Compared efficacy of University of Wisconsin and histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solutions in ex-situ liver resection and autotransplantation for end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis patients

Ex vivo liver resection and auto-transplantation as an alternative for the treatment of liver malignancies: Progress and challenges

Hepatectomy is still the major curative treatment for patients with liver malignancies. However, it is still a big challenge to remove the tumors in the central posterior area, especially if their location involves the retrohepatic inferior vena cava and hepatic veins. Ex vivo liver resection and auto-transplantation (ELRA), a hybrid technique of the traditional liver resection and transplantation, has brought new hope to these patients and therefore becomes a valid alternative to liver transplantation. Due to its technical difficulty, ELRA is still concentrated in a few hepatobiliary centers that have experienced surgeons in both liver resection and liver transplantation. The efficacy and safety of this technique has already been demonstrated in the treatment of benign liver diseases, especially in the advanced alveolar echinococcosis. Recently, the application of ELRA for liver malignances has gained more attention. However, standardization of clinical practice norms and international consensus are still lacking. The prognostic impact in these oncologic patients also needs further evaluation. In this review, we summarized the principles and recent progresses on ELRA.

Outcomes of ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Many patients with hepatic tumors cannot benefit from resection owing to the difficult anatomic sites of their lesions. Some of these patients might be eligible for ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation. This procedure consists of complete hepatectomy, extracorporeal liver resection, and autotransplantation of the remnant liver.

METHODS

Four databases were searched for studies reporting cases of ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation. Outcomes of this procedure were evaluated by meta-analysis of proportions with random effects model and individual participant data analysis.

RESULTS

Fifty-three studies were assessed. Meta-analysis revealed an R0 resection rate of 93.4% (95% confidence interval: 81.0-97.9%, I² = 0%), a frequency of major surgical complications of 24.5% (95% confidence interval, 16.9-34.3%, I² = 26%), a 30-day mortality of 9.5% (95% confidence interval: 5.9-14.9%, I² = 0%), and a 1-year survival of 78.4% (95% confidence interval: 62.2-88.8%, I² = 64%). We were able to obtain the individual participant data in 244 patients; R0 resection was achieved in 98.6%, with no obvious difference between analyzed subgroups. The 30-day mortality and 1-year survivals were 7.9% and 82.1%, respectively. For groups with malignant and nonmalignant tumors, the 30-day mortalities were 11.3% vs. 6.3% (P = .181), and 1-year survivals were 65.0% vs. 89.7% (P < .001). When comparing those with malignant versus those with nonmalignant lesions, major surgical complications occurred in 50.0% vs. 21.0%; P < .001). Regression analysis revealed that outcomes of patients with benign tumors were better compared with those with malignant tumors (1-year survival, odds ratio: 4.629; 95% confidence interval: 2.181-10.097, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation facilitates radical treatment in selected patients with conventionally unresectable hepatic tumors and normal liver function. The outcomes of treatment of malignant lesions appear to be less satisfactory.