Technical aspects and learning curve of complex laparoscopic hepatectomy: how we do it.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic liver surgery has advanced significantly, offering benefits, such as reduced intraoperative complications and quicker recovery. However, complex laparoscopic hepatectomy (CLH) is technically demanding, requiring skilled surgeons. This study aims to share technical aspects, insightful tips, and outcomes of CLH at our center, focusing on the safety and learning curve. METHODS: We reviewed all patients undergoing liver resection at our center from July 2017 to December 2023, focusing on those who underwent CLH. Of 135 laparoscopic liver resections, 63 (46.7%) were CLH. The learning curve of CLH was also assessed through linear and piecewise regression analyses considering the operation time and intraoperative blood loss. RESULTS: Postoperative complications occurred only in 4.8% of patients, with a 90-day mortality rate of 3.2%. The mean operation time and blood loss significantly decreased after the first 20 operations, marking the learning curve's optimal cut-off. Significant improvements in R0 resection (p = 0.024) and 90-day mortality (p = 0.035) were noted beyond the learning curve threshold. CONCLUSION: CLH is a safe and effective approach, with a relatively short learning curve of 20 operations. Future large-scale studies should further investigate the impact of surgical experience on CLH outcomes to establish guidelines for training programs.

Beyond the visible: preliminary evaluation of the first wearable augmented reality assistance system for pancreatic surgery.

PURPOSE: The retroperitoneal nature of the pancreas, marked by minimal intraoperative organ shifts and deformations, makes augmented reality (AR)-based systems highly promising for pancreatic surgery. This study presents preliminary data from a prospective study aiming to develop the first wearable AR assistance system, ARAS, for pancreatic surgery and evaluating its usability, accuracy, and effectiveness in enhancing the perioperative outcomes of patients. METHODS: We developed ARAS as a two-phase system for a wearable AR device to aid surgeons in planning and operation. This system was used to visualize and register patient-specific 3D anatomical models during the surgery. The location and precision of the registered 3D anatomy were evaluated by assessing the arterial pulse and employing Doppler and duplex ultrasonography. The usability, accuracy, and effectiveness of ARAS were assessed using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. RESULTS: Perioperative outcomes of five patients underwent various pancreatic resections with ARAS are presented. Surgeons rated ARAS as excellent for preoperative planning. All structures were accurately identified without any noteworthy errors. Only tumor identification decreased after the preparation phase, especially in patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy because of the extensive mobilization of peripancreatic structures. No perioperative complications related to ARAS were observed. CONCLUSIONS: ARAS shows promise in enhancing surgical precision during pancreatic procedures. Its efficacy in preoperative planning and intraoperative vascular identification positions it as a valuable tool for pancreatic surgery and a potential educational resource for future surgical residents.

[Parenchyma sparing or Anatomical Resections for Colorectal Liver Metastases?] / Parenchymsparende Operationen oder anatomische Resektionen bei Lebermetastasen des kolorektalen Karzinoms?

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the Western world. Half of the patients develop colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), while only less than 30% of the patients have surgically resectable metastasis at the time of diagnosis. In case of resectability, classical anatomical (major) hepatectomy offers a high R0 resection rate, but with simultaneously increased perioperative morbidity and mortality. Over the past two decades, the potential benefits of parenchyma-sparing hepatectomy (PSH) for overall oncological outcomes, survival, and re-resection in case of recurrence ("salvageability") have been demonstrated. This article summarizes the current evidence on PSH as a surgical treatment option, and discusses the current "state of the art" in different therapy scenarios.

Development and internal validation of the Comprehensive ALPPS Preoperative Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score: is the patient suitable for Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Staged hepatectomy (ALPPS)?

