Propensity Score-Matching Analysis Comparing Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Limited Liver Resections of the Posterosuperior Segments: An International Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of robotic limited liver resections (RLLR) versus laparoscopic limited liver resections (LLLR) of the posterosuperior segments. BACKGROUND: Both laparoscopic and robotic liver resections have been used for tumors in the posterosuperior liver segments. However, the comparative performance and safety of both approaches have not been well examined in the existing literature. METHODS: This is a post hoc analysis of a multicenter database of 5446 patients who underwent RLLR or LLLR of the posterosuperior segments (I, IVa, VII, and VIII) at 60 international centers between 2008 and 2021. Data on baseline demographics, center experience and volume, tumor features, and perioperative characteristics were collected and analyzed. Propensity score-matching (PSM) analysis (in both 1:1 and 1:2 ratios) was performed to minimize selection bias. RESULTS: A total of 3510 cases met the study criteria, of whom 3049 underwent LLLR (87%), and 461 underwent RLLR (13%). After PSM (1:1: and 1:2), RLLR was associated with a lower open conversion rate [10 of 449 (2.2%) vs 54 of 898 (6.0%); P =0.002], less blood loss [100 mL [IQR: 50-200) days vs 150 mL (IQR: 50-350); P <0.001] and a shorter operative time (188 min (IQR: 140-270) vs 222 min (IQR: 158-300); P <0.001]. These improved perioperative outcomes associated with RLLR were similarly seen in a subset analysis of patients with cirrhosis-lower open conversion rate [1 of 136 (0.7%) vs 17 of 272 (6.2%); P =0.009], less blood loss [100 mL (IQR: 48-200) vs 160 mL (IQR: 50-400); P <0.001], and shorter operative time [190 min (IQR: 141-258) vs 230 min (IQR: 160-312); P =0.003]. Postoperative outcomes in terms of readmission, morbidity and mortality were similar between RLLR and LLLR in both the overall PSM cohort and cirrhosis patient subset. CONCLUSIONS: RLLR for the posterosuperior segments was associated with superior perioperative outcomes in terms of decreased operative time, blood loss, and open conversion rate when compared with LLLR.

Short-term outcomes of laparoscopic extended hepatectomy versus major hepatectomy: a single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic major hepatectomy (LMH) remains restricted to a few specialized centers and poses a challenge to surgeons performing laparoscopic resections. Laparoscopic extended resections are even more complex and rarely conducted. METHODS: From a single-institution database, we compared the short-term outcomes of patients who underwent major and extended laparoscopic resections, stratifying the entire retrospective cohort into four groups: right hepatectomy, left hepatectomy, right extended hepatectomy, and left extended hepatectomy. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, operative variables, and especially postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: 250 patients underwent major and extended laparoscopic liver resections, including 160 right, 31 right extended, 36 left, and 23 left extended laparoscopic hepatectomies. The most common indication for resection was colorectal liver metastases (64%). Laparoscopic extended hepatectomy (LEH) showed significantly longer operative time, more blood loss, need for Pringle maneuver, conversion to open surgery, higher rates of liver failure, postoperative ascites, and intra-abdominal hemorrhage, R1 margins and length of stay when compared with the LMH group. Mortality rates were similar between groups. Multivariate analysis revealed intraoperative blood transfusion (OR = 5.1[CI-95%: 1.15-6.79]; p = 0.02) as an independent predictor for major complications. CONCLUSIONS: LEH showed to be feasible, however with higher blood loss and significantly associated to major complications.

Defining Global Benchmarks for Laparoscopic Liver Resections: An International Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: To establish global benchmark outcomes indicators after laparoscopic liver resections (L-LR). BACKGROUND: There is limited published data to date on the best achievable outcomes after L-LR. METHODS: This is a post hoc analysis of a multicenter database of 11,983 patients undergoing L-LR in 45 international centers in 4 continents between 2015 and 2020. Three specific procedures: left lateral sectionectomy (LLS), left hepatectomy (LH), and right hepatectomy (RH) were selected to represent the 3 difficulty levels of L-LR. Fifteen outcome indicators were selected to establish benchmark cutoffs. RESULTS: There were 3519 L-LR (LLS, LH, RH) of which 1258 L-LR (40.6%) cases performed in 34 benchmark expert centers qualified as low-risk benchmark cases. These included 659 LLS (52.4%), 306 LH (24.3%), and 293 RH (23.3%). The benchmark outcomes established for operation time, open conversion rate, blood loss ≥500 mL, blood transfusion rate, postoperative morbidity, major morbidity, and 90-day mortality after LLS, LH, and RH were 209.5, 302, and 426 minutes; 2.1%, 13.4%, and 13.0%; 3.2%, 20%, and 47.1%; 0%, 7.1%, and 10.5%; 11.1%, 20%, and 50%; 0%, 7.1%, and 20%; and 0%, 0%, and 0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study established the first global benchmark outcomes for L-LR in a large-scale international patient cohort. It provides an up-to-date reference regarding the "best achievable" results for L-LR for which centers adopting L-LR can use as a comparison to enable an objective assessment of performance gaps and learning curves.

