Combined liver and multivisceral resections: A comparative analysis of short and long-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: En bloc liver and adjacent organs resections are technically demanding procedures. Few case series and nonmatched comparative studies reported the outcomes of multivisceral liver resections (MLRs). OBJECTIVES: To compare the short and long-term outcomes of patients submitted MLRs with those submitted to isolated hepatectomies. METHODS: From a prospective database, a case-matched 1:2 study was performed comparing MLRs and isolated hepatectomy. Additionally, a risk analysis was performed to evaluate the association between MLRs and perioperative morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival. RESULTS: Fifty-three MLRs were compared with 106 matched controls. Patients undergoing MLRs had longer operative time (430 [320-525] vs 360 [270-440] minutes, P = .005); higher estimated blood loss (600 [400-800] vs 400 [100-600] mL; P = .011); longer hospital stay (8 [6-14] vs 7 [5-9] days; P = .003); and higher postoperative mortality (9.4% vs 1.9%, P = .042). Number of resected organs was not an independent prognostic factor for perioperative major complications (odds ratio [OR], 1 organ = 1.8 [0.54-6.05]; OR ≥ 2, organs = 4.0 [0.35-13.84]) or perioperative mortality (OR, 1, organ = 5.2 [0.91-29.51]; OR ≥ 2, organs = 6.5 [0.52-79.60]). No differences in overall (P = .771) and disease-free survival (P = .28) were observed. CONCLUSION: MLRs are feasible with acceptable morbidity but relatively high perioperative mortality. MLRs did not negatively affect long-term outcomes.

Surgical treatment results of hepatocellular carcinoma in non-cirrhotic liver in southern Chile: case series with follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most frequent primary tumour of the liver. Although often associated with chronic liver disease, it can also occur in non-cirrhotic livers. The aim of this study was to describe post-operative morbidity (POM), and survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in non-cirrhotic liver treated surgically, and to identify variables associated with prognosis. METHODS: Case series of patients who underwent surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma in non-cirrhotic liver at Clínica RedSalud Mayor de Temuco, Chile (2001-2017), were studied. The minimum follow-up time considered was 12 months. Principal outcomes were development of POM and survival. Other variables of interest were age, sex, tumour diameter, surgical time, hospital stay, follow-up time, need for surgical re-intervention, mortality, vascular and lymph node invasion and staging. Descriptive and analytic statistics were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients were studied. They were characterized by a mean age of 67.3 ± 7.2 years, 62.5% of whom were men. Averages of tumour diameter, surgical time and hospitalization were 12.0 ± 2.6 cm, 114.4 ± 32.3 min and 7.2 ± 2.9 days, respectively. POM was 31.3%. There was no mortality and there were no re-interventions. The overall actuarial survival at 1, 2 and 3 years was 96.8%, 73.4% and 17.3%, respectively. Lower survival was verified in patients with vascular invasion, lymph node infiltration and stages III and IVa. CONCLUSION: Despite the tumour diameter and extent of the resections, POM in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in non-cirrhotic liver is moderate. However, its prognosis is poor. Vascular invasion, lymph node invasion and advances stages were associated with worse survival.

Microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma: is it predictable with quantitative computed tomography parameters?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether quantitative computed tomography (CT) measurements can predict microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 200 cases of surgically proven HCCs in 125 consecutive patients evaluated between March 2010 and November 2017. We quantitatively measured regions of interest in lesions and adjacent areas of the liver on unenhanced CT scans, as well as in the arterial, portal venous, and equilibrium phases on contrast-enhanced CT scans. Enhancement profiles were analyzed and compared with histopathological references of MVI. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used in order to evaluate CT parameters as potential predictors of MVI. RESULTS: Of the 200 HCCs, 77 (38.5%) showed evidence of MVI on histopathological analysis. There was no statistical difference between HCCs with MVI and those without, in terms of the percentage attenuation ratio in the portal venous phase (114.7 vs. 115.8) and equilibrium phase (126.7 vs. 128.2), as well as in terms of the relative washout ratio, also in the portal venous and equilibrium phases (15.0 vs. 8.2 and 31.4 vs. 26.3, respectively). CONCLUSION: Quantitative dynamic CT parameters measured in the preoperative period do not appear to correlate with MVI in HCC.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar se parâmetros quantitativos da tomografia computadorizada (TC) podem predizer invasão microvascular (IMV) no carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram analisados, retrospectivamente, 200 CHCs comprovados de 125 pacientes submetidos consecutivamente a transplante ou ressecção hepática entre março/2010 e novembro/2017. Foram realizadas medidas quantitativas da densidade das lesões e do parênquima hepático adjacente pré-contraste e nas fases arterial, portal e de equilíbrio das TCs. Parâmetros de impregnação foram comparados com a presença de IMV nos laudos anatomopatológicos. Regressões logísticas univariadas e multivariadas foram utilizadas para avaliar os parâmetros da TC como potenciais preditores de IMV. RESULTADOS: Dos 200 CHCs, 77 (38,5%) tinham IMV no anatomopatológico. Não houve diferença estatística na razão de atenuação entre CHCs com IMV e os sem IMV na fase portal (114,7 para IMV positiva e 115,8 para IMV negativa) ou de equilíbrio (126,7 para IMV positiva e 128,2 para IMV negativa), nem na razão de washout relativa nas fases portal e de equilíbrio (15,0 para IMV positiva e 8,2 para IMV negativa na fase portal, e 31,4 para IMV positiva e 26,3 para IMV negativa na fase de equilíbrio). CONCLUSÃO: Não houve relação entre os parâmetros quantitativos da TC pré-operatória e IMV dos CHCs.

Microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma: is it predictable with quantitative computed tomography parameters? / Invasão microvascular no carcinoma hepatocelular: é possível predizer pelos parâmetros quantitativos da tomografia computadorizada?

Abstract Objective: To investigate whether quantitative computed tomography (CT) measurements can predict microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 200 cases of surgically proven HCCs in 125 consecutive patients evaluated between March 2010 and November 2017. We quantitatively measured regions of interest in lesions and adjacent areas of the liver on unenhanced CT scans, as well as in the arterial, portal venous, and equilibrium phases on contrast-enhanced CT scans. Enhancement profiles were analyzed and compared with histopathological references of MVI. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used in order to evaluate CT parameters as potential predictors of MVI. Results: Of the 200 HCCs, 77 (38.5%) showed evidence of MVI on histopathological analysis. There was no statistical difference between HCCs with MVI and those without, in terms of the percentage attenuation ratio in the portal venous phase (114.7 vs. 115.8) and equilibrium phase (126.7 vs. 128.2), as well as in terms of the relative washout ratio, also in the portal venous and equilibrium phases (15.0 vs. 8.2 and 31.4 vs. 26.3, respectively). Conclusion: Quantitative dynamic CT parameters measured in the preoperative period do not appear to correlate with MVI in HCC.

Resumo Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar se parâmetros quantitativos da tomografia computadorizada (TC) podem predizer invasão microvascular (IMV) no carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC). Materiais e Métodos: Foram analisados, retrospectivamente, 200 CHCs comprovados de 125 pacientes submetidos consecutivamente a transplante ou ressecção hepática entre março/2010 e novembro/2017. Foram realizadas medidas quantitativas da densidade das lesões e do parênquima hepático adjacente pré-contraste e nas fases arterial, portal e de equilíbrio das TCs. Parâmetros de impregnação foram comparados com a presença de IMV nos laudos anatomopatológicos. Regressões logísticas univariadas e multivariadas foram utilizadas para avaliar os parâmetros da TC como potenciais preditores de IMV. Resultados: Dos 200 CHCs, 77 (38,5%) tinham IMV no anatomopatológico. Não houve diferença estatística na razão de atenuação entre CHCs com IMV e os sem IMV na fase portal (114,7 para IMV positiva e 115,8 para IMV negativa) ou de equilíbrio (126,7 para IMV positiva e 128,2 para IMV negativa), nem na razão de washout relativa nas fases portal e de equilíbrio (15,0 para IMV positiva e 8,2 para IMV negativa na fase portal, e 31,4 para IMV positiva e 26,3 para IMV negativa na fase de equilíbrio). Conclusão: Não houve relação entre os parâmetros quantitativos da TC pré-operatória e IMV dos CHCs.

