Surgical approach to achieve R0 resections in primary and metastatic liver tumors: a literature review.

Background and Objective: Primary and metastatic liver tumors are a significant cause of mortality worldwide. Regardless of the etiology of the tumor, macro- and microscopically clear margins (R0) while preserving adequate function of the remaining organ are the main goals after liver resections. However, technically challenging procedures are required to achieve R0 resection. Currently, there is no consensus of which should be the ideal minimal safety margin for liver tumor resections, with contrasting reports in regards of safety, tumor recurrence and overall outcomes following R0. Therefore, we aim to review current worldwide surgical practices to achieve R0 resections for primary and metastatic liver tumors in challenging surgical techniques and their reported outcomes. Methods: PubMed database, Google Scholar, and OVID Medline were searched for peer-reviewed original articles related to surgical techniques performed to achieve R0 resections in the setting of primary and/or metastatic liver tumors. An up-to-date review of English-language articles published between 2015 to July 2022 was performed. Key Content and Findings: Primary and metastatic liver tumors can be effectively treated using hepatic resection. Current literature highlights that tumors involving major vascular structures are not uncommon. Surgical advances have allowed for vascular control techniques, as well as vascular resections to be performed in a feasible and safe manner to achieve R0 resections. Complex resections combining surgical techniques can be performed in certain population after a detailed evaluation. Liver transplantation (LT) have been used with varying degrees of success for treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), non-resectable CRLM and metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. Conclusions: Safety and feasibility of R0 resections have been reported for multiple techniques. Technical complexity should not be a limitation to achieve or pursue R0 tumor resection. However, there has to be a balance between patient risk/benefit in attempting R0 resections. Adequate training of surgeons on implementation of complex techniques, as well as transplant oncology techniques applied to hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery represents as a promising path to improve short and long-term outcomes for liver-related oncology patients.

Imaging Features of Main Hepatic Resections: The Radiologist Challenging.

Liver resection is still the most effective treatment of primary liver malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and of metastatic disease, such as colorectal liver metastases. The type of liver resection (anatomic versus non anatomic resection) depends on different features, mainly on the type of malignancy (primary liver neoplasm versus metastatic lesion), size of tumor, its relation with blood and biliary vessels, and the volume of future liver remnant (FLT). Imaging plays a critical role in postoperative assessment, offering the possibility to recognize normal postoperative findings and potential complications. Ultrasonography (US) is the first-line diagnostic tool to use in post-surgical phase. However, computed tomography (CT), due to its comprehensive assessment, allows for a more accurate evaluation and more normal findings than the possible postoperative complications. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and/or hepatospecific contrast agents remains the best tool for bile duct injuries diagnosis and for ischemic cholangitis evaluation. Consequently, radiologists should be familiar with the surgical approaches for a better comprehension of normal postoperative findings and of postoperative complications.

Risk factors for bile leakage: Latest analysis of 10 102 hepatectomies for hepatocellular carcinoma from the Japanese national clinical database.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for bile leakage in hepatic resections without biliary reconstructions using the large Japanese national clinical database (NCD). METHODS: A total of 10 102 patients who had undergone hepatic resection involving more than one segment without biliary reconstructions for hepatocellular carcinoma during 2015-2017 were enrolled. Risk factors for bile leakage, with special reference to the type of hepatic resection, were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Bile leakage occurred in 726 patients (7.2%). Risk factors for bile leakage were as follows: male sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.58), diabetes mellitus (+) (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.01-1.39), hemoglobin <10 g/dL (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.02-1.93), albumin <3.5 g/dL (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.03-1.63), central bisectionectomy (OR 3.8, 95% CI 2.81-5.13), left trisectionectomy (OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.10-6.15), right anterior sectionectomy (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.58-2.72), and S5 or S8 segmentectomy (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.00-1.77). CONCLUSION: Central bisectionectomy, left trisectionectomy, and right anterior sectionectomy are high-risk types of hepatic resection for bile leakage.

[Research progress in the Hepatobiliary Surgery operation of hepatic hilar plate system].

