Fatal arterial hemorrhage after microwave ablation of multiple liver metastases: The lessons learned

We report the case of a 71-year-old female patient with previous history of rectal cancer. The primary cancer was resected and three cycles of chemotherapy were completed. Excision of metastatic lesions was also performed from the left liver lobe. Due to the presence of new liver lesions on the right lobe, intra-operative microwave ablation was decided. Three hours post ablation the patient bled massively and angiography revealed extravasation from a peripheral branch of the right hepatic artery. Successful embolization was performed; however, the patient died 5 days later on liver failure. We would like to present the case and discuss the technical options and the key points to help avoiding similar complications in the future.

The impact of Milan criteria on liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: first 15 years' experience of the Hungarian Liver Transplant Program

In addition to hepatitis C, hepatocellular carcinoma. is a leading indication for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The indications for OLT in HCC remains a topic of debate. The successful Milan criteria are still accepted as the gold standard to select candidates with a good chance for long-term survival. The Hungarian Liver Transplant Program launched in 1995 reached 45 OLT/year in 2010. Among 412 first OLTs, there were 49 cases of a malignant tumor, including 41 among which the indication was the tumor. Of the 412 patients, 154 (37.4%) were hepatitic C virus (HCV) positive, including 29 with HCC and 23 cases in which HCC was the indication itself. Half of the HCC patients were within the Milan criteria; 50% exceeded the criteria. We observed a solitary HCC in 36% of cases: 2 foci in 18%; 3 in 7%, 4 in 14%, and ≥5 in 25%. Only 12 patients underwent a "down-staging" treatment before OLT: 8 radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and 4 transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year patient survivals were 62%, 54%, and 43%, respectively in HCC/HCV-positive patients and they were 74%, 67%, and 61% among non-HCC HCV-positive subjects. The cumulative HCC patient survival rates of 64%, 64%, and 53% among Milan criteria were superior to those of 57%, 40%, and 27% among subjects exceeding the Milan criteria (P=.01). Pre-OLT "down-staging" treatment increased the 1-year patient survival from 64% to 70%; however, it did not affect the long-term results. Among items of the Milan criteria tumor size had less impact on outcomes then number of foci. The majority of cases who exceeded the Milan criteria had been transplanted before 2003. Our results suggested that the Milan criteria should be applied for the selection of candidates in order to promise good survival after OLT for HCC.

Treatment of early hepatic artery complications after adult liver transplantation: A single center experience

Introduction

Hepatic artery complication represents recognized sequel of liver transplantation that carries significant morbidity and mortality. Besides retransplantation, hepatic artery recanalization is provided surgically, or by percutaneous angioplasty and stent placement. This study provides an analysis of a single center experience comparing surgical and interventional treatments in cases of early hepatic artery complications.

Methods

In this retrospective single center study, 25 of 365 liver transplant recipients were enrolled who developed early hepatic artery complication after transplantation. Percutaneous intervention was performed in 10 cases, while surgical therapy in 15 cases. Mean follow-up time was not different between the groups (505±377 vs. 706±940 days, respectively).

Results

6 patients in the Intervention Group and 10 patients in the Surgery Group are alive. The retransplantation rate (1 and 3) was lower after interventional procedures, while the development of biliary complications was higher. The mortality rate was higher after operative treatment (2 and 5).

Conclusion

Interventional therapy is a feasible and safe technique for treatment of early hepatic artery complication after transplantation. Being less invasive it is an invaluable alternative treatment having results comparable to surgical methods.