Liver Surgery: Important Considerations for Pre- and Postoperative Imaging.

Liver surgery may be a curative treatment option not only for primary liver neoplasms but also for liver metastases in selected patients. The number of liver surgeries performed worldwide has increased, but surgical morbidity associated with these surgeries remains significant. Therefore, radiologists need to understand the terminology, surgical techniques, resectability and unresectability criteria, and possible postoperative complications as these are part of the decision-making process. Because vascular and biliary variations are common, an adequate preoperative anatomic evaluation determines the best surgical technique, helps identify patients in whom additional surgical steps will be required, and reduces the risk of inadvertent injury. The surgeon must ensure that the future liver remnant is sufficient to maintain adequate function, aided by the radiologist who can provide valuable information such as the presence of steatosis, biliary dilatation, signs of cirrhosis, and portal hypertension, in addition to the volume of the future liver remnant. Postoperative complications must also be understood and evaluated. The most common postoperative complications are vascular (bleeding, thrombosis, and ischemia), biliary (fistulas, bilomas, and strictures), infectious (incisional or deep), those related to liver failure, and even tumor recurrence. An invited commentary by Winslow is available online. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2022.

Repeat hepatectomy for recurrent colorectal liver metastases: A comparative analysis of short- and long-term results.

BACKGROUND: Liver recurrence after resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) is frequent. Repeat hepatectomy has been shown to have satisfactory perioperative results. However, the long-term outcomes and the benefits for patients with early recurrence have not been clarified. The aim of this study was to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing single hepatectomy and repeat hepatectomy for CRLM. Additionally, the oncological outcomes of patients with early (≤ 6 months) and late recurrence who underwent repeat hepatectomy were compared. METHODS: Consecutive adult patients undergoing hepatectomy for CRLM between June 2000 and February 2020 were included and divided into two groups: single hepatectomy and repeat hepatectomy. RESULTS: A total of 709 patients were included: 649 in the single hepatectomy group and 60 in the repeat hepatectomy group. Patients in the repeat hepatectomy group underwent more cycles of preoperative chemotherapy [4 (3-6) vs. 3 (2-4), P = 0.003]. Patients in the single hepatectomy group more frequently underwent major hepatectomies (34.5% vs. 16.7%, P = 0.004) and had a greater number of lesions resected (2.9 ± 3.6 vs. 1.9 ± 1.8, P = 0.011). There was no increase in operative time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, complications, or mortality in the repeat hepatectomy group. There were no differences in overall survival (P = 0.626) and disease-free survival (P = 0.579) between the two groups. Similarly, for patients underwent repeat hepatectomy, no difference was observed between the early and late recurrence groups in terms of overall survival (P = 0.771) or disease-free survival (P = 0.350). CONCLUSIONS: Repeat hepatectomy is feasible and safe, with similar short- and long-term outcomes when compared to single hepatectomy. Surgical treatment of early liver recurrence offers similar oncological outcomes to those obtained for late recurrence.

Preoperative inflammatory markers as prognostic predictors after hepatocellular carcinoma resection: data from a western referral center.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies from eastern centers have demonstrate an association between inflammatory response and long-term outcomes after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) resection. However, the prognostic impact of inflammatory markers in western patients, with distinct tumor and epidemiologic features, is still unknown. AIM: To evaluate the prognostic impact of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), as well as their impact according to tumor size (< 5 cm, 5-10 cm, > 10 cm) in patients undergoing HCC resection with curative intent. METHODS: Optimal cut-off values for NLR, PLR, and MLR were determined by plotting the receiver operator curves. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. The Cox method was used to identify independent predictors of OS and DFS. RESULTS: In total, 161 consecutive adult patients were included. A high NLR (> 1.715) was associated with worse OS (P = 0.018). High NLR (> 2.475; P = 0.047) and PLR (> 100.25; P = 0.028) were predictors of short DFS. In HCC < 5 cm, MLR (> 1.715) was associated with worse OS (P = 0.047). In the multivariate analysis, high PLR was an independent predictor of worse DFS [hazard ratio (HR) 3.029; 95%CI 1.499-6.121; P = 0.002]. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory markers are useful tools to predict long-term outcomes after liver resection in western patients, high NLR was able to stratify subgroups of patients with short OS and DFS, an increased PLR was an independent predictor of short DFS, while high MLR was associated with short OS in patients with early HCC.

Infiltrative Tumor Borders in Colorectal Liver Metastasis: Should We Enlarge Margin Size?

