Preoperative three-dimensional lung volumetry predicts respiratory complications in patients undergoing major liver resection for colorectal metastases.

Colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are the predominant factor limiting survival in patients with colorectal cancer and liver resection with complete tumor removal is the best treatment option for these patients. This study examines the predictive ability of three-dimensional lung volumetry (3DLV) based on preoperative computerized tomography (CT), to predict postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing major liver resection for CRLM. Patients undergoing major curative liver resection for CRLM between 2010 and 2021 with a preoperative CT scan of the thorax within 6 weeks of surgery, were included. Total lung volume (TLV) was calculated using volumetry software 3D-Slicer version 4.11.20210226 including Chest Imaging Platform extension ( http://www.slicer.org ). The area under the curve (AUC) of a receiver-operating characteristic analysis was used to define a cut-off value of TLV, for predicting the occurrence of postoperative respiratory complications. Differences between patients with TLV below and above the cut-off were examined with Chi-square or Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U tests and logistic regression was used to determine independent risk factors for the development of respiratory complications. A total of 123 patients were included, of which 35 (29%) developed respiratory complications. A predictive ability of TLV regarding respiratory complications was shown (AUC 0.62, p = 0.036) and a cut-off value of 4500 cm3 was defined. Patients with TLV < 4500 cm3 were shown to suffer from significantly higher rates of respiratory complications (44% vs. 21%, p = 0.007) compared to the rest. Logistic regression analysis identified TLV < 4500 cm3 as an independent predictor for the occurrence of respiratory complications (odds ratio 3.777, 95% confidence intervals 1.488-9.588, p = 0.005). Preoperative 3DLV is a viable technique for prediction of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing major liver resection for CRLM. More studies in larger cohorts are necessary to further evaluate this technique.

DGPRI, a new liver fibrosis assessment index, predicts recurrence of AFP-negative hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatic resection: a single-center retrospective study.

Although patients with alpha-fetoprotein-negative hepatocellular carcinoma (AFPNHCC) have a favorable prognosis, a high risk of postoperative recurrence remains. We developed and validated a novel liver fibrosis assessment index, the direct bilirubin-gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelet ratio (DGPRI). DGPRI was calculated for each of the 378 patients with AFPNHCC who underwent hepatic resection. The patients were divided into high- and low-score groups using the optimal cutoff value. The Lasso-Cox method was used to identify the characteristics of postoperative recurrence, followed by multivariate Cox regression analysis to determine the independent risk factors associated with recurrence. A nomogram model incorporating the DGPRI was developed and validated. High DGPRI was identified as an independent risk factor (hazard ratio = 2.086) for postoperative recurrence in patients with AFPNHCC. DGPRI exhibited better predictive ability for recurrence 1-5 years after surgery than direct bilirubin and the gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelet ratio. The DGPRI-nomogram model demonstrated good predictive ability, with a C-index of 0.674 (95% CI 0.621-0.727). The calibration curves and clinical decision analysis demonstrated its clinical utility. The DGPRI nomogram model performed better than the TNM and BCLC staging systems for predicting recurrence-free survival. DGPRI is a novel and effective predictor of postoperative recurrence in patients with AFPNHCC and provides a superior assessment of preoperative liver fibrosis.

