Radially Pedicled In-Situ Split-Thickness Skin Grafts, an Alternative to Distal Split-Thickness Skin Grafts.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to introduce a novel radially pedicled in-situ split-thickness skin graft (STSG). The morbidity, esthetic, and functional outcomes of the radially pedicled in-situ STSG were in comparison with those of the distal STSG. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: A single-institution review. METHODS: Seventy patients with oral cancer who underwent radical surgical resection and simultaneous radial forearm free flap (RFFF) reconstruction from July 2021 to March 2022 were included. De-epithelialized RFFFs and traditional RFFFs were used to repair oral defects of 35 patients in Group A and Group B, respectively, while radially pedicled in-situ STSGs and distal STSGs taken from abdomens were used to repair donor site defects in the above groups, respectively. Patient demographics, wound healing complications, and esthetic and functional outcomes of the forearms were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: No significant difference between Group A and Group B was observed in terms of donor site and recipient site complications. The esthetic outcome was superior in Group A compared to Group B (P = .011). The extension range, sensation, and pinch strength of operated forearms were significantly reduced in both groups after surgery (P < .05), however, intergroup differences were not observed. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results suggest that radially pedicled in-situ STSG is an applicable technique for direct closure and better esthetic outcomes in the forearm donor site.

Revisión histórico - narrativa del ALPPS / ALPPS: a historical review

RESUMEN Las resecciones hepáticas en dos tiempos se desarrollaron para aumentar la resecabilidad de los tumo res hepáticos en pacientes con futuro remanente hepático insuficiente. El ALPPS, descripto en 2011, ha representado un gran avance en el mundo de la cirugía hepatobiliopancreática. Esta técnica acelera la hipertrofia del futuro remanente hepático y reduce el intervalo de tiempo entre las dos cirugías en comparación con las técnicas clásicas. El ALPPS ha ganado popularidad rápidamente, con más de 1200 pacientes incluidos en el registro mundial. Los comités internacionales de expertos se han reunido en dos ocasiones con el fin de emitir recomendaciones, principalmente sobre las indicaciones, selección de pacientes y estandarización de la técnica quirúrgica. Aunque ha demostrado ser superior en términos de resecabilidad (entre el 80-100% frente al 60-90% de la hepatectomía en dos tiempos), su rápida implementación ha sido penalizada con alta morbi mortalidad en las series publicadas, que llega a alcanzar el 40% y el 9%, respectivamente. Además, la evidencia actual sobre los posibles beneficios y desventajas se basa mayoritariamente en estudios observacionales. Presentamos una revisión histórica, describiendo las diferentes modificaciones técnicas que se han lle vado a cabo desde su inicio y realizando una revisión rigurosa en términos de morbilidad, mortalidad y resultados oncológicos.

ABSTRACT Two-stage liver resections were described to increase the resectability of liver tumors in patients with insufficient future liver remnant. The ALPPS procedure, described in 2011, has represented a breakthrough in the field of hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery. This technique accelerates the hypertrophy of the future liver remnant and reduces the interval between the two surgeries compared with previous techniques. ALPPS has gained popularity rapidly, with more than 1200 patients included in the world registry. Recommendations about indications, patient selection and surgical standardization have been discussed twice in international expert meetings. Although ALPPS has proven to be superior in terms of resectability (80-100% versus 60-90% of two-stage hepatectomy), its rapid implementation has been punished with high morbidity and mortality reaching up to 40% and 9%, respectively, in the published series. The current evidence on the possible benefits and disadvantages is mainly based on observational studies. We present a historical review, describing the different technical modifications that have been carried out since its description, with a rigorous review in terms of morbidity, mortality, and oncological outcomes.

Totally laparoscopic anatomic S7 segmentectomy using in situ split along the right intersectoral and intersegmental planes.