BACKGROUND: Surgery is the only potentially curative treatment for colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLMs). Despite an improvement in results following resection, recurrence rates remain high. Many histopathological features have been reported as prognostic factors. Infiltrative borders are known to be associated with worse prognosis; however, margin size has never been evaluated together with the type of tumor border. In the present study, we analyzed the prognosis of patients with resected CRLM according to tumor growth pattern (TGP) and whether a larger margin size would bring any prognostic benefit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records from a prospective database of 645 patients who underwent hepatic resection for CRLM between January 2004 and December 2019 at a single center were reviewed, and 266 patients were included in the analytic cohort. TGP (pushing or infiltrative) was evaluated regarding the impact in overall and disease-free survival. The impact of margin size (≤ or > 1 cm) on survival and hepatic recurrence according to TGP was also evaluated. RESULTS: TGP was defined as infiltrative in 182 cases (68.4%) and pushing in 84 patients (31.6%). Patients with infiltrative-type border presented worse overall survival and disease-free survival, as well as higher intrahepatic recurrence (p < 0.05). Larger margin size did not impact the prognosis of patients with infiltrative borders. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with infiltrative-type border present worse prognosis and higher intrahepatic recurrence. Larger margin size (> 1 cm) does not change the prognosis in patients with infiltrative border, showing that tumor biology is the most important factor for survival.

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.

Mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver with biliary communication: case report and surgical therapeutic option.

BACKGROUND: Mucinous cyst neoplasm of the liver (MCN-L) comprise less than 5% of all cystic liver lesions and is characterized by the presence of ovarian stroma and absence of bile duct communication. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we discuss a 45-year-old woman who presented with symptomatic liver mass. Diagnostic workup detected a 4.2 × 3.6 cm septate cyst located in segments I, V, and VIII of the liver in communication with the right hepatic duct. An open right liver resection with total bile duct excision and hilar lymphadenectomy was performed. Pathology revealed a multiloculated cyst with lined mucinous epithelium and ovarian-like stroma, consistent with low-grade MCN-L. CONCLUSIONS: This case shows that unusual location and bile duct communication can be present in MCN-L.

Minimally invasive versus open right hepatectomy: comparative study with propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive liver resections (MILRs) have been increasingly performed in recent years. However, the majority of MILRs are actually minor or limited resections of peripheral lesions. Due to the technical complexity major hepatectomies remain challenging for minimally invasive surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the short and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing minimally invasive right hepatectomies (MIRHs) with contemporary patients undergoing open right hepatectomies (ORHs) METHODS: Consecutive patients submitted to anatomic right hepatectomies between January 2013 and December 2018 in two tertiary referral centers were studied. Study groups were compared on an intention-to-treat basis after propensity score matching (PSM). Overall survival (OS) analyses were performed for the entire cohort and specific etiologies subgroups RESULTS: During study period 178 right hepatectomies were performed. After matching, 37 patients were included in MIRH group and 60 in ORH group. The groups were homogenous for all baseline characteristics. MIRHs had significant lower blood loss (400 ml vs. 500 ml, P = 0.01), lower rate of minor complications (13.5% vs. 35%, P = 0.03) and larger resection margins (10 mm vs. 5 mm, P = 0.03) when compared to ORHs. Additionally, a non-significant decrease in hospital stay (ORH 9 days vs. MIRH 7 days, P = 0.09) was observed. No differences regarding the use of Pringle's maneuver, operative time, overall morbidity or perioperative mortality were observed. OS was similar between the groups (P = 0.13). Similarly, no difference in OS was found in subgroups of patients with primary liver tumors (P = 0.09) and liver metastasis (P = 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: MIRHs are feasible and safe in experienced hands. Minimally invasive approach was associated with less blood loss, a significant reduction in minor perioperative complications, and 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.

Laparoscopic Right Hepatectomy for Cirrhotic Patients: Takasaki's Hilar Control and Caudal Approach.

