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Background: Congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) are rare vascular malformations and can be classified into extrahepatic and intrahepatic shunts. Extrahepatic CPSS, also termed Abernethy malformations are associated with severe long-term complications including portopulmonary hypertension, liver atrophy, hyperammoniemia and hepatic encephalopathy. We report a hitherto undescribed variant of Abernethy malformation requiring an innovative approach for interventional treatment.Case Presentation: We describe a 31-year-old patient following surgical repair of atrioventricular septal defect at the age of 6 years. In the long-term follow-up he showed persistent pulmonary hypertension which deteriorated despite dual pulmonary vasodilative treatment. When he developed arterial desaturation and symptomatic hyperammoniemia detailed reassessment revealed as underlying cause a hitherto undescribed variant of Abernethy malformation connecting the portal vein with the right lower pulmonary vein. Following interdisciplinary discussions we opted for an interventional approach. Since the malformation was un-accessible to interventional closure via antegrade venous or retrograde arterial access, a transhepatic percutaneous puncture of the portal vein was performed. Temporary balloon occlusion of the malformation revealed only a slight increase in portal venous pressure. Interventional occlusion of the large vascular connection was achieved via this transhepatic approach by successive implantation of two large vascular occluding devices. The postinterventional course was unremarkable and both ammonia levels and arterial saturation normalized at follow-up of 12 months.Conclusions: Portal vein anomalies should be included in the differential diagnoses of pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary arterio-venous malformations. Based on careful assessment of the anatomy and testing of portal vein hemodynamics interventional therapy of complex Abernethy malformations can be performed successfully in specialized centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is characterized by cavernomatous transformation of the extrahepatic portal vein leading to portal hypertension and its sequelae. This article reviews the etiology, clinical features, and the management of its sequelae. Most common presentation being about of hematemesis or growth retardation in children and in later childhood/early adult life, patients commonly present with variceal bleed, growth retardation, and hypersplenism. Asymptomatic EHPVO patients can be followed up. Patients with variceal bleed need endoscopic management, and surgery is indicated in those who fail endoscopy or who are not amenable to endoscopic management. Patients with symptomatic hypersplenism can be treated with interventional radiological procedures. Symptomatic portal biliopathy can be managed with ERCP in the acute setting and a decompressive shunt procedure with or without a biliary diversion as an elective procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Reports on the future liver remnant (FLR) hypertrophy rate in patients undergoing portal vein embolization (PVE) before left trisectionectomy are sparse. This study aimed to assess the FLR hypertrophy rate in patients undergoing PVE before left trisectionectomy. Methods: Between January 2010 and June 2021, 30 patients (22 men and eight women; mean age, 65.7 years) underwent PVE, mainly using gelatin sponge, before left trisectionectomy. The preoperative diagnosis was cholangiocarcinoma in 28 patients and colorectal liver metastases in two patients. The FLR hypertrophy rate, increase in the FLR volume (FLRV) ratio (the ratio of the FLRV to the total liver volume), and complications were evaluated. The patients were further divided into two groups: one group of patients with left portal vein stenosis or occlusion before PVE (n = 12) and another without left portal vein stenosis or occlusion before PVE (n = 18). The FLR hypertrophy rate and increase in the FLRV ratio were compared between the two groups. Results: The FLR hypertrophy rate and increase in the FLRV ratio were 31.3% and 6.9%, respectively. One major complication, cholangitis, developed; however, its association with PVE was unclear. The difference in the FLR hypertrophy rate and the increase in the FLRV ratio between the two groups of patients was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: PVE before left trisectionectomy is effective in achieving FLR hypertrophy. PVE before left trisectionectomy was equally effective in patients with left portal vein stenosis or occlusion as compared to those without. The complication rates were acceptable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and objectives: Improving the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing hepatectomy is critical. This article aims to investigate the risk factors affecting the prognosis of HCC patients with Child-Pugh A (CPA) liver function after hepatectomy and to compare the prognosis of patients with anatomical resection (AR) and nonanatomical resection (NAR). Methods: In total, 186 patients diagnosed with HCC between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using a Cox proportional hazard regression model to explore the factors related to prognosis. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed by log-rank tests and are shown by Kaplan-Meier curves. Chi-square tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the difference in clinical characteristics between AR and NAR patients. Results: Among the 186 enrolled patients, only 73 were followed over 60 months. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 74.5%, 46.7% and 26.0%, respectively. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that portal vein invasion (PVI) and tumor size were independent risk factors for OS and PFS. Preoperative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and a-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were identified as independent risk factors only for PFS. In univariate analysis, the NAR group had a better OS rate than the AR group (1-year: 80.4% vs. 63.6%, 3-year: 55.9% vs. 30.3%, 5-year: 34.8% vs. 11.1%), but this was not confirmed by multivariate analysis. Conclusions: PVI and tumor size > 5 cm are risk factors for the prognosis of CPA HCC patients after hepatectomy, but the surgical type is not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: APOLT has been proposed as a treatment modality for certain types of NCMLD. While the short‐term outcomes of this operation have been comparable with orthotopic LT, its long‐term outcomes have sparsely been reported. We present one such case of Citrullinemia type I who underwent APOLT and developed recurrent PS. Case Report: A 2‐year‐old male child with a diagnosis of Citrullinemia type I underwent APOLT with a left lateral segment from a split deceased donor liver, and his postoperative period was unremarkable. Ammonia‐lowering agents were stopped 1 week following the operation and the child was discharged home on a normal diet. Four years following APOLT, the child presented with altered sensorium and seizures. A diagnosis of PS was made. Subsequent to an embolization of the native liver's right anterior portal vein his sensorium improved and he remained clinically stable on a normal diet. Six years following the APOLT, the child again presented with features of acute encephalopathy. Imaging was suggestive of PS. A portal vein embolization of the native portal vein was performed and the child's clinical condition improved. At 6 months' follow‐up, the child remains well on a normal diet. Conclusions: While the early impediments in this technique may have been overcome, in the absence of any realistic