Decreased mebrofenin uptake in patients with non-colorectal liver tumors requiring liver volume augmentation-a single-center analysis.

BACKGROUND: Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) remains a life-threatening complication after hepatectomy. To reduce PHLF, a preoperative assessment of liver function is indispensable. For this purpose, 99mTc-mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy with SPECT (MSPECT) can be used. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the predictive value of MSPECT for PHLF in patients with non-colorectal liver tumors (NCRLT) compared to patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) undergoing extended liver resection. METHODS: We included all patients undergoing extended liver resections via two-stage procedures between January 2019 and December 2021 at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany. All patients received a preoperative MSPECT. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included. In every fourth patient, PHLF was observed. Four patients had PHLF grade C. There were no differences between patients with CRLM and NCRLT regarding PHLF rate and future liver remnant (FLR) volume. Patients with CRLM had higher mebrofenin uptake in the FLR compared to those with NCRLT (2.49%/min/m2 vs. 1.51%/min/m2; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Mebrofenin uptake in patients with NCRLT was lower compared to those patients with CRLM. However, there was no difference in the PHLF rate and FLR volume. Cut-off values for the mebrofenin uptake might need adjustments for different surgical indications, surgical procedures, and underlying diseases.

Hybrid-ALPPS followed by Ante Situm with Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Rapid Liver Augmentation and Complex Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Tumors invading the inferior vena cava (IVC) and hepatic veins pose a challenge for surgeons. Hannoun et al.1 were able to show that the resection of these tumors can be done under hypothermia in the Ante-Situm position. Additionally, not only the localization of the tumor but the remaining volume of the remnant liver (FLR) needs to be considered. Schnitzbauer et al.2 were able to induce massive liver hypertrophy in a short period, combining an in-situ split with a portal vein ligation (ALPPS). As this controversial technique has evolved, a safe ALPPS can be performed nowadays.3 To our knowledge, this is the first case that combines a laparoscopic partial ALPPS with an extended resection requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: A 58-year-old female presented with a known chronic hepatitis C suffered from a pulmonary embolism, caused by a large, central hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with invasion of the suprahepatic IVC and continuous growth into the right atrium (RA). Due to the small FLR, we performed a laparoscopic hybrid-partial-ALPPS with an embolization of the right portal vein. We were able to remove the mass with an Ante-Situm position and resection of the RA under CPB. RESULTS: The postoperative course was complicated by posthepatic liver failure and bleeding. However, after 28 days the patient was discharged in a good medical condition. CONCLUSIONS: Although tumors invading the suprahepatic IVC and RA pose a surgical challenge, patients can be treated adequately with multidisciplinary management. Advanced HCCs have high recurrence rates; however, a R0 resection might improve overall survival. Wakayma et al. showed in their retrospective study with 13 patients a median survival of 30.8 months when a complete resection was performed.4 Our patient had a disease-free survival of 11 months and is still alive after 24 months. Taking the complexity of the operation and the oncological prospect with a probable recurrence into account, indication for surgery needs to be considered on an individual basis.