR], 33-56) years in patients with small tumors and 37 (IQR, 31-46) years in patients with large tumors ( p  = 0.016). Patients with small tumors were more frequently men (21% vs. 5%, p  = 0.002). Main indications for resection in patients with small tumors were suspicion of (pre)malignancy (55%), (previous) bleeding (14%), and male sex (11%). Patients with large tumors received operations because of tumor size >50 mm (52%), suspicion of (pre)malignancy (28%), and (previous) bleeding (5.1%). No difference was observed in HCA-subtype distribution between small and large tumors. Ninety-six (43%) patients had a postoperative change in diagnosis. Independent risk factors for change in diagnosis were tumor size <50 mm (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.4; p  < 0.01), male sex (aOR, 3.7; p  = 0.03), and lack of hepatobiliary contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) (aOR, 1.8; p  = 0.04). Resection for small (suspected) HCAs was mainly indicated by suspicion of (pre)malignancy, whereas for large (suspected) HCAs, tumor size was the most prevalent indication. Male sex, tumor size <50 mm, and lack of hepatobiliary CE-MRI were independent risk factors for postoperative change in tumor diagnosis.

Can a decision-making model be justified in the management of hepatocellular adenoma?

During recent years, there was a great development in the area of hepatocellular adenomas (HCA), especially regarding the pathological subtype classification, radiological imaging and management during pregnancy. This review discusses the current knowledge about diagnosis and treatment modalities of HCA and proposes a decision-making model for HCA. A Medline search of studies relevant to epidemiology, histopathology, complications, imaging and management of HCA lesions was undertaken. References from identified articles were hand-searched for further relevant articles.

Pregnancy and liver adenoma management: PALM-study.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) in pregnant women requires special considerations because of the risk of hormone induced growth and spontaneous rupture, which may threaten the life of both mother and child. Due to scarcity of cases there is no evidence-based algorithm for the evaluation and management of HCA during pregnancy. Most experts advocate that women with HCA should not get pregnant or advise surgical resection before pregnancy. Whether it is justified to deny a young woman a pregnancy, as the biological behavior may be less threatening than presumed depends on the incidence of HCA growth and the subsequent clinical events during pregnancy.We aim to investigate the management and outcome of HCA during pregnancy and labor based on a prospectively acquired online database in the Netherlands. METHODS/DESIGN: The Pregnancy And Liver adenoma Management (PALM) - study is a multicentre prospective study in three cohorts of pregnant patients. In total 50 pregnant patients, ≥ 18 years of age with a radiologically and/or histologically proven diagnosis of HCA will be included in the study. Radiological diagnosis of HCA will be based on contrast enhanced MRI. Lesions at inclusion must not exceed 5 cm. The study group will be compared to a healthy control group of 63 pregnant patients and a group of 63 pregnant patients with diabetes mellitus without HCA. During their pregnancy HCA patients will be closely monitored by means of repetitive ultrasound (US) at 14, 20, 26, 32 and 38 weeks of gestation and 6 and 12 weeks postpartum. Both control groups will undergo US of the liver at 14 weeks of gestation to exclude HCA lesions in the liver. All groups will be asked to fill out quality of life related questionnaires. DISCUSSION: The study will obtain information about the behaviour of HCA during pregnancy, the clinical consequences for mother and child and the impact of having a HCA during pregnancy on the health related quality of life of these young women. As a result of this study we will propose a decision-making model for the management of HCA during pregnancy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Dutch trial register: NTR3034.

Generic surgical process model for minimally invasive liver treatment methods.

Surgical process modelling is an innovative approach that aims to simplify the challenges involved in improving surgeries through quantitative analysis of a well-established model of surgical activities. In this paper, surgical process model strategies are applied for the analysis of different Minimally Invasive Liver Treatments (MILTs), including ablation and surgical resection of the liver lesions. Moreover, a generic surgical process model for these differences in MILTs is introduced. The generic surgical process model was established at three different granularity levels. The generic process model, encompassing thirteen phases, was verified against videos of MILT procedures and interviews with surgeons. The established model covers all the surgical and interventional activities and the connections between them and provides a foundation for extensive quantitative analysis and simulations of MILT procedures for improving computer-assisted surgery systems, surgeon training and evaluation, surgeon guidance and planning systems and evaluation of new technologies.

Validation of a liver adenoma classification system in a tertiary referral centre: implications for clinical practice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: A molecular and pathological classification system for hepatocellular adenomas (HCA) was recently introduced and four major subgroups were identified. We aimed to validate this adenoma classification system and to determine the clinical relevance of the subtypes for surgical management. METHODS: Paraffin fixed liver tissue slides and resection specimens of patients radiologically diagnosed as HCA were retrieved from the department of pathology. Immunostainings included liver-fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP), serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), glutamine synthetase (GS) and ß-catenin. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2010, 58 cases (71 lesions) were surgically resected. Fourteen lesions were diagnosed as focal nodular hyperplasia with a characteristic map-like staining pattern of GS. Inflammatory HCA expressing CRP and SAA was documented in 36 of 57 adenomas (63%). Three of these inflammatory adenomas were also ß-catenin positive as well as GS positive and only one was CRP and SAA and GS positive. We identified eleven L-FABP-negative HCA (19%) and four ß-catenin positive HCA (7%), without expression of CRP and SAA and with normal L-FABP staining, one of which was also GS positive. Six HCA were unclassifiable (11%). In three patients multiple adenomas of different subtypes were found. CONCLUSIONS: Morphology and additional immunohistochemical markers can discriminate between different types of HCA in>90% of cases and this classification, including the identification of ß-catenin positive adenomas may have important implications in the decision for surveillance or treatment. Interpretation of nuclear staining for ß-catenin can be difficult due to uneven staining distribution or focal nuclear staining and additional molecular biology may be required.

Management of hepatocellular adenoma during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatocellular adenoma in pregnant women requires special considerations because of the risk of hormone induced growth and rupture. To prevent these potential lethal complications, pregnancy is either often discouraged or the surgical resection of large adenomas is recommended. It may be questioned whether it is justified to deny a young woman a pregnancy, as the biological behaviour of hepatocellular adenoma may be less threatening than presumed. In this study we establish the management of hepatocellular adenoma during pregnancy based on our own experience and literature. METHODS: Twelve women with documented hepatocellular adenoma were closely monitored during a total of 17 pregnancies between 2000 and 2009. Their files were reviewed. RESULTS: In four cases, hepatocellular adenomas grew during pregnancy, requiring a Caesarean section in one patient (two pregnancies) at 36 and 34 weeks because of an assumed high risk of rupture. In one case radiofrequency ablation therapy was applied in the first trimester to treat a hormone sensitive hepatocellular adenoma, thereby excluding potential growth later in pregnancy. No intervention was performed in the other 14 cases and all pregnancies had an uneventful course with a successful maternal and fetal outcome. CONCLUSIONS: A "wait and see" management may be advocated in pregnant women presenting with a hepatocellular adenoma. In women with large tumours or in whom hepatocellular adenoma had complicated previous pregnancies, surgical resection may be recommended. In women with smaller adenomas it may no longer be necessary to discourage pregnancy.