Achieving laparoscopic anatomic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma by fluorescence guided positive staining of hepatic cone unit

Laparoscopic anatomical liver resection has been increasingly reported worldwide,but how to demarcate the resection planes is technically challenging[1].Positive staining technique with intraoperative indocyanine green(ICG)-fluorescence imaging has been introduced as an effective tool for real-time intraoperative guidance[2].Liver anatomy is complex.Generally,liver is composed of 9 segments,each is composed of two to three subsegments,and each subsegment contains several hepatic cone units.A hepatic cone unit is dominated by a tertiary or quaternary hepatic pedicles[3].

Laparoscopic anatomical liver resection of segment 7 using a sandwich approach to the right hepatic vein (with video)

Full laparoscopic liver resection has been performed widely since it was introduced in the early 1990s.It has been expanded from initial for partial resection of the anterolateral segments to non-restriction of area of the liver[1–3].Anatomical liver resec-tion is considered to have potential superiority than non-anatomic resection in terms of tumor prognosis,thus it is more often rec-ommended in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma[4,5].Recently,laparoscopic segmental liver resection according to the Couinaud classification has been widely performed due to its ad-vantages in minimal invasiveness and tumor prognosis.

Outcomes of liver resection in hepatitis C virus-related intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary liver malignancy.Its incidence and mortality rates have been increasing in recent years.Hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection is a risk factor for development of cirrhosis and cholan-giocarcinoma.Currently,surgical resection remains the only curative treatment option for cholangiocarcinoma.We aim to study the impact of HCV infection on outcomes of liver resection(LR)in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC).AIM To study the outcomes of curative resection of ICC in patients with HCV(i.e.,HCV+)compared to patients without HCV(i.e.,HCV-).METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and observational studies to assess the outcomes of LR in ICC in HCV+patients compared to HCV-patients in tertiary care hospitals.PubMed,EMBASE,The Cochrane Library and Scopus were systematically searched from inception till August 2023.Included studies were RCTs and non-RCTs on patients≥18 years old with a diagnosis of ICC who underwent LR,and compared outcomes between patients with HCV+vs HCV-.The primary outcomes were overall survival(OS)and recurrence-free survival.Secondary outcomes include perioperative mortality,operation duration,blood loss,intrahepatic and extrahepatic recurrence.RESULTS Seven articles,published between 2004 and 2021,fulfilled the selection criteria.All of the studies were retrospective studies.Age,incidence of male patients,albumin,bilirubin,platelets,tumor size,incidence of multiple tumors,vascular invasion,bile duct invasion,lymph node metastases,and stage 4 disease were comparable between HCV+and HCV-group.Alanine transaminase[MD 22.20,95%confidence interval(CI):13.75,30.65,P<0.00001]and aspartate transaminase levels(MD 27.27,95%CI:20.20,34.34,P<0.00001)were significantly higher in HCV+group compared to HCV-group.Incidence of cirrhosis was significantly higher in HCV+group[odds ratio(OR)5.78,95%CI:1.38,24.14,P=0.02]compared to HCV-group.Incidence of poorly differentiated disease was significantly higher in HCV+group(OR 2.55,95%CI:1.34,4.82,P=0.004)compared to HCV-group.Incidence of simultaneous hepatocellular carcinoma lesions was significantly higher in HCV+group(OR 8.31,95%CI:2.36,29.26,P=0.001)compared to HCV-group.OS was significantly worse in the HCV+group(hazard ratio 2.05,95%CI:1.46,2.88,P<0.0001)compared to HCV-group.CONCLUSION This meta-analysis demonstrated significantly worse OS in HCV+patients with ICC who underwent curative resection compared to HCV-patients.

Full laparoscopic anatomical liver segment Ⅶ resection with preferred Glissonean pedicle and dorsal hepatic approach

Anatomical liver resection was an option for liver cancer proposed by the Japanese scholar Masatoshi Makuuchi in 1985 [1].Reich et al.performed the first laparoscopic liver resection in1991 [2].The safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic anatomical liver resection had been verified in recent years [2-4].However,laparoscopic anatomical segmentⅦliver resection (LAS7) was the most difficult procedure because of complex adjacent structures,difficult exposure,and limited laparoscopic view [3,5].

