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.

Mejoría de la calidad de vida después de la reparación definitiva de la lesión de la vía biliar, evaluada con el cuestionario SF-36 / Improvement on quality of life after bile duct injury repair using the SF-36 Health Survey

RESUMEN Antecedentes: diferentes publicaciones han estudiado la fisiopatología de la lesión de la vía biliar (LVB), pero pocas han investigado los efectos psicosociales y de calidad de vida relacionados con su reparación. Objetivo: comparar la calidad de vida de pacientes antes y después de la reparación definitiva de una LVB. Material y métodos: se usó como instrumento para evaluar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) el cuestionario de salud SF-36 en una serie de pacientes operados entre diciembre de 2015 y junio de 2019 para la reparación de LVB. Resultados: sobre 48 casos de reparaciones de LVB, contestaron la encuesta 22 (46%). Se compararon los ítems del formulario SF 36: diferencia en la función física, el rol físico, el dolor corporal, la salud general, la vitalidad, la función social, el rol emocional, la salud mental y el ítem de transición de salud, y todos mostraron una mejoría estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,001) después de la reparación. En el análisis univariado se observó que la salud mental se vio afectada por la presencia de una lesión compleja (p = 0,019), el rol físico y el rol emocional antes de la reparación, y mostró relación con el tipo de lesión según Strasberg (p = 0,001 y p = 0,032). Aquellos que asociaron lesión vascular presentaron una asociación negativa con la función física (p = 0,019), la vitalidad (p = 0,033), la salud mental (p = 0,005) y el dolor (p = 0,026) antes de la reparación. Conclusión: la resolución definitiva de la LVB en un centro especializado en patología hepatobiliopancreática mostró producir una significativa mejoría en la calidad de vida.

ABSTRACT Background: Different publications have examined the pathophysiology of bile duct injury (BDI), bur few studies have investigated the effects of BDIs and their subsequent repair on psychosocial and health-related quality of life Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life of patients before and after definitive BDI repair. Material and methods: The SF-36 Health Survey was used as an instrument to assess health-related quality of life (HRQL) in a series of patients operated on between December 2015 and June 2019 for BDI repair. Results: Of 48 patients who underwent BDI repair, 22 (46%) responded to the survey. The SF-36 items, which includes different domains (physical functioning, physical role functioning, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, emotional role functioning, mental health, and health transition) were compared. All domains demonstrated statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001) following repair. On univariate analysis, mental health was affected by the presence of a complex injury (p = 0.019), and physical and emotional role functioning before BDI repair were associated with the type of injury of the Strasberg classification (p = 0.001 and p = 0.032, respectively). An associated vascular injury had a negative correlation with physical functioning (p = 0.019), vitality (p = 0.033), mental health (p = 0.005), and pain (p = 0.026) prior to repair. Conclusion: The definitive resolution of BDIs at a center specialized in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery resulted in a significant improvement of patients' quality of life.

Symptomatic polycystic liver disease: a rare indication of hepatectomy.

We present the case of forty-four-year-old woman with autosomal dominant Polycystic liver disease (PLD) without kidney disease diagnosed for 18 years ago. She experienced progressive abdominal distension and malnutrition over the previous twelve months. The patient had no other comorbidities. Physical examination revealed an 8 cm hepatomegaly in the right hypochondrium region. Liver function analysis was normal. CT scan showed multiple liver cysts with smooth and regular walls, predominantly in the right lobe which was considered as type III according to Gigot´s classification. Due to the significant hepatomegaly, conventional surgery was performed. Exploration showed multiple cysts of varying sizes on the liver surface, with diffuse involvement of the right hemiliver. Standard right lobe mobilization was technically not possible. Fenestration was performed in dominant superficial cysts, to allow access to the deeper cysts and liver parenchyma. A right hepatectomy was carried up using ultrasound devices and ultrasonic aspirator. And the biggest cysts located in the surface of left hepatic lobe were surgically unroofed. No surgical complications occurred, and the patient was discharged 5 days after the intervention.

