Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma of the Liver Involving All Major Hepatic Veins Treated by Left Extended Trisectionectomy.

Introduction: Over the past few years, liver surgery has been in constant evolution and gained many improvements that helped surgeons push limits further. A complex procedure such as left extended trisectionectomy, as described by Makuuchi in 1987, may be performed in selected cases. Aim: Describe a case of successful resection of a huge bilobar liver sarcoma involving all hepatic veins from a young female patient, in which the blood outflow was preserved through an inferior right hepatic vein, leaving only segment 6 as liver remnant. Case Report. A 19-year-old female with a 3-month history of abdominal pain, vomiting, and weight loss was referred for our evaluation. CT scan and MRI revealed a heterogeneous and bulky expansive hepatic lesion, sparing only segment 6, with an estimated volume of 530 cm3, corresponding to a 1.2 FLR/BW ratio. The tumor involved the three major hepatic veins, but an inferior right hepatic vein was present, draining the spared segment 6. She was submitted to a left trisectionectomy extended to the caudate lobe and segment 7, including resection of all hepatic veins and lymphadenectomy of the hepatic pedicle. She was discharged on the 7th postoperative day without complications. The histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated an undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver. Conclusion: Inferior right hepatic vein-preserving left extended trisectionectomy is a safe and feasible procedure that should be performed by a hepatobiliary team experienced in major complex hepatectomies.

RE-HEPATECTOMY MEANS MORE MORBIDITY? A MULTICENTRIC ANALYSIS.

AIM: Colorectal cancer generally metastasizes to the liver. Surgical resection of liver metastasis, which is associated with systemic chemotherapy, is potentially curative, but many patients will present recurrence. In selected patients, repeated hepatectomy is feasible and improves overall survival. This study aimed to analyze patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) submitted to hepatectomy in three centers from Rio de Janeiro, over the past 10 years, by comparing the morbidity of first hepatectomy and re-hepatectomy. METHODS: From June 2009 to July 2020, 192 patients with CRLM underwent liver resection with curative intent in three hospitals from Rio de Janeiro Federal Health System. The data from patients, surgeries, and outcomes were collected from a prospectively maintained database. Patients submitted to first and re-hepatectomies were classified as Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. Data from groups were compared and value of p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Among 192 patients, 16 were excluded. Of the remaining 176 patients, 148 were included in Group 1 and 28 were included in Group 2. Fifty-five (37.2%) patients in Group 1 and 13 (46.5%) in Group 2 presented postoperative complications. Comparing Groups 1 and 2, we found no statistical difference between the cases of postoperative complications (p=0.834), number of minor (p=0.266) or major (p=0.695) complications, and deaths (p=0.407). CONCLUSIONS: No differences were recorded in morbidity or mortality between patients submitted to first and re-hepatectomies for CRLM, which reinforces that re-hepatectomy can be performed with outcomes comparable to first hepatectomy.

Thoracic epidural analgesia and immediate extubation for less than 10 kg infants undergoing living donor liver transplantation: A report of two successful cases.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative pain management in small infants weighing <10 kg undergoing liver transplantation is challenging. The use of TEA in this setting has not been reported, as well as its potential role to facilitate IE, ie, in the OR. METHODS: We describe here the use of TEA in two small infants who had IE after a LDLT procedure. RESULTS: TEA was successfully performed and IE was achieved in both cases. Postoperative analgesia assessment in the OR was satisfactory according to the FLACC pain scale, with scores of 2 and 3 for each patient, respectively. There were no major complications in the postoperative period, and the two children were discharged home uneventfully. CONCLUSIONS: The use of TEA and its influence on IE rate and other perioperative outcomes should be more explored in small infants undergoing LDLT.

