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BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic and robotic minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) is gaining popularity. Recent data and views on the implementation of laparoscopic and robotic MILS throughout Europe are lacking.METHODS: An anonymous survey consisting of 46 questions was sent to all members of the European-African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association.RESULTS: The survey was completed by 120 surgeons from 103 centers in 24 countries. Median annual center volume of liver resection was 100 [IQR 50-140]. The median annual volume of MILS per center was 30 [IQR 16-40]. For minor resections, laparoscopic MILS was used by 80 (67%) surgeons and robotic MILS by 35 (29%) surgeons. For major resections, laparoscopic MILS was used by 74 (62%) surgeons and robotic MILS by 33 (28%) surgeons. The majority of the surgeons stated that minimum annual volume of MILS per center should be around 21-30 procedures/year. Of the surgeons performing robotic surgery, 28 (70%) felt they missed specific equipment, such as a robotic-CUSA. Seventy (66%) surgeons provided a formal MILS training to residents and fellows. In 5 years' time, 106 (88%) surgeons felt that MILS would have superior value as compared to open liver surgery.CONCLUSION: In the participating European liver centers, MILS comprised about one third of all liver resections and is expected to increase further. Laparoscopic MILS is still twice as common as robotic MILS. Development of specific instruments for robotic liver parenchymal transection might further increase its adoption.

Background Data on morbidity and mortality following liver resection after radioembolization (Y90) are limited and controversial. Therefore, the perioperative morbidity and mortality of liver resections after Y90 treatment were investigated with systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods A PubMed search was conducted to identify studies of liver resection after previous Y90 treatment. Systematic review and meta-analysis for perioperative morbidity and mortality were perfomed using the 2009 PRISMA guidelines and STATA 16.1 software. Results A total of 16 studies reporting on 276 patients who underwent liver resection after Y90 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of 30-day mortality rates yielded pooled mortality of 0.5% (95% CI 0.0–3.2%). Six studies (155 patients) reported a pooled 90-day mortality of 3.0% (95% CI 0.3–7.4%). The median time to resection after Y90 ranged from 2 to 12.5 months in various studies. In all studies where the median resection was undertaken eight or more months after Y90, zero 30-day mortality was reported. A meta-analysis of overall grade 3 or higher morbidity noted a rate of 26% (95% CI 16–37%). Conclusions Liver resection after Y90 may be safe in very well selected patients. Delaying resection after Y90 may further decrease mortality.

Background Presently, data on the impact of enhanced recovery protocols on the outcomes of laparoscopic liver resection remain limited. We performed propensity matched analysis comparing the outcomes between patients undergoing laparoscopic liver resection before and after the introduction of an enhanced recovery protocol. Methods Between 2013 and 2019, 462 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic liver resection by 3 surgeons of which 360 met the study inclusion criteria. There were 89 patients who underwent surgery under an enhanced recovery protocol and 271 without an enhanced recovery protocol. One-to-one propensity matched analysis was performed for 84 enhanced recovery protocol patients and 84 nonenhanced recovery protocol patients. Results Comparisons between propensity matched cohorts revealed that patients who received laparoscopic liver resection with enhanced recovery protocol had reduced median blood loss (200 vs 300 mL, P = .013), postoperative stay (3 vs 4 days, P = .003), and lower open conversion rates (0% vs 8.3%, P = .008). There was no difference in other key perioperative outcomes such as operation time, postoperative morbidity, postoperative major morbidity, and 30-day readmission rates. Conclusion A combined approach of enhanced recovery protocol and laparoscopic liver resection was associated with improved perioperative outcomes as opposed to laparoscopic liver resection alone.

Розроблена та застосована у 121 пацієнта оптимізована схема анестезії та інтенсивної терапії під час обширних резекцій печінки в онкохірургії, що включає застосування мультимодальної аналгезії, трансфузії автологічної крові, тромбопрофілактики низькомолекулярними гепаринами. Для оцінки адекватності застосовуваної методики використані: варіаційна пульсометрія, аналіз параметрів гемодинаміки, сироваткових концентрацій кортизолу, глюкози, анти-Х-фактора згортання крові пацієнтів, ступінь вираженості післяопераційного болю, частота післяопераційних ускладнень. Встановлено, що максимальну ефективність і безпеку для пацієнтів має схема анестезії, що включає комбіновану загальну інгаляційну анестезію севофлюраном, подовжену грудну епідуральну аналгезію і нормоволемічну гемодилюцію у поєднанні з трансфузією автологічної крові в періопераційному періоді. В одній з груп пацієнтів були зареєстровані оптимальні гемодинамічні показники, мінімальні рівні стресових маркерів і ступеня вираженості післяопераційного болю, зменшення частоти післяопераційних ускладнень.