BACKGROUND: The traditional open or laparoscopic segmentectomy of liver segment 7 (S7) requires exposing and controlling the root of the right hepatic vein(RHV)after full mobilization and lifting up of the right liver before liver transection. This approach violates the "no-touch" principle for malignant tumors, and makes laparoscopic resection technically challenging. So reports on isolated totally laparoscopic anatomic S7 segmentectomy have rarely been reported. This study describes our experience in laparoscopic anatomic S7 segmentectomy using in situ split along the right intersectoral and intersegmental planes of the liver. To our knowledge, this is the first description of this novel approach. METHODS: From September 2017 to May 2019, patients who underwent laparoscopic anatomic S7 segmentectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma at the HPB Surgery Department, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital entered into this retrospective study. This in situ split approach was designed using main vessels as the plane markers of right intersectoral and intersegmental planes, along which liver transection was carried out. There was no need to mobilize the right liver and control the root of RHV. RESULTS: There were 9 women and 15 men. The average diameter of the tumors on preoperative CT/MR was 3.4 cm (range 2-6 cm). All the procedures were successfully carried out laparoscopically. There was no perioperative death. The average operative time was 216.5 min (range 180-310 min). The average blood loss was 320 ml (range 120-620 ml). Pathological study showed all the operations to be R0 resections. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic anatomic S7 segmentectomy using the in situ split approach resulted in R0 liver resection in all our patients with primary liver cancer. The operation was technically feasible and it provided a better view and increased maneuverability in the cramped operative space compared with the traditional open/laparoscopic approach. The approach also better complies with the "no-touch" principle for malignant tumors. Its long-term oncological outcomes require further studies.

In situ split plus portal vein ligation (ISLT) - a salvage procedure following inefficient portal vein embolization to gain adequate future liver remnant volume prior to extended liver resection.

BACKGROUND: Right extended liver resection is frequently required to achieve tumor-free margins. Portal venous embolization (PVE) of the prospective resected hepatic segments for conditioning segments II/III does not always induce adequate hypertrophy in segments II and III (future liver remnant volume (FLRV)) for extended right-resection. Here, we present the technique of in situ split dissection along segments II/III plus portal disruption to segments IV-VIII (ISLT) as a salvage procedure to overcome inadequate gain of FLRV after PVE. METHODS: In eight patients, FLRV was further pre-conditioned following failed PVE prior to hepatectomy (ISLT-group). We compared FLRV changes in the ISLT group with patients receiving extended right hepatectomy following sufficient PVE (PVEres-group). Survival of the ISLT-group was compared to PVEres patients and PVE patients with insufficient FLRV gain or tumor progress who did not receive further surgery (PVEnores-group). RESULTS: Patient characteristics and surgical outcome were comparable in both groups. The mean FLRV-to-body-weight ratio in the ISLT group was smaller than in the PVEres-group pre- and post-PVE. One intraoperative mortality due to a coronary infarction was observed for an ISLT patient. ISLT was successfully completed in the remaining seven ISLT patients. Liver function and 2-year survival of ~ 50% was comparable to patients with extended right hepatectomy after efficient PVE. Patients who received a PVE but who were not subsequently resected (PVEnores) demonstrated no survival beyond 4 months. CONCLUSION: Despite extended embolization of segments I and IV-VIII, ISLT should be considered if hypertrophy was not adequate. Liver function and overall survival after ISLT was comparable to patients with trisectionectomy after efficient PVE.

In-situ split liver transplantation for pediatric recipient: a single-center experience / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of in-situ split liver transplantation (ISSLT) in children.Methods From June 2015 to August 2018,10 liver grafts from DBD were split in-situ.All the donors were male,and the median age of the donors was 28.5 year old (18-48 year).One left half graft and 9 left lateral lobe grafts (including 2 reduced size grafts) were transplanted to 10 pediatric recipients.Four grafts were transplanted in our center,and the rest 6 grafts were shared to other two transplant center.The primary diseases of the recipients included biliary atresia (8/10),hepatic sinus obstruction syndrome (1/10) and Alagille syndrome (1/10).The median age of the recipients was 10 month (7 month-11 year),and the mean body weight was 9.8 ± 6.6 kg (5-28 kg).Results All liver grafts were split in-situ.The mean split time of liver grafts was 88.5 ± 18.9 min.The mean weight of split grafts was 336.7-± 85.4 g.All recipients were subjected to piggyback liver transplantation.Operation time was 542.5 ± 112.1 min.Anhepatic time was 52.0 ±-13.5 min.GRWR was (3.98 ±0.96)％.GRWR of two cases was more than 5％,so segment Ⅲ was partially reduced.During the follow-up period,9 cases were alive and 1 case died due to multiple organ failure 1 day after liver transplantation.Conclusions ISSLT can enlarge the graft pool for children and achieve good results.

