Prognostic implications of adaptive immune features in MMR-proficient colorectal liver metastases classified by histopathological growth patterns.

BACKGROUND: After resection, colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM) surrounded by a desmoplastic rim carry a better prognosis than the metastases replacing the adjacent liver. However, these histopathological growth patterns (HGPs) are insufficient to guide clinical decision-making. We explored whether the adaptive immune features of HGPs could refine prognostication. METHODS: From 276 metastases resected in 176 patients classified by HGPs, tissue microarrays were used to assess intratumoral T cells (CD3), antigen presentation capacity (MHC class I) and CD73 expression producing immunosuppressive adenosine. We tested correlations between these variables and patient outcomes. RESULTS: The 101 (57.4%) patients with dominant desmoplastic HGP had a median recurrence-free survival (RFS) of 17.1 months compared to 13.3 months in the 75 patients (42.6%) with dominant replacement HGP (p = 0.037). In desmoplastic CRLM, high vs. low CD73 was the only prognostically informative immune parameter and was associated with a median RFS of 12.3 months compared to 26.3, respectively (p = 0.010). Only in dominant replacement CRLM, we found a subgroup (n = 23) with high intratumoral MHC-I expression but poor CD3+ T cell infiltration, a phenotype associated with a short median RFS of 7.9 months. CONCLUSIONS: Combining the assessments of HGP and adaptive immune features in resected CRLM could help identify patients at risk of early recurrence.

A framework for role allocation in education, research and leadership services in Canadian academic divisions of general surgery: a modified Delphi consensus.

BACKGROUND: Moving toward a funding standard similar to that for clinical services for roles essential to the functioning of education, research and leadership services within divisions of general surgery is necessary to strengthen divisional resilience. We aimed to identify roles and underlying tasks in these services central to sustainable functioning of Canadian academic divisions of general surgery. METHODS: Between June 2018 and October 2020, we used a 4-step modified Delphi method (online survey, face-to-face nominal group technique [n = 12], semistructured telephone interview [n = 8] and nominal group technique [n = 12]) to achieve national consensus from an expert panel of all 17 heads of academic divisions of general surgery in Canada on the roles and accompanying tasks essential to education, research and leadership services within an academic division of general surgery. We used 70% agreement to determine consensus. RESULTS: The expert panel agreed that a framework for role allocation in education, research and leadership services was relevant and necessary. Consensus was reached for 7 roles within the educational service, 3 roles within the research service and 5 roles within the leadership service. CONCLUSION: Our framework represents a national consensus that defines role standards for education, research and leadership services in Canadian academic divisions of general surgery. The framework can help divisions build resiliency, and enable sustained and deliberate advances in these services.

Liver-First Approach for Synchronous Colorectal Metastases: Analysis of 7360 Patients from the LiverMetSurvey Registry.

BACKGROUND: The liver-first approach in patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) has gained wide consensus but its role is still to be clarified. We aimed to elucidate the outcome of the liver-first approach and to identify patients who benefit at most from this approach. METHODS: Patients with synchronous CRLM included in the LiverMetSurvey registry between 2000 and 2017 were considered. Three strategies were analyzed, i.e. liver-first approach, colorectal resection followed by liver resection (primary-first), and simultaneous resection, and three groups of patients were analyzed, i.e. solitary metastasis, multiple unilobar CRLM, and multiple bilobar CRLM. In each group, patients from the three strategy groups were matched by propensity score analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 7360 patients were analyzed: 4415 primary-first, 552 liver-first, and 2393 simultaneous resections. Compared with the other groups, the liver-first group had more rectal tumors (58.0% vs. 31.2%) and higher hepatic tumor burden (more than three CRLMs: 34.8% vs. 24.0%; size > 50 mm: 35.6% vs. 22.8%; p < 0.001). In patients with solitary and multiple unilobar CRLM, survival was similar regardless of treatment strategy, whereas in patients with multiple bilobar metastases, the liver-first approach was an independent positive prognostic factor, both in unmatched patients (3-year survival 65.9% vs. primary-first 60.4%: hazard ratio [HR] 1.321, p = 0.031; vs. simultaneous resections 54.4%: HR 1.624, p < 0.001) and after propensity score matching (vs. primary-first: HR 1.667, p = 0.017; vs. simultaneous resections: HR 2.278, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: In patients with synchronous CRLM, the surgical strategy should be decided according to the hepatic tumor burden. In the presence of multiple bilobar CRLM, the liver-first approach is associated with longer survival than the alternative approaches and should be evaluated as standard.