Re-hepatectomy means more morbidity? a multicentric analysis / Re-hepatectomia significa maior morbidade? uma análise multicêntrica

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer generally metastasizes to the liver. Surgical resection of liver metastasis, which is associated with systemic chemotherapy, is potentially curative, but many patients will present recurrence. In selected patients, repeated hepatectomy is feasible and improves overall survival. AIM: This study aimed to analyze patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) submitted to hepatectomy in three centers from Rio de Janeiro, over the past 10 years, by comparing the morbidity of first hepatectomy and re-hepatectomy. METHODS: From June 2009 to July 2020, 192 patients with CRLM underwent liver resection with curative intent in three hospitals from Rio de Janeiro Federal Health System. The data from patients, surgeries, and outcomes were collected from a prospectively maintained database. Patients submitted to first and re-hepatectomies were classified as Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. Data from groups were compared and value of p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Among 192 patients, 16 were excluded. Of the remaining 176 patients, 148 were included in Group 1 and 28 were included in Group 2. Fifty-five (37.2%) patients in Group 1 and 13 (46.5%) in Group 2 presented postoperative complications. Comparing Groups 1 and 2, we found no statistical difference between the cases of postoperative complications (p=0.834), number of minor (p=0.266) or major (p=0.695) complications, and deaths (p=0.407). CONCLUSIONS: No differences were recorded in morbidity or mortality between patients submitted to first and re-hepatectomies for CRLM, which reinforces that re-hepatectomy can be performed with outcomes comparable to first hepatectomy.

RESUMO - RACIONAL: O câncer colorretal geralmente metastatiza para o fígado. Hepatectomia associada à quimioterapia sistêmica é potencialmente curativa para metástases hepáticas colorretais, entretanto, muitos pacientes apresentarão recidiva após a cirurgia. Em casos selecionados, a re-hepatectomia é viável, com relatos de melhora na sobrevida global. OBJETIVO: Analisar pacientes com metástase hepática colorretal operados em três centros do Rio de Janeiro, nos últimos 10 anos, comparando as morbidades da primeira hepatectomia e da re-hepectomia. MÉTODOS: De junho de 2009 a julho de 2020, 192 pacientes com metástase hepática colorretal foram submetidos à hepatectomia em três hospitais do Rio de Janeiro. Os dados dos pacientes, cirurgias e desfechos foram coletados de um banco de dados mantido prospectivamente. Pacientes submetidos à primeira hepatectomia e re-hepatectomia foram classificados como Grupo 1 e Grupo 2, respectivamente. Os dados dos grupos foram comparados e o valor de p<0,05 foi considerado significativo. RESULTADOS: Dentre 192 pacientes, dezesseis foram excluídos. Dos 176 pacientes restantes, 148 e 28 foram incluídos dos Grupos 1 e 2, respectivamente. Cinquenta e cinco (37,2%) pacientes no Grupo 1 e treze (46,5%) no Grupo 2 apresentaram complicações pós-operatórias. Comparando os Grupos 1 e 2, não foi observada diferença estatística entre o número de pacientes com complicações pós-operatórias (p = 0,834), complicações menores (p = 0,266) ou maiores (p = 0,695) e óbitos (p = 0,407). CONCLUSÕES: Não foram registradas diferenças na morbidade ou mortalidade entre os pacientes submetidos à primeira ou à re-hepatectomia em pacientes com metástase hepática colorretal, o que sustenta que a re-hepatectomia pode ser realizada com resultados comparáveis à primeira hepatectomia.

EXTERNAL PRINGLE MANEUVER IN LAPAROSCOPIC LIVER RESECTION: A SAFE, CHEAP AND REPRODUCIBLE WAY TO PERFORM IT.

BACKGROUND: Tourniquet for right hepatectomy tightened and secured with forceps (arrow). Laparoscopic liver resection is performed worldwide. Hemorrhage is a major complication and bleeding control during hepatotomy is an important concern. Pringle maneuver remains the standard inflow occlusion technique. AIM: Describe an extracorporeal, efficient, fast, cheap and reproducible way to execute the Pringle maneuver in laparoscopic surgery, using a chest tube. METHODS: From January 2014 to March 2020, our team performed 398 hepatectomies, 63 by laparoscopy. We systematically encircle the hepatoduodenal ligament and prepare a tourniquet to perform Pringle maneuver. In laparoscopy, we use a 24 Fr chest tube, which is inserted in the abdominal cavity through a small incision. We thread the cotton tape through the tube, pulling it out through the external end, outside the abdomen. To perform the tourniquet, we just need to push the tube as we hold the tape, clamping both with one forceps. RESULTS: The 24 Fr chest tube is firm and works perfectly to occlude blood inflow as the cotton band is tightened. It has an internal diameter of 5,5 mm, sufficient for a laparoscopic grasper pass through it to catch the cotton band, and an external diameter of 8 mm, which allows to be inserted in the abdomen through a tiny incision. The cost of this tube and the cotton band is less than US$ 1. No complications related to the method were identified in our patients. CONCLUSIONS: The extracorporeal Pringle maneuver presented here is a safe, cheap and reproducible method, that can be used for bleeding control in laparoscopic liver surgery.

