The role of resection in hepatocellular carcinoma BCLC stage B: A multi-institutional patient-level meta-analysis and systematic review.

PURPOSE: The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging schema is widely used for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. In the updated recommendations, HCC BCLC stage B can become candidates for transplantation. In contrast, hepatectomy is currently not recommended. METHODS: This systematic review includes a multi-institutional meta-analysis of patient-level data. Survival, postoperative mortality, morbidity and patient selection criteria for liver resection and transplantation in BCLC stage B are explored. All clinical studies reporting HCC patients with BCLC stage B undergoing liver resection or transplantation were included. RESULTS: A total of 31 studies with 3163 patients were included. Patient level data was available for 580 patients from 9 studies (423 after resection and 157 after transplantation). The overall survival following resection was 50 months and recurrence-free survival was 15 months. Overall survival after transplantation was not reached and recurrence-free survival was 45 months. The major complication rate after resection was 0.11 (95%-CI, 0.0-0.17) with the 90-day mortality rate of 0.03 (95%-CI, 0.03-0.08). Child-Pugh A (93%), minor resection (60%), alpha protein level less than 400 (64%) were common in resected patients. Resected patients were mostly outside the Milan criteria (99%) with mean tumour number of 2.9. Studies reporting liver transplantation in BCLC stage B were scarce. CONCLUSION: Liver resection can be performed safely in selected patients with HCC BCLC stage B, particularly if patients present with preserved liver function. No conclusion can done on liver transplantation due to scarcity of reported studies.

Minimally invasive subtotal cholecystectomy. What surgeons need to know.

Minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy is among the most frequently performed abdominal surgeries. Bile duct injury is a significative complication that occurs in about 0.2-0.3% of open procedures and 0.5% of laparoscopic surgeries, with concomitant vasculobiliary injuries in 12-61% of cases. Most of these lesions occurs during challenging severe cholecystitis where the intense inflammation obscures the hepatocystic anatomy. In this case a bailout strategy such as a subtotal cholecystectomy should be considered. Subtotal cholecystectomy is a surgical technique performed to remove a portion of the gallbladder while leaving part of it behind. In such complex cholecystectomies, surgeons should be aware of this technique, and subtotal cholecystectomy should be part of their surgical armamentarium. We aim to familiarize surgeons with bailout techniques like subtotal cholecystectomy and gallbladder emptying for challenging acute cholecystectomy cases to reduce the risk of vasculobiliary injury. This multimedia article provides, a comprehensive step-by-step overview of the different possible minimally invasive subtotal cholecystectomy procedures, we outline five distinct techniques for conducting subtotal cholecystectomy, including some tips and tricks and demonstrates the usefulness of a minimally invasive approach. Finally, we emphasize the importance of carefully choosing between laparoscopic and robotic approaches and suggests using adjunctive tools, such as preoperative indocyanine green, to better identify common bile duct anatomy.

Cost-effectiveness of robotic vs laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. Results from the national prospective trial ROBOCOSTES.

INTRODUCTION: Although several studies report that the robotic approach is more costly than laparoscopy, the cost-effectiveness of robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) over laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) is still an issue. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of the RDP and LDP approaches across several Spanish centres. METHODS: This study is an observational, multicenter, national prospective study (ROBOCOSTES). For one year from 2022, all consecutive patients undergoing minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy were included, and clinical, QALY, and cost data were prospectively collected. The primary aim was to analyze the cost-effectiveness between RDP and LDP. RESULTS: During the study period, 80 procedures from 14 Spanish centres were analyzed. LDP had a shorter operative time than the RDP approach (192.2 min vs 241.3 min, p = 0.004). RDP showed a lower conversion rate (19.5% vs 2.5%, p = 0.006) and a lower splenectomy rate (60% vs 26.5%, p = 0.004). A statistically significant difference was reported for the Comprehensive Complication Index between the two study groups, favouring the robotic approach (12.7 vs 6.1, p = 0.022). RDP was associated with increased operative costs of 1600 euros (p < 0.031), while overall cost expenses resulted in being 1070.92 Euros higher than the LDP but without a statistically significant difference (p = 0.064). The mean QALYs at 90 days after surgery for RDP (0.9534) were higher than those of LDP (0.8882) (p = 0.030). At a willingness-to-pay threshold of 20,000 and 30,000 euros, there was a 62.64% and 71.30% probability that RDP was more cost-effective than LDP, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The RDP procedure in the Spanish healthcare system appears more cost-effective than the LDP.

