Single hepatocellular carcinoma ≤ 3 cm in left lateral segment:Liver resection or radiofrequency ablation?

AIM: To evaluate the long-term results of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) compared to left lateral sectionectomy (LLS) in patients with Child-Pugh class A disease for the treatment of single and small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the left lateral segments.

Impact of laparoscopic liver resection on bleeding complications in patients receiving antithrombotics

To assess the impact of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) on surgical blood loss (SBL), especially in patients with antithrombotics for thromboembolic risks. METHODSConsecutive 258 patients receiving liver resection at our institution between 2010 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative antithrombotic therapy (ATT; antiplatelets and/or anticoagulation) was regularly used in 100 patients (ATT group, 38.8%) whereas not used in 158 (non-ATT group, 61.2%). Our perioperative management of high thromboembolic risk patients included maintenance of preoperative aspirin monotherapy for patients with antiplatelet therapy and bridging heparin for patients with anticoagulation. In both ATT and non-ATT groups, outcome variables of patients undergoing LLR were compared with those of patients receiving open liver resection (OLR), and the independent risk factors for increased SBL were determined by multivariate analysis. RESULTSThis series included 77 LLR and 181 OLR. There were 3 thromboembolic events (1.2%) in a whole cohort, whereas increased SBL (≥ 500 mL) and postoperative bleeding complications (BCs) occurred in 66 patients (25.6%) and 8 (3.1%), respectively. Both in the ATT and non-ATT groups, LLR was significantly related to reduced SBL and low incidence of BCs, although LLR was less performed as anatomical resection. Multivariate analysis showed that anatomical liver resection was the most significant risk factor for increased SBL [risk ratio (RR) = 6.54, P < 0.001] in the whole cohort, and LLR also had the significant negative impact (RR = 1/10.0, P < 0.001). The same effects of anatomical resection (RR = 15.77, P < 0.001) and LLR (RR = 1/5.88, P = 0.019) were observed when analyzing the patients in the ATT group. CONCLUSIONLLR using the two-surgeon technique is feasible and safely performed even in the ATT-burdened patients with thromboembolic risks. Independent from the extent of liver resection, LLR is significantly associated with reduced SBL, both in the ATT and non-ATT groups.

Liver resection vs radiofrequency ablation in single hepatocellular carcinoma of posterosuperior segments in elderly patients

BACKGROUND Liver resection and radiofrequency ablation are considered curative options for hepatocellular carcinoma.The choice between these techniques is still controversial especially in cases of hepatocellular carcinoma affecting posterosuperior segments in elderly patients.AIM To compare post-operative outcomes between liver resection and radiofrequency ablation in elderly with single hepatocellular carcinoma located in posterosuperior segments.METHODS A retrospective multicentric study was performed enrolling 77 patients age≥70-years-old with single hepatocellular carcinoma(≤30 mm),located in posterosuperior segments(4a,7,8).Patients were divided into liver resection and radiofrequency ablation groups and preoperative,peri-operative and long-term outcomes were retrospectively analyzed and compared using a 1:1 propensity score matching.RESULTS After propensity score matching,twenty-six patients were included in each group.Operative time and overall postoperative complications were higher in the resection group compared to the ablation group(165 min vs 20 min,P<0.01;54%vs 19%P=0.02 respectively).A median hospital stay was significantly longer in the resection group than in the ablation group(7.5 d vs 3 d,P<0.01).Ninety-day mortality was comparable between the two groups.There were no significant differences between resection and ablation group in terms of overall survival and disease free survival at 1,3,and 5 years.CONCLUSION Radiofrequency ablation in posterosuperior segments in elderly is safe and feasible and ensures a short hospital stay,better quality of life and does not modify the overall and disease-free survival.

