Malformación linfática quística gigante del hígado: dos casos pediátricos con diferente abordaje quirúrgico / Giant cystic lymphatic malformation of the liver: two pediatric cases with different surgical approach

Introducción. Las malformaciones linfáticas quísticas, también llamadas linfangiomas quísticos, aparecen muy raramente de forma aislada en el hígado. Casos clínicos. Se presentan dos pacientes femeninas de edad preescolar con marcada hepatomegalia, dependiente de lesiones quísticas multitabicadas, secundarias a malformación linfática quística gigante del hígado, que fueron tratadas en el Hospital Pediátrico Universitario William Soler, La Habana, Cuba. Resultados. En ambos casos el diagnóstico se apoyó en los estudios de imágenes, la laparoscopia y el análisis histopatológico. En un caso el tratamiento fue la hepatectomía derecha, mientras que en el otro se empleó la escleroterapia, ambas con evolución favorable. Conclusión. A pesar de su rareza, este diagnóstico no debe obviarse ante un paciente pediátrico con lesiones hepáticas quísticas. El tratamiento de elección es la resección quirúrgica, pero su indicación y envergadura debe valorarse de forma individualizada

Introduction. Cystic lymphatic malformations, also called cystic lymphangiomas, are very rarely found in the liver. Clinical cases. Two pediatric female preschool-age patients. presented with hepatomegaly due to multi-septated cystic lesions of the liver, who received treatment at Hospital Pediátrico Universitario William Soler, La Habana, Cuba. Results. We report two pediatric cases with giant cystic lymphatic malformation of the liver. In both cases, the diagnosis were based on imaging, laparoscopy and pathology. In one case the treatment was right hepatectomy, whereas in the other, sclerotherapy was performed, both with a favorable outcome. Conclusion. Despite its rarity, this diagnosis should be considered in pediatric patients with hepatic cystic lesions. The recommended treatment is surgical resection, but its indication and extent should be assessed individually for each patient.

Metodologías de Medición de Volumetría Hepática / Methodologies For Measuring Hepatic Volumetry

Lograr determinar el volumen total de un hígado (VHT), o volumetría hepática, pasa a ser de relevancia en diversas situaciones, tales como, vigilancia del progreso de una enfermedad de carácter crónico, planificación de resecciones y trasplantes hepáticos; y observación del clearance hepático de algunos fármacos hepatotropos. La VHT se puede realizar utilizando métodos de segmentación en el curso de una tomografía computarizada (TC), ya sean estos manual, automáticos, y semiautomáticos; mediante resonancia nuclear (RN), utilizando softwares de distintas generaciones (1ª a 4ª). La medición de VHT está indicada en pacientes sometidos a resecciones hepáticas mayores, en el contexto del tratamiento de neoplasias (carcinoma hepatocelular, colangiocarcinoma, metástasis hepáticas o tumores benignos de gran tamaño), abscesos (piogénicos, amebianos), y después de un traumatismo hepático complejo; así como también en la etapa preoperatoria de un trasplante hepático. El objetivo de este manuscrito fue generar un documento de estudio sobre métodos para determinar volumetría hepática.

SUMMARY: Being able to determine the total hepatic volume (THV), or THV, becomes relevant in various situations, such as monitoring the progress of a chronic disease, planning resections and liver transplants; and observation of the hepatic clearance of some hepatotropic drugs. THV can be performed using segmentation methods in the course of a computed tomography (CT), whether manual, automatic, or semi-automated; by nuclear resonance (NR), using software from different generations (1st to 4st). THV measurement is indicated in patients undergoing major liver resections, in the context of treatment of neoplasms (hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, liver metastases or large benign tumors), abscesses (pyogenic, amoebic), and after liver trauma complex, as well as in the preoperative stage of a liver transplant. The aim of this manuscript was to generate a study document regarding methods for determine hepatic volumetry.

Resecabilidad de las metástasis hepáticas según la lateralidad del tumor colorrectal primario y la temporalidad de presentación. Serie de casos en dos instituciones de alta complejidad de la ciudad de Medellín / Resectability of liver metastasis according to the laterality of the primary colorectal tumor and the temporality of presentation. Case series in two high-complex institutions in the city of Medellín

Introducción. La neoplasia colorrectal es una patología oncológica muy frecuente a nivel mundial y una de las causas más comunes de mortalidad por cáncer. La epidemiologia, diagnóstico y tratamiento han sido ampliamente estudiadas, mientras que los datos sobre la enfermedad metastásica siguen siendo escasos. El hígado es el órgano más comúnmente afectado y algunos estudios sugieren diferencias en sobrevida y resecabilidad según la localización del tumor primario. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer el comportamiento y resecabilidad de neoplasias avanzadas colorrectales en dos hospitales de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia. Métodos. Estudio analítico retrospectivo para identificar los patrones de las metástasis hepáticas y sus características en función de las diferencias clínicas, histológicas y endoscópicas del tumor colorrectal primario entre 2015 y 2020. Resultados. Se recolectaron 54 pacientes con neoplasia colorrectal y metástasis hepáticas, 21 (39 %) derechas y 33 (61 %) izquierdas. El número de metástasis promedio fue de 3,1 en tumores del lado derecho y de 2,4 del izquierdo y el tamaño promedio de cada lesión fue de 4,9 y 4,2 cm, respectivamente. La tasa de resecabilidad fue del 42 % en los tumores derechos y del 82 % en los izquierdos. Las lesiones metacrónicas presentaron una tasa de resecabilidad del 90 % y las sincrónicas del 61 %. Conclusión. En este estudio, las lesiones originadas en neoplasias primarias del colon izquierdo y las lesiones metacrónicas fueron factores pronósticos favorables para la resecabilidad, un factor que impacta en la sobrevida y el tiempo libre de enfermedad de estos pacientes.

