Promising Results of Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma in a Systematic Review and Single-Arm Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: ALPPS popularity is increasing among surgeons worldwide and its indications are expanding to cure patients with primarily unresectable liver tumors. Few reports recommended limitations or even contraindications of ALPPS in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (phCC). Here, we discuss the results of ALPPS in patients with phCC in a systematic review as well as a pooled data analysis. METHODS: MEDLINE and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for relevant literature up to December 2023. All studies reporting ALPPS in the management of phCC were included. A single-arm meta-analysis of proportions was carried out to estimate the overall rate of outcomes. RESULTS: After obtaining 207 articles from the primary search, data of 18 studies containing 112 phCC patients were included in our systematic review. Rates of major morbidity and mortality were calculated to be 43% and 22%, respectively. The meta-analysis revealed a PHLF rate of 23%. One-year disease-free survival was 65% and one-year overall survival was 69%. CONCLUSIONS: ALPPS provides a good chance of cure for patients with phCC in comparison to alternative treatment options, but at the expense of debatable morbidity and mortality. With refinement of the surgical technique and better perioperative patient management, the results of ALPPS in patients with phCC were improved.

Angiographic anatomy of the male pelvic arteries.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review the CT angiographic and digital subtraction angiographic features of the male pelvic arteries. CONCLUSION: An increasing number of vascular procedures are being performed in the male pelvis that require profound knowledge of the angiographic anatomy of the internal iliac artery (IIA). The major branches of the IIA in men can be used to classify the branching patterns. After the larger IIA branches are identified, identification of the smaller arteries or relevant anatomic variants becomes easier.

The role of accessory obturator arteries in prostatic arterial embolization.

In 9 of 491 patients (1.8%) who underwent prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) for benign prostatic hyperplasia from March 2009-November 2013, prostatic arteries arose from the external iliac artery via an accessory obturator artery (AOA). Computed tomography angiography performed before the procedure identified the variant and allowed planning before the procedure. The nine AOAs were catheterized from a contralateral femoral approach. Bilateral PAE was technically successful in the nine patients. There was a mean decrease in international prostate symptom score of 6.5 points and a mean prostate volume reduction of 15.1% (mean follow-up, 4.8 mo) in the nine patients.

Does polyvinyl alcohol particle size change the outcome of prostatic arterial embolization for benign prostatic hyperplasia? Results from a single-center randomized prospective study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether different polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particle sizes change the outcome of prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized prospective study was undertaken in 80 patients (mean age, 63.9 y; range, 48-81 y) with symptomatic BPH undergoing PAE between May and December 2011. Forty patients underwent PAE with 100-µm (group A) and 200-µm PVA particles (group B). Visual analog scales were used to measure pain, and rates of adverse events were recorded. PAE outcomes were evaluated based on International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality-of-life (QoL) questionnaires, prostate volume (PV), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, and peak flow rate measurements at baseline and 6 months. RESULTS: No differences between groups regarding baseline data, procedural details, or adverse events were noted. Mean pain scores were as follows: during embolization, 3.2 ± 2.97 (group A) versus 2.93 ± 3.28 (group B); after embolization, 0.10 ± 0.50 (group A) versus 0 (group B; P = .20); and the week after PAE, 0.85 ± 1.65 (group A) versus 0.87 ± 1.35 (group B; P = .96). Patients in group B had greater decreases in IPSS (3.64 points; P = .052) and QoL (0.57 points; P = .07). Patients in group A had a greater decrease in PV (8.75 cm(3); P = .13) and PSA level (2.09 ng/mL; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were found in pain scores and adverse events between groups. Whereas PSA level and PV showed greater reductions after PAE with 100-µm PVA particles, clinical outcome was better with 200-µm particles.