clinical application gene therapy, the debate of long‐term phenotypic metabolic correction for NCMLD by APOLT needs to be revisited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Microwave ablation (MWA) is an accepted technique in the multimodal treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Study endpoints were to evaluate the local efficacy of surgical MWA in selected patients with oligonodular disease without the combination of liver resection to allow a clear interpretation of the follow-up imaging and compare it to the results on percutaneous MWA available in the literature. Methods: Consecutive MWA-only procedures performed between May 2013 and May 2018 for HCC and CRLM with free-hand ultrasound guidance were identified. MWA systems with 2450 MHz were used. Incomplete ablation (IA) was defined as residual disease within 1 cm of the ablation site at the first post-ablation imaging and local recurrence (LR) as the presence of disease after at least one tumor-free imaging. Results: A total of 70 tumors in 47 patients were treated with 46 laparoscopic and 1 open procedures. Each patient had no more than 3 tumors, and median size of the lesions was 15 mm (IQR: 10–22). After a median follow-up of 26 months (IQR: 12–40), IA rate was 8.6% and LR rate was 29.4%. Multivariable analysis showed that vascular proximity (OR = 3.4; 95% CI = 1.26–9.22; p=0.016) was the only significant predictor of the combined outcome IA or LR. Discussion: In the present study, after mostly laparoscopic MWA, LR was higher than the rates available in the literature for percutaneous MWA of HCC but lower than in the limited studies analyzing isolated percutaneous MWA of liver metastases. Future developments may help establish the role of each therapeutic modality per tumor, in order to improve the outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prediction of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) based on remnant liver function reserve is important for successful hepatectomy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) clearance in a future remnant liver was a predictor of PHLF. Methods: This prospective study enrolled 31 consecutive patients who underwent anatomical hepatectomy between June 2016 and August 2019. Intraoperative ICG plasma disappearance rate (ICG-PDR) and ICG retention rate at 15 min (ICG-R15) were measured after clamping the selective hepatic inflow to the liver to be resected. The discriminative performance of the ICG-associated variables for the prediction of PHLF grade B/C was evaluated by receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis. Results: Of the operations performed, 87.1% were major hepatectomy. PHLF Grade B/C was observed in eight patients (25.8%) with no mortality. The concordance indices of intraoperative ICG-PDR and ICG-PDR for predicting PHLF were 0.834 (95% CI, 0.69–0.98) and 0.834 (95% CI, 0.69–0.98), respectively. A subgroup analysis of patients with preoperative biliary drainage (BD) (n = 17) showed that the concordance indices of intraoperative ICG-PDR increased to 0.923 (95% CI, 0.79–1.00). Conclusions: Intraoperative ICG clearance in the remnant liver was a promising predictor for PHLF in patients undergoing anatomical hepatectomy, especially in patients with BD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore the differences between prolonged continuous Pringle maneuver (CPM) and prolonged intermittent Pringle maneuver (IPM) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), who underwent complex hepatectomy. Methods: This retrospective cohort study performed between June 2014 and May 2016 included 142 patients who underwent complex hepatectomy for HCC and concomitant chronic liver disease but with good liver function. Patients were categorized into CPM (n = 69) and IPM groups (n = 73). The differences in these aspects were compared between the two groups which include operation time, intraoperative bleeding, perioperative transfusion, postoperative complications, liver function injury, postoperative overall survival (OS), and tumor recurrence. Results: The cumulative clamping time, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, and perioperative transfusion rates were 38.0, 132 min, 300 ml, and 17.4% in CPM and 40.0, 145 min, 400 ml, and 32.9% in IPM, respectively. There were significant intergroup differences in operation time (p = 0.018), intraoperative bleeding (p < 0.001), and perioperative transfusion rates (p = 0.034). Besides, the postoperative complications and postoperative liver function injury of the CPM group were better than those of IPM. There was no significant intergroup difference in OS (p = 0.908) and tumor recurrence (p = 0.671) between two groups. Conclusion: Compared with IPM, CPM with a cumulative clamping time between 30 and 50 min can shorten operation time, reduce intraoperative bleeding and perioperative transfusion, and reduce postoperative complications and postoperative liver function injury in patients who underwent complex hepatectomy for HCC and concomitant liver disease but with good liver function. There was no significant difference in OS and tumor recurrence between two groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of hepatic function and functional capacity of the liver are essential tasks in hepatology as well as in hepatobiliary surgery. Indocyanine green (ICG) is a widely applied test compound that is used in clinical routine to evaluate hepatic function. Important questions for the functional evaluation with ICG in the context of hepatectomy are how liver disease such as cirrhosis alters ICG elimination, and if postoperative survival can be predicted from preoperative ICG measurements. Within this work a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of ICG was developed and applied to the prediction of the effects of a liver resection under various degrees of cirrhosis. For the parametrization of the computational model and validation of model predictions a database of ICG pharmacokinetic data was established. The model was applied (i) to study the effect of liver cirrhosis and liver resection on ICG pharmacokinetics; and (ii) to evaluate the model-based prediction of postoperative ICG-R15 (retention ratio 15 min after administration) as a measure for postoperative outcome. Key results are the accurate prediction of changes in ICG pharmacokinetics caused by liver cirrhosis and postoperative changes of ICG-elimination after liver resection, as validated with a wide range of data sets. Based on the PBPK model, individual survival after liver resection could be classified, demonstrating its potential value as a clinical tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prognostic value of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in colorectal cancer patients has remained inconsistent between nonmetastatic and metastatic settings. So far, very few studies have included LDH in the prognostic analysis of curative‐intent surgery for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Patients and Methods: Five hundred and eighty consecutive metastatic colorectal cancer patients who underwent curative‐intent CRLM resection from Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center (434 patients) and Sun Yat‐sen University Sixth Affiliated Hospital (146 patients) in 2000–2019 were retrospectively collected. Overall survival (OS) was the primary end point. Cox regression model was performed to identify the prognostic values of preoperative serum LDH levels and other clinicopathology variables. A modification of the established Fong CRS scoring system comprising LDH was developed within this Chinese population. Results: At the median follow‐up time of 60.5 months, median OS was 59.5 months in the pooled cohort. In the multivariate analysis, preoperative