Incidence and risk factors of postoperative delirium following hepatic resection: a retrospective national inpatient sample database study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication after major surgery and can cause a variety of adverse effects. However, no large-scale national database was used to assess the occurrence and factors associated with postoperative delirium (POD) following hepatic resection. METHODS: Patients who underwent hepatic resection from 2015 to 2019 were screened using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10th edition clinical modification code from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) Database. Peri-operative factors associated with delirium were screened and underwent statistical analysis to identify independent predictors for delirium following hepatic resection. RESULTS: A total of 80,070 patients underwent hepatic resection over a five-year period from 2015 to 2019. The overall occurrence of POD after hepatic resection was 1.46% (1039 cases), with a slight upward trend every year. The incidence of elective admission was 6.66% lower (88.60% vs. 81.94%) than that of patients without POD after hepatic resection and 2.34% (45.53% vs. 43.19%) higher than that of patients without POD in teaching hospitals (P < 0.001). In addition, POD patients were 6 years older (67 vs. 61 years) and comprised 9.27% (56.69% vs. 47.42%) more male patients (P < 0.001) compared to the unaffected population. In addition, the occurrence of POD was associated with longer hospitalization duration (13 vs. 5 days; P < 0.001), higher total cost ($1,481,89 vs. $683,90; P < 0.001), and higher in-hospital mortality (12.61% vs. 4.11%; P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression identified hepatic resection-independent risk factors for POD, including non-elective hospital admission, teaching hospital, older age, male sex, depression, fluid and electrolyte disorders, coagulopathy, other neurological disorders, psychoses, and weight loss. In addition, the POD after hepatic resection has been associated with sepsis, dementia, urinary retention, gastrointestinal complications, acute renal failure, pneumonia, continuous invasive mechanical ventilation, blood transfusion, respiratory failure, and wound dehiscence / non-healing. CONCLUSION: Although the occurrence of POD after hepatic resection is relatively low, it is beneficial to investigate factors predisposing to POD to allow optimal care management and improve the outcomes of this patient population.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease increases the risk of complications after radical resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is increasing, yet its association with postoperative complications of HCC remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of MAFLD on complications after radical resection in HCC patients. METHODS: Patients with HCC who underwent radical resection were included. Patients were stratified into MAFLD group and non-MAFLD group. Clinical features and post-hepatectomy complications were compared between the two groups, and logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors associated with post-hepatectomy complications. RESULTS: Among the 936 eligible patients with HCC who underwent radical resection, concurrent MAFLD was diagnosed in 201 (21.5%) patients. Compared to the non-MAFLD group, the MAFLD group exhibited a higher incidence of complications, including infectious and major complications after radical resection in HCC patients. The logistic regression analysis found that MAFLD was an independent risk factor for complications, including infectious and major complications in HCC patients following radical resection (OR 1.565, 95%CI 1.109-2.343, P = 0.012; OR 2.092, 95%CI 1.386-3.156, P < 0.001; OR 1.859, 95% CI 1.106-3.124, P = 0.019; respectively). Subgroup analysis of HBV-related HCC patients yielded similar findings, and MAFLD patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exhibited a higher incidence of postoperative complications compared to those without T2DM (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent MAFLD was associated with an increased incidence of complications after radical resection in patients with HCC, especially MAFLD with T2DM.

Abnormal coagulation after hepatectomy in patients with normal preoperative coagulation function.

BACKGROUND: To explore the risk factors for postoperative abnormal coagulation (PAC) and establish a predictive model for patients with normal preoperative coagulation function who underwent hepatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 661 patients with normal preoperative coagulation function who underwent hepatectomy between January 2015 and December 2021 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were divided into two groups: the postoperative abnormal coagulation group (PAC group, n = 362) and the normal coagulation group (non-PAC group, n = 299). Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were used to identify the risk factors for PAC. RESULTS: The incidence of PAC in 661 patients who underwent hepatectomy was 54.8% (362/661). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method was used for multivariate logistic regression analysis. The preoperative international normalized ratio (INR), intraoperative succinyl gelatin infusion and major hepatectomy were found to be independent risk factors for PAC. A nomogram for predicting the PAC after hepatectomy was constructed. The model presented a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.742 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.697-0.786) in the training cohort. The validation set demonstrated a promising ROC of 0.711 (95% CI: 0.639-0.783), and the calibration curve closely approximated the true incidence. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to assess the clinical usefulness of the predictive model. The risk of PAC increased when the preoperative international normalized ratio (INR) was greater than 1.025 and the volume of intraoperative succinyl gelatin infusion was greater than 1500 ml. CONCLUSION: The PAC is closely related to the preoperative INR, intraoperative succinyl gelatin infusion and major hepatectomy. A three-factor prediction model was successfully established for predicting the PAC after hepatectomy.