An estimate of about 50% of new liver cancer cases worldwide occur in China every year.Surgical resection is still the major treatment choice for longer survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Blocking hepatic blood flow and reducing intraoperative bleeding ensure the success of the operation. Anatomic separation of hepatic hilar region is the precondition of hepatic inflow occlusion. The hepatic hilar plate system involves a thick layer of connective tissue covering the hepatic inflow ducts of hepatic hilar region. The descending part of hilar plate assists in reducing the anatomical difficulty of the hepatic hilar region. The "forth porta hepatis" that is hidden in the hepatic hilar plate system involves the accumulation area of "short hepatic portal veins" .The communicating branch vessels between the hepatic inflow vessels form the anatomical basis in reducing the indocyanine green fluorescence stain effect.The relatively fixed position of the hepatic portal plate is considered as a positioning marker for accurate liver resection. The intrahepatic Glisson sheath is connected with thick connective tissue of the hepatic portal panel system, and is regarded as the physical barrier in limiting the proliferation and hypertrophy of hepatocytes and continuation of hepatic portal panel system in the liver.This paper summarizes the anatomy and application of hepatic hilar plate system during hepatobiliary surgery.

Anatomía quirúrgica y radiológica del hígado: fundamentos para las resecciones hepáticas / Radiological and surgical anatomy of the liver and fundamentals of the various options liver resections

RESUMEN: El hígado es un órgano sólido, de gran relevancia para la fisiología. Es asiento potencial de lesiones tumorales quísticas y sólidas; benignas y malignas (primarias y secundarias); razón por la cual, conocer su anatomía radiológica y quirúrgica es muy relevante. Los antecedentes históricos comienzan con Berta en 1716, quien fue el primero en realizar una resección hepática; en 1888, Lagenbuch fue el primero el realizar una resección hepática programada. En 1889, Keen realizó la primera lobectomía hepática izquierda, seguido de Webde, en 1910, quien ejecutó la primera lobectomía hepática derecha. Más tarde, Couinaud, en 1957, realizó ua descripción completa de la anatomía segmentaria del hígado, dando una mejor comprensión quirúrgica de la morfología hepática, para su abordaje en distintas patologías. Un hito fundamental en el desarrollo del estudio del hígado, fue el establecimiento de la "Clasificación de Brisbane", por parte del Comité Científico de la Asociación Internacional Hepatobilio-Pancreática, poniendo fin a la confusión terminológica establecida entre los términos franceses y anglosajones. Y desde el ámbito anatómico, se destaca la aparición de Terminologia Anatomica, por parte del Programa Federativo Internacional de Terminologia Anatomica (FIPAT) dependiente de la Federación Internacional de Asociaciones de Anatomistas (IFAA), quienes dentro de la misma, establecieron los términos anatómicos correspondientes al hígado. El objetivo de este manuscrito, es entregar un resumen esquemático de la anatomía quirúrgica y radiológica del hígado, que fundamentan las diferentes opciones de resecciones hepáticas.

SUMMARY: The liver is a solid organ which is most relevant for physiology. It is a potential site for cystic and solid (primary and secondary) benign and malignant tumor lesions. Therefore, thorough knowledge of its radiological and surgical anatomy is important. Historical background of liver resections began with Berta in 1716, who was the first to carry out the procedure. In 1888, Lagenbuch performed the first programmed liver resection and subsequently, in 1889 Keen performed the very first left hepatic lobectomy, followed by Webde in 1910, who performed the first right hepatic lobectomy. Later in 1957, Couinaud recorded a complete description of the segmental anatomy of the liver, providing a greater surgical understanding of the hepatic morphology, for approach in various pathologies. A fundamental milestone in the development of the liver study was the establishment of the "Brisbane Classification" by the Scientific Committee of the International Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Association, which ended previous confusion between the French and Anglo-Saxon terminology. Furthermore, within the scope of anatomy, the introduction of Terminología Anatómica, by the International Federative Program of Anatomical Terminology (FIPAT) which depends on the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists ( IFAA), established the anatomical terms for the liver The objective of this manuscript is to provide a schematic summary of the surgical and radiological anatomy of the liver, on which the different options for liver resections are based.