Effect of intraoperative hypovolemic phlebotomy on transfusion and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing hepatectomy: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on how to best achieve a low central venous pressure during hepatectomy for the purpose of reducing blood loss and red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. We analyzed the associations between intraoperative hypovolemic phlebotomy (IOHP), transfusions, and postoperative outcomes in cancer patients undergoing hepatectomy. METHODS: Using surgical and transfusion databases of patients who underwent hepatectomy for cancer at one institution (11 January 2011 to 22 June 2017), we retrospectively analyzed associations between IOHP and RBC transfusion on the day of surgery (primary outcome), and with total perioperative transfusions, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative complications (secondary outcomes). We fitted logistic regression models by inverse probability of treatment weighting to adjust for confounders and reported adjusted odds ratio (aOR). RESULTS: There were 522 instances of IOHP performed during 683 hepatectomies, with a mean (standard deviation) volume of 396 (119) mL. The IOHP patients had a 6.9% transfusion risk on the day of surgery compared with 12.4% in non-IOHP patients (aOR, 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29 to 0.98; P = 0.04). Total perioperative RBC transfusion tended to be lower in IOHP patients compared with non-IOHP patients (14.9% vs 22.4%, respectively; aOR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.44 to 1.16; P = 0.18). In patients with a predicted risk of ≥ 47.5% perioperative RBC transfusion, 24.6% were transfused when IOHP was used compared with 56.5% without IOHP. The incidence of severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo scores ≥ 3) was similar in patients whether or not IOHP was performed (15% vs 16% respectively; aOR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.53 to 1.54; P = 0.71). CONCLUSIONS: The use of IOHP during hepatectomy was associated with less RBCs transfused on the same day of surgery. Trials comparing IOHP with other techniques to reduce blood loss and transfusion are needed in liver surgery.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: Il n'existe pas de consensus quant à la meilleure façon d'obtenir une pression veineuse centrale basse pendant une hépatectomie dans le but de réduire les pertes et les transfusions sanguines. Nous avons analysé les associations entre la phlébotomie hypovolémique peropératoire, les transfusions, et les résultats cliniques postopératoires chez les patients qui subissent une hépatectomie pour cancer. MéTHODE: À l'aide de bases de données chirurgicales et transfusionnelles de patients ayant subi une hépatectomie pour cancer dans un seul établissement (du 11 janvier 2011 au 22 juin 2017), nous avons rétrospectivement analysé les associations entre la phlébotomie hypovolémique peropératoire et les transfusions érythrocytaires le jour de la chirurgie (critère d'évaluation principal) et avec les transfusions périopératoires totales, les pertes sanguines peropératoires, et les complications postopératoires (critères d'évaluation secondaires). Nous avons utilisé des modèles de régression logistique avec pondération de probabilité inverse de traitement afin de tenir compte des facteurs de confusion et rapporté les rapports de cotes ajustés (RCa). RéSULTATS: Il y a eu 522 phlébotomies hypovolémiques peropératoires exécutées au cours de 683 hépatectomies, avec un volume moyen (écart type) de 396 (119) mL. Les patients ayant eu une phlébotomie hypovolémique peropératoire avaient un risque transfusionnel de 6,9 % le jour de la chirurgie, comparativement à 12,4 % pour les patients sans phlébotomie (RCa, 0,53; intervalle de confiance [IC] de 95 %, 0,29 à 0,98; P = 0,04). Les transfusions périopératoires totales d'érythrocytes tendaient à être moins fréquentes chez les patients ayant subi une phlébotomie hypovolémique peropératoire par rapport aux patients sans phlébotomie (14,9 % vs 22,4 %, respectivement; RCa, 0,72; IC 95 %, 0,44 à 1,16; P = 0,18). Pour les patients présentant un risque prédit de transfusion périopératoire d'érythrocytes ≥ à 47,5 %, 24,6 % de ceux qui ont eu une phlébotomie hypovolémique peropératoire ont été transfusés, comparativement à 56,5 % sans phlébotomie. L'incidence des complications postopératoires graves (scores de Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3) était semblable chez tous les patients, avec ou sans phlébotomie hypovolémique peropératoire (15 % vs 16 % respectivement; RCa, 0,97; IC 95 %, 0,53 à 1,54; P = 0,71). CONCLUSIONS: L'utilisation de la phlébotomie hypovolémique peropératoire pendant une hépatectomie était associée à un moins grand nombre de transfusions érythrocytaires le jour de la chirurgie. Des études qui compareront la phlébotomie hypovolémique peropératoire à d'autres techniques visant à réduire les pertes et les transfusions sanguines sont nécessaires en chirurgie hépatique.