Precise planning based on 3D-printed dry-laboratory models can reduce perioperative complications of laparoscopic surgery for complex hepatobiliary diseases: a preoperative cohort study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Complications after laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) are important factors affecting the prognosis of patients, especially for complex hepatobiliary diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the value of a three-dimensional (3D) printed dry-laboratory model in the precise planning of LLR for complex hepatobiliary diseases. METHODS: Patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases who underwent LLR were preoperatively enrolled, and divided into two groups according to whether using a 3D-printed dry-laboratory model (3D vs. control group). Clinical variables were assessed and complications were graded by the Clavien-Dindo classification. The Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) scores were calculated and compared for each patient. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine the risk factors of postoperative complications. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases underwent the precise planning of LLR. Among them, thirty-one patients acquired the guidance of a 3D-printed dry-laboratory model, and others were only guided by traditional enhanced CT or MRI. The results showed no significant differences between the two groups in baseline characters. However, compared to the control group, the 3D group had a lower incidence of intraoperative blood loss, as well as postoperative 30-day and major complications, especially bile leakage (all P < 0.05). The median score on the CCI was 20.9 (range 8.7-51.8) in the control group and 8.7 (range 8.7-43.4) in the 3D group (mean difference, -12.2, P = 0.004). Multivariable analysis showed the 3D model was an independent protective factor in decreasing postoperative complications. Subgroup analysis also showed that a 3D model could decrease postoperative complications, especially for bile leakage in patients with intrahepatic cholelithiasis. CONCLUSION: The 3D-printed models can help reduce postoperative complications. The 3D-printed models should be recommended for patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases undergoing precise planning LLR.

Current State of Liver Transplantation for Cholangiocarcinoma: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary hepatic neoplasm, accounting for 10% to 20% of primary liver tumors and 3% of all gastrointestinal neoplasms. The 3 anatomic types (intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal) have distinct epidemiologies, etiopathogenesis, and clinical outcomes. Surgical resection remains the current standard of treatment, but outcomes remain poor. With the continued expansion of liver transplant programs, use of liver transplant for malignant indications has also increased, with reports of encouraging outcomes. However, given the scarcity of livers fortransplant and accompanying possible complications, liver transplant for treatment of patients with cholangiocarcinomas remains experimental in most of the world. We reviewed the existing literature on treatment modalities for cholangiocarcinoma with emphasis on the pros and cons of surgical resection and indications, protocols, and outcomes of liver transplant as a treatment modality for patients with cholangiocarcinoma.

The Effect of Pringle Maneuver Applied during Living Donor Hepatectomy on the Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Observed in the Donors and Recipients.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and laboratory changes of ischemia and reperfusion injury in the remnant livers of donors with and without Pringle maneuver. Furthermore, we evaluated the recipients who have been transplanted with liver grafts from these donors. Methods and Materials: A total of 108 patients (54 living liver donors and 54 liver recipients) who underwent donor hepatectomy and recipients who living donor liver transplantation, were included in this randomized double-blind study between February 2021 and June 2021. The donors were divided into two groups: Pringle maneuver applied (n = 27) and Pringle maneuver not applied (n = 27). Similarly, recipients with implanted liver obtained from these donors were divided into two groups as the Pringle maneuver was performed (n = 27) and not performed (n = 27). Blood samples from donors and recipients were obtained on pre-operative, post-operative 0 h day (day of surgery), post-operative 1st day, post-operative 2nd day, post-operative 3rd day, post-operative 4th day, post-operative 5th day, and liver tissue was taken from the graft during the back table procedures. Liver function tests and complete blood count, coagulation tests, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and ß-galactosidase measurements, and histopathological findings were examined. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the parameters of biochemical analyses for ischemia-reperfusion injury at all periods in the donors with and without the Pringle maneuver. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference between in the recipients in who received liver grafts harvested with and without the Pringle maneuver. There was no statistically significant difference between the two recipient groups in terms of perioperative bleeding and early bile duct complications (p = 0.685). In the histopathological examinations, hepatocyte damage was significantly higher in the Pringle maneuver group (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Although the histological scoring of hepatocyte damage was found to be higher in the Pringle maneuver group, the Pringle maneuver did not augment ischemia-reperfusion injury in donors and recipients that was evaluated by clinical and laboratory analyses.

