Future Liver Remnant Volume Research Articles

Remnant Liver Tumor Growth Activity During Treatment Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Occlusion for Staged Hepatectomy (ALPPS)

BackgroundWe compared tumor growth activity during treatment associating liver partition and portal vein occlusion for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) with that in classical 2-stage hepatectomy. MethodsShort-term outcomes, serial changes in volume of the future liver remnant (FLR), and tumor growth activity during the treatment period were compared between 12 patients treated with ALPPS and 20 patients treated with 2-stage hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases. This study was registered in UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (registration number, UMIN000018622). ResultsThe FLR hypertrophy ratio at 1 week after the first operation was greater in the ALPPS group (1.43 ± 0.24) than the 2-stage group (1.21 ± 0.28, P = 0.043). The mean kinetic growth rate (mKGR) of tumors in the ALPPS group (0.548±7.29 mL/day) did not differ significantly from that in the 2-stage group (−3.53±7.02 mL/day) in the first week after the initial procedure (P = 0.210). However, mKGR between 1 and 3 weeks after the first procedure (1.29±2.34 mL/day) was significantly greater than that in first week after the procedure in the 2-stage group (P = 0.034). ConclusionsALPPS induces a rapid FLR volume increase while avoiding remnant tumor progression.

Two-stage hepatectomy for multiple giant alveolar echinococcosis.

Alveolar echinococcosis is a chronically progressive and potentially fatal disease. Patients with multiple giant alveolar echinococcosis have a poor prognosis when radical resection cannot be achieved, but curative resection can be limited by low future remnant liver volumes. In these cases, 2-stage liver resection may be a better choice: after a first-stage hepatectomy with partial resection, liver regeneration is allowed in the residual liver before proceeding to the second-stage hepatectomy. In this study, we therefore retrospectively reviewed and evaluated the safety and feasibility of two-stage hepatectomy in patients with multiple giant alveolar echinococcosis.We reviewed the data for all patients who underwent 2-stage hepatectomy for multiple giant alveolar echinococcosis between August 2013 and December 2015 at either the West China Hospital of Sichuan University or the Hospital of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.We identified 7 patients in whom 2-stage hepatectomy was completed. During the first-stage hepatectomy, 4 patients underwent right-sided hepatectomy and the other 3 underwent left-sided hepatectomy. The second-stage hepatectomies were successfully performed 3 months after the first-stage procedures. All patients had follow-up durations of >1 year; there were no cases of operation-related mortality, and no patients experienced disease recurrence.Two-stage hepatectomy is safe and feasible for patients with multiple giant alveolar echinococcosis.

Hepatobiliary scintigraphy to evaluate liver function in associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy: Liver volume overestimates liver function

Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) induces a rapid and extensive increase in liver volume. The functional quality of this hypertrophic response has been called into question because ALPPS is associated with a substantial incidence of liver failure and high perioperative mortality. This multicenter study aimed to evaluate functional liver regeneration in contrast to volumetric liver regeneration in ALPPS, using technetium-99m hepatobiliary scintigraphy and computed tomography volumetry, respectively. Patients who underwent ALPPS and hepatobiliary scintigraphy in 6 centers were included. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy data were analyzed centrally at the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam according to established protocols. Increase in liver function as measured by hepatobiliary scintigraphy after stage 1 of ALPPS was compared with the increase in liver volume. In addition, we analyzed the impact of liver function and volume on postoperative outcomes including liver failure, morbidity, and mortality. In 60 patients, future liver remnant volume increased by a median 78% (interquartile range 48-110) during a median 8 (interquartile range 6-14) days after stage 1, while function as measured by hepatobiliary scintigraphy increased by a median 29% (interquartile range 1-55) throughout 7days (interquartile range 6-10) in the 27 patients with paired measurements. After stage 2 of ALPPS, liver failure occurred in 5/60 (8%) patients, severe complications in 24/60 (40%), and mortality occurred in 4/60 (7%). In ALPPS, volumetry overestimates liver function as measured by hepatobiliary scintigraphy and may be responsible for the high rate of liver failure. Quantitative liver function tests are highly recommended to avoid post hepatectomy liver failure.