Split liver transplantation: Current developments.

In 1988, Rudolf Pichlmayr pioneered split liver transplantation (SLT), enabling the transplantation of one donor liver into two recipients - one pediatric and one adult patient. In the same year, Henri Bismuth and colleagues performed the first full right/full left split procedure with two adult recipients. Both splitting techniques were rapidly adopted within the transplant community. However, a SLT is technically demanding, may cause increased perioperative complications, and may potentially transform an excellent deceased donor organ into two marginal quality grafts. Thus, crucial evaluation of donor organs suitable for splitting and careful screening of potential SLT recipients is warranted. Furthermore, the logistic background of the splitting procedure as well as the organ allocation policy must be adapted to further increase the number and the safety of SLT. Under defined circumstances, in selected patients and at experienced transplant centers, SLT outcomes can be similar to those obtained in full organ LT. Thus, SLT is an important tool to reduce the donor organ shortage and waitlist mortality, especially for pediatric patients and small adults. The present review gives an overview of technical aspects, current developments, and clinical outcomes of SLT.

'In-Situ Split' Liver Resection/ALPPS - Historical Development and Current Practice.

BACKGROUND: Liver tumors that are extensive, multifocal, or critically located frequently require advanced techniques of liver resection including '!' - enabling liver resection in certain situations. METHODS: The development of the technique in the first and the subsequent 8 patients in the index center, and also the method's spread throughout Germany and the world were reviewed. RESULTS: In 2007, in the first patient, the new technique was developed intraoperatively by necessity. Due to the convincing outcome, it was deliberately applied again several months later in another patient, and thereafter (sparsely) used for liver resection for various indications. Following oral communication, the method spread throughout Germany, and later - mainly following the publication of the initial multicentric German series - very quickly disseminated worldwide. Currently, it is used for a very (if not overly) broad spectrum of indications by many hepatobiliary surgery centers. CONCLUSION: In-situ split/ALPPS is a newly developed technique for liver resection, which was established for very specific situations. This method has created a hype, and is currently used rather generously by many centers worldwide.

Did the International ALPPS Meeting 2015 Have an Impact on Daily Practice? The Hamburg Barmbek Experience of 58 Cases.

BACKGROUND: ALPPS (associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy) was introduced only 10 years ago and has gained wide acceptance as a variation of staged procedures in liver surgery. It has been criticized for its high morbidity and mortality, which all centers reported in their initial series. METHODS: After a world expert meeting in Hamburg in 2015 where all experts in the field met to discuss this method, caveats were extracted and formulated. We researched our complete prospective ALPPS database to see if the recommendations had any impact on outcome. RESULTS: In total, we performed 58 ALPPS procedures in our center. 33 patients were operated on before, 25 after the meeting. Results in terms of morbidity and mortality were significantly better after the meeting, as were patient selection and strategy. CONCLUSION: In our own center's experience, the implementation of the meetings' recommendations and the information gathered through this valuable exchange had a dramatic impact on results. Having performed 58 ALPPS procedures in total, we can now conclude that ALPPS has become much safer in our hands since the 2015 meeting and that morbidity and mortality are no longer the issue to be discussed. Future research must focus on oncologic outcomes in these patients.

Monitoring of liver function in a 73-year old patient undergoing 'Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Staged hepatectomy': case report applying the novel liver maximum function capacity test.