Introduction. Colorectal tumor is the most frequent pathology worldwide and one of the most common causes of mortality attributed to cancer. Epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment have been extensively studied, while information on metastatic disease remains scarce, despite being the main cause of death. Some studies suggest differences in terms of survival and resectability according to the anatomical location of the primary tumor. The aim is to establish the behavior and resectability of advanced cancers in two high-complex hospitals in the city of Medellín, Colombia. Methods. Cross-sectional observational study from secondary sources of information based on a retrospective cohort, using available data from adult patients with colorectal cancer and liver metastases between 2015 and 2020. Results. Fifty-four patients with colorectal neoplasms and liver metastases were collected, of which 21 (39%) were on the right side. The average number of liver metastases was 3.1 on the right side and 2.4 on the left, and the average size of each metastatic lesion was 4.9 cm and 4.2 cm, respectively. The resectability rate was 42% in the right tumors and 82% in the left ones. Metachronous lesions had a resectability rate of 90% and synchronous ones 61%. Conclusion. The complete resectability of liver metastatic lesions is the only therapeutic alternative with impact, in terms of survival and disease-free time in these patients. The favorable prognostic factors for the resectability of these lesions in our study were those originating from left primary tumors and metachronous lesions, where less liver tumor involvement was evidenced

Resección hepática laparoscópica versus hepatectomía abierta para lesiones benignas: estudio comparativo con propensity score matching / Laparoscopic liver resection versus open liver resection for benign lesions: a comparative study with propensity score matching

RESUMEN Antecedentes : las ventajas de la hepatectomía videolaparoscópica (HVL) hicieron que gane cada vez más campo para el tratamiento de los tumores hepáticos benignos (THB). Objetivo : comparar los resultados perioperatorios de pacientes sometidos a HVL con los de los operados con hepatectomía abierta (HA) por THB, emparejados con propensity score matching (PSM). Material y métodos : estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y comparativo de HA y HVL por THB entre agosto de 2010 y junio de 2021. Se analizaron variables demográficas, preoperatorias, intraoperatorias y posoperatorias. Para evitar sesgos de las distintas covariables entre los grupos se realizó un PSM 1:1. Resultados : de 403 hepatectomías, se analizaron 82 por THB. De ellas 36 (44%) fueron HA y 46 (56%) HVL. Edad media 45 ±14 años, 65% mujeres. Tras realizar el PSM, quedaron dos grupos de 28 pacientes cada uno. En HA, 5 (18%) pacientes requirieron transfusiones y ninguno en HVL (p = 0,01). Las complicaciones mayores se presentaron en 4 (14%) pacientes en HA, y ninguna en HVL (p = 0,03). Se reoperaron 4 (14%) pacientes con HA y ningún paciente con HVL (p = 0,03). La estadía hospitalaria total fue significativamente mayor en las HA (p = 0,04). No se registraron muertes a los 90 días en ninguno de los dos grupos. Conclusión : la HVL por THB es una técnica segura y eficaz, ya que los pacientes presentaron menor requerimiento transfusional, número de reoperaciones, de complicaciones mayores y de estadía hospitalaria que con HA. Por las ventajas encontradas, la HVL podría ser considerada la técnica de elección en cirugía por THB.

ABSTRACT Background : The advantages of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) have increased its use for the treatment of benign liver tumors (BLTs). Objective : The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing LLR with those operated on with open liver resection (OLR) for BLTs using propensity score matching (PSM). Material and methods : We conducted a descriptive and retrospective study comparing OLRs with LLRs performed between August 2010 and June 2021. The demographic, perioperative, intraoperative and postoperative variables were analyzed. We used PSM with 1:1 matching to avoid biases of the different covariates between the groups. Results : Of 303 liver resections, 82 corresponded to BLTs and were included in the analysis; 36 (44%) were OLRs and 46 (56%) were LLRs. Mean age was 45 ±14 years and 65% were women. After PSM, two groups of 28 patients each were constituted. Five patients (18%) in the OLR group and none in the LLR required transfusions (p = 0.01). Major complications, occurred in 4 (14%) patients in the OLR group and in no cases in the LLR group (p = 0.03). Four (14%) undergoing OLR required reoperation versus no patients with LLR (p = 0.03). Total length of hospital stay was significantly longer in OLR (p = 0.04). There were no deaths in any of the groups within 90 days. Conclusion : LLR for BLTs is a safe and effective technique, with lower requirement for transfusions, fewer reoperations and major complications and shorter length of hospital stay than OLR, Therefore, LLR could be considered the surgical technique of choice for BLTs.

