Percutaneous cholecystostomy in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) is often preferred over early cholecystectomy (EC) for elderly patients presenting with acute cholecystitis (AC). However, there is a lack of solid data on this issue. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched the Medline and Web of Science databases for reports published before December 2022. Studies that assessed elderly patients (aged 65 years and older) with AC treated using PC, in comparison with those treated with EC, were included. Outcomes analyzed were perioperative outcomes and readmissions. The literature search yielded 3279 records, from which 7 papers (1208 patients) met the inclusion criteria. No clinical trials were identified. Patients undergoing PC comprised a higher percentage of cases with ASA III or IV status (OR 3.49, 95%CI 1.59-7.69, p = 0.009) and individuals with moderate to severe AC (OR 1.78, 95%CI 1.00-3.16, p = 0.05). No significant differences were observed in terms of mortality and morbidity. However, patients in the PC groups exhibited a higher rate of readmissions (OR 3.77, 95%CI 2.35-6.05, p < 0.001) and a greater incidence of persistent or recurrent gallstone disease (OR 12.60, 95%CI 3.09-51.38, p < 0.001). Elderly patients selected for PC, displayed greater frailty and more severe AC, but did not exhibit increased post-interventional morbidity and mortality compared to those undergoing EC. Despite their inferior life expectancy, they still presented a greater likelihood of persistent or recurrent disease compared to the control group.

Bridging therapies for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma awaiting liver transplantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis on intention-to-treat outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Locoregional therapies are commonly used as bridging strategies to decrease the drop-out of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) awaiting liver transplantation (LT). The present paper aims to assess the outcomes of bridging therapies in patients with HCC considered for LT according to an intention-to-treat (ITT) survival analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medline and Web of Science databases were searched for reports published before May 2021. Papers assessing adult patients with HCC considered for LT and reporting ITT survival outcomes were included. Two reviewers independently identified, extracted the data, and evaluated the papers according to Newcastle-Ottawa criteria. Outcomes analyzed were: drop-out rate; time on the waiting list; 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival after LT and based on an ITT analysis. RESULTS: The search identified 3106 records; six papers (1043 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Patients with HCC, listed for LT and submitted to bridging therapies presented a longer waiting time before LT (MD 3.77, 95% CI 2.07-5.48) in comparison with the non-interventional group. However, they presented a raised post LT after 1-year (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.18-3.41), 3-years (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.01-2.15), and 5-years (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.06-2.13) survival. CONCLUSION: Patients submitted to bridging procedures, despite having a longer interval on the waiting list, presented better post-LT survival outcomes. Bridging therapies for selected patients at low risk of post-procedural complications and long expected intervals on the waiting list should be encouraged. However, further clinical trials should confirm the survival benefit of bridging therapies in patients with HCC listed for LT.

Downstaging Therapies for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Awaiting Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Intention-to-Treat Outcomes.

Background: Locoregional therapies (LRTs) are commonly used to increase the number of potential candidates for liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this paper is to assess the outcomes of LRTs prior to LT in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) beyond the listing criteria. Methods: In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, we searched the Medline and Web of Science databases for reports published before May 2021. We included papers assessing adult patients with HCC considered for LT and reporting intention-to-treat (ITT) survival outcomes. Two reviewers independently identified and extracted the data and evaluated the papers. Outcomes analysed were drop-out rate; time on the waiting list; and 1, 3 and 5 year survival after LT and based on an ITT analysis. Results: The literature search yielded 3,106 records, of which 11 papers (1874 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Patients with HCC beyond the listing criteria and successfully downstaged presented a higher drop-out rate (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.45−2.88, p < 0.001) and a longer time from the initial assessment to LT than those with HCC within the listing criteria (MD 1.93, 95% CI 0.91−2.94, p < 0.001). The 1, 3 and 5 year survival post-LT and based on an ITT analysis did not show significant differences between the two groups. Patients with HCC beyond the listing criteria, successfully downstaged and then transplanted, presented longer 3 year (OR 3.77, 95% CI 1.26−11.32, p = 0.02) and 5 year overall survival (OS) (OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.15−8.23, p = 0.02) in comparison with those that were not submitted to LT. Conclusions: Patients with HCC beyond the listing criteria undergoing downstaging presented a higher drop-out rate in comparison with those with HCC within the listing criteria. However, the two groups did not present significant differences in 1, 3 and 5 year survival rates based on an ITT analysis. Patients with HCC beyond the listing, when successfully downstaged and transplanted, presented longer 3 and 5-year OS in comparison with those who were not transplanted.

