Kinetic growth rate after portal vein embolization predicts posthepatectomy outcomes: toward zero liver-related mortality in patients with colorectal liver metastases and small future liver remnant. J Am Coll Surg. 2013;216:201-209. [PMID: 23219349 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2012.10.018]

Discrepancy between volume and functional recovery in early phase liver regeneration following extended hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection

AIM

To elucidate the clinical factors having an impact on liver regeneration rate following preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) and subsequent extended hepatectomy. The correlation between liver volume and functional recovery after extended hepatectomy was also investigated.

METHODS

Records of patients who underwent extended hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection following PVE for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma were reviewed retrospectively with attention to liver regeneration. All patients underwent computed tomography before PVE, after PVE (immediately before surgery), and on postoperative day (POD) 7. The kinetic growth rate (KGR) was calculated as the percent increase in liver volume relative to the future liver remnant volume per day after PVE (KGR_PVE ) and after POD 7 (KGR_POD7 ) using the computed tomography images before PVE, after PVE, and on POD 7.

RESULTS

In the 289 study patients, the median of KGR_PVE was 1.35%/day whereas that of KGR_POD7 was 5.56%/day. The extent of liver resection had the greatest impact on both KGR_PVE and KGR_POD7 and the impacts of other factors were less. There was a significant negative correlation between KGR_PVE and KGR_POD7 (P = 0.002). No correlations were observed between KGR_PVE or KGR_POD7 and serum total bilirubin and prothrombin time - international normalized ratio on POD 7, nor in the incidence of liver failure after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Early phase liver regeneration after extended hepatectomy was largely influenced by the extent of liver resection and showed no correlation with the indices of liver failure. There was a discrepancy between volume and functional recovery in early phase liver regeneration.

Portal Vein Embolization for Future Liver Remnant Enhancement and Combined Modality Treatment for the Management of Post-hepatic Resection Biliary Fistula in an 18-Month Old Child With Hepatoblastoma

Hepatic resection is the mainstay of treatment for hepatoblastoma. However, the presence of adequate future liver remnant (FLR) is essential to prevent postoperative liver failure. Portal vein embolization (PVE) is commonly utilized in adults for promoting hypertrophy of FLR, however, it is sparingly used in children. Secondly, bile leak after liver resections is a well-defined complication. Apart from conservative treatment such as drainage and antibiotic, several management strategies including endoscopic, percutaneous, and surgical approaches have been described for its management. We present an 18-month old child with hepatoblastoma for whom PVE was performed to enhance the FLR so that an extended right hepatectomy could be accomplished. The same patient endured delayed postoperative biliary leak wherein the conservative, and non-operative interventional procedure failed, however, surgery combined with intraoperative interventional radiology procedure was utilized with a favorable outcome.

Cholangiocarcinoma: a site-specific update on the current state of surgical management and multi-modality therapy

Biliary tract cancers (BTC) are rare, heterogeneous malignancies that include cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer (GBC). Cholangiocarcinoma subtypes differ by anatomic location and molecular profile. Currently, resection with lymphadenectomy is the only curative treatment of locally advanced cholangiocarcinoma. Given the high risk of recurrence, multi-modality therapy spanning surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy should be considered. Current data is discordant and there is limited prospective data to support an optimal treatment regimen, though recent studies have demonstrated the utility of adjuvant chemotherapy and chemoradiation in specific settings and patient populations. There is a potential role for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resectable disease or chemoradiation in select patients with unresectable, locally advanced disease. Randomized clinical trials are necessary to establish the effectiveness of therapies specific to disease sites, especially with the emerging role of immunotherapy and targeted therapy to actionable mutations.

Surgical Considerations of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is an aggressive malignancy of the extrahepatic bile ducts. Hilar lesions are most common. Patients present with obstructive jaundice and intrahepatic bile duct dilation. Cross-sectional imaging reveals local, regional, and distant extent of disease, with direct cholangiography providing tissue for diagnosis. The consensus of a multidisciplinary committee dictates treatment. Resection of the extrahepatic bile duct and ipsilateral hepatic lobe with or without vascular resection and transplantation after neoadjuvant protocol are options for curative treatment. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor with negative margins. Patients with inoperable tumors or metastatic disease are best served with palliative chemoradiotherapy.

Effect of portal vein embolization on treatment plan prior to major hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Portal vein embolization (PVE) is used before major hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to increase future liver remnant (FLR) volume. However, this may increase tumour growth rate, leading to more extensive resections. This study aimed to determine the effect of tumour growth, following PVE, on treatment plan.

METHOD

Retrospective cohort study conducted on patients treated from 2008 to 2015 with PVE before major hepatectomy for HCC. Liver and tumour volumetry was performed on pre- and post-PVE CT scans. Image-based and actioned plans were compared before and after PVE.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients received PVE. Non-tumour total liver volume decreased (median 1440 to 1394 cm³; p = 0.031), while tumour (median 161-240 cm³; p < 0.001) and FLR volumes (median 430-574 cm³; p < 0.001) increased. The treatment plan changed in 15/31 patients: more extensive resection (n = 6), less extensive resection (n = 1), no resection as scheduled (n = 8). Tumour progression accounted for a clinically relevant change in treatment plan in 8/31 patients.

CONCLUSION

Following PVE in the setting of HCC, tumour progression accounts for a change in treatment plan in approximately a quarter of patients. Further research is warranted to determine whether additional liver directed therapy should routinely be used to slow the growth of HCC post-PVE.