Neoplasia quística mucinosa en la vía biliar intrahepática. Presentación de dos casos / Mucinous cystic neoplasm in the intrahepatic bile duct. Presentation of two cases

Introducción. Las neoplasias quísticas mucinosas del hígado son tumores poco frecuentes, equivalen a menos del 5 % de todas las lesiones quísticas hepáticas y se originan generalmente en la vía biliar intrahepática, con poco compromiso extrahepático. En la mayoría de los casos su diagnóstico es incidental dado que es una entidad generalmente asintomática con un curso benigno; sin embargo, hasta en el 30 % pueden ser malignas. En todos los casos se debe hacer una resección quirúrgica completa de la lesión. Caso clínico. Se presentan dos pacientes con diagnóstico de neoplasia quística mucinosa en la vía biliar intrahepática, así como sus manifestaciones clínicas, hallazgos imagenológicos y tratamiento. Discusión. Debido a su baja incidencia, esta patología constituye un reto diagnóstico, que se puede confundir con otro tipo de entidades más comunes. El diagnóstico definitivo se hace de forma histopatológica, pero en todos los casos, ante la sospecha clínica, se recomienda la resección completa. Conclusión. Se presentan dos pacientes con diagnóstico de neoplasias quísticas mucinosas del hígado, una entidad poco frecuente y de difícil diagnóstico

Introduction. Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the liver are rare tumors, accounting for less than 5% of all liver cystic lesions, and generally originate from the intrahepatic bile duct with little extrahepatic involvement. In most cases its diagnosis is incidental since it is a generally asymptomatic entity with a benign course; however, up to 30% can have a malignant course. In all cases, complete surgical resection of the lesion must be performed. Clinical case. Two patients with a diagnosis of mucinous cystic neoplasm in the intrahepatic bile duct are presented, as well as their clinical manifestations, imaging findings, and treatment. Discussion. Due to its low incidence, this pathology constitutes a diagnostic challenge, which can be confused with other types of more common entities. The definitive diagnosis is made histopathologically, but in all cases, given clinical suspicion, complete resection is recommended. Conclusion. Two patients with a diagnosis of mucinous cystic neoplasms of the liver are presented, a rare entity that is difficult to diagnose

Partial hepatectomy using linear cutter stapler: are there advantages? / Hepatectomia parcial empregando grampeador linear cortante: há vantagens?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Morbidity of liver resections is related to intraoperative bleeding and postoperative biliary fistulas. The Endo-GIA stapler (EG) in liver resections is well established, but its cost is high, limiting its use. The linear cutting stapler (LCS) is a lower cost device. AIMS: To report open liver resections, using LCS for transection of the liver parenchyma and en bloc stapling of vessels and bile ducts. METHODS: Ten patients were included in the study. Four patients with severe abdominal pain had benign liver tumors (three adenomas and one focal nodular hyperplasia). Among the remaining six patients, four underwent liver resection for the treatment of colorectal liver metastases, three of which had undergone preoperative chemotherapy. The other two cases were one patient with metastasis from a testicular teratoma and the other with metastasis from a gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumor. RESULTS: The average length of stay was five days (range 4-7 days). Of the seven patients who underwent resections of segments II/III, two presented postoperative complications: one developed a seroma and the other a collection of abdominal fluid who underwent percutaneous drainage, antibiotic therapy, and blood transfusion. Furthermore, the three patients who underwent major resections had postoperative complications: two developed anemia and received blood transfusions and one had biloma and underwent percutaneous drainage and antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the linear stapler in hepatectomies was efficient and at lower costs, making it suitable for use whenever EG is not available. The size of the LCS stapler shaft is more suitable for en bloc transection of the left lateral segment of the liver, which is thinner than the right one. Further studies are needed to evaluate the safety of LCS for large liver resections and resections of tumors located in the right hepatic lobe.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A morbidade das ressecções hepáticas está relacionada a sangramento intraoperatório e fístulas biliares pós-operatórias. O grampeador Endo-GIA (EG) em ressecções hepáticas está bem estabelecido, mas o seu custo é elevado, limitando seu uso. O grampeador de corte linear (LCS) é um dispositivo com menor custo. OBJETIVOS: Relatar ressecções hepáticas abertas, empregando o LCS para transecção do parênquima hepático e grampeamento em bloco de vasos e ductos biliares. MÉTODOS: Dez pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. Quatro pacientes com dor abdominal importante apresentavam tumores hepáticos benignos (três adenomas e um hiperplasia nodular focal). Dentre os demais seis pacientes, quatro foram submetidos à ressecção hepática para o tratamento de metástases hepáticas colorretais, sendo que três deles haviam sido submetidos à quimioterapia pré-operatória. Os dois outros casos foram um paciente com metástase de teratoma testicular e o outro com metástase de tumor neuroectodérmico gastrointestinal. RESULTADOS: O tempo médio de internação foi de 5 dias (variação=4-7 dias). Dos sete pacientes submetidos a ressecções dos segmentos II/III, dois apresentaram complicações pós-operatórias: um paciente desenvolveu seroma e o outro uma coleção de fluido abdominal submetido a drenagem percutânea, antibioticoterapia e transfusão de sangue. Além disso, os três pacientes submetidos a ressecções maiores tiveram complicações pós-operatórias: dois pacientes desenvolveram anemia e receberam transfusões de sangue e um paciente apresentou biloma e foi submetido a drenagem percutânea e antibioticoterapia. CONCLUSÕES: O emprego do grampeador linear nas hepatectomias foi eficiente e a custos mais baixos, tornando-o adequado para uso sempre que EG não estiver disponível O tamanho da haste do grampeador LCS é mais adequado para a transecção em bloco do segmento lateral esquerdo do fígado, que é mais fino que o direito. Novos estudos são necessários para avaliar a segurança do LCS para grandes ressecções hepáticas e ressecções de tumores localizados no lobo hepático direito.