Middle hepatic vein variation provides a safe path for anterior transection of hepatocellular carcinoma in caudate lobe

To the Editor:Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the main causes of cancer related death worldwide,and new cases are expected to continue to increase in future[1].Surgical resection is still the best way to remove the tumor and improve patient’s prognosis.However,resection of caudate lobe often presents a technical challenge,even to accomplished hepatic surgeons.Caudate lobe is located anterior to the inferior vena cava(IVC)and posterior to the bifurcation of the portal vein(PV),generally consists of three regions:the paracaval portion,the left Spiegel lobe and the process portion[2].The anatomy of the paracaval portion includes the liver parenchyma ventral to the hepatic IVC and the area between the Spiegel lobe and the right lobe adjacent to the middle hepatic vein(MHV)ventrally,which was classified by Couinaud as segment IX[3].Here,we presented a case of HCC with successful downstaging therapy,as well as variation of MHV,which provides a safe path for anterior transection of segment IX.

Hepatic pseudotumor:A diagnostic challenge

Hepatic pseudotumors are rare lesions of unknown origin,characterized by the proliferation of fibrous connective tissue and inflammatory cell infiltrates.They mimic malignant lesions clinically,and radiologically,given their non-specific clinical and imaging features.The pathophysiology of hepatic pseudotumor is incompletely understood and there are no standardized criteria for diagnosis.Pseudotumors have been reported to develop in various organs in the body with the lung and liver being the most common site.Hepatic pseudotumors develop in patients with underlying triggers of liver inflammation and injury,including infections,autoimmune liver diseases,bile duct injury,or surgery.Hepatic pse-udotumors respond well to conservative treatment with antibiotics,and steroids and some may regress spontaneously,thus avoiding unnecessary resection.This condition is rewarding to treat.It is important to recognize pseudotumor as a distinct clinical entity and include it in the differential of liver masses with atypical imaging features.

Predictors of long term survival after hepatic resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma:A retrospective study of 5-year survivors

AIM:To determine predictors of long term survival after resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma(HC) by comparing patients surviving > 5 years with those who survived < 5 years.METHODS:This is a retrospective study of patients with pathologically proven HC who underwent surgical resection at the Gastroenterology Surgical Center,Mansoura University,Egypt between January 2002 and April 2013.All data of the patients were collected from the medical records.patients were divided into two groups according to their survival:patients surviving less than 5 years and those who survived > 5 years.RESULTS:There were 34(14%) long term survivors(5 year survivors) among the 243 patients.Fiveyear survivors were younger at diagnosis than those surviving less than 5 years(mean age,50.47 ± 4.45 vs 54.59 ± 4.98,p = 0.001).Gender,clinical presentation,preoperative drainage,preoperative serum bilirubin,albumin and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase were similar between the two groups.The level of CA 19-9 was significantly higher in patients surviving < 5 years(395.71 ± 31.43 vs 254.06 ± 42.19,p = 0.0001).Univariate analysis demonstrated nine variables to be significantly associated with survival > 5 year,includingyoung age(p = 0.001),serum CA19-9(p = 0.0001),non-cirrhotic liver(p = 0.02),major hepatic resection(p = 0.001),caudate lobe resection(p = 0.006),well differentiated tumour(p = 0.03),lymph node status(0.008),R0 resection margin(p = 0.0001) and early postoperative liver cell failure(p = 0.02).CONCLUSION:Liver status,resection of caudate lobe,lymph node status,R0 resection and CA19-9 were demonstrated to be independent risk factors for long term survival.

Favorable outcomes of hilar duct oriented hepatic resection for high grade Tsunoda type hepatolithiasis

AIM： To evaluate the efficacy of hilar duct oriented hepatectomy for intractable hepatolithiasis, the ventral hilum exposure （VHE） method that has been applied by the authors. METHODS： From June 1994 to June 2004 for a period of 10 years, 153 patients who had Tsunoda type Ⅲ or Ⅳ hepatolithiasis, received hepatectomy at our institution. Among these patients, 128 who underwent hepatectomy by the VHE method were the subjects for the study. We analyzed the risk of this procedure, residual rate of intrahepatic stones, and stone recurrent rates. RESULTS： The average age was 54.2 years, and the male to female ratio was 1：1.7. The average follow-up period was 25.6 mo （6-114 too）. There was no postoperative severe complication or mortality after the operation. The rate of residual stones was 5.4% and the rate of recurrent stones was 4.2%. CONCLUSION： VHE is a safe surgical procedure and provides favorable treatment results of intractable hepatolithiasis. Especially, this procedure has advantage in that intra-hepatic bile duct stricture may be confirmed and corrected directly during surgery.

