Hepatectomy Procedure Research Articles

In-depth Clinical, Haemodynamic and Volumetric Assessment of the RAPID-type Auxiliary Liver Transplantation in Non-cirrhotic Setting; are we Simply Dealing with a Transplant Model of ALPPS?

The RAPID (Resection And Partial Liver Transplantation with Delayed total hepatectomy) procedure involves left hepatectomy with orthotopic implantation of a left lobe and right portal vein ligation. This technique induces volumetric graft increase, allowing for a right completion hepatectomy within 15 days. Notably, there is a lack of data on the hemodynamics of Small-for-Size (SFS) grafts exposed to portal overflow without triggering SFS syndrome. A prospective single-center protocol included eight living donors and eight RAPID non-cirrhotic recipients. Comprehensive clinical and biological data were collected, accompanied by intraoperative arterial and portal flow and pressure measurements. Early kinetic growth rate (eKGR%) and graft function were assessed using CT and 99Tc-mebrofenin scintigraphy on postoperative days 7 and 14. Findings were compared with retrospective data from13 left Living Donor Liver Transplantation (LDLT) recipients. The median Graft-body weight ratio was 0.41% (IQR, 0.34 to 0.49), markedly lower than in LDLT. However, there was no significant difference in eKGR between RAPID and LDLT grafts. Sequential analysis revealed variable eKGR per day: 10.6% (7.8-13.2) in the first week and 7.6% (6-9.1) in the second week post-transplantation. Indexed portal flow (iQpv) was significantly higher in RAPID compared to left LDLT (P=0.01). No hemodynamic parameters were found to correlate with regeneration speed. We modulated portal flow in 2 out of 8 cases. This study presents the first report of hemodynamic and volumetric data for the RAPID technique. Despite initial graft volumes falling below conventional LDLT recommendations, the study highlights acceptable clinical outcomes.

Laparoscopic anatomical right hepatectomy using a four-incision anterior approach: Technical details and surgical outcomes (with Video)

With the continuous advancements of laparoscopic techniques, many surgeons have enhanced the feasibility and safety of this approach for carefully selected patients. This study aims to offer a comprehensive account of the technical aspects and surgical outcomes associated with laparoscopic anatomical right hepatectomy, explicitly utilizing a four-incision anterior approach. The surgical procedure involved several maneuvers, including blocking the Glissonean pedicle, ligation of the right hepatic artery, right branch of the portal vein, and the right hepatic duct, removal of the liver parenchyma along the ischemic line, and determination of the liver section based on four anatomical landmarks: the right anterior Glissonian pedicle, middle hepatic vein, root of the right hepatic vein, and retrohepatic inferior vena cava. The article provides clear visualization of these anatomical landmarks following right hepatectomy. Proper patient positioning and precise incision placement are crucial factors for ensuring the success of the laparoscopic right anterior hepatectomy procedure. The separation of the extrahepatic Glissonean pedicle at the liver hilum to determine the hepatic resection ischemia line, as well as the identification of liver sections using four anatomical landmarks are essential steps in the liver resection process. The laparoscopic anatomical right hepatectomy using a four-incision anterior approach was performed smoothly, with standard intraoperative techniques completed. Measures are in place to address any complications that may arise during the surgery.

A Multicenter Exploration of the APRI/ALBI Score in Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged hepatectomy’ (ALPPS)

Abstract Background Perioperative morbidity and mortality remain a point of concern for the Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) procedure. Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) after the second step poses the most significant risk factor for futile outcome. Recovery of liver function after the first step of ALPPS is critically important to allow for sufficient liver function after this surgery. The APRI+ALBI score has been proposed as an easily assessable score to monitor liver function and its dynamic recovery. Aims We explored if the APRI+ALBI score was able to assess liver function recovery after the first step of ALPPS and allow for optimal timing of the 2nd step. Methods Based on the ALPPS registry, patients from 2012 to 2020 with available APRI+ALBI score were included. Postoperative outcomes (PHLF A – C, PHLF B + C, 90-day mortality and severe morbidity) were defined as per standard definitions. The APRI/ALBI score was monitored perioperatively. Results Overall, 464 patients from 16 international participating centers in the ALPPS registry were included. Clinically relevant PHLF (B + C) was observed in 7.5 % and of these 63 % of patients ultimately died due to liver failure. The APRI+ALBI score immediately increased after each surgical intervention and continuously decrease thereafter. Failure of the APRI+ALBI score to decrease until the 2nd step of ALPPS predicted PHLF B+C (p = 0.001; AUC 0.78). Particularly patients with high APRI+ALBI scores and short interstage intervals were at risk to develop PHLF B+C. Conclusion The APRI+ALBI score objectifies liver function recovery after the 1st step of ALPPS and failure to sufficiently decreased is associated with a higher risk for PHLF B+C. This might allow for optimized planning of the 2nd step of ALPPS to allow for sufficient liver function recovery to minimize the risk for PHLF B+C and associated futile outcome.