Study of laser fluorescence spectroscopy in livers of rats with hypothermic ischemia

Purpose: After partial hepatectomy (PH), the remaining liver (RL) undergoes regenerative response proportional to the host. Limited literature exists on hepatic viability after tissue injury during hypothermic preservation. Spectroscopy measures cellular fluorescence and is explored for tissue characterization and parameter investigation. This study aimed to assess fluorescence analysis (spectroscopy) in evaluating liver viability and its relationship with hepatic tissue regeneration 24 hours after PH. Additionally, we analyzed liver regeneration in RL after 70% partial hepatectomy under hypothermic conditions with laser irradiation. Methods: Fifty-six Wistar rats were divided into four groups: total non-perfused liver (control), total perfused liver, partial hepatectomy "in situ", and partial hepatectomy "ex situ". Tissue analysis was performed at 0 and 24 hours using spectroscopy with laser devices emitting at 532 (green) and 405 nm (violet). Results: Spectroscopy identified tissue viability based on consistent results with Ki67 staining. The fluorescence spectra and Ki67 analysis displayed similar patterns, linking proliferative activity and absorption intensity. Conclusions: Fluorescence spectroscopy proves to be promising for real-time analysis of cellular activity and viability. Metabolic activity was observed in groups of live animals and hypothermically preserved samples, indicating cellular function even under blood deprivation and hypothermic conditions.

Cambios fisiopatológicos y complicaciones de las resecciones hepáticas / Physiopathological changes and complications of liver resections / Alterações fisiopatológicas e complicações das ressecções hepáticas

Las modernas técnicas quirúrgicas y anestésicas han permitido ampliar el número de intervenciones quirúrgicas a nivel hepático por diversas patologías. Logrando disminuir su moralidad pero manteniendo al día de hoy elevados niveles de morbilidad. Durante la cirugía hepática se producen cambios hemodinámicos vinculados a la movilización del hígado, a los clampeos y a las pérdidas sanguíneas independientemente de la vía de abordaje. En el postoperatorio las complicaciones o cambios fisiopatológicos derivan de las lesiones producidas por los fenómenos de isquemia y reperfusión; y aquellas producidas por la regeneración hepática. Dicha capacidad depende no solo de la cantidad de hígado remanente sino también de la posible hepatopatía preexistente. La insuficiencia hepática postoperatoria es la complicación más temida y se manifiesta con ictericia, ascitis, encefalopatía y alteraciones en la paraclínica como la hiperbilirrubinemia y descenso del tiempo de protrombina. Las complicaciones quirúrgicas dependen del procedimiento realizado y se dividen principalmente en biliares y vasculares. Las secuelas de las hepatectomías dependen de factores como el estado general del paciente, la presencia hepatopatía, el acto quirúrgico y la cantidad y calidad del hígado remanente.

Modern surgical and anesthetic techniques have made it possible to increase the number of liver surgeries for various pathologies. This has reduced morbidity but still maintains high levels of morbidity. During hepatic surgery, hemodynamic changes related to liver mobilization, clamping and blood loss occur independently of the approach route. In the postoperative period, complications or pathophysiological changes derive from the lesions produced by ischemia and reperfusion phenomena; and those produced by hepatic regeneration. This capacity depends not only on the amount of remaining liver but also on the possible pre-existing hepatopathy. Postoperative liver failure is the most feared complication and manifests with jaundice, ascites, encephalopathy and paraclinical alterations such as hyperbilirubinemia and decreased prothrombin time. Surgical complications depend on the procedure performed and are mainly divided into biliary and vascular. The sequelae of hepatectomies depend on factors such as the patient's general condition, the presence of liver disease, the surgical procedure and the quantity and quality of the remaining liver.

As modernas técnicas cirúrgicas e anestésicas tornaram possível aumentar o número de cirurgias hepáticas para várias patologias. Isto levou a uma diminuição da morbidade, mas ainda mantém altos níveis de morbidade. Durante a cirurgia hepática, ocorrem alterações hemodinâmicas ligadas à mobilização hepática, pinçamento e perda de sangue, independentemente da via de aproximação. No período pós-operatório, complicações ou alterações fisiopatológicas derivam de lesões causadas por fenômenos de isquemia e reperfusão, e aquelas causadas pela regeneração hepática. Esta capacidade depende não apenas da quantidade de fígado restante, mas também de uma possível doença hepática pré-existente. A insuficiência hepática pós-operatória é a complicação mais temida e se manifesta com icterícia, ascite, encefalopatia e alterações paraclínicas, tais como hiperbilirrubinemia e diminuição do tempo de protrombina. As complicações cirúrgicas dependem do procedimento realizado e são divididas principalmente em biliares e vasculares. As seqüelas de hepatectomias dependem de fatores como o estado geral do paciente, a presença de doença hepática, o procedimento cirúrgico e a quantidade e qualidade do fígado restante.

