Importance of resection margin after resection of colorectal liver metastases in the era of modern chemotherapy: population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Resection margin has been associated with overall survival following liver resection for colorectal liver metastasis. The aim of this study was to examine how resection margins of 0.0 mm, 0.1-0.9 mm and ≥1 mm influence overall survival in patients resected for colorectal liver metastasis in a time of modern perioperative chemotherapy and surgery. METHODS: Using data from the national registries Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry and Swedish National Quality Registry for Liver, Bile Duct and Gallbladder Cancer, patients that had liver resections for colorectal liver metastasis between 2009 and 2013 were included. In patients with a narrow or unknown surgical margin the original pathological reports were re-reviewed. Factors influencing overall survival were analysed using a Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: A total of 754 patients had a known margin status, of which 133 (17.6%) patients had a resection margin <1 mm. The overall survival in patients with a margin of 0 mm or 0.1-0.9 mm was 42 (95% c.i. 31 to 53) and 48 (95% c.i. 35 to 62) months respectively, compared with 75 (95% c.i. 65 to 85) for patients with ≥1 mm margin, P < 0.001. Margins of 0 mm or 0.1-0.9 mm were associated with poor overall survival in the multivariable analysis, HR 1.413 (95% c.i. 1.030 to 1.939), P = 0.032, and 1.399 (95% c.i. 1.025 to 1.910), P = 0.034, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite modern chemotherapy the resection margin is still an important factor for the survival of patients resected for colorectal liver metastasis, and a margin of ≥1 mm is needed to achieve the best possible outcome.

Hepatoprotective effects of baicalein against liver ischemia-reperfusion injury and partial hepatectomy in a rat model.

BACKGROUND: Baicalein is the main active flavonoid in Scutellariae Radix and is included in shosaikoto, a Kampo formula used for treating hepatitis and jaundice. However, little is known about its hepatoprotective effects against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI), a severe clinical condition directly caused by interventional procedures. We aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of baicalein against HIRI and partial hepatectomy (HIRI + PH) and its potential underlying mechanisms. METHODS AND RESULTS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats received either baicalein (5 mg/kg) or saline intraperitoneally and underwent a 70% hepatectomy 15 min after hepatic ischemia. After reperfusion, liver and blood samples were collected. Survival was monitored 30 min after hepatic ischemia and hepatectomy. In interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß)-treated primary cultured rat hepatocytes, the influence of baicalein on inflammatory mediator production and the associated signaling pathway was analyzed. Baicalein suppressed apoptosis and neutrophil infiltration, which are the features of HIRI + PH treatment-induced histological injury. Baicalein also reduced the mRNA expression of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). In addition, HIRI + PH treatment induced liver enzyme deviations in the serum and hypertrophy of the remnant liver, which were suppressed by baicalein. In the lethal HIRI + PH treatment group, baicalein significantly reduced mortality. In IL-1ß-treated rat hepatocytes, baicalein suppressed TNF-α and chemokine mRNA expression as well as the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and Akt. CONCLUSIONS: Baicalein treatment attenuates HIRI + PH-induced liver injury and may promote survival. This potential hepatoprotection may be partly related to suppressing inflammatory gene induction through the inhibition of NF-κB activity and Akt signaling in hepatocytes.

Precise planning based on 3D-printed dry-laboratory models can reduce perioperative complications of laparoscopic surgery for complex hepatobiliary diseases: a preoperative cohort study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Complications after laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) are important factors affecting the prognosis of patients, especially for complex hepatobiliary diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the value of a three-dimensional (3D) printed dry-laboratory model in the precise planning of LLR for complex hepatobiliary diseases. METHODS: Patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases who underwent LLR were preoperatively enrolled, and divided into two groups according to whether using a 3D-printed dry-laboratory model (3D vs. control group). Clinical variables were assessed and complications were graded by the Clavien-Dindo classification. The Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) scores were calculated and compared for each patient. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine the risk factors of postoperative complications. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases underwent the precise planning of LLR. Among them, thirty-one patients acquired the guidance of a 3D-printed dry-laboratory model, and others were only guided by traditional enhanced CT or MRI. The results showed no significant differences between the two groups in baseline characters. However, compared to the control group, the 3D group had a lower incidence of intraoperative blood loss, as well as postoperative 30-day and major complications, especially bile leakage (all P < 0.05). The median score on the CCI was 20.9 (range 8.7-51.8) in the control group and 8.7 (range 8.7-43.4) in the 3D group (mean difference, -12.2, P = 0.004). Multivariable analysis showed the 3D model was an independent protective factor in decreasing postoperative complications. Subgroup analysis also showed that a 3D model could decrease postoperative complications, especially for bile leakage in patients with intrahepatic cholelithiasis. CONCLUSION: The 3D-printed models can help reduce postoperative complications. The 3D-printed models should be recommended for patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases undergoing precise planning LLR.