Laparoscopic repair of bile duct injuries: Feasibility and outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Bile duct injuries (BDI) following laparoscopic cholecystectomy occurs in approximately 0.6% of the cases, often being more severe and complex. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) is considered the optimal therapeutic option, with success rates ranging from 75% to 98%. Several series have demonstrated the advancements of the laparoscopic approach for resolving this condition. The objective of this study is to describe our experience in the laparoscopic repair of BDI. METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted, including patients who underwent laparoscopic repair after BDI. Demographic, clinical, surgical, and postoperative variables were analysed using descriptive statistical analyses. RESULTS: Eight patients with BDI underwent laparoscopic repair (out of 81 surgically repaired patients). Women comprised 75% of the sample. A complete laparoscopic repair was achieved in 75% (6) of cases. The mean age was 40.8 ± 16.61 years (range 19-65). Injuries at or above the confluence (Strasberg-Bismuth ≥ E3) occurred in 25% of cases (2). Primary repair was performed in two cases. Half of the cases underwent a Hepp-Couinaud laterolateral RYHJ, while three patients received a terminolateral RYHJ, and one underwent a bi-terminolateral RYH. The mean operative time was 260 min (range 120-360). Overall morbidity was 37.5% (3 cases): two minor complications (bile leak grade A and drainage-related bleeding) and one major complication (bile leak grade C). No mortality was recorded. The maximum follow-up period reached 26 months (range 6-26). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the feasibility of laparoscopic RYHJ in a selected group of patients, offering the benefits of a minimally invasive approach.

Desarrollo de una Unidad de Cirugía Hepatobiliar Compleja y Trasplante Hepático en un hospital público: a una década de su formación / Development of a complex hepatobiliary surgery and liver transplantation unit in a public hospital: a decade after its creation

RESUMEN Antecedentes: concentrar esta patología hepatobiliar en centros especializados puede permitir bajas cifras de morbimortalidad y mejores resultados alejados. Objetivo: describir las características clínico-patológicas y los resultados de una serie de pacientes operados en los primeros 10 años de una Unidad de Cirugía Hepatobiliar Compleja y Trasplante Hepático (TH), así como la actividad científica y docente de sus integrantes. Materiales y métodos: estudio retrospectivo descriptivo. Se recopiló información de una base de datos prospectiva. Se clasificaron los procedimientos según su complejidad y se analizaron los TH, las hepatectomías y los procedimientos biliares complejos, realizados entre 2013 y 2022. Resultados: sobre 1440 procedimientos quirúrgicos, 832 fueron de alta complejidad (58%). Se realizaron 452 trasplantes hepáticos (TH), 14 (3%) de ellos hepatorrenales; la sobrevida global del trasplante fue de 83%, 77% y 75% a 1, 3 y 5 años, respectivamente. La falla primaria del injerto se observó en 5 casos (1,1%). Se efectuaron 254 hepatectomías: 58 (23%) por patología benigna, 155 (61%) por patología maligna y 41 (16%) en donante vivo relacionado para TH. La morbilidad total fue del 27% y la mortalidad intrahospitalaria de 2%. Se efectuaron 106 derivaciones biliodigestivas: 53 en pacientes con lesión quirúrgica de la vía biliar. La morbilidad a 30 días fue del 42%, en su mayoría complicaciones menores (28%). Además, se realizaron 17 duodenopancreatectomías cefálicas y 3 esplenopancreatectomías. Se realizaron múltiples publicaciones, presentaciones y cursos, y desde 2015 se implementó una residencia posbásica de la especialidad. Conclusión: la concentración de patología hepatobiliar en un centro de alta complejidad permitió alcanzar resultados satisfactorios, comparables con series extranjeras.