Radiologic anatomy of arteriogenic erectile dysfunction: a systematized approach.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile Dysfunction is a highly prevalent disease and there is growing interest in its endovascular treatment. Due to the complexity of the male pelvic arterial system, thorough anatomical knowledge is paramount. We evaluated the applicability of the Yamaki classification with Computerized Tomography Angiography and Digital Subtraction Angiography in the evaluation of patients with arteriogenic Erectile Dysfunction, illustrating the arterial lesions that can cause Erectile Dysfunction. METHODS: Single-center retrospective analysis of the Computerized Tomography Angiography and Digital Subtraction Angiography imaging findings in 21 male patients with suspected arteriogenic Erectile Dysfunction that underwent selective pelvic arterial embolization. Assessment of erectile function was achieved using the IIEF-5. The branching patterns of the Internal Iliac Artery were classified according to the Yamaki classification. The diagnosis of arteriogenic Erectile Dysfunction was based on the presence of atherosclerotic lesions (stenoses and/or occlusions) of the Internal Iliac Artery or the Internal Pudendal Arteries. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 67.2 years; with a mean IIEF of 10.6 points. Computerized Tomography Angiography and Digital Subtraction Angiography findings allowed classification of all the 42 pelvic sides according to the Yamaki classification. Twenty-four pelvic sides were classified as Group A (57%), 9 as Group B (21.5%) and 9 as Group C (21.5%). The Digital Subtraction Angiography detected 19 abnormal Internal Pudendal Arteries (with atherosclerotic lesions) (45%). The Computerized Tomography Angiography detected 24 abnormal Internal Pudendal Arteries (57%). CONCLUSION: Computerized Tomography Angiography and Digital Subtraction Angiography findings of arteriogenic Erectile Dysfunction include stenotic and occlusive lesions of the Internal Iliac Artery and Internal Pudendal Artery. The Yamaki classification is radiologically reproducible and allows easy recognition of the Internal Pudendal Artery in patients with arteriogenic Erectile Dysfunction.

Introdução: A disfunção erétil é uma doença com elevada prevalência existindo crescente interesse na sua terapêutica endovascular. Devido à complexidade do sistema arterial pélvico masculino, o conhecimento anatómico é fundamental. Avaliou-se a aplicabilidade da classificação de Yamaki na avaliação de doentes com disfunção erétil arteriogénica usando a Angiografia Tomográfica Computorizada e a Angiografia Digital de Subtração.Métodos: Análise retrospetiva dos achados imagiológicos de Angiografia Tomográfica Computorizada e Angiografia Digital de Subtração em 21 doentes do sexo masculino, com suspeita de disfunção erétil arteriogénica, que foram submetidos a embolização pélvica seletiva numa única instituição. A função erétil foi avaliada através do IIEF-5. O padrão de bifurcação da Artéria Ilíaca Interna foi caracterizado de acordo com a classificação de Yamaki. O diagnóstico da disfunção erétil arteriogénica foi feita baseado na presença de lesões ateroscleróticas da Artéria Ilíaca Interna e da Artéria Pudenda Interna.Resultados: A idade média foi de 67,2 anos; a média do IIEF foi 10,6 pontos. A Angiografia Tomográfica Computorizada e a Angiografia Digital de Subtração permitiram a classificação de todos os 42 lados pélvicos de acordo com a classificação de Yamaki. Vinte e quatro lados pélvicos foram classificados como Grupo A (57%), nove como Grupo B (21,5%) e nove como Grupo C (21,5%). A Angiografia Digital de Subtração detectou 19 Artérias Pudendas Internas anormais (lesões ateroscleróticas) (45%). A Angiografia Tomográfica Computorizada detectou 24 Artérias Pudendas Internas anormais (57%).Conclusão: Os achados por Angiografia Tomográfica Computorizada e Angiografia Digital de Subtração incluem estenoses e oclusões da Artéria Ilíaca Interna e da Artéria Pudenda Interna. A classificação de Yamaki tem reprodutibilidade radiológica e permite o reconhecimento da Artéria Pudenda Interna em doentes com disfunção erétil arteriogénica.

Embolisation of prostatic arteries as treatment of moderate to severe lower urinary symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign hyperplasia: results of short- and mid-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the short- and medium-term results of prostatic arterial embolisation (PAE) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: This was a prospective non-randomised study including 255 patients diagnosed with BPH and moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms after failure of medical treatment for at least 6 months. The patients underwent PAE between March 2009 and April 2012. Technical success is when selective prostatic arterial embolisation is completed in at least one pelvic side. Clinical success was defined as improving symptoms and quality of life. Evaluation was performed before PAE and at 1, 3, 6 and every 6 months thereafter with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), uroflowmetry, prostatic specific antigen (PSA) and volume. Non-spherical polyvinyl alcohol particles were used. RESULTS: PAE was technically successful in 250 patients (97.9 %). Mean follow-up, in 238 patients, was 10 months (range 1-36). Cumulative rates of clinical success were 81.9 %, 80.7 %, 77.9 %, 75.2 %, 72.0 %, 72.0 %, 72.0 % and 72.0 % at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months, respectively. There was one major complication. CONCLUSIONS: PAE is a procedure with good results for BPH patients with moderate to severe LUTS after failure of medical therapy. KEY POINTS: • Prostatic artery embolisation offers minimally invasive therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia. • Prostatic artery embolisation is a challenging procedure because of vascular anatomical variations. • PAE is a promising new technique that has shown good results.

