Future Liver Remnant Volume Research Articles

Impact of future remnant liver volume on post-hepatectomy regeneration in non-cirrhotic livers.

Objective: The purpose of the study is to detect if some parameters can be considered as predictors of liver regeneration in two different patient populations composed of in living donors for adult to adult living donor liver transplant and patients with hepatic malignancies within a single institution.Summary Background Data: Preoperative multi-detector computed tomography volumetry is an essential tool to assess the volume of the remnant liver.Methods: A retrospective analysis from an ongoing clinical study on 100 liver resections, between 2004 and 2010. Seventy patients were right lobe living donors for liver transplantation and 30 patients were resected for treatment of tumors. Pre-surgical factors such as age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), original liver volume, future remnant liver volume (FRLV), spleen volume, liver function tests, creatinine, platelet count, steatosis, portal vein embolization, and number of resected segments were analyzed to evidence potential markers for liver regeneration.Results: Follow-up period did not influence the amount of liver regenerated: the linear regression evidenced that there is no correlation between percentage of liver regeneration and time of follow-up (p = 0.88). The pre-surgical variables that resulted markers of liver regeneration include higher preoperative values of BMI (p = 0.01), bilirubin (p = 0.04), glucose (p = 0.05), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (p = 0.014); the most important association was revealed regarding the lower FRLV (p < 0.0001) and percentage of liver regeneration. The stepwise regression revealed a strong impact of FRLV (p < 0.0001) on the other predictor variables.Conclusion: Liver regeneration follows similar pathway in living donor and in patients resected for cancer. Small FRLV tends to regenerate more and faster, confirming that a larger resections may lead to a greater promotion of liver regeneration in patients with optimal conditions in terms of body habitus, preoperative liver function tests, and glucose level.

Colorectal liver metastases growth in the embolized and non-embolized liver after portal vein embolization: influence of initial response to induction chemotherapy.

To compare tumor progression in both embolized and non-embolized liver lobes after portal vein embolization (PVE) in patients with bilobar colorectal liver metastases (CLM), according to the initial response to induction chemotherapy. From 2002 to 2012, a total of 42 consecutive patients with bilobar CLM initially treated using induction chemotherapy underwent right PVE to achieve adequate future liver remnant volume. Tumoral and liver parenchyma volumes, as well as their volume variations, were measured on computed tomography before and after PVE in both embolized and non-embolized. Patients were classified as fast (≤6 cycles of induction chemotherapy) and slow (>6 cycles) responders. Overall, 432 metastases were analyzed in 42 patients. Patients were slow responders in 29 (69 %) cases. Tumoral volume increased in 29 (69 %) cases in the embolized liver (+48 %; p < 0.0001), and in 28 (66 %) cases in the non-embolized liver (+31 %; p < 0.0001). Fast responders had a tumoral volume decrease in both embolized (-4 %) and non-embolized (-9 %) lobes. On the opposite side, slow responders had tumoral volume increase in both embolized (+79 %) and non-embolized (+32 %) lobes. On multivariate analysis, a 'slow' response to induction chemotherapy was the only factor associated with tumoral progression in both embolized (p = 0.0012) and non-embolized (p = 0.001) lobes. Tumor growth after PVE is observed in both embolized and non-embolized liver lobes in most patients but is significantly associated with slow response to induction chemotherapy.

The ALPPS procedure for hepatocellular carcinoma

BackgroundThe main limiting factor to major hepatic resections is the amount of the future liver remnant (FLR). Associating Liver Partition with Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy (ALPPS) is a procedure which induces a rapid hypertrophy of the FLR in patients with non-resectable liver tumours. MethodsALPPS is a surgical technique of in-situ splitting of the liver along the main portal scissura or the right side of the falciform ligament, in association with portal vein ligation in order to induce a rapid hypertrophy of the left FLR. ResultsThe median FLR volume increase was 18.7% within one week after the first step and 38.6% after the second step. At the first step the median operating time was 300 min, blood transfusions were not required in any case, median blood loss was 150 cc. At the second step median operating time was 180 min, median blood loss was 50 cc, none of the patients required intra-operative blood. All patients are alive at a median follow up of 9 months. ConclusionsThis novel strategy seems to be feasible even in the context of a cirrhotic liver, and demonstrates the capacity to reach a sufficient FLR within a shorter interval of time.

Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS): A new strategy to increase resectability in liver surgery

BackgroundPartial hepatectomy with clear surgical margins is the main curative treatment for hepatic malignancies. The safety of liver resection, to a great extent, depends on the volume of future liver remnant. This manuscript reviews some important strategies that have been developed to increase resectability for patients with borderline volume of future liver remnant, particularly associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS). MethodsTo identify potentially relevant articles, we searched Medline and PubMed from January 2010 to December 2013 using the keywords “Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy”, “ALPPS”, “portal vein embolization”, “future liver remnant”, “liver hypertrophy”, and “liver failure”. A number of references from the key articles were also cited. There were no exclusion criteria for published information to the topics. ResultsPortal vein ligation (PVL) or embolization (PVE) are traditional approaches to induce liver hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (FLR) prior to hepatectomy in primarily non-resectable liver tumors. However, about 14 percent of patients fail to this approach. Adequate hypertrophy of the FLR using PVL or PVE generally takes more than four weeks. ALPPS can induce rapid growth of the FLR, which is more effective than by portal vein embolization or occlusion alone. Reportedly, the hypertrophy extent of FLR was 40%–80% within 6–9 days in contrast to approximately 8%–27% within 2–60 days by PVL/PVE. However, ALPPS was reported to have high operative morbidity (16%–64% of patients), mortality (12%–23% of patients) and bile leakage rates. Bile leakage and sepsis remain a major cause of morbidity, and the main cause of mortality includes hepatic insufficiency. ConclusionALPPS has emerged as a new strategy to increase resectability of hepatic malignancies. Due to high morbidity and mortality rates of ALPPS procedure, the surgical candidates should be selected carefully. Moreover, there are very limited available evidence for its technical feasibility, safety and oncological outcome which are needed for further evaluation in larger scale of studies.

Left-liver hypertrophy after therapeutic right-liver radioembolization is substantial but less than after portal vein embolization

In patients with liver malignancies potentially amenable to curative extended right hepatectomy but insufficient size of the future liver remnant (FLR), portal vein embolization (PVE) of the tumor-bearing liver is used to induce contralateral liver hypertrophy but leaves the tumor untreated. Radioembolization (RE) treats the tumor in the embolized lobe along with contralateral hypertrophy induction. We performed a matched-pair analysis to compare the capacity for hypertrophy induction of these two modalities. Patients with right-hepatic secondary liver malignancies with no or negligible left-hepatic tumor involvement who were treated by right-lobar PVE (n = 141) or RE (n = 35) at two centers were matched for criteria known to influence liver regeneration following PVE: 1) baseline FLR/Total liver volume ratio (<25 versus ≥ 25%); 2) prior platinum-containing systemic chemotherapy; 3) embolization of segments 5-8 versus 4-8; and 4) baseline platelet count (<200 versus ≥ 200 Gpt/L).The primary endpoint was relative change in FLR volume from baseline to follow-up. Twenty-six matched pairs were identified. FLR volume increase from baseline to follow-up (median 33 [24-56] days after PVE or 46 [27-79] days after RE) was significant in both groups but PVE produced significantly more FLR hypertrophy than RE (61.5 versus 29%, P < 0.001). Time between treatment and follow-up was not correlated with the degree of contralateral hypertrophy achieved in both groups. Although group differences in patient history and treatment setting were present and some bias cannot be excluded, this was minimized by the matched-pair design, as remaining group differences after matching were found to have no significant influence on contralateral hypertrophy development. PVE induces significantly more contralateral hypertrophy than RE with therapeutic (nonlobectomy) doses. However, contralateral hypertrophy induced by RE is substantial and RE minimizes the risk of tumor progression in the treated lobe, possibly making it a suitable modality for selected patients.