Monosegment ALPPS for bilateral colorectal liver metastasis - One is enough.

Associated liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy - ALPPS - procedure emerged as an alternative to treat patients needing extensive hepatic resections, but with a small future liver remnant. Initially described using the left lateral segments as liver remnant, ALPPS has been adapted to leave as remainder only one segment. Describe a case of a patiente with bilobar colorectal liver metastasis submitted to segment 4-1 ALPPS. A 63-year-old man, previously submitted to transversostomy, due to a left colon stenosing adenocarcinoma, associated to bilobar liver metastasis, was referred for our evaluation, after receiving a FOLFOX based chemotherapy. Due to the large load of tumor within the liver, we opted to perform a segment 4-1 ALPPS, which was carried out with an interval of 21 days between first and second stages. The liver remnant increased from 250 cc to 694 cc (18% to 48% of standard liver volume). The patient was discharged 15 days after second stage surgery and was subjected to left colectomy after five months. He is disease-free ten months after liver surgery. Monosegment ALPPS is a challenging, but feasible procedure, that should be criteriously indicated in selected patients and performed by a hepatobiliary surgery team with experience in complex major hepatectomies.

External pringle maneuver in laparoscopic liver resection: a safe, cheap and reproducible way to perform it / Manobra de pringle extracorpórea em ressecções hepáticas laparoscópicas: maneira segura, barata e reproduzível de realizá-la

ABSTRACT Background: Laparoscopic liver resection is performed worldwide. Hemorrhage is a major complication and bleeding control during hepatotomy is an important concern. Pringle maneuver remains the standard inflow occlusion technique. Aim: Describe an extracorporeal, efficient, fast, cheap and reproducible way to execute the Pringle maneuver in laparoscopic surgery, using a chest tube. Methods: From January 2014 to March 2020, our team performed 398 hepatectomies, 63 by laparoscopy. We systematically encircle the hepatoduodenal ligament and prepare a tourniquet to perform Pringle maneuver. In laparoscopy, we use a 24 Fr chest tube, which is inserted in the abdominal cavity through a small incision. We thread the cotton tape through the tube, pulling it out through the external end, outside the abdomen. To perform the tourniquet, we just need to push the tube as we hold the tape, clamping both with one forceps. Results: The 24 Fr chest tube is firm and works perfectly to occlude blood inflow as the cotton band is tightened. It has an internal diameter of 5,5 mm, sufficient for a laparoscopic grasper pass through it to catch the cotton band, and an external diameter of 8 mm, which allows to be inserted in the abdomen through a tiny incision. The cost of this tube and the cotton band is less than US$ 1. No complications related to the method were identified in our patients. Conclusions: The extracorporeal Pringle maneuver presented here is a safe, cheap and reproducible method, that can be used for bleeding control in laparoscopic liver surgery.