Unilateral versus bilateral prostatic arterial embolization for lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with prostate enlargement.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to compare baseline data and clinical outcome between patients with prostate enlargement/benign prostatic hyperplasia (PE/BPH) who underwent unilateral and bilateral prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) for the relief of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: This single-center, ambispective cohort study compared 122 consecutive patients (mean age 66.7 years) with unilateral versus bilateral PAE from March 2009 to December 2011. Selective PAE was performed with 100- and 200-µm nonspherical polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles by a unilateral femoral approach. RESULTS: Bilateral PAE was performed in 103 (84.4 %) patients (group A). The remaining 19 (15.6 %) patients underwent unilateral PAE (group B). Mean follow-up time was 6.7 months in group A and 7.3 months in group B. Mean prostate volume, PSA, International prostate symptom score/quality of life (IPSS/QoL) and post-void residual volume (PVR) reduction, and peak flow rate (Qmax) improvement were 19.4 mL, 1.68 ng/mL, 11.8/2.0 points, 32.9 mL, and 3.9 mL/s in group A and 11.5 mL, 1.98 ng/mL, 8.9/1.4 points, 53.8 mL, and 4.58 mL/s in group B. Poor clinical outcome was observed in 24.3 % of patients from group A and 47.4 % from group B (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: PAE is a safe and effective technique that can induce 48 % improvement in the IPSS score and a prostate volume reduction of 19 %, with good clinical outcome in up to 75 % of treated patients. Bilateral PAE seems to lead to better clinical results; however, up to 50 % of patients after unilateral PAE may have a good clinical outcome.

Prostatic arterial embolization for benign prostatic hyperplasia: short- and intermediate-term results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety, morbidity, and short- and intermediate-term results of prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) after failure of medical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. Men older than 50 years with a diagnosis of BPH and moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms that were refractory to medical treatment for 6 months were eligible. PAE with nonspherical 80-180-µm (mean, 100-µm) and 180-300-µm (mean, 200-µm) polyvinyl alcohol particles was performed by means of a single femoral approach in most cases. Effectiveness variables of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) score, peak urinary flow, postvoid residual volume, International Index Erectile Function (IIEF) score, prostate volume, and prostate-specific antigen level were assessed for up to 24 months after the procedure. Statistical analysis included the Kaplan-Meier method and random-effects generalized least squares regression with autoregressive disturbance. RESULTS: Eighty-nine consecutive patients (mean age, 74.1 years) were included. PAE was technically successful in 86 of the 89 patients (97%). Cumulative rates of clinical improvement in these patients were 78% in the 54 patients evaluated at 6 months and 76% in the 29 patients evaluated at 12 months. At 1-month follow-up, IPSS decreased by 10 points, QOL score decreased by 2 points, peak urinary flow increased by 38%, prostate volume decreased by 20%, postvoid residual volume decreased by 30 mL, and IIEF score increased by 0.5 point (all differences were significant at P < .01). These changes were sustained throughout the observation period. There was one major complication: Intraluminal necrotic tissue attached to the bladder, which was removed with simple surgery and did not necessitate wall reconstruction. CONCLUSION: PAE is a safe and effective procedure, with low morbidity, no sexual dysfunction, and good short- and intermediate-term symptomatic control associated with prostate volume reduction.

Patient selection and counseling before prostatic arterial embolization.

Prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) for relief of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with prostate enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia (PE or BPH) is an experimental procedure with promising preliminary results. Patient evaluation and selection before PAE is paramount to improve technical and clinical results. Our inclusion criteria for PAE include: male patients, age>40 years, prostate volume>30 cm(3) and diagnosis of PE or BPH with moderate to severe LUTS refractory to medical treatment for at least 6 months (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS]>18, or quality of life [QoL]>3, or both) or with acute urinary retention refractory to medical therapy. Exclusion criteria include: malignancy (based on pre-embolization digital rectal and transrectal ultrasound [TRUS] examinations and prostate specific antigen [PSA] measurements with positive biopsy), large bladder diverticula, large bladder stones, chronic renal failure, tortuosity and advanced atherosclerosis of a) iliac or b) prostatic arteries on pre-procedural computed tomographic angiography (CTA), active urinary tract infection and unregulated coagulation parameters. Approximately one-third of the patients seen initially on consultation satisfy the criteria to be selected for PAE after undergoing the pre-procedural patient evaluation workflow. In the pre-procedural consultation patients are informed of all possible therapeutic options for LUTS with the investigational nature of the procedure being strongly reinforced. The major advantage of PAE relies on the minimally-invasive nature of the technique with minimal morbidity and rapid recovery,and it being performed as an outpatient procedure. However, the experimental nature and uncertain clinical outcome should also be weighed before opting for PAE. All these considerations should be explained to the patient and discussed during the informed consent before PAE.