Abnormal coagulation after hepatectomy in patients with normal preoperative coagulation function.

BACKGROUND: To explore the risk factors for postoperative abnormal coagulation (PAC) and establish a predictive model for patients with normal preoperative coagulation function who underwent hepatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 661 patients with normal preoperative coagulation function who underwent hepatectomy between January 2015 and December 2021 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were divided into two groups: the postoperative abnormal coagulation group (PAC group, n = 362) and the normal coagulation group (non-PAC group, n = 299). Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were used to identify the risk factors for PAC. RESULTS: The incidence of PAC in 661 patients who underwent hepatectomy was 54.8% (362/661). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method was used for multivariate logistic regression analysis. The preoperative international normalized ratio (INR), intraoperative succinyl gelatin infusion and major hepatectomy were found to be independent risk factors for PAC. A nomogram for predicting the PAC after hepatectomy was constructed. The model presented a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.742 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.697-0.786) in the training cohort. The validation set demonstrated a promising ROC of 0.711 (95% CI: 0.639-0.783), and the calibration curve closely approximated the true incidence. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to assess the clinical usefulness of the predictive model. The risk of PAC increased when the preoperative international normalized ratio (INR) was greater than 1.025 and the volume of intraoperative succinyl gelatin infusion was greater than 1500 ml. CONCLUSION: The PAC is closely related to the preoperative INR, intraoperative succinyl gelatin infusion and major hepatectomy. A three-factor prediction model was successfully established for predicting the PAC after hepatectomy.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease increases the risk of complications after radical resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is increasing, yet its association with postoperative complications of HCC remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of MAFLD on complications after radical resection in HCC patients. METHODS: Patients with HCC who underwent radical resection were included. Patients were stratified into MAFLD group and non-MAFLD group. Clinical features and post-hepatectomy complications were compared between the two groups, and logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors associated with post-hepatectomy complications. RESULTS: Among the 936 eligible patients with HCC who underwent radical resection, concurrent MAFLD was diagnosed in 201 (21.5%) patients. Compared to the non-MAFLD group, the MAFLD group exhibited a higher incidence of complications, including infectious and major complications after radical resection in HCC patients. The logistic regression analysis found that MAFLD was an independent risk factor for complications, including infectious and major complications in HCC patients following radical resection (OR 1.565, 95%CI 1.109-2.343, P = 0.012; OR 2.092, 95%CI 1.386-3.156, P < 0.001; OR 1.859, 95% CI 1.106-3.124, P = 0.019; respectively). Subgroup analysis of HBV-related HCC patients yielded similar findings, and MAFLD patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exhibited a higher incidence of postoperative complications compared to those without T2DM (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent MAFLD was associated with an increased incidence of complications after radical resection in patients with HCC, especially MAFLD with T2DM.

Construction and validation of "WCH-nomogram" for predicting the prognosis after resection of colorectal liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic predictive tool for patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) is limited and the criteria for administering preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy in CRLM patients remain controversial. METHODS: This study enrolled 532 CRLM patients at West China Hospital (WCH) from January 2009 to December 2019. Prognostic factors were identified from the training cohort to construct a WCH-nomogram and evaluating accuracy in the validation cohort. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to compare the prediction accuracy with other existing prediction tools. RESULTS: From the analysis of the training cohort, four independent prognostic risk factors, namely tumor marker score, KRAS mutation, primary lymph node metastasis, and tumor burden score were identified on which a WCH-nomogram was constructed. The C-index of the two cohorts were 0.674 (95% CI: 0.634-0.713) and 0.655 (95% CI: 0.586-0.723), respectively, which was better than the previously reported predication scores (CRS, m-CS and GAME score). ROC curves showed AUCs for predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) of 0.758, 0.709, and 0.717 in the training cohort, and 0.860, 0.669, and 0.692 in the validation cohort, respectively. A cutoff value of 114.5 points was obtained for the WCH-nomogram total score based on the maximum Youden index of the ROC curve of 5-year OS. Risk stratification showed significantly better prognosis in the low-risk group, however, the high-risk group was more likely to benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The WCH-nomogram demonstrates superior prognostic stratification compared to prior scoring systems, effectively identifying CRLM patients who may benefit the most from neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Evaluation of the American College of Surgeons risk calculator in hepatectomy for metastatic colorectal cancer in a Southeast Asian population.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the accuracy of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) calculator in predicting outcomes after hepatectomy for colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastasis in a Southeast Asian population. METHODS: Predicted and actual outcomes were compared for 166 patients undergoing hepatectomy for CRC liver metastasis identified between 2017 and 2022, using receiver operating characteristic curves with area under the curve (AUC) and Brier score. RESULTS: The ACS-NSQIP calculator accurately predicted most postoperative complications (AUC > 0.70), except for surgical site infection (AUC = 0.678, Brier score = 0.045). It also exhibited satisfactory performance for readmission (AUC = 0.818, Brier score = 0.011), reoperation (AUC = 0.945, Brier score = 0.002), and length of stay (LOS, AUC = 0.909). The predicted LOS was close to the actual LOS (5.9 vs. 5.0 days, P = 0.985). CONCLUSION: The ACS-NSQIP calculator demonstrated generally accurate predictions for 30-day postoperative outcomes after hepatectomy for CRC liver metastasis in our patient population.