Laparoscopic versus open parenchymal preserving liver resections in the posterosuperior segments: a case-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with lesions in the posterosuperior (PS) segments of the liver have been considered poor candidates for laparoscopic liver resection (LLR). This study aims to compare short-term outcomes of LLR and open liver resections (OLR) in the PS segments. METHODS: This multicenter study consisted of all patients who underwent LLR in the PS segments and all patients who underwent OLR in the PS segments between October 2011 and July 2016. Laparoscopic cases were case-matched with those who had an identical open procedure during the same period based on tumor location (same segment) and the Brisbane classification of the resection. Demographics, comorbid factors, perioperative outcomes, short-term outcomes, necessity of adjuvant chemotherapy, and the interval between surgery and initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy were compared between the two groups. Data were retrieved from a prospectively maintained electronic database. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable for age, sex, ASA score, maximum tumor diameter, and number of patients with additional liver resections outside the posterior segments. Operative time was similar in both groups (median 140 min; p = 0.92). Blood loss was less in the LLR-group (median: 150 vs. 300 ml in OLR-group). Median hospital stay was 6 days in both groups. There was no significant difference in postoperative complications (OLR-group: 31.4% vs. LLR-group: 25.7%; p = 0.60). There was no significant difference in R0 resections (LLR: 97.2 vs. 100% in OLR; p = 1.00). Tumor-free margins were less in the LLR group (LLR: 5 vs. 9.5 mm in OLR; p = 0.012). Patients undergoing LLR were treated with chemotherapy sooner compared to those undergoing OLR (41 vs. 56 days, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that laparoscopic parenchymal preserving liver resections in the PS segments can be performed with comparable short-term outcomes as similar OLR. The shorter interval to chemotherapy might provide long-term oncologic benefits in patients who underwent LLR.

Preliminary Experience in Combined Somatic and Cerebral Oximetry Monitoring in Liver Transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: The use of cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has become widespread in cardiac surgery after research demonstrated an association between perioperative cerebral desaturations and postoperative complications. Somatic NIRS desaturation also is associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications and mortality. The objective of this study was to explore the trends of both somatic and cerebral NIRS during liver transplantation. DESIGN: A prospective, single-site, observational case series. SETTING: Tertiary care center. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised 10 patients undergoing liver transplantation. INTERVENTIONS: NIRS sensors were placed on the forehead (cerebral regional oxygen saturation [rSO2]) and on the right arm and right leg (somatic rSO2) to measure tissue perfusion. Desaturation was defined as a 20% decrease of baseline values for 15 seconds. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In all patients, parallel changes in both cerebral and somatic rSO2 values were observed during phlebotomy, bleeding, transfusion, portal vein clamping, and the use of vasoactive agents. Induction of anesthesia increased cerebral rSO2 more than it did somatic values. However, ascites removal, abdominal manipulation, and clamping of the inferior vena cava (IVC) were associated with nonparallel changes in cerebral and somatic rSO2. Ascites removal was associated with increased somatic leg rSO2, and IVC clamping and abdominal hypertension were associated with a significant reduction in somatic leg rSO2. Somatic leg desaturation instead of arm or cerebral desaturation was associated with more postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The use of combined NIRS monitoring allows for the identification of the source of somatic or cerebral desaturation. Compromised venous flow from the IVC from clamping or abdominal compartment syndrome typically is associated with the appearance of more pronounced leg than arm desaturation.

Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence Beyond Milan Criteria After Resection: Validation of a Clinical Risk Score in an International Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to validate a previously reported recurrence clinical risk score (CRS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Salvage transplantation after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) resection is limited to patients who recur within Milan criteria (MC). Predicting recurrence patterns may guide treatment recommendations. METHODS: An international, multicenter cohort of R0 resected HCC patients were categorized by MC status at presentation. CRS was calculated by assigning 1 point each for initial disease beyond MC, multinodularity, and microvascular invasion. Recurrence incidences were estimated using competing risks methodology, and conditional recurrence probabilities were estimated using the Bayes theorem. RESULTS: From 1992 to 2015, 1023 patients were identified, of whom 613 (60%) recurred at a median follow-up of 50 months. CRS was well validated in that all 3 factors remained independent predictors of recurrence beyond MC (hazard ratio 1.5-2.1, all P < 0.001) and accurately stratified recurrence risk beyond MC, ranging from 19% (CRS 0) to 67% (CRS 3) at 5 years. Among patients with CRS 0, no other factors were significantly associated with recurrence beyond MC. The majority recurred within 2 years. After 2 years of recurrence-free survival, the cumulative risk of recurrence beyond MC within the next 5 years for all patients was 14%. This risk was 12% for patients with initial disease within MC and 17% for patients with initial disease beyond MC. CONCLUSIONS: CRS accurately predicted HCC recurrence beyond MC in this international validation. Although the risk of recurrence beyond MC decreased over time, it never reached zero.

Feasibility, safety and efficacy of two-stage hepatectomy for bilobar liver metastases of colorectal cancer: a LiverMetSurvey analysis.

BACKGROUND: The combination of liver resection and chemotherapy has become the standard of care for colorectal liver metastases (LM). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of two-stage hepatectomy (TSH) on the long-term survival of patients with bilobar LM. METHODS: We included adult (over-18) patients from the LiverMetSurvey registry with confirmed multiple colorectal LM and having undergone either one-stage hepatectomy or TSH with curative intent. The "TSH (2/2)" group (n = 625) comprised patients having completed both stages of TSH; the "TSH (1/2)" group (n = 244) comprised patients having undergone only the first stage of TSH; the "hepatectomy" group. The primary outcome criterion was the overall survival (OS). The secondary outcomes were the morbidity and mortality rates. RESULTS: The 30- and 90-day mortality rates were respectively 3.8% and 9.3% in the TSH (2/2) group, 9.4% and 16.4% in the TSH (1/2) group, and 5.4% and 9.1% in the "hepatectomy" group. The three-year OS rate was 45% in the TSH (2/2) group, 30% in the TSH (1/2) group and 50.7% in the hepatectomy group. CONCLUSION: The LiverMetSurvey registry's data indicate that TSH is associated with rather good long-term survival and acceptable morbidity and mortality rates.

Role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in resectable synchronous colorectal liver metastasis; An international multi-center data analysis using LiverMetSurvey.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The use of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy in resectable synchronous liver metastasis is ill defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate neo-adjuvant chemotherapy on outcomes following liver resection for synchronous CLM. METHODS: An analysis of a multi-centric cohort from the LiverMetSurvey International Registry, who had undergone curative resections for synchronous CLM was undertaken. Patients who received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy prior to liver surgery (group NAS; n = 693) were compared with those treated by surgery alone (group SG; n = 608). Baseline clinicopathological variables were compared. Predictors of overall (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) were subsequently identified. RESULTS: Clinicopathological comparison of the groups revealed a greater proportion of solitary metastasis in the SG compared to the NAS group (58.8% versus 38.4%; P < 0.001) therefore a separate analysis of solitary versus multi-centric analysis was performed. N-stage (> N1), number of metastasis (> 3), serum CEA (> 5 ng/ml) and no adjuvant chemotherapy independently predicted poorer OS, while N-stage (> N1), serum CEA (> 5 ng/ml) and no adjuvant chemotherapy independently predicted poorer DFS. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy did not independently affect outcome. CONCLUSION: We present an analysis of a large multi-center series of the role of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy in resectable CLM and demonstrate no survival advantage in this setting.