Combined liver and multivisceral resections: A comparative analysis of short and long-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: En bloc liver and adjacent organs resections are technically demanding procedures. Few case series and nonmatched comparative studies reported the outcomes of multivisceral liver resections (MLRs). OBJECTIVES: To compare the short and long-term outcomes of patients submitted MLRs with those submitted to isolated hepatectomies. METHODS: From a prospective database, a case-matched 1:2 study was performed comparing MLRs and isolated hepatectomy. Additionally, a risk analysis was performed to evaluate the association between MLRs and perioperative morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival. RESULTS: Fifty-three MLRs were compared with 106 matched controls. Patients undergoing MLRs had longer operative time (430 [320-525] vs 360 [270-440] minutes, P = .005); higher estimated blood loss (600 [400-800] vs 400 [100-600] mL; P = .011); longer hospital stay (8 [6-14] vs 7 [5-9] days; P = .003); and higher postoperative mortality (9.4% vs 1.9%, P = .042). Number of resected organs was not an independent prognostic factor for perioperative major complications (odds ratio [OR], 1 organ = 1.8 [0.54-6.05]; OR ≥ 2, organs = 4.0 [0.35-13.84]) or perioperative mortality (OR, 1, organ = 5.2 [0.91-29.51]; OR ≥ 2, organs = 6.5 [0.52-79.60]). No differences in overall (P = .771) and disease-free survival (P = .28) were observed. CONCLUSION: MLRs are feasible with acceptable morbidity but relatively high perioperative mortality. MLRs did not negatively affect long-term outcomes.

Pathological factors and prognosis of resected liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma: implications and proposal for a pathological reporting protocol.

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. The liver is the most common site of distant metastases, and surgery is the only potentially curative treatment, although the recurrence rate following surgery is high. In order to define prognosis after surgery, many histopathological features have been identified in the primary tumour. In turn, pathologists routinely report specific findings to guide oncologists on the decision to recommend adjuvant therapy. In general, the pathological report of resected colorectal liver metastases is limited to confirmation of the malignancy and details regarding the margin status. Most pathological reports of a liver resection for colorectal liver metastasis lack information on other important features that have been reported to be independent prognostic factors. We herein review the evidence to support a more detailed pathological report of the resected liver specimen, with attention to: the number and size of liver metastases; margin size; the presence of lymphatic, vascular, perineural and biliary invasion; mucinous pattern; tumour growth pattern; the presence of a tumour pseudocapsule; and the pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In addition, we propose a new protocol for the evaluation of colorectal liver metastasis resection specimens.

Evolution in the surgical management of colorectal liver metastases: Propensity score matching analysis (PSM) on the impact of specialized multidisciplinary care across two institutional eras.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Liver metastases are indicators of advanced disease in patients with colorectal cancer. Liver resection offers the best possibility of long-term survival. Surgical strategies have evolved in complexity in order to offer resection to a greater number of patients, requiring specialized multidisciplinary care. The current paper focused on analyzing outcomes of patients treated after the development of a dedicated cancer center in our institution. METHODS: Patients operated on for CLM from our databank were paired through propensity score matching (PSM), and the initial experience of surgery for CLM was compared with the treatment performed after specialized multidisciplinary management. The demographic, oncological, and surgical features were analyzed between groups. RESULTS: Overall, 355 hepatectomies were performed in 336 patients. Patients operated on during the second era of had greater use of preoperative chemotherapy (P < 0.001) as well as exposure to more effective oxaliplatin-based regimens (P < 0.001). Surgical management also changed, with minor (P = 0.002) and non-anatomic (P = 0.006) resections preferred over major operations. We also noted an increased number of minimally invasive resections (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Treatment in a multidisciplinary cancer center led to changes in oncological and surgical management. Perioperative chemotherapy was frequently employed, and surgeons adopted a conservative approach to liver parenchyma.