Survival outcome following surgical versus non-surgical treatment of colorectal lung metastasis-a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The optimal management of colorectal lung metastases (CRLM) is still controversial. The aim of this study was to compare surgical and non-surgical treatment for CRLM regarding the prognostic outcome. METHODS: This retrospective single-center cohort study included 418 patients, who were treated from January 2000 to December 2018 at a German University Hospital due to their colorectal carcinoma and had synchronous or metachronous lung metastases. Patients were stratified according the treatment of the CRLM into two groups: surgical resection of CRLM versus no surgical resection of CRLM. The survival from the time of diagnosis of lung metastasis was compared between the groups. RESULTS: Two- and 5-year overall survival (OS) from the time of diagnosis of lung metastasis was 78.2% and 54.6%, respectively, in our cohort. Patients undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy showed a significantly better 2- and 5-year survival compared to patients with non-surgical treatment (2-year OS: 98.1% vs. 67.9%; 5-year OS: 81.2% vs. 28.8%; p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression revealed the surgical treatment (HR 4.51 (95% CI = 2.33-8.75, p < 0.001) and the absence of other metastases (HR 1.79 (95% CI = 1.05-3.04), p = 0.032) as independent prognostic factors in patients with CRLM. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that patients with CRLM, who qualify for surgery, benefit from surgical treatment. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm our findings. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: The work has been retrospectively registrated at the German Clinical Trial Registry (DRKS00032938).

Preoperative albumin-bilirubin score and liver resection percentage determine postoperative liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: The success of liver resection relies on the ability of the remnant liver to regenerate. Most of the knowledge regarding the pathophysiological basis of liver regeneration comes from rodent studies, and data on humans are scarce. Additionally, there is limited knowledge about the preoperative factors that influence postoperative regeneration. AIM: To quantify postoperative remnant liver volume by the latest volumetric software and investigate perioperative factors that affect posthepatectomy liver regeneration. METHODS: A total of 268 patients who received partial hepatectomy were enrolled. Patients were grouped into right hepatectomy/trisegmentectomy (RH/Tri), left hepatectomy (LH), segmentectomy (Seg), and subsegmentectomy/nonanatomical hepatectomy (Sub/Non) groups. The regeneration index (RI) and late regeneration rate were defined as (postoperative liver volume)/[total functional liver volume (TFLV)] × 100 and (RI at 6-months - RI at 3-months)/RI at 6-months, respectively. The lower 25th percentile of RI and the higher 25th percentile of late regeneration rate in each group were defined as "low regeneration" and "delayed regeneration". "Restoration to the original size" was defined as regeneration of the liver volume by more than 90% of the TFLV at 12 months postsurgery. RESULTS: The numbers of patients in the RH/Tri, LH, Seg, and Sub/Non groups were 41, 53, 99 and 75, respectively. The RI plateaued at 3 months in the LH, Seg, and Sub/Non groups, whereas the RI increased until 12 months in the RH/Tri group. According to our multivariate analysis, the preoperative albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score was an independent factor for low regeneration at 3 months [odds ratio (OR) 95%CI = 2.80 (1.17-6.69), P = 0.02; per 1.0 up] and 12 months [OR = 2.27 (1.01-5.09), P = 0.04; per 1.0 up]. Multivariate analysis revealed that only liver resection percentage [OR = 1.03 (1.00-1.05), P = 0.04] was associated with delayed regeneration. Furthermore, multivariate analysis demonstrated that the preoperative ALBI score [OR = 2.63 (1.00-1.05), P = 0.02; per 1.0 up] and liver resection percentage [OR = 1.02 (1.00-1.05), P = 0.04; per 1.0 up] were found to be independent risk factors associated with volume restoration failure. CONCLUSION: Liver regeneration posthepatectomy was determined by the resection percentage and preoperative ALBI score. This knowledge helps surgeons decide the timing and type of rehepatectomy for recurrent cases.