Perioperative fluid management in major hepatic resection: an integrative review

BACKGROUND: Fluid intervention and vasoactive pharmacological support during hepatic resection depend on the preference of the attending clinician, institutional resources, and practice culture. Evidence-based recommendations to guide perioperative fluid management are currently limited. Therefore, we provide a contemporary clinical integrative overview of the fundamental principles underpinning fluid intervention and hemodynamic optimization for adult patients undergoing major hepatic resection. DATA SOURCES: A literature review was performed of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials using the terms 'surgery', 'anesthesia', 'starch', 'hydroxyethyl starch derivatives', 'albumin', 'gelatin', 'liver resection', 'hepatic resection', 'fluids', 'fluid therapy', 'crystalloid', 'colloid', 'saline', 'plasma-Lyte', 'plasmalyte', 'hartmann's', 'acetate', and 'lactate'. Search results for MEDLINE and EMBASE were additionally limited to studies on human populations that included adult age groups and publications in English. RESULTS: A total of 113 articles were included after appropriate inclusion criteria screening. Perioperative fluid management as it relates to various anesthetic and surgical techniques is discussed.CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should have a fundamental understanding of the surgical phases of the resection, hemodynamic goals, and anesthesia challenges in attempts to individualize therapy to the patient's underlying pathophysiological condition. Therefore, an ideal approach for perioperative fluid therapy is always individualized. Planning and designing large-scale clinical trials are imperative to define the optimal type and amount of fluid for patients undergoing major hepatic resection. Further clinical trials evaluating different intraoperative goal-directed strategies are also eagerly awaited.

Efficacy of hepatic resection vs transarterial chemoembolization for solitary huge hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To compare the efficacy of hepatic resection(HR) and transarterial chemoembolization(TACE) for patients with solitary huge(≥ 10 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS: Records were retrospectively analyzed of 247 patients with solitary huge HCC, comprising 180 treated by HR and 67 by TACE. Long-term overall survival(OS) was compared between the two groups using the Kaplan-Meier method, and independent predictors of survival were identified by multivariate analysis. These analyses were performed using all patients in both groups and/or 61 pairs of propensity score-matched patients from the two groups. RESULTS: OS at 5 years was significantly higher in the HR group than the TACE group, across all patients(P = 0.002) and across propensity score-matchedpairs(36.4% vs 18.2%, P = 0.039). The two groups showed similar postoperative mortality and morbidity. Multivariate analysis identified alpha-fetoprotein ≥ 400 ng/m L, presence of vascular invasion and TACE treatment as independent predictors of poor OS.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that HR can be safe and more effective than TACE for patients with solitary huge HCC.

Autologous transfusion with modified total hepatic vascular exclusion for extracapsular resection of giant hepatic cavernous hemangioma

BACKGROUND: This paper was to review the effects of intraoperative autologous transfusion during modified, normal-temperature, total hepatic vascular exclusion (THVE) for extracapsular resection of giant hepatic cavernous hemangioma. METHODS: The clinical data from 28 patients, who underwent hepatic resection requiring intraoperative autologous transfusion with the cell-saver apparatus, were analyzed retrospectively. The tumors in the 28 patients involved the proximal hepatic veins and inferior vena cava. The diameters of these hemangiomas ranged from 12x15 cm to 18-40 cm. All patients had varying degrees of THVE. ' RESULTS: The 28 patients with hemangioma received integrated resection and recovered. One patient had rupture of tumors resulting in massive hemorrhage of 6000 ml during liver resection; 4 patients had blood transfusions of 400-800 ml; the other 23 patients had no blood transfusion. Only 6 patients underwent the Pringle maneuver with resection. The other 22 patients underwent THVE during the liver resection. The interval of THVE was 5-30 minutes (mean 16 minutes). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative autologous transfusion during modified, normal-temperature THVE for extracapsular resection of huge hepatic cavernous hemangioma is feasible.