Robotic sectionectomy versus robotic hemihepatectomy for anatomic liver resection: a comparative analysis of perioperative outcomes.

Sectionectomy is a parenchma-sparing alternative to (extended) right or left hemihepatectomy. However, the effectiveness and safety of robotic sectionectomy (RS) versus robotic (extended) hemihepatectomy (RH) for the treatment of liver tumors remains unclear. We reviewed our prospective database for consecutive patients who had undergone robotic hepatectomies between March 2021 and July 2023 and included all patients with RS and RH. Demographic data, perioperative outcomes and long-term outcomes were analyzed and compared between both groups. Thirty patients met our inclusion criteria, of whom 16 patients underwent RS as opposed to 14 patients who underwent RH. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the study groups. The duration of Pringle maneuver was significantly longer in the RS group, while the remaining operative details were comparable. There were no significant differences in posthepatectomy outcomes between the study groups. All patients had negative resection margins. RS is a safe and effective parenchyma-sparing treatment modality.

Patient perspectives and overall satisfaction after liver resection for benign disease.

BACKGROUND: Management of benign liver lesions (BLLs) is still an object of discussion. Frequently, patients receive multiple opinions about their diagnosis and treatment from physicians specialized in different areas, which can be opposite and controversial. This study aimed to understand patients' decision-making process in electing surgery and assess their satisfaction after resection for BLLs. METHODS: A 104-question survey was administered to 98 patients who had a resection for BLLs in 4 different hepatopancreatobiliary and transplant centers in Argentina. The first section included 64 questions regarding the initial discovery of the BLL, the decision-making process, and the understanding of the patient's feelings after surgery. The second section, 42 queries, referred to the quality of life. The patient's final diagnosis and outcome were correlated with the survey results using univariate analysis. RESULTS: Among 97 patients who had undergone liver resection for BLLs, 69 (70%) completed the survey. The median age was 51.71 years (range, 18-75), and 63% of the patients were females. Moreover, 21% of patients received conflicting information from different healthcare providers. Surgeons were the best to describe the BLL to the patient (63%), and 30% of patients obtained opinions from multiple surgeons. The respondents were quite or fully satisfied with their decision to have surgery (90%) and the decision-making process (91%). Only 59% of patients considered their lifestyle better after surgery, and 89% of patients would have retaken the same decision. CONCLUSION: Patients with resected BLLs are delighted with the decision to have surgery, regardless of the final diagnosis and outcome. The role of surgeons is crucial in the decision-making process.

Contemporary trends and outcomes after liver transplantation and resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation (LT) has been shown to be superior to resection in highly selected patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), yet has traditionally been contraindicated for intrahepatic CCA (iCCA). Herein, we aimed to examine contemporary trends and outcomes for surgical resection and LT for iCCA. METHODS: The National Cancer Database was queried for patients presenting with stage I-III iCCA between 2010 and 2018 who underwent resection or LT. Overall survival (OS) was compared with Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox proportional hazards methods stratified by management. Secondary analysis of patients undergoing transplant for CCA was performed with the United Network for Organ Sharing database. RESULTS: Of 2565 patients, 2412 (94.0%) underwent resection and 153 (5.96%) LT of whom 84 (54.9%) received neoadjuvant therapy. Utilization of LT remained between 3.9% and 7.8% annually. Unadjusted 5-year OS was higher for LT than resection (59.8% vs 39.9%, P = .0067), yet adjusted analysis revealed no significant difference in mortality (hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.66-1.27; P = .58). On secondary analysis including 437 patients with all subtypes of CCA, unadjusted 5-year OS was higher for non-CCA indications (79% vs 52%-54%, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Utilization of LT for iCCA remains low and many cases are likely incidental. Although partial hepatectomy remains the standard of care for patients with resectable disease, our findings suggest that highly selected patients with unresectable iCCA may achieve favorable outcomes after LT. Granular, prospective data are needed to identify patients most likely to benefit from transplant and allocate scarce liver grafts.

