Risk factors for remnant gastric cancer after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a retrospective database review.

Background: The number of patients with remnant gastric cancer (RGC) following gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC) is increasing due to the increasing number of patients undergoing function-preserving gastrectomy and improved outcomes for patients with GC. A few studies involving a small number of cases reported male sex, old age, differentiated type, tumor depth and synchronous multiple GC were associated with RGC development. However, the risk factors for RGC development had not been fully understood. This study aimed to examine the clinicopathological features, followed up patients with GC after they underwent distal gastrectomy (DG), and evaluated the potential risk factors for RGC development. Methods: A retrospective database review of 438 patients who underwent DG for GC at a single institution, from 2006 to 2017, was conducted. We investigated the relationship of clinicopathological features, operative findings, and postoperative course with RGC development was estimated using Cox proportional hazard analysis. The cumulative incidences of RGC were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: We retrospectively analyzed 405 cases. The median patient age was 69 years, and the patient cohort consisted of 263 men and 142 women. The Billroth-I reconstruction method was used in 204 cases, Billroth-II method was used in 3 cases, and Roux-en Y method was used in 198 cases. RGC was diagnosed in 11 of the 405 patients. The median follow-up period was 5 years. The cumulative incidences of RGC calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method were 3.0%, 4.1%, and 10.5% at 5, 10, and 15 years after DG, respectively. During the initial surgery, differentiated type was significantly associated with RGC development [hazard ratio (HR): 4.71, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-21.80, P=0.05]. Male sex (HR: 2.97, 95% CI: 0.64-13.75, P=0.16), old age (≥70 years) (HR: 2.72, 95% CI: 0.78-9.47, P=0.11), and synchronous multiple GC (HR: 1.31, 95% CI: 0.28-6.08, P=0.73) were not associated with RGC development. Conclusions: Patients who have undergone DG for differentiated type GC were statistically significantly associated with developing RGC. Intensive endoscopic surveillance would be needed for the patients who underwent DG for differentiated type GC.

Balance of antiperitoneal adhesion, hemostasis, and operability of compressed bilayer ultrapure alginate sponges.

In surgery, both antiperitoneal adhesion barriers and hemostats with high efficiency and excellent handling are necessary. However, antiadhesion and hemostasis have been examined separately. In this study, six different ultrapure alginate bilayer sponges with thicknesses of 10, 50, 100, 200, 300, and 500 µm were fabricated via lyophilization and subsequent mechanical compression. Compression significantly enhanced mechanical strength and improved handling. Furthermore, it had a complex effect on dissolution time and contact angle. Therefore, the 100 µm compressed sponge showed the highest hemostatic activity in the liver bleeding model in mice, whereas the 200 µm sponge demonstrated the highest antiadhesion efficacy among the compressed sponges in a Pean crush hepatectomy-induced adhesion model in rats. For the first time, we systematically evaluated the effect of sponge compression on foldability, fluid absorption, mechanical strength, hemostatic effect, and antiadhesion properties. The optimum thickness of an alginate bilayer sponge by compression balances antiperitoneal adhesion and hemostasis simultaneously.

