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BACKGROUND Postoperative adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (PA-TACE) has improved overall survival (OS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the prognostic and predictive factors remain unclear. AIM To assess the prognostic factors and the predictors of PA-TACE benefit for OS in patients with resected HCC. METHODS Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the potential prognostic factors for OS. In order to assess the predictive factors of PA-TACE benefit, the interaction variables between treatments for each subgroup were evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS A total of 378 patients (PA-TACE vs surgery alone, 189:189) from three centers were included after a propensity-score 1:1 matching analysis. Compared to the group receiving surgery alone, PA-TACE prolonged the OS rate in patients with resected HCC (P < 0.001). The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system and ferritin-to-hemoglobin ratio (FHR) were used as the prognostic factors for OS in both groups. Age (P = 0.023) and microscopic vascular invasion (MVI) (P = 0.002) were also identified in the PA-TACE group, while gender (P = 0.027), hepatitis B virus (P = 0.034) and albumin-bilirubin grade (P = 0.027) were also selected in the surgery alone group. In addition, PA-TACE resulted in longer OS than surgery alone across subgroups [all hazard ratios (PA-TACE-to-surgery alone) < 1]. Notably, a significantly prolonged OS following PA-TACE was observed in patients with high FHR (P = 0.038) and without MVI (P = 0.048). CONCLUSION FHR and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stages were regarded as prognostic factors for OS. Moreover, high FHR and the absence of MVI were important predictive factors, which can be used to assist clinicians in selecting which patients could achieve a better OS with PA-TACE.

Background: Laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) was first introduced in the 1990s and has now become widely accepted for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is considered a safe and effective approach for liver disease. However, the role of laparoscopic hepatectomy in HCC with cirrhosis remains controversial and needs to be further assessed, and the present literature review aimed to review the surgical and oncological outcomes of Laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH). According to Hong and colleagues laparoscopic resection for liver cirrhosis is a very safe and feasible procedure for both ideal cases and select patients with high risk factors [29]. The presence of only 1 of these factors does not represent an absolute contraindication for LH. Methods and results: We selected 23 studies involving about 1363 HCC patients treated with LH. 364 (27%) patients experienced major resections. The mean operative time was 244.9 minutes, the mean blood loss was 308.1 mL and blood transfusions were required in only 4.9% of patients. There were only 2 (0.21%) postoperative deaths and overall morbidity was 9.9%. Tumor recurrence ranged from 6 to 25 months. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year disease free Survival (DFS) rates ranged from 71.9% to 99%, 50.3% to 91.2%, and 19% to 82% respectively. Overall survival rates ranged from 88% to 100%, 73.4% to 94.5%, and 52.6% to 94.5% respectively. Conclusions: In our summery LH is lower risk and safer than conventional open liver surgery and is just as efficacious. Also, the LH approach decreased blood-loss, operation time, postoperative morbidity and had a lower conversion rate compared to other procedures whether open or robotic. Finally, LH may serve as a promising alternative to open procedures.

Background: The clinical trials emerged centromere protein E inhibitor GSK923295 as a promising anticancer drug, but its function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain needs to be fully elucidated, especially as chemotherapy after hepatectomy for liver tumors. We aimed to describe anti-HCC activities of GSK923295 and compare its antiproliferative effects on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PH). Methods: All subjects were randomized to treatment with either vehicle or GSK923295. Antitumor activity of GSK923295 was assessed by xenograft growth assays. The C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 70% PH and the proliferation was calculated by liver coefficient, further confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The proliferation and cell cycle analysis of liver cell AML12 and HCC cells LM3, HUH7, and HepG2 were investigated using the cell counting kit-8 assay and Flow Cytometry. The chromosome misalignment and segregation in AML12 cells were visualized by immunofluorescence. Results: Treatment with GSK923295 induced antiproliferation in HCC cell lines. It also caused delay on HCC tumor growth instead of regression both in a HCC cell line xenograft model and patient-derived tumor xenograft model. With microarray analysis, CENtromere Protein E was gradually increased in mouse liver after PH. Exposure of liver cells to GSK923295 resulted in delay on a cell cycle in mitosis with a phenotype of misaligned chromosomes and chromosomes clustered. In 70% PH mouse model, GSK923295 treatment also remarkably reduced liver regeneration in later stage, in parallel with the mitotic marker phospho-histone H3 elevation. Conclusion: The anticancer drug GSK923295 causes a significant delay on HCC tumor growth and liver regeneration after PH in later stage. Key words: GSK923295; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Liver regeneration; Centromere proteins E