Comparison of Tc-99m GSA scintigraphy and CT volumetry for evaluation in portal vein embolization

Purpose: To determine the correlation of the rate of change of each future remnant liver (FRL) before and after portal vein embolization (PVE), by CT volumetry and Tc-99m galactosyl human serum albumin scintigraphy (GSA scintigraphy). Material and methods: From December 2007 to July 2012, ten patients underwent PVE before hepatic resection. CT volumetry and GSA scintigraphy were performed before and after PVE. The FRL was divided at Cantlie's line for CT volumetry, and volume change rates before and after PVE were calculated. The maximum removal rate (Rmax) was calculated using a radiopharmacokinetic model in GSA scintigraphy. The FRL Rmax change rates before and after PVE were calculated. The correlation between the volume change rates and the Rmax change rates was analyzed. Results: The FRL volume change rate was 1.28 ± 0.26 (mean ± SD); the FRL hypertrophied in all patients significantly (p = 0.005). The FRL Rmax change rate was 1.66 ± 0.75; excluding one patient, there was significant FRL Rmax increase (p = 0.022). Although both increased significantly, no correlation between the volume change rate and the Rmax change rate was observed. Conclusion: No correlation was observed between the FRL volume rate and the Rmax rate.

How to expand the safe limits in hepatic resections?

The size of the remnant liver after an extended hepatectomy is currently the main limiting factor for performing curative hepatic surgery in patients with tumors and liver metastasis. The current guidelines for extended hepatectomies require that the future remnant liver volume needs to be higher than 20% of the original liver in healthy organs, of 30% in livers with steatosis or exposed to chemotherapy, and of 40% in patients with cirrhosis in order to prevent the "small-for-size" syndrome, characterized by the development of liver dysfunction with ascites, coagulopathy and cholestasis. Observations from the use of small liver grafts in liver transplantation and an increased surgical experience has improved our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the development of liver dysfunction after extended hepatectomies. Increasing the size of the future liver remnant, the introduction of the "small-for-flow" concept with the perioperative monitoring and modulation of portal blood flow and pressure, and the exploration of the potential effects of regeneration preconditioning, are all promising strategies that could expand the indications and increase the safety of liver surgery.

Safety and Efficacy of Sequential Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization and Portal Vein Embolization prior to Major Hepatectomy for Patients with HCC

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of sequential transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE )and portal vein embolization (PVE) before major hepatectomy for patients with hepatocellur carcinoma (HCC). In this retrospective case-control study, data were collected from patients who underwent sequential TACE and PVE prior to major hemihepactectomy. Liver volumes were measured by computed tomography volumetry before TACE, and preoperation to assess degree of future remnant liver (FRL) hypertrophy and to check whether intro- or extrohepatic metastasis existed. Liver function was monitored by biochemistry after TACE, prior to and after major hepatectomy. Mean average FRL volume increased 32.3-71.4% (mean 55.4%) compared with preoperative FRL volume. After TACE, liver enzymes were elevated, but returned to normal in four weeks. During PVE and resection, no patient had intro- or extrohepatic metastasis. Sequential TACE and PVE is an effective method to improve resection opportunity, expand the scope of surgical resection, and greatly reduce postoperative intra- and extrahepatic metastasis.

Indications and Limits for Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy (ALPPS). Lessons Learned from 15 Cases at a Single Centre