Long-term medical and quality of life outcomes among voluntary liver donors.

BACKGROUND: Long-term medical and quality of life (QOL) outcomes in voluntary liver donors remain under investigated. The objective of the current study was to report long-term medical outcomes and re-evaluate QOL in living liver donors. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of donors who underwent donor hepatectomy between 2012 and 2018. We investigated long-term outcomes in 7 domains. These include medical problems, surgical procedures, work-related issues, pregnancy outcomes, psychiatric interventions, willingness to donate again, and long-term mortality. QOL was evaluated using short-form 36. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 61.4 months (53.3-83.7). Among 698 donors, 80 (11.5%) experienced medical problems, 4 (0.6%) had work-related issues, and 20 (2.9%) needed psychiatric assistance. Surgery was performed in 49 donors (7%), and females were more likely to have undergone incisional hernia repair (5.8% vs 1.9%, P = .006). There were 79 postdonation pregnancies including 41 normal vaginal deliveries (51.9%), 35 cesarean sections (44.3%), and 3 miscarriages (3.8%). Willingness to donate again was reported by 658 donors (94.3%). Donors whose recipients were alive were more likely to donate again (95.5% vs 90.5%, P = .01). There were 3 deaths (0.4%) in the long-term. The mean physical composite score at initial and follow-up evaluation was 86.7 ± 13.9 and 76.5 ± 20.9 (P = .001), and the mean mental composite score at initial and follow-up evaluation was 92.1 ± 13.5 and 80.7 ± 16 (P = .001). CONCLUSION: The overall long-term outlook in living liver donors is promising. QOL parameters might deteriorate over time and frequent re-evaluation might be considered.

Preoperative three-dimensional lung volumetry predicts respiratory complications in patients undergoing major liver resection for colorectal metastases.

Colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are the predominant factor limiting survival in patients with colorectal cancer and liver resection with complete tumor removal is the best treatment option for these patients. This study examines the predictive ability of three-dimensional lung volumetry (3DLV) based on preoperative computerized tomography (CT), to predict postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing major liver resection for CRLM. Patients undergoing major curative liver resection for CRLM between 2010 and 2021 with a preoperative CT scan of the thorax within 6 weeks of surgery, were included. Total lung volume (TLV) was calculated using volumetry software 3D-Slicer version 4.11.20210226 including Chest Imaging Platform extension ( http://www.slicer.org ). The area under the curve (AUC) of a receiver-operating characteristic analysis was used to define a cut-off value of TLV, for predicting the occurrence of postoperative respiratory complications. Differences between patients with TLV below and above the cut-off were examined with Chi-square or Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U tests and logistic regression was used to determine independent risk factors for the development of respiratory complications. A total of 123 patients were included, of which 35 (29%) developed respiratory complications. A predictive ability of TLV regarding respiratory complications was shown (AUC 0.62, p = 0.036) and a cut-off value of 4500 cm3 was defined. Patients with TLV < 4500 cm3 were shown to suffer from significantly higher rates of respiratory complications (44% vs. 21%, p = 0.007) compared to the rest. Logistic regression analysis identified TLV < 4500 cm3 as an independent predictor for the occurrence of respiratory complications (odds ratio 3.777, 95% confidence intervals 1.488-9.588, p = 0.005). Preoperative 3DLV is a viable technique for prediction of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing major liver resection for CRLM. More studies in larger cohorts are necessary to further evaluate this technique.