Использована и проанализирована схема мультимодальной аналгезии у 121 пациента в периоперационном периоде обширных резекций печени. Пациенты распределены на 3 группы в зависимости от методики анестезиологического обеспечения: общая, комбинированная общая и эпидуральная анестезия. Для оценки адекватности этой методики использован анализ параметров центральной гемодинамики, вариационной пульсометрии, сывороточных концентраций кортизола, глюкозы, степени выраженности послеоперационной боли, частоты послеоперационных осложнений. Установлено, что максимально эффективной и безопасной для пациентов является схема комбинированной низкопоточной ингаляционной анестезии с эпидуральной аналгезией благодаря оптимальным гемодинамическим показателям, минимальным уровням стрессовых маркеров и послеоперационной боли, уменьшению частоты осложнений.

BACKGROUND: Liver resection is high-risk surgery in particular in elderly patients. The aim of this study was to explore postoperative outcomes after liver resection in elderly patients.METHODS: In this nationwide study, all patients who underwent liver resection for primary and secondary liver tumours in the Netherlands between 2014 and 2019 were included. Age groups were composed as younger than 70 (70-), between 70 and 80 (septuagenarians), and 80 years or older (octogenarians). Proportion of liver resections per age group and 30-day major morbidity and 30-day mortality were assessed.RESULTS: In total, 6587 patients were included of whom 4023 (58.9%) were younger than 70, 2135 (32.4%) were septuagenarians and 429 (6.5%) were octogenarians. The proportion of septuagenarians increased during the study period (aOR:1.06, CI:1.02-1.09, p < 0.001). Thirty-day major morbidity was higher in septuagenarians (11%) and octogenarians (12%) compared to younger patients (9%, p = 0.049). Thirty-day mortality was higher in septuagenarians (4%) and octogenarians (4%) compared to younger patients (2%, p < 0.001). Cardiopulmonary complications occurred more frequently with higher age, liver-specific complications did not. Higher age was associated with higher 30-day morbidity and 30-day mortality in multivariable logistic regression.CONCLUSION: Thirty-day major morbidity and 30-day mortality are higher after liver resection in elderly patients, attributed mainly to non-surgical cardiopulmonary complications.

Background This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the learning curve of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) of a single surgeon. Patients and methods A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of liver resections was conducted. 171 patients undergoing pure LLRs between April 2008 and April 2021 were analysed. The Halls difficulty score (HDS) for theoretical predictions of intraoperative complications (IOC) during LLR was applied. IOC was defined as blood loss over 775 mL, unintentional damage to the surrounding structures, and conversion to an open approach. Theoretical association between HDS and the predicted probability of IOC was utilised to objectify the shape of the learning curve. Results The obtained learning curve has resulted from thirteen years of surgical effort of a single surgeon. It consists of an absolute and a relative part in the mathematical description of the additive function described by the logarithmic function (absolute complexity) and fifth-degree regression curve (relative complexity). The obtained learning curve determines the functional dependency of the learning outcome versus time and indicates several local extreme values (peaks and valleys) in the learning process until proficiency is achieved. Conclusions This learning curve indicates an ongoing learning process for LLR. The proposed mathematical model can be applied for any surgical procedure with an existing difficulty score and a known theoretically predicted association between the difficulty score and given outcome (for example, IOC).