Electrical Conductivity Measurement in Human Liver Tissue: Assessment on Normal vs. Tumor Tissue and under In Vivo vs. Ex Vivo Conditions.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated electrical conductivity in human liver tissue in the 3-1000 kHz frequency range to compare normal versus tumor tissues under in vivo versus ex vivo conditions. METHODS: Previous informed consent was obtained from twenty patients undergoing liver resection in whom liver electrical conductivity was measured during surgery and after resection. RESULT: We found higher electrical conductivity values in tumor tissues than in normal tissue in both in vivo (0.41 ± 0.10 vs. 0.13 ± 0.06 S/m) and ex vivo (0.27 ± 0.09 vs. 0.12 ± 0.07 S/m) conditions (at 3 kHz). The electric properties also showed a promising potential for distinguishing between different tissue types including metastasis, cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hepatic cirrhosis, and normal liver (both in vivo and ex vivo). At 3 kHz, in vivo electrical conductivity for cholangiocarcinoma, HCC, and metastasis were 0.35, 0.42 ± 0.13, and 0.41 ± 0.08 S/m, respectively, which differed significantly from each other (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings could potentially improve liver disease diagnostics through electrical conductivity measurements and treatment techniques involving electric fields. Future research should focus on expanding the sample size to refine the categorization and comparison processes across diverse human liver tissue types.

Minimally Invasive Left Hepatectomy: Choosing the Suitable Surgical Strategy.

BACKGROUND: Numerous surgical techniques are currently available for minimally invasive left hepatic resection, each offering its own advantages and disadvantages. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This multimedia manuscript delves into the primary approaches for minimally invasive left hepatectomy, with a focus on particular topics such as left hepatic vein approach, transection and middle hepatic vein exposure, and Glissonean approach. We examine key factors that surgeons should consider when choosing among these methods and provide practical recommendations. RESULTS: To enhance understanding, our article includes video footage from multiple centres, showcasing expertly executed surgeries for each approach along with their main considerations. CONCLUSIONS: This multimedia resource will serve as a valuable guide for surgeons, aiding in the selection of the most suitable strategy for minimally invasive left hepatectomies, tailored to the specific needs of the patient and the characteristics of the lesion.

A machine learning predictive model for recurrence of resected distal cholangiocarcinoma: Development and validation of predictive model using artificial intelligence.

INTRODUCTION: Distal Cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA) represents a challenge in hepatobiliary oncology, that requires nuanced post-resection prognostic modeling. Conventional staging criteria may oversimplify dCCA complexities, prompting the exploration of novel prognostic factors and methodologies, including machine learning algorithms. This study aims to develop a machine learning predictive model for recurrence after resected dCCA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective multicentric observational study included patients with dCCA from 13 international centers who underwent curative pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). A LASSO-regularized Cox regression model was used to feature selection, examine the path of the coefficient and create a model to predict recurrence. Internal and external validation and model performance were assessed using the C-index score. Additionally, a web application was developed to enhance the clinical use of the algorithm. RESULTS: Among 654 patients, LNR (Lymph Node Ratio) 15, neural invasion, N stage, surgical radicality, and differentiation grade emerged as significant predictors of disease-free survival (DFS). The model showed the best discrimination capacity with a C-index value of 0.8 (CI 95 %, 0.77%-0.86 %) and highlighted LNR15 as the most influential factor. Internal and external validations showed the model's robustness and discriminative ability with an Area Under the Curve of 92.4 % (95 % CI, 88.2%-94.4 %) and 91.5 % (95 % CI, 88.4%-93.5 %), respectively. The predictive model is available at https://imim.shinyapps.io/LassoCholangioca/. CONCLUSIONS: This study pioneers the integration of machine learning into prognostic modeling for dCCA, yielding a robust predictive model for DFS following PD. The tool can provide information to both patients and healthcare providers, enhancing tailored treatments and follow-up.

