Assessing quality of hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery: nationwide benchmarking.

BACKGROUND: Clinical auditing is a powerful tool to evaluate and improve healthcare. Deviations from the expected quality of care are identified by benchmarking the results of individual hospitals using national averages. This study aimed to evaluate the use of quality indicators for benchmarking hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery and when outlier hospitals could be identified. METHODS: A population-based study used data from two nationwide Dutch HPB audits (DHBA and DPCA) from 2014 to 2021. Sample size calculations determined the threshold (in percentage points) to identify centres as statistical outliers, based on current volume requirements (annual minimum of 20 resections) on a two-year period (2020-2021), covering mortality rate, failure to rescue (FTR), major morbidity rate and textbook/ideal outcome (TO) for minor liver resection (LR), major LR, pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and distal pancreatectomy (DP). RESULTS: In total, 10 963 and 7365 patients who underwent liver and pancreatic resection respectively were included. Benchmark and corresponding range of mortality rates were 0.6% (0 -3.2%) and 3.3% (0-16.7%) for minor and major LR, and 2.7% (0-7.0%) and 0.6% (0-4.2%) for PD and DP respectively. FTR rates were 5.4% (0-33.3%), 14.2% (0-100%), 7.5% (1.6%-28.5%) and 3.1% (0-14.9%). For major morbidity rate, corresponding rates were 9.8% (0-20.5%), 28.1% (0-47.1%), 36% (15.8%-58.3%) and 22.3% (5.2%-46.1%). For TO, corresponding rates were 73.6% (61.3%-94.4%), 54.1% (35.3-100), 46.8% (25.3%-59.4%) and 63.3% (30.7%-84.6%). Mortality rate thresholds indicating a significant outlier were 8.6% and 15.4% for minor and major LR and 14.2% and 8.6% for PD and DP. For FTR, these thresholds were 17.9%, 31.6%, 22.9% and 15.0%. For major morbidity rate, these thresholds were 26.1%, 49.7%, 57.9% and 52.9% respectively. For TO, lower thresholds were 52.5%, 32.5%, 25.8% and 41.4% respectively. Higher hospital volumes decrease thresholds to detect outliers. CONCLUSION: Current event rates and minimum volume requirements per hospital are too low to detect any meaningful between hospital differences in mortality rate and FTR. Major morbidity rate and TO are better candidates to use for benchmarking.

Short-term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Versus Open Liver Resection in the Elderly: A Propensity Score-matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: With the aging of the population, there is a rising proportion of elderly patients undergoing liver resection. However, the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) in the elderly have not yet been established. In this study, we compared the short-term results of LLR and open liver resection (OLR) in elderly patients using propensity score matched (PSM) analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study comprised 237 elderly patients aged 65 years and older who had undergone liver resection between 2015 to 2021, excluding biliary and vascular reconstruction and simultaneous surgeries other than liver resection. We conducted PSM analysis for baseline characteristics (age, sex, BMI, ASA-PS, disease, procedure, tumor size, and number of tumors) to eliminate potential selection bias. We then compared short-term postoperative outcomes between LLR and OLR groups in patients selected by PSM analysis. RESULTS: Applying PSM analysis, 90 cases each were selected for the LLR and OLR groups. The LLR group had a significantly lower complication rate (Clavien-Dindo: CD ≥II) (19% vs. 33%, p=0.03), especially bile leakage (CD ≥II) (0% vs. 6.7%, p=0.03) compared with those in the OLR group. In addition, a shorter operation time (244 min vs. 351 min, p<0.01), less blood loss (150 ml vs. 335 ml, p<0.01), and shorter hospital stay (8 days vs. 12 days, p<0.01) were observed in the LLR group. No operative or in-hospital deaths were observed in both groups. CONCLUSION: LLR can be safely performed in elderly patients and offers better short-term outcomes.