Prognostic significance of poorly differentiated clusters and tumor budding in colorectal liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: Histomorphological features have been described as prognostic factors after resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM). The objectives of this study were to assess the prognostic significance of tumor budding (TB) and poorly differentiated clusters (PDC) among CLM, and their association with other prognostic factors. METHODS: We evaluated 229 patients who underwent a first resection of CLM. Slides stained by HE were assessed for TB, PDC, tumor border pattern, peritumoral pseudocapsule, peritumoral, and intratumoral inflammatory infiltrate. Lymphatic and portal invasion were evaluated through D2-40 and CD34 antibody. RESULTS: Factors independently associated with poor overall survival were nodules>4 (P = 0.002), presence of PDC G3 (P = 0.007), portal invasion (P = 0.005), and absence of tumor pseudocapsule (P = 0.006). Factors independently associated with disease-free survival included number of nodules>4 (P < 0.001), presence of PDC G3 (P = 0.005), infiltrative border (P = 0.031), portal invasion (P = 0.006), and absent/mild peritumoral inflammatory infiltrate (P = 0.002). PDC and TB were also associated with histological factors, as portal invasion (TB), peritumoral inflammatory infiltration (PDC), infiltrative border, and absence of tumor pseudocapsule (TB and PDC). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study demonstrating PDC as a prognostic factor in CLM. TB was also a prognostic factor, but it was not an independent predictor of survival.

Preoperative strategies to improve resectability for hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative strategies to increase the future liver remnant are useful methods to improve resectability rates for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the main strategies used for this purpose. METHODS: A systematic review was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane and Scielo/LILACS. The procedures included for analysis were portal vein embolization or ligation (PVE/PVL), sequential transarterial embolization and PVE (TACE + PVE), radioembolization (RE) and associated liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS). Perioperative morbidity and mortality, post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF), and survival rates were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 46 studies were included in the systematic review (1284 patients). Resection rate was higher in TACE + PVE (90%; N = 315) when compared to PVE/PVL (75%; N = 254; P = <0.001) and similar to ALPPS (84%; N = 43; P = 0.374) and RE (100%; N = 28; P = 0.14). ALPPS was associated with higher PHLF and perioperative mortality rates when compared to PVE/PVL and TACE + PVE. ALPPS and RE showed higher risk of major complications than PVE/PVL and TACE + PVE. CONCLUSION: Preoperative strategies to increase liver volume are effective in achieving resectability of HCC. TACE + PVE is as safe as PVL/PVE providing higher OS. ALPPS is associated with a higher risk of PHLF, major complications, and mortality. RE despite the small experience seems to present similar resection rate and OS as TACE + PVE with higher rate of major complications.

Laparoscopy-assisted versus open and pure laparoscopic approach for liver resection and living donor hepatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy-assisted (hybrid) liver surgery is considered a minimally invasive technique, however there are doubts regarding loss of the benefits of laparoscopy due to the use of an auxiliary incision. The aim of this study was to compare perioperative results of hybrid vs. open and hybrid vs. pure laparoscopic approach to liver resection for focal lesions and living donation. METHODS: A systematic review was performed in Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library Central and LILACS databases. Perioperative outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: 21 studies were included. Hybrid vs. open: operative time was lower in open group (mean difference [MD] = 34 min; 95%CI: 22-47; P < 0.001; N = 669). Hybrid technique was associated with a reduction in operative blood loss [MD = -43 ml; 95%CI: -74-(-13); P = 0.005, N = 1738]; shorter hospital stay [MD = -1.9 days; 95%CI: -3.2-(-0.5); P = 0.008; N = 833] and lower morbidity [risk difference (RD) = -0.05; 95%CI: -0.10-(-0.01); P = 0.010; N = 1359]. Hybrid vs. pure laparoscopic: There was no difference regarding blood loss, transfusion rate, hospital stay and morbimortality. DISCUSSION: Hybrid technique had perioperative outcomes that were more in keeping with pure laparoscopic outcomes than open surgery. Hybrid liver surgery should be considered a minimally invasive approach.