ALPPS Improves Resectability Compared With Conventional Two-stage Hepatectomy in Patients With Advanced Colorectal Liver Metastasis: Results From a Scandinavian Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (LIGRO Trial)

Objective:

The aim of the study was to evaluate if associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) could increase resection rates (RRs) compared with two-stage hepatectomy (TSH) in a randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Background:

Radical liver metastasis resection offers the only chance of a cure for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) and an insufficient future liver remnant (FLR) volume are traditionally treated with chemotherapy with portal vein embolization or ligation followed by hepatectomy (TSH). This treatment sometimes fails due to insufficient liver growth or tumor progression.

Methods:

A prospective, multicenter RCT was conducted between June 2014 and August 2016. It included 97 patients with CRLM and a standardized FLR (sFLR) of less than 30%. Primary outcome—RRs were measured as the percentages of patients completing both stages of the treatment. Secondary outcomes were complications, radicality, and 90-day mortality measured from the final intervention.

Results:

Baseline characteristics, besides body mass index, did not differ between the groups. The RR was 92% [95% confidence interval (CI) 84%–100%] (44/48) in the ALPPS arm compared with 57% (95% CI 43%–72%) (28/49) in the TSH arm [rate ratio 8.25 (95% CI 2.6–26.6); P < 0.0001]. No differences in complications (Clavien–Dindo ≥3a) [43% (19/44) vs 43% (12/28)] [1.01 (95% CI 0.4–2.6); P = 0.99], 90-day mortality [8.3% (4/48) vs 6.1% (3/49)] [1.39 [95% CI 0.3–6.6]; P = 0.68] or R0 RRs [77% (34/44) vs 57% (16/28)] [2.55 [95% CI 0.9–7.1]; P = 0.11)] were observed. Of the patients in the TSH arm that failed to reach an sFLR of 30%, 12 were successfully treated with ALPPS.

Conclusion:

ALPPS is superior to TSH in terms of RR, with comparable surgical margins, complications, and short-term mortality.

Chance and challenge of associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

The associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) was first performed in 2007. The critical patient selection, timing to perform the second stage operation, and minimally invasive technique are three key factors for patient outcomes. The aim of this review is to summarize published data on these three aspects.

DATA SOURCES

Studies were identified by searching PubMed for articles published from January 2007 to October 2018, using the keywords "associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy" or "ALPPS" or "in situ split". Studies on colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM), perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) indicated for ALPPS, cutoff values to determine the timing of stage 2, as well as modifications of ALPPS were included.

RESULTS

The mortality of ALPPS for CRLM is declining, for PHC is high. In patients with HCC, essential hypertrophy makes the ALPPS safer. However, the degrees of fibrosis affect the hypertrophy. The future liver remnant volume is still the gold standard to start the second stage. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy plays an important role in quantitatively assessing liver function, whereas cutoff values need to be further calibrated. Less-invasive ALPPS modifications have increased and led to a decreased mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

ALLPS improved the CRLM outcomes; ALPPS is feasible in patients with PHC after failure of portal vein embolization; ALPPS may be an option for HCC patients with major vascular invasion and thrombosis. The simplified and less-invasive ALPPS is the trend.

Dilatation of left portal vein after right portal vein embolization: a simple estimation for growth of future liver remnant

BACKGROUND

To evaluate correlation between growth rate of left portal vein (LPV) and future liver remnant (FLR) after right portal vein embolization (PVE), and to design models predicting FLR growth rate and volume using LPV area measurements on computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

A total of 134 patients (59.6 ± 10.2 years; 103 men) who underwent right PVE with contrast-enhanced CT before and 3-5 weeks after PVE were retrospectively identified. Kinetic hypertrophy ratio (KHR) and kinetic degree of hypertrophy (KDH) served as growth rate parameters. Correlations between LPV growth rate and FLR growth rate and volume change were evaluated by linear regression analysis. The agreements between actual volumetrically determined growth rates and volume of FLR and those estimated from regression equation using LPV measurements were assessed by Bland-Altman plots.

RESULTS

Growth rates of LPV and FLR correlated significantly (P < 0.001). The mean difference between actual and estimated value was 0.1% for KHR-FLR (actual, 9.5 ± 6.0%; estimated, 9.4 ± 3.8%), 0.0% for KDH-FLR (actual, 3.3 ± 1.4%; estimated, 3.3 ± 0.7%), -3.8 cm³ for FLR volume (actual, 642.5 ± 167.8 cm³ ; estimated, 646.4 ± 156.5 cm³ ), and -0.1% for proportion of FLR volume (actual, 48.7 ± 7.8%; estimated, 48.9 ± 7.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

After right PVE, FLR growth rate and volume can be simply estimated from the change in LPV area.

Rapid Induction of Liver Regeneration for Major Hepatectomy (REBIRTH): A Randomized Controlled Trial of Portal Vein Embolisation versus ALPPS Assisted with Radiofrequency

To avoid liver insufficiency following major hepatic resection, portal vein embolisation (PVE) is used to induce liver hypertrophy pre-operatively. Associating liver partition with portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy assisted with radiofrequency (RALPPS) was introduced as an alternative method. A randomized controlled trial comparing PVE with RALPPS for the pre-operative manipulation of liver volume in patients with a future liver remnant volume (FLRV) ≤25% (or ≤35% if receiving preoperative chemotherapy) was conducted. The primary endpoint was increase in size of the FLRV. The secondary endpoints were length of time taken for the volume gain, morbidity, operation length and post-operative liver function. Between July 2015 and October 2017, 57 patients were randomised to RALPPS (n = 29) and PVE (n = 28). The mean percentage of increase in the FLRV was 80.7 ± 13.7% after a median 20 days following RALPPS compared to 18.4 ± 9.8% after 35 days (p < 0.001) following PVE. Twenty-four patients after RALPPS and 21 after PVE underwent stage-2 operation. Final resection was achieved in 92.3% and 66.6% patients in RALPPS and PVE, respectively (p = 0.007). There was no difference in morbidity, and one 30-day mortality after RALPPS (p = 0.991) was reported. RALPPS is more effective than PVE in increasing FLRV and the number of patients for surgical resection.