Hepatectomy with Perioperative Chemotherapy for Multiple Colorectal Liver Metastases is the Available Option for Prolonged Survival.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic resection combined with perioperative chemotherapy is the standard of care for patients with multiple colorectal liver metastases (CLMs). However, the optimal surgical strategy for treating advanced CLMs remains unclear. The role of the two-stage hepatectomy (TSH) strategy in the management of multiple CLMs remains challenging. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of one-step hepatectomy (OSH)-treated and TSH-treated patients with multiple CLMs. METHODS: This single-institution study included 742 consecutive patients who underwent initial liver resection for histologically confirmed CLMs. The study enrolled patients with 10 or more tumors (n = 106). Clinicopathologic characteristics and long-term outcomes were compared between patients who underwent OSH and those who underwent TSH for 10 or more CLMs. RESULTS: The study planned OSH for 67 patients (63%) and TSH for 39 patients (37%). One of the OSH-planned patients and two of the TSH-planned patients underwent a trial laparotomy because of non-curative factors. Five patients (13%) did not progress to the second stage of TSH. In the entire cohort, the cumulative 3-year overall survival rate was 58.4% for the patients who had 10 or more CLMs treated with OSH compared with 61.1% for the patients treated with TSH (P = 0.746). In the curative resection cohort, the cumulative 1-year recurrence-free survival rate was 18.2% for the patients treated with OSH and 17.9% for the patients treated with TSH (P = 0.640). CONCLUSIONS: Hepatectomy with perioperative chemotherapy for advanced CLMs with 10 or more tumors is feasible and effective. To prolong survival, TSH is a promising option when curative resection with OSH is impossible.

Anatomic Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Prognostic Impact Assessed from Recurrence Treatment.

BACKGROUND: The oncologic advantage of anatomic resection (AR) for primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical advantages of AR for primary HCC by using propensity score-matching and by assessing treatment strategies for recurrence after surgery. METHODS: The study reviewed data of patients who underwent AR or non-anatomic resection (NAR) for solitary HCC (≤ 5 cm) in two institutions between 2004 and 2017. Surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups in a propensity score-adjusted cohort. The time-to-interventional failure (TIF), defined as the elapsed time from resection to unresectable/unablatable recurrence, also was evaluated. RESULTS: The inclusion criteria were met by 250 patients: 77 patients (31%) with AR and 173 patients (69%) with NAR. In the propensity score-matched populations (AR, 67; NAR, 67), the 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) for AR was better than for NAR (62% vs 35%; P = 0.005). No differences, however, were found in the 5-year overall survival between the two groups (72% vs 78%; P = 0.666). The 5-year TIF rates for the NAR group (60%) also were similar to those for the AR group (66%) (P = 0.413). In the cohort of 67 patients, curative repeat resection or ablation therapy was performed more frequently for the NAR patients (42%) than for the AR patients (10%) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: For solitary HCC, AR decreases recurrence after the initial hepatectomy. However, aggressive curative-intent interventions for recurrence compensate for the impaired RFS, even for patients undergoing NAR.

Association between age and short-term outcomes of gastroenterological surgeries in older patients: an analysis using the National Clinical Database in Japan.

PURPOSE: The association between advanced age and postoperative morbidity and mortality after major gastroenterological surgeries remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the association between old age and the short-term postoperative outcomes of gastroenterological surgeries. METHODS: We evaluated 327,642 patients who underwent any of the seven major gastroenterological surgeries-esophagectomy, total gastrectomy, distal gastrectomy, right hemicolectomy, low anterior resection, hepatectomy, and pancreatoduodenectomy-and were registered with the Japanese national surgical registry between January 2011 and December 2013. Perioperative characteristics, frequency/nature of postoperative morbidities, and postoperative mortality were compared according to age at the time of surgery. RESULTS: Overall, 18% (59,182/327,642) of the entire cohort were aged ≥ 80 years. The overall mortality rates in the entire cohort and in those aged ≥ 80 years were 1.7% and 3.3%, respectively. The postoperative mortality increased with increasing age for all procedures, with the trend persisting even after adjusting for various confounding factors. The incidence of postoperative pneumonia increased with increasing age, and with all procedures, except esophagectomy, subjects aged ≥ 80 years had a markedly higher risk of developing postoperative pneumonia than those aged < 60 years. CONCLUSION: Advanced age is associated with significantly worse short-term outcomes in older patients undergoing gastroenterological surgeries. However, we could not identify any distinct cutoff age beyond which major gastroenterological surgery could be considered as being contraindicated. The mortality risk should be carefully considered before recommending major gastroenterological surgeries for older patients.

Hepatic resection for breast cancer liver metastases: Impact of intrinsic subtypes.