Postoperative Liver Failure Risk Score: Identifying Patients with Resectable Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma Who Can Benefit from Portal Vein Embolization

Major liver resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) is associated with a 22% to 33% postoperative liver failure incidence. The aim of this study was analyze the predictive value of future liver remnant (FLR) volume for postoperative liver failure after resection for PHC and to develop a risk score to improve patient selection for portal vein embolization. A consecutive series of 217 patients underwent major liver resection for PHC between 1997 and 2014 at 2 Western centers; FLR volumes were calculated with CT volumetry; other variables included jaundice at presentation, immediate preoperative bilirubin, and preoperative cholangitis. The FLR volume was categorized as <30%, 30% to 45%, or >45%. A risk score for postoperative liver failure (grade B/C according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery criteria) was developed using multivariable logistic regression with 5 predefined variables. Postoperative liver failure incidence was 24% and liver failure-related mortality was 12%. Risk factors for liver failure were FLR volume <30% (odds ratio 4.2; 95% CI 1.77 to 10.3) and FLR volume 30% to 45% (odds ratio 1.4; 95% CI 10.6 to 3.4). In addition, jaundice at presentation (odds ratio 3.1; 95% CI 1.1 to 9.0), immediate preoperative bilirubin >50 μmol/L (>2.9 mg/dL) (odds ratio 4.3; 95% CI 1.7 to 10.7), and preoperative cholangitis (odds ratio 3.4; 95% CI 1.6 to 7.4) were risk factors for liver failure. These variables were included in a risk score that showed good discrimination (area under the curve 0.79; 95% CI 0.72 to 0.86) and ranking patients in 3 risk sub-groups with predicted liver failure incidence of 4%, 14%, and 44%. The selection of patients for portal vein embolization using only liver volume is insufficient, considering the other predictors of liver failure in PHC patients. The proposed risk score can be used for selection of patients for portal vein embolization, for adequate patient counseling, and identification of other modifiable risk factors besides liver volume.

Central Hepatectomy Still Plays an Important Role in Treatment of Early-Stage Centrally Located Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Surgical management of centrally located hepatocellular carcinoma (CL-HCC) poses a great challenge. Major hepatectomy (MH) might compromise future remnant liver volume (FRLV), while the long-term benefits of central hepatectomy (CH) had not been well demonstrated. Consecutive patients with early-stage CL-HCC who underwent liver resection were enrolled. Fifteen patients underwent CH, while thirty-three were subjected to MH. All relevant clinicopathological variables were analyzed. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of both groups were compared. There were no differences between CH and MH in terms of predisposing liver disease, tumor size, blood loss, complication rate and vascular invasion. Mean FRLV increased from 40.9 to 69.2% by using CH resection lines. The parenchymal transection time is longer in CH. There were no differences of DFS between two groups. The 5-year OS rates of CH and MH were 93.3 and 62.6%, respectively. MH was a poor prognostic factor. CH is a relatively time-consuming and technique-demanding procedure, but excellent long-term survival could be achieved. CH could increase liver volume preservation without compromising intra-hepatic recurrence. In an endemic area of hepatitis and cirrhosis, CH should still play an important role in surgical treatment of CL-HCC.

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

BackgroundThe 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. MethodsClinicopathological 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. ResultsSeventy 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). ConclusionsEven 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.

Portal vein embolization in extended liver resection.