Long-term survival after post-hepatectomy liver failure for colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

While post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) accurately predicts short-term mortality, its role in prognosticating long-term overall survival (OS) remains unclear.

METHODS

Patients who underwent hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) after portal vein embolization during 1999-2015 were evaluated retrospectively. PHLF was defined per International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) criteria and as _PeakBil >7 mg/dl. Survival was analyzed using log-rank statistic and Cox regression; patient mortality within 90 days was excluded.

RESULTS

Of 175 patients, 68 (39%) had PHLF according to ISGLS criteria, including 40 (23%) with ISGLS grade B/C, and 14 (8%) had _PeakBil >7 mg/dl. Patients with _PeakBil >7 mg/dl had significantly worse OS than patients without PHLF (median OS, 16 vs 58 months, p = 0.001). Patients with ISGLS defined PHLF (p = 0.251) and patients with ISGLS grade B/C PHLF (p = 0.220) did not have worse OS than patients without PHLF.

CONCLUSION

Peak bilirubin >7 mg/dl impacts on long-term survival after hepatectomy for CRLM and is a better predictor of long-term survival than ISGLS-defined PHLF.

Dealing with an insufficient future liver remnant: Portal vein embolization and two-stage hepatectomy

Colorectal liver metastases (CLM) are not always resectable at the time of diagnosis. An insufficient future liver remnant is a factor excluding patients from curative intent resection. To deal with this issue, two-stage hepatectomy was introduced approximately 20 years ago. It is a sequential treatment strategy for bilateral CLM, which consists of preoperative chemotherapy, portal vein embolization, and planned first and second liver resections. This study reviews current evidence supporting use of two-stage hepatectomy.

Future Liver Remnant (FLR) Increase in Patients with Colorectal Liver Metastases Is Highest the First Week After Portal Vein Occlusion : FLR Increase in Patients with CRLM Is Highest the First Week After PVO

BACKGROUND

Portal vein occlusion (PVO) is an established method to increase the volume of the future liver remnant (FLR). The main reasons for not proceeding to radical hepatectomy are lack of volume increase and tumor progression due to a wait-time interval of up to 8 weeks. The hypothesis was that the increase in FLR volume is not linear and is largest during the first weeks.

METHODS

Patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) and standardized future liver remnant (sFLR) < 30% treated with PVO were prospectively included. All patients had at least one CT evaluation before radical hepatectomy.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients were included. During the first week after PVO, the kinetic growth rate (KGR) was 5.4 (± 4), compared to 1.5 (± 2) between the first and second CT (p < 0.05). For patients reaching adequate FLR and therefore treated with radical hepatectomy, the KGR was 7 (± 4) the first week, compared to 4.3 (± 2) for patients who failed to reach a sufficient volume (p = 0.4). During the interval between the first and second CT, the KGR was 2.2 (± 2), respectively (± 0.1) (p = 0.017).

DISCUSSION

The increase in liver volume after PVO is largest during the first week. As KGR decreases over time, it is important to shorten the interval between PVO and the first volume evaluation; this may aid in decision-making and reduce unnecessary waiting time.

Conversion therapy and suitable timing for subsequent salvage surgery for initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: What is new?

AIM

To review the conversion therapy for initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and the suitable timing for subsequent salvage surgery.

METHODS

A PubMed search was undertaken from 1987 to 2017 to identify articles using the keywords including “unresectable” “hepatocellular carcinoma”, ”hepatectomy”, ”conversion therapy”, “resection”, “salvage surgery” and “downstaging”. Additional studies were investigated through a manual search of the references from the articles. The exclusion criteria were duplicates, case reports, case series, videos, contents unrelated to the topic, comments, and editorial essays. The main and widely used conversion therapies and the suitable timing for subsequent salvage surgery were discussed in detail. Two members of our group independently performed the literature search and data extraction.

RESULTS

Liver volume measurements [future liver remnant (FLR)/total liver volume or residual liver volume/bodyweight ratio] and function tests (scoring systems and liver stiffness) were often performed in order to justify whether patients were suitable candidates for surgery. Successful conversion therapy was usually defined as downstaging the tumor, increasing FLR and providing subsequent salvage surgery, without increasing complications, morbidity or mortality. The requirements for performing salvage surgery after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization were the achievement of a partial remission in radiology, the disappearance of the portal vein thrombosis, and the lack of extrahepatic metastasis. Patients with a standardized FLR (sFLR) > 20% were good candidates for surgery after portal vein embolization, while other predictive parameters like growth rate, kinetic growth rate were treated as an effective supplementary. There was probably not enough evidence to provide a standard operation time after associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy or yttrium-90 microsphere radioembolization. The indications of any combinations of conversion therapies and the subsequent salvage surgery time still need to be carefully and comprehensively evaluated.

CONCLUSION

Conversion therapy is recommended for the treatment of initially unresectable HCC, and the suitable subsequent salvage surgery time should be reappraised and is closely related to its previous therapeutic effect.

Surgical management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma, which represents approximately 60% of biliary tract malignancies, is increasing in incidence and presents an ongoing challenge for patients and hepatobiliary surgeons. Although the majority of patients present with advanced disease, the remaining minority of patients are best treated with surgical resection or transplant. Transplant is typically reserved for locally unresectable tumors often in the setting of underlying hepatic dysfunction and will not be discussed herein. This review, therefore, focuses on oncological resection and the strategies implemented for the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma at a quaternary referral center, including preoperative considerations such as patient selection and optimization of the future liver remnant, nuances to the operative approach for these tumors such as resection under low central venous pressure and management of the bile duct, as well as postoperative management.