Transarterial embolization therapies for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: CEPO review and clinical recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most deadly cancers in the world and its incidence rate has consistently increased over the past 15 years in Canada. Although transarterial embolization therapies are palliative options commonly used for the treatment of HCC, their efficacy is still controversial. The objective of this guideline is to review the efficacy and safety of transarterial embolization therapies for the treatment of HCC and to develop evidence-based recommendations. METHOD: A review of the scientific literature published up to October 2013 was performed. A total of 38 studies were included. RECOMMENDATIONS: Considering the evidence available to date, the CEPO recommends the following: (i) transarterial chemoembolization therapy (TACE) be considered a standard of practice for the palliative treatment of HCC in eligible patients; (ii) drug-eluting beads (DEB)-TACE be considered an alternative and equivalent treatment to conventional TACE in terms of oncological efficacy (overall survival) and incidence of severe toxicities; (iii) the decision to treat with TACE or DEB-TACE be discussed in tumour boards; (iv) bland embolization (TAE) not be considered for the treatment of HCC; (v) radioembolization (TARE) not be considered outside of a clinical trial setting; and (vi) sorafenib combined with TACE not be considered outside of a clinical trial setting.

Comparison of techniques for volumetric analysis of the future liver remnant: implications for major hepatic resections.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to compare measured and estimated volumetry prior to liver resection. METHODS: Data for consecutive patients submitted to major liver resection for colorectal liver metastases at two centres during 2004-2012 were reviewed. All patients underwent volumetric analysis to define the measured total liver volume (mTLV) and measured future liver remnant ratio (mR(FLR)). The estimated total liver volume (eTLV) standardized to body surface area and estimated future liver remnant ratio (eR(FLR)) were calculated. Descriptive statistics were generated and compared. A difference between mR(FLR) and eR(FLR) of ±5% was considered clinically relevant. RESULTS: Data for a total of 116 patients were included. All patients underwent major resection and 51% underwent portal vein embolization. The mean difference between mTLV and eTLV was 157 ml (P < 0.0001), whereas the mean difference between mR(FLR) and eR(FLR) was -1.7% (P = 0.013). By linear regression, eTLV was only moderately predictive of mTLV (R(2) = 0.35). The distribution of differences between mR(FLR) and eR(FLR) demonstrated that the formula over- or underestimated mR(FLR) by ≥5% in 31.9% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Measured and estimated volumetry yielded differences in the FLR of ≥5% in almost one-third of patients, potentially affecting clinical decision making. Estimated volumetry should be used cautiously and cannot be recommended for general use.

Early recurrence after liver resection for colorectal metastases: risk factors, prognosis, and treatment. A LiverMetSurvey-based study of 6,025 patients.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to assess the risk of early recurrence after liver resection for colorectal metastases (CRLM) and its prognostic value; identify early recurrence predictive factors; clarify the effect of perioperative chemotherapy on its occurrence; and elucidate the best early recurrence management. METHODS: Patients of the LiverMetSurvey registry who underwent complete liver resection (R0/R1) between 1998 and 2009 were reviewed. Early recurrence was defined as any recurrence that occurred within 6 months after resection. RESULTS: A total of 6,025 patients were included; 2,734 (45.4 %) had recurrence, including 639 (10.6 %) early recurrences. Early recurrence was mainly hepatic (59.5 vs. 54.4 % for late recurrences; p = 0.023). Independent risk factors of early recurrence were: T3-4 primary tumor (p = 0.0002); synchronous CRLM (p = 0.0001); >3 CRLM (p < 0.0001); 0-mm margin liver resection (p = 0.003); and associated intraoperative radiofrequency ablation (p = 0.0005). Response to preoperative chemotherapy (complete/partial) and administration of adjuvant chemotherapy reduced early recurrence risk (p = 0.003 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Intraoperative ultrasonography reduced hepatic early recurrence rate (p = 0.025). Early recurrence negatively affected prognosis: 5-year survival 26.9 versus 49.4 % for the late recurrence group (p < 0.0001, median follow-up 34.4 months). Overall, 234 (36.6 %) patients with early recurrence underwent re-resection. These patients had survival rates higher than non-re-resected patients (5-year survival 47.2 vs. 8.9 %; p < 0.0001) and similar to re-resected patients for late recurrence (48.7 %). Chemotherapy before early recurrence resection improved later survival (5-year survival 61.5 vs. 43.7 %; p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Early recurrence risk is enhanced for extensive disease after poor preoperative disease control and inadequate surgical treatment, but is reduced after adjuvant chemotherapy. Although early recurrence negatively affects prognosis, re-resection may restore better survival. Chemotherapy before early recurrence resection is advocated.

Accuracy of preoperative automatic measurement of the liver volume by CT-scan combined to a 3D virtual surgical planning software (3DVSP).