The ALPSS procedure has been recently introduced as an alternative to PVE for liver volume augmentation in cases of planned right trisectionectomy with small future RLV and high risk of PHLF. We retrospectively analysed our single centre experience with 15 ALPPS procedures in order to better assess the limits and indications of the procedure. The following volumetric parameters were evaluated: total liver volume (TLV), remnant liver volume (RLV), remnant liver volume to total liver volume ratio (RLV/TLV), remnant liver volume to body weight ratio (RLV/BWR) and median volume gain. The ALPPS procedure was usually considered when RLV/TLV < 25 % or RLV/BWR < 0.5. The ALPPS procedure consisted of phase 1 (in situ splitting of the liver), interphase (waiting for liver regeneration) and phase 2 (completion of right trisectionectomy). Postoperative complications were reported according to the Dindo-Clavien classification. Patient survival, late complications and tumour recurrence were analysed. Between November 2010 and September 2013, we performed 15 ALPPS procedures in 10 patients with primary liver tumours (5 h-CCA, 4 i-CCA and 1 HCC) and in 5 with CRLM. The preoperative RLV/TLV ratio was 22.6 % (15.7 - 29.2) and the RLV/BWR 0.46 (0.22 - 0.66). After 10 days (range 8 - 16) the RLV/TLV ratio and RLV/BWR increased up to 36.3 % (30 - 59.2 %) and 0.67 (0.5 - 1.2) respectively, with a median volume gain of 87.2 % (23.8 - 161 %). The time interval between phases 1 and 2 was 13 days (9 - 18). An R0 status was reached in 13 patients and R1 in 2. The overall postoperative morbidity was 66.7 %. After phase 1, 8 patients experienced 19 complications and 7 none. After phase 2, 11 patients experienced 36 complications and 4 none. Four patients died postoperatively after 22 days (9 - 36 days) resulting in a postoperative mortality of 28.7 %. After a median follow-up of 17 months (1 - 33), 10 out of 15 patients are still alive (survival rate 66.6 %). Four patients (2 i-CCA, 1 CRLM, 1 HCC) developed tumour recurrences (2 intrahepatic and 2 extrahepatic). One patient with i-CCA died at POM 4 secondary to peritoneal carcinosis. The actual high morbidity and mortality rates related to the ALPPS procedure should lead us to a more cautious selection of the candidates for this operation and restriction of the indications through an accurate work-up based on interdisciplinary cooperation among hepatologists, oncologists, radiologists and surgeons.

Portal Vein Embolization and Ligation for Extended Hepatectomy

Portal vein occlusion through embolization or ligation (PVE, PVL) offers the possibility of increasing the future liver remnant (FLR) and thus reducing the risk of hepatic failure after extended hepatectomy We reviewed the indications, scope and applicability of PVE/PVL in treatment of primary and secondary liver tumours. A thorough PubMED, Embase, Ovid and Cochrane database search was carried out for all original articles with 30 patients or more undergoing either PVE and any patient series with PVL, irrespective of number with outcome measure in at least one of the following parameters: FLR volume change, complications, length of stay, time to surgery, proportion resectable and survival data. PVE can be performed with a technical success in 98.9% (95% confidence interval 97-100) patients, with a mean morbidity of 3.13% (95% CI 1.21-5.04) and a median in-hospital stay of 2.1 (range 1-4) days (very few papers had data on length of stay following PVE). The mean increase in volume of the FLR following PVE was 39.75% (95% CI 30.8-48.6) facilitating extended liver resection after a mean of 37.13days (95% CI 28.51-45.74) with a resectability rate of 76.88% (95% CI 70.91-82.84). Morbidity and mortality following such extended liver resections after PVE is 26.58% (95% CI 19.20-33.95) and 2.59% (95% CI 1.34-3.83) respectively with an in-patient stay of 13.57days (95% CI 9.8-17.37). However following post-PVE liver hypertrophy 6.29% (95% CI 2.24-10.34) patients still have post-resection liver failure and up to 14.2% (95% CI -8.7 to 37) may have positive resection margins. Up to 4.80% (95% CI 2.07-7.52) have failure of hypertrophy after PVE and 17.46% (95% CI 11.89-23.02) may have disease progression during the interim awaiting hypertrophy and subsequent resection. PVL has a greater morbidity and duration of stay of 5.72% (95% CI 0-15.28) and 10.16days (95% CI 6.63-13.69) respectively; as compared to PVE. Duration to surgery following PVL was greater at 53.6days (95% CI 32.14-75.05). PVL induced FLR hypertrophy by a mean of 64.65% (95% CI 0-136.12) giving a resectability rate of 63.68% (95% CI 56.82-70.54). PVL failed to produce enough liver hypertrophy in 7.4% of patients (95% CI 0-16.12). Progression of disease following PVL was 29.29 (95%CI 15.69-42.88). PVE facilitates an extended hepatectomy in patients with limited or inadequate FLR, with good short and long-term outcomes. Patients need to be adequately counselled and consented for PVE and EH in light of these data. PVL would promote hypertrophy as well, but clearly PVE has advantages as compared to PVL on account of its inherent "minimally invasive" nature, fewer complications, length of stay and its feasibility to have shorter times to surgery.