Background Laparoscopic redo resections for colorectal metastases are poorly investigated. This study aims to explore long-term results after second, third, and fourth resections. Material and methods Prospectively updated databases of primary and redo laparoscopic liver resections in six European HPB centers were analyzed. Procedure-related overall survival after first, second, third, and fourth resections were evaluated. Furthermore, patients without liver recurrence after first liver resection were compared to those with one redo, two or three redo, and patients with palliative treatment for liver recurrence after first laparoscopic liver surgery. Survival was calculated both from the date of the first liver resection and from the date of the actual liver resection. In total, 837 laparoscopic primary and redo liver resections performed in 762 patients were included (630 primary, 172 first redo, 29 second redo, and 6 third redo). Patients were bunched into four groups: Group 1—without hepatic recurrence after primary liver resection (n = 441); Group 2—with liver recurrence who underwent only one laparoscopic redo resection (n = 154); Group 3—with liver recurrence who underwent two laparoscopic redo resections (n = 29); Group 4—with liver recurrence who have not been found suitable for redo resections (n = 138). Results No significant difference has been found between the groups in terms of baseline characteristics and surgical outcomes. Rate of positive resection margin was higher in the group with palliative recurrence (group 4). Five-year survival calculated from the first liver resection was 67%, 62%, 84%, and 7% for group 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Procedure-specific 5-year overall survival was 50% after primary laparoscopic liver resection, 52% after the 1st reoperation, 52% after the 2nd, and 40% after the 3rd reoperation made laparoscopic. Conclusions Multiple redo recurrences can be performed laparoscopically with good long-term results. Liver recurrence does not aggravate prognosis as long as the patient is suitable for reoperation.

As a result of the analysis of modern Russian and foreign literature, it was found that in the structure of postoperative complications after liver resections, biliary complications are the leading ones today. The main risk factors for the development of biliary complications and predictors of prognosis were determined at the different stages (preoperative, during the operation and postoperative period). The necessity to apply a complex of instrumental investigation methods in the postoperative period for early detection of bile leakage, clarification of its causes and forms of manifestation is determined; their importance for choosing a method of elimination is emphasized. The ways of improving the results of liver resections due to the prevention and effective elimination of bile leakage are outlined.Possibilities of prognosis of biliar complications after liver resections were analyzed. The available assessment systems can be considered uninformative, which demands development and implementation of more modern and more effective programs for predicting biliary complications after liver resections.

International audience; Objective: The aim of this study was to build a predictive model of operative difficulty in open liver resections (LRs). Summary Background Data: Recent attempts at classifying open-LR have been focused on postoperative outcomes and were based on predefined anatomical schemes without taking into account other anatomical/technical factors. Methods: Four intraoperative variables were perceived by the authors as to reflect operative difficulty: operation and transection times, blood loss, and number of Pringle maneuvers. A hierarchical ascendant classification (HAC) was used to identify homogeneous groups of operative difficulty, based on these variables. Predefined technical/anatomical factors were then selected to build a multivariable logistic regression model (DIFF-scOR), to predict the probability of pertaining to the highest difficulty group. Its discrimination/calibration was assessed. Missing data were handled using multiple imputation. Results: HAC identified 2 clusters of operative difficulty. In the ``Difficult LR'' group (20.8% of the procedures), operation time (401 min vs 243 min), transection time (150 vs.63 minute), blood loss (900 vs 400 mL), and number of Pringle maneuvers (3 vs 1) were higher than in the ``Standard LR'' group. Determinants of operative difficulty were body weight, number and size of nodules, biliary drainage, anatomical or combined LR, transection planes between segments 2 and 4, 4, and 8 or 7 and 8, nonanatomical resections in segments 2, 7, or 8, caval resection, bilioentric anastomosis and number of specimens. The c-statistic of the DIFF-scOR was 0.822. By contrast, the discrimination of the DIFF-scOR to predict 90-day mortality and severe morbidity was poor (c-statistic: 0.616 and 0.634, respectively). Conclusion: The DIFF-scOR accurately predicts open-LR difficulty and may be used for various purposes in clinical practice and research.

Background Complex liver resection is a risk factor for the development of AKI, which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Aim of this study was to assess risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) and its impact on outcome for patients undergoing complex liver surgery. Methods AKI was defined according to the KDIGO criteria. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of AKI after liver resection. Secondary endpoints were complications and mortality. Results Overall, 146 patients undergoing extended liver resection were included in the study. The incidence of AKI was 21%. The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hepatocellular carcinoma were significantly higher in patients with AKI. In the AKI group, the proportion of extended right hepatectomies was the highest (53%), followed by ALPPS (43%). Increased intraoperative blood loss, increased postoperative complications and perioperative mortality was associated with AKI. Besides age and CKD, ALPPS was an independent risk factor for postoperative AKI. A small future liver remnant seemed to increase the risk of AKI in patients undergoing ALPPS. Conclusion Following extended liver resection, AKI is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. ALPPS is a major independent risk factor for the development of AKI and a sufficient future liver remnant could avoid postoperative AKI.