BACKGROUND: Liver volumetry is a critical component of safe hepatic surgery, in order to minimize the risk of postoperative liver failure. Liver volumes can be calculated routinely using the time-consuming gold standard method of manual volumetry. The current work sought to evaluate an alternative automatic technique based on a novel 3D virtual planning software, and to compare it to the manual technique. METHODS: A prospective study of patients undergoing liver resection was conducted. Every patient had a pre and 2-day postoperative CT-scan. For each patient, total, remnant and resected volumes were calculated manually and automatically. Planes of resection were verified by a hepatobiliary surgeon and compared with postoperative volumes. Paired t-tests and correlation coefficients were calculated. RESULTS: A major hepatectomy was carried out in 36/43 patients. The automatic TLV (1,759 mL) and the manual TLV (1,832 mL) were significantly different (p < 0.001), but extremely highly correlated (r = 0.989). The percentages of preoperative RLV (manual 58.5%, automatic 58.9%) were similar, with an excellent correlation of 0.917. The preoperative RLV were matched with the 2-day postoperative RLV showing a significant difference (p = 0.0301). The resected volumes using both techniques (871 and 832 mL) were compared with the resected specimen volume (670 mL), showing a significant difference (p < 0.001) but a high degree of correlation (r = 0.874). CONCLUSION: The 3D virtual surgical planning software is accurate and reliable in determining the total liver and future remnant liver volumes. This technique demonstrates a good correlation with the manual technique. Future work will be required to confirm these findings and to evaluate the clinical value of the three-dimensional planning platform.

Surgical management of symptomatic hydatid liver disease: experience from a Western centre.

BACKGROUND: Hydatid liver cysts are rare in North America. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal surgical management for hydatid liver cysts treated outside endemic areas. METHODS: We reviewed the cases of consecutive patients who underwent management of hydatid liver cysts. Radical liver resections were compared with other types of procedures. Clinical presentation, investigations, perioperative outcomes and longterm follow-up were evaluated. We evaluated disease recurrence using the Kaplan- Meier method. RESULTS: Forty patients underwent surgery for hydatid liver cysts. Most patients had single (68%) right-sided (46%) cysts with a median size of 10 cm. Most (83%) underwent liver resection with or without drainage/marsupialization. Radical liver resection was carried out in 60% (19 major, 5 minor). Additional procedures were required in 50% (biliary fistulization 30%, diaphragmatic fistulization 20% or paracaval location/ fusion 8%). Postoperative complications occurred in 48%. The median follow-up was 39 months. The 3-year recurrence-free survival was significantly different between patients who had radical resection and those who had other procedures (100% v. 71%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The surgical management of hydatid liver cysts in North America remains rare and challenging and is frequently associated with fistulizing complications. Excellent long-term outcomes are best achieved using principles of radical liver resection that are familiar to North American surgeons.

CONTEXTE: L'hydatidose (kyste hydatique du foie) est une affection rare en Amérique du Nord. Cette étude visait à déterminer quelle était la meilleure façon de prendre en charge cette maladie à l'extérieur de zones où elle est endémique. MÉTHODES: On a revu les cas de patients consécutifs traités pour des kystes hydatiques du foie. L'ablation radicale du foie a été comparée à d'autres types d'intervention. Le tableau clinique, les examens exploratoires, les résultats périopératoires et le suivi de longue durée ont été évalués. On a aussi évalué la récurrence de la maladie en utilisant la méthode Kaplan­Meier. RÉSULTATS: Quarante patients avaient été opérés pour des kystes hydatiques du foie. La plupart présentaient des kystes simples (68 %) dans le foie droit (46 %), qui mesuraient en moyenne 10 cm de diamètre. La plupart (83 %) avaient subi une résection hépatique avec ou sans drainage ou marsupialisation. Une résection radicale a été pratiquée chez 60 % des patients (19 cas majeurs, 5 cas mineurs). D'autres interventions se sont avérées nécessaires dans 50 % des cas (fistulisation dans les voies biliaires 30 %, fistulisation dans le diaphragme 20 %, localisation paracave ou fusion 8 %). Des complications postopératoires sont survenues dans 48 % des cas. La durée moyenne du suivi a été de 39 mois. On a observé une différence significative entre le taux de survie sans récidive sur 3 ans entre les patients ayant subi une résection radicale et ceux ayant subi une autre intervention (100 % c. 71 %, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: En Amérique du Nord, le traitement chirurgical de l'hydatidose reste rare, difficile et souvent compliqué par une fistulisation. La résection hépatique radicale, que les chirurgiens nord-américains maîtrisent bien, est l'intervention permettant d'obtenir les meilleurs résultats à long terme.