ABSTRACT Background: Centralizing hepatobiliary disease in specialized centers can reduce morbidity and mortality rates and improve long-term outcomes. Objective: The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical and pathological features and surgical outcomes of a series of patients operated on in the Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit of Hospital El Cruce during its first 10 years, as well as the scientific and educational activity of its members. Material and methods: We conducted a descriptive and retrospective study. The information was retrieved from a prospective database. The procedures were classified according to their complexity. An analysis was conducted on liver transplantations (LTs), liver resections and complex biliary procedures, performed from 2013 to 2022. Results: Of 1449 surgical procedures, 832 were high-complexity interventions (58%). A total of 452 LTs were performed, 14 (3%) were combined liver and kidney transplantations; overall transplant survival was 83%, 77% and 75% at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. Primary graft dysfunction was observed in 5 cases (1.1%). There were 254 liver resections; 58 cases (23%) were related to benign liver diseases, 155 (61%) to malignancies, and 41 (16%) were associated with living donor transplants. Overall morbidity was 27% and in-hospital mortality was 2%. A total of 106 bilio-digestive bypass procedures were carried out, 53 in patients with bile duct injury. Thirty-day morbidity was 42%, and most cases were minor complications (28%). Other procedures included 17 cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomies and 3 splenectomies and distal pancreatectomies. We have published numerous papers, delivered presentations and courses, and implemented a fellowship program in the specialty since 2015. Conclusion: Centralizing hepatobiliary diseases at a high-complexity center led to comparable outcomes with those reported in international series.

Resección hepática como tratamiento de lesión de vía biliar compleja / Liver resection for the treatment of complex bile duct injury

RESUMEN La lesión de la vía biliar constituye un problema de salud importante, ya que su incidencia se ha duplicado desde el advenimiento de la colecistectomía laparoscópica. En casos de lesiones complejas con afectación de la confluencia, asociación a lesiones vasculares, atrofia hepática, colangitis o intentos fallidos de reparación, el tratamiento suele ser un desafío. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con lesión compleja por compromiso vascular del pedículo hepático derecho que desarrolló una atrofia del parénquima hepático. Ante la presencia de complicaciones sépticas debió realizarse una hepatectomía asociada a la reparación definitiva de la vía biliar, con buenos resultados.

ABSTRACT Bile duct injury represents a serious health problem, with its incidence doubling since the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In cases of complex lesions affecting the hepatic confluence, association with vascular injuries, hepatic atrophy, cholangitis or failed repair, treatment is often challenging. We report the case of a female patient with a complex bile duct injury due to vascular involvement of the right hepatic pedicle who developed right liver atrophy. In the presence of septic complications, hepatectomy was necessary, along with a definitive repair of the biliary tract, resulting in positive outcomes.

[Primary neuroendocrine tumor of the common bile duct] / Tumor neuroendocrino primario del conducto hepático común.

Primary neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the bile duct are extremely rare and represent only 0.2-2% of all gastrointestinal NETs. Within the biliary system, the main bile duct is the most affected site. A 28-year-old man with a 6-month history of intermittent jaundice, pruritus, and choluria. MRCP, PET-CT and endoscopic ultrasound were performed. A well-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasia was diagnosed. Complete resection of the main bile duct was performed with lymphadenectomy of the hepatic pedicle with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, without complications. The patient had an adequate evolution and nowadays he's disease-free. Primary neuroendocrine tumors of the bile duct are extremely rare. They may present clinically and radiologically similar to perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, which makes preoperative diagnosis difficult. Radical resection is indicated. Usually, they are well differentiated tumors, being the Ki-67 labeling index a reliable prognostic marker.

Los tumores neuroendocrinos (TNE) primarios de la vía biliar son extremadamente raros y representan sólo el 0.2-2% de todos los TNE gastrointestinales. Dentro del sistema biliar, la vía biliar principal es el sitio más afectado. Hombre de 28 años con cuadro de 6 meses de evolución caracterizado por ictericia intermitente, prurito y coluria. Se realizó colangiopancreatoresonancia magnética nuclear, PET-TC y ultrasonido endoscópico que concluyeron neoplasia neuroendocrina bien diferenciada. Se realizó resección completa de la vía biliar principal con linfadenectomía del pedículo hepático con hepaticoyeyunoanastomosis en Y de Roux, sin complicaciones. El paciente cursó adecuada evolución y se encuentra libre de enfermedad. Los tumores neuroendocrinos primarios de la vía biliar son extremadamente raros, presentándose clínica y radiológicamente como lesiones similares al colangiocarcinoma perihiliar lo que dificulta el diagnóstico preoperatorio. Está indicado su tratamiento quirúrgico radical. Suelen ser bien diferenciados, siendo el antígeno Ki-67 un marcador pronóstico confiable.