Predictive value of Barcelona clinic liver cancer staging system combined with albumin-indocyanine green score in hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To study the predictive value of Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) staging system combined with albumin-indocyanine green (ALICE) score (ALICE-BCLC) in hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma, and compare it with BCLC staging system combined with Child-Pugh score (CP-BCLC).Methods:The clinical data of 311 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent hepatectomy at Jinhua Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University from April 2012 to June 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 271 males and 40 females, with a median age of 59 years old (range 26 to 92 years old). These patients were divided into two groups based on the ALICE-BCLC: the ALICE-BCLC grade 0 group ( n=63) and the ALICE-BCLC grade A group ( n=248); and another two groups based on the CP-BCLC: the CP-BCLC grade 0 group ( n=58) and the CP-BCLC grade A group ( n=253). The clinical data, including indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min, and albumin were collected and the scores were calculated. Follow-up was conducted by combining outpatient visits with telephone calls. The survival rate was calculated by the life method, and survival curves were drawn by the Kaplan-Meier method. The multivariate Cox regression model was used to determine the main factors affecting prognosis. Weighted Kappa was used to compare consistency of the two staging systems. Results:Multivariate analysis showed that a maximum tumor diameter >5 cm, total bilirubin >18 μmol/L, major hepatectomy, CP-BCLC grade A and ALICE-BCLC grade A to be independent risk factors affecting overall survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver resection with curative intent (all P<0.05). The median survival of patients in the CP-BCLC grade 0 group and the CP-BCLC grade A group were 43.0 and 28.0 months, respectively. There was a significant difference between the two groups ( P=0.017). The median survival of patients in the ALICE-BCLC grade 0 group and the ALICE-BCLC grade A group were 41.4 and 28.1 months, respectively. There was a significant difference between the two groups ( P=0.035). The weighted Kappa coefficient of ALICE-BCLC and CP-BCLC was 0.949, showing a strong consistency ( P<0.001). Conclusion:ALICE-BCLC showed a good predictive value for prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver resection, and it had a similar overall prognostic discrimination ability as CP-BCLC.

Research progress of liver regeneration after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Liver is an organ with strong regenerative potential. After trauma, infection, surgery and so on, it will initiate a series of regulation for orderly regeneration to rapidly restore liver function and liver volume and thus maintain normal physiological function. This article summarizes the process of liver regeneration after hepatectomy, the evaluation methods for liver regeneration and the factors affecting liver regeneration, so as to provide references for clinical precision liver surgical treatment.

A clinical comparative study on the Laennec’s approach versus the two-step separation stylized approach in laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To compare the clinical outcomes of the Laennec’s approach versus the two-step separation stylized approach in laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy (LLLS).Methods:A total of 60 patients who underwent LLLS at the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University from March 2019 to April 2022 were prospectively entered into this study. There were 40 males and 20 females, aged (49.1±9.3) years, with 31 patients suffering from liver cancer, 14 patients hepatic hemangioma and 15 patients hepatolithiasis. A randomized number table was used to assign the patients into two groups: the Laennec’s approach group ( n=30) and the two-step separation stylized approach group ( n=30). The age, gender, liver function, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, abdominal drainage amount, drainage tube retention time, postoperative hospital stay, total hospital costs and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups in gender, age and Child-Pugh grading of liver function (all P>0.05). Comparison of intraoperative bleeding, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications, postoperative recurrence between the two groups showed there were no significant differences between the two groups (all P>0.05). The operative time [(85.6±24.5) min vs (99.1±30.7) min, P<0.05] was significantly less in the stylized group than the Laennec’s group, while the Laennec’s group were superior to the stylized group in the amount of draining [(144.1±38.3) ml vs (290.9±59.5) ml], drainage tube retention time [(2.7±1.5) d vs (4.3±1.9) d] and total hospital costs [(35 100.7±13 200.6) yuan vs (44 700.1±11 800.8) yuan](all P<0.05). Conclusions:Both the Laennec’s and stylized approaches for LLLS were safe and feasible. The stylized approach for LLLS could be performed more quickly, while the Laennec’s approach could more accurately dissect and handle intrahepatic and extrahepatic ducts, thus resulting in decreased postoperative exudation and treatment costs.

Comparing the predictive value of parameters extracted from circular ROIs with whole liver histogram on Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI for postoperative liver failure in focal liver lesions / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To compare the predictive value of parameters extracted from circular region-of-interest (ROI) with whole-liver histogram on gadoxetic acid disodium (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced T 1 map for postoperative liver failure in patients with liver focal lesions. Methods:The data of patients who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI for focal liver lesions in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from March 2016 to March 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Forty patients were enrolled, including 30 males and 10 females, aged (56.6±12.1) years. According to the occurrence of postoperative liver failure, forty patients were divided into liver failure group ( n=14) and control group ( n=26). The parameters extracted from circular ROIs and whole liver histogram on T 1 map before Gd-EOB-DTPA enhancement and in hepatobiliary phase (HBP) were compared between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the value of these parameters in predicting postoperative liver failure. Results:The mean, standard deviation, median and 95% quantile of T 1 HBP in histogram parameters of liver failure group were significantly higher than those of control group (all P<0.05). The three parameters extracted from circular ROIs were not effective in predicting liver failure after hepatectomy (all P>0.05). Among all the liver histogram parameters, the area under the ROC curve of the 95% quantile before T 1 enhancement for predicting postoperative liver failure was 0.702 (95% CI: 0.523-0.881), the standard deviation of T 1 HBP was 0.739 (95% CI: 0.568-0.910), and the 95% quantile of T 1 HBP was 0.721 (95% CI: 0.540-0.903). The predictive efficacy were good (all P<0.05). Among them, the predictive performance of T 1 HBP standard deviation was the best, the area under the ROC curve was 0.739, the sensitivity was 85.7%, the specificity was 57.7%, and the best threshold was 54.8 ms. Conclusions:When Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced T 1 mapping is used to predict postoperative liver failure in patients with focal liver lesions, the whole-liver histogram analysis is superior to the conventional circular ROI-based statistical method.