INTRODUCTION: The role of surgery for breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM) remains controversial. This study aimed to analyze survival in patients treated with hepatectomy plus systemic therapy or systemic therapy alone for BCLM and to determine selection factors to guide surgical therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent hepatectomy plus systemic therapy (n = 136) and systemic therapy alone for isolated BCLM (n = 763) were compared. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed after propensity score matching. Intrinsic subtypes were defined as: luminal A (estrogen receptor [ER]+ and/or progesterone receptor positive [PR]+, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2]-), luminal B (ER and/or PR+, HER2+), HER2-enriched (ER and PR-, HER2+), and basal-like (ER, PR, HER2-). RESULTS: After hepatectomy, independent predictors of poor OS were number and size of liver metastases, and intrinsic subtype (hazard ratios, 1.11, 1.16, and 4.28, respectively). Median OS was 75 and 81 months among patients with luminal B and HER2-enriched subtypes, compared with 17 and 53 months among patients with basal-like and luminal A subtypes (P < .001). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 60 months with the HER2-enriched subtype, compared with 17, 16, and 5 months with luminal A, luminal B, and basal-like subtypes, respectively (P < .001). After propensity score matching, 5-year OS rates were 56% vs. 40% in the surgery vs. systemic therapy alone groups (P = .018). CONCLUSION: Surgical resection of BCLM yielded higher OS compared with systemic therapy alone and prolonged PFS among patients with the HER2-enriched subtype. These findings support the use of surgical therapy in appropriately selected patients, based on intrinsic subtypes.

Comprehensive Complication Index Validates Improved Outcomes Over Time Despite Increased Complexity in 3707 Consecutive Hepatectomies.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate trends over time in perioperative outcomes for patients undergoing hepatectomy. BACKGROUND: As perioperative care and surgical technique for hepatectomy have improved, the indications for and complexity of liver resections have evolved. However, the resulting effect on the short-term outcomes over time has not been well described. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing hepatectomy during 1998 to 2015 at 1 institution were analyzed. Perioperative outcomes, including the comprehensive complication index (CCI), were compared between patients who underwent hepatectomy in the eras 1998 to 2003, 2004 to 2009, and 2010 to 2015. RESULTS: The study included 3707 hepatic resections. The number of hepatectomies increased in each era (794 in 1998 to 2003, 1402 in 2004 to 2009, and 1511 in 2010 to 2015). Technical complexity increased over time as evidenced by increases in the rates of major hepatectomy (20%, 23%, 30%, P < 0.0001), 2-stage hepatectomy (0%, 3%, 4%, P < 0.001), need for portal vein embolization (5%, 9%, 9%, P = 0.001), preoperative chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases (70%, 82%, 89%, P < 0.001) and median operative time (180, 175, 225 minutes, P < 0.001). Significant decreases over time were observed in median blood loss (300, 250, 200 mL, P < 0.001), transfusion rate (19%, 15%, 5%, P < 0.001), median length of hospitalization (7, 7, 6 days, P < 0.001), rates of CCI ≥26.2 (20%, 22%, 16%, P < 0.001) and 90-day mortality (3.1%, 2.6%, 1.3%, P < 0.01). On multivariable analysis, hepatectomy in the most recent era 2010 to 2015 was associated with a lower incidence of CCI ≥26.2 (odds ratio 0.7, 95% confidence interval 0.6-0.8, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Despite increases in complexity over an 18-year period, continued improvements in surgical technique and perioperative outcomes yielded a resultant decrease in CCI in the most current era.

The Prevention of Hepatectomy-Induced Adhesions by Bilayer Sponge Composed of Ultrapure Alginate.