Endotherapy for bile leaks from isolated ducts after hepatic resection: A long awaited challenge.

BACKGROUND: Bile leakage is a common complication after hepatic resection [1-4] (Donadon et al., 2016; Dechene et al., 2014; Zimmitti et al., 2013; Yabe et al., 2016). Endotherapy is the treatment of choice for this complication except for bile leaks originating from isolated ducts; a condition resembling the post laparoscopic cholecystectomy Strasberg type C lesions [5-9] (Lillemo et al., 2000; Gupta and Chandra, 2011; Park et al., 2005; Colovic, 2009; Mutignani et al., 2002). In such cases, surgical repair is complex, often of uncertain result and with a high morbidity and mortality [1] (Donadon et al., 2016). On the other hand, percutaneous interventions (i.e. plugging the isolated duct with glue) are technically difficult and risky [7,8] (Park et al., 2005; Colovic, 2009). Endoscopy, thus far, was not considered amongst treatment options. That is because the isolated duct cannot be opacified during cholangiography and is not accessible with the usual endoscopic methods [5,6] (Lillemo et al., 2000; Gupta and Chandra, 2011). METHODS: Considering the pathophysiology of this type of bile leaks, it is possible to change the pressure gradient endoscopically in order to direct bile flow from the isolated duct towards the duodenal lumen, thus creating an internal biliary fistula to restore bile flow. In order to achieve this goal, we have to perforate the biliary tree into the abdomen. The key element of endoscopic treatment is to create a direct connection between the abdominal cavity and the duodenal lumen by-passing the residual biliary tree with a new technique fully explained in the paper. Our case series (from 2011 to 2016) consists of 13 patients (eight male, five female, mean age 58 years) with fistulas from isolated ducts after various types of hepatic resection. RESULTS: We performed sphincterotomy and placed a biliary stent with the proximal edge inside the intra-abdominal bile collection in 11 patients (eight biliary fully-covered self-expandable metal stents; three plastic stents). In the remaining two patients we successfully cannulated the involved isolated biliary duct and we placed a bridging stent (one fully covered self-expandable metal stent; one plastic stent). Technical and clinical success (considered as fistula healing) was achieved in all 13 patients (mean fistula healing time was four days). Biliary stents were removed three to six months after atrophy of the involved duct in nine cases. In two patients the stent is still in situ. Two patients died with stent in situ due to advanced cancer at 8 and 42 months respectively. Mean follow up was 18 months (range: 8-42 months). CONCLUSIONS: The described endoscopic treatment is innovative, safe and effective. It is applicable in tertiary level endoscopic centers and requires considerable expertise. This minimally invasive procedure can increase the rate of fistula healing and will eventually reduce the need for more aggressive and risky surgical procedures.

Surgical alternatives used in the treatment of liver hydatid cyst: a systematized approach based on evidence (an overview) / Alternativas quirúrgicas utilizadas en el tratamiento del quiste hidatídico hepático: revisión global de la evidencia

Echinococcosis is an endemic zoonosis in the south of Chile; we therefore have occasion to treat a large number of patients, particularly in the liver. Hepatic echinococcosis (HE) has its own morbidity and mortality due to evolutionary complications, to which the risk of complications related to the surgical procedures is added, the morbidity which has been reported up to 80 %. This is associated with a history of previous surgeries for HE, evolutionary complications of the cyst, the need for additional procedures such as the treatment of the disease in other simultaneous locations, etc. Moreover, reported mortality is up to 10 %, a situation that remains unchanged despite technological and therapeutic advances. The surgical treatment of HE can be divided into four phases: isolation of the surgical area, evacuation of the cyst, treatment of the complications of the cyst and treatment of the residual cavity. HE surgical procedures can be classified as conservative (marsupialization, cystostomy, Posadas technique and cystojejunostomy) and radical (pericystectomy and hepatic resections). Finally, the role of laparoscopic surgery, which is still under evaluation, is also worthy of note. The aim of this article is to present a general evidence-based overview of some surgical aspects of interest in the treatment of HE. In this article issues of the different surgical options utilized for HE treatment and their results are discussed, based on published evidence.