The relationship between hospital volume and surgical outcomes is well-established; however, considerable socioeconomic and geographic barriers to high-volume care persist. This study assesses how the overall volume of hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) cancer operations impacts outcomes of liver resections (LRs).The National Cancer Database (2004-2014) was queried for patients who underwent LR for hepatocellular carcinoma. Hospital volume was determined separately for all HPB operations and LRs. Centers were dichotomized as low and high volume based on the median number of operations. The following study cohorts were created: low-volume hospitals (LVHs) for both LRs and HPB operations, mixed-volume hospitals (MVHs) with low-volume LRs but high-volume HPB operations, and high-volume LR hospitals (HVHs) for both LRs and HPB operations.Of 7,265 patients identified, 37.5%, 8.8%, and 53.7% were treated at LVHs, MVHs, and HVHs, respectively. On multivariable analysis, patients treated at LVHs had higher 30-day mortality compared with patients treated at HVHs (odds ratio 1.736; p0.001). However, patients treated at MVHs experienced 30-day mortality comparable with patients treated at HVHs (odds ratio 0.789; p = 0.318). Similar results were found for positive margin status, prolonged hospital stay, and overall survival.LR outcomes at low-volume LR centers that have substantial experience with HPB cancer operations are similar to those at high-volume LR centers. Our results demonstrate that the volume to outcomes curve for HPB operations should be assessed more holistically and that patients can safely undergo liver operations at low-volume LR centers if HPB volume criteria are met.

BACKGROUND This study aims to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing minimally invasive liver resection (MILR) versus open liver resection (OLR) for nonrecurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Review of 204 MILR and 755 OLR without previous LR performed between 2005 and 2018. 1:1 coarsened exact matching (CEM) and 1:1 propensity-score matching (PSM) were performed. RESULTS Overall, 190 MILR were well-matched with 190 OLR by PSM and 86 MILR with 86 OLR by CEM according to patient baseline characteristics. After PSM and CEM, MILR was associated with a significantly longer operation time [230 min (interquartile range [IQR], 145-330) vs. 160 min (IQR, 125-210), p

Although open resections have been the most prevalent method of hepatectomies in the United States, laparoscopic and robotic methods of liver resection have since gained significant traction. Given the augmenting role of minimally invasive techniques in liver resection, a study that explores and analyzes the surgical outcomes of the approaches mentioned above to liver resection on a national basis is warranted. A retrospective analysis was performed in this study using the 2016–2018 Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD). Patients who underwent liver resections via one of the following methods were selected and grouped: open, laparoscopic, or robotic. Our primary outcome variable of interest was the 45-day readmission rate. 11,186 patients were included in the analysis. The 45-day readmission rate was 13.5%, 12.9%, and 8.7% in the open, laparoscopic, and robotic groups, respectively (p

Surgeons often remain reluctant to consider laparoscopic approach in multiple liver tumors. This study assessed feasibility and short-term results of patients who had more than 3 simultaneous laparoscopic liver resections (LLR). All consecutive patients who underwent LLR for primary or secondary malignancies between 2009 and 2019 were analyzed. After exclusion of major LLR, patients were divided into three groups: less than three (Group A), between three and five (Group B), and more than five resections (Group C) in the same procedure. Intraoperative details, postoperative outcomes, and textbook outcome (TO) were compared in the 3 groups. During study period, 463 patients underwent minor LLR. Among them, 412 (88.9%) had less than 3 resections, 38 (8.2%) between 3 and 5 resections, and 13 (2.8%) more than 5 resections. Despite a difficulty score according to IMM classification comparable in the 3 groups (with high difficulty grade 3 procedures of 16.5% vs. 15.7% vs. 23.1% in Group A, B, and C, respectively, p = 0.124), mean operative time was significantly longer in Group C (p = 0.039). Blood loss amount (p = 0.396) and conversion rate (p = 0.888) were similar in the 3 groups. Rate of R1 margins was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.078). Achievement of TO was not different between groups (p = 0.741). In multivariate analysis, non-achievement of TO was associated with difficulty according to IMM classification (OR = 2.29 (1.33–3.98)). Since intra- and post-operative outcomes and quality of resection are comparable, multiple liver resections should not preclude the laparoscopic approach.

Background: Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging has been extensively used in a variety of applications in visceral surgery. In minimally invasive liver resections, the detection of small s...