BACKGROUND: Adhesion formation is a critical issue in surgery, particularly in hepatectomy. The present study aimed to develop a bilayer adhesion barrier comprising alginate (Alg) of different molecular weight (Mw). It was expected that a slowly dissolving layer remains on the cut surface, functioning as a physical barrier, whereas a rapidly dissolving layer widely distributes in the peritoneal cavity to prevent de novo adhesions. METHODS: Bilayer Alg sponges were fabricated using low Mw Alg for the upper layer and high Mw Alg for the bottom layer. The dissolution behavior of each layer was evaluated in vitro in peritoneum-like environments. We constructed a Pean crush hepatectomy-induced adhesion model in rats. The effects of the bilayer sponge on cut surface and de novo adhesions were separately evaluated in terms of their extent and grade. RESULTS: The Alg sponge layer with low Mw dissolved faster than that with high Mw in vitro. One week after the hepatectomy, although no significant decrease in adhesion extent on the cut surface was observed in rats that received Seprafilm and Interceed, treatment with Alg bilayer sponge significantly decreased the adhesion extent to 38% of that without treatment. Moreover, a significant decrease in de novo adhesion extent was observed in the Alg bilayer sponge compared with the Interceed group. CONCLUSIONS: The Alg bilayer sponge was effective for preventing both cut surface and de novo adhesions in the rat Pean crush hepatectomy model. The simple yet functional design of the Alg bilayer sponge can facilitate its use in future clinical practice.

RAS Mutation is Associated with Unsalvageable Recurrence Following Hepatectomy for Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases.

BACKGROUND: RAS mutation status predicts survival after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) and survival after repeat hepatectomy for intrahepatic recurrence. This study was aimed at determining the impact of RAS mutation on amenability of recurrence to local therapy and on post-recurrence survival following hepatectomy. METHODS: CRLM patients with recurrence at any location after curative intent hepatectomy during the period 2006-2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Factors associated with recurrence not amenable to local therapy and with post-recurrence survival were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 566 patients with recurrence, 309 (54.6%) underwent chemotherapy only, 189 (33.4%) underwent surgical resection, 47 (8.3%) underwent ablation, and 21 (3.7%) underwent radiation therapy. Median post-recurrence survival was significantly longer in patients with local therapy than in those with chemotherapy only (65.1 vs. 26.5 months, p < 0.0001). RAS mutation (p = 0.01), presence of extrahepatic metastases (p = 0.0006), and positive surgical margin at prior hepatectomy (p = 0.01) were associated with recurrence not amenable to local therapy. RAS mutation [hazard ratio (HR) 1.49, p = 0.0012], disease-free interval < 12 months (HR 1.76, p < 0.0001), recurrence at multiple organs (HR 1.71, p < 0.0001), and recurrence not amenable to local therapy (HR 4.11, p < 0.0001) were independent risk factors for shorter post-recurrence survival. RAS mutation was associated with poor post-recurrence survival in both patients who received local therapy and those who received chemotherapy only. CONCLUSIONS: RAS mutation predicts recurrence not amenable to any local therapy and shorter post-recurrence survival after hepatectomy for CRLM.

Preoperative Fluorouracil, Doxorubicin, and Streptozocin for the Treatment of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Liver Metastases.

INTRODUCTION: While preoperative chemotherapy is frequently utilized before resection of non-neuroendocrine liver metastases, patients with resectable neuroendocrine liver metastases typically undergo surgery first. FAS is a cytotoxic chemotherapy regimen that is associated with substantial response rates in locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. METHODS: All patients who underwent R0/R1 resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine liver metastases at a single institution between 1998 and 2015 were included. The outcomes of patients treated with preoperative FAS were compared with those of patients who were not. RESULTS: Of the 67 patients included, 27 (40.3%) received preoperative FAS, whereas 40 (59.7%) did not. Despite being associated with higher rates of synchronous disease, lymph node metastases, and larger tumor size, patients who received preoperative FAS had similar overall survival [overall survival (OS), 108.2 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 78.0-136.0) vs. 107.0 months (95% CI 78.0-136.0), p = 0.64] and recurrence-free survival [RFS, 25.1 months (95% CI 23.2-27.0) vs. 18.0 months (95% CI 13.8-22.2), p = 0.16] as patients who did not. Among patients who presented with synchronous liver metastases (n = 46), the median OS [97.3 months (95% CI 65.9-128.6) vs. 65.0 months (95% CI 28.1-101.9), p = 0.001] and RFS [24.8 months (95% CI 22.6-26.9) vs. 12.1 months (2.2-22.0), p = 0.003] were significantly greater among patients who received preoperative FAS compared with those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: The use of FAS before liver resection is associated with improved OS compared with surgery alone among patients with advanced synchronous pancreatic neuroendocrine liver metastases.