The diagnostic value of 99m-Tc GSA scintigraphy for liver function and remnant liver volume in hepatic surgery: a retrospective observational cohort study in 27 patients

Background

The aim was to analyze hepatic hypertrophy after portal vein embolization (PVE) and Associating Liver Partition with Portal vein ligation for Staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) to determine whether clinical circumstances associated with major hepatic resections correlated with remnant growth.

Methods

Data was abstracted from a retrospectively maintained database on 27 patients undergoing hepatic resection followed by PVE and the ALPPS procedure between October 1, 2007 and December 31, 2016. The increasing rate of liver volume and remnant liver LU15 was defined as the percentage-point difference between the liver volume and remnant liver LU15 before and after the intervention or surgery. And correlation between kinetic growth rate (KGR) of liver and future remnant liver volume or remnant liver LU15 was analyzed.

Results

The degree of hypertrophy (DH) of volume and LU15 was significantly greater after ALPPS (volume: 40.3% and LU15: 65.0%) than after PVE (volume: 22.7% and LU15: 48.8%) (P < 0.05). KGR of volume and LU15 was significantly greater after ALPPS (volume: 19.0 cm³/day and 2.00%/day) (LU15: 0.61 /day and 1.82%/day) than after PVE (volume: 3.89 cm³/day and 0.42%/day) (LU15: 0.19 /day and 0.63%/day) (P < 0.001). An inverse correlation between KGR and initial remnant liver volume was observed. And a positive correlation between KGR and LU15 was observed.

Conclusion

Future remnant liver volume and KGR was greater after the ALPPS procedure than after PVE. Liver hypertrophy is related to the expected remnant liver volume and total liver function. This study suggested that total liver function and initial remnant liver volume might be a new indication of hepatectomy after PVE and ALPPS in the case of insufficient remnant liver volume.

Ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer for occlusion of specific portal branches during preoperative portal vein embolisation with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) injection for selective occlusion of portal branches considered at risk for non-target embolisation during preoperative portal vein embolisation (PVE).

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients (mean age, 57 ± 17 years) submitted to PVE with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and additional EVOH for selected portal branches were retrospectively analysed. Indications for the use of EVOH and the selected portal branches were evaluated. Degree of hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (FLR) and kinetic growth were assessed by CT volumetry performed before and 3-6 weeks after PVE. Clinical outcome and histopathological analysis of portal veins occluded with EVOH were reviewed.

RESULTS

EVOH was indicated intraoperatively for embolisation of selected portal branches that the operator reported at risk to provoke non-target embolisation with NBCA. Indications for the use of EVOH were embolisation of segment IV (n = 21), embolisation of segmental portal branches with early bifurcation (n = 7) and PVE in a 1-year-old girl with cystic hamartomas. All targeted portal branches were successfully embolised. There were no cases with non-target embolisation by EVOH. The degree of hypertrophy of the FLR was 14.3 ± 8.1% and the kinetic growth rate was 2.7 ± 1.8% per week.

CONCLUSION

EVOH is safe and effective for embolisation of selected portal vein branches considered at risk for non-target embolisation.

KEY POINTS

• EVOH is another effective liquid embolic agent for preoperative PVE. • EVOH is relatively simple to handle with a minimal risk of non-target embolisation. • During PVE, some portal branches considered complicated to occlude with NBCA may be efficiently embolised with EVOH.

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.

Quantitative Imaging Features and Postoperative Hepatic Insufficiency: A Multi-Institutional Expanded Cohort

BACKGROUND

Post-hepatectomy liver insufficiency (PHLI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after liver resection. Quantitative imaging analysis using CT scans measures variations in pixel intensity related to perfusion. A preliminary study demonstrated a correlation between quantitative imaging features of the future liver remnant (FLR) parenchyma from preoperative CT scans and PHLI. The objective of this study was to explore the potential application of quantitative imaging analysis in PHLI in an expanded, multi-institutional cohort.

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively identified patients from 5 high-volume academic centers who developed PHLI after major hepatectomy, and matched them to control patients without PHLI (by extent of resection, preoperative chemotherapy treatment, age [±5 years], and sex). Quantitative imaging features were extracted from the FLR in the preoperative CT scan, and the most discriminatory features were identified using conditional logistic regression. Percent remnant liver volume (RLV) was defined as follows: (FLR volume)/(total liver volume) × 100. Significant clinical and imaging features were combined in a multivariate analysis using conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

From 2000 to 2015, 74 patients with PHLI and 74 matched controls were identified. The most common indications for surgery were colorectal liver metastases (53%), hepatocellular carcinoma (37%), and cholangiocarcinoma (9%). Two CT imaging features (FD1_4: image complexity; ACM1_10: spatial distribution of pixel intensity) were strongly associated with PHLI and remained associated with PHLI on multivariate analysis (p = 0.018 and p = 0.023, respectively), independent of clinical variables, including preoperative bilirubin and %RLV.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantitative imaging features are independently associated with PHLI and are a promising preoperative risk stratification tool.

Kinetic analysis of contralateral liver hypertrophy after radioembolization of primary and metastatic liver tumors

BACKGROUND

Radioembolization induces liver hypertrophy, although the extent and rate of hypertrophy are unknown. Our goal was to examine the kinetics of contralateral liver hypertrophy after transarterial radioembolization.

METHODS

A retrospective study (2010-2014) of treatment-naïve patients with primary/secondary liver malignancies undergoing right lobe radioembolization was performed. Computed tomography volumetry was performed before and 1, 3, and 6 months after radioembolization. Outcomes of interest were left lobe (standardized future liver remnant) degree of hypertrophy, kinetic growth rate, and ability to reach goal standardized future liver remnant ≥40%. Medians were compared with the Kruskall-Wallis test. Time to event analysis was used to estimate time to reach goal standardized future liver remnant.