Predictive factors of 90-day mortality after curative hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a western single-center observational study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify predictive risk factors associated with 90-day mortality after hepatic resection (HR) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: All patients undergoing elective resection for HCC from a single- institutional and prospectively maintained database were included. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to identify pre- and intraoperative as well as histopathological predictive factors of 90-day mortality after elective HR. RESULTS: Between August 2004 and October 2021, 196 patients were enrolled (148 male /48 female). The median age of the study cohort was 68.5 years (range19-84 years). The rate of major hepatectomy (≥ 3 segments) was 43.88%. Multivariate analysis revealed patient age ≥ 70 years [HR 2.798; (95% CI 1.263-6.198); p = 0.011], preoperative chronic renal insufficiency [HR 3.673; (95% CI 1.598-8.443); p = 0.002], Child-Pugh Score [HR 2.240; (95% CI 1.188-4.224); p = 0.013], V-Stage [HR 2.420; (95% CI 1.187-4.936); p = 0.015], and resected segments ≥ 3 [HR 4.700; (95% 1.926-11.467); p = 0.001] as the major significant determinants of the 90-day mortality. CONCLUSION: Advanced patient age, pre-existing chronic renal insufficiency, Child-Pugh Score, extended hepatic resection, and vascular tumor involvement were identified as significant predictive factors of 90-day mortality. Proper patient selection and adjustment of treatment strategies could potentially reduce short-term mortality.

Hospital variation and outcomes after repeat hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases: a nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 70% of patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) experiences intrahepatic recurrence after initial liver resection. This study assessed outcomes and hospital variation in repeat liver resections (R-LR). METHODS: This population-based study included all patients who underwent liver resection for CRLM between 2014 and 2022 in the Netherlands. Overall survival (OS) was collected for patients operated on between 2014 and 2018 by linkage to the insurance database. RESULTS: Data of 7479 liver resections (1391 (18.6%) repeat and 6088 (81.4%) primary) were analysed. Major morbidity and mortality were not different. Factors associated with major morbidity included ASA 3+, major liver resection, extrahepatic disease, and open surgery. Five-year OS after repeat versus primary liver resection was 42.3% versus 44.8%, P = 0.37. Factors associated with worse OS included largest CRLM >5 cm (aHR 1.58, 95% CI: 1.07-2.34, P = 0.023), >3 CRLM (aHR 1.33, 95% CI: 1.00-1.75, P = 0.046), extrahepatic disease (aHR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.25-2.04, P = 0.001), positive tumour margins (aHR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.09-1.85, P = 0.009). Significant hospital variation in performance of R-LR was observed, median 18.9% (8.2% to 33.3%). CONCLUSION: Significant hospital variation was observed in performance of R-LR in the Netherlands reflecting different treatment decisions upon recurrence. On a population-based level R-LR leads to satisfactory survival.

The impact of post-hepatectomy liver failure on long-term survival after liver resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Although post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) can accurately predict short-term mortality of liver resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA), its significance in predicting long-term overall survival (OS) is still uncertain. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed on patients with pCCA who underwent liver resection between October 2013 and December 2018. The patients were divided into 3 groups; No PHF, PHLF (all grade) and grade B/C PHLF according to The International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) criteria. RESULTS: A total of 177 patients were enrolled, 65 (36.7%) had PHLF; 25 (14.1%) had grade A, and 40 (22.6%) had grade B/C. Prior to surgery, patients with PHLF showed significantly greater bilirubin levels and CA 19-9 level than those without (11.5 vs 6.7 mg/dL, p = 0.002 and 232.4 vs 85.9 U/mL, p = 0.005, respectively). Additionally, pre-operative future liver remnant volume in PHLF group was lower than no PHLF group significantly (39.6% vs 43.5%, p = 0.006). Major complication and 90-day mortality were higher in PHLF group than no PHLF group (69.2% vs 20.5%, p < 0.001 and 29.2% vs 3.6%, p < 0.001, respectively). The OS in both grade A PHLF and grade B/C PHLF was significantly worse compared to no PHLF, with median survival times of 8.4, 3.3, and 19.2 months, respectively (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Multivariable analysis revealed that PHLF was independently prognostic factor for long-term survival. CONCLUSION: To achieve negative resection margin, the surgical resection in pCCA was aggressive, however this increased the risk of PHLF, which also affects the OS. Consequently, it is necessary for establishing a balance between aggressive surgery and PHLF.