La equinococosis es una zoonosis endémica en el sur de Chile; por lo tanto, tenemos la oportunidad de tratar un gran número de pacientes, particularmente en el hígado. La equinococosis hepática (EH) tiene su propia morbilidad y mortalidad debido a complicaciones evolutivas, a lo que se añade el riesgo de complicaciones relacionadas con los procedimientos quirúrgicos. Se ha informado una morbilidad hasta del 80 %. Esto se asocia con antecedentes de cirugías previas para EH, complicaciones evolutivas del quiste, la necesidad de procedimientos adicionales, tales como el tratamiento de la enfermedad en otros lugares en forma simultánea, etc. Por otra parte, la mortalidad reportada alcanza el 10 %, una situación que se mantiene sin cambios a pesar de los avances tecnológicos y terapéuticos. El tratamiento quirúrgico de la EH se puede dividir en cuatro fases: aislamiento de la zona quirúrgica, evacuación del quiste, tratamiento de las complicaciones del quiste y tratamiento de la cavidad residual. Los procedimientos quirúrgicos de la EH se pueden clasificar en conservador (marsupialización, cistostomía, técnica y cistoyeyunostomía de Posadas) y radical (periquistectomía y resecciones hepáticas). Por último, el papel de la cirugía laparoscópica, que todavía está en proceso de evaluación, también es digno de mención. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar una visión general basada en la evidencia de algunos aspectos quirúrgicos de interés en el tratamiento de la EH. Se discuten los temas desde las diferentes opciones quirúrgicas utilizadas para el tratamiento de la EH y sus resultados, sobre la base de la evidencia publicada.

Anatomy of Hepatic Resectional Surgery.

Liver anatomy can be variable, and understanding of anatomic variations is crucial to performing hepatic resections, particularly parenchymal-sparing resections. Anatomic knowledge is a critical prerequisite for effective hepatic resection with minimal blood loss, parenchymal preservation, and optimal oncologic outcome. Each anatomic resection has pitfalls, about which the operating surgeon should be aware and comfortable managing intraoperatively.

Evaluación de resecciones hepáticas en el Hospital Coromoto de Maracaibo: experiencia en 3 años / Evaluation of liver resections at the Coromoto Hospital in Maracaibo: 3-year experience

Evaluar resecciones hepáticas en la Unidad de Cirugía Hepatobiliar-pancreática del Hospital Coromoto de Maracaibo en 3 años. Métodos Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo de 43 resecciones hepáticas (convencional ­laparoscópica), periodo enero 2013 - enero 2015 por tumores hepáticos (benignos- malignos), excluyendo lesiones quísticas, infecciosas, traumáticas, seropositivos, insuficiencia hepática. Se evaluó el grupo etario y sexo; histología, tamaño y ubicación del tumor, resección hepática, transfusiones, tiempo quirúrgico, estancia y complicaciones. Resultados: Se realizaron 30 resecciones hepáticas convencionales (RHC) y 12 resecciones hepáticas laparoscópicas (RHL). En ambos grupos predominó el sexo femenino 66,66 %, sin diferencias significativas en grupo etario (p= 0,9); ni tamaño del tumor (p=0,3). El tipo histológico predominante fueron lesiones malignas 66,66%, tumores metastásicos los más frecuentes 13 casos (30,95%), seguidos del carcinoma hepatocelular 11 casos (26,19%). Promedio de hospitalización 4,5 días para RHL y 8,12 días para RHC. Necesidad de transfusión 50% en RHL y 76,66% en RHC. Las complicaciones en RHL fue 8,33% (1 caso) no relacionada a la patología y 10% en RHC (3 casos) relacionadas a la patología, falleciendo 2 pacientes. No se evidenció diferencia en tiempo quirúrgico: 4,66 horas RHC y 4,86 horas RHL. Conclusión: La patología más frecuente fue tumores hepáticos metastasicos. La cirugía hepática laparoscópica ofrece ventajas por menores pérdidas hemáticas y menor necesidad de hemoderivados así como menor estancia hospitalaria determinando recuperación más rápida, sin diferencia en tiempo quirúrgico(AU)