LDH >upper limit of normal (250 U/L) was the strongest independent prognostic factor for OS (HR 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22–2.44; p < 0.001). Patients with elevated LDH levels showed impaired OS than patients with normal LDH levels (27.6 months vs. 68.8 months). Five‐year survival rates were 53.7% and 22.5% in the LDH‐normal group and LDH‐high group, respectively. Similar results were also confirmed in each cohort. In the subgroup analysis, LDH could distinguish the survival regardless of most established prognostic factors (number and size of CRLM, surgical margin, extrahepatic metastases, CEA, and CA19‐9 levels, etc.). Integrating LDH into the Fong score contributed to an improvement in the predictive value. Conclusion: Our study implicates serum LDH as a reliable and independent laboratory biomarker to predict the clinical outcome of curative‐intent surgery for CRLM. Composite of LDH and Fong score is a potential stratification tool for CRLM resection. Prospective, international studies are needed to validate these results across diverse populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of minimally invasive approaches to hepatectomy has increased in recent years, but the risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) is undefined. We aimed to compare VTE rates after open hepatectomy and minimally invasive hepatectomy using an administrative dataset. Study Design: Patients with primary or metastatic liver tumors were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-targeted hepatectomy database (2016–2018). VTE was compared between patients who underwent open or minimally invasive hepatectomy after a propensity score matching of 1:1 for demographics, comorbidities, and operative factors. Results: A total of 6935 patients underwent open hepatectomy and 2237 underwent minimally invasive hepatectomy. After matching, there were 1968 patients per group without differences in demographics, comorbidities, or operative variables. Prior to matching, the VTE rate was higher among patients who underwent open hepatectomy (2.8% vs. 1.1%, p < 0.001), and open hepatectomy was independently associated with VTE (OR = 1.90, p = 0.006). The VTE rate remained higher among open hepatectomy compared to minimally invasive hepatectomy after matching (2.4% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.003). Open hepatectomy was associated with a higher VTE rate in patients undergoing minor (1.9 vs. 1.0%, p = 0.028) and major hepatectomy (5.0 vs. 1.9%, p = 0.045). Conclusion: Patients who undergo an open hepatectomy for malignancy have a higher incidence of postoperative VTE compared to minimally invasive hepatectomy for both minor and major hepatectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This animal experimental study evaluated how hepatic artery and portal vein transient occlusion affects the ablation zone of hepatic radiofrequency ablation (RFA).Material and Methods: Twenty-one rabbits were divided into three groups of seven each: (1) control, (2) hepatic artery occlusion, and (3) portal vein occlusion by a balloon catheter. For each rabbit, two or three RFA sessions were performed using an electrode needle. Ablation time, temperature around the tip of RFA needle at the end of RFA, ablation volume on fat-suppressed T1-weighted image in the hepatobiliary phase, and coagulative necrosis area on histopathology were measured and compared between the three groups using the Kruskal-Wallis paired Mann-Whitney U tests.Results: In 43 RFA sessions (group 1, 15; group 2, 14; group 3, 14), mean tissue temperature in group 3 (77.0 °C ± 7.7 °C) was significantly higher compared to groups 1 (59.2 °C ± 18.8 °C; P = 0.010) and 2 (67.5 °C ± 9.9 °C; P = 0.010). In addition, mean ablation volume and coagulative necrosis in group 3 (2.10 ± 1.37 mm3 and 0.86 ± 0.28 mm2, respectively) were larger compared to groups 1 (0.84 ± 0.30 mm3; P < 0.001 and 0.55 ± 0.26 mm2; P = 0.020, respectively) and 2 (0.89 ± 0.59 mm3; P = 0.002 and 0.60 ± 0.22 mm2; P = 0.024, respectively).Conclusion: Portal vein occlusion potentially boosts tissue temperature, ablation volume, and area of histopathologically proven coagulative necrosis during hepatic RFA in the non-cirrhotic liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Ex vivo hepatectomy is the incorporation of liver transplant techniques in the non-transplant setting, providing opportunity for locally advanced tumors found conventionally unresectable. Because the procedure is rare and reports in the literature are limited, we sought to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating technical variations of ex vivo hepatectomies. Methods: In the literature, there is a split in those performing the procedure between venovenous bypass (VVB) and temporary portacaval shunts (PCS). Of the 253 articles identified on the topic of ex vivo resection, 37 had sufficient data to be included in our review. Results: The majority of these procedures were performed for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (69%) followed by primary and secondary hepatic malignancies. In 18 series, VVB was used, and in 18, a temporary PCS was performed. Comparing these two groups, intraoperative variables and morbidity were not statistically different, with a cumulative trend in favor of PCS. Ninety-day mortality was significantly lower in the PCS group compared to the VVB group (p=0.03). Conclusion: In order to better elucidate these differences between technical approaches, a registry and consensus statement are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: End-stage liver disease is commonly associated with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Lastly, PVT is no longer an absolute contraindication for liver transplantation, and many centers adopt portal vein thrombectomy. PVT imposes special technical difficulties during living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In this research, the experience with PVT cases during LDLT in a high-volume center is introduced., Patients and Methods: Between January 2018 and July 2023, 312 patients underwent LDLT. After 88 cases were excluded, 224 cases were included, and their incidence of pre-transplant PVT was 16.5% (37/224). Demographic and clinical features, perioperative variables, and post-transplant outcomes of patients with PVT (PVT group, n=37) were compared to patients who had no PVT (non-PVT group, n=187)., Results: According to Yerdel classification, 16, 16, 2, and 3 patients had PVT grade I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Complete venous thrombectomy was accomplished in 34 patients, while for three patients, thrombectomy was not feasible, and graft inflow was established by interposition vascular graft. For portal flow modulation, splenectomy and splenic artery ligation were performed in 7 and 4 patients, respectively, while two patients underwent post-transplant splenic artery embolization. The PVT group had longer operation time (p<0.001), longer warm ischemia time (p=0.031), longer anhepatic phase (p<0.001), and intraoperatively required more than 3 packed RBCs units (p=0.029) and ≥1 platelet unit transfusion (p=0.021) than the non-PVT group. No statistically significant difference was found between groups in terms of re-exploration (p=0.954), post-transplant PVT (p=0.375), biliary (p=0.253) and arterial complications (p=0.593), ICU stay (p=0.633), hospital stay (p=896), and 30-day mortality (p=1.000). Survival analysis showed no statistically significant difference regarding 1-year survival (p=0.176) between both groups., Conclusions: This study showed that patients with different stages of PVT can successfully undergo LDLT in experienced centers and that they do not differ from patients without PVT in terms of post-transplant complications.

