Measuring future liver remnant function prior to hepatectomy may guide the indication for portal vein occlusion and avoid posthepatectomy liver failure: a prospective interventional study

Is conventional functional liver remnant volume higher than 40% still sufficient to prevent post-hepatectomy liver failure in jaundiced patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma? A single-center experience in China

OBJECTIVE

Our study aims to evaluate the predictive accuracy of functional liver remnant volume (FLRV) in post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) among surgically-treated jaundiced patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed surgically-treated jaundiced patients with HCCA between June, 2000 and June, 2018. The correlation between FRLV and PHLF were analyzed. The optimal cut off value of FLRV in jaundiced HCCA patients was also identified and its impact was furtherly evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 224 jaundiced HCCA patients who received a standard curative resection (43 patients developed PHLF) were identified. Patients with PHLF shared more aggressive clinic-pathological features and were generally in a more advanced stage than those without PHLF. An obvious inconsistent distribution of FLRV in patients with PHLF and those without PHLF were detected. FLRV (continuous data) had a high predictive accuracy in PHLF. The newly-acquired cut off value (FLRV = 53.5%, sensitivity = 81.22%, specificity = 81.4%) showed a significantly higher predictive accuracy than conventional FLRV cut off value (AUC: 0.81 vs. 0.60, p < 0.05). Moreover, patients with FLRV lower than 53.5% also shared a significantly higher major morbidity rate as well as a worse prognosis, which were not detected for FLRV of 40%.

CONCLUSION

For jaundiced patients with HCCA, a modified FLRV of 53.5% is recommended due to its great impact on PHLF, as well as its correlation with postoperative major morbidities as well as overall prognosis, which might help clinicians to stratify patients with different therapeutic regimes and outcomes. Future multi-center studies for training and validation are required for further validation.

Novel multiparametric MRI detects improved future liver remnant quality post-dual vein embolization

BACKGROUND

Optimisation of the future liver remnant (FLR) is crucial to outcomes of extended liver resections. This study aimed to assess the quality of the FLR before and after dual vein embolization (DVE) by quantitative multiparametric MRI.

METHODS

Of 100 patients with liver metastases recruited in a clinical trial (Precision1:NCT04597710), ten consecutive patients with insufficient FLR underwent quantitative multiparametric MRI pre- and post-DVE (right portal and hepatic vein). FLR volume, liver fibro-inflammation (corrected T1) scores and fat percentage (proton density fat fraction, PDFF) were determined. Patient metrics were compared by Wilcoxon signed-rank test and statistical analysis done using R software.

RESULTS

All patients underwent uncomplicated DVE with improvement in liver remnant health, median 37 days after DVE: cT1 scores reduced from median (interquartile range) 790 ms (753-833 ms) to 741 ms (708-760 ms) p = 0.014 [healthy range <795 ms], as did PDFF from 11% (4-21%), to 3% (2-12%) p = 0.017 [healthy range <5.6%]. There was a significant increase in median (interquartile range) FLR volume from 33% (30-37%)% to 49% (44-52%), p = 0.002.

CONCLUSION

This non-invasive and reproducible MRI technique showed improvement in volume and quality of the FLR after DVE. This is a significant advance in our understanding of how to prevent liver failure in patients undergoing major liver surgery.

Minimally Invasive Robotic Techniques for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Resection: How I Do It

The adoption of minimally invasive techniques for hepatocellular resection has progressively increased in North America. Cumulative evidence has demonstrated improved surgical outcomes in patients who undergo minimally invasive hepatectomy. In this review, the authors' approach and methodology to minimally invasive robotic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma is discussed.

Joint EANM/SNMMI/IHPBA procedure guideline for [99mTc]Tc-mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy SPECT/CT in the quantitative assessment of the future liver remnant function

PURPOSE

The aim of this joint EANM/SNMMI/IHPBA procedure guideline is to provide general information and specific recommendations and considerations on the use of [99mTc]Tc-mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) in the quantitative assessment and risk analysis before surgical intervention, selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) or before and after liver regenerative procedures. Although the gold standard to estimate future liver remnant (FLR) function remains volumetry, the increasing interest in HBS and the continuous request for implementation in major liver centers worldwide, demands standardization.