BACKGROUND: Cirrhotic patients bearing hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) derive benefits from laparoscopic hepatectomy1 - 6 such as reduced bleeding, less overall and liver-specific complications, and fewer adhesions in the case of future reoperation or transplantation.7 - 10 Bleeding is concerning in the setting of cirrhosis,11 - 15 and adequate inflow control reduces blood loss. The caudal approach is the laparoscopic counterpart of the anterior approach to open surgery. It implies in parenchymal transection initiated from the visceral surface of the liver after limited hepatic mobilization, reducing the risk of increased circulating tumoral cells.16 - 18 Venous outflow transection and completion of ligament mobilization are left as last steps. METHODS: A 46 years-old-male with hepatitis C virus and alcoholic cirrhosis was diagnosed with a 4-cm HCC (right hepatic lobe). Expected future liver remnant was 45 % of his total liver volume. A totally laparoscopic right hepatectomy was performed using six ports, and the specimen was removed through a Pfannenstiel auxiliary incision. A 10-mm 30° scope was used. The pneumoperitoneum pressure was set to 12 mmHg. The right hepatic pedicle, the caudate lobe, and the major hepatic veins were managed with laparoscopic vascular staplers. RESULTS: Surgery was performed with limited liver mobilization and en bloc extrafascial right pedicle control (Takasaki's technique),19 followed by caudal parenchymal transection along the paracaval plane. The operative time was 450 min, and the estimated blood loss was 800 ml (no transfusion was required). CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic Takasaki technique and caudal approach are feasible procedures in the setting of cirrhosis, resulting in an oncologic adequate intervention with less morbidity.

Multiple colorectal liver metastases resection can offer long-term survival: The concept of a chronic neoplastic disease.

BACKGROUND: Resection for colorectal liver metastases has evolved significantly and, currently, there are no limits to the number of resected nodules. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes and prognostic factors after liver resection for patients with ≥4 colorectal liver metastases, emphasizing long-term survival. METHODS: The study population consisted of 137 patients with ≥4 colorectal liver metastases out of a total of 597 patients with colorectal liver metastases who underwent curative intent liver resection from January 2010 to July 2019 in a single hepatobiliary center. RESULTS: The probability of overall and disease-free survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 90.8%, 64.5%, 40.6%, and 37.7%, 19.3%, 18.1%, respectively. In a multivariate analysis for overall survival, the size of the largest metastatic nodule was the only unfavorable factor (P = .001). For disease-free survival, complete pathological response was a favorable factor (P = .04), and the following were negative factors: number of nodules ≥7 (P = .034), radiofrequency ablation during surgery (P = .04), positive primary tumor lymph nodes (P = .034), R1 resection (P = .011), and preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen >20 ng/mL (P = .015). After the first and second years of follow-up, 59 patients (45.3%) and 45 patients (34.6%), respectively, were not receiving chemotherapy. After 5 years of follow-up, 21 (16.1%) multimetastatic patients were chemotherapy-free. CONCLUSION: A significant number of patients with multiple colorectal liver metastases will present long-term survival and should not be denied surgery. The long-term survival rates, even in the presence of recurrence, characterize a chronic neoplastic disease.

Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with macroscopic vascular invasion: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of different treatments for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and macroscopic vascular invasion. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies was performed to evaluate various treatment modalities for HCC with macroscopic vascular invasion, including liver resection (LR), liver transplantation (LT), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), transarterial radioembolization (TARE), radiotherapy (RT), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and antineoplastic systemic therapy (AnST). RESULTS: After applying the selection criteria, 31 studies were included. The surgical resection (SR) group (including LR and LT) had a similar mortality rate to the non-surgical resection (NS) group (RD = -0.01; 95% CI -0.05 to 0.03). The SR group had a higher rate of complications (RD = 0.06; 95% CI 0.00 to 0.12) but a higher 3-year overall survival (OS) rate than the NS group (RD = 0.12; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.20). The network analysis revealed that the overall survival was lower in the AnST group. LT and LR had similar survival benefits. The meta-regression suggested that SR has a greater impact on the survival of patients with impaired liver function. DISCUSSION: Most likely, LT has a significant impact on long-term survival and consequently would be a better option for HCC with macroscopic vascular invasion in patients with impaired liver function. LT and LR offer a higher chance of long-term survival than NS alternatives, although LR and LR are associated with a higher risk of procedure-related complications.

LAPAROSCOPIC LIVER RESECTION FOR BENIGN TUMORS: THE CURRENT POSITION. / RESSECÇÃO LAPAROSCÓPICA DE TUMORES BENIGNOS DO FÍGADO: POSIÇÃO ATUAL.

METHODS: The main indications of the use of laparoscopic liver surgery (LLS), in the early days, were benign liver lesions. As LLS became more popular, indications for malignant diseases outnumbered those for benign ones. This study aims to rule out the indications and results of LLS for the treatment of benign liver tumors. Out of 445 LLS performed in a single center, 100 (22.4%) were for benign tumors. The authors discuss the indications for resection and present their perioperative results. RESULTS: In total, 100 patients with benign tumors were evaluated. Specifically, these were as follows: 66 cases of hepatocellular adenomas; 14 cases of biliary mucinous neoplasm; 13 cases of focal nodular hyperplasia; 4 cases of angiomyolipomas; and 3 cases of hemangiomas with a mean size of 7.6 cm (ranging from 3.1 to 19.6 cm). The total morbidity rate was 19%, with 9% classified as Clavien-Dindo grades 3 or 4. No mortality was observed. CONCLUSION: LLS for benign liver tumors is safe and presents excellent results. However, indications for resection are increasingly restricted and should not be performed just because it is a minimally invasive procedure.