Extended right hepatectomy with caudate lobe resection using the hilar "en bloc" resection technique with a modified hanging maneuver.

The hanging liver maneuver is a useful technique to guide the transection of liver parenchyma by lifting a tape passed between the anterior surface of the inferior vena cava and the liver. Modified hanging liver maneuvers have been described in different types of liver resection. Surgical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma can involve the portal vein and the caudate lobe for margin clearance. However, hilar dissection and resection of the caudate lobe can be a challenging during the hanging maneuver once the tape is positioned. Herein, we describe a modified hanging liver maneuver for a hilar "en bloc" extended right hepatectomy with portal vein resection for the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma including the caudate lobe. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:427-431. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Histopathological factors versus margin size in single colorectal liver metastases: Does a 1-cm margin size matter?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The ideal margin width for surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases has been extensively studied, but not sufficiently in accordance with other pathological factors. The aim of this study was to assess for the first time the prognostic impact of margin widths according to different prognostic pathological factors in colorectal liver metastasis. METHODS: We evaluated 101 patients with a single resected metastasis. Slides stained by HE were assessed for the presence of poorly differentiated clusters, peritumoral inflammatory infiltrate, tumor pseudocapsule, and tumor borders pattern. Overall survival, disease-free survival, and hepatic recurrence were evaluated. The pathologic factors prognostic impact was evaluated according to a (< or ⩾) 10-mm margin size. RESULTS: Factors independently associated with a shorter overall survival were absence of tumor pseudocapsule (p < 0.001) and infiltrative tumor border pattern (p = 0.019). The absence of tumor pseudocapsule was the only factor independently associated with shorter disease-free survival (p < 0.001). Hepatic recurrence was associated with infiltrative tumor border and absence of pseudocapsule. Margin width ⩾10 mm did not impact overall survival independently of the studied histological prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: In colorectal liver metastasis resection, the absence of tumor pseudocapsule was significantly associated with shorter overall survival and disease-free survival and hepatic recurrence. However, margins larger than 10 mm did not offer survival benefit when other pathologic negative prognostic factors were concomitantly analyzed, reinforcing the idea that biology, rather than margin size, is crucial for prognosis.

Laparoscopic Treatment of Presinusoidal Schistosomal Portal Hypertension Associated With Postoperative Endoscopic Treatment: Results of a New Approach.

AIM: To propose a laparoscopic treatment for schistosomal portal hypertension. METHODS: Ten patients with schistosomiasis and portal hypertension, with previous gastrointestinal hemorrhage from esophageal varices rupture, were evaluated. Patients were subjected to a laparoscopic procedure, with ligature of splenic artery and left gastric vein. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed on the 30th postoperative day, when esophageal varices diameter was measured and band ligature performed. During follow-up, other endoscopic procedures were performed according to endoscopy findings. RESULTS: There was no operative mortality. One patient had a postoperative splenic infarction that was conservatively treated. Mean hospitalization time was 5 days. During endoscopy 30 days after surgery, a decrease in variceal diameters was observed in 6 patients. During follow-up (mean 84 mo), after endoscopic therapy 8 patients had eradicated varices, but 4 presented with recurrence. Considering the late postoperative evaluation, all patients had a decrease in variceal diameters. A mean of 3.8 endoscopic banding sessions were performed per patient. Two patients presented bleeding recurrence; one had a minor bleeding episode and the other had 2 episodes of bleeding varices requiring blood transfusion. In both patients, bleeding was controlled with endoscopic therapy. No late mortality was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ligature of the splenic artery and the left gastric vein is a promising and less-invasive method for the treatment of schistosomal portal hypertension.