METHODS

This guideline concentrates on the endorsement of a standardized protocol for HBS elaborates on the clinical indications and implications, considerations, clinical appliance, cut-off values, interactions, acquisition, post-processing analysis and interpretation. Referral to the practical guidelines for additional post-processing manual instructions is provided.

CONCLUSION

The increasing interest of major liver centers worldwide in HBS requires guidance for implementation. Standardization facilitates applicability of HBS and promotes global implementation. Inclusion of HBS in standard care is not meant as substitute for volumetry, but rather to complement risk evaluation by identifying suspected and unsuspected high-risk patients prone to develop post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) and post-SIRT liver failure.

Fibrinogen and albumin synthesis rates in major upper abdominal surgery

Plasma fibrinogen and albumin concentrations initially decrease after abdominal surgery. On postoperative days 3-5 fibrinogen concentration returns to the preoperative level or even higher, while albumin stays low. It is not known if these altered plasma concentrations reflect changes in synthesis rate, utilization, or both. In particular a low albumin plasma concentration has often been attributed to a low synthesis rate, which is not always the case. The objective of this study was to determine fibrinogen and albumin quantitative synthesis rates in patients undergoing major upper abdominal surgery with and without intact liver size. Patients undergoing liver or pancreatic resection (n = 9+6) were studied preoperatively, on postoperative days 1 and 3-5. De novo synthesis of fibrinogen and albumin was determined; in addition, several biomarkers indicative of fibrinogen utilization were monitored. After hemihepatectomy, fibrinogen synthesis was 2-3-fold higher on postoperative day 1 than preoperatively. On postoperative days 3-5 the synthesis level was still higher than preoperatively. Following major liver resections albumin synthesis was not altered postoperatively compared to preoperative values. After pancreatic resection, on postoperative day 1 fibrinogen synthesis was 5-6-fold higher than preoperatively and albumin synthesis 1.5-fold higher. On postoperative days 3-5, synthesis levels returned to preoperative levels. Despite decreases in plasma concentrations, de novo synthesis of fibrinogen was markedly stimulated on postoperative day 1 after both hemihepatectomies and pancreatectomies, while de novo albumin synthesis remained grossly unchanged. The less pronounced changes seen following hepatectomies were possibly related to the loss of liver tissue.

Promoting Surgical Resection through Future Liver Remnant Hypertrophy

An inadequate future liver remnant (FLR) can preclude curative-intent surgical resection for patients with primary or secondary hepatic malignancies. For patients with normal baseline liver function and without risk factors, an FLR of 20% is needed to maintain postsurgical hepatic function. However, the FLR requirement is higher for patients who are exposed to systemic chemotherapy (FLR, >30%) or have cirrhosis (FLR, >40%). Interventional radiologic and surgical methods to achieve FLR hypertrophy are evolving, including portal vein ligation, portal vein embolization, radiation lobectomy, hepatic venous deprivation, and associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy. Each technique offers particular advantages and disadvantages. Knowledge of these procedures can help clinicians to choose the suitable technique for each patient. The authors review the techniques used to develop FLR hypertrophy, focusing on technical considerations, outcomes, and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ^©RSNA, 2022.

Advances in the management of cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a primary malignancy of the bile ducts with three anatomically and molecularly distinct entities: Intrahepatic CCA (iCCA), perihilar CCA (pCCA), and distal CCA. As a result of phenotypic and anatomic differences they differ significantly with respect to management. For each type of CCA there have been significant changes in management over the last several years which will be discussed in this review. Although resection remains the standard of care for all types of CCA, liver transplantation has been established as curative treatment for selected patients with pCCA and is being evaluated for iCCA with early success. With respect to systemic therapy capecitabine is now first line adjuvant therapy for all biliary tract malignancies after curative intent resection. Progress in exploiting the pathologic mutations and molecular abnormalities has also yielded regulatory approval of targeted therapy for CCA in patients with acquired alterations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor. There is also increased consensus in managing malignant biliary obstruction associated with CCA where pre-operative biliary stenting is not beneficial while self-expanding metal stents have been shown to be superior to plastic stents in patients who are not surgical candidates.