From morbidity reduction to cost-effectiveness: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) society recommendations in minimal invasive liver surgery.

PURPOSE: Minimal-invasive liver surgery (MILS) reduces surgical trauma and is associated with fewer postoperative complications. To amplify these benefits, perioperative multimodal concepts like Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS), can play a crucial role. We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness for MILS in an ERAS program, considering the necessary additional workforce and associated expenses. METHODS: A prospective observational study comparing surgical approach in patients within an ERAS program compared to standard care from 2018-2022 at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Cost data were provided by the medical controlling office. ERAS items were applied according to the ERAS society recommendations. RESULTS: 537 patients underwent liver surgery (46% laparoscopic, 26% robotic assisted, 28% open surgery) and 487 were managed by the ERAS protocol. Implementation of ERAS reduced overall postoperative complications in the MILS group (18% vs. 32%, p = 0.048). Complications greater than Clavien-Dindo grade II incurred the highest costs (€ 31,093) compared to minor (€ 17,510) and no complications (€13,893; p < 0.001). In the event of major complications, profit margins were reduced by a median of € 6,640. CONCLUSIONS: Embracing the ERAS society recommendations in liver surgery leads to a significant reduction of complications. This outcome justifies the higher cost associated with a well-structured ERAS protocol, as it effectively offsets the expenses of complications.

Sarcopenic Obesity Promotes Recurrence in Patients Undergoing Resection for Colorectal Liver Metastases (CRLM).

BACKGROUND/AIM: Sarcopenia, is predictive of a worse outcome after resection for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Obesity leads to a metabolic double burden if sarcopenia is as present, prompting malignancy progression, known as sarcopenic obesity (SO). This study aimed to compare sarcopenia and SO in patients undergoing CRLM resection, to prognostic parameters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The skeletal muscle index (SMI) defined sarcopenia using sex specific cut off values (48.4 cm2/m2 for females and 59.1 cm2/m2 for males) by calculating the preoperative muscle mass at the vertebral height L3 using OSIRIX DICOM viewer. SO was determined as sarcopenia in patients showing obesity, as shown via fat percentage measurements on the preoperative CT scan. Established prognostic parameters (KRAS status, TNM classification, inflammatory response) were evaluated against SMI and SO to assess their predictability for postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 251 patients (62% female, median age 68 years) were included. Sarcopenic patients showed a threefold higher risk for postoperative death as compared to non-sarcopenic patients (p=0.04). Prevalent SO increased this risk to fivefold (p=0.01) compared to non-sarcopenic patients. COX regression analysis revealed SO and KRAS positivity as independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival (SO: p=0.038; KRAS: p=0.041; TNM, tumor size, Charlson Comorbidity Index, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio all not significant). Patients risk of death in case of KRAS positivity and SO was seven times higher (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: There seems to be a benefit in merging data on mutational status and muscle wasting in patients with CRLM to facilitate an individual, patient-tailored approach.

Impact of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis on the recurrence and long-term survival of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients after hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Underlying liver disease is correlated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, the impact of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis on the patients' prognoses remains unclear. METHODS: The clinicopathological data of 638 HBV-infected patients with early-stage HCC between 2017 and 2019 were prospectively collected. Hepatic inflammation and fibrosis were evaluated by experienced pathologists using the Scheuer score system. Survival analysis was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Application of the Scheuer scoring system revealed that 50 (7.9%), 274 (42.9%), and 314 (49.2%) patients had minor, intermediate, and severe hepatic inflammation, respectively, and 125 (15.6%), 150 (23.5%), and 363 (56.9%) patients had minor fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis, respectively. Patients with severe hepatitis tended to have a higher rate of HBeAg positivity, higher HBV-DNA load, elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, and a lower proportion of capsule invasion (all Pp < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the recurrence-free and overall survival among the three groups (P = 0.52 and P = 0.66, respectively). Patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis had a higher proportion of HBeAg positivity and thrombocytopenia, higher FIB-4, and larger tumor size compared to those with minor fibrosis (all P < 0.05). Patients with minor, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis had similar prognoses after hepatectomy (P = 0.48 and P = 0.70). The multivariate analysis results indicated that neither hepatic inflammation nor fibrosis was an independent predictor associated with prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: For HBV-related HCC patients receiving antiviral therapy, hepatic inflammation and fibrosis had little impact on the post-hepatectomy prognosis.