Impact of peri-operative bevacizumab on survival in patients with resected colorectal liver metastases: an analysis of the LiverMetSurvey.

BACKGROUND: Peri-operative chemotherapy is recommended for the management of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). The aim of this study was to examine the impact of peri-operative bevacizumab on survival in patients with resected CRLM. METHODS: A multicentre retrospective cohort of patients with resected CRLM was analysed from the LiverMetSurvey Registry. Patients who received peri-operative FOLFOX (group A) were compared with those who received peri-operative FOLFOX and bevacizumab (group B). RESULTS: In total, 501 patients were compared (A, n = 384; B, n = 117). Group A was older (68.3 versus 62.5 years, P < 0.01), had more rectal cancers (30.7 versus 18.8%, P < 0.01) and higher carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels at diagnosis (17.0 versus 9.7 ng/ml, P = 0.043). No difference was observed regarding primary tumour stage, synchronicity and the number or size of metastases. Post-operative infections were more frequent in group B (4.7% versus 12.8%, P < 0.01). Peri-operative bevacizumab had no effect on 3-year overall survival (OS) (76.4% versus 79.8%, P = 0.334), or disease-free survival (DFS) (7.4% versus 7.9%, P = 0.082). DFS was negatively associated with primary tumour node positivity (P = 0.011) and synchronicity (P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of bevacizumab to standard peri-operative chemotherapy does not appear to be associated with improved OS or DFS in patients with resected CRLM.

Homogeneity in immune features between colorectal liver metastases better identifies patients with good prognosis compared to pathological response to preoperative chemotherapy.

In colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM), the density of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, the expression of class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I), and the pathological response to preoperative chemotherapy have been associated with oncological outcomes after complete resection. However, the prognostic significance of the heterogeneity of these features in patients with multiple CRLMs remains under investigation. We used a tissue microarray of 220 mismatch repair-gene proficient CRLMs resected in 97 patients followed prospectively to quantify CD3+ T cells and MHC-I by immunohistochemistry. Histopathological response to preoperative chemotherapy was assessed using standard scoring systems. We tested associations between clinical, immunological, and pathological features with oncologic outcomes. Overall, 29 patients (30.2%) had CRLMs homogeneous for CD3+ T cell infiltration and MHC-I. Patients with immune homogeneous compared to heterogeneous CRLMs had longer median time to recurrence (TTR) (30 vs. 12 months, p = .0018) and disease-specific survival (DSS) (not reached vs. 48 months, p = .0009). At 6 years, 80% of the patients with immune homogeneous CRLMs were still alive. Homogeneity of response to preoperative chemotherapy was seen in 60 (61.9%) and 69 (80.2%) patients according to different grading systems and was not associated with TTR or DSS. CD3 and MHC-I heterogeneity was independent of response to pre-operative chemotherapy and of other clinicopathological variables for their association with oncological outcomes. In patients with multiple CRLMs resected with curative intent, similar adaptive immune features seen across metastases could be more informative than pathological response to pre-operative chemotherapy in predicting oncological outcomes.

Heterotopic pancreas presenting as suspicious mass in the gallbladder.

CONTEXT: Heterotopic pancreas is a rare entity. Thirty-three cases in the gallbladder have been reported. We describe the first case of heterotopic pancreas mimicking a gallbladder cancer, identified within a calcified lesion in the thickened posterior wall of the gallbladder. CASE REPORT: A 72-year-old woman with right upper quadrant pain was referred with a suspicion of gallbladder neoplasia. A CT scan demonstrated a 1 cm thickened posterior wall of the gallbladder with a 2 mm punctate calcification. An open cholecystectomy was carried out without complication. The frozen section demonstrated pancreatic tissue. CONCLUSION: Heterotopic pancreas of the gallbladder is highly uncommon. It can mimic a neoplastic process in the gallbladder, particularly in the context of calcification. Its malignant potential in the gallbladder is unknown, in contrast to previously described neoplastic transformation with gastric heterotopic pancreas.