Efficacy and safety of laparoscopic surgery in treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To study the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic surgery in treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods:The clinical data of 58 patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent surgical treatment from January 2010 to January 2018 at Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. There were 50 males and 8 females, ranging in age from 28 to 78 (53.0±10.8) years old. Patients were divided into laparoscopic group ( n=27) and laparotomy group ( n=31) according to different surgical procedures. The differences in operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, postoperative anal exhaustion time, postoperative complications and prognosis between the two groups were compared. Results:The intraoperative blood loss of laparoscopy group and laparotomy group were 100.0(50.0, 400.0) ml vs 300.0(100.0, 500.0) ml, the postoperative anal exhaustion time were (2.7±0.6) d vs (3.3±0.6) d, the hospital stay were (14.8±3.8) d vs (21.4±6.3) d, and these differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The operative time of the two groups were (243.4±27.2) min vs (217.5±34.7) min, with no statistical significance ( t=0.59, P=0.344). There were no significant differences between the two groups in postoperative complications (bile leakage, abdominal infection, hemorrhage, pleural effusion and hepatic encephalopathy) (all P>0.05); thetumor free survival, 1-year, and 3-year overall survival rates of the two groups were also not significantly different (both P>0.05). Conclusion:Laparoscopic surgery is safe and effective in the treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma, and its prognosis is similar to laparotomy, its complications are not significantly increased, which is worthy of promotion in clinic.

Clinical efficacy of sequential surgery after immune and targeted therapy in downstaging initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To assess the clinical efficacy of sequential radical surgery after immune and targeted therapy in downstaging patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods:Data were prospectively collected from December 2018 to July 2022 on patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma which were downstaged to undergo sequential surgery after treatment with immune and targeted therapy at the Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital. There were 79 patients, with 69 men and 10 women, aged (53.0±10.9) years, being enrolled into this study. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the survival rate, and the log-rank test was used for survival rate comparison. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were used to analyze factors influencing patient prognosis.Results:There were 7 patients (8.9%) with China Liver Cancer Staging (CNLC) Ⅰb, Ⅱa, Ⅱb who had insufficient residual liver volume or tumor rupture before the downstaging therapy, and 38 patients (48.1%) with CNLC Ⅲa and 34 patients (43.0%) with CNLC Ⅲb. These 79 patients underwent R 0 resection after 3-20 cycles (median 5 cycles) of immune and targeted therapy. Based on the modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumor, the results of preoperative imaging assessment were: complete remission in 12 patients (15.2%), partial remission in 50 patients (63.3%), stable disease in 15 patients (19.0%), and disease progression in 2 patients (2.5%). The overall survival rates of patients at 1, 2, and 3 years after diagnosis were 96.1%, 83.5%, and 76.6%; and the recurrence-free survival rates at 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery were 62.1%, 52.9%, and 34.7%, respectively. On multivariate Cox regression analysis, patients with a preoperative alpha-fetoprotein >20 μg/L ( HR=2.816, 95% CI: 1.232-6.432, P=0.014) and a high proportion of pathological residual tumors ( HR=1.015, 95% CI: 1.004-1.026, P=0.006) had a higher risk of postoperative recurrence; and patients with a high proportion of pathological residual tumors ( HR=1.028, 95% CI: 1.007-1.049, P=0.007) and preoperative alpha-fetoprotein >400 μg/L ( HR=4.099, 95% CI: 1.193-14.076, P=0.025) had a higher risk of death. Conclusion:Immunotherapy combined with targeted therapy and sequential surgery for patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma provided long-term survival benefits. Elevated preoperative alpha-fetoprotein and a high proportion of pathological residual tumor were independent risk factors for recurrence-free survival and overall survival in this group of patients.