Background: Despite advances in the diagnosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 70%-80% of patients are diagnosed with advanced stage disease. Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is among the most ominous signs of advanced stage disease and has been associated with poor survival if untreated., Data Sources: A systematic search of MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Library and Database for Systematic Reviews (CDSR), Google Scholar, and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) databases until December 2022 was conducted using free text and MeSH terms: hepatocellular carcinoma, portal vein tumor thrombus, portal vein thrombosis, vascular invasion, liver and/or hepatic resection, liver transplantation, and systematic review., Results: Centers of surgical excellence have reported promising results related to the individualized surgical management of portal thrombus versus arterial chemoembolization or systemic chemotherapy. Critical elements to the individualized surgical management of HCC and portal thrombus include precise classification of the portal vein tumor thrombus, accurate identification of the subgroups of patients who may benefit from resection, as well as meticulous surgical technique. This review addressed five specific areas: (a) formation of PVTT; (b) classifications of PVTT; (c) controversies related to clinical guidelines; (d) surgical treatments versus non-surgical approaches; and (e) characterization of surgical techniques correlated with classifications of PVTT., Conclusions: Current evidence from Chinese and Japanese high-volume centers demonstrated that patients with HCC and associated PVTT can be managed with surgical resection with acceptable results., (Copyright © 2023 First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) with portal-superior mesenteric vein (PV/SMV) resection and reconstruction is increasingly performed. We aimed to introduce a safe and effective surgical approach and share our clinical experience with LPD with PV/SMV resection and reconstruction., Methods: We reviewed data for the patients undergoing LPD and open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) combined with PV/SMV resection and reconstruction at the First Hospital of Jilin University between April 2021 and May 2023. The inferior-posterior "superior mesenteric artery-first" approach was used. We compared the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinicopathological data of the 2 groups to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of LPD with major vascular resection., Results: A cohort of 37 patients with periampullary and pancreatic tumors underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with major vascular resection and reconstruction, consisting of 21 LPDs and 16 OPDs. The LPD group had a longer operation time (322 vs. 235 min, P =0.039), reduced intraoperative bleeding (152 vs. 325 mL, P =0.026), and lower intraoperative blood transfusion rates (19.0% vs. 50.0%, P =0.046) compared with the OPD group. The LPD group had significantly shorter operation times in end-to-end anastomosis (26 vs. 15 min, P =0.001) and artificial grafts vascular reconstruction (44 vs. 22 min, P =0.000) compared with the OPD group. There was no significant difference in the rate of R0 resection (100% vs. 87.5%, P =0.096). The length of hospital stay and ICU stay did not show significant differences between the 2 groups (15 vs. 18 d, P =0.636 and 2.5 vs. 4.5 d, P =0.726, respectively). However, the postoperative hospital stay in the LPD group was notably shorter compared with the OPD group (11 vs. 16 d, P =0.007). Postoperative complication rates, including postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) Grade A/B, biliary leakage, and delayed gastric emptying (DGE), were similar between the two groups (38.1% vs. 43.8%, P =0.729). In addition, 1 patient in each group developed thrombosis, with vascular patency improving after anticoagulation treatment., Conclusion: LPD combined with PV/SMV resection and reconstruction can be easily and safely performed using the inferior-posterior "superior mesenteric artery-first" approach in cases of venous invasion. Further studies are required to evaluate the procedure's long-term outcomes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

ALPPS enables complete tumor resection in a shorter interval and a larger number of patients than classic two-stage hepatectomies. However, there is little evidence regarding long-term outcomes in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM). This study aims to evaluate the short and long-term outcomes of ALPPS in patients with CRM. Single-cohort, prospective, observational study. Patients with unresectable CLM due to insufficient liver remnant who underwent ALPPS between June 2011 and June 2021 were included. Of 32 patients treated, 21 were male (66%) and the median age was 56 years (range = 29-81). Both stages were completed in 30 patients (93.7%), with an R0 rate of 75% (24/32). Major morbidity was 37.5% and the mortality nil. Median overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were 28.1 and 8.8 months, respectively. The 1-3, and 5-year OS was 86%, 45%, and 21%, and RFS was 42%, 14%, and 14%, respectively. The only independent risk factor associated with poor RFS (5.7 vs 11.6 months; p = 0.038) and OS (15 vs 37 months; p = 0.009) was not receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. KRAS mutation was associated with worse OS from disease diagnosis (24.3 vs. 38.9 months; p = 0.025). ALPPS is associated with favorable oncological outcomes, comparable to traditional strategies to increase resectability in patients with CLM and high tumor burden. Our results suggest for the first time that adjuvant chemotherapy is independently associated with better short- and long-term outcomes after ALPPS. Selection of patients with KRAS mutations should be performed with caution, as this could affect oncological outcomes., (© 2024. Italian Society of Surgery (SIC).)

Background: Superior mesenteric/portal vein reconstruction (SMPVR) thrombosis remains a challenging complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy concomitant with venous resection. In this context, we aimed to present our SMPVR experiences and identify potential clinicopathological factors that increased SMPVR thrombosis., Methods: A total of 33 patients who underwent SMPVR during pancreaticoduodenectomy were analyzed. Of these, 26 patients who experienced pancreatic head ductal adenocarcinoma met our inclusion criteria. Patients' data were compared as classified by SMPVR type and the development of SMPVR thrombosis. All interposition grafts were Dacron in this cohort., Results: Types of SMPVR included: tangential resection with primary repair ( n  = 12); segmental resection with splenic vein preservation and either primary anastomosis ( n  = 8) or 14 mm tubular Dacron grafting ( n  = 1); segmental resection with splenic vein division either 14 mm tubular Dacron grafting ( n  = 2) or 14/7 mm 'Y'-shaped Dacron grafting ( n  = 3). A total of four patients having 14/7 mm 'Y'-shaped ( n  = 3) and 14 mm tubular Dacron ( n  = 1) developed SMPVR thrombosis ( p = .001). Dacron grafting ( p = .001) and splenic vein division ( p = .010) were associated with SMPVR thrombosis. The median time to detection of SMPVR thrombosis was 4.3 months (2.5-21.0 months). The median follow-up time was 12.2 months (3.0-45 months)., Conclusions: During pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head ductal carcinoma, extended venous resection requiring SMPVR with 'Y'-shaped and use of Dacron interposition grafts appeared to be associated with the development of SMPVR thrombosis. This result warrants further investigations.

Background: Portal hypertension (PHT) has been proven to be closely related to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Whether PHT before liver transplantation (LT) will affect the recurrence of HCC is not clear., Methods: 110 patients with depressurization of the portal vein (DPV) operations (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt-TIPS, surgical portosystemic shunt or/and splenectomy) before LT from a HCC LT cohort, matched with 330 preoperative non-DPV patients; this constituted a nested case-control study. Subgroup analysis was based on the order of DPV before or after the occurrence of HCC., Results: The incidence of acute kidney injury and intra-abdominal bleeding after LT in the DPV group was significantly higher than that in non-DPV group. The 5-year survival rates in the DPV and non-DPV group were 83.4% and 82.7% respectively (P = 0.930). In subgroup analysis, patients in the DPV prior to HCC subgroup may have a lower recurrence rate (4.7% vs.16.8%, P = 0.045) and a higher tumor free survival rate (88.9% vs.74.4%, P = 0.044) after LT under the up-to-date TNMI-II stage, while in TNM III stage, there was no difference for DPV prior to HCC subgroup compared with the DPV after HCC subgroup or the non-DPV group., Conclusion: Compared with DPV after HCC, DPV treatment before HCC can reduce the recurrence rate of HCC after early transplantation (TNM I-II). DPV before LT can reduce the recurrence of early HCC., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Two-stage hepatectomy (TSH) is the only treatment for the patients with multiple bilobar colorectal liver metastases (CRMs) who are not candidates for one-step hepatectomy because of insufficient future remnant liver volume and/or impaired liver function. 1-5 Although laparoscopic approaches have been introduced for TSH, 6-8 the postoperative morbidity and mortality remains high because of the technical difficulties during second-stage hepatectomy. 9,10 The authors present a video of laparoscopic TSH with portal vein (PV) ligation and embolization, which minimizes adhesions and PV thrombosis risk in the remnant liver, thereby facilitating second-stage hepatectomy., Methods: Three patients with initially unresectable bilateral CRMs received a median of chemotherapy 12 cycles, followed by conversion TSH. After right PV ligation, laproscopic PV embolization was performed by injection of 100% ethanol into the hepatic side of the right PV using a 23-gauge winged needle. After PV embolization, a spray adhesion barrier (AdSpray, Terumo, Tokyo, Japan) 11 was applied., Results: During the first stage of hepatectomy, two patients underwent simultaneous laparoscopic colorectal resection (left hemicolectomy and high anterior resection). In the initial hepatectomy, two patients underwent two limited hepatectomies each, and one patient underwent six hepatectomies in the left lobe. After hepatectomy, all the patients underwent right PV embolization. During the second stage, two patients underwent open extended right hepatectomy (right adrenalectomy was performed because of adrenal invasion in one patient), and one patient underwent laparoscopic extended right hepatectomy. No postoperative complications occurred in the six surgeries., Conclusions: Laparoscopic TSH with PV embolization is recommended for safe completion of the second hepatectomy., (© 2024. Society of Surgical Oncology.)