RESULTS

In the study, 25 patients were included. At 1, 3, and 6 months, median degree of hypertrophy was 4%, 8%, and 12% (P < .001), degree of hypertrophy relative to baseline future liver remnants was 11%, 17%, and 31% (P = .015), and kinetic growth rate was 0.8%, 0.5%, and 0.4%/week (P = .002). In patients with baseline standardized future liver remnant <40% (N= 16), median time to reach standardized future liver remnant ≥40% was 7.3 months, with 75% accomplishing standardized future liver remnant ≥40% at 8.2 months.

CONCLUSION

Radioembolization induces hypertrophy of the contralateral lobe to a similar extent as existing methods, although at a lower rate. The role of radioembolization as a dual therapy (neoadjuvant and hypetrophy-inducing) for selected patients needs to be studied. (Surgery 2017;160:XXX-XXX.).

Portal Vein Embolization Reduces Postoperative Hepatic Insufficiency Associated with Postchemotherapy Hepatic Atrophy

BACKGROUND

The risk of postoperative hepatic insufficiency (PHI) is increased among patients with significant postchemotherapy hepatic atrophy. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether the liver regeneration stimulated by portal vein embolization (PVE) can protect against PHI.

METHODS

Clinicopathological features of 177 patients treated with preoperative chemotherapy followed by PVE and hepatectomy were reviewed. Degree of atrophy was defined as the ratio of percentage difference in total liver volume (estimated by manual volumetry) to standardized liver volume. Kinetic growth rate (KGR, degree of hypertrophy [absolute % change in future liver remnant volume] divided by the number of weeks after PVE) and PHI events were compared between patients with degree of atrophy <10 vs ≥10%. Risk factors for the PHI were assessed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Seventy patients (40%) experienced significant hepatic atrophy ≥10% following preoperative chemotherapy. PHI rates were not significantly increased in patients who experienced significant hepatic atrophy (5.6 vs 8.6%, P = 0.443). KGR <2%/week (odds ratio, 8.10, P = 0.037) was the sole independent preoperative predictor of PHI. KGR ≥2% was associated with decreased PHI in both patients with <10% atrophy (0 vs 9.5%, P = 0.035) and ≥10% atrophy (2.6 vs 16.0%, P = 0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

Even in high-risk patients with ≥10% degree of atrophy from preoperative chemotherapy, KGR ≥2% mitigates the deleterious effects of hepatic atrophy and significantly reduces PHI to almost zero. In these high-risk patients, PVE with KGR calculation remains the most important preoperative technique to reduce liver failure after major hepatectomy.

Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy versus conventional two-stage hepatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

It is generally accepted that an insufficient future liver remnant is a major limitation of large-scale hepatectomy for patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Conventional two-stage hepatectomy (TSH) is commonly considered to accelerate future liver regeneration despite its low regeneration rate. Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS), which is characterized by a rapid regeneration, has brought new opportunities.

Methods

Relevant studies were identified by searching the selected databases up to September 2017. Then, a meta-analysis of regeneration efficiency, complication rate, R0 resection ratio, and short-term outcomes was performed.

Results

Ten studies, comprising 719 patients, were included. The overall analysis showed that ALPPS was associated with a larger hyperplastic volume and a shorter time interval (P < 0.00001) than TSH. ALPPS also exhibited a higher completion rate for second-stage operations (odds ratio, OR 9.50; P < 0.0001) and a slightly higher rate of R0 resection (OR 1.90; P = 0.11). Interestingly, there was no significant difference in 90-day mortality between the two treatments (OR 1.44; P = 0.35).

Conclusions

These results indicate that compared with TSH, ALPPS possesses a stronger regenerative ability and better facilitates second-stage operations. However, the safety, patient outcomes, and patient selection for ALPPS require further study.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12957-017-1295-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Surgical Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Surgical treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer offers a chance for cure or prolonged survival, particularly for those with more favorable prognostic factors and limited tumor burden. The treatment plan requires multidisciplinary evaluation because multiple therapy options exist. Advanced surgical techniques, adjuncts to resection, and modern chemotherapy all contribute to best outcomes for patients with hepatic metastases. Although cure is less common for patients with metastasis to lung or peritoneum, surgical resection for the former and cytoreduction and intraperitoneal chemotherapy for the latter may help to achieve cancer control in selected patients.

Bioenergetic adaptations of the human liver in the ALPPS procedure - how liver regeneration correlates with mitochondrial energy status

BACKGROUND

The Associating Liver Partition and Portal Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy (ALPPS) depends on a significant inter-stages kinetic growth rate (KGR). Liver regeneration is highly energy-dependent. The metabolic adaptations in ALPPS are unknown.

AIMS

i) Assess bioenergetics in both stages of ALPPS (T1 and T2) and compare them with control patients undergoing minor (miHp) and major hepatectomy (MaHp), respectively; ii) Correlate findings in ALPPS with volumetric data; iii) Investigate expression of genes involved in liver regeneration and energy metabolism.

METHODS

Five patients undergoing ALPPS, five controls undergoing miHp and five undergoing MaHp. Assessment of remnant liver bioenergetics in T1, T2 and controls. Analysis of gene expression and protein content in ALPPS.

RESULTS

Mitochondrial function was worsened in T1 versus miHp; and in T2 versus MaHp (p < 0.05); but improved from T1 to T2 (p < 0.05). Liver bioenergetics in T1 strongly correlated with KGR (p < 0.01). An increased expression of genes associated with liver regeneration (STAT3, ALR) and energy metabolism (PGC-1α, COX, Nampt) was found in T2 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Metabolic capacity in ALPPS is worse than in controls, improves between stages and correlates with volumetric growth. Bioenergetic adaptations in ALPPS could serve as surrogate markers of liver reserve and as target for energetic conditioning.