Comparison of nuclear imaging techniques and volumetric imaging for the prediction of postoperative mortality and liver failure in patients undergoing localized liver-directed treatments: a systematic review

Background/aims

Although volumetric imaging by computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for preoperative assessment of the future liver remnant, nuclear imaging studies have shown promising data. This systematic review summarized the results from trials investigating volumetric and nuclear medicine imaging for the prediction of postoperative mortality and liver failure (LF).

Methods

MEDLINE and Web of Science were searched for papers investigating nuclear imaging methods for the prediction of postoperative clinical outcomes in patients undergoing local, liver-directed treatments. Only papers investigating both preoperative nuclear imaging and CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MR) for the prediction of postoperative mortality and/or LF were included.

Results

Twenty-five trials were qualified for this review. All trials but two used technetium-based tracers for the nuclear imaging examination. Four papers used MR imaging and the remaining used CT for the volumetric evaluation. Overall, the studies were heterogeneous both in terms of methodology and imaging technique. Of the thirteen studies reporting on postoperative mortality, most were descriptive without detailed diagnostic data. A few with detailed data found that nuclear imaging had better predictive value than volumetric imaging. Nineteen studies investigated the prediction of postoperative LF of which seven papers investigated the predictive value of both modalities in multivariable regression analysis. Two papers found that only nuclear imaging parameters were predictive of LF, one paper found that the CT parameter was predictive, and four papers found that combined nuclear and CT/MR imaging parameters were predictive of LF.

Conclusion

Both methodologies were useful in the preoperative assessment of patients scheduled for liver interventions, especially in combination, but nuclear imaging demonstrated better predictive value for postoperative mortality and LF in a few trials. The overall technical and methodological heterogeneity of the included studies complicates the ability to directly compare the clinical utility of the two imaging techniques.

Parenchymal-sparing hepatectomy with hepatic vein resection and reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Hepatectomy remains the most important treatment modality for most malignant liver tumors. Vascular involvement stays a reason for unresectability or major parenchymal resection. A possible way to avoid this is parenchymal-sparing hepatectomy (PSHX) with vascular resection and reconstruction (HVRR). In this article, we aim to demonstrate the specific role of this technique in avoiding post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 10 patients who underwent HVRR was conducted. ^99mTechnetium-mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) was used to predict the future liver remnant function (FLRF). Calculations were made for each patient to compare HVRR and major hepatectomy (with or without portal vein embolization).

RESULTS

In our cohort, there was no perioperative mortality. Two patients suffered a Clavien-Dindo grade 3a complication and none had clinically significant PHLF. Estimated FLRF was significantly higher in HVRR compared to major hepatectomy after portal vein embolization (p < .005).

CONCLUSIONS

Instead of focusing on inducing liver remnant hypertrophy, preserving parenchyma through HVRR can be an interesting treatment strategy. It can be performed with an acceptable operative risk. Calculations of FLRF (using HBS) suggest that this approach is able to reduce the risk for PHLF and related morbidity or mortality.

Hepatobiliary Cancers, Version 2.2021, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

The NCCN Guidelines for Hepatobiliary Cancers focus on the screening, diagnosis, staging, treatment, and management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), gallbladder cancer, and cancer of the bile ducts (intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma). Due to the multiple modalities that can be used to treat the disease and the complications that can arise from comorbid liver dysfunction, a multidisciplinary evaluation is essential for determining an optimal treatment strategy. A multidisciplinary team should include hepatologists, diagnostic radiologists, interventional radiologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, and pathologists with hepatobiliary cancer expertise. In addition to surgery, transplant, and intra-arterial therapies, there have been great advances in the systemic treatment of HCC. Until recently, sorafenib was the only systemic therapy option for patients with advanced HCC. In 2020, the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab became the first regimen to show superior survival to sorafenib, gaining it FDA approval as a new frontline standard regimen for unresectable or metastatic HCC. This article discusses the NCCN Guidelines recommendations for HCC.

A novel model for predicting posthepatectomy liver failure based on liver function and degree of liver resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The permissible liver resection rate for preventing posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) remains unclear. We aimed to develop a novel PHLF-predicting model and to strategize hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 335 HCC patients who underwent anatomical hepatectomy at eight institutions between 2013 and 2017. Risk factors, including volume-associated liver-estimating parameters, for PHLF grade B-C were analyzed in a training set (n = 122) via multivariate analysis, and a PHLF prediction model was developed. The utility of the model was evaluated in a validation set (n = 213).