RESUMO Racional: Ressecções hepáticas laparoscópicas são realizadas em todo mundo. A hemorragia é complicação grave e o controle do sangramento durante a hepatotomia é preocupação importante. A manobra de Pringle continua sendo a técnica padrão de oclusão do influxo sanguíneo. Objetivo: Descrever uma maneira eficiente, rápida, barata e reproduzível de executar a manobra de Pringle extracorpórea, em operação laparoscópica, utilizando um dreno de tórax. Métodos: De janeiro/2014 a março/2020, realizamos 398 hepatectomias, 63 por laparoscopia. Nós sistematicamente laçamos o ligamento hepatoduodenal e preparamos um torniquete para a manobra de Pringle. Na laparoscopia, usamos um dreno de tórax 24 Fr, inserido na cavidade abdominal através de uma pequena incisão. Passamos a fita de algodão através do tubo, puxando-a pela extremidade externa, fora do abdome. Para apertar o torniquete, basta pressionar o tubo enquanto seguramos a fita, prendendo ambos com uma pinça. Resultados: O dreno de tórax 24 Fr é firme e funciona perfeitamente para ocluir influxo de sangue, à medida que apertamos o torniquete. Tem diâmetro interno de 5,5 mm, suficiente para passar uma pinça laparoscópica e puxar a fita de algodão, e um diâmetro externo de 8 mm, permitindo a inserção no abdome através de uma pequena incisão. O custo do tubo e fita é inferior a US$ 1, valor insignificante. Não foram identificadas complicações relacionadas ao método em nossos pacientes. Conclusões: A manobra extracorpórea de Pringle apresentada aqui é método seguro, barato e reproduzível, que pode ser utilizado para o controle do sangramento em hepatectomias laparoscópicas.

Biliary Paracoccidioidomycosis: An Unusual Infection Simulating Malignant Neoplasm.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic granulomatous disease caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and is restricted to Latin America. It normally affects lungs, skin and lymph nodes. Abdominal organs are usually not involved. In rare cases paracoccidioidomycosis may simulate neoplasm. Herein we describe our experience with four cases of paracoccidioidomycosis mimicking cholangiocarcinoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest case series on this subject produced in English. Paracoccidioidomycosis must be considered as a differential diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma, especially in individuals who come from endemic areas.

Right gastroepiploic artery as an alternative for arterial reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation.

Background. An adequate blood flow is directly related to graft survival in living donor liver transplantation. However, in some cases, unfavorable conditions prevent the use of the hepatic artery for arterial reconstruction. Herein, we report a case in which the recipient right gastroepiploic artery was used as an option for arterial reconstruction in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation. Case Report. A 62-year-old woman, with cirrhosis due to hepatitis B associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, was submitted to living donor liver transplantation. During surgery, thrombosis of the hepatic artery with intimal dissection until the celiac trunk was observed, which precluded its use in arterial reconstruction. We decided to use the right gastroepiploic artery for arterial revascularization of the liver graft. Despite the discrepancy in size between donor hepatic artery and recipient right gastroepiploic artery, anastomosis was performed successfully. Conclusions. The use of the right gastroepiploic artery as an alternative for arterial revascularization of the liver graft in living donor liver transplantation should always be considered when the hepatic artery of the recipient cannot be used. For performing this type of procedure, familiarity with microsurgical techniques by the surgical team is necessary.

Portal vein embolization using an adapted hysterosalpingography catheter.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein embolization is an accepted procedure that provides hypertrophy of the future remnant liver in order to reduce post-hepatectomy complications. AIM: To present a series submitted to portal vein embolization using an adapted hysterosalpingography catheter via transileocolic route. METHODS: Were performed right portal branch embolization in 19 patients using hysterosalpingography catheter. For embolizing the vessel, was used Gelfoam(r) powder with absolute alcohol solution. Indications for hepatectomy were colorectal liver metastases in all cases. RESULTS: An adequate growth of the future remnant liver was achieved in 15 patients (78.9%) and second time hepatectomy could be done in 14 (73.7%). In one patient (5.2%), tumor progression prevented surgery. One patient presented acute renal failure after portal embolization. CONCLUSIONS: The hysterosalpingography catheter is easy to handle and can be introduced into the portal vein with a wire guide. There were no major post-embolization complication. Its use is safe, cheap and effective.