BACKGROUND: The two-stage liver resection combining in situ liver transection with portal vein ligation, also referred to as ALPPS (Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Staged hepatectomy), has been described as a promising method to increase the resectability of liver tumors. However, one of the most important issues regarding the safety of this procedure is the optimal timing of the second stage at the point of sufficient hypertrophy of the future liver remnant. The recently developed liver maximum function capacity test (LiMAx) can be applied to monitor the liver function postoperatively and hence could be a useful tool for decision-making regarding the timing of the second stage of ALPPS. CASE PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old female patient presented with metachronous colorectal liver metastasis comprising the complete right liver lobe as well as segment IV. Due to an insufficient future liver remnant (19.3 %; segments II and III of the liver) and a low future liver remnant:body weight ratio (0.28 %) the decision was made to perform an ALPPS-procedure in order to avoid development of postoperative small-for-size syndrome. Despite a formally sufficient increase of the FLR to 30.8 % within 7 days after the first step of ALPPS, the liver function was seen to only slowly increase as expressed by a LiMAx value of 245 µg/h/kg (baseline of 282 µg/h/kg prior to surgery). By means of the LiMAx test, sufficient increase of liver function eventually was detected by postoperative day 11 (LiMAx value of 371 µg/h/kg; FLR 35.2 %) so that the second step of ALPPS (completion of hepatectomy) was performed with no signs of liver failure during further clinical course. CONCLUSION: Performing ALPPS we have observed a significant difference between the increase in future liver remnant volume and function applying the LiMAx test. The latter tool thus might proof valuable for application in two-stage liver resection to avoid postoperative small-for-size syndrome.

How we do it: double in situ split for staged mesohepatectomy in patients with advanced gall bladder cancer and marginal future liver remnant.

PURPOSE: Associating liver partition with portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) has increased the rate of liver resections in patients with marginal future liver remnant. We here describe a modified ALPPS procedure with splitting-off the central liver segments for staged mesohepatectomy in patients with advanced gall bladder cancer. METHODS: A double in situ split for ALPPS (DALPPS) is performed with splitting-off the central liver segments (segments 1, 4, 5, and 8). This induces a rapid hypertrophy of the left lateral (segments 2/3) and right posterior sectors (segments 6/7). An intrahepatic right posterior approach during splitting-off the right posterior sector is introduced as a part of this new procedure. This approach facilitates the dissection and ligation of the right anterior branch of the portal vein (segments 5 and 8) while the liver hilum remains untouched during the first step of surgery. RESULTS: Two patients with advanced gall bladder cancer were treated with the DALPPS procedure till date. After a short interval (7-9 days), a rapid hypertrophy of the left lateral and right posterior sector was observed (hypertrophy up to 72.6 and 54.6 %, respectively). A staged mesohepatectomy including caudate lobectomy and resection of the extrahepatic bile duct was then performed safely. There was no surgical-technical morbidity. No signs of posthepatectomy liver failure according to the 50-50 criteria were seen. However, one patient died from severe ARDS attributed to the preoperative chemotherapy. Nevertheless, this complication is deemed to be surgery related. CONCLUSIONS: The DALPPS procedure is a new surgical technique for staged mesohepatectomy for patients with small future liver remnant in size or in function. However, appropriate patient selection is mandatory to avoid morbidity and mortality.

[Contralateral hepatic hypertrophy following unilateral yttrium-90 radioembolization : Implications for liver surgery]. / Kontralaterale Leberhypertrophie nach einseitiger Yttrium-90-Radioembolisation : Implikationen für die Leberchirurgie.