ALPPS as a salvage procedure after insufficient future liver remnant hypertrophy following portal vein occlusion

BACKGROUND

A minimum future liver remnant (FLR) of 30% is required to avoid post hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). Portal vein occlusion (PVO) is the main strategy to induce hypertrophy of the FLR, but some patients will not reach sufficient FLR hypertrophy to enable resection. Recently ALPPS has emerged as a "Salvage Procedure" for PVO failure. The aim of this study was to report the short term outcomes of ALPPS following PVO failure.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients enrolled within the international ALPPS Registry between October 2012 and November 2015 (NCT01924741) was performed. Patients with documented PVO failure were included. The outcomes reported included feasibility, FLR growth rate and safety of ALPPS. Complications were recorded as per Clavien-Dindo classification.

RESULTS

From 510 patients enrolled in the Registry there were 22 patients with previous PVO failure. Two patients were excluded due to missing data and twenty patients were analysed. All of them completed the proposed ALPPS with a medium FLR increase of 88% (23-115%) between two stages and no 90-day mortality.

CONCLUSION

In experienced centers, ALPPS following PVO failure is feasible and safe. The FLR hypertrophy was similar to other ALPPS series. ALPPS is a potential rescue strategy after PVO failure.

Preoperative Left Portal Vein Embolization for Left Liver Resection in High-Risk Hepatobiliary Malignancy Patients

BACKGROUND

Preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) is performed for right liver (RL) and sometimes left liver (LL) resection to prevent postoperative surgical complications.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 10 patients who underwent preoperative left PVE before LL resection for hepatobiliary malignancies along with 3 propensity score-matched control groups (n = 40 each).

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 68.6 ± 6.9 years. Diagnoses included intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n = 4), perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (n = 3), neuroendocrine carcinoma (n = 1), recurrent cholangiocarcinoma (n = 1), and inflammatory liver mass (n = 1). The reason for left PVE was a large LL >40 % of the total liver volume (TLV) with a major comorbidity or age > 70 years with a poor overall condition. All patients underwent preplanned operations, including LL resection at 1-3 weeks post PVE. The LL volume proportion of the TLV was 44.9 ± 1.7 and 40.7 ± 2.3 % before and after PVE; thus, 1-2 weeks post PVE, the kinetic shrinkage rate of the LL was 9.4 ± 3.3 %, and the kinetic growth rate of the RL was 7.6 ± 2.7 %. The overall surgical complication rates were 40, 50, and 39.2 % in the left PVE, large LL control, and all three control groups, respectively (p ≥ 0.727). In contrast, the adjusted rates of major complications were 0 % in the left PVE group versus 36.8 % (p = 0.040), 25.6 % (p = 0.123), and 15.8 % (p = 0.295) in the large-, medium-, and small-sized LL control groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience indicates that left PVE is safe and induces atrophy of the LL effectively. We suggest that it can be a useful option to reduce the risk of postoperative complications in elderly high-risk patients.

Portal vein embolization with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate through an ipsilateral approach before major hepatectomy: single center analysis of 50 consecutive patients

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of portal vein embolization (PVE) with n-Butyl-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) through an ipsilateral approach before major hepatectomy. Secondary end-points were PVE safety, liver resection and patient outcome.

Methods

Over a 5-year period 50 non-cirrhotic consecutive patients were included with primary or secondary liver cancer treatable by hepatectomy with a liver remnant (FLR) volume less than 25% or less than 40% in diseased livers.

Results

There were 37 men and 13 women with a mean age of 57 years. Colorectal liver metastases were the most frequent tumor and patients were previously exposed to chemotherapy. FLR increased from 422 ml to 629 ml (P < 0.001) after PVE, corresponding to anincrease of 52%. The FLR ratio increased from 29.6% to 42.3% (P < 0.001). Kinetic growth rate was 2.98%/week. A negative association was observed between increase in the FLR and FLR ratio and FLR volume before PVE (P = 0.002). In 31 patients hepatectomy was accomplished and only one patient presented with liver insufficiency within 30 days after surgery.

Conclusions

PVE with NBCA through an ipsilateral puncture is effective before major hepatectomy. Meticulous attention is needed especially near the end of the embolization procedure to avoid complications.

Trial registration

Clinical Study ISRCTN registration number: ISRCTN39855523. Registered March 13th 2017.

Increased kinetic growth rate during late phase liver regeneration impacts the risk of tumor recurrence after colorectal liver metastases resection

BACKGROUND

Although experimental data strongly support the pro-tumorigenic role of postoperative liver regeneration, this hypothesis has not been clinically investigated. We aimed to examine the impact of liver regeneration determined by volumetric imaging on recurrence following resection of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM).

METHODS

Resected liver volume was subtracted from total liver volume (TLV) to define postoperative remnant liver volume (RLV_p). Early and late kinetic growth rates (KGR) were defined as the postoperative increases in liver volume within 2-3 and 8-10 months from surgery, respectively, divided by the corresponding time interval.

RESULTS

Median early and late KGR was 2.6%/month (IQR: -0.9 to 12.3) and 1.0%/month (IQR: -0.64 to 2.91), respectively. Late KGR predicted intrahepatic recurrence after 1 year from surgery (AUC 0.677, P = 0.011). Specifically, patients with a late KGR ≥1% had a higher cumulative risk of recurrence compared with patients with a KGR <1% (P = 0.038). In multivariate analysis, KGR ≥1% independently predicted recurrence (P = 0.027).

DISCUSSION

A KGR ≥1% during the late regeneration phase was associated with increased risk of intrahepatic recurrence. These data may inform the timing of adjuvant therapy administration and focus surveillance strategies for high-risk patients.