Liver resection of benign, primary, and metastatic tumors is challenging and places patients at risk of postoperative liver insufficiency. This risk is largely dependent on the volume and function of the future liver remnant (FLR). It is, therefore, critical that hepatobiliary surgeons are well versed in the measurement of liver volume and function, as well as various techniques for preoperative liver volume augmentation. This comprehensive review of portal vein embolization (PVE) begins with an overview of FLR measurement and progresses to patient factors to consider when choosing PVE and assessment of hypertrophy. PVE techniques and complications are subsequently discussed. The absolute volume of FLR required to avoid postoperative liver insufficiency is dependent on the patient, disease, and anatomic factors. Rapid expansion of the FLR can be achieved with PVE of contralateral liver segments. Although multiple metrics have been used to correlate hypertrophy with postoperative outcomes after PVE, the kinetic growth rate (KGR) is the most reliable predictor of freedom from postoperative liver insufficiency. PVE is now considered a safe and effective procedure when performed at high-volume hepatobiliary centers. It is an effective tool that, by lowering the risk of liver failure, increases the number of patients who can undergo potential curative hepatectomy.

Techniques of parenchyma-sparing hepatectomy for the treatment of tumors involving the hepatocaval confluence: A reliable way to assure an adequate future liver remnant volume

Parenchyma-sparing hepatectomy techniques allow a lesser volume resection (<3 adjacent segments) for tumors involving the hepatic veins at the hepatocaval confluence, assuring adequate volume of the future liver remnant. We report the ability to perform parenchyma-sparing hepatectomy as planned from the preoperative imaging and the type of vascular intervention used to preserve hepatic outflow. We analyzed 60 consecutive parenchyma-sparing hepatectomies in 54 patients for 7 primary and 53 metastatic tumors (48 colorectal), located in segments I, VII, VIII, or IVa and involving the hepatocaval confluence. Patients had a median of 2 (range: 1-18) lesions with median diameter of 4cm (range: 1.2-16.5), which were bilateral in 43%. A parenchyma-sparing hepatectomy was performed in all of the 60 cases, only one case required the resection of 3 adjacent segments. In 16 (27%) hepatic veins-resections, the outflow was assured by preservation of the inferior-right-hepatic veins in 3 (5%), of the communicating-veins in 4 (7%), of the middle-hepatic veins in 3 (4%; middle-hepatic veins patch-reconstruction in 2 cases), by polytetrafluoroethylene-grafts in 4 (7%), and by hepatic veins-anastomosis in 2 (3%). In 15 (25%) cases, the hepatic veins were resected tangentially and reconstructed by direct suture venorraphy. In 29 (48%) cases, the hepatic veins were skeletonized from the tumor. Grade IIIb to IV complications occurred in 7%, median hospital-stay was 9days, and 90-day mortality occurred in one cirrhotic patient. Median overall and disease-free survivals were 72 and 16months (median follow-up: 34months). A lesser volume parenchyma-sparing hepatectomy rather than a formal major hepatectomy for tumors involving the hepatocaval confluence can be performed with a low rate of major complications (7%). Parenchyma-sparing hepatectomy should be considered in highly selected patients when evaluating liver resection for tumors involving the hepatocaval confluence based on appropriate and accurate preoperative imaging.

Liver Three-Dimensional Reconstruction Accurately Predicts Remnant Liver Volume for HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prior to Hepatectomy

Accurate prediction of future remnant liver volume preoperatively is vital to avoid posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). In this study, we evaluated the accuracy and efficiency of Myrian software for predicting resected liver volume and future remnant liver volume for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma prior to liver resection. Patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing liver three-dimensional CT reconstruction prior to or after hepatectomy were enrolled in this study. All three-dimensional reconstructions were completed by two observers (observers 1 and 2) separately. Resected specimen weights were obtained in the operating room after liver resection. The correlations between resected liver volume and resected specimen weights, planned remnant liver volume (RLV) and actual RLV were analyzed. Bland-Altman plots were used to assess interobserver variability between observers 1 and 2. A total of 42 patients were enrolled in the study, including 32 men and 10 women with a median age of 49 years. The mean time needed to perform complete volumetry in a patient was 20.8 ± 2.9 min and 23.7 ± 3.8 min for observers 1 and 2, respectively. The resected liver volume of observers 1 and 2 measured by Myrian software correlated strongly with the resected specimen weight (P < 0.0001, r = 0.980; P < 0.0001, r = 0.982, respectively). Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that the planned RLV had a strong positive correlation with the actual RLV for observers 1 and 2 (P < 0.0001, r = 0.957; P < 0.0001, r = 0.949, respectively). Low interobserver variability was observed between observers 1 and 2. Liver three-dimensional CT reconstruction can accurately predict resected liver volume and future remnant liver volume for HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma prior to liver resection.