Background The advantages of robotic liver surgery are strongest for minor resections, where incision size drives recovery time, but cost remains a concern. We hypothesized that patients who underwent robotic minor liver resections would have superior peri-operative outcomes resulting in decreased cost. Methods We queried the medical record and cost data for patients who underwent open or robotic minor (1–2 segment) liver resection from 1/2016–8/2019. Financial data were normalized to Medicare reimbursements. Results There were 87 patients who underwent minor liver resections (robotic n = 46, open n = 41). Specimen size (173 ± 203 vs 257 ± 481 cm3), surgical duration (233 ± 87 vs 227 ± 83 min), estimated blood loss (187 ± 236 vs 194 ± 165 mL), and margin status (89% vs 93% R0) were similar for robotic and open resections respectively, yet complications (3/46, 7% vs 10/41, 24%, p = 0.02) and length of stay (2.2 ± 2.2 vs 6.2 ± 2.9, p Conclusion Patients undergoing robotic minor hepatectomy had superior peri-operative outcomes resulting in lower total cost of care when compared to open minor hepatectomy. Financial considerations should not adversely influence selection of a robotic approach for minor hepatectomy.

Over the past 2 decades the minimally invasive liver resections have become preferable in liver tumors surgery in adult patients. Indications for minimally invasive operations in pediatric surgery are actively extending, but the number of such reports remains limited. The slow pace of broad application of laparoscopic hepatectomy in children is explained, first of all, by the limited space in abdominal cavity of children, and lower prevalence of liver tumors in the pediatric population. This review analyzes the evolution of laparoscopic liver resections in adults and possibilities of applying this experience to pediatric hepatic surgery.

Aim. To analyze the safety and advantages of central resection in comparison with extended hepatectomies. Methods. From June 2017 to May 2020 29 central and extended liver resections for children were performed. Central hepatic resections were carried out in 8, extended hepatectomies – in 21 patients. Preoperative investigations, intraoperative and postoperative data in both groups were analyzed.Results. The main indication for surgery was hepatoblastoma. Future liver remnant volume was significantly higher in central resections group (р = 0.003). No difference in median operative time (р = 0.94), intraoperative blood loss (р = 0.078) and blood transfusion rate (р = 0.057) were found between groups. There were no postoperative complications difference. Also no difference in hospital stay length (р = 0.3) were found.Conclusion. In comparison with extended procedures, central liver resection has similar complication rate. Central hepatectomy is a safe procedure in children with liver tumors, which allows to preserve more healthy parenchyma.

BACKGROUND Although included in surveillance programmes for colorectal cancer (CRC) metastases, elderly patients are susceptible to declines in health and quality of life that may render them unsuitable for further surveillance. Deciding when to cease surveillance is challenging. METHODS There are no publications focused on surveillance of elderly patients for CRC metastases. A systematic review of studies reporting treatment outcomes for CRC metastases in elderly patients was performed to assess the risk-benefit balance of the key objectives of surveillance; detecting and treating CRC metastases. RESULTS Sixty-eight eligible studies reported outcomes for surgery and chemotherapy in the elderly. Liver resections and use of chemotherapy, including biologics, are more conservative and have poorer outcomes in the elderly compared with younger patients. Selected studies demonstrated poorer quality-of-life (QoL) following surgery and chemotherapy. Studies of ablation in elderly patients are limited. DISCUSSION The survival benefit of treating CRC metastases with surgery or chemotherapy decreases with advancing age and QoL may decline in the elderly. The relatively lower efficacy and detrimental QoL impact of multimodal therapy options for detected CRC metastases in the elderly questions the benefit of surveillance in some elderly patients. Care of elderly patients should thus be customized based on their preference, formal geriatric assessment, natural life-expectancy, and the perceived risk-benefit balance of treating recurrent CRC metastases. Clinicians may consider surveillance cessation in patients aged 75 years and above if geriatric assessment is unsatisfactory, patients decline surveillance, or patient fitness deteriorates catastrophically.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Das hepatozelluläre Karzinom (HCC) ist der häufigste maligne Lebertumor in einer Leberzirrhose. Neben der Lebertransplantation stellt die Leberresektion in kompensierter Zirrhose eine kurative Therapieoption dar, die jedoch mit einer höheren postoperativen Morbidität und Mortalität einhergeht. Patienten Es wurden 108 Patienten identifiziert, die mit einer Leberzirrhose im Zeitraum von Januar 2008 bis Dezember 2019 an der Universitätsmedizin Mainz eine Leberresektion erhalten haben. Im gleichen Zeitraum wurden 185 Resektionen wegen eines HCC in nicht zirrhotischer Leber durchgeführt. Als weitere Kontrollgruppe dienten 167 Resektionen wegen kolorektaler Lebermetastasen (CRLM), die dem Ausmaß der Resektionen in Leberzirrhose entsprachen. Neben den generellen Patientencharakteristika wurde bei allen Patienten präoperativ der Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) erhoben und der MELD-/Child-Score bestimmt. Die perioperative Morbidität wurde nach der Clavien-Dindo-Klassifikation erfasst. Resektionen eines HCC in Zirrhose und kolorektaler Lebermetastasen wurden zudem in einer Match-Pair-Analyse verglichen. Ergebnisse Die 3 Gruppen waren hinsichtlich des Alters zum Operationszeitpunkt vergleichbar. Die präoperative Leberfunktion war bei Patienten mit CRLM signifikant besser (p Schlussfolgerung Resektionen in einer Leberzirrhose sind bei einer Begrenzung des Resektionsausmaßes und entsprechender Patientenselektion mit einem vertretbaren Risiko möglich. Komorbiditäten erhöhen zusätzlich zu einer Einschränkung der Leberfunktion die postoperative Mortalität, weshalb diese unbedingt in die Patientenselektion integriert werden sollten.