The impact of vascular margin invasion on local recurrence after pancreatoduodenectomy in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

PURPOSE: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PADC) still has nowadays a very impaired long-term survival. Most studies are focused on overall survival; however, local recurrence occurs about up to 50% of cases and seems to be highly related with margin resection status. We aim to analyze the impact of vascular resection margins on local recurrence (LR) and to assess its impact on overall and disease-free survival. METHODS: Eighty out of 191 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy in a university hospital between 2006 and 2021 with PDAC diagnosis were analyzed and vascular margin status specifically addressed. Univariate and multivariate were performed. Time to LR was compared by using the Kaplan-Meier method and prognostic factors assessed using Cox regression hazards model. RESULTS: LR appeared in 10 (50%) of the overall R1 resections in the venous margin and 9 (60%) in the arterial one. Time to LR was significantly shorter when any margin was overall affected (23.2 vs 44.7 months, p = 0.01) and specifically in the arterial margin involvement (13.7 vs 32.1 months, p = 0.009). Overall R1 resections (HR 2.61, p = 0.013) and a positive arterial margin (HR 2.84, p = 0.012) were associated with local recurrence on univariate analysis, whereas arterial positive margin remained significant on multivariate analysis (HR 2.70, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Arterial margin invasion is correlated in our cohort with local recurrence. Given the limited ability to modify this margin intraoperatively, preoperative therapies should be considered to improve local margin clearance.

Transduodenal robotic ampullectomy: tips and tricks and strategies for postoperative duodenal fistula management (with video).

Transduodenal Ampullectomy (TA) is a procedure for resecting low-malignancy ampullary tumors, with postoperative fistula as a notable complication. This study aims to clarify the indications for TA, outline the surgical robotic technique, and emphasize the importance of comprehensive complication management alongside the surgical approach. This multimedia article provides a detailed exposition of the robotic TA surgical technique, including the most important steps involved in exposing and reimplanting biliary and pancreatic ducts. The procedure encompasses the mobilization of the hepatic flexure of the colon, an extensive Kocher maneuver for duodenal mobilization, and ampulla exposure through a duodenal incision. Employing retraction loop sutures enhances surgical field visibility. Reconstruction involves securing pancreatic and biliary ducts to the duodenal mucosa, each tutored with a silicon catheter, and suturing for ampullectomy completion. The total operative time was 380 min. Final histopathology disclosed high-grade dysplasia with an isolated focus of adenocarcinoma (pT1), accompanied by clear resection margins. A postoperative duodenal fistula occurred, managed successfully through conservative treatment, utilizing subcutaneous drainage. Despite accurate robotic TA execution, complications may arise. This study underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach, incorporating meticulous surgical technique and effective complication management, to optimize patient outcomes.

Robotic Approach for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma IIIA Type: Step-by-Step Procedure.