Laparoscopic vs. open left lateral sectionectomy: An update meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Left lateral sectionectomy (LLS) is thought to be the anatomical liver resection most suitable for the laparoscopic approach. Despite increasing popularity, comparative analysis of laparoscopic and open LLS are mostly limited to retrospective, underpowered studies with small sample size. Recent population-based studies and prospective trials have generated new data; however, this new body of knowledge has not been submitted systematic reviews or meta-analyses and high quality evidence regarding the actual benefits of minimally invasive LLS is lacking. METHODS: Systematic review of studies published until December 31st, 2017 and indexed in Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library Central and Scielo/LILACS databases. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing perioperative results of laparoscopic and open LLS were included. Studies with patients submitted to LLS for living donation were excluded. Treatment outcomes, including conversion rates, estimated blood loss, transfusion rates, operative time, length of in-hospital stay, morbidity and mortality rates, were evaluated. RESULTS: The primary search yielded 2838 articles, 23 of which (21 observational studies and 2 randomized controlled trials; 3415 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. Overall conversion rate was 7.4%. Patients submitted to laparoscopic LLS had less blood loss (mean difference, MD = -119.81 ml, 95% CI = -127.90, -111.72, P < .00001, I2 = 32%, N = 618), lower transfusion rates (4.1% vs. 10.1%; risk difference, RD = - 0.06, 95% CI = - 0.08, - 0.05, P < .00001, I2 = 13%, N = 2968) and shorter length of in-hospital stay (MD = - 2.02 days, 95% CI = - 2.15, - 1.89, P < .00001, I2 = 77%, N = 3160) compared to those undergoing open surgery. Marginally decreased overall complication (21.4% vs. 27.5%; RD = - 0.03, 95% CI = - 0.06, 0.00, P = .05, I2 = 0%, N = 3268) and perioperative mortality (0.3% vs. 1.5%; RD = - 0.01, 95% CI = - 0.02, - 0.00, P = .01, I2 = 0%; N = 3332) rates were also observed. Operative time and biliary, cardiac or pulmonary complication rates did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSION: Current evidence supports the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic LLS. The laparoscopic approach is associated with reduced blood loss, lower transfusion rates and shorter length of in-hospital stay and should be considered the gold-standard for LLS.

Research developments of adjuvant therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma after resection / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy with high rate of morbidity and mortality.Liver resection is the most effective curative treatment,yet subsequent recurrence and death are common,with 5-year overall survival rate remaining about 50％ and 5-year postoperative recurrence reaching as high as 60％-70％ reported by previous publications.Therefore,it is essential to identify the optimal adjuvant therapy for patients with unfavorable prognostic factors to decrease the postoperative recurrence or metastasis,thereby to deliver the promise of improved outcomes.However,there is no consensus about it and several treatment options were under investigation,including transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE),radiotherapy,targeted therapy,and other treatments.Here,we review studies on the role of adjuvant therapies,to provide evidences for further research and clinical practice.

Surgical management of neuroendocrine tumor-associated liver metastases: a review.

Liver metastasis is common among patients who suffer from neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Radical surgery is the standard treatment whenever possible but there is still controversies concerning the treatment strategies such as resection of the primary, role of debulking surgery, liver transplantation (LT) and neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapies. This article aims to review the current evidence available, together with some latest updates, focusing on the surgical management.