The study objective was to study the therapeutic effect of surgical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) originating from the caudate lobe. From 1995 to 2003, caudate lobe resection was carried out for 97 cases; among them 39 were for HCC, who were divided into two groups. Group A consisted of 19 cases undergoing isolated caudatectomy, and group B consisted of 20 cases undergoing caudatectomy combined with other liver resections. The factors that might influence postoperative recovery were compared between the two groups. A special instrument, Peng's Multifunctional Operative Dissector, was used for surgical dissection. All tumors were resected successfully. One patient died of postoperative renal failure. Hydrothorax occurred in three patients, ascites occurred in four patients, and bile leakage occurred in one patient. Thirty cases received long-term follow-up with survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years of 53%, 50%, and 39%, respectively. Caudate lobectomy is an effective therapeutic method for HCC originating in the caudate lobe. Isolated caudatectomy should be performed as the first choice whenever possible. Anterior transhepatic approach is appropriate in some cases. Peng's Multifunctional Operative Dissector is a very useful instrument for surgical dissection.

Since the first laparoscopic hepatectomy has been reported in 1991, significant improvement has been made in this procedure. Laparoscopic hepatectomy has been applied as an importent procedure for treatment of hepatic diseases. In the paper, we give a review for present advances in the area of laparoscopic hepatectomy based on literature and our own experience, especially in the aspects of indications, surgical technique and the apparatus for hepatectomy.

To explore the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy via an anterior-inferior approach through retrohepatic tunnel in the dissection of short hepatic veins (SHVs).After partial freeing of right liver, anterior peritoneum of inferior cava vena (ICV) was opened. Retrohepatic space was dissected via an anterior-inferior approach to establish the posterior tunnel partially. Then the first branch of right side SHVs could be freed and ligated after its exposure through the right part of retrohepatic tunnel. The above procedure was repeated until the right side SHVs or the third hepatic portal became partially or completely blocked. If right side SHVs were completely freed and ligament of right liver fully isolated, right hepatic vein could be exposed and ligated and selective blockage of the second hepatic portal blood flow accomplished. This technique was applied in 7 cases of laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy through curettage transaction and aspiration with laparoscopic Peng's multifunctional operative dissector (LPMOD).Six patients were treated successfully. In one case of right hepatic hemangioma, small margin auxiliary hematischesis was attempted because of troublesome hemostasis of middle hepatic vein branch. All of them underwent partial dissection of right side of SHVs. Two cases had complete dissection in which right hepatic vein was freed and ligated, the second hepatic porta blood flow controlled and right hemihepatectomy anatomically achieved. Operative duration was 300-540 min [mean, 399.1 ± 74.7]. The time of dissecting hepatic porta was 30-75 min [mean, 50.7 ± 16.2]. The time of dissecting SHVs was 35-95 min [mean, 57.1 ± 22.1]. The time of liver transection was 60-160 min [mean, 115.9 ± 32.3]. Operative blood loss had a volume at 600-3000 ml [mean, 1485.7 ± 809.2]. The postoperative hospital stay was 10-18 days [mean, 12.4 ± 2.6]. The postoperative time for ambulation, diet and flatus was 2-4, 1-4 and 2-4 days respectively. No severe postoperative complications occurred.During laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy, dissecting SHVs is both safe and feasible through a retrohepatic tunnel via an anterior-inferior approach.

Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) has been recently demonstrated as a method to induce rapid and extensive hypertrophy within a short time and has been employed for a variety of primary and metastatic liver tumors. However, controversies remain due to its high morbidity and mortality. To enable safer surgery, liver surgeons have searched for better technical modifications, such as partial ALPPS, mini-ALPPS, minimally invasive ALPPS, and Terminal branches portal vein Embolization Liver Partition for Planned hepatectomy (TELPP). It seems that TELPP is very promising, because it has the main advantage of ALPPS - the rapid increase of future liver remnant volume, but the morbidity and mortality are much lower because only one surgical operation is required.