Portal vein embolization with stem cells application for enlargement of future liver remnant volume in primary non-resectable colorectal liver metastases

Portal vein embolization with stem cells application for enlargement of future liver remnant volume in primary non-resectable colorectal liver metastases

Management of people with early- or very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: an attempted network meta-analysis.

Management of people with early- or very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: an attempted network meta-analysis.

Safety and efficacy of radiofrequency-assisted ALPPS (RALPPS) in patients with cirrhosis-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Background and aims: Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) has high morbidity and mortality. In this study, the safety and efficacy of a modification of ALPPS (radiofrequency-assisted ALPPS, RALPPS) were assessed in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Materials and methods: Patients who were diagnosed with HCC and were considered to have an insufficient future liver remnant (FLR) were enrolled. In stage I, a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) device was used to cauterise along the planned transection plane to form a coagulum avascular area. When the FLR reached above 40%, hepatectomy was performed in stage II along the coagulum area established previously. After two stages, operative morbidity, mortality, per cent increase in FLR, operative time and blood loss were evaluated.Results: Between July 2014 and September 2015, 10 patients with HCC (9 with hepatitis-related cirrhosis) were treated with the RALPPS procedure. The incidence of severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIb) was 20% (2/10). One patient died. No biliary leakage, intraperitoneal infection or post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) occurred after both stages. The median FLR before stage I was 31% (364 ml). This increased to 47% (632 ml) before stage II after a median interval of 28 days. The median percentage increase in FLR was 53% (210 ml). Additionally, the median operative time during the first and second stages was 214 and 281 min, respectively. The corresponding median blood loss was 200 and 550 ml, respectively.Conclusions: RALPPS has a potential advantage in eliminating serious complications of biliary leakage and PHLF associated with classic ALPPS. On the basis of rigorous patient selection criteria, RALPPS may achieve the same effect of promoting significant growth of the FLR in patients with cirrhosis-related HCC and insufficient FLR volume, albeit at the cost of a longer interval time.

Dynamic Evaluation of Liver Volume and Function in Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy

BackgroundDespite a fast and potent growth of the future liver remnant (FLR), patients operated with associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) are at risk of developing posthepatectomy liver failure. In this study, the relation between liver volume and function in ALPPS was studied using a multimodal assessment. MethodsNine patients with colorectal liver metastases treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and operated with ALPPS were studied with hepatobiliary scintigraphy, computed tomography, indocyanine green clearance test, and serum liver function tests. A comparison between liver volume and function was conducted. ResultsThe preoperative FLR volume of 19.5% underestimated the preoperative FLR function of 25.3% (p = 0.011). The increase in FLR volume exceeded the increase in function at day 6 after stage 1 (FLR volume increase 56.7% versus FLR function increase 28.2%, p = 0.021), meaning that the increase in function was 50% of the increase in volume. After stage 2, functional increase exceeded the volume increase, resulting in similar values 28 days after stage 2. ConclusionsIn the inter-stage period of ALPPS, the high volume increase is not paralleled by a corresponding functional increase. This may in part explain the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with ALPPS. Functional assessment of the FLR is advised.

High mortality after ALPPS for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: case-control analysis including the first series from the international ALPPS registry

IntroductionResection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) entails high-risk surgery with postoperative mortality reported up to 18%, even in specialized centers. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of PHC patients who underwent associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) to patients who underwent resection without ALPPS. MethodsAll patients who underwent ALPPS for PHC were identified from the international ALPPS registry and matched controls were selected from a standard resection cohort from two centers based on future remnant liver size. Outcomes included morbidity, mortality, and overall survival. ResultsALPPS for PHC was associated with 48% (14/29) 90-day mortality. 90-day mortality was 13% in 257 patients who underwent major liver resection for PHC without ALPPS. The 29 ALPPS patients were matched to 29 patients resected without ALPPS, with similar future liver remnant volume (P = 0.480). Mortality in the matched control group was 24% (P = 0.100) and median OS was 27 months, comparted to 6 months after ALPPS (P = 0.064). DiscussionOutcomes of ALPPS for PHC appear inferior compared to standard extended resections in high-risk patients. Therefore, portal vein embolization should remain the preferred method to increase future remnant liver volume in patients with PHC. ALPPS is not recommended for PHC.