Combined cerebral and somatic near-infrared spectroscopy oximetry monitoring during liver surgery: an observational and non-interventional study.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral oximetry using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is used for monitoring cerebral oxygen saturation during cardiac surgery and is correlated with clinical outcomes. Our goal was to explore cerebral and somatic NIRS in liver resections as a predictor of post-operative complications. METHODS: Prospective observational and non-interventional study from a tertiary care university hospital including adult patients undergoing liver resection monitored using NIRS at four sites before and during surgery. Those sites were: frontotemporal left and right zones, right thigh, and right arm. Anesthesiologists and surgeons were blinded to oximetry values. Correlations were assessed between baseline oximetry values and cerebro-somatic desaturation load (threshold of 80% from baseline) values with peri-operative events and complications. RESULTS: Ninety patients were distributed equally among gender with a mean age of 59.7 ± 13.1 years. Lower baseline cerebral and/or somatic values were associated with increased risk of delirium, respiratory failure, surgical and renal complications, blood transfusions, and length of stay in the intensive care unit and in the hospital (P < 0.05). The severity of somatic desaturation below 80% was the only parameter associated with blood losses (P = 0.030) and length of hospital stay (P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral and somatic desaturation does occur in liver resection and can be used simultaneously during liver surgery. Both baseline cerebral and somatic NIRS values are correlated with complications and outcomes. However, thigh desaturation appears more sensitive than cerebral NIRS values in predicting some of these complications.

Impact of Preoperative Chemotherapy Features on Patient Outcomes after Hepatectomy for Initially Unresectable Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases: A LiverMetSurvey Analysis.

Background: Prognostic factors have been extensively reported after resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM); however, specific analyses of the impact of preoperative systemic anticancer therapy (PO-SACT) features on outcomes is lacking. Methods: For this real-world evidence study, we used prospectively collected data within the international surgical LiverMetSurvey database from all patients with initially-irresectable CLM. The main outcome was Overall Survival (OS) after surgery. Disease-free (DFS) and hepatic-specific relapse-free survival (HS-RFS) were secondary outcomes. PO-SACT features included duration (cumulative number of cycles), choice of the cytotoxic backbone (oxaliplatin- or irinotecan-based), fluoropyrimidine (infusional or oral) and addition or not of targeted monoclonal antibodies (anti-EGFR or anti-VEGF). Results: A total of 2793 patients in the database had received PO-SACT for initially irresectable diseases. Short (<7 or <13 cycles in 1st or 2nd line) PO-SACT duration was independently associated with longer OS (HR: 0.85 p = 0.046), DFS (HR: 0.81; p = 0.016) and HS-RFS (HR: 0.80; p = 0.05). All other PO-SACT features yielded basically comparable results. Conclusions: In this international cohort, provided that PO-SACT allowed conversion to resectability in initially irresectable CLM, surgery performed as soon as technically feasible resulted in the best outcomes. When resection was achieved, our findings indicate that the choice of PO-SACT regimen had a marginal if any, impact on outcomes.

Is intra-operative ultrasound still useful for the detection of a hepatic tumour in the era of modern pre-operative imaging?

BACKGROUND: The current role of intra-operative ultrasound (IOUS) is questioned because of recent progress in medical imaging. The aim of the present study was to determine the accuracy of IOUS in the detection of a hepatic tumour (HT) compared with a pre-operative multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: This retrospective study included 418 patients evaluated using an 8-slice MDCT scan (SCAN8), 64-slice MDCT scan (SCAN64) and MRI alone or combined with a computed tomography (CT) scan. The pathological result was used as a gold standard. RESULTS: Correlation rates for the number of detected lesions compared with pathology results were 0.627 for SCAN8, 0.785 for SCAN64, 0.657 for MRI and 0.913 for IOUS. Compared with pathology, the rate of concordance was significantly higher with IOUS (0.871) than with SCAN8 (0.736; P=0.011), SCAN64 (0.792; P<0.001) and MRI (0.742; P<0.001). IOUS was responsible for a change in operative strategy in 16.5% of patients. Surgery was extended in 12.4%, limited in 1.7% and abandoned in 2.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with cross-sectional pre-operative imaging, IOUS is still superior for the detection of HT and the planning of surgery. IOUS remains recommended as a routine procedure in patients having a hepatic resection in the era of modern pre-operative imaging.