Short-term outcomes of laparoscopic extended hepatectomy versus major hepatectomy: a single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic major hepatectomy (LMH) remains restricted to a few specialized centers and poses a challenge to surgeons performing laparoscopic resections. Laparoscopic extended resections are even more complex and rarely conducted. METHODS: From a single-institution database, we compared the short-term outcomes of patients who underwent major and extended laparoscopic resections, stratifying the entire retrospective cohort into four groups: right hepatectomy, left hepatectomy, right extended hepatectomy, and left extended hepatectomy. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, operative variables, and especially postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: 250 patients underwent major and extended laparoscopic liver resections, including 160 right, 31 right extended, 36 left, and 23 left extended laparoscopic hepatectomies. The most common indication for resection was colorectal liver metastases (64%). Laparoscopic extended hepatectomy (LEH) showed significantly longer operative time, more blood loss, need for Pringle maneuver, conversion to open surgery, higher rates of liver failure, postoperative ascites, and intra-abdominal hemorrhage, R1 margins and length of stay when compared with the LMH group. Mortality rates were similar between groups. Multivariate analysis revealed intraoperative blood transfusion (OR = 5.1[CI-95%: 1.15-6.79]; p = 0.02) as an independent predictor for major complications. CONCLUSIONS: LEH showed to be feasible, however with higher blood loss and significantly associated to major complications.

Liver resection is superior to tumor ablation in patients with multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: The management of T2 multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (MHCC) is controversial, and the comparative impact of liver resection (LR) versus tumor ablation (TA) on survival continues to be debated. The aim of our study was to examine short- and long-term survival for LR and TA in a nationally representative cohort. We hypothesized that patients who underwent LR would have improved survival. METHODS: We utilized the National Cancer Database (2004-2015) to identify patients diagnosed with non-metastatic T2 MHCC. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated to compare 10-year overall survival (OS) between LR and TA patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis with stratification was also performed based on lymphovascular invasion, resection margin status, and Charlson-Deyo score. Cox proportional hazard models were used in multivariable analyses. RESULTS: A total of 1225 patients met the inclusion criteria. 991 patients received LR, and 234 received TA. The majority of patients were male, White, and older than ≥60 years old. Clinicodemographic characteristics were generally similar between LR and TA patients. Among patients who underwent LR, 84% had negative margins, and 17% had lymphovascular invasion. Mortality at 30 days was significantly higher among LR patients compared to TA patients (5.4% vs 0.0%, p < 0.001), with those having a Charlson-Deyo score ≥2 facing the highest risk at 7.3%. Nevertheless, 10-year OS for the LR cohort was 27.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 24.4%-30.8%) versus 14.7% (95% CI: 9.8%-20.7%, p < 0.001) for TA patients. In stratified analysis, survival benefit was statistically significant only among those with negative resection margin, no lymphovascular invasion, and Charlson-Deyo score ≤1. In multivariable Cox analysis, LR was independently associated with improved survival compared to TA (hazard ratio: 0.80; 95% CI = 0.67-0.95). CONCLUSION: LR poses a higher long-term survival benefit than TA. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings. Although our study patients are a highly selected group of multifocal T2 patients, it gives us a good insight into the fact that LR provides better outcomes if a transplant option is unavailable.

[Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection and "in situ split" Liver Resection with Fatal Outcome - A Case Report]. / SARS-CoV-2-Infektion und "In-situ-Split"-Leberresektion mit tödlichem Verlauf.

We report the perioperative course of a 47-year-old patient who underwent a two-stage liver resection for bilobar metastatic colorectal carcinoma. The respiratory asymptomatic patient was tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR detection one day before the second surgical procedure. Postoperatively, the patient suffered cardiovascular arrest on postoperative day 8 and died despite immediately initiated resuscitative measures. With an initial clinical suspicion of vascular liver failure, postmortem pathologic examination revealed the underlying cause of death to be COVID-19-related myocarditis with acute right heart failure. Individual multidisciplinary risk assessment should be considered very critically when deviating from the "7-week rule" because the benefit is difficult to objectify, even in oncologic patients.

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.

The survival strength of younger patients in BCLC stage 0-B of hepatocellular carcinoma: basing on competing risk model.