MÉTODOS: As principais indicações das hepatectomias video-laparoscópicas (HVL), inicialmente, eram nas lesões hepáticas benignas. À medida que a HVL se tornou mais popular, as indicações de doenças malignas superaram as de doenças benignas. Este estudo teve como objetivo discutir as indicações e resultados da HVL para o tratamento de tumores hepáticos benignos. De 445 HVL realizadas em um único centro, 100 (22,4%) foram para tumores benignos. Os autores discutem as indicações para ressecção e apresentam seus resultados perioperatórios. RESULTADOS: No total, 100 pacientes com tumores benignos foram avaliados, a saber: 66 casos de adenomas hepatocelulares; 14 de neoplasia mucinosa biliar; 13 de hiperplasia nodular focal; 4 de angiomiolipomas; e 3 de hemangiomas. O tamanho médio das lesões foi de 7,6 cm (3,1 a 19,6 cm). A taxa de morbidade total foi de 19%, sendo 9% classificados como Clavien-Dindo 3 ou 4 e não foi observada mortalidade. CONCLUSÃO: A HVL para tumores hepáticos benignos é segura e apresenta excelentes resultados. No entanto, as indicações para cirurgia são cada vez mais restritas, não sendo recomendável indicar a ressecção somente por se tratar de procedimento minimamente invasivo.

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.

Platelet-albumin (PAL) score as a predictor of perioperative outcomes and survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing liver resection in a Western center.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Preoperative selection of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who will benefit from resection is highly advisable. The Platelet-Albumin (PAL) score was developed as a predictor of survival and morbidity following HCC resection. However, this has never been tested in western populations. METHODS: The impact of PAL score on perioperative outcomes and survival was evaluated and compared to Child-Pugh, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) scores in patients who underwent HCC resection. RESULTS: A total of 182 patients were included. Postoperative morbidity was higher in patients with PAL grade II-III (P = 0.039), ALBI grade II-III (P = 0.028), and MELD >10 (P = 0.042). Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) occurred in 36 patients (19.8%) and was significantly higher in the PAL II-III and ALBI score II-III subgroup (P = 0.001). The PAL II-III group was the only one associated with higher perioperative mortality (OR 3.3, P = 0.036). The PAL score was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in multivariate analysis (P = 0.018) and was the only one with the areas under the curve in ROC analysis significantly different for morbidity, PHLF, and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The PAL score predicts postoperative complications, mortality, PHLF, and survival following liver resection for HCC in western patients.

Two decades of liver resection with a multidisciplinary approach in a single institution: What has changed? Analysis of 1409 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate results of patients undergoing liver resection in a single center over the past two decades with a particular look at Colorectal Liver Metastasis (CRLM) and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). METHOD: Patients were divided into two eras, from 2000 to 2010 (Era 1) and 2011 to 2020 (Era 2). The most frequent diagnosis was CRLM and HCC, with 738 (52.4%) and 227 (16.1%) cases respectively. An evaluation of all liver resection cases and a subgroup analysis of both CRLM and HCC were performed. Preoperative and per operative variables and long-term outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: 1409 liver resections were performed. In Era 2 the authors observed higher BMI, more: minimally invasive surgeries, Pringle maneuvers, and minor liver resections; and less transfusion, less ICU necessity, and shorter length of hospital stay. Severe complications were observed in 14.7% of patients, and 90-day mortality was 4.2%. Morbidity and mortality between eras were not different. From 738 CRLM resections, in Era 2 there were significantly more patients submitted to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, bilateral metastases, and smaller sizes with significantly less transfusion, the necessity of ICU, and shorter length of hospital stay. More pedicle clamping, minimally invasive surgeries, and minor resections were also observed. From 227 HCC resections, in Era 2 significantly more minimally invasive surgeries, fewer transfusions, less necessity of ICU, and shorter length of hospital stay were observed. OS was not different between eras for CRLM and HCC. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection in a multidisciplinary environment remains the cornerstone for the curative treatment of primary and metastatic liver tumors.