Meta-analysis of trials comparing minimally-invasive and open liver resections for hepatocellular carcinoma

Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Recent Advances

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a significant global health burden. Surgery remains a cornerstone in the curative treatment of HCC, and recent years have witnessed notable advancements aimed at refining surgical techniques and improving patient outcomes. This review presents a detailed examination of the recent innovations in HCC surgery, highlighting key developments in both surgical approaches and adjunctive therapies. Advanced imaging technologies have revolutionized preoperative assessment, enabling precise tumour localization and delineation of vascular anatomy. The use of three-dimensional rendering has significantly augmented surgical planning, facilitating more accurate and margin-free resections. The advent of laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgical techniques has ushered in an era of minimal access surgery, offering patients the benefits of shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times, while enabling equivalent oncological outcomes. Intraoperative innovations such as intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) and fluorescence-guided surgery have emerged as valuable adjuncts, allowing real-time assessment of tumour extent and aiding in parenchyma preservation. The integration of multimodal therapies, including neoadjuvant and adjuvant strategies, has allowed for 'bio-selection' and shown the potential to optimize patient outcomes. With the advent of augmented reality and artificial intelligence (AI), the future holds immense potential and may represent significant strides towards optimizing patient outcomes and refining the standard of care.

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.

Optimal treatment for small HCC (<3 cm): Resection, liver transplantation, or locoregional therapy?

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the most common form of liver cancer, accounting for 90% of all primary liver cancers. Up to 30% of HCC cases could be small (2-3 cm in diameter) at the time of diagnosis with advances in imaging techniques and surveillance programmes. Treating patients with early-stage HCC can be complex and often requires interdisciplinary care, owing to the wide and increasing variety of treatment options, which include liver resection, liver transplantation, and various locoregional therapies offered by interventional radiology and radiation oncology. Decisions regarding the optimal management strategy for a patient involve many considerations, including patient- and tumour-specific characteristics, as well as socioeconomic factors. In this review, we aim to comprehensively summarise the commonly used therapies for single, small HCC (<3 cm), with a focus on the impact of tumour size (<2 cm vs. 2-3 cm), as well as a brief discussion on the cost-effectiveness of the different treatment options.

Global dissemination of minimally invasive living donor hepatectomy: What are the barriers?

Minimally invasive donor hepatectomy (MIDH) is a relatively novel procedure that can potentially increase donor safety and contribute to faster rehabilitation of donors. After an initial period in which donor safety was not effectively validated, MIDH currently seems to provide improved results, provided that it is conducted by experienced surgeons. Appropriate selection criteria are crucial to achieve better outcomes in terms of complications, blood loss, operative time, and hospital stay. Beyond a pure laparoscopic technique, various approaches have been recommended such as hand-assisted, laparoscopic-assisted, and robotic donation. The latter has shown equal outcomes compared to open and laparoscopic approaches. A steep learning curve seems to exist in MIDH, mainly due to the fragility of the liver parenchyma and the experience needed for adequate control of bleeding. This review investigated the challenges and the opportunities of MIDH and the barriers to its global dissemination. Surgeons need expertise in liver transplantation, hepatobiliary surgery, and minimally invasive techniques to perform MIDH. Barriers can be categorized into surgeon-related, institutional-related, and accessibility. More robust data and the creation of international registries are needed for further evaluation of the technique and the acceptance from more centers worldwide.

Outcomes and Patient Selection in Laparoscopic vs. Open Liver Resection for HCC and Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) are the two most common malignant tumors that require liver resection. While liver transplantation is the best treatment for HCC, organ shortages and high costs limit the availability of this option for many patients and make resection the mainstay of treatment. For patients with CRLM, surgical resection with negative margins is the only potentially curative option. Over the last two decades, laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has been increasingly adopted for the resection of a variety of tumors and was found to have similar long-term outcomes compared to open liver resection (OLR) while offering the benefits of improved short-term outcomes. In this review, we discuss the current literature on the outcomes of LLR vs. OLR for patients with HCC and CRLM. Although the use of LLR for HCC and CRLM is increasing, it is not appropriate for all patients. We describe an approach to selecting patients best-suited for LLR. The four common difficulty-scoring systems for LLR are summarized. Additionally, we review the current evidence behind the emerging robotically assisted liver resection technology.

COVID-19 and Liver Surgery: How the Pandemic Affected an Italian Medium-Volume HBP Center

Introduction

While the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, it is even more evident that victims of the pandemic are not only those who contract the virus, but also the countless patients suffering from other serious diseases (i.e., tumor) who have undergone delayed potentially life-saving surgery due to a lack of beds. Like many hospitals, ours also initially blocked all elective oncologic surgery, but these operations were “recovered” and reintegrated in a relatively short time, thanks to the establishment of COVID-free wards and operating rooms with staff dedicated to oncological surgery. In tis context, our aim is to assess whether and how the severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has impacted our hepatobiliary surgery unit.

Methods

From our prospective database, we retrospectively took data from patients undergoing liver surgery in 2018–2019 (pre-COVID) and 2020–2021 (COVID period). Patients admitted to COVID-free wards must necessarily have a negative nasal swab from the previous 24 h.

Results

Between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019 (Group 1), 101 patients were treated; during the pandemic [January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021 (Group 2)], 126 patients were treated. There was no statistical difference between the groups. The median postoperative hospital stay was 7 days for both groups; 7 patients had major complications (Clavien-Dindo > 3) in Group 1 and 11 in Group 2 (p = 0.795). A total of 4 patients died in Group 1 and 6 during the pandemic (p = 0.754). Tumor burden was significantly greater in Group 2 where nodule size, lymphadenectomy, and extrahepatic disease were significantly greater (p = 0.011, p = 0.004, and p = 0.026, respectively).

Conclusion

During the COVID pandemic, our HPB unit managed to offer a volume of tertiary-center hepatobiliary surgery without a significant impact in terms of length of stay, morbidity, or mortality despite the increase in tumor burden during the pandemic years.