RESULTS

Our model was based on the three independent risk factors for PHLF identified in the training set: volume-associated indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min, platelet count, and prothrombin time index (the VIPP score). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the VIPP scores for severe PHLF in the training and validation sets were 0.864 and 0.794, respectively. In both sets, the VIPP score stratified patients at risk for severe PHLF, with a score of 3 (specificity, 0.92) indicating higher risk.

CONCLUSION

Our model facilitates the selection of the appropriate hepatectomy procedure by providing permissible liver resection rates based on VIPP scores.

Colorectal liver metastases: Current management and future perspectives

The liver is the commonest site of metastatic disease for patients with colorectal cancer, with at least 25% developing colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) during the course of their illness. The management of CRLM has evolved into a complex field requiring input from experienced members of a multi-disciplinary team involving radiology (cross sectional, nuclear medicine and interventional), Oncology, Liver surgery, Colorectal surgery, and Histopathology. Patient management is based on assessment of sophisticated clinical, radiological and biomarker information. Despite incomplete evidence in this very heterogeneous patient group, maximising resection of CRLM using all available techniques remains a key objective and provides the best chance of long-term survival and cure. To this end, liver resection is maximised by the use of downsizing chemotherapy, optimisation of liver remnant by portal vein embolization, associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy, and combining resection with ablation, in the context of improvements in the functional assessment of the future remnant liver. Liver resection may safely be carried out laparoscopically or open, and synchronously with, or before, colorectal surgery in selected patients. For unresectable patients, treatment options including systemic chemotherapy, targeted biological agents, intra-arterial infusion or bead delivered chemotherapy, tumour ablation, stereotactic radiotherapy, and selective internal radiotherapy contribute to improve survival and may convert initially unresectable patients to operability. Currently evolving areas include biomarker characterisation of tumours, the development of novel systemic agents targeting specific oncogenic pathways, and the potential re-emergence of radical surgical options such as liver transplantation.

Hepatobiliary scintigraphy and kinetic growth rate predict liver failure after ALPPS: a multi-institutional study

BACKGROUND

Post hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) after ALPPS has been related to the discrepancy between liver volume and function. Pre-operative hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) can predict post-operative liver function and guide when it is safe to proceed with major hepatectomy. Aim of this study was to evaluate the role of HBS in predicting PHLF after ALPPS, defining a safe cut-off.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective study was approved by the ALPPS Registry. All patients selected for ALPPS between 2012 and 2018, were evaluated. Every patient underwent HBS during ALPPS evaluation. PHLF was reported according to ISGLS definition, considering grade B or C as clinically significant.

RESULTS

98 patients were included. Thirteen patients experienced PHLF grade B or C (14%) following ALPPS-2. The HBS and the daily gain in volume (KGR_FLR) of the future liver remnant (FLR) were significantly lower in PHLF B and C (p = .004 and .041 respectively). ROC curves indicated safe cut-offs of 4.1%/day (AUC = 0.68) for KGR_FLR, and of 2.7 %/min/m² (AUC = 0.75) for HBS_FLR. Multivariate analysis confirmed these cut-offs as variables predicting PHLF after ALPPS-2.

CONCLUSION

Patients presenting a KGR_FLR ≤4.1%/day and a HBS_FLR ≤2.7%/min/m² are at high risk of PHLF and their second stage should be re-discussed.

Post hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) - Recent advances in prevention and clinical management

BACKGROUND

Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a relatively rare but feared complication following liver surgery, and associated with high morbidity, mortality and cost implications. Significant advances have been made in detailed preoperative assessment, particularly of the liver function in an attempt to predict and mitigate this complication.

METHODS

A detailed search of PubMed and Medline was performed using keywords "liver failure", "liver insufficiency", "liver resection", "postoperative", and "post-hepatectomy". Only full texts published in English were considered. Particular emphasis was placed on literature published after 2015. A formal systematic review was not found feasible hence a pragmatic review was performed.