Background: Postoperative hepatic insufficiency (PHI) is the most feared complication after hepatectomy. Volume of the future liver remnant (FLR) is one objectively measurable indicator to identify patients at risk of PHI. In this review, we summarized the development and rationale for the use of liver volumetry and liver-regenerative interventions and highlighted emerging tools that could yield new advancements in liver volumetry., Methods: A review of MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted to identify literature related to liver volumetry. The references of relevant articles were reviewed to identify additional publications., Results: Liver volumetry based on radiologic imaging was developed in the 1980s to identify patients at risk of PHI and later used in the 1990s to evaluate grafts for living donor living transplantation. The field evolved in the 2000s by the introduction of standardized FLR based on the hepatic metabolic demands and in the 2010s by the introduction of the degree of hypertrophy and kinetic growth rate as measures of the FLR regenerative and functional capacity. Several liver-regenerative interventions, most notably portal vein embolization, are used to increase resectability and reduce the risk of PHI. In parallel with the increase in automation and machine assistance to physicians, many semi- and fully automated tools are being developed to facilitate liver volumetry., Conclusion: Liver volumetry is the most reliable tool to detect patients at risk of PHI. Advances in imaging analysis technologies, newly developed functional measures, and liver-regenerative interventions have been improving our ability to perform safe hepatectomy., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background and Aims: Besides the increased risk of perioperative morbidity, graft failure, and mortality, the majority of PVT are diagnosed at liver transplantation (LT). Improving preoperative management and patient selection may lead to better short-term and long-term outcomes and reduce the risk of a futile LT. The authors aimed to identify predictors of adverse outcomes after LT in patients with nonmalignant portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and improve donor to recipient matching by analyzing the results of the Italian cohort of LT recipients., Methods: Adult patients who underwent LT in Italy between January 2000 and February 2020 diagnosed with PVT pre-LT or at time of LT were considered eligible for inclusion. Based on a survey encompassing all 26 surgeons participating in the study, a binary composite outcome was defined. Patients were classified as having the composite event if at least one of these conditions occurred: operative time more than 600 min, estimated blood loss greater than 5000 ml, more than 20 ICU days, 90 days mortality, 90 days retransplant., Results: Seven hundred fourteen patients were screened and 698 met the inclusion criteria. The analysis reports the results of 568 patients that fulfilled the criteria to enter the composite outcome analysis.Overall, 156 patients (27.5%) developed the composite outcome. PVT stage 3/4 at transplant and need for any surgical correction of PVT are independent predictors of the composite outcome occurrence. When stratified by PVT grade, overall survival at 1-year ranges from 89.0% with PVT grade 0/1 to 67.4% in patients with PVT grade 3/4 at LT ( P <0.001). Nevertheless, patients with severe PVT can improve their survival when identified risk factors are not present., Conclusions: Potential LT candidates affected by PVT have a benefit from LT that should be adequately balanced on liver function and type of inflow reconstruction needed to mitigate the incidence of adverse events. Nonetheless, the absence of specific risk factors may improve the outcomes even in patients with PVT grades 3-4., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Purpose: To evaluate the type of umbilical-portal anastomosis in late-onset fetal growth restriction (LO-FGR) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses. To investigate the impact of the type of umbilical-portal anastomosis on the adverse outcomes in LO-FGR., Method: This study observed 150 pregnancies with AGA fetuses and 62 pregnancies with fetuses with LO-FGR. In each case, the point of reference for measuring the abdominal circumference was established. The type of umbilical-portal anastomosis was evaluated as T-shaped, X-shaped, and H-shaped according to the shape of main portal vein and portal sinus. Incidences of the type of umbilical-portal anastomosis in AGA and LO-FGR fetuses were evaluated., Results: T-shaped anastomosis was the most common (56.7%) in the AGA group and X-shaped (66.1%) in the LO-FGR group. In LO-FGR, T-shape anastomosis was significantly lower and X-shape anastomosis was significantly higher than AGA (p < 0.001). X-shaped anastomosis was associated with LO-FGR and the RR was 2.3 (95% CI 1.5-3.6; p < 0.001). Incidences of admission to NICU and emergency C/S for fetal distress were higher in fetuses with X -shaped anastomosis in the LO-FGR (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: X-shaped umbilical-portal anastomosis have a prognostic significance in LO-FGR fetuses., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

This case study presents a liver transplantation (LT) in a patient with incidentally, intraoperatively detected complete portal vein thrombosis (PVT), classified as YERDEL stage 4, challenging traditional surgical boundaries. The patient's resilience and the innovative approach adopted by the surgical team exemplify the evolving complexities of LT in the context of advanced PVT. This report underscores the significance of detailed case documentation in medical literature, especially for complex transplant scenarios. It contributes to a broader understanding of surgical techniques and patient-centered approaches in LT. The narrative highlights the dynamic interplay between surgical advancements and vascular complications, advocating for the refinement of surgical methods and a reevaluation of conventional perspectives in transplantation. This case is pivotal in illustrating medical progress and the persistent pursuit of better outcomes in complex transplant situations., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is rarely indicated after hepatic trauma but it can be the only therapeutic option in some patients. There are scarce data analyzing the surgical outcomes of OLT after trauma., Methods: We used the UNOS data set to identify patients who underwent OLT for trauma from 1987 to 2022 and compared them to a cohort of patients transplanted for other indications. Cox proportional hazard and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess predictors of graft and patient survival., Results: Seventy-two patients underwent OLT for trauma during the study period. Patients with trauma were more frequently on mechanical ventilation at the time of transplantation (26.4% vs. 7.6%, p < 0.001) and had a greater incidence of pretransplant portal vein thrombosis (12.5% vs. 4%, p = 0.002). Our 4:1 matched analysis showed that trauma patients had significantly shorter wait times, higher incidence of pretransplant portal vein thrombosis and prolonged length of stay. Trauma was associated with decreased overall graft survival (hazards ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.98), and increased length of stay ( p = 0.048). There were no significant differences in long-term patient survival., Conclusion: Unique physiological and vascular challenges after severe hepatic trauma might be associated with decreased graft survival in patients requiring liver transplantation., Level of Evidence: Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: To investigate the role and mechanism of liver parenchyma transection in accelerating the regeneration of future liver remnants in rats with portal vein ligation (PVL)., Methods: Rats were randomly divided into the PVL group (90% PVL at the caudate lobe, right lobe , left lateral lobe and left median lobe), associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (portal vein ligation with complete liver parenchyma transection [ALPPS]) group (90% PVL with 80 to 90% liver parenchyma transection), PVL + partial liver partition (PLP) group (90% PVL with 30 to 50% liver parenchyma transection), PVL + partition in the ligated lobe (PLL) group (90% PVL with 40 to 60% liver parenchyma transection in the portal vein ligated lobe), PVL + partition in the remnant lobe (PRL) group (90% PVL with 40 to 60% liver parenchyma transection in the remnant lobe), PVL + radiofrequency ablation (RFA) group (90% PVL with splenic ablation) and sham operation (sham) group. The animals were killed at 4 time points of postoperative days 1, 3, 5, and 7. Six rats were killed at each time point, with 24 rats in each group. The weights of the future liver remnant and whole liver were measured. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin were analyzed by using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and hepatocyte growth factor were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of cell proliferating nuclear antigen (Ki67) and phosphorylated histone H3 was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the positive rate was calculated., Results: The ALPPS group displayed the highest FLR weight to body weight ratio compared with that of the other groups (P < .05), and the partial liver split (PVL + PLP) group also displayed higher remnant weight to body weight ratio than the ectopic liver split (PVL + PLL and PVL + PRL) groups (P < .05). During the first 7 days after surgery the cytokine levels of the ALPPS, PVL + PLP, PVL + PLL and PVL + PRL groups were comparable (P > .05). The PVL + PLP, PVL + PLL, PVL + PRL and PVL + RFA groups showed similar necrotic areas in the portal vein ligated lobe (P > .05). A hemodynamic study revealed that a liver split along the demarcation line could further increase the portal pressure of the FLR and both the split site and completeness were associated with portal hemodynamic alternations and liver hypertrophy. Extrahepatic organ injury (eg, spleen ablation) also has a significant impact on portal hemodynamics and liver regeneration., Conclusion: Complete liver splitting along the demarcation line induced higher portal vein pressure and more rapid FLR hypertrophy than partial or ectopic liver splitting after PVL. The portal hemodynamic alterations after liver split rather than inflammatory cytokine release may be the major cause of ALPPS-induced rapid liver hypertrophy., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The incidence of post-transplant poral vein stenosis (PVS) is higher in pediatric liver transplantation, probably resulting from various portal vein (PV) reconstruction methods or other factors., Methods: 332 patients less than 12 years old when receiving liver transplantation (LT) were enrolled in this research. Portal vein reconstruction methods include anastomosis to the left side of the recipient PV trunk (type 1, n = 170), to the recipient left and right PV branch patch (type 2, n = 79), using vein graft interposition (type 3, n = 32), or end-to-end PV anastomosis (type 4, n = 50). The incidence of PVS was analyzed in terms to different PV reconstruction methods and other possible risk factors., Results: PVS occurred in 35 (10.5%) patients. Of the 32 patients using vein graft, 20 patients received a cryopreserved vein graft, 11 (55%) developed PVS, while the remaining 12 patients received a fresh iliac vein for PV interposition and none of them developed PVS. 9 patients whose liver donor was under 12 years old developed PVS, with an incidence of 18.8%., Conclusion: Cryopreserved vein graft interposition and a liver donor under 12 are independent risk factors for PVS in pediatric LT., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

BACKGROUND Hepatic cystic echinococcosis (HCE) is a frequently overlooked parasitic liver disease, for which the commonly recommended treatment is radical resection. However, this approach is often associated with severe comorbidities such as HBV/HCV, cirrhosis, and hepatic carcinoma, among others. CASE REPORT In this report, we present a case successfully managed by ex vivo liver resection and autologous liver transplantation (ELRA). In the described case, ex vivo resection was not feasible due to recurrent lesions and infections invading the portal vein, which resulted in portal vein cavernous transformation. CONCLUSIONS Through this paper, we aim to detail the treatment process, showcasing the feasibility and advantages of ELRA. Additionally, we propose a novel approach for the treatment of this disease, while emphasizing the importance of radical resection surgery to prevent long-term complications.

Background: In daily clinical practice, different future liver remnant (FLR) modulation techniques are increasingly used to allow a liver resection in patients with insufficient FLR volume. This systematic review and network meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy and perioperative safety of portal vein ligation (PVL), portal vein embolization (PVE), liver venous deprivation (LVD) and associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS)., Methods: A literature search for studies comparing liver resections following different FLR modulation techniques was performed in MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Central, and pairwise and network meta-analyses were conducted., Results: Overall, 23 studies comprising 1557 patients were included. LVD achieved the greatest increase in FLR (17.32 %, 95% CI 2.49-32.15), while ALPPS was most effective in preventing dropout before the completion hepatectomy (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.15-0.55). PVL tended to be associated with a longer time to completion hepatectomy (MD 5.78 days, 95% CI -0.67-12.23). Liver failure occurred less frequently after LVD, compared to PVE (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.14-0.87) and ALPPS (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.09-0.85)., Discussion: ALPPS and LVD seem superior to PVE and PVL in terms of achieved FLR increase and subsequent treatment completion. LVD was associated with lower rates of post hepatectomy liver failure, compared to both PVE and ALPPS. A summary of the protocol has been prospectively registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022321474)., (Copyright © 2024 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) is one of the strategies available for patients initially unresectable. High risk of peri-operative morbidity and mortality limited its application and diffusion. We aimed to analyse short-term outcomes of robotic ALPPS versus open approach, to assess safety and reproducibility of this technique. A retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained databases at University of Modena and Reggio Emilia on patients that underwent ALPPS between January 2015 and September 2022 was conducted. The main aim of the study was to evaluate safety and feasibility of robotic approach, either full robotic or only first-stage robotic, compared to a control group of patients who underwent open ALPPS in the same Institution. 23 patients were included. Nine patients received a full open ALPPS (O-ALPPS), 7 received a full robotic ALPPS (R-ALPPS), and 7 underwent a robotic approach for stage 1, followed by an open approach for stage 2 (R + O-ALPPS). PHLF grade B-C after stage 1 was 0% in all groups, rising to 58% in the R + O-ALPPS group after stage 2 and remaining 0% in the R-ALPPS group. 86% of R-ALPPS cases were discharged from the hospital between stages 1 and 2, and median total in-hospital stay and ICU stay favoured full robotic approach as well. This contemporary study represents the largest series of robotic ALPPS, showing potential advantages from full robotic ALPPS over open approach, resulting in reduced hospital stay and complications and lower incidence of 90-day mortality., (© 2024. Italian Society of Surgery (SIC).)