Hand-assisted Approach as a Model to Teach Complex Laparoscopic Hepatectomies: Preliminary Results.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are limited and scarce models to teach complex liver resections by laparoscopy. The aim of this study is to present a hand-assisted technique to teach complex laparoscopic hepatectomies for fellows in liver surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laparoscopic hand-assisted approach for resections of liver lesions located in posterosuperior segments (7, 6/7, 7/8, 8) was performed by the trainees with guidance and intermittent intervention of a senior surgeon. Data as: (1) percentage of time that the senior surgeon takes the surgery as main surgeon, (2) need for the senior surgeon to finish the procedure, (3) necessity of conversion, (4) bleeding with hemodynamic instability, (5) need for transfusion, (6) oncological surgical margins, were evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 12 cases of complex laparoscopic liver resections were performed by the trainee. All cases included deep lesions situated on liver segments 7 or 8. The senior surgeon intervention occurred in a mean of 20% of the total surgical time (range, 0% to 50%). A senior intervention >20% was necessary in 2 cases. There was no need for conversion or reoperation. Neither major bleeding nor complications resulted from the teaching program. All surgical margins were clear. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary report shows that hand-assistance is a safe way to teach complex liver resections without compromising patient safety or oncological results. More cases are still necessary to draw definitive conclusions about this teaching method.

Liver resection for the treatment of post-cholecystectomy biliary stricture with vascular injury.

AIM: To report experience with liver resection in a select group of patients with postoperative biliary stricture associated with vascular injury. METHODS: From a prospective database of patients treated for benign biliary strictures at our hospital, cases that underwent liver resections were reviewed. All cases were referred after one or more attempts to repair bile duct injuries following cholecystectomy (open or laparoscopic). Liver resection was indicated in patients with Strasberg E3/E4 (hilar stricture) bile duct lesions associated with vascular damage (arterial and/or portal), ipsilateral liver atrophy/abscess, recurrent attacks of cholangitis, and failure of previous hepaticojejunostomy. RESULTS: Of 148 patients treated for benign biliary strictures, nine (6.1%) underwent liver resection; eight women and one man with a mean age of 38.6 years. Six patients had previously been submitted to open cholecystectomy and three to laparoscopic surgery. The mean number of surgical procedures before definitive treatment was 2.4. All patients had Strasberg E3/E4 injuries, and vascular injury was present in all cases. Eight patients underwent right hepatectomy and one underwent left lateral sectionectomy without mortality. Mean time of follow up was 69.1 mo and after long-term follow up, eight patients are asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: Liver resection is a good therapeutic option for patients with complex postoperative biliary stricture and vascular injury presenting with liver atrophy/abscess in which previous hepaticojejunostomy has failed.

Tumor growth pattern as predictor of colorectal liver metastasis recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection is the gold standard therapy for the treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CRM). The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of tumor growth patterns on disease recurrence. METHODS: We enrolled 91 patients who underwent CRM resection. Pathological specimens were prospectively evaluated, with particular attention given to tumor growth patterns (infiltrative vs pushing). RESULTS: Tumor recurrence was observed in 65 patients (71.4%). According to multivariate analysis, 3 or more lesions (P = .05) and the infiltrative tumor margin type (P = .05) were unique independent risk factors for recurrence. Patients with infiltrative margins had a 5-year disease-free survival rate significantly inferior to patients with pushing margins (20.2% vs 40.5%, P = .05). CONCLUSIONS: CRM patients with pushing margins presented superior disease-free survival rates compared with patients with infiltrative margins. Thus, the adoption of the margin pattern can represent a tool for improved selection of patients for adjuvant treatment.

Surgical margin size in hepatic resections for colorectal metastasis: impact on recurrence and survival.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 50% of the patients with a colorectal tumor develop liver metastasis, for which hepatectomy is the standard care. Several prognostic factors have been discussed, among which is the surgical margin. This is a recurring issue, since no consensus exists as to the minimum required distance between the metastatic nodule and the liver transection line. AIM: To evaluate the surgical margins in liver resections for colorectal metastases and their correlation with local recurrence and survival. METHODS: A retrospective study based on the review of the medical records of 91 patients who underwent resection of liver metastases of colorectal cancer. A histopathological review was performed of all the cases; the smallest surgical margin was verified, and the late outcome of recurrence and survival was evaluated. RESULTS: No statistical difference was found in recurrence rates and overall survival between the patients with negative or positive margins (R0 versus R1); likewise, there was no statistical difference between subcentimeter margins and those greater than 1 cm. The disease-free survival of the patients with microscopically positive margins was significantly worse than that of the patients with negative margins. The uni- and multivariate analyses did not establish the surgical margin (R1, narrow or less than 1 cm) as a risk factor for recurrence. CONCLUSION: The resections of liver metastases with negative margins, independently of the margin width, had no impact on tumor recurrence (intra- or extrahepatic) or patient survival.