The Increasing Role of CT-Guided Cryoablation for the Treatment of Liver Cancer: A Single-Center Report

Purpose: Cryoablation (CrA) is a minimally invasive treatment that can be used in primary and metastatic liver cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of CrA in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver metastases. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the patients who had CrA for HCC or liver metastases between 2015 and 2020. Technical success, complete ablation, CrA-related complications, local tumor progression, local recurrences, and distant metastases were evaluated in the study population. In patients with HCC, the median survival was also estimated. Results: Sixty-four liver tumors in 49 patients were treated with CrA (50 metastases and 14 HCC). The mean tumor diameter was 2.15 cm. The mean follow-up was 19.8 months. Technical success was achieved in the whole study population. Complete tumor ablation was observed after one month in 92% of lesions treated with CrA (79% and 96% in the HCC Group and metastases Group, respectively, p < 0.001). Local tumor progression occurred in 12.5 of lesions, with no difference between the study groups (p = 0.105). Sixteen patients (33%) developed local recurrence (45% and 29% in the HCC Group and metastases Group, respectively, p = 0.477). Seven patients (14%) developed distant metastases in the follow-up period. Ten patients (20.8%) underwent redo CrA for local recurrence or incomplete tumor ablation. Minor complications were observed in 14% of patients. In patients with HCC, the median survival was 22 months. Conclusions: CrA can be safely used for treatment of HCC and liver metastases not amenable of surgical resection. Further studies are necessary to better define the role of CrA in the multidisciplinary treatment of liver malignancies.

Bowel Resection Through a Single Umbilical Incision: A Case Series

Background: The advent of laparoscopy has revolutionized surgery. The surgeon strives to minimize incisions and their adverse consequences. Although laparoscopy has gained widespread popularity, several advantages in open surgery are thereby lost. Tactile sensation of the tissue, hand-sewn anastomosis, and nonthermic vascular control are most prominent. To combine both approaches, single incision laparoscopic-assisted surgery (SILS) was advanced, trying to combine the best in both worlds. This approach is widely used in appendectomies. After having gained experience in this approach, we expanded the indications and hereby present our experience with bowel resections utilizing SILS. Patients and Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from operations performed during the past 3 years. We found 11 cases of SILS bowel resections: 3 sigmoidectomies, 3 small bowel atresia repairs, 1 subtotal colectomy, 1 Meckel's diverticulectomy, and 3 resections of bowel duplications. The age of the patients ranged from 2 days to 17 years. In all cases, a working 10 mm scope was inserted through the umbilicus, the bowel was extracted outside the abdomen through the umbilicus, dissection and resection with anastomosis were performed outside the abdomen in the classic open approach, and the bowel was returned to the abdomen. Results and Conclusions: All patients recovered promptly with no need for further intervention. There were no cases of wound infection, leak, or intra-abdominal abscess formation. Cosmesis was excellent with a small umbilical scar. We conclude that this approach is feasible and safe in a select population.

Surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in the era of COVID-19 pandemic: A comprehensive review of current recommendations

The new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a global health emergency that has also caused profound changes in the treatment of cancer. The management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) across the world has been modified according to the scarcity of care resources that have been diverted mostly to face the surge of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Oncological and hepatobiliary societies have drafted recommendations regarding the adaptation of guidelines for the management of HCC to the current healthcare situation. This review focuses on specific recommendations for the surgical treatment of HCC (i.e., hepatic resection and liver transplantation), which still represents the best chance of cure for patients with very early and early HCC. While surgery should be pursued for very selected patients in institutions where standards of care are maintained, alternative or bridging methods, mostly thermoablation and transarterial therapies, can be used until surgery can be performed. The prognosis of patients with HCC largely depends on both the characteristics of the tumour and the stage of underlying liver disease. Risk stratification plays a pivotal role in determining the most appropriate treatment for each case and needs to balance the chance of cure and the risk of COVID-19 infection during hospitalization. Current recommendations have been critically reviewed to provide a reference for best practices in the clinical setting, with adaptation based on pandemic trends and categorization according to COVID-19 prevalence.

Management of complex liver cystic hydatidosis: challenging benign diseases for the hepatic surgeon: A case series report from an endemic area

Hydatid cysts of the liver are benign lesions which require a wide range of surgical strategies for their treatment. We hypothesized that cysts larger than 15 cm, or compressing main vascular structures, or located in both hemilivers should be considered, as well as complicated cysts, in the category of complex hydatid cysts.In a retrospective study including 55 patients, we evaluated the characteristics of complex hydatid cysts, and compared surgical outcomes between patients operated on for complex cysts (Complex Group) and those operated on for non-complex cysts (non-Complex Group).In the Complex Group, 19% of patients had cysto-biliary communication with recurrent cholangitis, 9.5% had cysts eroding the diaphragm or chest wall, or communicating with the bronchial tree, 31% had cysts with contact with main vascular structures, 11.9% had multiple bilobar cysts, 14.3% had giant cysts with organ displacement, and 14.3% had a combination of the above-mentioned types. Type of surgical treatment was different between the two groups (P < .001). Additional procedures were statistically more frequent in the Complex Group (P = .02). Postoperative morbidity was higher in the Complex Group, although not in a significant manner (P = .07). Median hospital stay was longer in the Complex Group (12 vs 7 days, P < .001). No 30-day mortality occurred. Four patients (7.3%), all belonging to the Complex Group, required reoperation for postoperative complications.Surgery for complex hydatid cysts of the liver is potentially burdened by serious complications. This kind of benign liver disease requires skill-demanding procedures and should be treated in centers with expertise in both hepato-biliary surgery and hydatid disease management.

Emergency laparoscopic resection of spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic liver resection is currently performed as a therapeutic modality in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In an emergency setting such as bleeding or rupture, however it has not been well documented.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We describe a 55-year-old lady who presented to the emergency department with epigastric pain and symptoms of anaemia for one day duration. She was normotensive but tachycardic. Blood investigations revealed haemoglobin level of 6.5 g/dL and serum alpha-fetoprotein of 3136 g/dL. Contrast enhanced computed tomography scan revealed ruptured HCC of segment 2 and 3. She underwent emergency laparoscopic resection of the ruptured HCC. The postoperative recovery was uneventful and she was discharged well on postoperative day 7. Histology confirmed a 10 cm ruptured HCC with 3 mm tumour-free resection margin.