Critical evaluation of long-term results of malignant hepatic tumors treated by means curative laparoscopic hepatectomy / Avaliação crítica dos resultados em longo prazo de tumores hepáticos malignos tratados por hepatectomia laparoscópica curativa

ABSTRACT Background: Laparoscopic hepatectomy has presented great importance for treating malignant hepatic lesions. Aim: To evaluate its impact in relation to overall survival or disease free of the patients operated due different hepatic malignant tumors. Methods: Thirty-four laparoscopic hepatectomies were performed in 31 patients with malignant neoplasm. Patients were distributed as: Group 1 - colorectal metastases (n=14); Group 2 - hepatocellular carcinoma (n=8); and Group 3 - non-colorectal metastases and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n=9). The conversion rate, morbidity, mortality and tumor recurrence were also evaluated. Results: Conversion to open surgery was 6%; morbidity 22%; postoperative mortality 3%. There was tumor recurrence in 11 cases. Medians of overall survival and disease free survival were respectively 60 and 46 m; however, there was no difference among studied groups (p>0,05). Conclusion: Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic hepatectomy for treating hepatic malignant tumors are satisfactory. There is no statistical difference in relation of both overall and disease free survival among different groups of hepatic neoplasms.

RESUMO Racional: A hepatectomia laparoscópica tem apresentado grande importância no tratamento das lesões hepáticas malignas. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto dela realizada por uma única equipe em relação à sobrevida global e tempo livre de doença nos diferentes tumores malignos hepáticos. Métodos: Foram realizadas 34 hepatectomias laparoscópicas em 31 pacientes com neoplasia maligna. Os doentes foram distribuídos em: Grupo 1 - metástases colorretais (n=14); Grupo 2 - carcinoma hepatocelular (n=8) e Grupo 3 - metástases não-colorretais e colangiocarcinoma intra-hepático (n=9). As curvas de sobrevida e sobrevida livre de doença foram estimadas. Foram avaliadas também a taxa de conversão, morbidade, mortalidade e recorrência tumoral. Resultados: A taxa de conversão foi de 6%; a morbidade de 22%; a mortalidade pós-operatória de 3%; recorrência tumoral em 11 casos. As medianas de sobrevida global e de sobrevida livre de doença foram respectivamente de 60 e 46 m, contudo não houve diferença entre os grupos estudados (p>0,05). Conclusão: Os resultados em longo prazo da hepatectomia laparoscópica para o tratamento de tumores malignos hepáticos são satisfatórios. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante quanto às sobrevidas global e livre de doença nos diferentes grupos de neoplasia tratada.

Asociación de partición hepática y ligadura portal para hepatectomía por etapas (ALPPS) / Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS)

La disfunción hepática postoperatoria del remanente hepático que ocurre en pacientes sometidos a grandes resecciones hepáticas, es un problema complejo y temido, dado su pronóstico incierto. La asociación de partición hepática y ligadura portal para hepatectomía por etapas (ALPPS), es un enfoque novedoso para pacientes portadores de enfermedad hepática oncológica que anteriormente eran considerados "no resecables". El procedimiento se realiza en dos etapas. La primera, comprende la ligadura de la rama derecha de la vena porta. Luego, se realiza la transección del parénquima hepático; incluyendo o no, la sección y ligadura de la vena hepática media. A continuación se empaqueta el hígado tumoral en una bolsa de polietileno y el abdomen es cerrado. La segunda etapa, se realiza 7 a 15 días después. Una vez abierto el abdomen, se retira la bolsa de polietileno; se ligan y seccionan la arteria, el conducto biliar y la vena hepática derechos; y se elimina el hígado tumoral. Pueden instalarse drenes y se procede al cierre de la laparotomía. La técnica ALPPS puede permitir entonces, la resección curativa de hígados tumorales en pacientes con lesiones considerados previamente como no resecables. El objetivo de este artículo fue describir las indicaciones y aspectos técnicos del ALPPS a propósito del primer caso realizado en nuestra ciudad, en una paciente de 47 años con un cáncer de vesícula biliar avanzado y metástasis bilobares.

Postoperative hepatic malfunction subsequent to insufficiency of hepatic remnant is a complex and dire problem in patients subjected to large hepatic resections. The associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS), is a novel approach for oncology patients whose hepatic tumors were previously considered non-resectable. The technique is performed in two phases. The first one comprises the ligation of the right portal vein branch. Subsequently, a parenchymal transection is performed, including or not, the middle hepatic vein. A plastic bag is employed to cover the tumoral liver, and the abdomen is closed. The second one is performed at 7 to 15 days interval. After laparotomy, the plastic bag is removed. The right artery, bile duct and hepatic vein are sectioned and the tumoral liver is removed. Drain was placed at the resection surface, and the abdomen is closed. ALPPS can enable curative resection of hepatic metastasis in patients with tumors previously considered non-resectable. The aim of this manuscript was to describe the indications and technical aspects of ALPPS in relation to the first case carried out in our city, in a 47-year-old woman with advanced gallbladder cancer with bilobar metastases.