SMAD4 gene mutation predicts poor prognosis in patients undergoing resection for colorectal liver metastases.

INTRODUCTION: Dorsophilia protein, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (SMAD4) is a key mediator in the transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß signaling pathway and SMAD4 gene mutations are thought to play a critical role in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. However, little is known about its influence on survival in patients undergoing resection for colorectal liver metastases (CLM). METHODS: Between 2005 and 2015, all patients with known SMAD4 mutation status who underwent resection of CLM were identified. Patients with SMAD4 mutation were compared to those with SMAD4 wild type. Next, the prognostic value of SMAD4 mutation was validated in a separate cohort of patients with synchronous stage IV CRC who underwent systemic therapy alone. RESULTS: Of 278 patients, 37 (13%) were SMAD4 mutant while 241 (87%) were wild type. Overall survival (OS) after hepatic resection was worse in SMAD4-mutant patients compared to SMAD4 wild type (OS rate at 3 years, 62% vs. 82%; P < 0.0001). Independent predictors for worse OS were poor differentiation (hazard ratio [HR] 2.586; P = 0.007), multiple tumors (HR 1.970; P = 0.01), diameter greater than 3 cm (HR 1.752; P = 0.017), R1 margin status (HR 2.452; P = 0.014), RAS mutation (HR 2.044; P = 0.002), and SMAD4 mutation (HR 2.773; P < 0.0001). Among 237 patients in the validation cohort, SMAD4-mutations were significantly associated with worse 3-year OS rate (22% vs. 38%; P = 0.012) and was an independent predictor for worse OS (HR, 1.647; P = 0.032). CONCLUSION: SMAD4 mutation is independently associated with worse outcomes among patients undergoing resection of CLM.

Two-Stage Hepatectomy vs One-Stage Major Hepatectomy with Contralateral Resection or Ablation for Advanced Bilobar Colorectal Liver Metastases.

BACKGROUND: Both 2-stage hepatectomy (TSH) and 1-stage hepatectomy (OSH) represent feasible strategies for resection of advanced bilobar colorectal liver metastases (CLM). However, the influence of the surgical approach on postoperative outcomes and overall survival (OS) is unknown. To define the optimal surgical approach for advanced bilobar CLM requiring right hemihepatectomy, we compared short-term and long-term outcomes after TSH and OSH with contralateral resection or radiofrequency ablation (RFA). STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed 227 patients with bilobar CLM, who underwent right or extended right hepatectomy with treatment of synchronous CLM in segments I, II, and/or III, between 1998 and 2015. Postoperative outcomes and OS were compared between patients who underwent TSH and those who underwent OSH. RESULTS: Of the 227 patients, 126 (56%) underwent at least the first stage of TSH, and 101 (44%) underwent OSH, 29 (13%) without RFA and 72 (32%) with RFA. Two-stage hepatectomy was associated with a lower incidence of postoperative major complications (14% vs 26%, p = 0.03) and postoperative hepatic insufficiency (6% vs 20%, p = 0.001) than OSH. The 5-year OS rate was higher for patients assigned to TSH than for those who underwent OSH (35% vs 24%, p = 0.016). Patients who completed both stages of TSH had a higher 5-year OS rate than patients who underwent OSH without RFA (50% vs 20%, p = 0.023) or OSH with RFA (50% vs 24%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with advanced bilobar CLM, TSH is associated with fewer complications than OSH. Both TSH in intention-to-treat analysis and completed TSH in as-treated analysis were associated with better OS than OSH.

Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid/Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Based Bioresorbable Membranes in Reducing Perihepatic Adhesion Formation: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Perihepatic adhesions induced by hepatectomy make the subsequent repeat hepatectomy technically demanding. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of hyaluronic acid/carboxymethyl cellulose-based bioresorbable membrane (HA membrane) in preventing posthepatectomy adhesion formation by focusing on the ease of the adhesiolysis in subsequent hepatectomy for recurrent tumors. METHODS: A total of 201 patients who underwent hepatectomy using HA membrane were prospectively followed-up for 3 years. Thirty of the 201 patients underwent a repeat hepatectomy for recurrence. The operative data of 85 cases of repeat hepatectomy, the primary hepatectomy of which had been performed without the use of HA membrane, served as the historical control data. The primary endpoint was the time interval between the skin incision and the start of hepatic parenchymal transection (the preparation time) including adhesiolysis. Secondary endpoints were blood loss during the operation, incidence of postoperative complications, and the biochemical data. RESULTS: The median preparation time (183 vs. 228 min; p = 0.027) and total operation time (374 vs. 439 min; p = 0.041) were significantly shorter in the HA membrane group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Use of HA membranes during hepatectomy enabled significant shortening of the adhesiolysis time during the sequential hepatectomy performed for recurrent tumors.

Operative and short-term oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic versus open liver resection for colorectal liver metastases located in the posterosuperior liver: a propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic resection (LLR) of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) located in the posterosuperior liver (segments 4a, 7, and 8) is challenging but has become more practical recently due to progress in operative techniques. We aimed to compare tumor-specific, perioperative, and short-term oncological outcomes after LLR and open liver resection (OLR) for CRLM. METHODS: Patients who underwent curative resection of CRLM with at least 1 tumor in the posterosuperior liver during 2012-2015 were analyzed. Tumor-specific factors associated with the adoption of LLR were analyzed by logistic regression model. One-to-one propensity score matching was used to match baseline characteristics between patients with LLR and OLR. RESULTS: The original cohort included 30 patients with LLR and 239 with OLR. Median follow-up time was 23.8 months. Logistic regression analysis showed that multiple, diameter ≥30 mm, deep location, and closeness to major vessels were associated with OLR. None of the 24 patients with none or one of these factors were converted from LLR to OLR. After matching, 29 patients with LLR and 29 with OLR were analyzed. The 2 groups had similar preoperative factors. The LLR and OLR groups did not differ with respect to operative time, intraoperative bleeding, incidence of blood transfusion, surgical margin positivity, incidence of postoperative complications, and unplanned readmission within 45 days. Median length of postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter for LLR versus OLR (4 days [1-12] vs. 5 days [4-18]; p = 0.0003). Median recurrence-free survival was similar for patients who underwent LLR versus OLR (10.6 months for LLR vs. 13.4 months for OLR; p = 0.87). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to OLR, LLR of posterosuperior CRLM is associated with significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay but otherwise similar perioperative and short-term oncological outcomes. Tumor-specific factors associated with safe and routine LLR approach despite challenging location are superficial, solitary, and small (<30 mm) CRLM not associated with major vessels.