Assessing recent recurrence after hepatectomy for hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma by a predictive model based on sarcopenia.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia may be associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following hepatectomy. But traditional single clinical variables are still insufficient to predict recurrence. We still lack effective prediction models for recent recurrence (time to recurrence < 2 years) after hepatectomy for HCC. AIM: To establish an interventable prediction model to estimate recurrence-free survival (RFS) after hepatectomy for HCC based on sarcopenia. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 283 hepatitis B-related HCC patients who underwent curative hepatectomy for the first time, and the skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar spine was measured by preoperative computed tomography. 94 of these patients were enrolled for external validation. Cox multivariate analysis was per-formed to identify the risk factors of postoperative recurrence in training cohort. A nomogram model was developed to predict the RFS of HCC patients, and its predictive performance was validated. The predictive efficacy of this model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that sarcopenia [Hazard ratio(HR) = 1.767, 95%CI: 1.166-2.678, P < 0.05], alpha-fetoprotein ≥ 40 ng/mL (HR = 1.984, 95%CI: 1.307-3.011, P < 0.05), the maximum diameter of tumor > 5 cm (HR = 2.222, 95%CI: 1.285-3.842, P < 0.05), and hepatitis B virus DNA level ≥ 2000 IU/mL (HR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.407-3.135, P < 0.05) were independent risk factors associated with postoperative recurrence of HCC. Based on the sarcopenia to assess the RFS model of hepatectomy with hepatitis B-related liver cancer disease (SAMD) was established combined with other the above risk factors. The area under the curve of the SAMD model was 0.782 (95%CI: 0.705-0.858) in the training cohort (sensitivity 81%, specificity 63%) and 0.773 (95%CI: 0.707-0.838) in the validation cohort. Besides, a SAMD score ≥ 110 was better to distinguish the high-risk group of postoperative recurrence of HCC. CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia is associated with recent recurrence after hepatectomy for hepatitis B-related HCC. A nutritional status-based prediction model is first established for postoperative recurrence of hepatitis B-related HCC, which is superior to other models and contributes to prognosis prediction.

Ex vivo liver resection and auto-transplantation as an alternative for the treatment of liver malignancies: Progress and challenges.

Hepatectomy is still the major curative treatment for patients with liver malignancies. However, it is still a big challenge to remove the tumors in the central posterior area, especially if their location involves the retrohepatic inferior vena cava and hepatic veins. Ex vivo liver resection and auto-transplantation (ELRA), a hybrid technique of the traditional liver resection and transplantation, has brought new hope to these patients and therefore becomes a valid alternative to liver transplantation. Due to its technical difficulty, ELRA is still concentrated in a few hepatobiliary centers that have experienced surgeons in both liver resection and liver transplantation. The efficacy and safety of this technique has already been demonstrated in the treatment of benign liver diseases, especially in the advanced alveolar echinococcosis. Recently, the application of ELRA for liver malignances has gained more attention. However, standardization of clinical practice norms and international consensus are still lacking. The prognostic impact in these oncologic patients also needs further evaluation. In this review, we summarized the principles and recent progresses on ELRA.