Background: Preoperative patient selection in Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) is not always reliable with currently available scores, particularly in patients with primary liver tumor. This study aims to (I) to determine whether comorbidities and patients characteristics are a risk factor in ALPPS and (II) to create a score predicting 90-day mortality preoperatively. Methods: Thirteen high-volume centers participated in this retrospective multicentric study. A risk analysis based on patient characteristics, underlying disease and procedure type was performed to identify risk factors and model the Comprehensive ALPPS Preoperative Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score. A nonparametric receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to estimate the predictive ability of our score against the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), the age-adjusted CCI (aCCI), the ALPPS risk score before Stage 1 (ALPPS-RS1) and Stage 2 (ALPPS-RS2). The model was internally validated applying bootstrapping. Results: A total of 451 patients were included. Mortality was 14.4%. The CAPRA score is calculated based on the following formula: (0.1 × age) - (2 × BSA) + 1 (in the presence of primary liver tumor) + 1 (in the presence of severe cardiovascular disease) + 2 (in the presence of moderate or severe diabetes) + 2 (in the presence of renal disease) + 2 (if classic ALPPS is planned). The predictive ability was 0.837 for the CAPRA score, 0.443 for CCI, 0.519 for aCCI, 0.693 for ALPPS-RS1 and 0.807 for ALPPS-RS2. After 1,000 cycles of bootstrapping the C statistic was 0.793. The accuracy plot revealed a cut-off for optimal prediction of postoperative mortality of 4.70. Conclusions: Comorbidities play an important role in ALPPS and should be carefully considered when planning the procedure. By assessing the patient's preoperative condition in relation to ALPPS, the CAPRA score has a very good ability to predict postoperative mortality.

Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava: A case report of a rare tumor entity.

INTRODUCTION: Leiomyosarcomas are rare and heterogeneous group of tumors that account for less than 1% of adult malignancies. More than 50% of all vascular leiomyosarcomas occur in the lower part of vena cava. Since the first description of Perl and Virchow in 1871, only approximately 450 cases have been reported in literature. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The patient presented due to abdominal pain and weight loss. Based on the imaging evaluations a retroduodenal tumor with compression of the inferior vena cava was observed. In the explorative laparotomy a leiomyosarcoma originating from the inferior vena cava was identified. Considering the extensive intramural and intraluminal tumor manifestation, the patient underwent a segmental resection of the vena cava. Reconstruction was achieved by implanting a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) prosthesis. Postoperatively a stenosis developed due to a pericaval haematoma with consecutive compression of the prosthesis. An angiographic implantation of a stent was successfully performed. In the 24-month follow-up, the patient is free of symptoms and tumors. DISCUSSION: Leiomyosarcomas of the vena cava are classified anatomically according to their relationship to the liver and renal vessels. The clinical symptoms depend on the affected segment. The therapy of choice is radical en bloc tumor resection. After resection, the options for reconstruction include placement of a synthetic graft, primary repair and patch repair. CONCLUSION: Due to a variety of topographic and tumor biological sarcoma manifestations, no standard has been established for the resection of this entity. The extent of resection should be planned individually.

Correlation between SACE (Subjective Angiographic Chemoembolization Endpoint) score and tumor response and its impact on survival after DEB-TACE in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To asses angiographic and computed tomographic success criteria during and after transcatheter arterial drug-eluting bead chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its impact on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). METHODS: In this retrospective single-center study, 50 patients with unresectable HCC having undergone DEB-TACE from January 2010 to July 2015 were assessed. The angiographic endpoint was classified by Subjective Angiographic Chemoembolization Endpoint (SACE) scale. Relative tumor density in arterial (DArt) and portal venous phase (DPV) computed tomography post- versus pre-DEB-TACE were calculated, respectively. Tumor response according to modified Response Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) was assessed. Univariate Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis were carried out. RESULTS: SACE scores I, II, III, and IV were found in 1 (2%), 20 (40%), 15 (30%), and 14 (28%) patients, respectively. Median OS and PFS were 14.2 and 5.5 months, respectively. Death rates at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years were 24%, 38%, and 52%, respectively. SACE score during DEB-TACE significantly correlated with local and overall mRECIST results (local: p < 0.001, r = 0.49, overall: p = 0.042, r = 0.29) and inversely correlated with DPV (p = 0.005, r = - 0.40). In univariate analysis, progressive disease (PD) according to mRECIST and increase of DArt and DPV were associated with significantly shorter PFS. Modified RECIST independently predicted OS (hazard ratio for complete remission vs. PD = 0.15, 95% confidence interval 0.03-0.68, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: A direct impact of SACE on PFS or OS could not be shown. However, SACE significantly correlated with local and overall mRECIST tumor response that again significantly predicted OS. We therefore postulate an indirect impact of SACE on OS. Consequently, complete embolization should be attempted.