Treatment strategy for colorectal liver metastases: Clinical impact of FOLFOXIRI regimen for unresectable cases.

780 Background: Recent advances in systemic chemotherapy, including molecular target agents, can introduce “Conversion surgery” and achieve R0 resection even for initially unresectable colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). We investigated the optimal indication for initial surgical induction and treatment strategy for unresectable CRLM. Methods: Our current surgical indication for CRLM as follows: i) curative resection is achievable, ii) no limitation of tumor size and number, and iii) future remnant liver volume over 35%. Additionally, same indication is applied even after chemotherapy.Two hundreds forty-one cases from 1994 to 2015, consisted of 134 initially resectable case and 107 unresectable cases, were included. Among 107 unresectable cases, 55 cases received current chemotherapy such as FOLFOX, FOLFILI, XEROX and FOLFOXIRI. Results: 1) Optimal indication for initially resectable case:Multivariate analysis revealed MDN (Maximum Diameter × Number) index more than 30 of metastatic liver tumor (HR3.06), non-curative resection of metastatic liver tumor (HR4.082) and poor differentiation of primary tumor (HR11.14).2) Treatment strategy of unresectable case for “Conversion surgery” (FOLFOXIRI vs. other regimen): Forty-two unresectable cases with MDN &gt; 30 were included. Of those 14 cases, FOLFOXIRI regimen was applied. Regarding clinicopathological factors, the use of molecular targeted drug was introduced in all patients of FOLFOXIRI group, but 67.9% patients of other regimen group. The “Conversion” rate in FOLFIXIRI group and other regimen group were 64.3% and 39.3% (p = 0.126), and median period until “Conversion” were 6.2 courses and 11.8 courses (p = 0.038). Regarding tumor necrotic rate, FOLFOXIRI regimen induced higher necrotic rate than other regimen group (77.9% vs. 50.4%, p = 0.073). Overall survival in FOLFOXIRI group has been better than that in other regimen group and 3-years survival rates were 83.3% and 48.0% (p = 0.044). Also, relapse free survival in FOLFOXIRI group was significantly better than that in other regimen group (p = 0.002). Conclusions: MDN can predict surgical outcome for CRLM. FOLFOXIRI plus molecular target drug may be a promising option for CRLM with MDN &gt; 30.

Is hepatic volumetry sufficient for avoiding postoperative liver failure? A correlative study between future liver remnant volume and mebrofenin scintigraphy function after major hepatic resections

Is hepatic volumetry sufficient for avoiding postoperative liver failure? A correlative study between future liver remnant volume and mebrofenin scintigraphy function after major hepatic resections

Defining the Optimal Use of Ablation for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer to the Liver Without High-Level Evidence.

The role of physical interventions (surgical resection and surgical/radiological ablation) for liver metastases of colorectal cancer has changed dramatically over the last 10-15years. Whereas in the 1990s, when only those patients with up to three unilobar metastases were considered for any form of such intervention, our present approach to these physical interventions is determined by how much viable disease-free liver can be preserved (most authorities accepting 25-30% disease-free future remnant liver volume) and the possibility of further such interventions if the disease recurs in the liver. There is increasing evidence that for smaller tumours (<3cm diameter), ablation therapy may be therapeutically the equivalent of surgical resection and possibly safer in high-risk patients with multiple comorbidities. Therefore, we now consider the use of such ablation therapies (with or without surgical resection) to be clinically effective when treating patients with multiple bilobar metastases that have shown good radiologic response to prior systemic therapy.