DISCUSSION

Ruptured HCC is associated with a high mortality rate of 25-75 %. Traditional treatment involves initial stabilization and hemostasis through transarterial embolization followed by staged hepatic resection. However, laparoscopic liver resection has been shown to be superior than open surgery in terms of postoperative outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic resection of bleeding HCC is achievable and can be considered in the treatment algorithm of selected patients.

Learning Curve in Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Liver Resection

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate the learning curve effect on the safety and feasibility of robot-assisted liver resection (RALR).

METHODS

In 140 consecutive cases, all data about demographic, surgical procedure, postoperative course were collected prospectively and analyzed. Risk-adjusted cumulative sum model was used for determining the learning curve based on the need for conversion.

RESULTS

Among all 140 patients, no patients suffered from any organ dysfunction postoperatively and the operative mortality was 0%. The CUSUM analysis showed that at the 30th consecutive patient, the open conversion rate reached to the average value, and it further improved thereafter. In the last 70 patients, only 3 patients (4.3%) required conversion and 7 patients (10%) needed blood transfusion. Only 1 patient (1.3%) out of 79 patients with HCC had a positive resection margin. Univariate analyses showed the following risk factors associated with significantly higher risks of conversion (P < 0.05): tumor number > 1, lesions in segments 1/4a/7/8, right posterior sectionectomy, and lesions which were beyond the indications of the Louisville statement. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that both tumor number > 1 (OR: 2.10, P < 0.05) and right posterior sectionectomy (OR: 11.19, P < 0.01) were risk factors of conversion.

CONCLUSIONS

The robotic approach for hepatectomy is safe and feasible. A learning curve effect was demonstrated in this study after the 30th consecutive patient. The long-term oncological outcomes of robotic hepatectomy still need further investigation.

Percutaneous Microwave Ablation Under CT Guidance for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: a Single Institutional Experience

BACKGROUND

Microwave ablation (MWA) is an emerging treatment for treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) not amenable of surgical resection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We searched for patients diagnosed as having small-, medium-, and large HCCs treated with MWA under CT guidance between 2010 and 2014. The main outcomes of interest were rates of complete ablation, complications, and overall survival. Rates of complete ablation were compared with Chi-square test, and estimated survival rates were calculated by means of Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients with 45 HCC nodules received MWA. Seventeen (37.8%) nodules were <3 cm (small), 15 (33.3%) between 3 and 5 cm (medium), and 13 (28.9%) > 5 cm (large). Complete ablation was obtained in 94.1% of small tumors, 80% of medium tumors, and 53.8% of large tumors (p = 0.03). Two patients had HCC located in risk area (paracardiac position). Minor complications occurred after seven procedures (15.5%). Estimated median survival was 37 months (95% confidence interval 11.97-62.02). One-year OS was 82.7%, 2-year survival 68.9%, and 3-year survival 55.2%.

CONCLUSION

MWA is a versatile ablative method that can be applied in HCC at various stages, and also in lesions located in risk areas.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing the Short- and Long-Term Outcomes for Laparoscopic and Open Liver Resections for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Updated Results from the European Guidelines Meeting on Laparoscopic Liver Surgery, Southampton, UK, 2017

BACKGROUND

The laparoscopic approach to liver resection has experienced exponential growth in recent years; however, its application is still under debate and objective, evidence-based guidelines for its safe future progression are needed.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic and open liver resections for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

To identify all the comparative manuscripts reporting on laparoscopic and open liver resection for HCC, all published English-language studies with more than 10 cases were screened. In addition to the primary meta-analysis, four specific subgroup analyses were performed on patients with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis, resections for solitary tumors, and those undergoing minor and major resections. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) methodology and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

From the initial 361 manuscripts, 28 were included in the meta-analysis. Five of these 28 manuscripts were specific to patients with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis (321 cases), 11 focused on solitary tumors (1003 cases), 16 focused on minor resections (1286 cases), and 3 focused on major resections (164 cases). Three manuscripts compared 1079 cases but could not be assigned to any of the above subanalyses. In general terms, short-term outcomes were favorable when using a laparoscopic approach, especially in minor resections. The only advantage seen with an open approach was reduced operative time during major liver resections. No differences in long-term outcomes were observed between the approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic liver resection for HCC is feasible and offers improved short-term outcomes, with comparable long-term outcomes as the open approach.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery: Hepatobiliary

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways target specific areas within perioperative patient care in a multidisciplinary and evidence-based manner. Because of the subsequent positive outcomes associated with its use, ERAS has expanded to most surgical subspecialties, including hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. Although certain concepts are universal to all ERAS protocols, there are unique areas of emphasis pertaining to the hepatopancreatobiliary specialties, which will be highlighted throughout this article. In addition, some of the less frequently discussed aspects of enhanced recovery, including patient-reported outcomes, recovery assessment, cost, and auditing, will be addressed.

Fully robotic left hepatectomy for malignant tumor: technique and initial results

Robotic liver surgery has been considered as a unique opportunity to overcome the traditional limitations of laparoscopy; thus, it can potentially extend the indications of minimally invasive liver surgery. From April 2015 to May 2017, 35 patients underwent fully robotic left hepatectomy. The mean operative time was 315 min (200-445 min) and the mean estimated blood loss was 245 ml (125-628 ml). Pringle maneuver was required in six cases. Cancer was the indication for surgery in all patients (14 liver metastases, 18 hepatocellular carcinomas and 3 cholangiocarcinomas). There were one to four lesions in a patient and the mean lesion size was 39.2 mm (15-85 mm). The average length of hospital stay was 6.5 days (5-14 days). Perioperative morbidity rate was 17.2%. Two patients underwent conversion to open surgery. The 90-day mortality rate was nil. The mean surgical resection margin was 12 (1-22) mm, and R0-resection was reached in 33 out of 35 cases. The robotic left hepatectomy provides interesting surgical outcomes and good oncologic adequacy. It can be safely applied for the management of liver malignancies.

The clinical and biological impacts of the implementation of fast-track perioperative programs in complex liver resections: A propensity score-based analysis between the open and laparoscopic approaches

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the fast-track approach in patients undergoing complex liver procedures and to analyse factors that influence morbidity and functional recovery.