Background Laparoscopic anatomic hepatectomy (LAH) has gradually become a routine surgical procedure. However, how to expose the whole hepatic vein and avoid the hepatic vein laceration is still a challenge because of the caudate lobe, particularly in right hepatectomy. We adopted a dorsal approach combined with Glissionian appraoch to perform laparoscopic right anatomic hepatectomy (LRAH). Methods Twenty patients who underwent LRAH from January 2017 to November 2018 were retrospectively analysed. Of these patients, seven patients underwent laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy (LRH group), seven patients who underwent laparoscopic right posterior hepatectomy (LRPH group), and six patients who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy for segment 7 (LS7 group). The paracaval portion of caudate lobe could be transected firstly through dorsal approach and the corresponding major hepatic vein could be exposed from its root to the peripheral branches safely. Due to exposure along the major hepatic vein trunk, the remaining liver parenchyma could be quickly transected from dorsal to cranial side. Results The mean age of the patients was 53.8 years and the male: female ratio was 8:12. The median operation time was 306.0 ± 58.2 min and the mean estimated volume of blood loss was 412.5 ± 255.4 mL. The mean duration of postoperative hospital stay was 10.2 days. The mean Pringle maneuver time was 64.8 ± 27.7 min. Five patients received transfusion of 2–4 U of red blood cells. Two patients suffered from transient hepatic dysfunction and one suffered from pleural effusion. None of the patients underwent conversion to an open procedure. The operative duration, volume of the blood loss, Pringle maneuver time, and postoperative hospital stay duration did not differ significantly among the LRH, LRPH, and LS7 groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions Dorsal approach combined with Glissonian approach for right lobe is feasible and effective in laparoscopic right anatomic liver resections.

Two-stage liver resections were described to increase the resectability of liver tumors in patients with insufficient future liver remnant. The ALPPS procedure, described in 2011, has represented a breakthrough in the field of hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery. This technique accelerates the hypertrophy of the future liver remnant and reduces the interval between the two surgeries compared with previous techniques. ALPPS has gained popularity rapidly, with more than 1200 patients included in the world registry. Recommendations about indications, patient selection and surgical standardization have been discussed twice in international expert meetings. Although ALPPS has proven to be superior in terms of resectability (80-100% versus 60-90% of twostage hepatectomy), its rapid implementation has been punished with high morbidity and mortality reaching up to 40% and 9%, respectively, in the published series. The current evidence on the possible benefits and disadvantages is mainly based on observational studies. We present a historical review, describing the different technical modifications that have been carried out since its description, with a rigorous review in terms of morbidity, mortality, and oncological outcomes.

Glisson’s sheath was discovered by Johannis Walaeus in 1640. Francis Glisson published his book entitled Anatomia Hepatis in 1654 and accurately portrayed the essential anatomy of the major vessels of the liver, The Glisson’s capsule wraps the portal vein, hepatic artery and bile duct and these three structures are therefore regarded as forming one morphological system, which since then has been referred to as the Glissonean system.