Microinvasion in hepatocellular carcinoma: predictive factor and application for definition of clinical target volume for radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the correlation between microinvasion and various features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to clarify the microinvasion distance from visible HCC lesions to subclinical lesions, so as to provide clinical basis for the expandable boundary of clinical target volume (CTV) from gross tumor volume (GTV) in the radiotherapy of HCC. METHODS: HCC patients underwent hepatectomy of liver cancer in our hospital between July 2019 and November 2021 were enrolled. Data on various features and tumor microinvasion distance were collected. The distribution characteristics of microinvasion distance were analyzed to investigate its potential correlation with various features. Tumor size compared between radiographic and pathologic samples was analyzed to clarify the application of pathologic microinvasion to identify subclinical lesions of radiographic imaging. RESULTS: The average microinvasion distance was 0.6 mm, with 95% patients exhibiting microinvasion distance less than 3.0 mm, and the maximum microinvasion distance was 4.0 mm. A significant correlation was found between microinvasion and liver cirrhosis (P = 0.036), serum albumin level (P = 0.049). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that HCC patients with cirrhosis had a significantly lower risk of microinvasion (OR = 0.09, 95%CI = 0.02 ~ 0.50, P = 0.006). Tumor size was overestimated by 1.6 mm (95%CI=-12.8 ~ 16.0 mm) on radiographic size compared to pathologic size, with a mean %Δsize of 2.96% (95%CI=-0.57%~6.50%). The %Δsize ranged from - 29.03% to 34.78%. CONCLUSIONS: CTV expanding by 5.4 mm from radiographic GTV could include all pathologic microinvasive lesions in the radiotherapy of HCC. Liver cirrhosis was correlated with microinvasion and were independent predictive factor of microinvasion in HCC.

[Videofluorescence navigation during parenchymal-sparing liver resections using a domestic fluorescence imaging system]. / Videofluorestsentnaya navigatsiya pri parenkhimosokhrannykh rezektsiyakh pecheni s ispol'zovaniem otechestvennoi sistemy fluorestsentnoi vizualizatsii.

Parenchyma- sparing liver resections are aimed at maximizing the possible preservation of parenchyma not affected by the tumor - a current trend in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. On the other hand, a prerequisite for operations is to ensure their radicality. To effectively solve this problem, all diagnostic imaging methods available in the arsenal are used, which make it possible to comprehensively solve the issues of perioperative planning of the volume and technical features of the planned operation. Diagnostic imaging methods that allow intraoperative navigation through intraoperative, instrumentally based determination of the tumor border and resection plane have additional value. One of the methods of such mapping is ICG video fluorescence intraoperative navigation. An analysis of the clinical use of the domestic video fluorescent navigation system "MARS" for parenchymal-sparing resections of focal liver lesions is presented. An assessment was made of the dynamics of the distribution of the contrast agent during ICG videofluorescent mapping during parenchymal-sparing resection interventions on the liver, with the analysis of materials from histological examination of tissues taking into account three-zonal videofluorescent marking of the resection edge, performed using the domestic videofluorescence imaging system «MARS¼.

Predictive nomograms based on gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to prealbumin ratio for prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients without microvascular invasion.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a significant threat to individuals and healthcare systems due to its high recurrence rate. Accurate prognostic models are essential for improving patient outcomes. Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and prealbumin (PA) are biomarkers closely related to HCC. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the GGT to PA ratio (GPR) and to construct prognostic nomograms for HCC patients without microvascular invasion. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 355 HCC patients who underwent radical hepatectomy at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University between December 2012 and January 2021. Patients were randomly assigned to a training cohort (n = 267) and a validation cohort (n = 88). The linearity of GPR was assessed using restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis, and the optimal cut-off value was determined by X-tile. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests were used to investigate the associations between GPR and both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Cox multivariate regression analysis identified independent risk factors, enabling the construction of nomograms. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration curves were used to evaluate the accuracy of the nomograms. Decision curve analysis (DCA) assessed the predictive value of the models. RESULTS: Patients were categorized into GPR-low and GPR-high groups based on a GPR value of 333.33. Significant differences in PFS and OS were observed between the two groups (both P < 0.001). Cox multivariate analysis identified GPR as an independent risk factor for both PFS (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.24-2.60, P = 0.002) and OS (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.07-3.26, P = 0.029). The nomograms demonstrated good predictive performance, with C-index values of 0.69 for PFS and 0.76 for OS. Time-dependent ROC curves and calibration curves revealed the accuracy of the models in both the training and validation cohorts, with DCA results indicating notable clinical value. CONCLUSIONS: GPR emerged as an independent risk factor for both OS and PFS in HCC patients without microvascular invasion. The nomograms based on GPR demonstrated relatively robust predictive efficiency for prognosis.