METHODS

Hepatic resections (2014-2016) were stratified according to difficulty score, obtaining a group of 215 complex resections (102 laparoscopic, 163 open). The laparoscopic group was matched by propensity score with open patients to obtain the minimally invasive liver surgery group (n = 102) and the open group (n = 102).

RESULTS

Groups were similar in terms of patient and disease characteristics. The postoperative morbidity was 31.4% in the minimally invasive liver surgery and 38.2% in the open group (P = .05), and functional recovery was shorter in the minimally invasive liver surgery (respectively 4 versus 6 days, P = .041). The adherence to fast-track was high in both groups, with several items with higher penetrance in the minimally invasive liver surgery group. Among factors associated with morbidity and functional recovery, a laparoscopic approach and strict adherence to a fast-track protocol resulted in protective factors.

CONCLUSION

The combination of minimally invasive approaches and fast-track protocols allows a reduced rate of postoperative morbidity and satisfactory functional recovery even in the setting of complex liver resections. When the laparoscopic approach is not feasible, strict adherence to a fast-track program is associated with the achievement of adequate results and should be implemented.

Usefulness of Infra-hepatic Inferior Vena Cava Clamping During Liver Resection: a Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Infra-hepatic vena cava clamping (IIVCC) may reduce blood losses during liver resection. However, available literature is limited to reports from single institutions with a small sample size. To overcome those limitations, we performed a meta-analysis to examine the association between IIVCC and surgical outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify RCTs reporting on quantitative data on IIVCC. Random effects logistic regression calculated the pooled odds ratio (OR) for each surgical outcome.

RESULTS

Six studies were identified that included 714 patients, of whom 359 received IIVCC and 355 did not. Patients receiving IIVCC had significantly less total blood loss (MD - 353.08, 95% CI - 393.36 to 312.81, P < 0.00001), blood loss during parenchymal transection (MD - 243.28, 95% CI - 311.67 to - 174.88, P < 0.0001), blood loss volume per transection area (MD - 1.63, 95% CI - 2.14 to - 1.13, P < 0.00001), and intraoperative blood transfusion (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.89, P = 0.02). Operative time was similar in the two groups (MD - 2.89, 95% CI - 18.45 to 12.68, P = 0.72). No differences between groups were observed in central venous pressure, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure before, after, and during parenchymal transection. Rates of overall morbidity (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.56-1.13, P = 0.20), major complications (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.47-1.80, P = 0.73), and perioperative mortality (OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.29-6.09, P = 0.72) were similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

IIVCC was associated to decreased blood loss (overall, during parenchymal transection, and per transection area) and decreased intraoperative transfusions, in the absence of increased operative times.

Early Experience in Starting a Laparoscopic Liver Resection Program in Greece

Background and Objectives:

Laparoscopic liver resections (LLRs) have gained wider acceptance during the decade as safe and efficient procedures in the management of several benign and malignant diseases when performed by experienced surgeons. We report our initial institutional experience with LLRs performed by 1 certified hepatobiliary surgeon.

Methods:

Patients undergoing LLRs by 1 senior hepatobiliary surgeon in our Institution during the period from January 2012 through January 2017 were prospectively sampled and retrospectively analyzed for the purposes of this study.

Results:

Forty-two of 175 patients (24%) who had surgery for liver tumors underwent LLR. Median age was 64 years; median body mass index and Charlson comorbidity index were 27.3 kg/m² and 6.5, respectively. Patients underwent resections for benign (n = 22) or malignant (n = 20) lesions. Median total operating time was 115 minutes and liver resections included: 1 left hepatectomy, 11 bisegmentectomies, 7 segmentectomies, 5 wide wedge resections, 1 left lateral sectionectomy combined with segmentectomy and radiofrequency ablation, 15 liver cyst unroofing, 1 laparoscopic drainage of a pyogenic liver abscess, and 1 laparoscopic drainage of a hepatic hydatid cyst. Blood transfusion was needed in 10 patients. Six patients (14%) had postoperative complications, none of which necessitated reoperation. None of the patients was admitted to the intensive care unit after surgery, and the median hospital stay was 4 days. The tumor-free resection margin was documented in all primary or secondary oncologic cases.

Conclusions:

Careful patient selection and compliance with the international recommendations are the keys for the successful introduction and evolution of an LLR program with a certified hepatobiliary surgeon with laparoscopic experience.

Predictors and implications of unplanned conversion during minimally invasive hepatectomy: an analysis of the ACS-NSQIP database

BACKGROUND

Minimally-invasive hepatectomy (MIH) is increasingly utilized; however, predictors and outcomes for patients requiring conversion to an open procedure have not been adequately studied.

METHODS

The 2014-15 ACS-NSQIP database was analyzed. Unplanned conversion was compared to successful MIH and elective open hepatectomy.

RESULTS

Among 6918 hepatectomies, 1062 (15.4%) underwent attempted MIH: 989 laparoscopic, 73 robotic. Conversion occurred in 203 (19.1%). Compared to successful MIH, patients requiring unplanned conversion experienced higher rates of complications (34.5% vs 14.6%, p<0.001), including bile leaks (7.4% vs 2.8%, p=0.002), organ space infection (6.4% vs 2.9%, p=0.016), UTI (4.9% vs 1.2%, p=0.002), perioperative bleeding (21.2% vs 6.1%, p<0.001), DVT (3.0% vs 0.8%, p=0.024), and sepsis (5.9% vs 1.9%, p=0.001). Conversion led to greater LOS (5 days vs 3 days, p<0.001) and 30-day mortality (3.0% vs 0.5%, p=0.005). Compared to elective open hepatectomy, conversion was associated with greater perioperative bleeding (21.2% vs 15.3%, p = 0.037). On multivariate analysis, major hepatectomy (OR 2.21, p<0.001), concurrent ablation (OR 1.79, p=0.020), and laparoscopic approach (vs. robotic) (OR 3.22, p=0.014) were associated with conversion.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of this national database revealed unplanned conversion during MIH is associated with greater morbidity and mortality. MIH should be approached cautiously in patients requiring major hepatectomy.