Clinical Value of Trans-parenchymal Compressing Suture to Decrease the Cutting Surface Related Complications after Non-anatomical Liver Resection

Non-anatomical liver resection with appropriate resection margin is regarded as a potential curative treatment for selected major hepatic carcinoma due to preserving maximal normal liver,especially in cirrhotic patients.But occurrence of cutting surface related complications becomes a main challenge.From June 2010 to June 2016,448 patients with major hepatic carcinoma received non-anatomical liver resection in our liver surgery center.After excluding 66 cases that were incongruent with the purpose of study,235 patients undergoing transparenchymal compressing suture(TCS)to“not good”cutting surface were allocated as study group;147 patients with exposed surface(ES)were matched as control group.The characteristics of postoperative drainage,postoperative hepatic and renal functions,hospital days,and outcomes were collected retrospectively.We further compared cutting surface related complications under different levels of liver cirrhosis between the two groups.Compared with ES group,patients in TCS group had a decreased incidence of cutting surface related complications(14.3%vs.6.8%,P=0.011)and a decreased probability of interventions for cutting surface related complications(8.2%vs.3.4%,P=0.042).TCS application was much more effective to prevent cutting surface related complications in patients with moderate and severe cirrhosis(5.4%vs.15.8%,P=0.003).Postoperative hepatic and renal function,hospita 1 days and mortality did not differ between the two groups.In conclusion,TCS decreases the probability of cutting surface related complications and postoperative interventions for related complications,especially in patients with moderate and severe cirrhosis.

Resective surgery for liver tumor: a multivariate analysis of causes and risk factors linked to postoperative complications

BACKGROUND: In spite of accurate selection of patients eligible for resection, and although advances in surgical techniques and perioperative management have greatly contributed to reducing the rate of perioperative deaths, stress must be placed on reducing the postoperative complication rates reported to be still as high as 50%. This study was designed to analyze the causes and foreseeable risk factors linked to postoperative morbidity on the grounds of data derived from a single-center surgical population. METHODS: From September 1989 to March 2005, 287 consecutive patients, affected either with HCC or liver metastasis, had liver resection at our department. Among the HCC series we recorded 98 patients (73.2%) in Child- Pugh class A, 32 (23.8%) in class B and 4 in class C (3%). In 104 colorectal metastases, 71% were due to colon cancer, 25% rectal, 3% sigmoid, and 1% anorectal. In 49 non-colorectal metastases, 22.4% were derived from breast cancer, 63.2% gastrointestinal tumors (excluding colon) and 14.4% other cancers. We performed 80 wedge resections, 77 bisegmentectomies and/or left lobectomies, 74 segmentectomies, 22 major hepatectomies, 20 left hepatectomies, and 14 trisegmentectomies. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality rate in this series was 4.5%, and the morbidity rate was 47.7%, because of pleural effusion (30%), hepatic abscess (25%), hepatic insufficiency (19%), ascites (10%), hemoperitoneum (10%), or biliary fistula (6%). The variables associated with the technical aspects of the surgical procedure thatwere responsible for the complications were: a Pringle maneuver length more than 20 minutes (P=0.001); the type of liver resection procedure, including major hepatectomy (P=0.02), left hepatectomy (P=0.04), trisegmentectomy (P=0.04), bisegmentectomy and/or left lobectomy (P=0,04); and a blood transfusion of more than 600 ml (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: The evaluation of causes and foreseeable risk factors linked to postoperative morbidity during the planning of surgical treatment should play the same role as other factors weighed in the selection of patients eligible for liver resection.

Development of a novel difficulty scoring system for laparoscopic liver resection procedure in patients with intrahepatic duct stones