BACKGROUND: Preservation of an adequate future liver remnant (FLR) is the principal limitation to liver surgery in patients with primary or secondary liver malignancies. Hence, methods to increase the volume of the FLR in preparation for liver resection are gaining in importance. OBJECTIVE: In addition to the traditional methods for induction of FLR hypertrophy, such as portal vein embolization (PVE) or portal vein ligation (PVL) with or without parenchymal dissection (ALPPS, in situ split), radioembolization (RE) using yttrium-90 microspheres also leads to a volume increase of non-embolized liver parenchyma. This review outlines its potential role as an alternative procedure for induction of liver hypertrophy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Synopsis and critical discussion of the available literature on the mechanisms of induction of liver hypertrophy, the advantages and drawbacks of the traditional methods, and current research on volume changes associated with RE as well as their implications for possible clinical use in preparation for liver surgery. RESULTS: Both PVE and PVL can achieve a substantial contralateral volume gain of up to 70 %. The development of contralateral hypertrophy can be accelerated by dissecting the liver parenchyma along the intended plane of resection in addition to PVL (in situ split). Compared to these methods, RE achieves less contralateral liver hypertrophy; however, this effect should not be disregarded as RE provides effective treatment of ipsilateral liver tumors along with induction of hypertrophy and may be associated with a reduced risk of tumor progression compared to PVE and PVL. CONCLUSION: The available data suggest that RE can complement the armamentarium of methods for induction of FLR hypertrophy in specific situations. Further studies are needed to establish its definitive role for this indication and are in preparation.

Present status and future perspectives of ALPPS (associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy).

First International Consensus Meeting, Hamburg, Germany, 27-28 February 2015 More than 160 participants took part in the conference for 2 days. A total of 58 world renown experts on ALPPS (associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy) were invited from all over the world. The faculty was divided into many different subgroups that were in contact during the 2-3 months before the conference analyzing all the most important aspects of this technique and summarizing it in a common structured work to be presented during the congress, giving final recommendations in the form of bulleted point statements. The aim was to gain a solid basis of preliminary agreement on many controversial aspects of ALPPS. A poster area was also organized with 35 posters reporting mostly mono-institutional experiences on single aspects of the technique from all five continents.

ALPPS: challenging the concept of unresectability--a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic resection for malignancy is limited by the amount of liver parenchyma left behind. As a result, two-staged hepatectomy and portal vein occlusion (PVO) have become part of the treatment algorithm. Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) has been recently described as a method to stimulate rapid and profound hypertrophy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of the literature pertaining to ALPPS was undertaken. Peer-reviewed articles relating to portal vein ligation (PVL) and in situ split (ISS) of the parenchyma were included. RESULTS: To date, ALPPS has been employed for a variety of primary and metastatic liver tumors. In early case series, the perioperative morbidity and mortality was unacceptably high. However with careful patient selection and improved technique, many centers have reported a 0% 90-day mortality. The benefits of ALPPS include hypertrophy of 61-93% over a median 9-14 days, 95-100% completion of the second stage, and high likelihood of R0 resection (86-100%). DISCUSSION: ALPPS is only indicated when a two-stage hepatectomy is necessary and the future liver remnant (FLR) is deemed inadequate (<30%). Use in patients with poor functional status, or advanced age (>70 years) is cautioned. Discretion should be used when considering this in patients with pathology other than colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), especially hilar tumors requiring biliary reconstruction. Biliary ligation during the first stage and routine lymphadenectomy of the hepatoduodenal ligament should be avoided. CONCLUSIONS: A consensus on the indications and contraindications for ALPPS and a standardized operative protocol are needed.

Little girl who conquered the "ALPPS''.

An insufficient future liver remnant (FLR) is associated with post-hepatectomy liver failure. Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for stage hepatectomy (ALPPS) has been shown to be effective for the induction of rapid FLR hypertrophy so as to improve the resectability in patients with insufficient FLR. We hereby report our experience of this novel approach for a 6-year-old patient with hepatoblastoma. Computed tomography showed a hepatoblastoma measuring 12.5 cm × 9.9 cm × 11.7 cm in the right liver (Couinaud segment IV, V and VIII). Volumetric assessment of the FLR i.e., left lateral section was 112.6 mL i.e., 21.2% of the estimated total liver volume. In view of the small-for-size FLR, ALPPS was contemplated. An anterior approach was adopted for the in-situ parenchymal split without mobilisation of the right liver. FLR volumetry on the seventh postoperative day was 160.7 mL, which represented a 46.1% gain in volume, and a FLR/ESLV ratio of 30.2%. A right trisectionectomy was performed on the eighth postoperative day. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. Patient was discharged on day 16 after the first operation. To our knowledge, this was the first report that showed the applicability of ALPPS to a paediatric patient.