Guidelines for Perioperative Care for Liver Surgery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society Recommendations

BACKGROUND

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal pathway developed to overcome the deleterious effect of perioperative stress after major surgery. In colorectal surgery, ERAS pathways reduced perioperative morbidity, hospital stay and costs. Similar concept should be applied for liver surgery. This study presents the specific ERAS Society recommendations for liver surgery based on the best available evidence and on expert consensus.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed on ERAS for liver surgery by searching EMBASE and Medline. Five independent reviewers selected relevant articles. Quality of randomized trials was assessed according to the Jadad score and CONSORT statement. The level of evidence for each item was determined using the GRADE system. The Delphi method was used to validate the final recommendations.

RESULTS

A total of 157 full texts were screened. Thirty-seven articles were included in the systematic review, and 16 of the 23 standard ERAS items were studied specifically for liver surgery. Consensus was reached among experts after 3 rounds. Prophylactic nasogastric intubation and prophylactic abdominal drainage should be omitted. The use of postoperative oral laxatives and minimally invasive surgery results in a quicker bowel recovery and shorter hospital stay. Goal-directed fluid therapy with maintenance of a low intraoperative central venous pressure induces faster recovery. Early oral intake and mobilization are recommended. There is no evidence to prefer epidural to other types of analgesia.

CONCLUSIONS

The current ERAS recommendations were elaborated based on the best available evidence and endorsed by the Delphi method. Nevertheless, prospective studies need to confirm the clinical use of the suggested protocol.

Perioperative and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma introduced gradually in a single center

BACKGROUND

Anatomical hepatectomy is an ideal curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We have standardized our laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy (LAH) procedure, gradually extending its indications. In the present study, we describe our experience and the perioperative and oncological outcomes of LAH for HCC compared to those of open anatomical hepatectomy (OAH) during the gradual introduction of LAH.

METHODS

Seventy patients with primary HCC underwent anatomical hepatectomy in our institution from November 2008 to April 2014. As we gained experience with LAH, our indications for choosing LAH over OAH gradually expanded. Ultimately, 40 and 30 patients underwent LAH and OAH, respectively. Perioperative and oncological outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in age, sex, background of liver disease, liver function, tumor size, tumor number, or type of liver resection between the two groups. Major complications and mortality rates were similar between the LAH and OAH groups (12.5% vs. 20%; p = 0.582, and 0% vs. 3.3%; p = 0.429, respectively). The median follow-up time after surgery was 40.5 months in the LAH group and 32.9 months in the OAH group (p = 0.835). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 89.9, 84.7, and 70.9%, in the LAH group, and 89.8, 68.0, and 63.1% in the OAH group, respectively (p = 0.255). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 79.5, 58.0, and 42.5%, in the LAH group, and 72.4, 56.1, and 50.4% in the OAH group, respectively (p = 0.980).

CONCLUSIONS

Through gradual introduction of LAH, we obtained comparable results to those achieved with OAH. LAH can be a feasible surgical treatment for primary HCC, with good oncological outcomes.

Evolution of laparoscopic surgery in a high volume hepatobiliary unit: 150 consecutive pure laparoscopic hepatectomies

INTRODUCTION

Compared to other surgical areas, laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has not been widely implemented and currently less than 20% of hepatectomies are performed laparoscopically worldwide. The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility, and the ratio of implementation of LLR in our department.

METHODS

We analyzed a prospectively maintained database of 749 liver resections performed during the last 10-year period in a single centre.

RESULTS

A total of 150 (20%) consecutive pure LLR were performed between 2005 and 2015. In 87% of patients the indication was the presence ofprimary or metastatic liver malignancy. We performed 30 major hepatectomies (20%) and (80%) were minor resections, performed in all liver segments. Twelve patients were operated twice and 2 patients underwent a third LLR. The proportion of LLR increased from 12% in 2011 to 62% in the last year. Conversion rate was 9%. Overall morbidity rate was 36% but only one third were classified as severe. The 90-day mortality rate was 1%. Median hospital stay was 4 days and the rate of readmissions was 6%.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of LLR has been fast with morbidity and mortality comparable to other published series. In the last 2 years more than half of the hepatectomies are performed laparoscopically in our centre.

Evolution and revolution of laparoscopic liver resection in Japan

Due to important technological developments and improved endoscopic techniques, laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is now considered the approach of choice and is increasingly performed worldwide. Recent systematic reviews and meta‐analyses of observational data reported that LLR was associated with less bleeding, fewer complications, and no oncological disadvantage; however, no prospective randomized trials have been conducted. LLR will continue to evolve as a surgical approach that improves patient's quality of life. LLR will not totally supplant open liver surgery, and major LLR remains to be technically challenging procedure. The success of LLR depends on individual learning curves and adherence to surgical indications. A recent study proposed a scoring system for stepwise application of LLR, which was based on experience at high‐volume Japanese centers. A cluster of deaths after major LLR was sensationally reported by the Japanese media in 2014. In response, the Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery conducted emergency data collection on operative mortality. The results demonstrated that mortality was not higher than that for open procedures except for hemi‐hepatectomy with biliary reconstruction. An online prospective registry system for LLR was established in 2015 to be transparent for patients who might potentially undergo treatment with this newly developed, technically demanding surgical procedure.

Meta-analysis of laparoscopic vs open liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

Laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) are widely accepted as safe and effective procedures for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the hands of experienced surgeons. The efficacy and extent of benefits of pure as well as hand-assisted laparoscopic and laparoscopy-assisted liver resection over open liver resection (OLR) have been investigated by numerous studies during the last 10 years. The aim of our meta-analysis is to investigate the effect of LLR in short- and long-term outcomes compared to OLR in patients operated for HCC. A total of 5203 patients from forty-four studies were included in our meta-analysis reporting for short- and long-term results for both LLR and OLR for HCC. Among them, 1830 underwent pure laparoscopic hepatectomy, 282 underwent pure laparoscopic or hand-assisted laparoscopic or laparoscopy-assisted hepatectomy, and 3091 were operated through open approach. LLRs were found to be significantly associated with lower blood loss, need for blood transfusion, successful achievement of R0 resection as well as wider resection margin, shorter hospital stay, lower morbidity and 30-day mortality rates. Operative time, tumor recurrence, 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival as well as 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival were not found different between the groups. This meta-analysis clearly demonstrates the superiority of laparoscopic resection over the open approach for patients with small HCC.