Radiofrequency Ablation vs. Hepatic Resection for Resectable Colorectal Liver Metastases

The treatments of resectable colorectal liver metastases（CRLM） are controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the relative efficacy and safety of hepatic resection（HR） and radiofrequency ablation（RFA） for treating resectable CRLM. Between January 2004 and May 2010, the enrolled patients were given hepatic resection（HR group; n=32） or percutaneous RFA（RFA group; n=21） as a first-line treatment for CRLM. All the tumors had a maximum diameter of 3.5 cm and all patients had five or less tumors. The patient background, tumor characteristics, cumulative survival rate and recurrence-free survival rate were assessed in both groups. There were significantly more patients with comorbidities in the RFA group than those in the HR group（17 in RFA group vs. 10 in HR group; P〈0.000）. The mean maximum tumor diameter in the HR group and RFA group was 2.25±0.68 and 1.89±0.62 cm（P=0.054）, and the mean number of tumors was 2.28±1.05 and 2.38±1.12（P=0.744）, respectively. The 1-, 3- and 5-year cumulative survival rates in the HR group were 87.5%, 53.1% and 31.3%, respectively, and those in the RFA group were 85.7%, 38.1% and 14.2%, respectively with the differences being not significant between the two groups（P=0.062）. The 1-, 3- and 5-year recurrence-free survival rates in the HR group were 90.6%, 56.3% and 28.1%, respectively, and those in the RFA group were 76.1%, 23.8% and 4.8%, respectively, with the differences being significant between the two groups（P=0.036）. In conclusion, as HR has greater efficacy than RFA in the treatment of resectable CRLM, we recommend it as the first option for this malignancy.

Radiofrequency ablation vs hepatic resection for solitary colorectal liver metastasis:A meta-analysis

AIM:To evaluate the comparative therapeutic efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and hepatic resection (HR) for solitary colorectal liver metastases (CLM).METHODS:A literature search was performed to identify comparative studies reporting outcomes for both RFA and HR for solitary CLM.Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using either the fixed effects model or random effects model.RESULTS:Seven nonrandomized controlled trials studies were included in this analysis.These studies included a total of 847 patients:273 treated with RFA and 574 treated with HR.The 5 years overall survival rates in the HR group were significantly better than those in the RFA group (OR:0.41,95% CI:0.22-0.90,P=0.008).RFA had a higher rate of local intrahe-patic recurrence compared to HR (OR:4.89,95% CI:1.73-13.87,P=0.003).No differences were found between the two groups with respect to postoperative morbidity and mortality.CONCLUSION:HR was superior to RFA in the treatment of patients with solitary CLM.However,the findings have to be carefully interpreted due to the lower level of evidence.

Hepatic resection vs percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma abutting right diaphragm

BACKGROUND It is usually difficult to adequately conduct percutaneous ultrasound-guided radiofrequency(RF) ablation for hepatocellular carcinomas(HCCs) abutting the diaphragm. Our hypothesis was that the subphrenic location of HCC could have an effect on the long-term therapeutic outcomes after hepatic resection and RF ablation.AIM To compare the long-term therapeutic outcomes of hepatic resection and percutaneous RF ablation for HCCs abutting the diaphragm.METHODS A total of 143 Child-Pugh class A patients who had undergone hepatic resection(n = 80) or percutaneous ultrasound-guided RF ablation(n = 63) for an HCC(≤ 3 cm) abutting the right diaphragm were included. Cumulative local tumor progression(LTP), cumulative intrahepatic distant recurrence(IDR), disease-free survival(DFS), and overall survival(OS) rates were estimated. Prognostic factors for DFS and OS were analyzed. Complications were evaluated.RESULTS The cumulative IDR rate, DFS rate, and OS rate for the hepatic resection group and RF ablation group at 5 years were "35.9% vs 65.8%", "64.1% vs 18.3%", and"88.4% vs 68.7%", respectively. Hepatic resection was an independent prognostic factor for DFS(P ≤ 0.001; hazard ratio, 0.352; 95%CI: 0.205, 0.605; with RF ablation as the reference category); however, treatment modality was not an independent prognostic factor for OS. The LTP rate was 46.6% at 5 years for the RF ablation group. The major complication rate was not significantly different between the groups(P = 0.630). The rate of occurrence of peritoneal seeding was higher in the RF ablation group(1.3% vs 9.5%, P = 0.044).CONCLUSION Although OS was not significantly different between patients who had gone hepatic resection or percutaneous RF ablation for HCCs abutting the diaphragm,DFS was better in the hepatic resection group.