Comparison of percutaneous transhepatic choledochoscopic lithotripsy and traditional open hepatectomy in the treatment of regional hepatolithiasis with biliary cirrhosis / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To compare the therapeutic effects of percutaneous transhepatic choledochoscopic lithotripsy (PTCSL) and traditional open hepatectomy (OH) on regional hepatolithiasis with biliary cirrhosis.Methods:From January 2020 to August 2022, 110 cases of regional hepatolithiasis complicated with biliary cirrhosis treated in the hepatology department of Hunan Provincial People′s Hospital were retrospectively collected. According to the surgical methods of treating hepatolithiasis, the patients were divided into minimally invasive group and laparotomy group. The minimally invasive group received PTCSL, and the laparotomy group received OH. The clinical data of the two groups were compared and analyzed, and the postoperative exhaust time, gastrointestinal function recovery time, operation time and intraoperative bleeding volume were observed. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-glutamyltransferase(GGT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) before and after operation were compared between the two groups. The incidence of complications and stone removal rate of the two groups were recorded.Results:The postoperative exhaust time (11.12±2.09)h, gastrointestinal function recovery time (25.76±4.28)h, operation time (108.51±16.19)h, intraoperative blood loss (20.16±3.59)ml and postoperative exhaust time (29.35±4.83)h and gastrointestinal function recovery time in the minimally invasive group were less than those in the laparotomy group (36.91±6.35)h, operation time (116.27±21.54)h and intraoperative blood loss (38.03±6.22)ml (all P<0.05). The levels of ALT (77.82±16.25)U/L, GGT (248.16±24.83)U/L and AST (65.42±16.82)U/L in the minimally invasive group after operation were lower than those in the laparotomy group [ALT (102.37±25.64)U/L, GGT (345.45±32.60)U/L and AST (96.30±22.17)U/L] (all P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications was 7.27%(4/55) in the minimally invasive group and that in the laparotomy group was 29.09%(16/55), with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). The stone removal rate was 61.82%(34/55) in the minimally invasive group and 92.73%(51/55) in the laparotomy group, with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). Conclusions:PTCSL and OH are effective in the treatment of regional hepatolithiasis complicated with biliary cirrhosis. The traditional OH has a high stone removal rate, and PTCSL has little influence on liver function, small complication rate and fast postoperative recovery.

The effect of ALPL on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To observe the role of liver/bone/kidney alkaline phosphatase gene (ALPL) in liver regeneration following 70% hepatectomy (partial hepatectomy, PH). 【Methods】 A knock-out mouse model (ALPL+/-) was established, and a 70% hepatectomy was performed. Changes in liver weight and liver function were measured at PH 1 day, PH 3 day, and PH 7 day (PH1d、PH3d、PH7d) after surgery. In addition, cell proliferation, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were performed by Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. 【Results】 ALPL knockout mice at PH7d exhibited a lower ratio of liver/total body weight than normal control mice. An analysis of liver function showed no significant difference between the ALPL knockout group and the WT (ALPL+/+) group when the ALPL gene was deleted. While Ki67 staining and PCNA analysis indicated that liver cell proliferation was decreased in ALPL+/- mice at PH1d and increased at PH7d compared to that in ALPL+/+group. Additionally, knockouts of ALPL decreased serum and liver HGF and VEGF levels at PH1d compared to WT controls, but increased at PH7d. 【Conclusion】 The knockout of ALPL leads to a delayed liver regeneration following hepatectomy, which provides theoretical support for exploring the mechanisms underlying liver regeneration after hepatectomy.

Expression and significance of response gene to complement 32 in liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the expression and role of response gene to complement 32 （RGC32） in liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy （PH）. MethodsA total of 42 male C57BL/6 mice， aged 10 weeks， were randomly divided into control group， postoperative day 1 group （1－d group）， postoperative day 2 group （2－d group）， postoperative day 4 group （4－d group）， postoperative day 6 group （6－d group）， postoperative day 8 group （8－d group）， and postoperative day 10 group （10－d group）， with 6 mice in each group. In the control group， the complete liver of the mice was resected for weighing and photography as the normal control group （sham group）； further， the left and middle lobes of the liver were resected for weighing and photography as the surgical control group （0－day group）； the sham group and the 0－day group shared the same group of mice. After successful modeling by PH， the mice were sacrificed on days 1， 2， 4， 6， 8， and 10 after surgery， and the liver was collected to measure the change in size. HE staining and oil red O staining were used to evaluate liver histomorphological changes； serum alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） were measured to evaluate the changes in liver function； immunohistochemical staining was used to measure the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA） and Ki67 and analyze the change in cell proliferation during liver regeneration； quantitatie real－time PCR and immunohistochemical staining were uused to measure the expression and subcellular distribution of RGC32 during liver regeneration； EdU cell proliferation assay was used to analyze the effect of RGC32 overexpression or knocknout on hepatocyte proliferation in L02 cells. For continuous data， comparison between multiple groups was made by analysis of variance， and further pairwise comparisons were conducted using the LSD－t test. The independent samples t－test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups. A Pearson correlation analysis was performed. ResultsThe liver gradually enlarged after PH， and the liver/body weight ratio rose to the peak from days 0 to 6， with significant differences between different time points （all P<0.05）， while there was no significant change in liver size from days 6 to 10. The number of liver lipid droplets significantly increased after PH surgery and gradually decreased with liver regeneration， with a significant difference between the portal vein region and the central vein region （all P<0.05）. Compared with the sham group， the 1d group had significant increases in the serum levels of ALT and AST （all P<0.05）， which gradually returned to the levels of the sham group on day 6 and day 2 after surgery， respectively （P>0.05）. Immunohistochemical staining showed that there were rapid increases in the numbers of PCNA－ and Ki67－positive liver parenchymal cells after PH surgery， with the highest numbers of 86±5 and 89±5， respectively， on day 2， which then gradually decreased； however， there were gradual increases in the numbers of PCNA－ and Ki67－positive nonparenchymal cells， with the peak numbers of 34±5 and 25±3， respectively， on day 6， which then gradually decreased. The total expression of RGC32 increased to the highest level on day 2 after PH surgery and then gradually decreased， and the changing trend of RGC32 expression in cytoplasm was consistent with that of total RGC32 expression； however， the expression of RGC32 in nucleus decreased to the lowest level on day 2 after PH surgery and then increased gradually. The correlation analysis showed that the expression of RGC32 in nucleus was negatively correlated with the proliferation of liver parenchymal cells （R2=0.308 3， P=0.016 7）， and the expression of RGC32 in cytoplasm was positively correlated with the proliferation of liver parenchymal cells （R2=0.808 6， P<0.000 1）. Cell experiments showed that compared with the control group， the EdU－positive rate was reduced by 15.6% after RGC32 overexpression （P<0.01） and was increased by 19.2% after RGC32 knockdown （P<0.01）. ConclusionLiver parenchymal cells and nonparenchymal cells show asynchronous proliferation and participate in liver regeneration together. During liver regeneration after hepatectomy， there are differences in the expression of RGC32 between nucleus and cytoplasm， and RGC32 in nucleus may inhibit hepatocyte proliferation.

