Intraoperative contrast-enhanced sonographic portography combined with indigo carmine dye injection for anatomic liver resection in hepatocellular carcinoma: a new technique

Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography Combined With LR-M Classification Criteria for Differentiating Malignant Liver Nodules at High Risk for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the value of quantitative parameters derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (DCE-US) and a combination of these quantitative parameters with the LR-M classification criteria in distinguishing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodules and non-HCC malignancies.

METHODS

HCC and non-HCC malignant nodules were grouped using pathologic results, and each nodule was classified using CEUS LI-RADS 2017. Quantitative CEUS analysis of each nodule was performed using VueBox, and quantitative parameters were compared between the HCC and non-HCC groups. The diagnostic efficacy of the LR-5 category for HCC was analyzed using the LR-M classification criteria along with time-related quantitative parameters.

RESULTS

Of the 190 malignant liver nodules, 137 and 53 were HCCs and non-HCC malignancies, respectively. The median values of quantitative parameters RT (rise time), TTP (time to peak), mTTl (mean transit time local), and FT (fall time) in the non-HCC malignant group were lower than those in the HCC group, with p < 0.05. There was a statistically significant difference in WiAUC (wash-in area under the curve), WoAUC (wash-out area under the curve), WiWoAUC (wash-in and wash-out area under the curve), and WoR (wash-out rate) values between HCC and non-HCC malignant groups, with p < 0.05. Using LR-M washout time <60 s and FT ≤21.2 s as the new diagnostic standard, the LR-5 category showed a sensitivity of 83.9%, specificity of 96.2%, and positive predictive value of 98.3% for HCC diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

DCE-US can facilitate the distinction of HCCs and non-HCC malignancies. Non-HCC malignancies present with earlier peak enhancement and more rapid and marked washout than HCC nodules. The combination of the LR-M classification criteria and FT ≤21.2 s can significantly improve the diagnostic sensitivity of the LR-5 category for HCC.

Indocyanine green fluorescence staining based on the "hepatic pedicle first" approach during laparoscopic anatomic liver resection

BACKGROUND

Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence staining is one of the most challenging procedures for laparoscopic anatomic liver resection (LALR). Here, we introduce a novel method based on the "hepatic pedicle first" approach that can improve the success rate of positive staining.

METHOD

The target hepatic pedicle (even for the subsegment) was dissected through the first porta until it became visible. Five milliliters of 0.025 mg/ml ICG was injected after the target hepatic pedicle (extra-Glissonian approach) or portal vein/hepatic artery (intra-Glissonian approach) was punctured successfully using scalp acupuncture under direct vision. Then, the Glissonian pedicle or vessel was clamped immediately to prevent the intrahepatic diffusion of ICG. During the operation, a fluorescence imaging model was used repeatedly to confirm the segmental boundary.

RESULTS

Finally, 24 patients underwent LALR with the "hepatic pedicle first" approach for ICG fluorescence-positive staining. In 5 patients, ICG-positive staining failed, representing a 79.17% success rate. The average staining time was 25.92 min ± 14.64 min. There were no complications associated with vessel puncture (bile leakage, hemorrhage, and thrombosis).

CONCLUSION

The "hepatic pedicle first" approach is a feasible, convenient, and safe method for ICG-positive staining, with a high success rate.

Application of DCE-US using the LI-RADS for patients with liver nodules at high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma: A preliminary study and comparison with visual interpretation

OBJECTIVE

To explore the value of dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) for the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS).

METHODS

We included 220 liver nodules at high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from January 2019 to October 2021. Visual interpretation and DCE-US-based quantitative categories using VueBox® software were compared for consistency, nodule enhancement intensity, and washout onset following the contrast-enhanced ultrasound LI-RADS. Taking the cut-off value of the ROC curve on washout onset as the time criterion of early washout of LR-M nodules, analyzed the diagnostic performance of LR-5 for HCC and compared it to that of washout onset within 60 s.

RESULTS

The LI-RADS visual and DCE-US interpretation results showed good consistency (Kappa = 0.730), but differed significantly in determining the LR-5 washout onset (91.2 ± 30.2 vs. 82.0 ± 32.8 s, P = 0.020) and detecting early washout (<60 s) in 196 nodules (P = 0.047). Distinguishing HCC from non-HCC malignancies had: area under the ROC curve, 0.85 (95 % confidence interval, 0.8-0.9); Youden index, 0.69; cut-off value, 48 s; sensitivity, 74.4 %; specificity, 95.0 %. When LR-M diagnosis used washout onset within 48 s, LR-5 diagnosis had sensitivity, 72.8 %; specificity, 95.0 %; positive predictive value, 98.5 %; showing a higher sensitivity than with washout onset in 60 s (62.2 %; P = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

DCE-US and visual interpretations showed high consistency in LI-RADS categories but differed in assessing the washout time. According to the DCE-US interpretation, the diagnostic performance of LR-5 could be improved using washout onset of 48 s for LR-M.

A practical guide for the use of indocyanine green and methylene blue in fluorescence-guided abdominal surgery

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging is gaining clinical acceptance over the last years and has been used for detection of lymph nodes, several tumor types, vital structures and tissue perfusion. This review focuses on NIR fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green and methylene blue for different clinical applications in abdominal surgery with an emphasis on oncology, based on a systematic literature search. Furthermore, practical information on doses, injection times, and intraoperative use are provided.

Hepatic resection beyond barcelona clinic liver cancer indication: When and how

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the main common primary tumour of the liver and it is usually associated with cirrhosis. The barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) classification has been approved as guidance for HCC treatment algorithms by the European Association for the Study of Liver and the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease. According to this algorithm, hepatic resection should be performed only in patients with small single tumours of 2-3 cm without signs of portal hypertension (PHT) or hyperbilirubinemia. BCLC classification has been criticised and many studies have shown that multiple tumors and large tumors, as wide as those with macrovascular infiltration and PHT, could benefit from liver resection. Consequently, treatment guidelines should be revised and patients with intermediate/advanced stage HCC, when technically resectable, should receive the opportunity to be treated with radical surgical treatment. Nevertheless, the surgical treatment of HCC on cirrhosis is complex: The goal to be oncologically radical has always to be balanced with the necessity to minimize organ damage. The aim of this review was to analyze when and how liver resection could be indicated beyond BCLC indication. In particular, the role of multidisciplinary approach to assure a proper indication, of the intraoperative ultrasound for intra-operative restaging and resection guidance and of laparoscopy to minimize surgical trauma have been enhanced.