Hepatic segmentectomy combined with major hepatic vein resection for preserving remnant liver lobe

BACKGROUND: Impairment of liver function is the most serious complication that occurs after liver resection or in cirrhotic liver. Postoperative hepatic failure, which is mainly preceded by insufficient remnant liver function and/or postoperative septic complications, is the major cause of hospital mortality. This study was undertaken to evaluate hepatic segmentectomy combined with major hepatic vein (MHV) resection for preserving the remnant liver lobe in the treatment of resectable primary liver cancer. METHODS: From 1997 to 2007, six patients with primary liver cancer underwent hepatic segmentectomy with MHV resection, and three patients with hepatic vein injury had ligation of the MHV. The remnant liver lobe was preserved after hepatic segmentectomy combined with MHV resection or ligation. RESULTS: The preserved liver lobe with normal structure could maintain hepatic function and showed no evidence of atrophy or swelling after hepatic segmentectomy combined with MHV resection or ligation. CONCLUSIONS: After the right inferior hepatic vein is confirmed, and the MHV is occluded experimentally before hepatic segmentectomy combined with MHV resection, progressively deteriorating congestion does not occur in the preserved segment. Ligation or resection of the two MHVs must be avoided in patients with hepatic cirrhosis who have to undergo hepatic segmentectomy combined with MHV resection. Ligation of the MHV in patients with juxtahepatic vein injury is a simple and effective therapeutic modality.

Improved hemostasis with major hepatic resection in the current surgical era

Background: Major hepatic resection, predominantly performed for oncologic intent, is a complex procedure with the potential for severe intraoperative hemorrhage. The current surgical era has the ability to improve hemostasis throughout the performance of major hepatic resections which decreases blood transfusions and the detrimental effects associated with transfusion. We evaluated hemostasis and outcomes in the current surgical era of performing hepatic resections. Methods: Utilizing the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database all major hepatic resections performed between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed in regards to hemostasis. Hemostasis was evaluated by the need for and magnitude of blood transfusions. Additional perioperative variables (including operative time, length of hospital stay, and mortality rates) were analyzed to assess for outcomes with hemostasis. The NSQIP results were compared to previous publications involving major hepatic resections to detect improvement in hemostasis and outcomes in the current surgical era. Results: A total of 22777 major hepatic resections met the inclusion criteria for analysis in the NSQIP database. An additional 21198 cases were compiled within the selected publications for comparative analysis. The transfusion rate in the current surgical era was 13.3% versus 38.7% in the previous era ( P = 0.0001). When a transfusion was required in the current surgical era there was a two-fold reduction in the number of units transfused (1.5 U vs. 3.8 U, P = 0.0001). Statistically significant improvements in operative time and length of hospital stay were presented within the current surgical era ( P = 0.0001). When a transfusion was required there was an increased relative risk score of 7 for mortality (4.9% vs. 0.7%, P = 0.0001), however, improvement in mortality rates did not reach statistical significance across surgical eras (1.3% vs. 4.0%, P = 0.0001). Conclusions: The conduction of major hepatic resection in the current surgical era is more hemostatic. Correlated with improved hemostasis are better outcomes for both clinical and financial endpoints. These findings should encourage continued and increased performance of major hepatic resections.

Recurrence and survival following microwave, radiofrequency ablation, and hepatic resection of colorectal liver metastases: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background: Gold standard for colorectal liver metastases(CRLM) remains hepatic resection(HR). However, patients with severe comorbidities, unresectable or deep-situated resectable CRLM are candidates for ablation. The aim of the study was to compare recurrence rate and survival benefit of the microwave ablation(MWA), radiofrequency ablation(RFA) and HR by conducting the first network meta-analysis. Data sources: Systematic search of the literature was conducted in the electronic databases. Both updated traditional and network meta-analyses were conducted and the results were compared between them. Results: HR cohort demonstrated significantly less local recurrence rate and better 3-and 5-year diseasefree(DFS) and overall survival(OS) compared to MWA and RFA cohorts. HR cohort included significantly younger patients and with significantly lower preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) by 10.28 ng/m L compared to RFA cohort. Subgroup analysis of local recurrence and OS of solitary and ≤3 cm CRLMs did not demonstrate any discrepancies when compared with the whole sample. Conclusions: For resectable CRLM the treatment of choice still remains HR. MWA and RFA can be used as a single or adjunct treatment in patients with unresectable CRLM and/or prohibitive comorbidities.