Factors associated with fatal liver failure after extended hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is the leading cause of posthepatectomy mortality. This study aimed to revisit the etiology and pattern of PHLF and its role in posthepatectomy morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

The pattern and etiology of PHLF and subsequent morbidity and mortality were analysed in the subgroup of patients without cirrhosis undergoing an extended hepatectomy (≥4 segments) over a 5 year period. PHLF was defined using ISGLS criteria and/or 50-50 and/or peak serum bilirubin >7 mg/dl.

RESULTS

Among 285 included patients (median age 62 [20-89]), 81 (28%) developed PHLF with higher rates of major complications (38%) and mortality (27%) than patients without PHLF (13% and 2%, respectively; p < 0.001). Twenty-six patients (9%) died, 22 of whom had PHLF. Of these 22 patients, only 4 patients died from complications purely-attributed to PHLF. All the remaining 18 patients had additional peri-operative factors that contributed to the mortality of which severe vascular events were the most common.

CONCLUSION

PHLF is associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality following extended resection. The etiology of PHLF is multifactorial with vascular events being common precipitant. The multifactorial origin of PHLF may explain the low predictive value of current clinical risk scores.

Hepatic atrophy following preoperative chemotherapy predicts hepatic insufficiency after resection of colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND & AIMS

For patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM) undergoing major hepatectomy, extensive preoperative chemotherapy has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The impact of extensive chemotherapy on total liver volume (TLV) change is unclear. The aims of the current study were twofold: (1) to determine the change of TLV following preoperative chemotherapy in patients undergoing resection for CLM and (2) to investigate the correlations among TLV change, postoperative hepatic insufficiency (PHI), and death from liver failure.

METHODS

Clinicopathological features of patients with CLM who underwent preoperative chemotherapy and curative resection were reviewed (2008-2015). TLV change (degree of atrophy) was defined as the percentage difference of TLV (estimated by manual volumetry)/standardized liver volume (SLV) ratio: ([Pre-chemotherapy TLV]-[Post-chemotherapy TLV])×100÷SLV (%). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to decide the accurate cut-off value of degree of atrophy to predict PHI. The Cox proportional hazard model was performed to identify the predictors of severe degree of atrophy and PHI.

RESULTS

The study cohort consisted of 459 patients, of which 154 patients (34%) underwent extensive preoperative chemotherapy (≥7 cycles). ROC analysis identified the degree of atrophy ≥10% as an accurate cut-off to predict PHI, which was significantly correlated with ≥7 cycles of preoperative chemotherapy. Four factors independently predicted PHI: standardized future liver remnant ≤30% (odds ratio [OR] 4.03, p=0.019), high aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (OR 5.27, p=0.028), degree of atrophy ≥10% (OR 43.5, p<0.001), and major hepatic resection (OR 5.78, p=0.005). Degree of atrophy ≥10% was associated with increased mortality from liver failure (0% [0/374] vs. 15% [13/85], p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Extensive preoperative chemotherapy induced significant atrophic change of TLV. Degree of atrophy ≥10% is an independent predictor of PHI and death in patients with CLM undergoing preoperative chemotherapy and resection.

LAY SUMMARY

Extensive preoperative chemotherapy for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM) could induce hepatic atrophy. A higher degree of atrophy is an independent predictor of postoperative hepatic insufficiency and death in patients with CLM undergoing preoperative chemotherapy and resection.

Hepatotoxicity following systemic therapy for colorectal liver metastases and the impact of chemotherapy-associated liver injury on outcomes after curative liver resection

Patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM) have remarkably benefited from the advances in medical multimodal treatment and surgical techniques over the last two decades leading to significant improvements in long-term survival. More patients are currently undergoing liver resection following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which has been increasingly established within the framework of curative-indented treatment strategies. However, the use of several cytotoxic agents has been linked to specific liver injuries that not only impair the ability of liver tissue to regenerate but also decrease long-term survival. One of the most common agents included in modern chemotherapy regimens is oxaliplatin, which is considered to induce a parenchymal damage of the liver primarily involving the sinusoids defined as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS). Administration of bevacizumab, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), has been reported to improve response of CLM to chemotherapy in clinical studies, concomitantly protecting the liver from the development of SOS. In this review, we aim to summarize current data on multimodal treatment concepts for CLM, give an in-depth overview of liver damage caused by cytostatic agents focusing on oxaliplatin-induced SOS, and evaluate the role of bevacizumab to improve clinical outcomes of patients with CLM and to protect the liver from the development of SOS.

A Review and Update of Treatment Options and Controversies in the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To review the current management, outline recent advances and address controversies in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The treatment of HCC is multidisciplinary involving hepatologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, interventional radiologists, and other disciplines. Each of these disciplines brings its unique perspective and differing opinions that add to controversies in the management of HCC.

METHODS

A focused literature review was performed to identify recent studies on the management of HCC and thereby summarize relevant information on the various therapeutic modalities and controversies involved in the treatment of HCC.

RESULTS

The main treatment algorithms continue to rely on hepatic resection or transplantation with controversies involving patients harboring early stage disease and borderline hepatic function. The other treatment strategies include locoregional therapies, radiation, and systemic therapy used alone or in combination with other treatment modalities. Recent advances in locoregional therapies, radiation, and systemic therapies have provided better therapeutic options with curative intent potential for some locoregional therapies. Further refinements in combination therapies such as algorithms consisting of locoregional therapies and systemic or radiation therapies are likely to add additional options and improve survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of HCC has witnessed significant strides with advances in existing options and introduction of several new treatment modalities of various combinations. Further refinements in these treatment options combined with enrollment in clinical trials are essential to improve the management and outcomes of patients with HCC.