Background: Surgery offers the only cure for borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Data on incidence, perioperative and long-term outcomes of portal vein resection for pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms are scarce. This study aimed to analyze the outcome and prognostic factors of portal vein resection in surgery for pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms., Methods: Consecutive patients were analyzed. Portal vein resection was classified according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery. Clinicopathologic features and overall and disease-free survival were assessed and compared with standard resection in a matched-pair analysis., Results: A total of 54 of 666 (8%) resected pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms patients underwent portal vein resection, including 7 (13%) tangential resections with venorrhaphy (type 1), 2 (4%) patch reconstructions (type 2), 35 (65%) end-to-end anastomoses (type 3), and 10 (19%) graft interpositions (type 4); 52% of those underwent pancreatoduodenectomy, 22% distal pancreatectomy, and 26% total pancreatectomy. Postoperative portal vein thrombosis occurred in 19%. Postoperative pancreatic fistula grades B and C (9% vs 16%; P = .357), complications Clavien-Dindo grade ≥IIIb (28% vs 13%; P = .071), and 90-day mortality rate (2% each) were not significantly different compared with 108 matched patients. The 5-year overall survival was 45% (standard resection: 68%; P = .432), and the 5-year disease-free survival was 25% (standard resection: 34%; P = .716). Radical resection was associated with 5-year overall survival of 51% and 5-year disease-specific survival of 75%., Conclusion: This is the largest single-center analysis evaluating perioperative and long-term outcomes of portal vein resection for pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. The postoperative complication rate after portal vein resection is comparable with standard resection. The 90-day mortality is low. Radical resection leads to excellent 5-year oncological survival., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The relationship between the course of the segment 4 hepatic artery and proximal ductal margin status in the right hepatectomy (H15678-B) for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate proximal ductal margin status according to the course of the segment 4 hepatic artery in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma treated with right hepatectomy., Methods: Consecutive patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma who underwent a right hepatectomy between January 2006 and August 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The course of the segment 4 hepatic artery was classified based on the positional relationship with the umbilical portion of the left portal vein into R-UP and L-UP types. The R-UP type had the segment 4 hepatic artery running along the right caudal position of the umbilical portion of the left portal vein, whereas the L-UP type had the segment 4 hepatic artery running along the left cranial position of the umbilical portion of the left portal vein, with or without another branch running along the right caudal position of the umbilical portion of the left portal vein. Proximal ductal margin status after the right hepatectomy was compared between types., Results: Among 102 patients, 72 (70.5%) were R-UP type, and 30 (29.5%) were L-UP type. Rates of negative proximal ductal margin were higher with the L-UP type (27/30, 90.0%) than with the R-UP type (51/72, 70.8%; P = .04). On multivariate analysis, Bismuth-Corlette type II and IIIa (risk ratio 4.13, 95% confidence interval 1.52-11.5; P = .005) and L-UP type (risk ratio 4.03, 95% confidence interval 1.18-18.8; P = .04) were independent predictors of negative proximal ductal margin after a right hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma., Conclusion: For the course of the segment 4 hepatic artery, L-UP type rather than R-UP type might be anatomically advantageous for achieving negative proximal ductal margin in a right hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: In select clinical scenarios, advanced techniques for volume manipulation and vascular reconstruction are needed for complete hepatic tumor removal. These highly complex liver resections (HCLRs) entail a heightened risk of severe complications. Here, we describe the results of HCLR performed in a 3-year time period., Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis encompassing patients who underwent hepatic resections between June 15, 2020, and June 15, 2023. HCLR was defined according to previously established criteria, and included associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy. The outcomes of HCLR were compared to all non-HCLR performed within the same time frame., Results: Among 167 hepatic resections, 26 were considered HCLR, and all were major resections. Five utilized total vascular exclusion, with venovenous bypass in three, and hypothermic liver perfusion in three. Five resections included vascular reconstructions, and one included hypothermic circulatory arrest for extraction of a tumor extending to the right atrium. Of the non-HCLR, 38 (26.9%) were major, and 49 (34.7%) were performed laparoscopically. The rates of overall major postoperative complications were comparable between those who underwent HCLR versus non-HCLR. HCLR was associated with increased rates of biliary complications, readmissions, and reoperation. However, no postoperative 90-day mortality was documented within patients that underwent HCLR compared to two in the non-HCLR group., Conclusions: In expert hands, HCLR can be performed with acceptable complication profile, akin to that of major non-HCLR. Those with questionable resectability should be referred to tertiary hepato-pancreato-biliary centers., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: This animal study investigates the hypothesis of an immature liver growth following ALPPS (associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy) by measuring liver volume and function using gadoxetic acid avidity in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in models of ALPPS, major liver resection (LR) and portal vein ligation (PVL)., Methods: Wistar rats were randomly allocated to ALPPS, LR or PVL. In contrast-enhanced MRI scans with gadoxetic acid (Primovist®), liver volume and function of the right median lobe (=future liver remnant, FLR) and the deportalized lobes (DPL) were assessed until post-operative day (POD) 5. Liver function FLR/DPL was defined as the inverse value of time from injection of gadoxetic acid to the blood pool-corrected maximum signal intensity FLR/DPL multiplied by the volume FLR/DPL ., Results: In ALPPS (n = 6), LR (n = 6) and PVL (n = 6), volume FLR and function FLR increased proportionally, except on POD 1. Thereafter, function FLR exceeded volume FLR increase in LR and ALPPS, but not in PVL. Total liver function was significantly reduced after LR until POD 3, but never undercuts 60% of its pre-operative value following ALPPS and PVL., Discussion: This study shows for the first time that functional increase is proportional to volume increase in ALPPS using gadoxetic acid avidity in MRI., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest No disclosures of potential conflicts (financial, professional or personal) relevant to the manuscript. Martin Schläpfer and Beatrice Beck-Schimmer have received unrestricted research funds from Sedana Medical, Danderyd, Sweden, and from Roche Diagnostics International, Rotkreuz, Switzerland. Beatrice Beck-Schimmer and Martin Schläpfer have submitted a patent to mitigate the negative effects of surgery and/or anesthesia for patients using medical gases, particularly oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Beatrice Beck-Schimmer submitted US and EP patent applications for an injectable formulation for the treatment and protection of patients having an inflammatory reaction or an ischemia/reperfusion event., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Objective: A novel technique was explored using an airbag-selective portal vein blood arrester that circumvents the need for an intraoperative assessment of anatomical variations in patients with complex intrahepatic space-occupying lesions., Methods: Rabbits undergoing hepatectomy were randomly assigned to 4 groups: intermittent portal triad clamping (PTC), intermittent portal vein clamping (PVC), intermittent portal vein blocker with an airbag-selective portal vein blood arrester (APC), and without portal blood occlusion (control). Hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury were assessed by measuring the 7-day survival rate, blood loss, liver function, hepatic pathology, hepatic inflammatory cytokine infiltration, hepatic malondialdehyde levels, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen levels., Results: Liver damage was substantially reduced in the APC and PVC groups. The APC animals exhibited transaminase levels similar to or less oxidative stress damage and inflammatory hepatocellular injury compared to those exhibited by the PVC animals. Bleeding was significantly higher in the control group than in the other groups. The APC group had less bleeding than the PVC group because of the avoidance of portal vein skeletonization during hepatectomy. Thus, more operative time was saved in the APC group than in the PVC group. Moreover, the total 7-day survival rate in the APC group was higher than that in the PTC group., Conclusion: Airbag-selective portal vein blood arresters may help protect against hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury in rabbits undergoing partial hepatectomy. This technique may also help prevent liver damage in patients requiring hepatectomy., (© 2024. Huazhong University of Science and Technology.)