Dimensão da margem cirúrgica nas ressecções de metástase hepática de câncer colorretal: impacto na recidiva e sobrevida / Surgical margin size in hepatic resections for colorectal metastasis: impact on recurrence and survival

RACIONAL: Aproximadamente 50% dos pacientes com tumor colorretal apresentam metástase hepática sendo a hepatectomia o procedimento terapêutico de escolha. Discutem-se diversos fatores prognósticos; entre eles, a margem cirúrgica é fator sempre recorrente, pois não existe consenso da distância mínima necessária entre o nódulo metastático e a linha de secção hepática. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar as margens cirúrgicas nas ressecções de metástases hepáticas de câncer colorretal e sua correlação com recidiva local e sobrevida. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo, baseado na revisão dos prontuários de 91 pacientes submetidos à ressecção de metástases hepáticas de neoplasia colorretal. Foi realizada revisão histopatológica de todos os casos com aferição da menor margem cirúrgica e observar o resultado tardio em relação à recidiva e sobrevida. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença estatística nas taxas de recidiva e no tempo de sobrevivência global entre os pacientes com margens livres ou acometidas (R0vsR1), assim como não houve diferença entre as margens subcentimétricas e as maiores de 1 cm. A sobrevida livre de doença dos pacientes com margens microscopicamente acometidas foi significativamente menor do que dos com margens livres. A análise uni e multivariada não identificou a margem cirúrgica (R1, exígua ou menor que 1 cm) como fator de risco para recidiva. CONCLUSÕES: As ressecções de metástases hepáticas com margens livres de doença, independentemente das dimensões da margem, não influenciou na recidiva tumoral (intra ou extra-hepática) ou na sobrevida dos pacientes.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 50% of the patients with a colorectal tumor develop liver metastasis, for which hepatectomy is the standard care. Several prognostic factors have been discussed, among which is the surgical margin. This is a recurring issue, since no consensus exists as to the minimum required distance between the metastatic nodule and the liver transection line. AIM: To evaluate the surgical margins in liver resections for colorectal metastases and their correlation with local recurrence and survival. METHODS: A retrospective study based on the review of the medical records of 91 patients who underwent resection of liver metastases of colorectal cancer. A histopathological review was performed of all the cases; the smallest surgical margin was verified, and the late outcome of recurrence and survival was evaluated. RESULTS: No statistical difference was found in recurrence rates and overall survival between the patients with negative or positive margins (R0 versus R1); likewise, there was no statistical difference between subcentimeter margins and those greater than 1 cm. The disease-free survival of the patients with microscopically positive margins was significantly worse than that of the patients with negative margins. The uni- and multivariate analyses did not establish the surgical margin (R1, narrow or less than 1 cm) as a risk factor for recurrence. CONCLUSION: The resections of liver metastases with negative margins, independently of the margin width, had no impact on tumor recurrence (intra- or extrahepatic) or patient survival.

Study of the proximal femoral fractures mortatlity in elderly patients / Estudo da mortalidade na fratura do fêmur proximal em idosos

Foi feito um estudo de revisão sobre a mortalidade na fratura do fêmur proximal em idosos com base nas publicacões mais relevantes do período de 1998 a 2002. Foram incluídos 25 artigos relacionados ao assunto, selecionados com base nos bancos de dados Medline e Cochrane, totalizando 24.062 pacientes com mais de 60 anos de idade, que tiveram fratura do fêmur proximal. Quatorze estudos foram prospectivos, oito retrospectivos e três revisões sistemáticas. As taxas médias de mortalidade foram de 5,5 por cento durante a internacão hospitalar, 4,7 por cento ao fim de um mês de seguimento, 11,9 por cento com três meses, 10,8 por cento com seis meses, 19,2 por cento com um ano e 24,9 por cento com dois anos. Foram identificados quatro fatores intimamente relacionados com uma maior mortalidade nestes pacientes: idade avancada, grande número de doencas associadas, sexo masculino e presenca de deficiências cognitivas. Outros fatores mostraram uma fraca correlacão com a mortalidade como capacidade deambulatória prévia, índice de risco anestésico da Sociedade Americana de Anestesia (ASA), anemia, hipoalbuminemia, linfopenia e existência de AVC prévio. Os fatores como tempo prévio à cirurgia, tipo de anestesia utilizada e tipo de osteossíntese empregada não mostraram ter interferência.