The laparoscopic approach has developed greatly in the last 20 years. It allows the patient rapid return to daily activity and has been adopted almost worldwide. Laparoscopic hepatectomy is still a difficult and risky procedure and is only performed in a few large institutions in spite of the advantage of minimal invasion. The main reason is that the liver has rich blood supply and hepatic inflow occlusion is difficult to accomplish laparoscopically. Current instruments used in laparoscopic liver resection include ultrasonic knife, LigaSure, linear staple, etc. Our institution began to perform laparoscopic hepatectomy by curettage and aspiration (LHCA) using a proven version of Peng’s multifunctional operative dissector (PMOD), named the laparoscopic Peng’s multifunctional operative dissector (LPMOD).

Selective inflow occlusion instead of portal triad clamping was used during laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy in our institution. This study observed its hemodynamic effects during operation.Hemodynamic parameters including heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), central venous pressure (CVP), mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were collected at 6 time points: after induction, after insufflation with CO2, after patient in reverse Trendelenburg position, after left branch of hepatic artery was occluded, after left branch of portal vein was occluded and after desufflation with patient supine.No severe perioperative cardiopulmonary complications were observed. Occlusion of left branch of hepatic artery brought no significant hemodynamic change. Occlusion of left branch of portal vein increased CVP and CI and decreased SVR. CO2 inflation caused HR, MAP and SVR to increase. The change to reverse Trendelenburg position caused CVP and PAP to decrease. When placed in the supine position with deflation, MAP, CVP, PAP, PCWP and CI went to a higher than base level. HR and SVR returned to base level.Using selective inflow occlusion in laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy caused few hemodynamic changes before and after occlusion in patients without cardiopulmonary diseases. However, the change of position and inflation or deflation caused significant changes.

To investigate the minimal invasive surgery for simultaneously treating synchronous colorectal cancer with liver metastasis.From the clinical data of our department between March 2006 to June 2008, retrospectively reviewed and analyzed 5 typical cases of synchronous colorectal cancer with liver metastasis. All were treated with 5 different strategies of minimal invasive surgery.All underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery, i.e. open hepatectomy, laparoscopic-assisted hepatectomy, laparoscopic hepatectomy, laparoscopic hepatectomy plus radiofrequency ablation and multiple therapy respectively. The mean operative time was 177 minutes, the mean blood loss 126 ml, the time of gastrointestinal function recovery 48-72 hours and the mean hospital stay 7 days. In the follow-up of 10-27 months for all 5 patients, one suffered hepatic recurrence and one died.Simultaneous minimal invasive surgery is an optional and ideal method for treating synchronous colorectal cancer with liver metastasis.

To evaluate the feasibility and experience of laparoscopic resection for Spiegel lobe associated with left liver lobe.Three patients underwent laparoscopic resection of Spiegel lobe associated with left liver lobe. Left hemihepatectomy or left lateral lobectomy was carried out firstly and then Spiegel lobe resected through the left-sided approach.A total of 3 cases were performed successfully. The median operative time was 197 min and the median blood loss 467 ml. The postoperative period was uneventful without hemorrhage, bile leakage, infection or abdominal effusion.Laparoscopic resection of Spiegel lobe associated with left liver lobe is safe and feasible when performed in selected cases and by experienced surgeons in laparoscopic hepatectomy.