To evaluate liver resections in the Hepatobiliarypancreatic Surgery Unit at Hospital Coromoto of Maracaibo in 3 years. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study of 43 hepatic resections (conventional or laparoscopic), period January 2013 - January 2015 by liver tumors (benign - malignant), excluding infectious, traumatic, cystic lesions HIV, liver failure. Assessed the group age and sex; histology, size and location of the tumor, liver resection, transfusions, surgical time, stay and complications. Results: 30 conventional liver resections (RHC) and 12 resections performed laparoscopic (RHL). Both groups dominated the female 66,66 %, without significant differences in group age (0.9 P); or size of the tumor (0.3 P). The predominant histologic type were malignant lesions 66,66 %, metastatic tumors were the most frequent 13 (30,95%) cases, followed by hepatocellular carcinoma 11 cases (26.19 %). Average of 4.5 days for RHL and 8,12 RHC days hospitalization. Need transfusion 50% on RHL and 76,66% at RHC. Complications in RHL was 8.33% (1 case) not related to pathology and 10% related to the pathology RHC (3 cases), 2 patients dying. Showed no difference in surgical time: 4.66 hours RHC and 4.86 hours RHL. Conclusion: The most frequent pathology was metastatic liver tumors. Laparoscopic liver surgery offers advantages for minor losses blood and less need for blood products as well as lower hospital stay determining faster recovery, no difference in surgical time(AU)

Pringle's Maneuver With a Releasable Insulok Band.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are many conventional instruments being applied to perform hepatic inflow control, the Pringle's maneuver, distal to the hepatic hilum during hepatic resections. We wondered if a commonly used Insulok band can be added. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Insulok band is a plastic tying device molded in one piece with an excellent cam-lock mechanism. We have applied releasable Insulok band to the Pringle's maneuver in 10 partial hepatectomy cases, which are not suitable for application of Chang's needle. After opening the lesser omentum, the band was passed through the Winslow foramen to the lesser sac, and the portal triad was occluded by locking the band. During the intermittent reperfusion period, this Insulok band allowed easy and fast control of hepatic inflow with its simple releasable locking device. RESULTS: Single inflow block was used on 6 cases while repeated block on 4 cases for partial hepatectomy. The average ischemic time was 15.2 ± 8.2 minutes with an interval of 5 minutes. There was neither procedure-related morbidity nor mortality. No patient had developed postoperative hepatic failure or prolonged liver dysfunction. The efficacy of bleeding control was excellent and the average blood loss during Pringle's maneuver was 6 ± 12.6 mL. Furthermore, locking and unlocking of the Insulok band each took only 5 seconds. CONCLUSION: Releasable Insulok band is a simpler, faster, cheaper, and safe alternative to the conventional methods for blocking hepatic inflow in Pringle's maneuver, especially in those cases not suitable for using the Chang's needle.

Hepatoblastoma: Analysis of treatment outcome from a tertiary care center.

AIM: This study was designed to retrospectively review our experience with the multimodality management of hepatoblastomas (HB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients were treated for HB between 2000 and 2007. The clinical presentations, chemotherapy tolerance and response, surgical procedure undertaken, and complications were analysed. RESULTS: Median age of the population was 12 months (3-60 months), with a male-to-female ratio of 3.3:1. Nine patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy incorporating cisplatin and adriamycin. Primary surgery was done in four patients. Extent of hepatic resection in the operated patients varied. Mixed type was the predominant histopathological diagnosis. Adjuvant chemotherapy was well tolerated with no morbidity or mortality. Five-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) of all the 13 patients is 76.9%. All the nine patients who could complete multimodality treatment are alive with no evidence of disease or complications with median follow-up of 63 months (46-122 months). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of HB with multidisciplinary approach was well tolerated. OS and EFS of patients were comparable with published studies.