Predicting the available space for liver transplantation in cirrhotic patients: a computed tomography-based volumetric study.

BACKGROUND: Anthropometric parameters (weight, height) are usually used for quick matching between two individuals (donor and recipient) in liver transplantation (LT). This study aimed to evaluate clinical factors influencing the overall available space for implanting a liver graft in cirrhotic patients. METHODS: In a cohort of 275 cirrhotic patients undergoing LT, we calculated the liver volume (LV), cavity volume (CV), which is considered the additional space between the liver and the right hypocondrium, and the overall volume (OV = LV + CV) using a computed tomography (CT)-based volumetric system. We then chose the formula based on anthropometric parameters that showed the best predictive value for LV. This formula was used to predict the OV in the same population. Factors influencing OV variations were identified by multivariable logistic analysis. RESULTS: The Hashimoto formula (961.3 × BSA_D-404.8) yielded the lowest median absolute percentage error (21.7%) in predicting the LV. The median LV was 1531 ml. One-hundred eighty-five patients (67.2%) had a median CV of 1156 ml (range: 70-7006), and the median OV was 2240 ml (range: 592-8537). Forty-nine patients (17%) had an OV lower than that predicted by the Hashimoto formula. Independent factors influencing the OV included the number of portosystemic shunts, right anteroposterior abdominal diameter, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score > 25, high albumin value, and BMI > 30. CONCLUSIONS: Additional anthropometric characteristics (right anteroposterior diameter, body mass index) clinical (number of portosystemic shunts), and biological (MELD, albumin) factors might influence the overall volume available for liver graft implantation. Knowledge of these factors might be helpful during the donor-recipient matching.

Analysis of factors associated with discrepancies between predicted and observed liver weight in liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Even using predictive formulas based on anthropometrics in about 30% of subjects, liver weight (LW) cannot be predicted with a ≤20% margin of error. We aimed to identify factors associated with discrepancies between predicted and observed LW. METHODS: In 500 consecutive liver grafts, we tested LW predictive performance using 17 formulas based on anthropometric characteristics. Hashimoto's formula (961.3 × BSA_D-404.8) was associated with the lowest mean absolute error and used to predict LW for the entire cohort. Clinical factors associated with a ≥20% margin of error were identified in a multivariable analysis after propensity score matching (PSM) of donors with similar anthropometric characteristics. RESULTS: The total LW was underestimated with a ≥20% margin of error in 53/500 (10.6%) donors and overestimated in 62/500 (12%) donors. After PSM analysis, ages ≥ 65, (OR = 3.21; CI95% = 1.63-6.31; P = .0007), age ≤ 30 years, (OR = 2.92; CI95% = 1.15-7.40; P = .02), and elevated gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels (OR = 0.98; CI95% = 0.97-0.99; P = .006), influenced the risk of LW overestimation. Age ≥ 65 years, (OR = 5.98; CI95% = 2.28-15.6; P = .0002), intensive care unit (ICU) stay with ventilation > 7 days, (OR = 0.32; CI95% = 0.12-0.85; P = .02) and waist circumference increase (OR = 1.02; CI95% = 1.00-1.04; P = .04) were factors associated with LW underestimation. CONCLUSIONS: Increased waist circumference, age, prolonged ICU stay with ventilation, elevated GGT were associated with an increase in the margin of error in LW prediction. These factors and anthropometric characteristics could help transplant surgeons during the donor-recipient matching process.

Misplacement of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts: A surgical challenge for liver transplantation?

BACKGROUND: The impact of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt misplacement on outcomes of liver transplantation remains controversial. We systematically reviewed the literature on the outcomes of liver transplantation with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt misplacement. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The Cochrane library, PubMed, and Embase were searched (January 1990-April 2020) for studies reporting patients undergoing liver transplantation with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt misplacement. RESULTS: Thirty-six studies reporting 181 patients who underwent liver transplantation with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt misplacement were identified. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was misplaced with a variable degree of extension toward the inferior vena cava/right heart in 63 patients (34%), the spleno/portal/superior mesenteric venous confluence in 105 patients (58%), and both in 15 patients (8%). Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt thrombosis was also present in 21 cases (12%). The median interval between transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement and liver transplantation ranged from 1 day to 6 years. Complete transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt removal was successfully performed in all but 12 (7%) patients in whom part of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was left in situ. Cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass was necessary to remove transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt from the right heart in 4 patients (2%), and a venous graft interposition was necessary for a portal anastomosis in 5 patients (3%). Postoperative mortality (90 days) was 1.1% (2 patients), and portal vein thrombosis developed postoperatively in 4 patients (2%). CONCLUSION: Misplaced transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt removal is possible in most cases during liver transplantation with extremely low mortality and good postoperative outcomes. Preoperative surgical strategy and intraoperative tailored surgical technique reduces the potential consequences of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt misplacement.