Single-Port vs Multiport Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Numerous studies have compared the surgical outcomes of single-port laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) and conventional multiport LH, but the results are conflicting. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the safety and efficacy of single-port LH and multiport LH for benign gynecologic conditions based on published reports. PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Outcome measures included intraoperative and postoperative complication rates, postoperative pain, conversion rate, operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), and length of hospital stay. Pooled outcome measures (risk ratio [RR] and weighted mean difference [WMD]) were pooled with either a fixed-effects model or a random-effects model. Six RCTs encompassing 624 patients were included. There were no significant differences between single-port LH and multiport LH in terms of intraoperative complication rate (RR, 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14-7.05; p = .00), postoperative complication rate (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.63-1.44; p = .82), postoperative pain (WMD, -0.42; 95% CI, -0.99 to 0.15; p = .15), conversion rate (p = .11), EBL (p = .51), or length of hospital stay (p = .27). However, single-port LH was associated with an average of 13.13 minutes longer operative time than multiport LH (p = .02). Our findings show that single-port LH is a safe and effective technique for benign gynecologic conditions, although it may require a longer operative time than multiport LH. Further large, prospective RCTs with long-term follow-up are needed to determine whether single-port LH really offers such benefits as better cosmetic outcome over multiport LH.

Current status of laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is becoming widely accepted for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy and minor laparoscopic liver resection are now considered standard approaches, especially for tumors located in the anterolateral segments of the liver. Laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy in adult donors is also gaining acceptance for child liver transplantation in many centers. Major LLRs, including left hepatectomy and right hepatectomy, have been recently attempted. Laparoscopic donor hepatectomy is becoming more popular owing to increasing demand from young living donors who appreciate its minimal invasiveness and excellent cosmetic outcomes. Several centers have performed total laparoscopic donor right hepatectomy in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation. Many meta-analyses have shown that LLR is better than open liver resection in terms of short-term outcomes, principally cosmetic outcomes. Although no randomized control trials have compared LLR with open liver resection, the long-term oncologic outcomes were similar for both procedures in recent case-matched studies.

Management of hepatocellular carcinoma: an overview of major findings from meta-analyses

This paper aims to systematically review the major findings from meta-analyses comparing different treatment options for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 153 relevant papers were searched via the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases. They were classified according to the mainstay treatment modalities (i.e., liver transplantation, surgical resection, radiofrequency ablation, transarterial embolization or chemoembolization, sorafenib, and others). The primary outcome data, such as overall survival, diseases-free survival or recurrence-free survival, progression-free survival, and safety, were summarized. The recommendations and uncertainties regarding the treatment of HCC were also proposed.

Laparoscopic Right Hepatectomy for Cirrhotic Patients: Takasaki's Hilar Control and Caudal Approach

BACKGROUND

Cirrhotic patients bearing hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) derive benefits from laparoscopic hepatectomy1 ^- 6 such as reduced bleeding, less overall and liver-specific complications, and fewer adhesions in the case of future reoperation or transplantation.7 ^- 10 Bleeding is concerning in the setting of cirrhosis,11 ^- 15 and adequate inflow control reduces blood loss. The caudal approach is the laparoscopic counterpart of the anterior approach to open surgery. It implies in parenchymal transection initiated from the visceral surface of the liver after limited hepatic mobilization, reducing the risk of increased circulating tumoral cells.16 ^- 18 Venous outflow transection and completion of ligament mobilization are left as last steps.

METHODS

A 46 years-old-male with hepatitis C virus and alcoholic cirrhosis was diagnosed with a 4-cm HCC (right hepatic lobe). Expected future liver remnant was 45 % of his total liver volume. A totally laparoscopic right hepatectomy was performed using six ports, and the specimen was removed through a Pfannenstiel auxiliary incision. A 10-mm 30° scope was used. The pneumoperitoneum pressure was set to 12 mmHg. The right hepatic pedicle, the caudate lobe, and the major hepatic veins were managed with laparoscopic vascular staplers.

RESULTS

Surgery was performed with limited liver mobilization and en bloc extrafascial right pedicle control (Takasaki's technique),19 followed by caudal parenchymal transection along the paracaval plane. The operative time was 450 min, and the estimated blood loss was 800 ml (no transfusion was required).

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic Takasaki technique and caudal approach are feasible procedures in the setting of cirrhosis, resulting in an oncologic adequate intervention with less morbidity.

[Liver transection: modern procedure: Technique, results and costs]

Liver resection has developed into the current standard procedure due to modern resection techniques, profound knowledge of the liver anatomy and optimized surgical and anesthesiological strategies to allow extended resections with both low morbidity and mortality. Initially major blood loss was the biggest concern with liver resection and a Pringle's manoeuvre was necessary. Nowadays, biliary leakage is the major problem after liver surgery. Besides the classical conventional clamp crushing technique for parenchymal transection, various devices including ultrasound, microwaves and staplers have been introduced. Minimally invasive techniques have become increasingly important for liver resection but are still applied in selected patients only. The selection of the resection technique and device mainly depends on the extent of the resection and also on the liver parenchyma, the liver disease, costs, personal experiences and preferences. This article presents a selection of techniques used in modern parenchymal transection during liver resection with special focus on transection time, blood loss, bile leakage and costs.

Laparoscopic liver resection: Experience based guidelines

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has been progressively developed along the past two decades. Despite initial skepticism, improved operative results made laparoscopic approach incorporated to surgical practice and operations increased in frequency and complexity. Evidence supporting LLR comes from case-series, comparative studies and meta-analysis. Despite lack of level 1 evidence, the body of literature is stronger and existing data confirms the safety, feasibility and benefits of laparoscopic approach when compared to open resection. Indications for LLR do not differ from those for open surgery. They include benign and malignant (both primary and metastatic) tumors and living donor liver harvesting. Currently, resection of lesions located on anterolateral segments and left lateral sectionectomy are performed systematically by laparoscopy in hepatobiliary specialized centers. Resection of lesions located on posterosuperior segments (1, 4a, 7, 8) and major liver resections were shown to be feasible but remain technically demanding procedures, which should be reserved to experienced surgeons. Hand-assisted and laparoscopy-assisted procedures appeared to increase the indications of minimally invasive liver surgery and are useful strategies applied to difficult and major resections. LLR proved to be safe for malignant lesions and offers some short-term advantages over open resection. Oncological results including resection margin status and long-term survival were not inferior to open resection. At present, surgical community expects high quality studies to base the already perceived better outcomes achieved by laparoscopy in major centers’ practice. Continuous surgical training, as well as new technologies should augment the application of laparoscopic liver surgery. Future applicability of new technologies such as robot assistance and image-guided surgery is still under investigation.

Laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis

Liver resection for patients with cirrhosis remains a challenging operation. The presence of thrombocytopenia and portal hypertension could lead to severe bleeding during hepatectomy. The enthusiasm of laparoscopic hepatectomy has been growing and many studies have reported their initial favorable results for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The advancement in technology, better understanding of the use of pneumoperitoneum pressure and more experience accumulated make laparoscopic liver resection for patients with cirrhosis possible. Favorable outcome may be achieved if the patients are carefully selected and carried out in high volume centers.

Laparoscopic liver resection for hepatitis B and C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with Child B or C cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and oncological outcomes after laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) in patients with hepatitis B and C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with Child B or C cirrhosis.

METHODS

Between January 2004 and December 2013, LLR was performed in 232 patients with HCC. Of these, 141 patients also had pathologically proven cirrhosis. Sixteen patients with hepatitis B and C virus-related HCC with Child B or C cirrhosis were included in the study. Thirteen (81.3%) patients had Child B disease and three (18.8%) patients had Child C disease.

RESULTS

The median operation time was 215 min, the median estimated blood loss was 350 mL, and the median hospital stay was eight days. Three patients (18.8%) experienced complications after surgery. There was no postoperative mortality or reoperation. The mean follow-up period was 51.6 months. HCC recurred in eight (50%) patients: seven intrahepatic recurrences and one extrahepatic recurrence. The treatments for recurrence were laparoscopic reoperation in one (6.3%) patient, trans-catheter arterial chemo-embolization (TACE) in one (6.3%) patient, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in one (6.3%) patient, and combined TACE and RFA in four (25%) patients. The five-year postoperative overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 84.4% and 41.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that LLR can be safely used in patients with hepatitis B and C virus-related HCC and Child B or C cirrhosis, with acceptable survival outcomes.

Laparoscopic surgery: A qualified systematic review

AIM: To review current applications of the laparoscopic surgery while highlighting the standard procedures across different fields.

METHODS: A comprehensive search was undertaken using the PubMed Advanced Search Builder. A total of 321 articles were found in this search. The following criteria had to be met for the publication to be selected: Review article, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses discussing the subject of laparoscopic surgery. In addition, publications were hand-searched in the Cochrane database and the high-impact journals. A total of 82 of the findings were included according to matching the inclusion criteria. Overall, 403 full-text articles were reviewed. Of these, 218 were excluded due to not matching the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS: A total of 185 relevant articles were identified matching the search criteria for an overview of the current literature on the laparoscopic surgery. Articles covered the period from the first laparoscopic application through its tremendous advancement over the last several years. Overall, the biggest advantage of the procedure has been minimizing trauma to the abdominal wall compared with open surgery. In the case of cholecystectomy, fundoplication, and adrenalectomy, the procedure has become the gold standard without being proven as a superior technique over the open surgery in randomized controlled trials. Faster recovery, reduced hospital stay, and a quicker return to normal activities are the most evident advantages of the laparoscopic surgery. Positive outcomes, efficiency, a lower rate of wound infections, and reduction in the perioperative morbidity of minimally invasive procedures have been shown in most indications.

CONCLUSION: Improvements in surgical training and developments in instruments, imaging, and surgical techniques have greatly increased safety and feasibility of the laparoscopic surgical procedures.

Surgical outcomes after laparoscopic or robotic liver resection in hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity-score matched analysis with conventional open liver resection

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to compare perioperative and oncologic outcomes between minimally invasive liver resection (MILR) and conventional open liver resection (COLR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using a propensity-score matched analysis.

METHODS

Ninety-nine patients who received MILR were matched with 198 patients treated with COLR out of 928 patients with HCC who received curative liver resection from 2002 to 2012. A multivariable logistic model based on factors related to the patient, tumor, and surgical procedure was used to estimate a propensity score.

RESULTS

The MILR group experienced significantly less intraoperative blood loss (mean: 389.55 vs 580.66 mL; P = 0.008), lower complication rates (13.1% vs 24.7%; P = 0.020), and a shorter length of hospital stay (mean: 8.40 vs 13.39 days; P < 0.001). The two groups did not differ significantly in disease-free (P = 0.701) or overall survival (P = 0.086).

CONCLUSIONS

MILR produced better perioperative and comparable oncologic outcomes than COLR for HCC. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Hepatocellular carcinoma: From clinical practice to evidence-based treatment protocols

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major malignant diseases in many healthcare systems. The growing number of new cases diagnosed each year is nearly equal to the number of deaths from this cancer. Worldwide, HCC is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, as it is the fifth most common cancer and the third most important cause of cancer related death in men. Among various risk factors the two are prevailing: viral hepatitis, namely chronic hepatitis C virus is a well-established risk factor contributing to the rising incidence of HCC. The epidemic of obesity and the metabolic syndrome, not only in the United States but also in Asia, tend to become the leading cause of the long-term rise in the HCC incidence. Today, the diagnosis of HCC is established within the national surveillance programs in developed countries while the diagnosis of symptomatic, advanced stage disease still remains the characteristic of underdeveloped countries. Although many different staging systems have been developed and evaluated the Barcelona-Clinic Liver Cancer staging system has emerged as the most useful to guide HCC treatment. Treatment allocation should be decided by a multidisciplinary board involving hepatologists, pathologists, radiologists, liver surgeons and oncologists guided by personalized -based medicine. This approach is important not only to balance between different oncologic treatments strategies but also due to the complexity of the disease (chronic liver disease and the cancer) and due to the large number of potentially efficient therapies. Careful patient selection and a tailored treatment modality for every patient, either potentially curative (surgical treatment and tumor ablation) or palliative (transarterial therapy, radioembolization and medical treatment, i.e., sorafenib) is mandatory to achieve the best treatment outcome.