Adjuvant hepatic chemotherapy after resection of solitary hepatocellular carcinoma associated with hepatitis B virus cirrhosis

BACKGROUND: Although resection is the major treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC), the high intrahepatic recurrence remains a cardinal cause of death. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy on the survival and recurrence of HCC patients with hepatitis B virus ( HBV) cirrhosis after resection. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients who had undergone placement of a hepatic arterial pump at the time of liver wedge resection for HCC from 1998 through 2004 were reviewed retrospectively. These patients aged 23-71 years had HBV cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class A or B). They were given floxuridine(FUDR) (250 mg), doxorubicin (10 mg) and mitomycin C (4 mg) alternatively every 2 or 3 days through arterial pumps for 8 cycles each year in the first two years after resection. Meanwhile, traditional Chinese herbal medicine was prescribed to the patients. When the leucocyte count was as low as 3 x 109/L or asparate aminotransferase (AST) level was significantly increased, the regimen of chemotherapy was delayed for the normalization of leucocyte count and AST level (below 80 U/L). RESULTS: Of the 28 patients, 23 received 8 or 16 cycles of the set regimen of chemotherapy. These patients are alive with no evidence of recurrence. Among them, 5,7, and 11 patients are alive beyond 5 years, 3 years, and 1 year respectively. In the remaining 5 patients, 3 who had had a HCC 10 cm or more in diameter showed tumor recurrence within 1 year, in whom, 8 cycles of chemotherapy were not completed because of their low leucocyte count (<3 × 109/L) and poor liver function. One patient who had received 8 cycles of chemotherapy demonstrated recurrence at 16 months after resection. One patient who had received 16 cycles of chemotherapy had intrahepatic recurrence at 58 months after surgery. No recurrence was observed in 17 patients who had received 16 cycles of chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant hepatic arterial chemotherapy may be feasible to improve the survival of patients after resection of solitary HCC associated with HBV cirrhosis.

Significance of functional hepatic resection rate calculated using 3D CT/^(99m)Tc-galactosyl human serum albumin singlephoton emission computed tomography fusion imaging

AIM: To evaluate the usefulness of the functional hepatic resection rate (FHRR) calculated using 3D computed tomography (CT)/99mTc-galactosyl-human serum albumin (GSA) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) fusion imaging for surgical decision making.METHODS: We enrolled 57 patients who underwent bi- or trisectionectomy at our institution between October 2013 and March 2015. Of these, 26 patients presented with hepatocellular carcinoma, 12 with hilar cholangiocarcinoma, six with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, four with liver metastasis, and nine with other diseases. All patients preoperatively underwent three-phase dynamic multidetector CT and 99mTc-GSA scintigraphy. We compared the parenchymal hepatic resection rate (PHRR) with the FHRR, which was defined as the resection volume counts per total liver volume counts on 3D CT/99mTc-GSA SPECT fusion images.RESULTS: In total, 50 patients underwent bisectionectomy and seven underwent trisectionectomy. Biliary reconstruction was performed in 15 patients, including hepatopancreatoduodenectomy in two. FHRR and PHRR were 38.6 ± 19.9 and 44.5 ± 16.0, respectively; FHRR was strongly correlated with PHRR. The regression coefficient for FHRR on PHRR was 1.16 (P < 0.0001). The ratio of FHRR to PHRR for patients with preoperative therapies (transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, radiation, radiofrequency ablation, etc.), large tumors with a volume of > 1000 mL, and/or macroscopic vascular invasion was significantly smaller than that for patients without these factors (0.73 ± 0.19 vs 0.82 ± 0.18, P < 0.05). Postoperative hyperbilirubinemia was observed in six patients. Major morbidities (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3) occurred in 17 patients (29.8%). There was no case of surgery-related death.CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that FHRR is an important deciding factor for major hepatectomy, because FHRR and PHRR may be discrepant owing to insufficient hepatic inflow and congestion in patients with preoperative therapies, macroscopic vascular invasion, and/or a tumor volume of > 1000 mL.

Efficacy of surgical resection in management of isolated extrahepatic metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To clarify the benefit of surgical excision for patients with extrahepatic metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 140 patients with pathologically proven extrahepatic metastases of HCC and evaluated the outcomes of those who had undergone surgical resection(SR)for extrahepatic metastatic lesions.Prognoses made on the basis of extrahepatic metastatic sites were also examined. RESULTS:The survival rates of patients who underwent SR of extrahepatic metastases were significantly better than those of patients who did not receive SR. For the SR group,1-and 3-year survival rates were 24%and 7%,respectively,while for the non-resection group,the survival rates were 8%and 0%,respec- tively(P<0.0001).Survival rates related to metastatic sites were also significantly superior after SR of extrahepatic metastases:median survivals were 32 mo with lung metastasis,10 mo with bone metastasis,6.1 mo with brain metastasis. CONCLUSION:SR can provide survival benefits forpatients with 1 or 2 isolated extrahepatic metastases and who concurrently exhibit good hepatic functional reserve and general performance status as well as successful treatment of intrahepatic HCC.