BACKGROUND: Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is a challenging technique to be performed by minimally invasive approach being the type III among the most complex procedure. Nowadays, the robotic approach is gaining increasing interest among the surgical community, and more and more series describing robotic liver resection have been reported. However, few cases of minimally invasive Bismuth type IIIA cholangiocarcinoma have been reported. Robotic approach allows for a better dissection and suture thanks to the flexible and precise instruments movements, overcoming some of the limitations of the laparoscopic technique. Therefore, robotic technique can facilitate some of the critical steps of a technically demanding procedure, such as the extended right hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma Bismuth IIIA type. METHODS: In this multimedia video we describe, for the first time in the literature, a full robotic surgical step-by-step technique with some tips and tricks for treating a perihilar cholangiocarcinoma Bismuth IIIA type, performing a radical extended right hemihepatectomy, including segment I combined with regional lymphadenectomy anf left bile duct reconstruction. A 55-year-old woman with obstructive jaundice (10 mg/dl) was referred to our center. The endobiliary brushing confirmed adenocarcinoma, and MRI/CT showed a focal perihilar lesion of 2 cm, including the main biliary duct bifurcation and extending up to the right duct (Bismuth Type IIIA hilar cholangiocarcinoma). After endoscopic biliary stents placement and 6 weeks after right portal vein embolization, the future liver remnant, including segments II and III, reached an enough hypertrophy volume with a ratio of 30%. A right hemihepatectomy with caudate lobe, including standard standard lymphadenectomy and left biliary duct reconstruction was performed. RESULTS: The operation lasted 670 min with an estimated blood loss of 350 ml. Postoperative pathological examination revealed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma pT1N0 with 15 retrieved nodes and free margins. The patient experienced a type A biliary fistula and was discharged on the 21st postoperative day without abdominal drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Through the tips and tricks presented in this multimedia article, we show the advantages of the robotic approach for performing correctly one of the most complex surgeries.1-7.

Factors affecting overall survival and disease-free survival after surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma: a nomogram-based prognostic model-a Western European multicenter study.

Few studies have assessed the clinical implications of the combination of different prognostic indicators for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of resected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic factors in HCC patients for OS and DFS outcomes and establish a nomogram-based prognostic model to predict the DFS of HCC. A multicenter, retrospective European study was conducted through the collection of data on 413 consecutive treated patients with a first diagnosis of HCC between January 2010 and December 2020. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify all independent risk factors for OS and DFS outcomes. A nomogram prognostic staging model was subsequently established for DFS and its precision was verified internally by the concordance index (C-Index) and externally by calibration curves. For OS, multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated Child-Pugh B7 score (HR 4.29; 95% CI 1.74-10.55; p = 0.002) as an independent prognostic factor, along with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage ≥ B (HR 1.95; 95% CI 1.07-3.54; p = 0.029), microvascular invasion (MVI) (HR 2.54; 95% CI 1.38-4.67; p = 0.003), R1/R2 resection margin (HR 1.57; 95% CI 0.85-2.90; p = 0.015), and Clavien-Dindo Grade 3 or more (HR 2.73; 95% CI 1.44-5.18; p = 0.002). For DFS, multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated BCLC stage ≥ B (HR 2.15; 95% CI 1.34-3.44; p = 0.002) as an independent prognostic factor, along with multiple nodules (HR 2.04; 95% CI 1.25-3.32; p = 0.004), MVI (HR 1.81; 95% CI 1.19-2.75; p = 0.005), satellite nodules (HR 1.63; 95% CI 1.09-2.45; p = 0.018), and R1/R2 resection margin (HR 3.39; 95% CI 2.19-5.25; < 0.001). The C-Index of the nomogram, tailored based on the previous significant factors, showed good accuracy (0.70). Internal and external calibration curves for the probability of DFS rate showed optimal consistency and fit well between the nomogram-based prediction and actual observations. MVI and R1/R2 resection margins should be considered as significant OS and DFS predictors, while satellite nodules should be included as a significant DFS predictor. The nomogram-based prognostic model for DFS provides a more effective prognosis assessment for resected HCC patients, allowing for individualized treatment plans.

Levels of Robotic Mesopancreas Dissection According to Malignancy and Vascular Anatomy: What Surgeons Need to Know.