Liver regeneration after liver resection: clinical aspects and correlation with infective complications.

To investigate whether early liver regeneration after resection in patients with hepatic tumors might be influenced by post-operative infective complications. A retrospective analysis of 27 liver resections for tumors performed in a single referral center from November 2004 to January 2010. Regeneration was evaluated by multidetector computed tomography at a mean follow-up of 43.85 d. The Clavien-Dindo classification was used to evaluate postoperative events in the first 6 mo after transplantation, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions were used for healthcare associated infections data. Generalized linear regression models with Gaussian family distribution and log link function were used to reveal the principal promoters of early liver regeneration. Ten of the 27 patients (37%) underwent chemotherapy prior to surgery, with a statistically significant prevalence of patients with metastasis (P = 0.007). Eight patients (30%) underwent embolization, 3 with primary tumors, and 5 with secondary tumors. Twenty patients (74%) experienced complications, with 12 (60%) experiencing Clavien-Dindo Grade 3a to 5 complications. Regeneration ≥ 100% occurred in 10 (37%) patients. The predictors were smaller future remnant liver volume (-0.002; P < 0.001), and a greater spleen volume/future remnant liver volume ratio (0.499; P = 0.01). Patients with a resection of ≥ 5 Couinaud segments experienced greater early regeneration (P = 0.04). Nine patients experienced surgical site infections, and in 7 cases Clavien-Dindo Grade 3a to 4 complications were detected (P = 0.016). There were no significant differences between patients with primary or secondary tumors, and either onset or infections or severity of surgical complications. Regardless of the onset of infective complications, future remnant liver and spleen volumes may be reliable predictors of early liver regeneration after hepatic resection on an otherwise healthy liver.

Liver volumetry: Is imaging reliable? Personal experience and review of the literature.

The amount of the future liver remnant volume is fundamental for hepato-biliary surgery, representing an important potential risk-factor for the development of post-hepatectomy liver failure. Despite this, there is no uniform consensus about the amount of hepatic parenchyma that can be safely resected, nor about the modality that should be chosen for this evaluation. The pre-operative evaluation of hepatic volume, along with a precise identification of vascular and biliar anatomy and variants, are therefore necessary to reduce surgical complications, especially for extensive resections. Some studies have tried to validate imaging methods [ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging] for the assessment of liver volume, but there is no clear evidence about the most accurate method for this evaluation. Furthermore, this volumetric evaluation seems to have a certain degree of error, tending to overestimate the actual hepatic volume, therefore some conversion factors, which should give a more reliable evaluation of liver volume, have been proposed. It is widespread among non-radiologists the use of independent software for an off-site volumetric analysis, performed on digital imaging and communications in medicine images with their own personal computer, but very few studies have provided a validation of these methods. Moreover, while the pre-transplantation volumetric assessment is fundamental, it remains unclear whether it should be routinely performed in all patients undergoing liver resection. In this editorial the role of imaging in the estimation of liver volume is discussed, providing a review of the most recent literature and a brief personal series of correlations between liver volumes and resection specimens' weight, in order to assess the precision of the volumetric CT evaluation.

Anatomic resection of liver segments 6-8 for hepatocellular carcinoma

To report the devised anatomic liver resection of segments 6, 7 and 8 to improve the resection rate for patients with right liver tumors. We performed anatomic liver resection of segments 6, 7 and 8 to guarantee the maximum preservation of the remaining normal liver tissue. Segment 5 was determined by two steps of Glissonean pedicle occlusion. And a "┏┛" shaped broken resection line was marked upon the diaphragmatic surface of the liver. Selective right hemihepatic inflow occlusion was used to reduce blood loss during parenchymal transection between segments 6 and 5 and between segments 8 and 5. If needed, total hepatic Glissonean pedicle occlusion was used during parenchymal transection between segment 8 and the left liver. Compared to right hemihepatectomy, the percentage of future liver remnant volume was increased by an average of 13.9% if resection of segments 6, 7 and 8 was performed. Resection of segments 6, 7 and 8 was completed uneventfully. After hepatectomy, the inflow and outflow of segment 5 were maintained. There was no perioperative mortality, postoperative abdominal bleeding or bile leakage in this group. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) returned to the normal range within 2 mo after the operation in all the patients. One patient died 383 d postoperatively due to obstructive suppurative cholangitis. One patient suffered from severe liver dysfunction shortly after surgery and had intrahepatic recurrence 4 mo postoperatively. Postoperative lung metastasis was found in one patient. No tumor recurrence was found in the other patients and the parameters including liver function and AFP level were in the normal range. Anatomic liver resection of segments 6, 7 and 8 can be a conventional operation to improve the overall resection rate for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Improved Hypertrophy of Future Remnant Liver after Portal Vein Embolization with Plugs, Coils and Particles