Development and validation of a comprehensive model to predict complications after hepatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Despite advances in perioperative care, hepatectomy remains associated with morbidity rates of up to 40%. Currently, available nomograms for predicting severe post-hepatectomy complications do not include early postoperative data. This retrospective observational study aimed to determine whether the parameters routinely measured in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after hepatectomy could represent risk factors for severe morbidity and to propose a nomogram scoring system to predict severe postoperative complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 411 adult patients who underwent elective hepatectomy at a high-volume tertiary care center for hepatic surgery from December 2016 to June 2022 were enrolled. The primary outcome was the assessment of predictors of 30-day severe postoperative complications following hepatectomy, defined as Clavien-Dindo grade 3a or higher. As a secondary outcome, we aimed to develop an easy-to-use scoring system to estimate the risk of severe postoperative complications. RESULTS: Severe complications occurred in 78 patients (19%). The final model included body mass index, preoperative bilirubin level, and ICU data (i.e., pH, lactate clearance, arterial lactate concentration 12 hours after ICU admission, need for packed red blood cell transfusions, and length of stay). Notably, the latter three variables were proven to be independent predictors of the outcomes. The model showed an overall good fit (C-index=0.754, corrected Dxy=0.692). A calibration plot using bootstrap internal validity resampling confirmed the stability of the model (mean absolute error=0.017, root mean square error of approximation=0.00051). CONCLUSIONS: We developed an accurate and practical scoring system based on preoperative and early postoperative data to predict poor outcomes after hepatectomy. Further external validation on larger series could lead to the integration of such a tool in the routine clinical practice to support patients' management and early warning during ICU stay. Graphical Abstract: https://www.europeanreview.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/Graphical-Abstract-NEW-2.pdf.

A meta-analysis between robotic hepatectomy and conventional open hepatectomy.

Current meta-analysis was performed to compare robotic hepatectomy (RH) with conventional open hepatectomy (OH) in terms of peri-operative and postoperative outcomes. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were all searched up for comparative studies between RH and OH. RevMan5.3 software and Stata 13.0 software were used for statistical analysis. Nineteen studies with 1747 patients who received RH and 23,633 patients who received OH were included. Pooled results indicated that patients who received RH were generally younger than those received OH (P < 0.00001). Moreover, RH was associated with longer operative time (P = 0.0002), less intraoperative hemorrhage (P < 0.0001), lower incidence of intraoperative transfusion (P = 0.003), lower incidence of postoperative any morbidity (P < 0.00001), postoperative major morbidity (P = 0.0001), mortalities with 90 days after surgery (P < 0.0001), and shorter length of postoperative hospital stay (P < 0.00001). Comparable total hospital costs were acquired between RH and OH groups (P = 0.46). However, even at the premise of comparable R0 rate (P = 0.86), RH was associated with smaller resected tumor size (P < 0.00001). Major hepatectomy (P = 0.02) and right posterior hepatectomy (P = 0.0003) were less frequently performed in RH group. Finally, we concluded that RH was superior to OH in terms of peri-operative and postoperative outcomes. RH could lead to less intraoperative hemorrhage, less postoperative complications and an enhanced postoperative recovery. However, major hepatectomy and right posterior hepatectomy were still less frequently performed via robotic approach. Future more powerful well-designed studies are required for further exploration.

ALBI score combined with FIB-4 index to predict post-hepatectomy liver failure in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a potentially life-threatening complication following liver resection. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often occurs in patients with chronic liver disease, which increases the risk of PHLF. This study aimed to investigate the ability of the combination of liver function and fibrosis markers (ALBI score and FIB-4 index) to predict PHLF in patients with HCC. Patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC between August 2012 and September 2022 were considered for inclusion. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with PHLF, and ALBI score and FIB-4 index were combined based on their regression coefficients. The performance of the combined ALBI-FIB4 score in predicting PHLF and postoperative mortality was compared with Child-Pugh score, MELD score, ALBI score, and FIB-4 index. A total of 215 patients were enrolled in this study. PHLF occurred in 35 patients (16.3%). The incidence of severe PHLF (grade B and grade C PHLF) was 9.3%. Postoperative 90-d mortality was 2.8%. ALBI score, FIB-4 index, prothrombin time, and extent of liver resection were identified as independent factors for predicting PHLF. The AUC of the ALBI-FIB4 score in predicting PHLF was 0.783(95%CI: 0.694-0.872), higher than other models. The ALBI-FIB4 score could divide patients into two risk groups based on a cut-off value of - 1.82. High-risk patients had a high incidence of PHLF of 39.1%, while PHLF just occurred in 6.6% of low-risk patients. Similarly, the AUCs of the ALBI-FIB4 score in predicting severe PHLF and postoperative 90-d mortality were also higher than other models. Preoperative ALBI-FIB4 score showed good performance in predicting PHLF and postoperative mortality in patients undergoing hepatectomy for HCC, superior to the currently commonly used liver function and fibrosis scoring systems.