BACKGROUND For intrahepatic duct(IHD)stones,laparoscopic liver resection(LLR)is currently a reliable treatment.However,the current LLR difficulty scoring system(DSS)is only available for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.AIM To explore the development of a DSS for IHD stone patients with LLR and the validation of its reliability.METHODS We used clinical data from 80 patients who received LLR for IHD stones.Forty-six of these patients were used in multiple linear regression to construct a scoring system.Another 34 patients from different centers were used as external validation.The completeness of our DSS was then evaluated in patients with varying degrees of surgical difficulty based on documented surgical outcomes in the study group of patients.RESULTS The following five predictors were ultimately included and scored by calculating the weighted contribution of each factor to the prediction of operative time in the training cohort:Location of stones,number of stones≥3,stones located in the bile ducts of several grades,previous biliary surgery less than twice,distal bile duct atrophy.Subsequently,the data set was validated using a DSS developed from the variables.The following variables were identified as statistically significant in external validation:Operative time,blood loss,intraoperative transfusion,postoperative alanine aminotransferase,and Clavien-Dindo grading≥3.These variables demonstrated statistically significant differences in patients with three or more grades.CONCLUSION Patients with IHD stones have varying degrees of surgical difficulty,and the newly developed DSS can be validated with external data to effectively predict risks and complications after LLR surgery.

Safety of liver resection in patients receiving antithrombotic therapy:A systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND Little is unknown about the effect of chronic antithrombotic therapy(ATT)on bleeding complication during or after hepatectomy.In addition,the safety and effectiveness of chemical prevention for venous thromboembolism(VTE)is still controversial.AIM To clarify the effect of ATT on thromboembolism and bleeding after liver resection.METHODS Articles published between 2011 and 2020 were searched from Google Scholar and PubMed,and after careful reviewing of all studies,studies concerning ATT and liver resection were included.Data such as study design,type of surgery,type of antithrombotic agents,and surgical outcome were extracted from the studies.RESULTS Sixteen published articles,including a total of 8300 patients who underwent hepatectomy,were eligible for inclusion in the current review.All studies regarding patients undergoing chronic ATT showed that hepatectomy can be performed safely,and three studies have also shown the safety and efficacy of preoperative continuation of aspirin.Regarding chemical prevention for VTE,some studies have shown a potentially high risk of bleeding complications in patients undergoing chemical thromboprophylaxis;however,its efficacy against VTE has not been shown statistically,especially among Asian patients.CONCLUSION Hepatectomy in patients with chronic ATT can be performed safely without increasing the incidence of bleeding complications,but the safety and effectiveness of chemical thromboprophylaxis against VTE during liver resection is still controversial,especially in the Asian population.Establishing a clear protocol or guideline requires further research using reliable studies with good design.

Effectiveness of surgical resection for complicated liver cancer and its influencing factors: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Surgical resection is the preferred method for patients with complex liver cancer.But the tumor is in a special position, the surgery is highly risky, postoperative complications can easily occur, and the prognosis is not ideal.AIM To investigate the effectiveness of surgical resection for complex liver cancer and its influencing factors.METHODS Fifty-seven patients who had complicated liver cancer and underwent surgical resection at our hospital from August 2015 to August 2016 were enrolled in this study. All patients were followed for three years, and their postoperative complications, survival, and factors that impacted their survival were analyzed.RESULTS The total incidence of postoperative complications was 45.61%, and the incidence of pleural effusion was the highest at 28.07%. There were no correlations between the 2-year and 3-year survival rates and sex, age, and Hbs Ag of the patients(P >0.05). In terms of pathological parameters, the 2-year and 3-year survival rates were significantly different according to the presence of a tumor capsule, degree of liver cirrhosis, satellite or focal lesions, hepatic vein thrombosis, portal vein tumor thrombus, and intraoperative blood loss(P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONThe effectiveness of surgical resection for complex hepatocellular carcinoma may be affected by factors such as the presence of a tumor capsule, cirrhosis degree,satellite or focal lesions, hepatic vein embolization, portal vein tumor thrombus,and intraoperative blood loss. Therefore, these factors should be controlled and prevented during surgery to help improve patient survival after surgery.