Laparoscopic right hepatectomy combined with partial diaphragmatic resection for colorectal liver metastases: Is it feasible and reasonable?

BACKGROUND

The impact of diaphragmatic invasion in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) remains poorly evaluated. We aimed to evaluate feasibility and safety of laparoscopic right hepatectomy (LRH) with or without diaphragmatic resection for CRLM.

METHODS

From 2002 to 2012, 52 patients underwent LRH for CRLM. Of them, 7 patients had combined laparoscopic partial diaphragmatic resection ("diaphragm" group). Data were retrospectively collected and short and long-term outcomes analyzed.

RESULTS

Operative time was lower in the control group (272 vs 345 min, P = .06). Six patients required conversion to open surgery. Blood loss and transfusion rate were similar. Portal triad clamping was used more frequently in the "diaphragm" group (42.8% vs 6.6%, P = .02). Maximum tumor size was greater in the "diaphragm" group (74.5 vs 37.1 mm, P = .002). Resection margin was negative in all cases. Mortality was nil and general morbidity similar in the 2 groups. Specific liver-related complications occurred in 2 patients in the "diaphragm" group and 17 in the control group (P = .69). Mean hospital stay was similar (P = 56). Twenty-two (42.3%) patients experienced recurrence. One-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival after surgery in "diaphragm" and control groups were 69%, 34%, 34%, and 97%, 83%, 59%, respectively (P = .103). One- and 3-year disease-free survival after surgery in "diaphragm" and control groups were 57%, 47% and 75%, 54%, respectively (P = .310).

CONCLUSION

LRH with en-bloc diaphragmatic resection could be reasonably performed for selected patients in expert centers. Technical difficulties related to diaphragmatic invasion must be circumvented. Further experience must be gained to confirm our results.

Open versus laparoscopic liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (the Oslo-CoMet Study): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic liver resection is used in specialized centers all over the world. However, laparoscopic liver resection has never been compared with open liver resection in a prospective, randomized trial.

METHODS/DESIGN

The Oslo-CoMet Study is a randomized trial into laparoscopic versus open liver resection for the surgical management of hepatic colorectal metastases. The primary outcome is 30-day perioperative morbidity. Secondary outcomes include 5-year survival (overall, disease-free and recurrence-free), resection margins, recurrence pattern, postoperative pain, health-related quality of life, and evaluation of the inflammatory response. A cost-utility analysis of replacing open surgery with laparoscopic surgery will also be performed. The study includes all resections for colorectal liver metastases, except formal hemihepatectomies, resections where reconstruction of vessels/bile ducts is necessary and resections that need to be combined with ablation. All patients will participate in an enhanced recovery after surgery program. A biobank of liver and tumor tissue will be established and molecular analysis will be performed.

DISCUSSION

After 35 months of recruitment, 200 patients have been included in the trial. Molecular and immunology data are being analyzed. Results for primary and secondary outcome measures will be presented following the conclusion of the study (late 2015). The Oslo-CoMet Study will provide the first level 1 evidence on the benefits of laparoscopic liver resection for colorectal liver metastases.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered in ClinicalTrals.gov (NCT01516710) on 19 January 2012.

Laparoscopic liver resection for living donation: Where do we stand?

In Western countries, living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) may represent a valuable alternative to deceased donor liver transplantation. Yet, after an initial peak of enthusiasm, reports of high rates of complications and of fatalities have led to a certain degree of reluctance towards this procedure especially in Western countries. As for living donor kidney transplantation, the laparoscopic approach could improve patient’s tolerance in order to rehabilitate this strategy and reverse the current trend. In this setting however, initial concerns regarding patient’s safety and graft integrity, need for acquiring surgical expertise in both laparoscopic liver surgery and living donor transplantation and lack of evidence supporting the benefits of laparoscopy have delayed the development of this approach. Similarly to what is performed in classical resectional liver surgery, initial experiences of laparoscopy have therefore begun with left lateral sectionectomy, which is performed for adult to child living donation. In this setting, the laparoscopic technique is now well standardized, is associated with decreased donor blood loss and hospital stays and provides graft of similar quality compared to the open approach. On the other hand laparoscopic major right or left hepatectomies for adult-adult LDLT currently lack standardization and various techniques such as the full laparoscopic approach, the hand assisted approach and the hybrid approach have been reported. Hence, even-though several reports highlight the feasibility of these procedures, the true benefits of laparoscopy over laparotomy remain to be fully assessed. This could be achieved through standardization of the procedures and creation of international registries especially in Eastern countries where LDLT keeps on flourishing.

Laparoscopic versus open liver resection for metastatic colorectal cancer: a metaanalysis of 610 patients

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) remains controversial. The objective of this manuscript was to perform a metaanalysis comparing outcomes of LLR with open liver resection (OLR) in patients with hepatic mCRC, and to identify which patients were suitable candidates for LLR.

STUDY DESIGN

A PubMed search identified 2,122 articles. When filtered for case-matched articles comparing LLR with OLR for mCRC, 8 articles were identified consisting of 610 patients (242 LLR, 368 OLR). A random effects metaanalysis was performed.

RESULTS

The 2 groups were well-matched for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, tumor size, number of metastases, extent of major hepatectomy, and use of neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy. The mean number of metastases in the LLR and OLR groups were 1.4 and 1.5, respectively (P = .14). Estimated blood loss was less in LLR group (262 vs 385 mL; P = .049). Transfusion rate was significantly less in LLR group (9.9 vs 19.8%; P = .004). There was no difference in operative time (248.7 vs 262.8 min; P = .85). Length of stay (LOS) was less in the LLR group (6.5 vs 8.8 days; P = .007). The overall complication rate was less in LLR group (20.3% vs 33.2%; P = .03). Importantly, there was no difference in the 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS) rates.

CONCLUSION

In carefully selected patients with limited mCRC (1 or 2 tumors), LLR provides marked perioperative benefits without compromising oncologic outcomes or long-term survival. Specifically, LLR offers decreased blood loss, LOS, and overall complication rates with comparable 5-year OS and DFS.