To assess the value of laparoscopic ultrasonography in laparoscopic hepatectomy.Twenty-two patients with liver diseases underwent laparoscopic ultrasonography. A 10 mm 7.5/10 MHz linear, side viewing laparoscopic ultrasonography probe was used intra-operatively to examine the convergence of intrahepatic biliary ducts and blood vessels, confirm and correct the resection line, guide the laparoscopic resection, examine the tumor margin, and discover the residue of calculi.One additional tumor was detected in one primary liver tumor case during the laparoscopic hepatectomy. Laparoscopic hepatectomy was accomplished successfully in 21 patients one of which had to be transferred to laparotomy due to severe liver cirrhosis and uncontrollable bleeding. The average operation time was 157 min with the average examining and guiding time of 14 min. The intra-operative bleeding amount was 520 ml. No calculus and tumor residue were found. One case of post-operative liver wound bile leakage and one case of subphrenic hydrops were found and they both recovered after drainage.Intra-operative laparoscopic ultrasonography helps evaluate the entire liver and decide the resection line accurately. Under its guiding the laparoscopic hepatectomy can be performed smoothly.

To explore the strategy of isolated complete resection of the caudate lobe of the liver through the anterior liver-splitting approach.From January 1995 to June 2006, isolated complete caudate resection of the caudate lobe of the liver through the anterior liver-splitting approach in which accessed the caudate lobe by separation the liver parenchyma along the interlobar plane, was performed on 19 patients with tumors originated in caudate lobe. They were included hepatocellular carcinoma in 13 cases, cholangiocarcinoma in 4 cases and hemangioma in 2 cases, the tumor size range from 4 - 12 cm. The approach to hepatic resection involved routine use of Peng's multifunctional operative dissector, inflow and outflow of hepatic vascular control before hepatic parenchyma transection, low central venous pressure and selective use of liver hanging maneuver, as well as retrograde caudate lobectomy.The operations were successful in 19 patients. Operating time averaged at (296 +/- 55) min. The average amount of blood loss were 1200 ml (ranged from 500 - 3000 ml). Postoperative complications included ascites in 2 cases, pleural effusion in 5 cases and bile leakage in 2 cases. They were cured by drainage. No mortality occurred in the perioperative period.The application of anterior approach for isolated caudate lobectomy can converse certain kind of caudate lobe tumor from non-resectable to respectable resulting in widening the indication. The intraoperative routine use of Peng's multifunctional operative dissector, application of inflow and outflow of hepatic vascular control, low central venous pressure and selective use of liver hanging maneuver, as well as retrograde caudate lobectomy make the anterior liver-splitting approach for isolated complete caudate lobectomy safer and easier.

Laparoscopic surgery is advantageous for minimal invasiveness and rapid postoperative recovery. Since the use of laparoscopic hepatectomy in liver resection in the 1990s, it has been performed in a few institutions worldwide. Lack of efficient and safe techniques for liver transaction is the major obstacle preventing from its further development. We developed a new technique for laparoscopic hepatectomy by curettage and aspiration in 1998. In this paper we analyze the clinical outcomes of this technique after 7 years of practice.Altogether 59 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy by curettage and aspiration from August 1998 to January 2005 at our institution. These patients included 33 males and 26 females, with a mean age of 47 years. For liver transection laparoscopic Peng's multifunctional operative dissector (LPMOD) was used. Lesions included malignant liver tumors in 19 patients, benign liver tumors in 17, intrahepatic calculus in 18, and other liver lesions in 5. Procedures included local resections in 30 patients, left lateral segmentectomy in 28, and right hemihepatectomy in 1.Laparoscopic operation was completed in 57 patients. Two patients (3.4%) had the operation converted to laparotomy. The mean operating time was 143 minutes and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 456 ml. The mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 7 days. Complications occurred in 2 patients (3.4%), and there was no perioperative death.Laparoscopic hepatectomy by curettage and aspiration is efficient and safe for liver resection.

To discuss the safety and the feasibility of laparoscopic selective portal inflow occlusion.From January 2005 to February 2006, 7 patients were performed by laparoscopic hepatectomy with selective portal inflow occlusion. The patients included 1 male and 6 females, the mean age was 48.9 years, ranged from 31 to 70 years. Procedure included left lateral segmentectomies (4 patients), left hemihepatectomies (2 patients), and right hemihepatectomies (1 patient). Portal vein, hepatic artery and their branches were exposed by blunt dissection and performed selective portal occlusion with absorbable clips.There is no conversion, no mortality, and no postoperative complication. Seven selective portal inflow occlusions were performed successfully. The mean operating time was 188.7 min (range 70 min to 300 min), the mean intraoperative blood loss was 625 ml (range 350 ml to 1000 ml), and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 8.4 days.Laparoscopic selective portal inflow occlusion is a safe and feasible technique.