Intraoperative real-time tissue elastography during laparoscopic hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Real-time tissue elastography during open hepatectomy facilitates the differential diagnosis of liver tumors by providing information on elasticity. This study investigated the utility of intraoperative real-time tissue elastography (IORTE) during laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH). METHODS: Between 2012 and 2014, IORTE was performed during LH for 21 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), 16 adenocarcinomas and 5 other tumors in 32 patients. The elasticity images were classified into six categories according to the modified criteria on the elasticity type of liver tumors, in which type 1 tumors show more strain than the surrounding liver and type 6 tumors no strain. The concordance of the IORTE findings with those of the pathological examination of the tumors was assessed (The registration no. 1418). RESULTS: Among the 21 HCCs, 20 were classified as "HCC pattern" (type 3, 4, or 5), resulting in a sensitivity of 95.2%, a specificity of 66.7% and an accuracy of 81.0%. Ten out of the 16 adenocarcinomas were classified as "adenocarcinoma pattern" (type 6), resulting in a sensitivity of 62.5%, a specificity of 92.3% and an accuracy of 81.0%. CONCLUSION: IORTE is feasible and provides useful information on the elasticity of liver tumors in LH, in which conventional tumor palpation is difficult.

Pathological diaphragmatic invasion by colorectal liver metastases is associated with RAS mutation, peritoneal recurrence and worse survival.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for pathological diaphragmatic invasion from colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) and differences in recurrence patterns and survival between patients with true pathological diaphragmatic invasion versus inflammatory adhesions only remain poorly understood. This study aimed at identifying risk factors for and survival impact of pathological diaphragmatic invasion in patients with CRLM. METHODS: Patients with CRLM who underwent hepatectomy with or without diaphragmatic resection from 1998 to 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and recurrence patterns were examined according to the presence or absence of pathological invasion. RESULTS: Of 1860 patients, 70 underwent hepatectomy with diaphragmatic resection and 1799 had hepatectomy only. Among the patients with gross diaphragmatic involvement, 15 (21%) had pathological invasion, and 55 (79%) had inflammatory adhesion only. Multiple tumors (p = 0.019) and RAS mutation (p = 0.047) were significantly associated with pathological invasion. Pathological invasion was associated with a higher incidence of peritoneal recurrence (33% vs. 11%, p = 0.041), worse median RFS (6 months vs. 11 months, p = 0.21) and OS (26 months vs. 51 months, p = 0.046) compared to inflammatory adhesion. CONCLUSION: Multiple tumors and RAS mutant were predictors for pathological diaphragmatic invasion, which was associated with a higher incidence of peritoneal recurrence and worse OS.

Liver resection is justified for patients with bilateral multiple colorectal liver metastases: A propensity-score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Increasingly, patients with multiple colorectal liver metastases (CLM) are surgically treated. Some studies have shown that patients with bilobar and unilobar multiple CLM have similar outcomes, but other have shown that patients with bilobar CLM have worse outcomes after resection. We aimed to compare clinical outcomes of surgical treatment of bilobar and unilobar CLM using propensity score matching. METHODS: The single-institution study included patients who underwent hepatectomy for ≥3 histologically confirmed CLM during 1998-2014. Clinicopathologic characteristics and long-term outcomes were compared between patients with bilobar and unilobar CLM in a propensity-score-adjusted cohort. RESULTS: A total of 473 patients met the inclusion criteria, 271 (57%) with bilobar and 202 (43%) with unilobar CLM. In the propensity-score-matched population (bilobar, 170; unilobar, 170), no differences were observed according to the distribution of CLM except for a greater frequency of concomitant ablation, and R1 resection in the bilobar group. There was no difference between the bilobar and unilobar groups in 5-year overall survival rates (46% and 49%, respectively; P = 0.740) or 3-year recurrence-free survival rates (21% and 24%, respectively; P = 0.674). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor distribution may not affect the curability of surgery for multiple CLM. Liver resection would be justified for selected patients with bilobar CLM.

Portal Vein Embolization Reduces Postoperative Hepatic Insufficiency Associated with Postchemotherapy Hepatic Atrophy.