Enhanced recovery after surgery in laparoscopic major liver resection: A propensity score matching analysis

Objective:Even though enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)has been applied to liver resection worldwide,there is a lack of evidence covering its feasibility in laparoscopic major hepatectomy.This study aimed to preliminarily evaluate the superiority of ERAS in major liver resection.Methods:The data were collected from patients who underwent laparoscopic major hepatectomy from July 2014 to November 2020 in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine.The baseline characteristics,pathological features,surgical outcomes,medical costs,and postoperative pain scores were compared before and after propensity score matching(PSM).The patients were divided into the ERAS group and the routine group based on the treatment protocols.Results:Eighty-one patients who underwent laparoscopic major hepatectomy were retrospectively enrolled in the study.Before PSM,there were differences in pathology(p¼0.037)and surgical extent(p¼0.011)between the ERAS group(n¼42)and routine group(n¼39).After PSM,26 patients from each group were matched.For surgical outcomes,patients in the ERAS group had a significantly lower postoperative complication incidence than patients in the routine group(28.6%vs.53.8%,RR:0.531[0.303,0.929],p¼0.021)before PSM.However,after PSM,superiority was not observed in the ERAS group(30.8%vs.53.8%,RR:0.571[0.290,1.13],p¼0.092).The duration of abdominal tube retention(before PSM:5.0 d vs.10.0 d,p<0.001;after PSM:6.0 d vs.9.0 d,p¼0.001),the duration of urinary tube retention(before PSM:1.0 d vs.2.0 d,p<0.001;after PSM:1.0 d vs.2.0 d,p¼0.002),and hospital stay(before PSM:6.0 d vs.11.0 d,p<0.001;after PSM:7.0 d vs.11.5 d,p<0.001)was significantly shorter in the ERAS group than in the routine group.A significant benefit on postoperative day 3(2 vs.3,p¼0.038)was observed with respect to the alleviation of pain after PSM.Conclusions:Our preliminary study revealed the superiority of ERAS in the setting of major liver resection,although further investigations in a large number of patients from multiple institutions are needed to evaluate the feasibility of ERAS.

Bile leakage test in liver resection:A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM:To assess systematically the safety and efficacy of bile leakage test in liver resection.METHODS:Randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials involving the bile leakage test were included in a systematic literature search.Two authors independently assessed the studies for inclusion and extracted the data.A meta-analysis was conducted to estimate postoperative bile leakage,intraoperative positive bile leakage,and complications.We used either the fixed-effects or random-effects model.RESULTS:Eight studies involving a total of 1253 patients were included and they all involved the bile leakage test in liver resection.The bile leakage test group was associated with a significant reduction in bile leakage compared with the non-bile leakage test group(RR=0.39,95%CI:0.23-0.67;I2=3%).The white test had superiority for detection of intraoperative bile leakage compared with the saline solution test(RR=2.38,95%CI:1.24-4.56,P=0.009).No significant intergroup differences were observed in total number of complications,ileus,liver failure,intraperitoneal hemorrhage,pulmonary disorder,abdominal infection,and wound infection.CONCLUSION:The bile leakage test reduced postoperative bile leakage and did not increase incidence of complications.Fat emulsion is the best choice of solution for the test.

Transplantation vs resection for hepatocellular carcinoma with compensated liver function after downstaging therapy

AIM:Our study aimed to compare the results of liver transplantation (LT) and liver resection (LR) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that met the Milan criteria after successful downstaging therapy. METHODS:From February 2004 to August 2010, a consecutive series of 102 patients were diagnosed with advanced-stage HCC that met the modified UCSF down-staging protocol inclusion criteria. All of the patients accepted various down-staging therapies. The types and numbers of treatments were tailored to each patient according to the tumor characteristics, location, liver function and response. After various downstaging therapies, 66 patients had tumor characteristics that met the Milan criteria; 31 patients accepted LT in our center, and 35 patients accepted LR. The baseline characteristics, down-staging protocols, postoperative complications, overall survival and tumor free survival rate, and tumor recurrence rate were compared between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to estimate the long-term overall survival and tumor-free survival rate. Meanwhile, a Cox proportional hazards model was used for the multivariate analyses of overall survival and disease-free survival rate. RESULTS:No significant difference was observed between the LT and LR groups with respect to the downstaging protocol, target tumor characteristics, and baseline patient characteristics. Fifteen patients suffered various complications after LT, and 8 patients had complications after LR. The overall complication rate for the LT group was 48.4%, which was significantly higher than the LR group (22.9%) (P = 0.031). The overall in-hospital mortality in hospital for the LT group was 12.9% vs 2.9% for the LR group (P = 0.172). The overall patient survival rates at 1-, 3and 5-years were 87.1%, 80.6% and 77.4%, respectively, after LT and 91.4%, 77.1% and 68.6%, respectively, after LR (P = 0.498). The overall 1-, 3and 5-year tumor recurrencefree rates were also comparable (P = 0.656). Poorer tumor differentiation (P = 0.041) and a higher postdownstage alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level (> 400 ng/mL) (P = 0.015) were the two independent risk factors for tumor recurrence in the LT and LR patients who accepted successful down-staging therapy. CONCLUSION:Due to the higher postoperative morbidity and similar survival and tumor recurrence-free rates, LR might offer better or similar outcome over LT, but a larger number and further randomized studies may be needed in the future for drawing any positive conclusions.