Clinician overconfidence in visual estimation of the posthepatectomy liver remnant volume: A proximal source of liver failure after major hepatic resection?

BACKGROUND: Post-hepatectomy liver failure is a source of morbidity and mortality after major hepatectomy and is related to the volume of the future liver remnant. The accuracy of a clinician's ability to visually estimate the future liver remnant without formal computed tomography liver volumetry is unknown. METHODS: Twenty physicians in diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, and hepatopancreatobiliary surgery reviewed 20 computed tomography scans of patients without underlying liver pathology who were not scheduled for liver resection. We evaluated clinician accuracy to estimate the future liver remnant for 3 hypothetical major hepatic resections: left hepatectomy, right hepatectomy, and right trisectionectomy. The percent-difference between the mean and actual computed tomography liver volumetry (mean percent difference) was tested along with specialty differences using mixed-effects regression analysis. RESULTS: The actual future liver remnant (computed tomography liver volumetry) remaining after a hypothetical left hepatectomy ranged from 59% to 75% (physician estimated range: 50%-85%), 23% to 40% right hepatectomy (15%-50%), and 13% to 29% right trisectionectomy (8%-39%). For right hepatectomy, the mean future liver remnant was overestimated by 95% of clinicians with a mean percent difference of 22% (6%-45%; P < .001). For right trisectionectomy, 90% overestimated the future liver remnant by a mean percent difference of 25% (6%-50%; P < .001). Hepatopancreatobiliary surgeons overestimated the future liver remnant for proposed right hepatectomy and right trisectionectomy by a mean percent difference of 25% and 34%, respectively. Based on years of experience, providers with <10 years of experience had a greater mean percent difference than providers with 10+ years of experience for hypothetical major hepatic resections, but was only significantly higher for left hepatectomy (9% vs 6%, P = .002). CONCLUSION: A clinician's ability to visually estimate the future liver remnant volume is inaccurate when compared to computed tomography liver volumetry. Clinicians tend to overestimate the future liver remnant volume, especially in patients with a small future liver remnant where the risk of posthepatectomy liver failure is greatest.

Current landscape of preoperative neoadjuvant therapies for initial resectable colorectal cancer liver metastasis.

Colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) presents a clinical challenge, and optimizing treatment strategies is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Surgical resection, a key element in achieving prolonged survival, is often linked to a heightened risk of recurrence. Acknowledging the potential benefits of preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy in managing resectable liver metastases, this approach has gained attention for its role in tumor downsizing, assessing biological behavior, and reducing the risk of postoperative recurrence. However, the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in initially resectable CRLM sparks ongoing debates. The balance between tumor reduction and the risk of hepatic injury, coupled with concerns about delaying surgery, necessitates a nuanced approach. This article explores recent research insights and draws upon the practical experiences at our center to address critical issues regarding considerations for initially resectable cases. Examining the criteria for patient selection and the judicious choice of neoadjuvant regimens are pivotal areas of discussion. Striking the right balance between maximizing treatment efficacy and minimizing adverse effects is imperative. The dynamic landscape of precision medicine is also reflected in the evolving role of gene testing, such as RAS/BRAF and PIK3CA, in tailoring neoadjuvant regimens. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to navigate the complexities of CRLM. Integrating technical expertise and biological insights is crucial in refining neoadjuvant strategies. The management of progression following neoadjuvant chemotherapy requires a tailored approach, acknowledging the diverse biological behaviors that may emerge. In conclusion, this review aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the considerations, challenges, and advancements in the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for initially resectable CRLM. By combining evidence-based insights with practical experiences, we aspire to contribute to the ongoing discourse on refining treatment paradigms for improved outcomes in patients with CRLM.