BACKGROUND: The risk of postoperative hepatic insufficiency (PHI) is increased among patients with significant postchemotherapy hepatic atrophy. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether the liver regeneration stimulated by portal vein embolization (PVE) can protect against PHI. METHODS: Clinicopathological features of 177 patients treated with preoperative chemotherapy followed by PVE and hepatectomy were reviewed. Degree of atrophy was defined as the ratio of percentage difference in total liver volume (estimated by manual volumetry) to standardized liver volume. Kinetic growth rate (KGR, degree of hypertrophy [absolute % change in future liver remnant volume] divided by the number of weeks after PVE) and PHI events were compared between patients with degree of atrophy <10 vs ≥10%. Risk factors for the PHI were assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Seventy patients (40%) experienced significant hepatic atrophy ≥10% following preoperative chemotherapy. PHI rates were not significantly increased in patients who experienced significant hepatic atrophy (5.6 vs 8.6%, P = 0.443). KGR <2%/week (odds ratio, 8.10, P = 0.037) was the sole independent preoperative predictor of PHI. KGR ≥2% was associated with decreased PHI in both patients with <10% atrophy (0 vs 9.5%, P = 0.035) and ≥10% atrophy (2.6 vs 16.0%, P = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Even in high-risk patients with ≥10% degree of atrophy from preoperative chemotherapy, KGR ≥2% mitigates the deleterious effects of hepatic atrophy and significantly reduces PHI to almost zero. In these high-risk patients, PVE with KGR calculation remains the most important preoperative technique to reduce liver failure after major hepatectomy.

Long term outcome after resection of liver metastases from squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) liver metastases still remains a difficult challenge and the effectiveness of resection for SCC liver metastases is unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze long-term outcomes of surgically treated patients with SCC liver metastases. METHODS: The clinicopathological characteristics, overall survival (OS), and recurrence free survival (RFS) of all patients with SCC liver metastases resected between 1998 and 2015, were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 28 patients who met inclusion criteria, there were 19 patients with anal cancer metastases (68%), 2 (7%) with cervix cancer metastases, 2 (7%) with tonsil cancer metastases, 2 (7%) with lung cancer metastases, 2 (7%) with primary unknown cancer metastases and 1 (4%) with vulvar cancer metastases. Four (14%) patients underwent major hepatectomy. There were no liver insufficiency cases or 90-day mortality. Cumulative 3- and 5-year OS rates were 52% and 47%. Cumulative 1- and 3-year RFS rates were 50% and 25%. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term outcomes after resection of SCC liver metastases compare favorably with those of colorectal or neuroendocrine liver metastases. Liver resection can be an effective treatment option for SCC liver metastases in appropriately selected patients after systemic therapy.

Salvage liver transplantation or repeat hepatectomy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: An intent-to-treat analysis.

The salvage liver transplantation (LT) strategy was conceived for initially resectable and transplantable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to obviate upfront transplantation, with salvage LT in the case of recurrence. The longterm outcomes of a second resection for recurrent HCC have improved. The aim of this study was to perform an intention-to-treat analysis of overall survival (OS) comparing these 2 strategies for initially resectable and transplantable recurrent HCC. From 1994 to 2011, 391 patients with HCC who underwent salvage LT (n = 77) or a second resection (n = 314) were analyzed. Of 77 patients in the salvage LT group, 21 presented with resectable and transplantable recurrent HCC and 18 underwent transplantation. Of 314 patients in the second resection group, 81 presented with resectable and transplantable recurrent HCC and 81 underwent a second resection. The 5-year intention-to-treat OS rates, calculated from the time of primary hepatectomy, were comparable between the 2 strategies (72% for salvage transplantation versus 77% for second resection; P = 0.57). In patients who completed the salvage LT or second resection procedure, the 5-year OS rates, calculated from the time of the second surgery, were comparable between the 2 strategies (71% versus 71%; P = 0.99). The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 72% following transplantation and 18% following the second resection (P < 0.001). Similar results were observed after propensity score matching. In conclusion, although the 5-year OS rates were similar in the salvage LT and second resection groups, the salvage LT strategy still achieves better DFS. Second resection for recurrent HCC might be considered to be the best alternative option to LT in the current organ shortage. Liver Transplantation 23 1553-1563 2017 AASLD.