Temporary portal decompression during liver transplantation: a video review of the different techniques.

PURPOSE: Temporary portal decompression (TPD) during liver transplantation (LT) remains a divisive technical issue in the liver transplant community. In this video-based article, we show the technical details of the different techniques used for TPD during LT. METHODS: An early portal section, before liver mobilization, should be preferred in order to achieve hepatectomy of a totally devascularized liver. Portal decompression can be achieved through direct right portocaval shunts and indirect portosystemic shunts (i.e., mesentericosaphenous and portosaphenous shunts). RESULTS: The preference for direct portocaval or indirect portosystemic shunts is tailored on patients and anatomical characteristics. Each of these three techniques presents specific indications, limitations, and advantages. CONCLUSION: TPD during LT can be achieved through different techniques that aim to facilitate the recipient hepatectomy, reduce the blood loss, and maintain hemodynamic stability.

The left splenorenal venous shunt decreases clinical signs of sinistral portal hypertension associated with splenic vein ligation during pancreaticoduodenectomy with venous resection.

BACKGROUND: The ligation of the splenic vein during pancreaticoduodenectomy with synchronous resection of the spleno-mesenteric-portal venous confluence has been associated with the development of left portal hypertension despite preservation of the natural confluence with the inferior mesenteric vein. This study aimed to assess whether a left splenorenal venous shunt might mitigate clinical signs of left portal hypertension associated with splenic vein ligation. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the presence of left portal hypertension based on biologic and radiologic parameters in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy with synchronous resection of the spleno-mesentericoportal confluence between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2018. We compared several parameters between patients undergoing splenic vein ligation with preservation of the inferior mesenteric vein confluence and a splenorenal venous shunt: the early and late spleen volumes and spleen volume ratios, an early and late platelet count, the presence of thrombocytopenia, the presence of varices, and digestive bleeding in the long-term. RESULTS: There were 114 consecutive patients: 36 with splenic vein ligation and 78 with splenorenal venous shunt. All had a pancreaticogastrostomy. Patients with splenic vein ligation had a comparable baseline and early and late platelet counts. Although baseline splenic volumes were comparable between the 2 groups (242 ± 115 mL vs 261 ± 138 mL; P = .51), patients with splenic vein ligation showed a statistically significant greater splenic volume beyond the 6th postoperative months (334 ± 160 mL vs 241 ± 111 mL; P = .004), higher early and late spleen volume ratios (1.42 ± 0.67 vs 1.10 ± 0.3; P = .001 and 1.38 ± 0.38 vs 0.97 ± 0.4; P = .0001) than patients with splenorenal venous shunt. Splenic vein ligation was also associated with a higher rate of varices (81% vs 50%; P = .002) and more frequent varices with a caliber greater than 1 cm (57% vs 36%; P = .05) and more colonic varices (33% vs 12%; P = .01). Only 1 patient had long-term digestive bleeding (splenic vein ligation). CONCLUSION: The left splenorenal shunt decreases clinical signs of left portal hypertension associated with splenic vein ligation and inferior mesenteric vein confluence preservation.

Outcomes of Simultaneous Resection of Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumors with Synchronous Liver Metastases.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the short- and long-term outcomes of synchronous resection of liver metastases (LM) from small bowel neuroendocrine tumors (SB-NET). METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing resection for LMs from SB-NETs from January 1997 and December 2018 was performed. RESULTS: There were 44 patients with synchronous SB-NET and LMs. Perioperative and 90-day mortality values were zero, and the morbidity rate was 27%. The median overall survival (OS) was 128.4 months (CI 95% 74.0-161.5 months) with 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates of 100%, 83%, 79%, and 60%, respectively. Not achieving surgical treatment for LM was the unique independent factor for survival (HR 6.50; CI 95% 1.54-27.28; p = 0.01) in patients with unresected LMs having OS and 10-year survival rates (42 months, 33%) versus patients undergoing liver resection (152 months, 66%)(p = 0.0008). The recurrence rate was 81.8% and associated with longer OS and 5-year survival rates when limited to the liver [223 months (61%) vs 94 months (87%)]. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous resection of SB-NETs with synchronous LMs was safe and associated with considerable long-term survival even in the presence of bilobar disease. However, recurrence after resection was common (81%) but associated with longer survival rates when limited to the liver.