Anaesthetic management during open and percutaneous irreversible electroporation.

BACKGROUND: Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a novel tumour ablation technique involving repetitive application of electrical energy around a tumour. The use of pulsed electrical gradients carries a risk of cardiac arrhythmias, severe muscle contractions, and seizures. We aimed to identify IRE-related risks and the appropriate precautions for anaesthetic management. METHODS: All patients who were treated with IRE were prospectively included. Exclusion criteria were arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, active coronary artery disease, and epilepsy. All procedures were performed under general anaesthesia with complete muscle relaxation during ECG-synchronized pulsing. Adverse events, cardiovascular effects, blood samples, cerebral activity, and post-procedural pain were analysed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients underwent 30 IRE sessions for tumours in the liver, pancreas, kidney, and lesser pelvis. No major adverse events occurred during IRE. Median systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased by 44 mm Hg (range -7 to 108 mm Hg) and 19 mm Hg (range 1-50 mm Hg), respectively. Two transient minor cardiac arrhythmias without haemodynamic consequences were observed. Muscle contractions were mild and IRE caused no reactive brain activity on a simplified EEG. Pain in the first 24 h after percutaneous IRE was generally mild, but higher pain scores were reported after pancreatic treatment (mean VAS score 3; range 0-9). CONCLUSIONS: Side-effects during IRE on tumours in the liver, pancreas, kidney, and lesser pelvis seem mild and manageable when current recommendations for anaesthesia management, including deep muscle relaxation and ECG synchronized pulsing, are followed. Electrical pulses do not seem to cause reactive cerebral activity and evidence for pre-existing atrial fibrillation as an absolute contra-indication for IRE is questionable.

Surgical outcomss and prognostic factors in patents with synchronous colorectaal liver metastases / Resultados do tratamento cirúrgico e de estudo dos fatores prognósticos em pacientes com metástases hepáticas sincrônicas do câncer colorretal

Context Colorectal cancer is the second most prevalent cancer worldwide, and the liver is the most common site of metastases. Surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases provides the sole possibility of cure and the best odds of long-term survival. Objectives To describe surgical outcomes and identify features associated with disease prognosis in patients submitted to synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastasis resection. Methods Retrospective study of 59 patients who underwent surgery for synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastasis. Actuarial survival and disease-free survival were assessed, depending on the prognostic variable of interest. Results Postoperative mortality and morbidity rates were 3.38% and 30.50% respectively. Five-year disease-free survival was estimated at 23.96%, and 5-year overall survival, at 38.45%. Carcinoembryonic antigen levels ≥50 ng/mL and presence of three or more liver metastasis were limiting factors for disease-free survival, but did not affect late survival. No patient with liver metastases and extrahepatic disease had disease-free interval longer than 20 months, but this had no significance or impact on long-term survival. None of the prognostic factors assessed had an impact on late survival, although no patients with more than three liver metastases survived beyond 40 months. Conclusions Although Carcinoembryonic antigen levels and number of metastases are prognostic factors that limit disease-free survival, they had no impact on 5-year survival and, therefore, should not determine exclusion from surgical treatment. Resection is the best treatment option for synchronous colorectal liver metastases, and even for patients with multiple metastases, large tumors and extrahepatic disease, it can provide long-term survival rates over 38%. .