BACKGROUND: The number of young patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing, but whether patients of different ages have a survival advantage is unclear. This study was conducted to investigate whether age differences in the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification system contribute to the long-term survival outcomes of patients with HCC. METHODS: A total of 1602 patients with HCC admitted to the Beijing Ditan Hospital was included in this study. Patients were divided into younger (≤45 years) and older (> 45 years) groups. Factors determining overall survival and progression-free survival were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses with the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard regression model. We calculated the cumulative incidence function using the Fine-Gray model. The effect of mortality on age was also estimated using a restricted cubic spline. RESULTS: After matching, overall survival and progression-free survival were significantly better in younger patients than in older patients with BCLC stage 0-B (p = 0.015 and p = 0.017, respectively). In BCLC stage 0-B, all-cause mortality increased with age and increased rapidly around the age of 40 years (non-linear, p < 0.05). In BCLC stages 0-B, HCC-related and non-HCC-related deaths significantly differed between younger and older individuals (p = 0.0019). CONCLUSION: In stage BCLC 0-B, age affects the long-term prognosis of patients.

The role of liver resection in metastatic nephroblastoma: a systematic review and Meta-regression analysis.

BACKGROUND: The impact of hepatic resection for liver metastases (LM) on the survival of pediatric patients with Wilms' tumor (WT) is unclear. So far, there is a lack of studies investigating the best suited treatment for patients with WTLM, and the role of liver resection has rarely been investigated. Thus, the development of evidence-based guidelines concerning indications of liver resection for WTLM remains difficult. AIM: To investigate the role of surgery in the therapy of WTLM. All available data on liver resections and subgroup outcomes of patients with WTLM are analyzed. Main research question is whether liver resection improves survival rates of patients with WTLM compared to non-surgical treatment. METHODS: A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Central provided the basis for this PRISMA-compliant systematic review. For the main analysis (I), all studies reporting on surgical treatment of pediatric WTLM were included. To provide a representative overview of the general outcome of WTLM patients, in analysis II all studies with cohorts of at least five WTLM patients, regardless of the kind of treatment, were reviewed and analyzed. A Multiple meta-regression model was applied to investigate the impact liver resection on overall survival. RESULTS: 14 studies with reports of liver resection for WTLM were found (Analysis I). They included a total of 212 patients with WTLM, of which 93 underwent a liver resection. Most studies had a high risk of bias, and the quality was heterogenous. For the analysis II, eight studies with subgroups of at least five WTLM patients were found. The weighted mean overall survival (OS) of WTLM patients across the studies was 55% (SD 29). A higher rate of liver resection was a significant predictor of better OS in a multiple meta-regression model with 4 covariates (I2 29.43, coefficient 0.819, p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first systematic review on WTLM. Given a lack of suited studies that specifically investigated WTLM, ecological bias was high in our analyses. Generating evidence is complicated in rare pediatric conditions and this study must be viewed in this context. Meta-regression analyses suggest that liver resection may improve survival of patients with WTLM compared to non-surgical treatment. Especially patients with persisting disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy but also patients with metachronous LM seem to benefit from resection. Complete resection of LM is vital to achieve higher OS. Studies that prospectively investigate the impact of surgery on survival compared to non-surgical treatment for WTLM are highly needed to further close the current evidence gap. STUDY REGISTRATION: PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021249763  https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=249763 .

Readmission After Surgical Resection and Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Liver resections and transplantations have increasingly become feasible options for potential cure. These complex surgeries are inherently associated with increased rates of readmission. In the meanwhile, hospital readmission rates are rapidly becoming an important quality of care metric. Therefore, it is very important to understand the effect of 30-day readmission on mortality and the factors associated with increased 30- and 90-day mortality rates. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study utilizing data from the National Cancer Database. Patients included were 18 years or older who underwent liver resection or liver transplantation for HCC between 2003 and 2011. Our primary outcomes of interest were 30- and 90-day mortality rates. Our primary independent variable of interest was 30-day readmission. RESULTS: 16 658 patients underwent either a liver resection or transplantation for HCC between 2003 and 2011. For patients with liver transplantations, increased readmission rates were associated with lower risks of 30-day mortality (P = .012) but a trend toward higher 90-day mortality (P = .057). Patients who underwent liver resection for HCC also demonstrated increased readmission rates to be associated with lower risk of 30-day mortality (P = .014) but higher 90-day mortality (P ≤ .001). CONCLUSION: This is the only study to utilize a national database to investigate the association between readmission rates and mortality rates of both liver transplantations and resections for patients with HCC. We demonstrate 30-day readmission to show no increase in 30-day mortality, but rather higher 90-day mortality.