Progress in liver transplantation for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma / 器官移植

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a primary malignant tumor of the liver, secondary to hepatocellular carcinoma, and its incidence tends to elevate worldwide. Hepatectomy is the optimal surgical regimen for ICC patients. ICC is considered as a contraindication for liver transplantation due to high tumor recurrence rate and poor survival outcome. At present, multiple significant progresses have been made in liver transplantation for ICC. For strictly-selected ICC patients, liver transplantation or liver transplantation after neoadjuvant therapy has achieved encouraging survival outcomes. Meantime, with the improvement of prognostic risk stratification of liver transplantation for ICC, the inclusion criteria of ICC candidates undergoing liver transplantation will be further optimized. In addition, the advancement of modern multi-mode comprehensive treatment of ICC will further guide the selection of neoadjuvant therapy before liver transplantation for ICC. The application of immune checkpoint inhibitors in ICC before liver transplantation is also an important research direction in the future. In this article, clinical prognosis of liver transplantation for ICC, prognostic risk factors and inclusion criteria of ICC candidates undergoing liver transplantation, and the ongoing trials and existing challenges were summarized, aiming to provide reference for liver transplantation for ICC and improve the quality of life for ICC patients.

Effect of sodium bicarbonate Ringer′s solution on acute kidney injury following laparoscopic hepatectomy in elderly patients / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of sodium bicarbonate Ringer′s solution on acute kidney injury(AKI) following laparoscopic hepatectomy in elderly patients.Methods:A total of 362 American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅱ or Ⅲ elderly patients, aged 65-79 yr, with body mass index of 18-28 kg/m 2, scheduled for elective laparoscopic hepatectomy, were divided into 2 groups( n=181 each) using a random number table method: bicarbonate Ringer′s solution group(BR group) and lactated Ringer′s solution group(LR group). Bicarbonate Ringer′s solution and lactated Ringer′s solution were intravenously infused in BR group and LR group, respectively. All operations were performed under general anesthesia combined with abdominal fascia block, and the methods of controlled low central venous pressure and intermittent hepatic inflow occlusion were applied to reduce intraoperative bleeding. Radial artery blood samples were collected for blood gas analysis at 5 min before anesthesia induction(T 0), 20 min after occluding liver hilus(T 1), 10 min after hepatectomy and hemostasis(T 2), at the end of surgery(T 3) and at postanesthesia care unit discharge(T 4), and lactate value(Lac) was recorded. Blood samples from cubital vein were collected on admission to hospital(T A) and at 24(T 24) and 48 h after operation(T 48) for determination of serum creatinine(Cr) concentrations. Doppler-based renal resistive index(RRI) was measured at T A, T 4, T 24 and T 48. The incidence of AKI was calculated within 48 h after operation according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria in 2012 for Cr concentration. Adverse reactions(such as nausea and vomiting) and complications(such as incision infection) within 48 h after operation were recorded. Results:Compared with the baseline at T 0, Lac concentrations were significantly increased at T 1-4 in both groups( P<0.01). Cr concentrations were significantly increased at T 24 and T 48, and RRI was increased at T 4, T 24 and T 48 than at T A in both groups( P<0.01). Compared with group LR, the incidence of AKI within 48 h after operation, Lac concentrations at T 3, 4, Cr concentrations at T 24 and T 48, and RRI at T 4, T 24 and T 48 were significantly decreased in group BR( P<0.05 or 0.01). There was no significant difference in the incidence of nausea, vomiting, incision infection, delirium, bile leakage and pulmonary infection within 48 h after operation among the two groups( P>0.05). Conclusions:Sodium bicarbonate Ringer′s solution can decrease the development of AKI following laparoscopic hepatectomy in elderly patients.

Discussion on the technical points of laparoscopic anterior approach to right hemihepatectomy / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Unlike the traditional surgical approach, which requires priority treatment of the perihepatic ligament and rotation of the liver, the anterior approach to the right hemicolectomy does not deal with the perihepatic ligament prior to parenchymal dissection and rotate and move the liver. The advantage is that it is more in line with the tumor-free principle and reduces unnecessary free. The disadvantage is that it is relatively difficult to control bleeding during the cleavage of the liver and there is some risk in the handling of the lower part of the vena cava sulcus. However, with the popularization and application of laparoscopy, it is more suitable for performing anterior approach right hemicolectomy than open surgery due to its unique caudodorsal view advantage, finer local anatomical structure display and subtle manipulation. This article discusses the procedures and technical points of laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy through the anterior approach.