INTRODUCTION: The robotic approach is attracting increasing interest among the surgical community, and more and more series describing robotic pancreatoduodenectomy have been reported. Thus, surgeons performing robotic pancreatoduodenectomy should be confident with this critical step's potential scenarios. MATERIALS AND METHODS: According to Yosuke et al., there are three different levels of mesopancreas dissection. We describe the main steps for a safe mesopancreas dissection by robotic approach. RESULTS: This multimedia article provides, for the first time in literature, a comprehensive step-by-step overview of the mesopancreas dissection during robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and its three different levels according to tumor type. CONCLUSIONS: Through the tips and indications presented in this multimedia article, we aim to familiarize surgeons with the mesopancreas dissections levels according to type of malignancy and vascular anatomy.

Prolonged hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy duration with 90 minutes cisplatin might increase overall survival in gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastases.

BACKGROUND: Advanced gastric cancer with synchronous peritoneal metastases (GC-PM) is associated with a poor prognosis. Although cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) is a promising approach, only a limited number of Western studies exist. AIM: To investigate the clinicopathological outcomes of patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC for GC-PM. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients with GC-PM was conducted. All patients were seen at the Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Hospital Barmherzige Brüder, Regensburg, Germany between January 2011 and July 2021 and underwent CRS-HIPEC. Preoperative laboratory results, the use of neoadjuvant trastuzumab, and the details of CRS-HIPEC, including peritoneal carcinomatosis index, completeness of cytoreduction, and surgical procedures were recorded. Disease-specific (DSS), and overall survival (OS) of patients were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 73 patients were included in the study. Patients treated with neoadjuvant trastuzumab (n = 5) showed longer DSS (P = 0.0482). Higher white blood cell counts (DSS: P = 0.0433) and carcinoembryonic antigen levels (OS and DSS: P < 0.01), and lower hemoglobin (OS and DSS: P < 0.05) and serum total protein (OS: P = 0.0368) levels were associated with shorter survival. Longer HIPEC duration was associated with more advantageous median survival times [60-min (n = 59): 12.86 mo; 90-min (n = 14): 27.30 mo], but without statistical difference. To obtain additional data from this observation, further separation of the study population was performed. First, propensity score-matched patient pairs (n = 14 in each group) were created. Statistically different DSS was found between patient pairs (hazard ratio = 0.2843; 95% confidence interval: 0.1119-0.7222; P = 0.0082). Second, those patients who were treated with trastuzumab and/or had human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positivity (median survival: 12.68 mo vs 24.02 mo), or had to undergo the procedure before 2016 (median survival: 12.68 mo vs 27.30 mo; P = 0.0493) were removed from the original study population. CONCLUSION: Based on our experience, CRS-HIPEC is a safe and secure method to improve the survival of advanced GC-PM patients. Prolonged HIPEC duration may serve as a good therapy for these patients.

Is occlusion of the main pancreatic duct by thermal ablation really safe? A surgical innovation assessed according to IDEAL recommendations.

INTRODUCTION: Pre-clinical studies suggest that thermal ablation of the main pancreatic duct (TAMPD) is more recommendable than glue for reducing postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Our aims were (1) to analyze the changes in the pancreas of patients after TAMPD and (2) to correlate the clinical findings with those obtained from a study on an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective early feasibility study of a marketed device for a novel clinical application was carried out on a small number of subjects (n = 8) in whom TAMPD was conducted to manage the pancreatic stump after a pancreatectoduodenectomy (PD). Morphological changes in the remaining pancreas were assessed by computed tomography for 365 days after TAMPD. RESULTS: All the patients showed either Grade A or B POPF, which generally resolved within the first 30 days. The duct's maximum diameter significantly increased after TAMPD from 1.5 ± 0.8 mm to 8.6 ± 2.9 mm after 7 days (p = .025) and was then reduced to 2.6 ± 0.8 mm after 365 days PO (p < .0001). The animal model suggests that TAMPD induces dilation of the duct lumen by enzymatic digestion of ablated tissue after a few days and complete exocrine atrophy after a few weeks. CONCLUSIONS: TAMPD leads to long-term exocrine pancreatic atrophy by completely occluding the duct. However, the ductal dilatation that occurred soon after TAMPD could even favor POPF, which suggests that TAMPD should be conducted several weeks before PD, ideally by digestive endoscopy.