Evaluación de la anatomía angiográfica de las arterias hepáticas y sus variantes / Evaluation of the angiographic anatomy of the hepatic arteries and its variants

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar y describir la prevalencia de variantes anatómicas arteriales hepáticas observadas en una serie multicéntrica de pacientes con patologías hepatobiliares. Método: Estudio retrospectivo de anatomía arterial según la clasificación de Michels de angiografías digitales y tomografías computadas helicoidales abdominales realizadas entre febrero de 2009 y diciembre de 2020 en tres hospitales del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Resultados: Se incluyeron 275 pacientes en el estudio. Edad mediana 58,5 años. Sexo masculino 73,1%. Variante anatómica tipo 1 (normal) de la arteria hepática en 192 casos (69.8%); tipo 2 en 18 casos (6.5%); tipo 3 en 19 casos (6.9%); tipo 4 en 7 casos (2.5%); tipo 5 en 4 casos (1.5%); tipo 6 en 3 casos (1.1%); tipo 7 en 2 casos (0.7%); tipo 8 en 7 casos (2.5%); tipo 9 en 17 casos (6.2%) y otros tipos fuera de la clasificación de Michels en 6 casos (2.2%). También hallamos la presentación de 3 casos (1.1%) con arco de Bühler. Conclusiones: En nuestra serie se observaron variantes anatómicas no clásicas de la arteria hepática aproximadamente en un tercio de los casos. El conocimiento de las variantes anatómicas fue esencial para los procedimientos radiológicos y quirúrgicos en el tratamiento de tumores hepáticos, determinando la técnica de abordaje de las arterias involucradas.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate and describe the prevalence of hepatic artery anatomical variants observed in a multicenter series of patients with hepatobiliary pathologies. Method: Retrospective study of arterial anatomy according to Michels classification of digital angiographies and abdominal helical computed tomography performed between February 2009 and December 2020 in three hospitals of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area. Results: 275 patients were included in the study. Median age 58.5 years. Male sex 73.1%. Type 1 (normal) variant of hepatic artery anatomy in 192 cases (69.8%); type 2 in 18 cases (6.5%); type 3 in 19 cases (6.9%); type 4 in 7 cases (2.5%); type 5 in 4 cases (1.5%); type 6 in 3 cases (1.1%); type 7 in 2 cases (0.7%); type 8 in 7 cases (2.5%); type 9 in 17 cases (6.2%), and other types out Michels classification in 6 cases (2.2%). We also found 3 cases (1.1%) with Bühler's arch. Conclusions: In our series, non-classical anatomical variants of the hepatic artery were observed in approximately one third of cases. Knowledge of anatomical variants was essential for radiological and surgical procedures in the treatment of liver tumors, determining the approach technique of the arteries involved.

[Cholecystocolonic fistula as a complication of advanced gallbladder cancer] / [Fístula colecistocolónica como complicación de cáncer de vesícula avanzado]

Cholecystocolonic fistula (CCF) is the second most common cholecystoenteric fistula, associated in most cases with stone disease. Symptoms are usually minimal or nonspecific, and preoperative diagnosis is uncommon. Although the incidence of FCC caused by gallbladder cancer comprises 1.7% of cases, it is necessary to suspect it in order to adopt the best therapeutic strategy.

La fístula colecistocolónica (FCC) es la segunda fístula colecistoentérica más común, asociada en la mayoría de los casos a enfermedad litiásica. Los síntomas suelen ser mínimos o inespecíficos, siendo infrecuente su diagnóstico preoperatorio. Si bien la incidencia de FCC causada por cáncer de vesícula biliar comprende el 1,7 % de los casos, es necesario sospecharla para adoptar la mejor estrategia terapéutica.