Surgical treatment of liver metastases from non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine carcinomas.

INTRODUCTION: In the literature, results after surgical treatment of non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine liver metastases (NCNNLM) are reported that are often inferior to those from colorectal liver metastases. The selection of patients with favorable tumor biology is currently still a matter of discussion. MATERIALS/METHODS: The retrospective data analysis was based on data that were collected for the multicenter study "Role of surgical treatment for non-colorectal liver metastases" in county Thuringia. RESULTS: For the study, 637 patients were included from 1995 to 2018. 5 and 10-year survival of R0 resected patients were 33% and 19%, respectively. In the multi-variate analysis of the entire group, sex, timing, disease-free interval, number of metastases, R-classification as well as lymph node status of the primary lesion showed an independent statistical influence on the 5-year survival. In the group of R0 resected patients, disease-free interval, number of metastases and lymph node status of the primary lesion influenced the 5-year survival in the multi-variate analysis. In kidney malignancies, R-classification, timing and number of liver metastases were statistically significant in the multi-variate analysis of the 5-year survival, in mamma carcinomas only the R-classification. CONCLUSION: The Adam score identifies some risk factors which influence prognosis in most but not in all tumor entities. For kidney cancer and breast cancer it can be simplified.

Percutaneous microwave ablation versus robot-assisted hepatectomy for early hepatocellular carcinoma: A real-world single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Both microwave ablation and robot-assisted hepatectomy are representative minimally invasive treatments for early hepatocellular carcinoma. Our study compares the practicability and medium-term therapeutic efficacy between them. METHODS: Patients with early HCC treated by MWA or RH from 2013 to 2019 were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of treatment weight (IPTW) were used to minimize baseline imbalance. Operation trauma, postoperative recovery, complications, cost and oncological efficacy were compared. RESULTS: 401 patients with a median follow-up of 28 months were included (MWA n = 240; RH n = 161). After PSM, 3-year recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of MWA group and RH group were 52.2% vs 65.8%, 91.5% vs 91.3% and 91.5% vs 91.3%, respectively. OS and CSS were comparable (p = 0.44 and 0.96), while RFS of MWA was slightly lower but not significant (p = 0.097). The above results after IPTW followed the same trend. After PSM, MWA showed advantages in operation time and blood loss, while RH performed better in postoperative liver function. There was no significant difference in incidence of severe complications between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: For early HCC parents, both treatments can achieve good, safe and comparable medium-term therapeutic effects. MWA is more minimally invasive, while RH has better accuracy and causes less damage to liver parenchyma.

Recurrence and survival after curative-intent treatment for colorectal liver metastases: Implications for adjuvant liver-directed regional chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates tumor recurrence patterns and their effect on postrecurrence survival following curative-intent treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) to identify those who stand to benefit the most from adjuvant liver-directed therapy. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of all patients that underwent liver resection and/or ablation for CRLM between 2007 and 2019. Postrecurrence survival was compared between recurrence locations. Risk factors for liver recurrence were sought. RESULTS: The study included 227 patients. Majority were treated with resection (71.0%) while combination resection/ablation (18.9%) and ablation alone (11.0%), were less common. At a median follow-up of 3.0 years, recurrence was observed in 151 (66.5%) patients. Of those, liver, lung, and peritoneal recurrence were most common at 66.9%, 49.6%, and 9.2%, respectively. Median postrecurrence survival after liver, lung, and multisite recurrence was 39.6-, 68.4-, and 33.6 months, respectively. High tumor grade (p < 0.014), perineural invasion (p = 0.002), and N0 node status (p = 0.017) of primary tumor correlated with liver recurrence on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor grade, perineural invasion, and N0 node status of the primary tumor are associated with increased risk of liver recurrence after CRLM resection and represent a target population that may benefit the most from adjuvant liver-directed regional chemotherapy.

Impact of Metformin Use on Survival in Patients Undergoing Liver Resection for Colorectal Cancer Metastases.