Oncological outcome of R1 vascular margin for mass-forming cholangiocarcinoma. A single center observational cohort analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies validated the possibility to detach colorectal liver metastases from vessels (R1vasc) featuring R1vasc equivalent to R0 and superior to tumor exposure along the transection plane (R1par). To clarify the outcome of R1 surgery (margin <1 mm) in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (MFCCC), distinguishing R1par and R1vasc resections. METHODS: Patients undergoing resection for MFCCC between 2008 and 2016 were considered. Tumor detachment from 1st/2nd-order Glissonean pedicles or hepatic veins was performed in advanced diseases. R0, R1par, and R1vasc were compared. RESULTS: The study included 84 resection areas in 59 patients (17 R1vasc). R1vasc group had local recurrence risk similar to R1par group (per-patient analysis 29% vs. 36%; per-resection area analysis 29% vs. 32%), higher than R0 group (3% and 2%, p = 0.003 and p = 0.0003). R1vasc and R1par groups had similar overall and recurrence-free survival (median OS 30 vs. 30 months; RFS 10 vs. 8 months), lower than R0 group (70 and 39 months, p = 0.066 and p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: In MFCCC patients, R1vasc resection is not an adequate treatment. Local disease control and survival after R1vasc resection are lower than after R0 resection and similar to R1par resection. R1vasc resection could be exclusively considered to achieve resectability in otherwise unresectable patients.

Is R1 vascular hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma oncologically adequate? Analysis of 327 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: R1 vascular resection for liver tumors was introduced in the early twenty-first century. However, its oncologic adequacy remains controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the oncologic adequacy of R1 vascular hepatectomy in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. METHODS: A prospective cohort of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma resected between the years 2005 and 2015 was reviewed. R0 was any resection with a minimum 1 mm of negative margin. R1 vascular was any resection with tumor exposure attributable to the detachment from major intrahepatic vessel. R1 parenchymal was any resection with tumor exposure at parenchymal margin. The end points were the calculation of the local recurrence of R0, R1 parenchymal, and R1 vascular hepatectomy and their prognostic significances. RESULTS: We analyzed 327 consecutive patients with 532 hepatocellular carcinoma and 448 resection areas. We found that 205 (63%) resulted R0, 56 (17%) resulted R1 parenchymal, 50 (15%) resulted R1 vascular, and 16 (5%) resulted both R1 parenchymal and R1 vascular. After a median follow-up of 33.5 months (range 6.1-107.6), the 5-year overall survival rates were 54%, 30%, 65%, and 36%, respectively for R0, R1 parenchymal, R1 vascular, and R1 parenchymal + R1 vascular (P = .031). Local recurrence rates were 3%, 14%, 4%, and 19%, respectively for R0, R1 parenchymal, R1 vascular, and R1 parenchymal + R1 vascular (P = .001) per patient, and 4%, 4%, 12%, and 18%, respectively for R0, R1 vascular, R1 parenchymal, and R1 parenchymal + R1 vascular (P = .001) per resection area. At multivariate analysis R1 parenchymal and R1 vascular + R1 parenchymal were independent detrimental factors. CONCLUSION: R1 vascular hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma is not associated with increased local recurrence or decreased survival. Thus, detachment of hepatocellular carcinoma from intrahepatic vessels should be considered oncologically adequate.

Oncologic superiority of anatomic resection of hepatocellular carcinoma by ultrasound-guided compression of the portal tributaries compared with nonanatomic resection: An analysis of patients matched for tumor characteristics and liver function.

BACKGROUND: The superiority of anatomic resection compared with nonanatomic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma remains a matter of debate. Further, the technique for anatomic resection (dye injection) is difficult to reproduce. Anatomic resection using a compression technique is an easy and reversible procedure based on liver discoloration after ultrasound-guided compression of the tumor-feeding portal tributaries. We compared the oncologic efficacy of compression technique anatomic resection with that of nonanatomic resection. METHODS: Among patients with resected hepatocellular carcinoma, patients who underwent compression technique anatomic resection were matched 1-to-2 with nonanatomic resection cases based on the Child-Pugh class, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma number (1/>1), and hepatocellular carcinoma size (>30, 30-50, and >50 mm). The exclusion criteria were nonanatomic resection because of severe cirrhosis, major hepatectomy, 90-day mortality (0 compression technique anatomic resection), non-cancer-related death, and follow-up <12 months. A total of 47 patients who underwent compression technique anatomic resection were matched with 94 nonanatomic resection cases. RESULTS: All patients were Child-Pugh A, and 53% were cirrhotic. Liver function tests and signs of portal hypertension were similar between the groups. There was 1 hepatocellular carcinoma in 81% of the patients, and the hepatocellular carcinoma was ≥30 mm in 68%. Patients undergoing anatomic resection with compression had better 5-year survival (77% vs 60%; risk ratio = 0.423; P = .032; multivariable analysis), less local recurrences (4% vs 20%; P = .012), and better 2-year local recurrence-free survival (94% vs 78%; P = .012). Nonlocal recurrence-free survival was similar between the groups. The compression technique anatomic resection group more often had repeat radical treatment for recurrence (68% vs 28%; P = .0004) and had better 3-year survival after recurrence (65% vs 42%; P = .043). CONCLUSION: Compression technique anatomic resection appears to provide a more complete removal of the hepatocellular carcinoma-bearing portal territory. Local disease control and survival are better with compression technique anatomic resection than with nonanatomic resection.