Portal vein embolization using an adapted hysterosalpingography catheter / Embolização portal utilizando cateter adaptado de histerossalpingografia

BACKGROUND: Portal vein embolization is an accepted procedure that provides hypertrophy of the future remnant liver in order to reduce post-hepatectomy complications. AIM: To present a series submitted to portal vein embolization using an adapted hysterosalpingography catheter via transileocolic route. METHODS: Were performed right portal branch embolization in 19 patients using hysterosalpingography catheter. For embolizing the vessel, was used Gelfoam(r) powder with absolute alcohol solution. Indications for hepatectomy were colorectal liver metastases in all cases. RESULTS: An adequate growth of the future remnant liver was achieved in 15 patients (78.9%) and second time hepatectomy could be done in 14 (73.7%). In one patient (5.2%), tumor progression prevented surgery. One patient presented acute renal failure after portal embolization. CONCLUSIONS: The hysterosalpingography catheter is easy to handle and can be introduced into the portal vein with a wire guide. There were no major post-embolization complication. Its use is safe, cheap and effective. .

RACIONAL: Embolização da veia porta é procedimento consagrado para estimular a hipertrofia do fígado remanescente, a fim de reduzir as complicações pós-hepatectomia. OBJETIVO: Apresentar série de casos submetidos à embolização da veia porta usando cateter adaptado de histerossalpingografia, por via transileocólica. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada embolização do ramo portal direito em 19 pacientes utilizando cateter de histerossalpingografia. Foi usado Gelfoam(r) em pó com solução de álcool absoluto, como material embolizante. As indicações para hepatectomia foram metástases hepáticas colorretais em todos os casos. RESULTADOS: Hipertrofia adequada do fígado remanescente foi alcançada em 15 pacientes (78,9%) e a hepatectomia foi realizada em 14 (73,7 %). Em um (5,2 %), a progressão do tumor impediu a realização da operação. Um paciente apresentou insuficiência renal aguda após embolização portal. CONCLUSÕES: O cateter de histerossalpingografia é fácil de ser manuseado e pode ser introduzido na veia porta com um fio guia. Não houve complicação grave pós-embolização. Seu uso é seguro, barato e eficaz. .

Inferior Right Hepatic Vein: A Useful Anatomic Variation for Isolated Resection of Segment VIII.

Anatomical resection of segment VIII (SVIII) is one of the most difficult hepatectomies to perform. Although it is the best choice of surgical treatment for tumors located at SVIII, its feasibility can be compromised when the right hepatic vein (RHV) must be resected en bloc with SVIII. Herein we describe a case of a cirrhotic patient that was submitted to segmentectomy VIII in bloc with the main trunk of the RHV, due to hepatocellular carcinoma. The resection could only be performed because a well developed inferior right hepatic vein (IRHV) was present. Anatomical variations of the liver vascularization should be used by liver surgeons to improve surgical results.

Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Caroli's Disease: A Report of Two Cases.

Caroli's disease (CD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by intrahepatic cystic dilatation of the bile ducts. Patients with bilobar or progressive disease may require orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). In the MELD era, living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) raised as the ultimate treatment option for these patients, once their MELD score is usually low. Herein, we describe 2 cases of patients (a 2-year-old girl and a 19-year-old teenager) that successfully underwent LDLT as a treatment for diffuse CD. The good postoperative courses of the two cases indicate that LDLT is a feasible option in the treatment of this disorder, even in complicated or early age patients.

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver complicated by lung necrosis and pleural empyema: a case report.

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver (IPTL) is a rare condition, but an important differential diagnosis of hepatic space-occupying lesions. It may regress spontaneously and mimic other liver tumors. Complications are usually intrahepatic. Herein, we present a case of IPTL which developed pleural empyema and lung necrosis as an uncommon complication.

A influência do tempo de referencia no tratamento das lesões iatrogênicas da via biliar / The influence of time referral in the treatment of iatrogenic lesions of biliary tract