To retrospectively analyze efficacy as measured by volume gain of future remnant liver (FRL) after right portal vein embolization (PVE) using particles only versus particles and additional central plug and/or coil (CP/C) embolization. All patients who underwent PVE between July 2011 and December 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Right PVE was performed either with particle-only (PO) embolization or additional CP/C embolization. All enrolled patients underwent computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging before PVE and surgery. The images were used for volumetry of the FRL. Of 75 patients, 40 had PO and 35 CP/C embolization. Age, sex, and tumor entities did not differ significantly between the two groups. Tumor entities included cholangiocarcinoma (n = 52), metastasis from colorectal cancer (n = 14), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 2), and others (n = 7). Time from PVE to preoperative imaging was similar in both groups. FRL volume before PVE was 329 ± 121 ml in the PO group and 333 ± 135 ml in the CP/C group, and 419 ± 135 ml and 492 ± 165 ml before operation. The average percentage volume gain was significantly higher in the CP/C group than in the PO group, with 53.3 ± 34.5 % versus 30.9 ± 28.8 % (p = 0.002). Right PVE with additional CP/C embolization leads to a significantly higher gain in FRL volume than embolization with particles alone.

Efficacy and Safety of Portal Vein Embolization for Two-Stage Hepatectomy in Patients with Colorectal Liver Metastasis

PurposeTo examine the efficacy and safety of portal vein embolization (PVE) when used during two-stage hepatectomy for bilobar colorectal liver metastases (CLM). Materials and MethodsPVE was performed as an adjunct to two-stage hepatectomy in 56 patients with CLM. Absolute future liver remnant (FLR) volumes, standardized FLR ratios, degree of hypertrophy (DH), and complications were analyzed. Segment II and III volumes and DH were also measured separately. All volumetric measurements were compared with a cohort of 96 patients (n = 37 right portal vein embolization [RPVE], n = 59 right portal vein embolization extended to segment IV portal veins [RPVE+4]) in whom PVE was performed before single-stage hepatectomy. ResultsFor patients who completed RPVE during two-stage hepatectomy (n = 17 of 17), mean absolute FLR volume increased from 272.1 cm3 to 427.0 cm3 (P < .0001), mean standardized FLR ratio increased from 0.17 to 0.26 (P < .0001), and mean DH was 0.094. For patients who completed RPVE+4 during two-stage hepatectomy (n = 38 of 39), mean FLR volume increased from 288.7 cm3 to 424.8 cm3 (P < .0001), mean standardized FLR increased from 0.18 to 0.26 (P < .0001), and mean DH was 0.083. DH of the FLR was not significantly different between two-stage hepatectomy and single-stage hepatectomy. Complications after PVE occurred in five (8.9%) patients undergoing two-stage hepatectomy. ConclusionsPVE effectively and safely induced a significant DH in the FLR during two-stage hepatectomy in patients with CLM.