Contexto O câncer colorretal é o segundo câncer mais prevalente no mundo e, o fígado é o principal local das metástases. A ressecção cirúrgica da metástases hepáticas colorretais proporciona a única possibilidade de cura e as melhores chances de sobrevida a longo prazo. Objetivos Avaliar os resultados do tratamento cirúrgico e identificar fatores associados ao prognóstico da doença em pacientes com metástases hepáticas sincrônicas de câncer colorretal submetidos à ressecção. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo de 59 pacientes submetidos à ressecção de metástases hepáticas sincrônicas do câncer colorretal, visando à identificação de fatores relacionados ao prognóstico. Foram estudadas a sobrevida atuarial e sobrevida livre de doença, conforme as variáveis. Resultados A mortalidade e morbidade pós-operatórias foram de 3,38%, e 30,50%, respectivamente. A sobrevida livre de doença estimada em 5 anos foi de 23,96%, e a sobrevida tardia, no mesmo período, foi de 38,45%. O valor do antígeno cárcino-embrionário igual ou superior a 50 ng/mL e o número de metástases maior que três representaram fatores prognósticos limitantes da sobrevida livre de doença, porém sem interferir na sobrevida tardia. Pacientes com metástases hepáticas e doença extra-hepática, submetidos à ressecção, não apresentaram sobrevida livre de doença acima de 20 meses, porém sem significância e sem impacto na sobrevida a longo prazo. Nenhum dos fatores prognósticos estudados interferiu na sobrevida tardia, porém não foi observada sobrevida além de 40 meses em pacientes com mais de três metástases hepáticas. Conclusões Apesar do valor do antígeno ...

PET-CT after radiofrequency ablation of colorectal liver metastases: suggestions for timing and image interpretation.

INTRODUCTION: The main area of concern regarding radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of colorectal liver metastases is the risk of developing a local site recurrence (LSR). Reported accuracy of PET-CT in detecting LSR is high compared to morphological imaging alone, but no internationally accepted criteria for image interpretation have been defined. Our aim was to assess criteria for FDG PET-CT image interpretation following RFA, and to define a timetable for follow-up detection of LSR. METHODS: Patients who underwent RFA for colorectal liver metastases between 2005 and 2011, with FDG-PET follow-up within one year after treatment were included. Results of repeat FDG-PET scans were evaluated until a LSR was diagnosed. Results. One hundred-seventy scans were obtained for 79 patients (179 lesions), 57 scans (72%) were obtained within 6 months of treatment. Thirty patients developed local recurrence; 29 (97%) within 1 year. Only 2% of lesions of <1cm and 4% of <2 cm showed a LSR. CONCLUSION: The majority of local site recurrences are diagnosed within one year after RFA. Regular follow-up using FDG PET-CT within this period is advised, so repeated treatment can be initiated. Rim-shaped uptake may be present until 4-6 months, complicating evaluation. The benefit in the follow-up of lesions <2 cm may be limited.

Hepatectomia laparoscópica: indicações e resultados em 18 casos ressecados / Laparoscopic hepatectomy: indications and results from 18 resectable cases

Objective: To evaluate the early and late results from laparoscopic hepatectomy procedures at a tertiary hospital in Brasília (DF), Brazil. Methods: The authors report on a series of 18 patients (11 women) who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy performed by a single surgical team at Santa Lúcia Hospital, in Brasília, between June 2007 and December 2010. Age ranged from 21 to 71 years (median = 43 years). There were eleven women and seven men. Nine patients had benign diseases and nine had malignant lesions. The lesion diameter ranged from 1.8 to 12 cm (mean: 4.96 cm). Results: Six major hepatectomy procedures and 12 minor hepatectomy procedures were performed. The mean duration of the operation was 205 minutes (range: 90 to 360 minutes). The mean intraoperative blood loss was 300 mL (range: 100 to 1,500 mL). Two patients received a transfusion (11%). There was one conversion to open surgery. There was no death and no patient underwent reoperation. The postoperative morbidity rate was 11% (n = 2). One patient presented with a minor complication (lobar pneumonia) while other presented with two major complications (intraoperative bleeding and incisional hernia). The median length of hospital stay was 4 days (range: 2 to 11 days). The median time to return to normal activities was 13 days (range: 7 to 40 days). Conclusion: Laparoscopic hepatectomy is a safe surgical approach for treating both benign and malignant hepatic lesions. This small series showed no mortality, low morbidity and good cosmetic results.

Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados precoces e tardios das hepatectomias laparoscópicas realizadas em um hospital terciário, em Brasília (DF). Métodos: Os autores relatam uma série de 18 pacientes (11 mulheres) submetidos à hepatectomia laparoscópica, realizada por uma única equipe cirúrgica do Hospital Santa Lúcia, em Brasília, entre Junho de 2007 e Dezembro de 2010. A idade variou de 21 a 71 anos com mediana de 43 anos. Havia onze mulheres e sete homens. Nove casos apresentavam lesão benigna e nove, lesão maligna. O diâmetro da lesão variou de 1,8 a 12 cm (média: 4,96 cm). Resultados: Seis hepatectomias maiores e 12 hepatectomias menores foram realizadas. O tempo cirúrgico médio foi de 205 minutos (variação de 90 a 360 minutos). A média de sangramento intraoperatório foi de 300 mL (variação de 100 a 1.500 mL). Dois pacientes foram transfundidos. Houve uma conversão para cirurgia aberta. Não houve óbitos e nenhum paciente foi reoperado. A morbidade pós-operatória foi de 11% (n = 2). Um indivíduo apresentou uma complicação menor (pneumonia lobar), e outro teve duas complicações maiores (sangramento intraoperatório e hérnia incisional). A duraçãomediana de internação foi de 4 dias (variação de 2 a 11 dias). O tempo mediano de retorno às atividades diárias foi de 13 dias (variação de 7 a 40 dias). Conclusão: A hepatectomia laparoscópica é um método cirúrgico seguro para tratamento de lesões hepáticas benignas e malignas. Nesta pequena série, não houve óbitos, a taxa de morbidade foi baixa, e o resultado estético foi bom.

Practical questions in liver metastases of colorectal cancer: general principles of treatment.

Liver metastases of colorectal cancer are currently treated by multidisciplinary teams using strategies that combine chemotherapy, surgery and ablative techniques. Many patients classically considered non-resectable can now be rescued by neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by liver resection, with similar results to those obtained in initial resections. While many of those patients will recur, repeat resection is a feasible and safe approach if the recurrence is confined to the liver. Several factors that until recently were considered contraindications are now recognized only as adverse prognostic factors and no longer as contraindications for surgery. The current evaluation process to select patients for surgery is no longer focused on what is to be removed but rather on what will remain. The single most important objective is to achieve a complete (R0) resection within the limits of safety in terms of quantity and quality of the remaining liver. An increasing number of patients with synchronous liver metastases are treated by simultaneous resection of the primary and the liver metastatic tumours. Multilobar disease can also be approached by staged procedures that combine neoadjuvant chemotherapy, limited resections in one lobe, embolization or ligation of the contralateral portal vein and a major resection in a second procedure. Extrahepatic disease is no longer a contraindication for surgery provided that an R0 resection can be achieved. A reverse surgical staged approach (liver metastases first, primary second) is another strategy that has appeared recently. Provided that a careful selection is made, elderly patients can also benefit from surgical treatment of liver metastases.

Clinicopathological risk factors and prognostic evaluation in hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after surgery.

AIM: To analyze the clinicopathological risk factors in hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after surgery. METHODS: We used significance testing (χ(2) and Student's t-test) of single and multiple factors, and Wilcoxon Cox tropic examination; a retrospective clinicopathological analysis was performed on 156 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy. RESULTS: Of the 156 cases, 68.4%, 57.3%, 46.7%, 31.5%, and 28.6% had one, two, three, four, and five postoperative tumor-free years, respectively; the total recurrence rate was 53.2% (83/156). In the 83 recurrent cases, 65 were intrahepatic subclinical, with a resection rate of 78.3% (65/83). The relevant factors involved in recurrence were: male gender, tumor number and size, capsule infiltration, and portal vein involvement. These factors were an obvious influence on the prognosis of the patients with postoperative hepatocellular carcinoma (P < 0.05). In the recurrent liver carcinomas, 63.1% of tumor nodes (41/65) were at the ipsilateral segment of the primary tumor nodes. CONCLUSION: Male gender, tumor number and size, capsule infiltration, and portal vein involvement are factors for postoperative hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence. Recurrence is mainly unicentral. The right front liver lobe is the segment with a high rate of recurrence.