Inadvertent perioperative hypothermia and surgical site infections after liver resection

Background:In the overall surgical population,inadvertent perioperative hypothermia has been associated with an increased incidence of surgical site infection(SSI).However,recent clinical trials did not validate this notion.This study aimed to investigate the potential correlation between inadvertent perioperative hypothermia and SSIs following liver resection.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included all consecutive patients who underwent liver resection between January 2019 and December 2021 at the First Affiliated Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine.Perioperative temperature managements were implemented for all patients included in the analysis.Estimated propensity score matching(PSM)was performed to reduce the baseline imbalances between the normothermia and hypothermia groups.Before and after PSM,univariate analyses were performed to evaluate the correlation between hypothermia and SSI.Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine whether hypothermia was an independent risk factor for postoperative transfusion and major complications.Subgroup analyses were performed for diabetes mellitus,age>65 years,and major liver resection.Results:Among 4000 patients,2206 had hypothermia(55.2%),of which 150 developed SSI(6.8%).PSM yielded 1434 individuals in each group.After PSM,the hypothermia and normothermia groups demonstrated similar incidence rates of SSI(7.0%vs.6.3%,P=0.453),postoperative transfusion(13.7%vs.13.3%,P=0.743),and major complications(10.1%vs.9.0%,P=0.309).Univariate regression analysis revealed no significant effects of hypothermia on the incidence of SSI in the group with the highest hypothermia exposure[odds ratio(OR)=1.25,95%confidence interval(CI):0.84-1.87,P=0.266],the group with moderate exposure(OR=1.00,95%CI:0.65-1.53,P=0.999),or the group with the lowest exposure(OR=1.11,95%CI:0.73-1.65,P=0.628).The subgroup analysis revealed similar results.Regarding liver function,patients in the hypothermia group demonstrated lowerγ-glutamyl transpeptidase(37 vs.43 U/L,P<0.001)and alkaline phosphatase(69 vs.72 U/L,P=0.016).However,patients in the hypothermia group exhibited prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time(29.2 vs.28.6 s,P<0.001).Conclusions:In our study of patients undergoing liver resection,we found no significant association between mild perioperative hypothermia and SSI.It might be due to the perioperative temperature managements,especially active warming measures,which limited the impact of perioperative hypothermia on the occurrence of SSI.

A novel scoring system for conversion and complication in laparoscopic liver resection