Lesión quirúrgica de vía biliar compleja. Manejo conservador / Complex bile duct injury. Conservative management

RESUMEN La colecistectomía laparoscópica es el tratamiento de elección para la litiasis vesicular sintomática. Aunque la tasa de complicaciones es baja, las lesiones de la vía biliar representan un grave problema. La asociación con una lesión vascular (lesión compleja) genera un impacto adicional, disminuyendo la calidad de vida y la sobrevida a largo plazo. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con lesión compleja por compromiso vascular del pedículo hepático derecho que desarrolló una atrofia del parénquima correspondiente. Ante la ausencia de complicaciones sépticas, el tratamiento no operatorio pudo realizarse en forma exitosa.

ABSTRACT Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered the standard of care for symptomatic cholelithiasis. Although the rate of complications is low, bile duct injuries represent a serious problem. The association with vascular injury (complex injury) poses an additional impact by reducing the quality of life and long-term survival. We report the case of a female patient with complex injury due to vascular involvement of the right hepatic pedicle who developed right liver atrophy. Non-operative management was successful due to the absence of septic complications.

Performance of pre-transplant criteria in prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma progression and waitlist dropout.

BACKGROUND & AIM: Liver transplantation (LT) selection models for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been proposed to predict waitlist dropout because of tumour progression. The aim of this study was to compare the alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) model and other pre-LT models in their prediction of HCC dropout. METHODS: A multicentre cohort study was conducted in 20 Latin American transplant centres, including 994 listed patients for LT with HCC from 2012 to 2018. Longitudinal tumour characteristics, and patterns of progression were recorded at time of listing, after treatments and at last follow-up over the waitlist period. Competing risk regression models were performed, and model's discrimination was compared estimating Harrell's adapted c-statistics. RESULTS: HCC dropout rate was significantly higher in patients beyond (24% [95% CI 16-28]) compared to those within Milan criteria (8% [95% IC 5%-12%]; p < .0001), with a SHR of 3.01 [95% CI 2.03-4.47]), adjusted for waiting list time and bridging therapies (c-index 0.63 [95% CI 0.57; 0.69). HCC dropout rates were higher in patients with AFP scores >2 (adjusted SHR of 3.17 [CI 2.13-4.71]), c-index of 0.71 (95% CI 0.65-0.77; p = .09 vs Milan). Similar discrimination power for HCC dropout was observed between the AFP score and the Metroticket 2.0 model. In patients within Milan, an AFP score >2 points discriminated two populations with a higher risk of HCC dropout (SHR 1.68 [95% CI 1.08-2.61]). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-transplant selection models similarly predicted HCC dropout. However, the AFP model can discriminate a higher risk of dropout among patients within Milan criteria.

Hepatectomía asociada a resección venosa portal en colangiocarcinoma perihiliar / Hepatectomy associated with protal vein resection in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

RESUMEN El colangiocarcinoma es una neoplasia infrecuente que, debido a su localización anatómica, plantea una dificultad técnica para su resolución quirúrgica. La cirugía en el colangiocarcinoma perihiliar sigue siendo el único tratamiento curativo con el que se consiguen las mejores tasas de supervivencia a los 5 años. La invasión de la vena porta conlleva la necesidad de asociar una resección portal y su correspondiente reconstrucción. Sin embargo, la invasión tumoral de la vena porta es, en la mayoría de los casos, un hallazgo intraoperatorio, por lo que es importante contar con opciones para eventuales reconstrucciones vasculares. A continuación presentamos un caso de resolución quirúrgica de colangiocarcinoma perihiliar con identificación intraoperatoria de compromiso portal.

ABSTRACT Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare neoplasm and a difficult challenge for the surgeon because of its anatomic location. Surgery remains the only curative option for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma with the best survival rates at 5 years. Portal vein invasion requires portal vein resection and its corresponding reconstruction. However, as portal vein invasion is an intraoperative finding in most cases it is important to count with options for in case vascular reconstructions are needed. We report a case of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma successfully treated with surgery with portal vein invasion identified intraoperatively.