Introduce the experience on 54 cases of laparoscopic hepatectomy-liver transection by curettage and aspiration (LTCA).We used Peng multifunctional operative dissector (PMOD) to perform laparoscopic liver transection by curettage and aspiration.52 patients underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy successfully. 2 patients were converted to an open hepatectomy for raw surface hemorrhage or severe abdominal cavity adherence. Mean operative time was 146.5 minutes, the mean bleeding volume was 460 mL, the largest excised liver size was 20 cm x 7 cm x 4 cm. Bile leakage and pneumothorax occurred in 2 patients. Patients could walk one day after operation and were discharged one week postoperatively.Laparoscopic hepatectomy by curettage and aspiration is a safe and effective technique. PMOD is an optimal tool to perform laparoscopic hepatectomy.

To explore the significance of surgical treatment of HCC originating from caudate lobe.From 1995 to 2003, caudate lobectomy, including 19 cases of isolated lobectomy and 20 cases of combined lobectomy, were performed in 39 patients with HCC originating from caudate lobe, and the factors that might influence postoperative liver function were compared between the two groups.All tumors were resected successfully. One patient died of postoperative renal failure. Hydrothorax occurred in 3 patients, ascites in 4 patients, and bile leakage in 1 patient. The survival rates of 1, 3, 5 year were 53%, 50%, 39% respectively.Caudate lobectomy is a effective method for HCC originating from caudate lobe.

To assess the feasibility, safety, and outcome of laparoscopic liver resection for benign liver tumors.Fourteen patients with benign liver tumors, including 11 cases of hepatic hemangioma, 1 case of hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia, 1 case of hepatic granulomatous inflammation, and 1 case of liver cyst with hyaline degeneration and calcification underwent laparoscopic liver resection by PMOD.Hepatectomy was performed successfully under laparoscope in these 14 patients. There was no conversion to open approach, no postoperative mortality and no postoperative complication. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.4 days without recurrence.Laparoscopic liver resection of benign liver tumors by PMOD is feasible and safe for patients with symptomatic and undetermined hepatic tumor, and is applicable in hepatic hemangioma complicated with cholecystitis.

To explore the role of extrahepatic control on blood flow of hepatic vein and inferior vena cava in hepatectomy, and observe its effect on minimizing hemorrhage.From 2001 to April 2003, 33 patients who had liver tumors involving segment IV, VII, VIII or half liver underwent major hepatectomies that required exposure of the inferior vena cava and main trunks of hepatic veins, during which the major hepatic veins and inferior vena cava were isolated and taped to control blood flow when necessary.In 33 attempts, 32 were successful and all tumors were resected successfully. The placement of occlusion tape was unsuccessful in 1 case. 7 cases did not need blood transfusion during operation. The amount of blood transfusion for other cases were form 0 to 1 600 ml. there was no operative mortality.Appropriate control of main truck of hepatic vein and inferior vena cava is effective in reducing blood loss during hepatectomies. It is also very helpful for performing difficult hepatectomies.

This retrospective study in eight surgically treated patients with obstructive jaundice due to biliary tumor thrombus in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was performed to evaluate the role of surgical intervention. All biliary tumor thrombi were confirmed preoperatively or intraoperatively. Only two manifested intraluminal biliary obstructions due to a primary tumor that had not been found preoperatively. The operative procedures included hepatectomy with removal of the biliary tumor thrombus (n = 3), hepatectomy combined with extrahepatic bile duct resection (n = 1), thrombectomy through a choledochotomy (n = 3), and piggyback orthotopic liver transplantation (n = 1). The 1- and 3-year survival rates were 62.5% and 37.5%, respectively. Two patients survived more than 5 years. Surgical intervention was effective in patients with obstructive jaundice due to a biliary tumor thrombus in an HCC. Thus surgery for a recurrence can prolong survival, and liver transplantation is a treatment worthy of further investigation.