Background:Although laparoscopic liver resection(LLR)has been increasingly popular worldwide,there is lack of predictive model to evaluate the feasibility and safety of LLR.The aim of this study was to establish a scoring system for predicting the possibility of conversion and complication,which could facilitate the patient selection for clinicians and communication with patients and their relatives during the informed consent process.Methods:Consecutively 696 patients between August 1998 and December 2016 underwent LLR were recruited.The entire cohort was divided randomly into development and validation cohorts.The scoring system for conversion and complication were established according to risk factors identified from multiple logistic analysis.Subgroup analysis was performed to assess the clinical application.And the C-index and decision curve analysis(DCA)were conducted to evaluate the discrimination in comparison with other predictive models.Results:Six hundred and ninety-six patients were enrolled eventually.The rate of conversion in the development and validation cohorts was 8.3%and 10.3%,respectively.Compared with 12.6%complication rate in the development cohort,12.9%was concluded in the validation cohort.Upon on the identified risk factors,the risk stratification model was established and validated.Subsequent subgroup analysis indicated low risk patients presented superior surgical outcomes compared with high risk patients.Besides,the C-index and DCA implied our models had better capacities of predicting conversion and complication in comparison with previous scoring systems.Conclusions:This novel scoring system presents the remarkable capacities of predicting conversion,complication in LLR.And thereby,it could be a useful instrument to facilitate the patient selection for clinicians and communication with patients and their relatives during the informed consent process.

The significance of severe postoperative complications on liver regeneration

The liver is an extraordinary organ known for its remarkable regenerative capacity(1).This regenerative ability lays the foundation for various therapeutic approaches,such as partial hepatectomy(PHx),split-liver transplantation,live-donor liver transplantation,and associated liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy(ALPPS).

Update on Liver Failure Following Hepatic Resection: Strategies for Prediction and Avoidance of Post-operative Liver Insufficiency

Liver resection is increasingly used for a variety of benign and malignant conditions.Despite advances in preoperative selection,surgical technique and perioperative management,posthepatectomy liver failure(PHLF)is still a leading cause of morbidity and mortality following liver resection.Given the devastating physiological consequences of PHLF and the lack of effective treatment options,identifying risk factors and preventative strategies for PHLF is paramount.In the past,a major limitation to conducting high quality research on risk factors and prevention strategies for PHLF has been the absence of a standardized definition.In this article,we describe relevant definitions for PHLF,discuss risk factors and prediction models,and review advances in liver assessment tools and PHLF prevention strategies.

Frailty and Liver resection: where do we stand?

As the world population is continuously aging, the number of older patients requiring liver surgery is also on the rise. Data have shown that age should not be a limiting factor for liver resection, as it cannot accurately predict postoperative outcomes. Instead, frailty can serve as a more reliable measure of the patient's overall health and functional reserves. Several frailty assessment tools have been implemented for preoperative risk stratification before liver surgery, and higher scores have commonly been associated with postoperative morbidity, mortality, and length of hospital stay. However, no consensus has been reached on the most useful screening tool. Future studies should focus on comparing the currently available assessment tools, constructing a liver resection-specific tool, and assessing the role of frailty assessment tools in preoperative patient optimization.

Chinese expert consensus on laparoscopic hepatic segmentectomy and subsegmentectomy navigated by augmented-and mixed-reality technology combined with indocyanine green fluorescence imaging

Augmented-and mixed-reality technologies have pioneered the realization of real-time fusion and interactive projection for laparoscopic surgeries.Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging technology has enabled anatomical,functional,and radical hepatectomy through tumor identification and localization of target hepatic segments,driving a transformative shift in themanagement of hepatic surgical diseases,moving away from traditional,empirical diagnostic and treatment approaches toward digital,intelligent ones.The Hepatic Surgery Group of the Surgery Branch of the Chinese Medical Association,Digital Medicine Branch of the Chinese Medical Association,Digital Intelligent Surgery Committee of the Chinese Society of ResearchHospitals,and Liver Cancer Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized the relevant experts in China to formulate this consensus.This consensus provides a comprehensive outline of the principles,advantages,processes,and key considerations associated with the application of augmented reality and mixed-reality technology combined with indocyanine green fluorescence imaging technology for hepatic segmental and subsegmental resection.The purpose is to streamline and standardize the application of these technologies.