RESULTS

The reported incidence of PHLF varies widely in reported literature due to a historical absence of a universal definition. Incorporation of the now accepted definition and grading of PHLF would suggest the incidence to be between 8 and 12%. Major risk factors include background liver disease, extent of resection and intraoperative course. The vast majority of mortality associated with PHLF is related to sepsis, organ failure and cerebral events. Despite multiple attempts, there has been little progress in the definitive and specific management of liver failure. This review article discusses recent advances made in detailed preoperative evaluation of liver function and evidence-based targeted approach to managing PHLF.

CONCLUSION

PHLF remains a major cause of mortality following liver resection. In absence of a specific remedy, the best approach is mitigating the risk of it happening by detailed assessment of liver function, patient selection and general care of a critically ill patient.

Nuclear imaging methods for the prediction of postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing localized, liver-directed treatments: a systematic review

Background

Several nuclear imaging methods may predict postoperative liver function and outcome, but none has achieved recommendations in clinical guidelines. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the existing knowledge on this topic.

Methods

MEDLINE and Web of Science were searched for studies investigating nuclear medicine imaging methods for the prediction of postoperative liver function in patients undergoing localized, liver-directed treatments. The postoperative endpoints were clinical outcome (morbidity and mortality) as well as measures of postoperative liver function, e.g., liver function assessed by biochemical tests or nuclear imaging.

Results

A total of 1352 references were identified, of which 82 fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Most studies (n = 63) were retrospective studies. The vast majority of studies assessed [^99mTc]Tc-galactosyl serum albumin (GSA) (n = 57) and [^99mTc]Tc-mebrofenin (n = 19). Liver resection was entirely or partly major (involved at least three segments) in 78 reports. There were notable variations in the research methodology, e.g., image acquisition, imaging variables, and endpoints. Thirty-seven studies reported on postoperative mortality, of which most reported descriptive data at the patient level. Of the four reports that performed multivariate analyses, two showed significant predictive results of isotope-based preoperative tests. Fifty-two papers presented data on postoperative liver failure. Multivariate predictive analyses were performed in eighteen trials, of which fifteen showed the significant value of nuclear medicine tests.

Conclusion

There is sparse evidence supporting the significant value of nuclear medicine imaging methods in predicting postoperative mortality. In contrast, a notable number of trials showed a significant prediction of liver failure in multivariate analyses. The research methodology was heterogeneous and exploratory in most trials. Documentation of nuclear medicine tests in this setting awaits the results of properly designed, prospective trials with the standardization of both the nuclear medicine test and endpoints.

Hepatic function assessment to predict post-hepatectomy liver failure: what can we trust? A systematic review

Post hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) could occur even though an adequate liver volume is preserved. Liver function is not strictly related to the volume and the necessity to pre-operatively predict the future liver remnant (FLR) function is emerging, together with the wide spreading of techniques, aiming to optimize the FLR. The aim of this study was to systematically review all the available tests, to pre-operatively assess the liver function and to estimate the risk of PHLF. A systematic literature research of Medline, Embase, Scopus was performed in accordance to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, to identify all the studies available for pre-operative liver function tests to assess the risk of PHLF and/or complications. From the 1122 references retrieved, 79 were included in the review. Dynamic functional tests, such as indocyanine green test (ICG), could evaluate only global liver function, with no definition of functional capacity of the remnant. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with liver-specific contrast agents enables both liver function and volume evaluation; the absence of ionizing radiation showed a better patient's compliance. Nuclear imaging studies as hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) present the unique ability to allow a precise evaluation of the segmental liver function of the remnant liver. Liver volume could overestimate liver function. Several liver function tests are available to evaluate the risk of PHLF in the pre-operative setting. However, no single test alone could accurately predict PHLF. Pre-operative combination between a dynamic quantitative test, such as ICG, with MRI or HBS, should enable a more complete functional evaluation. Functional tests to predict PHLF should be chosen according to patient's characteristics, disease, and center experience.