Superior Mesenteric Artery First Approach for Minimally Invasive Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Step-By-Step Surgical Technique Video.

INTRODUCTION: In the past decade, minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy has been gaining interest. However, minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy remains technically challenging and is associated with a steep learning curve. Additionally, the operating surgeon should be cognizant of replicating the same oncological steps as observed in the typical open approach. In view of this, there exist various maneuvers that are designed to achieve negative margins and a safer mesopancreatic dissection. One of these techniques is the superior mesenteric artery first approach, which is garnering interest among pancreatic surgeons. MATERIAL AND METHODS: According to existing literature, there are several superior mesenteric artery dissections approaches. We describes 5 different minimally invasive approaches. RESULTS: This multimedia manuscript provide, for the first time in literature, a comprehensive step-by-step overview of the superior mesenteric artery first approach for minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy by a team of expert surgeons from various international institutions. CONCLUSIONS: Through the tips and indications presented in this article, we aim to guide the choice of this approach according to tumor location, type of minimally invasive approach and the operating surgeon's experience and increase familiarity with such a complex procedure.

Minimally invasive pancreatic anastomosis after pancreaticoduodenectomy: multi-institutional step by step video description of the technique.

Minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is attracting increased interest in the pancreatic surgical community with more and more teams reporting their experience worldwide. The pancreatic anastomosis (PA) is one of the key steps and challenging manoeuvre of this procedure. Since the introduction of the minimally invasive approach for PD, several PA types have been proposed, ranging from high to low complexity, but none of them have been proven unequivocally superior to the others. Therefore, definitive consensus has not been reached yet. In the present multimedia manuscript, we report the most commonly adopted minimally invasive PA and we propose a "complexity classification" to guide the choice accordingly to different characteristics of the pancreatic stump. We describe five possible different PA that might be tailored to each different case, depending mainly on texture of pancreatic stump (soft/hard, lean/fatty) and the size and visibility of main duct. This manuscript presents a step-by-step portfolio of the most commonly used mini-invasive PA. This technique requires experience in pancreatic surgery and advanced minimally invasive skills. Knowledge of and proficiency in different types of PA could help reducing the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula.

Robotic Distal Pancreatectomy: A Novel Standard of Care? Benchmark Values for Surgical Outcomes From 16 International Expert Centers.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Robotic distal pancreatectomy (DP) is an emerging attractive approach, but its role compared with laparoscopic or open surgery remains unclear. Benchmark values are novel and objective tools for such comparisons. The aim of this study was to identify benchmark cutoffs for many outcome parameters for DP with or without splenectomy beyond the learning curve. METHODS: This study analyzed outcomes from international expert centers from patients undergoing robotic DP for malignant or benign lesions. After excluding the first 10 cases in each center to reduce the effect of the learning curve, consecutive patients were included from the start of robotic DP up to June 2020. Benchmark patients had no significant comorbidities. Benchmark cutoff values were derived from the 75th or the 25th percentile of the median values of all benchmark centers. Benchmark values were compared with a laparoscopic control group from 4 high-volume centers and published open DP landmark series. RESULTS: Sixteen centers contributed 755 cases, whereof 345 benchmark patients (46%) were included the analysis. Benchmark cutoffs included: operation time ≤300 minutes, conversion rate ≤3%, clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula ≤32%, 3 months major complication rate ≤26.7%, and lymph node retrieval ≥9. The comprehensive complication index at 3 months was ≤8.7 without deterioration thereafter. Compared with robotic DP, laparoscopy had significantly higher conversion rates (5×) and overall complications, while open DP was associated with more blood loss and longer hospital stay. CONCLUSION: This first benchmark study demonstrates that robotic DP provides superior postoperative outcomes compared with laparoscopic and open DP. Robotic DP may be expected to become the approach of choice in minimally invasive DP.