Laparoscopic liver resection in the cirrhotic patient

Aim:The adoption of laparoscopic liver resection has been expansive in the last 2 decades with the exception of cirrhotic patients.The current study examines the outcomes of our cirrhotic resections to determine the potential limitations of this technique.Methods:Retrospective analysis of 114 cirrhotic patients.Seventy-five(65.8%)laparoscopic resections were compared to 39 open resections.Seventy-six(66.7%)resections in the series were minor resections(less than 3 segments).Surgical approach and extent of resection were analyzed using student’s t test and regression multivariate analysis with SAS.Results:The laparoscopic group had lower operative times(2.4 vs.4.8 h;P<0.001),blood loss(250 vs.609 mL;P<0.001),length of stay(4.4 vs.10.1 days;P=0.013)a nd c omplications(28%vs.48%;P=0.028).Subset analysis by technique and extent of resection identified the laparoscopic group lost the advantage in blood loss and lengths of stay when utilized in major resections.Multivariate regression analysis for blood loss further confirmed open resection(P=0.014)a nd major resection(P=0.026)a s significant i ndicators of bleeding and transfusion.Conclusion:Laparoscopic liver resection in cirrhotic patients is safe and efficacious.However,the significant variability in outcomes for major resections in cirrhotics leads us to recommend further examination of the learning curve and significant caution in the selection of cirrhotics requiring major hepatic resections.

Central hepatectomy for centrally located malignant liver tumors: A systematic review

AIM: To study whether central hepatectomy(CH) canachieve similar overall patient survival and disease-freesurvival rates as conventional major hepatectomies ornot.METHODS: A systematic literature search was per-formed in MEDLINE for articles published from January1983 to June 2013 to evaluate the evidence for andagainst CH in the management of central hepatic malig-nancies and to compare the perioperative variables andoutcomes of CH to lobar/extended hemihepatectomy. RESULTS: A total of 895 patients were included from21 relevant studies. Most of these patients who un-derwent CH were a sub-cohort of larger liver resectionstudies. Only 4 studies directly compared Central vshemi-/extended hepatectomies. The range of opera-tive time for CH was reported to be 115 to 627 min andPringle's maneuver was used for vascular control in themajority of studies. The mean intraoperative blood lossduring CH ranged from 380 to 2450 mL. The reportedmorbidity rates ranged from 5.1% to 61.1%, the most common surgical complication was bile leakage and the most common cause of mortality was liver failure. Mor-tality ranged from 0.0% to 7.1% with an overall mor-tality of 2.3% following CH. The 1-year overall survival(OS) for patients underwent CH for hepatocellular car-cinoma ranged from 67% to 94%; with the 3-year and 5-year OS having a reported range of 44% to 66.8%, and 31.7% to 66.8% respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on current literature, CH is a promising option for anatomical parenchymal-preserv-ing procedure in patients with centrally located liver malignancies; it appears to be safe and comparable in both perioperative, early and long term outcomes when compared to patients undergoing hemi-/extended hepatectomy. More prospective studies are awaited to further define its role.

Parenchymal-sparing liver surgery in patients with colorectal carcinoma liver metastases

Liver resection is the treatment of choice for patients with colorectal liver metastases(CLM).However,major resections are often required to achieve R0 resection,which are associated with substantial rates of morbidity and mortality.Maximizing the amount of residual liver gained increasing significance in modern liver surgery due to the high incidence of chemotherapyassociated parenchymal injury.This fact,along with the progressive expansion of resectability criteria,has led to the development of a surgical philosophy known as "parenchymal-sparing liver surgery"(PSLS).This philosophy includes a variety of resection strategies,either performed alone or in combination with ablative therapies.A profound knowledge of liver anatomy and expert intraoperative ultrasound skills are required to perform PSLS appropriately and safely.There is a clear trend toward PSLS in hepatobiliary centers worldwide as current evidence indicates that tumor biology is the most important predictor of intrahepatic recurrence and survival,rather than the extent of a negative resection margin.Tumor removal avoiding the unnecessary sacrifice of functional parenchyma has been associated with less surgical stress,fewer postoperative complications,uncompromised cancer-related outcomes and higher feasibility of future resections.The increasing evidence supporting PSLS prompts its consideration as the gold-standard surgical approach for CLM.