ALPPS como opción quirúrgica en terapia reversa aplicado al tratamiento de las metástasis hepáticas del cáncer rectal sincrónico / ALPPS using liver-first reverse approach as a surgical option to treat synchronous colorectal liver metastases

RESUMEN El riesgo de insuficiencia hepática posoperatoria es la limitante de mayor importancia para el trata miento de pacientes con tumores hepáticos malignos primarios o secundarios. Entre las diferentes técnicas para incrementar la resecabilidad de tumores hepáticos se desarrolló una estrategia para pa cientes con tumores previamente considerados como irresecables, técnica conocida como ALPPS (as sociating liver partition with portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy). Informamos acerca de una cirugía ALPPS en terapia reversa en un hombre referido a nuestro centro con diagnóstico sincrónico de cáncer rectal con metástasis hepáticas múltiples consideradas irresecable al momento del diagnóstico.

ABSTRACT The risk for postoperative liver failure is the most important limitation for the treatment of patients with primary or secondary liver cancer. Among the different strategies used to increase resectability in liver tumors, a technique known as ALPPS (associating liver partition with portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy) was developed for patients with tumors previously considered unresectable. We report the case of a male patient referred to our center with a diagnosis of synchronous multiple liver metastases of colorectal cancer considered unresectable who underwent ALPPS using liver-first reverse approach.

Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: impact of expansion criteria in a multicenter cohort study from a high waitlist mortality region.

This study aimed to compare liver transplantation (LT) outcomes and evaluate the potential rise in numbers of LT candidates with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of different allocation policies in a high waitlist mortality region. Three policies were applied in two Latin American cohorts (1085 HCC transplanted patients and 917 listed patients for HCC): (i) Milan criteria with expansion according to UCSF downstaging (UCSF-DS), (ii) the AFP score, and (iii) restrictive policy or Double Eligibility Criteria (DEC; within Milan + AFP score ≤2). Increase in HCC patient numbers was evaluated in an Argentinian prospective validation set (INCUCAI; NCT03775863). Expansion criteria in policy A showed that UCSF-DS [28.4% (CI 12.8-56.2)] or "all-comers" [32.9% (CI 11.9-71.3)] had higher 5-year recurrence rates compared to Milan, with 10.9% increase in HCC patients for LT. The policy B showed lower recurrence rates for AFP scores ≤2 points, even expanding beyond Milan criteria, with a 3.3% increase. Patients within DEC had lower 5-year recurrence rates compared with those beyond DEC [13.3% (CI 10.1-17.3) vs 24.2% (CI 17.4-33.1; P = 0.0006], without significant HCC expansion. In conclusion, although the application of a stricter policy may optimize the selection process, this restrictive policy may lead to ethical concerns in organ allocation (NCT03775863).

Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation: Prognostic and predictive factors of survival in a Latin American cohort.

BACKGROUND & AIM: Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation (LT) has a poor prognosis, and the adjusted effect of different treatments on post-recurrence survival (PRS) has not been well defined. This study aims to evaluate prognostic and predictive variables associated with PRS. METHODS: This Latin American multicenter retrospective cohort study included HCC patients who underwent LT between the years 2005-2018. We evaluated the effect of baseline characteristics at time of HCC recurrence diagnosis and PRS (Cox regression analysis). Early recurrences were those occurring within 12 months of LT. To evaluate the adjusted treatment effect for HCC recurrence, a propensity score matching analysis was performed to assess the probability of having received any specific treatment for recurrence. RESULTS: From a total of 1085 transplanted HCC patients, the cumulative incidence of recurrence was 16.6% (CI 13.5-20.3), with median time to recurrence of 13.0 months (IQR 6.0-26.0). Factors independently associated with PRS were early recurrence (47.6%), treatment with sorafenib and surgery/trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Patients who underwent any treatment presented "early recurrences" less frequently, and more extrahepatic metastasis. This unbalanced distribution was included in the propensity score matching, with correct calibration and discrimination (receiving operator curve of 0.81 [CI 0.72;0.88]). After matching, the adjusted effect on PRS for any treatment was HR of 0.2 (0.10;0.33); P < .0001, for sorafenib therapy HR of 0.4 (0.27;0.77); P = .003, and for surgery/TACE HR of 0.4 (0.18;0.78); P = .009. CONCLUSION: Although early recurrence was associated with worse outcome, even in this population, systemic or locoregional treatments were associated with better PRS.