The role of adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization following repeated curative resection/ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma with early recurrence: a propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: The role of adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) following repeated resection/ablation for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of adjuvant TACE following repeated resection or ablation in patients with early recurrent HCC. METHODS: Information for patients who underwent repeated surgery or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for early recurrent HCCs (< 2 years) at our institution from January 2017 to December 2020 were collected. Patients were divided into adjuvant TACE and observation groups according to whether they received adjuvant TACE or not. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between the two groups before and after propensity score matching (PSM). RESULTS: Of the 225 patients enrolled, the median time of HCC recurrence was 11 months (IQR, 6-16 months). After repeated surgery or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for recurrent tumors, 45 patients (20%) received adjuvant TACE while the remaining 180 (80%) didn't. There were no significant differences in RFS (P = 0.325) and OS (P = 0.072) between adjuvant TACE and observation groups before PSM. There were also no significant differences in RFS (P = 0.897) and OS (P = 0.090) between the two groups after PSM. Multivariable analysis suggested that multiple tumors, liver cirrhosis, and RFA were independent risk factors for the re-recurrence of HCC. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant TACE after repeated resection or ablation for early recurrent HCCs was not associated with a long-term survival benefit in this single-center cohort.

Development of an individualized model for predicting postoperative delirium in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication in older patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that adversely impacts clinical outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors for POD and to construct a predictive nomogram. Data for a total of 1481 older patients (training set: n=1109; validation set: n=372) who received liver resection for HCC were retrospectively retrieved from two prospective databases. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the performance. The rate of POD was 13.3% (148/1109) in the training set and 16.4% (61/372) in the validation set. Multivariate analysis of the training set revealed that factors including age, history of cerebrovascular disease, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, albumin level, and surgical approach had significant effects on POD. The area under the ROC curves (AUC) for the nomogram, incorporating the aforementioned predictors, was 0.798 (95% CI 0.752-0.843) and 0.808 (95% CI 0.754-0.861) for the training and validation sets, respectively. The calibration curves of both sets showed a degree of agreement between the nomogram and the actual probability. DCA demonstrated that the newly established nomogram was highly effective for clinical decision-making. We developed and validated a nomogram with high sensitivity to assist clinicians in estimating the individual risk of POD in older patients with HCC.

DGPRI, a new liver fibrosis assessment index, predicts recurrence of AFP-negative hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatic resection: a single-center retrospective study.

Although patients with alpha-fetoprotein-negative hepatocellular carcinoma (AFPNHCC) have a favorable prognosis, a high risk of postoperative recurrence remains. We developed and validated a novel liver fibrosis assessment index, the direct bilirubin-gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelet ratio (DGPRI). DGPRI was calculated for each of the 378 patients with AFPNHCC who underwent hepatic resection. The patients were divided into high- and low-score groups using the optimal cutoff value. The Lasso-Cox method was used to identify the characteristics of postoperative recurrence, followed by multivariate Cox regression analysis to determine the independent risk factors associated with recurrence. A nomogram model incorporating the DGPRI was developed and validated. High DGPRI was identified as an independent risk factor (hazard ratio = 2.086) for postoperative recurrence in patients with AFPNHCC. DGPRI exhibited better predictive ability for recurrence 1-5 years after surgery than direct bilirubin and the gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelet ratio. The DGPRI-nomogram model demonstrated good predictive ability, with a C-index of 0.674 (95% CI 0.621-0.727). The calibration curves and clinical decision analysis demonstrated its clinical utility. The DGPRI nomogram model performed better than the TNM and BCLC staging systems for predicting recurrence-free survival. DGPRI is a novel and effective predictor of postoperative recurrence in patients with AFPNHCC and provides a superior assessment of preoperative liver fibrosis.

Mucormycosis in Liver Allograft Following Transplant for Secondary Biliary Cirrhosis.

Mucormycosis, a group of opportunistic mycoses caused by Mucorales, present a significant threat to immunocompromised patients. In this report, we present the case of a 57-year-old male patient who underwent liver transplant for secondary biliary cirrhosis following inadvertent bile duct injury. Despite initial satisfactory postoperative evolution, the patient developed fever, and imaging revealed a suspicious lesion. Preliminary culture growth suggested a filamentous fungus, leading to initiation of liposomal amphotericin B. However, the lesion progressed, and a surgical debridement was necessary. During surgery, involvement of the liver dome and diaphragm was observed, and a nonanatomical hepatectomy was performed. Despite efforts, the patient's condition deteriorated, ultimately resulting in multiple organ failure and mortality. This case emphasizes the challenging nature of mucormycosis in livertransplant recipients.