Backgrounds: This study investigated the incidence of, and mortality and management outcomes following, pneumatosis intestinalis and/or portal venous gas on computed tomography., Methods: A retrospective study of patients identified with pneumatosis intestinalis and/or portal venous gas on computed tomography at a quaternary centre (2013-2021) was performed. Data relating to clinical presentation (including quick sequential organ failure assessment score), co-morbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index), biochemical data (including peak lactate level), and radiological findings, were obtained. Factors associated with these were assessed by logistic regression., Results: From 16 428 scans, 107 (0.65%) demonstrated pneumatosis intestinalis and/or portal venous gas (mean 65.2 years [SD 15.2]; 60 [56%] male). Overall, 37 patients (35%) had both findings present. Thirty-three deaths (31%) were recorded. Fifty-four patients (51%) underwent surgery. Death was associated with quick sequential organ failure assessment score (score 1: OR 5.71, 95% CI 1.31-24.87; score 2: OR 10.00, 95% CI 1.94-51.54), Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥5 (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.19-6.84), peak lactate ≥2.6 mmol/L (OR 14.53, 95% CI 4.39-48.14), and concomitant pneumatosis intestinalis and portal venous gas (OR 8.25, 95% CI 3.04-22.38). The presence of free peritoneal fluid (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.44-7.28) or perforated viscus (OR 5.10, 95% CI 1.05-24.85) were the only predictors for surgery., Conclusion: Pneumatosis intestinalis and portal venous gas are rare findings. Despite traditionally portending a poor prognosis, mortality occurred in only one-third of patients. There were clear indicators of mortality viz. sepsis severity, comorbidities, and concomitant pneumatosis intestinalis and portal venous gas. Factors predicting surgery warrant further investigation., (© 2024 The Authors. ANZ Journal of Surgery published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.)

Background: Recently, the outcomes of surgical treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have improved. However, despite the technical advancements in laparoscopic liver resection (LLR), it is still not recommended as the standard treatment for HCC with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) because of the poor oncological outcomes. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of open liver resection (OLR) and LLR in patients with HCC with PVTT., Methods: A total of 86 patients with PVTT confirmed in the pathological report between January 2014 and December 2018, were enrolled. Short-term, postoperative, and long-term outcomes, including recurrence-free survival and overall survival rates, were evaluated., Results: No difference between the two groups, except for age, was detected. The median age in the laparoscopic group was significantly higher than that in the open group. Regarding the pathological features, the maximal tumor size was significantly larger in the OLR; other pathological factors did not differ. There was no significant difference between overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Vp3 PVTT (hazards ratio [HR] 6.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-18.5), Edmondson grade IV (HR 4.7, 95% CI 1.7-12.9, p = 0.003), and intrahepatic metastasis (HR 3.9, 95% CI 2.1-7.2, p < 0.001) remained the unique independent predictors of recurrence-free survival according to a multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis., Conclusions: Laparoscopic liver resection for the management of HCC with PVTT provides the same short- and long-term results as those of the open approach., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Patients with locally advanced hepatocellular cancer (HCC) and portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) have a dismal prognosis since limited treatment options are available for them. In recent years, effective systemic therapy, and advances in the understanding of technicalities and effectiveness of ablative therapies especially radiotherapy, have given some hope to prolong survival in them. This review summarized recent evidence in literature regarding the possible role of liver resection (LR) and liver transplantation (LT) in patients with locally advanced HCC and PVTT with no extrahepatic disease. Downstaging therapies have helped make curative resection or LT a reality in selected patients. This review emphasizes on the key points to focus on when considering surgery in these patients, who are usually relegated to palliative systemic therapy alone. Meticulous patient selection based on tumor biology, documented downstaging based on imaging and decrease in tumor marker levels, and an adequate waiting period to demonstrate stable disease, may help obtain satisfactory long-term outcomes post LR or LT in an intention to treat strategy in patients with HCC and PVTT., Competing Interests: Competing interest No benefits in any form have been received or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article., (Copyright © 2023 First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Impact of pre-transplant liver hemodynamics and portal reconstruction techniques on post-transplant portal vein complications in pediatric liver transplantation: a retrospective analysis in 197 recipients. Using an hypoplastic fibrotic portal vein increases the risk of low portal flow at unclamping, graft portal hypoperfusion, portal thrombosis and ultimately graft loss. [Extracted from the article]

In this setting, by using a combination of percutaneous transhepatic access, trans-splenic access, and now transmesenteric access, complex PHTN cases can be undertaken with the interventional radiologist "solving the puzzle" component-by-component. Converting the UnTIPSable to TIPSable by Adding Transmesenteric Access to the Toolbox for Patients with Chronic Portal and Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-023-03484-0 2 Entezari P, Riaz A, Thornburg B, Salem R. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided superior and inferior mesenteric vein access for portal vein recanalization-transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: a case series. [Extracted from the article]

Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a lesion radiologically consistent with a hepatocellular carcinoma with no features of portal hypertension. A 60-year-old male with previously cured chronic hepatitis C was found to have a 25-mm liver tumour in segment V on surveillance ultrasound imaging. [Extracted from the article]