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o prognóstico dos pacientes com lesão iatrogênica da via biliar (LIVB) em relação ao tempo de referencia (TR) para a unidade de transplante hepático (TH). MÉTODOS: Foram revisados 51 prontuários de pacientes que sofreram algum tipo de LIVB durante a colecistectomia e que foram encaminhados para a unidade de TH no Hospital Geral de Bonsucesso (HGB). As lesões foram agrupadas de acordo com a classificação de Bismuth. Além da colecistectomia (momento da lesão), também avaliamos o TR e o desfecho. RESULTADOS: Dentre os 51 pacientes estudados encontramos 17 homens e 34 mulheres com uma média de idade de 42,7 anos. Vinte e dois pacientes (43,1%) tinham uma lesão do tipo II; 13 (25,5 %) do tipo III; 10 (19,6 %) do tipo I, 5 (9,8 %) do tipo IV; e apenas um (2 %) do tipo V. Quarenta pacientes foram operados, sendo que três não retornaram para revisão médica e portanto, 37 foram avaliados em relação ao desfecho. Dentre esses, 25 pacientes (67,6 %) tiveram resultados excelentes ou bons com TR médio de 11,5 meses (intervalo: 2-48 meses) e 47,2 meses (intervalo: 3-180 meses) respectivamente. Os 12 pacientes (32,4 %) com resultados ruins tiveram um TR médio de 65,9 meses (intervalo: 3-264 meses), que foi significativamente maior do que o grupo com resultados excelentes ou bons (p=0,004). Sete pacientes foram listadas para fila de TH, porém apenas dois foram realizados. O TR desses sete pacientes foi significativamente mais elevado (p=0,04) do que o daqueles pacientes não listados. Sete pacientes morreram, dos quais seis foram causados por complicações hepáticas. CONCLUSÃO: O TR influenciou significativamente no prognóstico dos pacientes da nossa amostra.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognosis of patients with iatrogenic bile duct injury (IBDI) regarding time of referral (RT) to the unit of liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: We reviewed 51 charts of patients who had suffered some kind of IBDI during cholecystectomy and who were referred to the Bonsucesso General Hospital (HGB) LT unit. Lesions were grouped according to the Bismuth classification. Besides cholecystectomy (time of injury), we also evaluated the RT and outcome. RESULTS: Among the 51 patients studied, there were 17 men and 34 women, with a mean age of 42.7 years. Twenty-two patients (43.1%) had a type II lesion, 13 (25.5%) type III, 10 (19.6%) type I, 5 (9.8%) type IV and only 1 (2%) type V. Forty patients were operated, and three did not return for medical review, therefore, 37 were evaluated in relation to outcome. Among these, 25 patients (67.6%) had excellent or good results with average RT of 11.5 months (range: 2-48 months) and 47.2 months (range: 3-180 months) respectively. The 12 patients (32.4%) with poor results had a mean RT of 65.9 months (range: 3 264 months), which was significantly higher than the group with excellent or good results (p=0.004). Seven patients were listed for LT, but only two were transplanted. The RT of these seven patients was significantly higher (p=0.04) than those patients not listed. Seven patients died, six of which were due to liver complications. CONCLUSION: RT significantly influenced the prognosis of patients in our sample.

Is there any difference between right hepatectomy and left lateral sectionectomy for living donors? as much you cut, as much you hurt?

BACKGROUND: The worldwide rising demand for cadaveric donors in liver transplantation is an important incentive for the development of alternative transplantation options, such as living donors. A precise evaluation of surgical complications is, therefore, considered to be an important issue in this setting. AIM: Present a retrospective analysis of 126 living donors hepatectomies undertaken at our centre. METHODS: From December 2002 to August 2009, 126 living donors were submitted to hepatectomy. Donors' complications were stratified according to Clavien's scoring system to compare the morbidity of right hepatectomy (RH) (Group 1) and left lateral sectionectomy (LLS) (Group 2). RESULTS: Thirty-nine complications were observed in 35 patients. Sixty LLS, 3 left (LH) and 63 RH were performed. The complications were classified as: Clavien grade 1-11 (28.2%), grade 2-12 (30.7%), grade 3A-13 (33.3%), grade 3B-2 (5.1%) and grade 4A-1 (2.5%). When Group 1 (63 patients) and Group 2 (60 patients) were compared, there was no significant difference between the number of complications: 20 (31%) and 14 (23%), respectively (P > 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Hepatectomy for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) was a safe procedure, regardless of the type of liver resection undertaken. We found no difference in morbidity between RH and LLS, which suggests that complications may occur despite the amount of liver retrieved.