[Portal vein embolization: Present and future]

Portal vein embolization consists of occluding a part of the portal venous system in order to achieve the hypertrophy of the non-embolized liver segments. This technique is used during the preoperative period of major liver resection when the future remnant liver (FRL) volume is insufficient, exposing to postoperative liver failure, main cause of death after major hepatectomy. Portal vein embolization indication depends on the FRL, commonly assessed by its volume. Nowadays, FRL function evaluation seems more relevant and can be measured by 99mTc labelled mebrofenin scintigraphy. Portal vein embolization procedure is mostly performed with percutaneous trans-hepatic access by using ultrasonography guidance and consists of embolic agent injection, such as cyanoacrylate, in the targeted portal vein branches with fluoroscopic guidance. It is a safe and well-tolerated technique, with extremely low morbi-mortality. Portal vein embolization leads to sufficient FRL hypertrophy in about 80% of patients, allowing them to undergo surgery from which they were initially rejected. The two main reasons of non-resection are tumor progression (≈15% of cases) and FRL insufficient hypertrophy (≈5% of cases). When portal vein embolization is not enough to obtain adequate FRL regeneration, hepatic vein embolization may potentiate its effect (liver venous deprivation technique).

Gd-EOB-DTPA based magnetic resonance imaging for predicting liver response to portal vein embolization

AIM

To evaluate the correlation between degree of kinetic growth (kGR) of the liver following portal vein embolization (PVE) liver and the enhancement of the during the hepatobiliary phase of contrast administration and to evaluate if the enhancement can be used to predict response to PVE prior to the procedure.

METHODS

Seventeen patients were consented for the prospective study. All patients had an MR of the abdomen with Gd-EOB-DTPA. Fourteen patients underwent PVE. The correlation between the kGR of the liver and the degree of enhancement was evaluated with linear regression (strong assumptions) and Spearman’s correlation test (rank based, no assumptions). The correlation was examined for the whole liver, segments I, VIII, VII, VI, V, IV, right liver and left liver.

RESULTS

There was no correlation between the degree of enhancement during the hepatobiliary phase and kGR for any segment, lobe of the liver or whole liver (P = 0.19 to 0.91 by Spearman’s correlation test).

CONCLUSION

The relative enhancement of the liver during the hepatobiliary phase with Gd-EOB-DTPA cannot be used to predict the liver response to PVE.

Future remnant liver function as predictive factor for the hypertrophy response after portal vein embolization

BACKGROUND

Preoperative portal vein embolization is widely used to increase the future remnant liver. Identification of nonresponders to portal vein embolization is essential because these patients may benefit from associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS), which induces a more powerful hypertrophy response. ^99mTc-mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy is a quantitative method for assessment of future remnant liver function with a calculated cutoff value for the prediction of postoperative liver failure. The aim of this study was to analyze future remnant liver function before portal vein embolization to predict sufficient functional hypertrophy response after portal vein embolization.

METHODS

Sixty-three patients who underwent preoperative portal vein embolization and computed tomography imaging were included. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy was performed to determine pre-portal vein embolization and post-portal vein embolization future remnant liver function. Receiver operator characteristic analysis of pre-portal vein embolization future remnant liver function was performed to identify patients who would meet the post-portal vein embolization cutoff value for sufficient function (ie, 2.7%/min/m²).

RESULTS

Mean pre-portal vein embolization future remnant liver function was 1.80% ± 0.45%/min/m² and increased to 2.89% ± 0.97%/min/m² post-portal vein embolization. Receiver operator characteristic analysis in 33 patients who did not receive chemotherapy revealed that a pre-portal vein embolization future remnant liver function of ≥1.72%/min/m² was able to identify patients who would meet the safe future remnant liver function cutoff value 3 weeks after portal vein embolization (area under the curve = 0.820). The predictive value was less pronounced in 30 patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (area under the curve = 0.618). A total of 45 of 63 patients underwent liver resection, of whom 5 of 45 developed postoperative liver failure; 4 of 5 patients had a post-portal vein embolization future remnant liver function below the cutoff value for safe resection.

CONCLUSION

When selecting patients for portal vein embolization, future remnant liver function assessed with hepatobiliary scintigraphy can be used as a predictor of insufficient functional hypertrophy after portal vein embolization, especially in nonchemotherapy patients. These patients are potential candidates for ALPPS.

Animal Models for Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy (ALPPS): Achievements and Future Perspectives

Background: Since 2012, Associated Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) has been standing in the limelight of modern liver surgery and numerous questions have been raised regarding this novel approach. On the one hand, ALPPS has proved to be a valuable method in the treatment of hepatic tumors, while on the other hand, there are many controversies, such as high mortality and morbidity rates. Further surgical research is essential for a better understanding of underlying mechanisms and for enhancing patient safety. Summary: Until recently, only 8 animal models have been created with the purpose to mimic ALPPS-induced liver regeneration. From these 7 are rodent (6 rat and 1 mouse) models, while only 1 is a large animal model, which uses pigs. In case of rodent models, portal flow deprivation of 75-90% is achieved via portal vein ligation leaving only the right (20-25%) or left median (10-15%) lobes portally perfused, while liver splitting in general is carried out positioned according to the falciform ligament. As for the swine model, the left lateral and medial lobes (70-75% of total liver volume) are portally ligated, and the right lateral lobe (accounting for 20-24% of the parenchyma) is partially resected in order to reach critical liver volume. Each model is capable of reproducing the accelerated liver regeneration seen in human cases. However, all species have significantly different liver anatomy compared with the human anatomic situation, making clinical translation somewhat difficult. Key Messages: Unfortunately, there are no perfect animal models available for ALPPS research. Small animal models are inexpensive and well suited for basic research, but may only provide limited translational potential to humans. Clinically large animal models may provide more relevant data, but currently no suitable one exists.