Hepatectomy with or without the thoraco-abdominal approach: impact on perioperative outcome.

BACKGROUND: Hepatectomy using the thoraco-abdominal approach (TAA) compared to the abdominal approach (AA) remains under debate. This study assessed the perioperative outcomes of patients operated with or without TAA. METHODS: 1:1 propensity score-matched analysis was applied in 744 patients operated between 2007 and 2013, identifying 246 patients who underwent hepatectomy with TAA compared to 246 patients with AA. These groups were matched for demographics, liver disease, comorbidity, tumor features, and extent of resection. Rates of morbidity and mortality were the study endpoints. RESULTS: The rates of morbidity or mortality were not different. With the TAA length of the operations (P = 0.002), length of the Pringle maneuver (P = 0.012), and rate of blood transfusions (P = 0.041) were significantly different. Hospital stay was similar. Independent significant prognostic factors for adverse perioperative outcome were: renal comorbidity (OR = 2.7; P = 0.001), extent of the resection (OR = 3.7; P = 0.001), and increased BILCHE score (OR = 2.4; P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Hepatectomy using the TAA was not associated with adverse perioperative outcome. The associations with length of operation, Pringle maneuver and blood transfusions may have reflected the complexity of the tumor presentation rather than the technical approach.

Filamin A expression predicts early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatectomy is very high. A predictive marker of early recurrence (ER) capable of personalizing follow-up and developing a new target therapy would be beneficial. The overexpression of Filamin-A (FLNA), a cytoskeleton protein with scaffolding properties, has recently been associated with progression in tumours. The aim of this study was to test the expression of FLNA in a cohort of patients operated for HCC. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of patients who underwent hepatic resection at Humanitas Clinical and Research Center between January 2004 and December 2014 was analysed. FLNA was tested, using a tissue microarray, in the HCC and in the surrounding tissues. The endpoint was the role of FLNA expression in predicting ER of HCC after hepatectomy. Analyses were performed following the REMARK guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients were considered. FLNA was expressed only in the tumoral tissue. Several variables, including T stage, tumour number, tumour size, type of viral hepatitis, type of hepatectomy and intra and peritumoral immune-reactivity to FLNA were significantly associated with ER by univariate analysis. With multivariate analysis, only T stage (HR=2.108; P=.002), tumour number (HR=1.586; P=.023), intra-tumoral (HR=2.672; P<.001) and peritumoral immune-reactivity to FLNA (HR=2.569; P<.001), significantly correlated with ER. The logistic regression analysis revealed that advanced T stage (OR=2.985; P=.001), HCV-infection (OR=1.219; P=.008) and advanced tumour grading (OR=2.781; P=.002) were associated with intratumoral FLNA immune-reactivity. CONCLUSIONS: FLNA expression predicts recurrence of HCC after hepatectomy. This finding provides important insights that would help physicians to personalize follow-up strategies.

Gastro-splenic fistula as a complication of chemotherapy for large B cell lymphoma.

AIM: Gastro-splenic fistula is a rare entity in which malignant tumors are the primary cause, followed by perforated peptic ulcers and Crohn's disease. CASE REPORT: A 66 years old patient undergoing chemotherapy for gastric large cells B lymphoma presented fever, fatigue and worsening of general conditions. A CT scan showed the presence of an abdominal abscess resulting from a pathological communication between stomach and spleen. RESULTS: En - bloc splenectomy and gastric wedge resection was performed; gastric wall was sutured with a linear stapler. Postoperative stay was uneventful; alimentation was restarted 5 days after the surgical procedure, and the patient was discharged 2 days later CONCLUSION: We have described an unusual case of gastric fistula complicating chemotherapy early diagnosed and successfully treated. KEY WORDS: Chemothera Gastrosplenic fistula, Lymphoma, Surgery.