Backgrounds/Aims Laparoscopic major liver resections are still considered innovative procedures despite the recent development of laparoscopic liver surgery. Robotic surgery has been introduced as an innovative system for laparoscopic surgery. In this study, we investigated surgical outcomes after major liver resections using robotic systems. Methods From January 2009 to October 2018, 70 patients underwent robotic major liver resections, which included conventional major liver resections and right sectionectomy. The short-term and long-term outcomes were compared with 252 open major resections performed during the same period. Results Operative time was longer in the robotic group (472 min vs. 349 min, p

Living related liver transplantation has proved to be an effective, safe and radical method for treating end-stage liver diseases. In the last decade, a laparoscopic approach to donor hepatectomy has been gradually introduced into clinical practice. According to world literature, there are presently no uniform standards for performing laparoscopic liver resections in living donors. This literature review considers almost all methods for performing this surgery in living donors. These methods are described in transplant centers around the world.

BACKGROUND Minimally invasive approaches are spreading in every field of surgery, including liver surgery. However, studies comparing robotic hepatectomy with the conventional open approach regarding oncologic outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma are limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed demographics characteristics, pathologic features, surgical, and oncological outcomes of patients who underwent robotic and conventional open liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. RESULTS No significant differences in demographics features, tumor size, tumor location, and type of liver resection were found. The morbidity rate was similar, 23% for the open group versus 17% of the robotic group (P=0.605). Perioperative data analysis showed a greater estimated blood loss in patients who underwent open resection, if compared with robotic group (P=0.003). R0 resection and disease-free resection margins showed no statistically significant differences. The 3-year disease-free survival of the robotic group was comparable with that of the open group (54% vs. 37%; P=0.592), as was the 3-year overall survival (87% vs. 78%; P=0.203). CONCLUSIONS The surgical and the oncological outcomes seem to be comparable between minimally invasive and open hepatectomy. Robotic liver resections are effective, and do not compromise the oncological outcome, representing a reasonable alternative to the open approach.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term results and risk factors of liver surgery in patients over the age of 70 following liver resection for colorectal liver metastases. A total of 650 patients with an average age of 63.8 ± 9.3 years were evaluated. We compared groups of patients younger and older than 70 years of age. Time of hospitalisation, 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality, overall and recurrence-free survival, the number and largest diameter of metastases, small and large liver resections, and the interval between primary colorectal and liver surgery were evaluated according to the results of liver resections. Length of hospitalisation, 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality, and long-term results did not differ between groups of patients. Pulmonary embolism and confusion had a higher incidence in patients ≥70 years old (p

Background In patients with colorectal liver metastases, the possibility for radical liver resection can be limited by oxaliplatin-induced sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS). This study investigates the potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to improve the outcome of liver resections in pigs with SOS. Materials and methods SOS was induced in all animals (n=20) on day 0. Animals in the experimental group (n=8) received allogeneic MSC on day 7. Liver resection was performed in all animals on day 14 and the animals were observed until day 28. Ultrasound volumetry, biochemical analysis and histological examination of liver parenchyma was performed during the follow-up period. Results Six animals from the control group died prematurely, while all animals survived in the experimental group. According to histology, biochemical analysis and ultrasound volumetry, there were no significant differences between the groups documenting the effect of MSC. Conclusion Single dose allogeneic MSC administration improved survival of animals with SOS undergoing partial liver resection. Further experiments with different timing of liver resection and MSC administration should be performed to investigate the effect of MSC in more detail.

Background Aims of this study were to describe the stepwise implementation and expansion of robotic HPB surgery in a high volume HPB unit in the Netherlands and to analyze clinical outcomes of all robotic liver resections and robotic pancreatoduodenectomies performed within this program. Methods After proctoring by expert international surgeons, HPB surgeons were introduced to robotic liver resection and robotic pancreatoduodenectomy in a stepwise fashion. Data from two prospective databases containing all consecutive patients who underwent robotic liver resection or robotic pancreatoduodenectomy between August 1st, 2015 and March 1st, 2019 were analyzed post hoc. Results In total, 77 consecutive robotic liver resections and 68 consecutive robotic pancreatoduodenectomies were performed. Five surgeons were consecutively introduced to robotic HPB surgery. Mean operative time for robotic liver resection was 160 ± 78 min. Mean operative time for robotic pancreatoduodenectomy was 420 ± 67 min. Operative times remained stable over time and were not affected by the introduction of new surgeons. Conclusion Stepwise implementation and expansion of robotic HPB surgery within one unit over a three-and-half year period is feasible and associated with good clinical outcomes. Despite introducing new surgeons to the technique, operative times, an indicator of the learning process, remained stable over time.