INTRODUCTION: Resection of colorectal liver metastases provides the best chance for survival in patients with Stage IV colorectal cancer; however, hepatic recurrence is frequent and the main cause of death. Multiple epidemiological studies have documented an association between metformin and anti-neoplastic effects in a variety of cancers. Given the vast literature, we evaluated the incidence on recurrence and survival of patients on metformin who undergo surgery for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). METHODS: We selected 270 consecutive patients with known CRLM who underwent hepatic metastases resection at our institution between January 1st 2012 and December 31st 2019. Patients were divided based on their use of metformin (n = 62) or no metformin (n = 208). Adjusted analysis of recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) was performed. RESULTS: Patients on metformin had significantly longer RFS (HR: .44, 95% CI: .26-.75, P < .002; Median RFS: 49 months vs 33 months) and OS (HR .60, 95% CI .31-.97, P < .048, Median OS: 72 months vs 60 months). Additional factors associated with shorter RFS on univariate analysis included the following: CEA > 200 ng/ml (HR: 2.23, 95% CI 1.21-4.03, P < .010), positive liver margin (HR: 3.70, 95% CI 2.27-6.03, P < .001), and >1 tumor (HR: 1.98, 95% CI 1.26-3.09, P < .003). Liver margin remained a significant factor for predicting shorter OS (HR: 4.99, 95% CI 2.49-10.0, P < .001). CONCLUSION: In this study, we found that patients with CRLM on metformin have prolonged RFS and OS postliver resection. Further prospective randomized trials need to be carried out to evaluate the anti-neoplastic effect of metformin in diabetic and non-diabetic cancer patients.

Significance of Radiofrequency Ablation for Unresectable Colorectal Cancer With Liver Metastases.

BACKGROUND/AIM: We aimed to investigate the prognosis of patients who received radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for liver metastases of unresectable colorectal cancer (CRC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively compared 147 patients treated for CRC liver metastases, who underwent RFA (n=26), resection (n=92), and chemotherapy (n=29) between 2001 and 2021. RESULTS: RFA and chemotherapy were performed for unresectable or non-operable cases, and resection was performed for suitable cases. The median overall survival (OS) was 44.9, 49.5, and 11.6 months for patients who underwent RFA, resection, and chemotherapy, respectively. RFA led to a significantly shorter OS compared to resection (p=0.027) but to a longer OS compared to chemotherapy (p=0.003). The 5-year survival rates were 34.6% and 42.4% for patients who underwent RFA and resection, respectively (p=0.508). CONCLUSION: RFA has the potential to achieve long-term survival or radical cure, even for unresectable or non-operable cases of CRC with liver metastasis.

Impact of Intraoperative Blood Loss and Blood Transfusion on the Prognosis of Colorectal Liver Metastasis Following Curative Resection.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The identification of risk factors for recurrence after resection of colorectal liver metastasis is necessary in order to establish a more effective treatment strategy. In addition to well-known prognostic factors, such as the tumor diameter and number of metastatic tumors, a large amount of intraoperative blood loss (IBL) and blood transfusion have recently been reported to be associated with shorter long-term survival. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of IBL and blood transfusion on the prognosis of colorectal liver metastasis after curative resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 104 patients who underwent R0 resection for colorectal liver metastasis were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: The high-IBL (>300 ml) group had significantly shorter relapse-free survival after hepatic resection in comparison to the low-IBL (≤300 ml) group (p=0.0025). Patients with blood transfusion had significantly shorter relapse-free survival after hepatic resection in comparison to patients without blood transfusion (p=0.0026). CONCLUSION: A large amount of IBL and blood transfusion may have a negative impact on long-term survival in patients who undergo hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastasis.

Impact of Sarcopenia as a Prognostic Factor on Reductive Hepatectomy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Sarcopenia has been reported to be a significant prognostic factor in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in recent years. This study aimed to clarify the prognostic significance of sarcopenia in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with reductive hepatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 93 patients who underwent reductive hepatectomy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. RESULTS: Median survival time of the sarcopenia group (16.4 months) was significantly shorter than that of the non-sarcopenia group (20.4 months). The overall survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years of the sarcopenia group were significantly lower than those of the non-sarcopenia group (57.9%, 8.6%, and 2.9% vs. 67.3%, 29.2%, and 15.7%, respectively; p=0.035). On multivariate analysis, sarcopenia was a significant risk factor of overall survival (hazard ratio=1.60, 95% confidence interval=1.00-2.56, p=0.049). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia was a significant prognostic factor of survival after reductive hepatectomy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.