Use of dissecting sealer may affect the early outcome in patients submitted to hepatic resection.

BACKGROUND: Many technological devices have been used to avoid intraoperative bleeding during hepatic parenchymal transection and to avoid morbidity and mortality, but until now none is complete. The aim of this work is to prospectively analyze hepatic resection patients treated with a water-cooled high frequency monopolar device in order to evaluate its effectiveness. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent liver resection by use of this device, between January 2003 until December 2007, were analyzed prospectively. The following variables were considered: age, sex, kind of disease, kind of liver resection, number of major/minor resections, total operative time and transection time, number and time of clamping, blood loss, time of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality. RESULTS: Between January 2003 and December 2007, 26 patients were analyzed prospectively (69% women, 31% men). Ages ranged from 18 to 84 years. Sixty-five percent of patients had a malignant disease; 35%, a benign disease. The procedures performed were two major hepatectomies (7.6%) and 24 minor hepatectomies (92.4%). Hepatic transection was performed in 35 to 150 min. Total operative time range was 120-480 min. The average blood loss was 325 ml (range 50-600 ml). The mean postoperative stays were nine days for all the patient and six days for non-cirrhotic patients. CONCLUSION: The water-cooled high frequency monopolar device is useful for reducing ischemia-reperfusion damage due to the Pringle maneuver and for reducing the risk of morbidity. However, the Kelly forceps remains the only inexpensive instrument really essential for liver surgery.

Hepatectomias: análise crítica retrospectiva de 21 casos / Hepatectomies: critical retrospective report of 21 cases

OBJETIVO: Analisar os principais aspectos técnicos e clínicos referentes às ressecções hepáticas realizadas em um período de cinco anos (1994 a 1998). MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo de 21 ressecções hepáticas, com ênfase no tipo de ressecção utilizado, o preparo pré-operatório e as complicações do período pós-operatório. Ademais, estabelecer correlações com os dados clínicos e epidemiológicos, bem como os exames complementares mais solicitados, em especial, o exame histopatológico. RESULTADOS: Foram realizadas oito ressecções locais atípicas, quatro segmentectomias, quatro hepatectomias esquerdas, duas hepatectomias direitas, uma lobectomia esquerda, uma trissegmentectomia esquerda e uma trissegmentectomia direita. As ressecções foram indicadas para tratamento de tumores malignos primários do fígado em nove pacientes; tumores benignos em seis pacientes; miscelânea em três pacientes; metástases hepáticas em dois e tumor de via biliar em um paciente. As complicações pós-operatórias ocorreram em sete pacientes (33 por cento), sendo as mais freqüentes o abscesso subfrênico e peritonite e a mortalidade operatória foi de 9,5 por cento. CONCLUSÕES: A cirurgia hepática tem se tornado cada vez mais factível e as complicações pós-operatórias, sob maior controle clínico, têm diminuído bastante a mortalidade.

BACKGROUND: To analyse the main clinical and technical aspects related to hepatic resections in a 5-year period (1994 to 1998). METHOD: This is a retrospective study of twenty one hepatic resections and enphasizes resection type used, pre-operative preparation and post-operative complications. It also stablishes corelations between hepatic resections and clinical and epidemiological data and between hepatic resections and complementary tests more frequently required, specially histopathological test. RESULTS: There were eight atipical local resections, four segmentectomies, four left hepatectomies, two right hepatectomies, one left lobectomy, one left trisegmentectomy and one rigth trisegmentectomy. Resections were indicated for the treatment of primary malignant liver tumors in nine patients; for benign tumors in six patients; for miscellany in three patients; for hepatic metastasis in two and for billiary ducts tumor in one patient. Post-operative complications occurred in seven patients(33 percent). The main complications were the subfrenic abscess and peritonitis and the operative mortality was of 9,5 percent. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic surgery has become increasingly performed and post-operative complications have undergone a stronger clinical control, reducing significantly mortality.