ALPPS and similar resection procedures in treating extensive hepatic metastases: our own experiences and critical discussion.

BACKGROUND: The combination of right sided portal vein ligation and hepatic parenchymal transection thus inducing a hypertrophy of the left or left lateral sector is an innovative treatment option in treating locally advanced hepatic tumors or hepatic metastases. The available published data regarding this procedure is weak. We analyzed our own data regarding tumor recurrence and complications. The data was then used to be critically analyzed using the available published literature. METHODS: We treated n = 5 patients with an ALPPS (associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy). The follow-up was 3 years. We analyzed the perioperative period, complications, mortality and oncological survival rate. RESULTS: In all patients (n = 5) a R0-resection was achieved. N = 1 patient died postoperatively. N = 1 patient died 6 month later due to a pulmonary embolism. N = 3 patients had a tumor recurrence within 6 months. CONCLUSION: Selected patients can be successfully treated by ALPPS in terms of an R0-resection. However, risk of tumor recurrence and rate of complications are high.

Current position of ALPPS in the surgical landscape of CRLM treatment proposals.

The Authors summarize problems, criticisms but also advantages and indications regarding the recent surgical proposal of associating liver partition and portal vein ligation (PVL) for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) for the surgical management of colorectal liver metastases. Looking at published data, the technique, when compared with other traditional and well established methods such as PVL/portal vein embolisation (PVE), seems to give real advantages in terms of volumetric gain of future liver remnant. However, major concerns are raised in the literature and some questions remain unanswered, preliminary experiences seem to be promising. The method has been adopted all over the world over the last 2 years, even if oncological long-term results remain unknown, and benefit for patients is questionable. No prospective studies comparing traditional methods (PVE, PVL or classical 2 staged hepatectomy) with ALPPS are available to date. Technical reinterpretations of the original method were also proposed in order to enhance feasability and increase safety of the technique. More data about morbidity and mortality are also expected. The real role of ALPPS is, to date, still to be established. Large clinical studies, even if, for ethical reasons, in well selected cohorts of patients, are expected to better define the indications for this new surgical strategy.

Allogenic split liver transplantation in pigs / 한국간담췌외과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The shortage of cadaveric liver donor is particularly critical for children. Split liver transplantation, not only overcomes the drawbacks of reduced size grafts and living donor transplantation for children but also increases the total number of donor organs. The purpose of this study is to examine the technical feasibility of split liver transplantation in pig. METHODS: Nine pigs(3 donors and 6 recipients weighing 19-33Kg) were used. In donor pigs, the liver was divided between right medial lobe and left medial lobe without inflow occlusion under general anesthesia. Left liver was harvested first and then right liver was harvested as usual manner. One recipient pig underwent left lobectomy and left graft were transplanted orthotopically (auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation(APOLT)). For right graft, conventional orthotopic liver transplantation were done. Veno-venous bypass was not performed. Instead, superior and inferior mesenteric arteries were clamped temporarily. RESULT: There was no anhepatic time when using left graft. Cold ischemic time were 2hr 35min, 1hr 21min, and 1hr 5min, respectively. When using right graft, anhepatic time was 72min, 54min, and 49min, respectively. Cold ischemic time was 5hr 17min, 6hr 32min, and 4hr 18min, respectively. Biochemical laboratory data(WBC, hemoglobin, platelet, ALT/AST, LDH, prothrombin time) after reperfusion 1 hour showed good graft function in all transplant pigs and were better in the recipient pigs taking left graft than right graft. Histologic findings at 4 hours after reperfusion show normal appearance except mild ischemic change around central vein. All transplant pigs survived over 24 hours without any major complication. CONCLUSION: APOLT for left graft and conventional liver transplantation for right graft without venovenous bypass were successful in pig. In situ split liver transplantation in pig is technically feasible procedure and this model is suitable for future studies of split liver transplantation.