Portal Vein Embolization with Contralateral Application of Stem Cells Facilitates Increase of Future Liver Remnant Volume in Patients with Liver Metastases

This study aimed to evaluate the progress of future liver remnant volume (FLRV) in patients with liver metastases after portal vein embolization (PVE) with the application of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and compare it with a patients control group after PVE only. Twenty patients (group 1) underwent PVE with contralateral HSC application. Subsequently, CT volumetry with the determination of FLRV was performed at weekly intervals, in total three weeks. A sample of twenty patients (group 2) who underwent PVE without HSC application was used as a control group. The mean of FLRV increased by 173.2mL during three weeks after the PVE/HSC procedure, whereas by 98.9mL after PVE only (p=0.015). Furthermore, the mean daily growth of FLRV by 7.6mL in group 1 was significantly higher in comparison with 4.1mL in group 2 (p=0.007). PVE with the application of HSC significantly facilitates growth of FLRV in comparison with PVE only. This method could be one of the new suitable approaches to increase the resectability of liver tumours.

Totally laparoscopic associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy using anterior approach in HCC patient with Type II portal vein anomaly: a case report

Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) has gradually developed because of rapid hypertrophy of the future liver remnant volume (FLR) in spite of high morbidity. To minimize the patient's postoperative pain and morbidity including wound complication caused by two consecutive major abdominal operations, we adopted a totally laparoscopic approach and used a composite mesh graft. Also, to maximize the oncologic efficacy, we adopted the “anterior approach” technique. A 44-year-old woman with large hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in her right lobe was transferred to our hospital for surgical treatment. Preoperatively predicted FLR by a CT scan was 21% and type II portal vein anomaly was detected. A totally laparoscopic approach was planned. During the first stage operation, right anterior and posterior portal veins were meticulously dissected and tied. After parenchymal transection by the “anterior approach” technique, two glissonian pedicles of the right liver were individually isolated. A composite mesh graft was used to prevent severe adhesion on both liver partition surfaces. During the second-stage operation, 9 days after the first stage operation, the two isolated glissonian pedicles were initially transected. After full mobilization of the right lobe, the right hepatic vein was also transected. The right lobe was removed through the Pfannenstiel incision. She was discharged 7 days after the second stage operation. Her postoperative course was uneventful and there was no HCC recurrence for 15 months after hepatectomy. A totally laparoscopic ALPPS procedure can be a feasible technique that ensures patient safety and oncologic superiority, even in patients with complicated anatomical variation.

Measuring future liver remnant function prior to hepatectomy may guide the indication for portal vein occlusion and avoid posthepatectomy liver failure: a prospective interventional study

BackgroundEstimation of the future liver remnant function (eFLRF) can avoid post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). In a previous study, a cutoff value of 2.3%/min/m2 for eFLRF was a better predictor of PHLF than future liver remnant volume (FLRV%). In this prospective interventional study, investigating a management strategy aimed at avoiding PHLF, this cutoff value was the sole criterion assessing eligibility for hepatectomy, with or without portal vein occlusion (PVO). MethodsIn 100 consecutive patients, eFLRF was determined using the formula: eFLRF = FLRV% × total liver function (TLF). Group 1 (eFLRF >2.3%/min/m2) underwent hepatectomy without preoperative intervention. Group 2 (eFLRF <2.3%/min/m2) underwent PVO and re-evaluation of eFLRF at 4–6 weeks. Hepatectomy was performed if eFLRF had increased to >2.3%/min/m2, but was considered contraindicated if the value remained lower. ResultsIn group 1 (n = 93), 1 patient developed grade B PHLF. In group 2 (n = 7) no PHLF was recorded. Postoperative recovery of TLF in patients with preoperative eFLRF <2.3%/min/m2 occurred more rapidly when PVO had been performed. ConclusionA predefined cutoff for preoperatively calculated eFLRF can be used as a tool for selecting patients prior to hepatectomy, with or without PVO, thus avoiding PHLF and PHLF-related mortality.