Mechanisms of splenic hypertrophy following hepatic resection

BackgroundFollowing hepatic resection, liver regeneration has been associated with concurrent splenic hypertrophy. The mechanisms of this phenomenon are unknown, may be multiple and include: splanchnic sequestration caused by a reduction in the hepatic mass; hepatic growth factors that may indirectly act on the spleen, and the redistribution of the total reticuloendothelial system. MethodsSeventy-five patients (40 males; median age: 60 years) who underwent minor (16%) or major (84%) hepatectomy between September 2004 and October 2009 were included. Prospective measurements of liver and spleen volumes were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively 1 month after hepatectomy using computed tomography (CT). The future remnant liver volume (RLV) was calculated on preoperative CT and the extent of resection was expressed as the RLV divided by total liver volume (TLV). Liver and spleen hypertrophy were expressed according to the absolute gain or relative increase in the initial volumes (%).The presence of fibrosis >F1, associated extrahepatic resection (except minor resections), and previous hepatectomy (major or minor) within 3 months represented exclusion criteria. ResultsMean ± standard deviation (SD) liver volume at 1 month was higher than RLV (1187 ± 286cm3 versus 764 ± 421cm3; P < 0.001). Mean ± SD splenic volume increased from 252 ± 100cm3 preoperatively to 300 ± 111cm3 at 1 month (P < 0.001). Liver and splenic hypertrophy were significant after major hepatectomies (+100% and +26%, respectively; P < 0.001), but not after minor hepatectomies. Liver hypertrophy was inversely correlated to RLV/TLV (r = −0.687, P < 0.001). Splenic hypertrophy was not correlated to RLV/TLV. Liver and splenic hypertrophy were linearly correlated (r = 0.495, P < 0.001). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n = 37), preoperative portal vein embolization (n = 10) and postoperative complications (overall: n = 25; major: n = 10; infectious: n = 6) had no impact on hepatic or splenic hypertrophy. ConclusionsSplenic hypertrophy occurred after major hepatectomy, but was not correlated to the extent of resection, by contrast with liver hypertrophy. Nevertheless, there was a linear correlation between splenic and liver hypertrophy. This correlation suggests the hypothesis of a splenic action of hepatic growth factors or a redistribution of the total reticuloendothelial system rather than an effect of reduction of the portal bed or hepatic outflow.

Vessel Identifications Tags for Open or Laparoscopic Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy

Figure 1. Intraoperative view at the end of the first step of the associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) procedure. (A) Color-coded vessel loops: yellow for Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) has recently been proposed as the further evolution of the 2-stage hepatectomy technique (2SHT). The first step consists of left clearance, right portal branch occlusion, and in-situ splitting associated with middle hepatic vein section, and with the deportalized liver left in-situ. During the second step, section of the right branch of the hepatic artery, right portal vein, and right bile duct is followed by completion of the right hepatectomy. Surgical trauma from liver partition associated with portal vein ligation (PVL), with the right liver (segments V, VI, VII, and VIII) left in-situ, seems responsible for faster hypertrophy of the future remnant liver (FRL). Several small series in the literature describe an 80% to 200% increase in FRL volume, allowing 9 to 15 days between the 2 steps. This is far from being a harmless procedure; the morbidity rate was as high as 74% in the original series (52% of which were Clavien-Dindo III to IV), and the morbidity rate was reported to be as high as 90% in other series, with high rates of biliary fistula and procedure-related deaths. In classical 2SHT, the second step is often technically demanding due to fibrous adhesions, pedicular inflammation, and anatomic atrophy or hypertrophy. During the second step of ALPPS, mainly inflammatory adhesions are observed. In such setting, hemorrhagic dissection can make this phase particularly technically demanding. This surgical procedure is still considered to be in an early development phase because surgical indications and technique are not standardized. In 2012, we right biliary duct, red for the right hepatic artery, blue for the right branch of portal vein. (B) Acellular collagen membrane to avoid adhesions.

Measured versus Estimated Total Liver Volume to Preoperatively Assess the Adequacy of the Future Liver Remnant