Background The aim of the study was to determine the value of synchronous liver resection in patients with oligo-metastatic gastric cancer and the prognostic factors in these patients. Patients and methods We compared the results of 21 gastric patients with liver metastases and synchronous liver resection (LMR) to 21 propensity score-matched patients with gastric cancer and liver metastases in whom liver resection was not performed (LM0) and to a propensity score-matched control group of 21 patients without liver metastases and stage III and IV resectable gastric cancer (CG). Results The overall 5-year survival of LMR, LM0 and CG were 14.3%, 0%, and 19%, respectively (p = 0.002). Five-year survival was 47.5% for well-differentiated tumour compared to 0% in patients with moderate or poor tumour differentiation (p = 0.006). In addition, patients with R0 resection and TNM stage N0–1 had a significantly better survival compared to patients with TNM N stage N2–3 (5-year survival: 60% for N0–1 vs. 7.7% for N2–3; p = 0.007). Conclusions The results presented in the study support synchronous liver resections in gastric patients and provide additional criteria for patient selection.

The impact of liver cirrhosis on the difficulty of minimal invasive liver resection (MILR) remains controversial and current difficulty scoring systems do not take in to account the presence of cirrhosis as a significant factor in determining the difficulty of MILR. We hypothesized that the difficulty of MILR is affected by the presence of cirrhosis. Hence, we performed a 1:1 matched-controlled study comparing the outcomes between patients undergoing MILR with and without cirrhosis including the Iwate system and Institut Mutualiste Montsouris (IMM) system in the matching process. Between 2006 and 2019, 598 consecutive patients underwent MILR of which 536 met the study inclusion criteria. There were 148 patients with cirrhosis and 388 non-cirrhotics. One-to-one coarsened exact matching identified approximately exact matches between 100 cirrhotic patients and 100 non-cirrhotic patients. Comparison between MILR patients with cirrhosis and non-cirrhosis in the entire cohort demonstrated that patients with cirrhosis were associated with a significantly increased open conversion rate, transfusion rate, need for Pringles maneuver, postoperative, stay, postoperative morbidity and postoperative 90-day mortality. After 1:1 coarsened exact matching, MILR with cirrhosis were significantly associated with an increased open conversion rate (15% vs 6%, p = 0.03), operation time (261 vs 238 min, p

Laparoscopic segment 7 segmentectomy and segment 6–7 bisegmentectomy are challenging resections because of the posterior position and the lack of landmarks. The anatomy of the right posterior Glissonean pedicle and the caudal view of laparoscopy make such resections suitable for the Glissonean pedicle-first approach. The study population included all consecutive patients treated with laparoscopic liver resection from August 2019 to February 2020. The approach is based on the ultrasonographic identification of the right posterior or segmental pedicle from the dorsal side of the liver after complete mobilization. The pedicle of interest is isolated through mini-hepatotomy and clamped. The segment anatomy is defined by ischemia. The transection starts from the ventral side, close to the right hepatic vein that is exposed and followed craniocaudally. Ten patients underwent anatomical laparoscopic resection of right posterolateral segments. There were 7 colorectal liver metastases, 2 hepatocellular carcinoma, and 1 biliary cysto-adenoma. Five patients underwent Sg7 resection, one patient underwent a Sg7 subsegmentectomy, and 4 underwent Sg6-7 bisegmentectomy. The Glissonean pedicle-first approach was feasible in eight patients. The craniocaudal approach to the RHV was feasible in six patients, not indicated in three cases and was abandoned in one patient for technical difficulty. There was no operative morbidity or mortality. Median post-operative hospital stay was 5 days. The Glissonean pedicle-first approach is safe and effective for laparoscopic anatomic resections of the right posterior sector. The craniocaudal approach to right hepatic vein from the ventral side is a convenient procedure to follow the segmental anatomy deep in the parenchyma.