The predictive value of future liver remnant function after liver resection for HCC in noncirrhotic and cirrhotic patients

BACKGROUND

Surgical procedures in patients with underlying liver disease are still burdened by a high rate of postoperative morbidity, especially posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF), ranging from 1.2 to 33.8%. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of volume/function analysis for the prediction of hepatectomy-related morbidity in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

Clinicopathological data were analysed in 261 patients who underwent liver resection for HCC between 2001 and 2014. Future liver remnant volume (FLRV) and future liver remnant function (FLRF) based on LiMAx test were obtained retrospectively. A subgroup analysis for high-risk patients with impaired liver function was conducted. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for major complications, defined by Dindo ≥ IIIb and PHLF grade ≥ B.

RESULTS

In the total cohort, FLRF was independently associated with major complications. FLRV, resected liver volume, and FLRF were independent risk factors for PHLF. In a subgroup analysis of high-risk patients, FLRF was identified as the only independent risk factor for major complications and PHLF development.

DISCUSSION

These results suggest the superior value of FLRF to FLRV in predicting postoperative complications as well as PHLF in patients with chronic liver disease.

Liver Functional Volumetry by Tc-99m Mebrofenin Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy before Major Liver Resection: A Game Changer

Future remnant liver function (FRL-F) estimation is important before major liver resection to avoid posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). Conventionally, it is estimated by global dynamic liver function tests which assume homogeneous liver function and unable to calculate regional function. Computed tomography is another method to estimate FRL volume but assumes that volume is equivalent to function. Hence, a global and regional non-invasive liver function test is desirable. Studies were identified by MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar for articles from January 1990 to December 2017 using the following keywords “Mebrofenin, hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS), FRL-F, PHLF, portal vein embolization (PVE).” HBS with technetium-99 m galactosyl human serum albumin (Tc-99m GSA) and Tc-99m Mebrofenin is a known test for functional liver assessment. Restricted availability of Tc-99m GSA only in Japan is a main drawback for its global acceptance. However, Tc-99m Mebrofenin is routinely available to the rest of the world. A unique protocol for FRL-F estimation by Tc-99m Mebrofenin is described in detail in this review. Tc-99m Mebrofenin HBS has shown a strong correlation to 15 min indocyanine green clearance. HBS has been reported better in predicting the risk of PHLF with a 2.69%/min/m² cutoff of FRL-F. Tc-99m Mebrofenin HBS has been found better in stratification of PVE before major liver surgery as well. We concluded, Tc-99m Mebrofenin HBS was unique in calculating global and regional liver function and takes nonuniformity and underlying pathology in the account. Moreover, a single cutoff might fit in all for PHLF risk assessment and PVE stratification.

Estimation of the future remnant liver function is a better tool to predict post-hepatectomy liver failure than platelet-based liver scores

INTRODUCTION

Recently, there has been increasing interest in the preoperative prediction and prevention of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). This is a particular concern in colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), when surgery follows potentially hepatotoxic chemotherapy. Platelet-based liver scores (PBLS) such as APRI and FIB-4 are predictive of chemotherapy-associated liver injury (CALI) and PHLF. Estimation of the future liver remnant function (eFLRF) by combining ^99mTc-Mebrofenin Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy (HBS^BSA) with future liver remnant volume ratio (FLRV%), is predictive of PHLF and related mortality. We hypothesized that a HBS^BSA based formula was a better predictor for PHLF than PBLS in chemotherapy-pretreated CRLM.

METHODS

Between 2012 and 2016, 140 patients underwent liver resection for CRLM following systemic therapy. HBS^BSA, FLRV%, eFLRF and PBLS were calculated and compared for their value in predicting PHLF.

RESULTS

eFLRF and FLRV% had a better predictive value for PHLF than HBS^BSA alone and APRI and FIB-4 (AUC = 0.800, 0.843 versus 0.652, 0.635 and 0.658 respectively). In a subgroup analysis (Oxaliplatin all, Oxaliplatin ≥ 6 cycles, Irinotecan all and Irinotecan ≥ 6 cycles), eFLRF was the only factor predictive for PHLF in all subgroups (all: p ≤ 0.05). Prediction of HBS^BSA for chemotherapy associated steato-hepatitis (CASH) reached almost significance (p = 0.06). FIB-4 was predictive for sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) (p = 0.011). Only weak correlation was found between HBS^BSA and PBLS.

CONCLUSION

eFLRF is a better predictor of PHLF than PBLS or HBS^BSA alone. PBLS seem to measure other aspects of liver function or damage than HBS^BSA.