To determine which method of liver volumetry is more accurate in predicting a safe resection. Before major or extended hepatectomy, assessment of the future liver remnant (FLR) is crucial to reduce the risk of postoperative hepatic insufficiency. The FLR volume is usually expressed as the ratio of FLR to nontumorous total liver volume (TLV), which can be measured directly by computed tomography (mTLV) or estimated (eTLV) on the basis of correlation existing with the body surface area. To date, these 2 methods have never been compared. All consecutive, noncirrhotic patients who underwent resection of 3 or more liver segments between April 2000 and April 2012 and for whom (i) preoperative computed tomographic scans and (ii) body surface area were available entered the study. The mTLV (calculated as TLV - tumor volume) was compared with the eTLV (calculated as -794.41 + 1267.28 × body surface area) using volumetric data (cm) and clinical outcome measures (specifically, hepatic insufficiency and 90-day mortality). Definition of hepatic insufficiency was peak postoperative serum total bilirubin level of more than 7 mg/dL or, in jaundiced patients, an increasing bilirubin level on day 5 or thereafter. Two-hundred forty-three patients who had undergone major (n = 135) or extended (n = 108) hepatectomies met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-eight patients (11.5%) developed hepatic insufficiency, whereas 7 patients (2.9%) died postoperatively. Compared with the eTLV, the mTLV underestimated the liver volume in 60.1% of the patients (P < 0.01). Forty-seven and 73 patients had an inadequate FLR based on mTLV and eTLV, respectively. Portal vein occlusion (PVO) was used in 44 patients. In patients (n = 162) in whom both methods did not evidence the need for PVO, postoperative hepatic insufficiency and mortality were 4.9% and 0.6%, respectively. Conversely, in patients (n = 27) in whom the eTLV but not the mTLV evidenced the need for PVO, and thus PVO was not performed, hepatic insufficiency (22.2%; P = 0.001) and mortality (3.7%; P = ns) were higher. The use of eTLV identifies a subset of patients (∼11%) in whom liver volumetry with the mTLV underestimates the risk of hepatic insufficiency.

Influence of Preoperative Chemotherapy on CT Volumetric Liver Regeneration Following Right Hemihepatectomy

An increasing number of patients undergo major liver resection following preoperative chemotherapy. Liver regeneration may be impaired in these patients, predisposing them to postoperative liver dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of preoperative chemotherapy on liver regeneration after partial liver resection. Patients planned to receive right hepatectomy either with (group B) or without (group A) prior chemotherapy were identified retrospectively from a prospective multi-institutional database created in the conduct of a national randomized controlled trial (RCT). Prior chemotherapy was neither an inclusion nor an exclusion criterion of the trial. Future remnant liver volume (FRLV) was calculated by measuring total functional liver volume and resection specimen on preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans. Remnant liver volume after 7 days (V RLV7days) was measured on scheduled postoperative CT scans. The early regeneration index 7 days after surgery (RI early) was calculated as [(V RLV7days - FRLV) / FRLV] × 100 %. Data are expressed as median (interquartile range). A total of 72 patients were enrolled: 45 in group A and 27 in group B. For the whole group, the liver remnant showed a 58 % (39 %) increase in volume at day 7 (1) day. The RI early was not significantly different between groups A and B, 60 % (36 %) and 50 % (43 %), respectively (p = 0.47). The RI early was significantly lower in patients who had undergone more than six cycles of chemotherapy. Preoperative chemotherapy does not seem to have a negative impact on early liver regeneration after partial liver resection.

Tumor Compression–Induced Portal Obstruction and Selective Transarterial Chemoembolization Increase Functional Liver Volume in the Unobstructed Area, Facilitating Successful Resection of a Large HCC

A 62-year-old man with hepatitis B was admitted for treatment of a large hepatocellular carcinoma. The right portal vein was completely obstructed by tumor compression. Although we initially planned a right trisectionectomy as curative hepatectomy, the percentage of future remnant liver volume (%RLV) and the percentage of functional liver volume (%RFLV) were 31.2% and 41.3%, respectively. Because %RFLV showed marginal tolerability for curative hepatectomy and %RLV was very low, we opted for transarterial chemoembolization of segment IV and the right lobe containing the tumor as an approach to selectively reduce liver volume and abolish liver function. One month later, %RLV and %RFLV had dramatically increased to 46.6% and 67.2%, resulting in curative hepatectomy. Our results suggest that tumor compression-induced portal obstruction and selective transarterial chemoembolization increase %RFLV much more than %RLV. This may represent a useful approach in preoperative management in patients with large hepatocellular carcinomas to improve %RFLV for hepatic resection.