How to perform prostatic arterial embolization.

Prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) is an experimental alternative treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, with promising preliminary results. In comparison with surgery, its main advantages are the minimally invasive nature, outpatient setting, rapid recovery, and low morbidity. To avoid complications and to achieve technical success it is important to know the procedural technique in detail. In addition, for good clinical results, it is important to perform a bilateral and complete prostatic embolization. In this article, the different technical steps, including the initial site of puncture and the catheters and guidewires to be used, are described. Identification of the prostatic arteries is crucial. Correlation between computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography helps to solve the difficulty of such identification. The skills for superselective catheterization of the prostatic arteries, the amounts of contrast injected, the preparation and size of the used particles and the end point of the procedure are also described.

Prostatic artery embolization in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: short and medium follow-up.

To evaluate the short and mid-term results of prostatic artery embolization in patients with benign prostatic embolization. Retrospective study between March 2009 and June 2011 with 103 patients (mean age 66.8 years, 50-85) that met our inclusion criteria with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. The clinical outcome was evaluated by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), International Index of Erectile Function, prostate volume (PV), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), peak urinary flow (Q(max)), and post-void residual volume (PVR) measurements at 3 and 6 months, 1 year, 18 months, and 2 years after PAE and comparison with baseline values was made. Technical and clinical successes, as well as poor clinical outcome definitions, were previously defined. In this review, we evaluate the short and mid-term clinical outcomes and morbidity of patients treated only with non-spherical polyvinyl alcohol. Six months after the procedure, the PV decreased about 23%, IPSS changed to a mean value of 11.95 (almost 50% reduction), the QoL improved slightly more than 2 points, the Q(max) changed to a mean value of 12.63 mL/s, the PVR underwent a change of almost half of the baseline value, and the PSA decreased about 2.3 ng/mL. In the mid-term follow-up and comparing to the baseline values, we still assisted to a reduction in PV, IPSS, QoL, PVR, and PSA, and an increase in Q(max). Prostatic Artery Embolization is a safe procedure with low morbidity that shows good short- and mid-term clinical outcome in our institution.

Prostatic arterial embolization: post-procedural follow-up.

Prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) gained special attention in the past years as a potential minimally invasive technique for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Treatment decisions are based on morbidity and quality-of-life issues and the patient has a central role in decision-making. Medical therapy is a first-line treatment option and surgery is usually performed to improve symptoms and decrease the progression of disease in patients who develop complications or who have inadequately controlled symptoms on medical treatment. The use of validated questionnaires to assess disease severity and sexual function, uroflowmetry studies, prostate-specific antigen and prostate volume measurements are essential when evaluating patients before PAE and to evaluate response to treatment. PAE may be performed safely with minimal morbidity and without associated mortality. The minimally invasive nature of the technique inducing a significant improvement in symptom severity associated with prostate volume reduction and a slight improvement in the sexual function are major advantages. However, as with other surgical therapies for benign prostatic hyperplasia, up to 15% of patients fail to show improvement significantly after PAE, and there is a modest improvement of the peak urinary flow.

Prostatic arterial supply: anatomic and imaging findings relevant for selective arterial embolization.

PURPOSE: To describe the anatomy and imaging findings of the prostatic arteries (PAs) on multirow-detector pelvic computed tomographic (CT) angiography and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) before embolization for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study from May 2010 to June 2011, 75 men (150 pelvic sides) underwent pelvic CT angiography and selective pelvic DSA before PA embolization for BPH. Each pelvic side was evaluated regarding the number of independent PAs and their origin, trajectory, termination, and anastomoses with adjacent arteries. RESULTS: A total of 57% of pelvic sides (n = 86) had only one PA, and 43% (n = 64) had two independent PAs identified (mean PA diameter, 1.6 mm ± 0.3). PAs originated from the internal pudendal artery in 34.1% of pelvic sides (n = 73), from a common trunk with the superior vesical artery in 20.1% (n = 43), from the anterior common gluteal-pudendal trunk in 17.8% (n = 38), from the obturator artery in 12.6% (n = 27), and from a common trunk with rectal branches in 8.4% (n = 18). In 57% of pelvic sides (n = 86), anastomoses to adjacent arteries were documented. There were 30 pelvic sides (20%) with accessory pudendal arteries in close relationship with the PAs. No correlations were found between PA diameter and patient age, prostate volume, or prostate-specific antigen values on multivariate analysis with logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS: PAs have highly variable origins between the left and right sides and between patients, and most frequently arise from the internal pudendal artery.