An Elbow Patch Reconstruction Technique for Narrowed Remnant Portal Veins during Right Lobe Living Donor Hepatectomy: A Rescue Surgery.

Background: Treatment of established portal vein narrowing after living donor hepatectomy is challenging. We aimed to present a new approach termed the "elbow patch reconstruction technique" to correct the narrowed remnant portal vein just or late after right lobe living donor hepatectomy. Methods: Demographic and clinical data of 12 living liver donors with narrowed remnant portal veins and treated with the "elbow patch reconstruction technique" were prospectively collected and retrospectively evaluated. Anatomic variation of the portal vein was defined in accordance with the Nakamura classification; six of the living liver donors had type A, three had type B, and the remaining three had type C. In eight of the living liver donors with a narrowed remnant portal vein, diagnosis was detected by intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography and visual inspection by experienced transplant surgeons in the living donor hepatectomy procedure. In the remaining four living liver donors, diagnosis was performed postoperatively when elevation of liver enzymes was noticed during the routine liver function test and Doppler US. The diagnosis was confirmed by multidetector computed tomography. Results: Data from nine males and three females aged 18 to 54 years were analyzed. All of the living liver donors were followed up for a median of 1710 days (min-max: 1178-4447 days; IQR: 1516 days), and none of the living liver donors had any structural or functional complications in the portal vein. Conclusions: Narrowing remnant portal veins are rare, but they are a life-threatening complication in living liver donors, and this condition requires urgent management. Image guided interventions and narrowed segment resection with end-to-end anastomosis using a vascular graft carried a potential risk for thrombosis and restenosis. To avoid these complications, we shared a technique named "elbow patch reconstruction technique". This technique can be very effective in relieving the narrowing of the remnant portal vein after right lobe living donor hepatectomy.

Safety of advanced laparoscopic hepatectomy for elderly patients: a Japanese nationwide analysis.

Although basic laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) has become the standard procedure for hepatectomy, the safety of advanced LH remains to be clarified, especially in elderly patients. We investigated the safety of advanced LH in elderly Japanese patients. Elderly patients (≥ 65years) who underwent advanced LH between 2016 and 2021 were analyzed using a nationwide claims database in Japan. The perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent open hepatectomy (OH group) or LH (LH group) were compared using propensity score matching (PSM). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The E-value method was performed to assess the strength of the outcome point estimates against possible unmeasured confounding factors. Among 5,021 patients, eligible patients were classified into the OH (n = 4,152) and LH (n = 527) groups. The median patient age was 74years in both groups. Hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic liver tumors were the major indications for hepatectomy (OH: 52.5% versus 30.6%; LH: 60.7% versus 26.4%). After PSM, in-hospital mortality rates for OH and LH were 1.7 and 0.76%, respectively. The risk ratio was 0.45 (95% confidence interval, 0.16-1.25; E-value = 3.87). Compared with OH, LH was associated with a longer anesthesia time (411 versus 432min), lower rate of blood product use (red blood concentrate: 33.5% versus 20.3%; fresh frozen plasma: 29.2% versus 17.1%), and shorter hospital stay (13 versus 12days). In elderly patients, the safety of advanced LH was similar to that of advanced OH, or might be better in Japan under the current policy of hospital accreditation.

A Mouse Model of the Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy Procedure Aided by Microscopy.

Hepatectomy is widely regarded as the primary treatment for hepatic malignancies; yet, postoperative liver failure remains a major cause of perioperative mortality, severely impacting patient outcomes. In a robust hepatic environment, the future liver remnant (FLR) must exceed 25%, and in cases of cirrhosis, this requirement increases to over 40%. The inadequacy of FLR is currently a major obstacle in the progression of hepatic surgery. Traditional methods to enhance FLR hypertrophy mainly focus on portal vein embolization (PVE), but its effectiveness is considerably limited. In recent years, there have been numerous reports on a novel biphasic hepatectomy method involving hepatic partitioning and portal vein ligation, known as associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS). ALPPS surpasses PVE in efficiently and considerably inducing FLR hypertrophy. However, the detailed mechanisms driving ALPPS-facilitated hepatic regeneration are not fully understood. Thus, replicating ALPPS in animal models is crucial to thoroughly investigate the molecular mechanisms of hepatic regeneration, offering valuable theoretical and practical insights.

THE STATE OF THE HEMOCOAGULATION LINK IN THE HEMOSTASIS SYSTEM OF MICE AFTER PARTIAL LIVER RESECTION UNDER ADMINISTRATION OF PLATELET AUTOMESOCONCENTRATE

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the indicators of the hemocoagulation link in the hemostasis system of mice after partial resection of the liver under the platelet automesoconcentrate administration.
 Materials and methods. 2/3 of the liver was resected in wild-type mice. The animals were divided into three groups: I - control; II – mice that underwent partial hepatectomy; ІІІ – mice that were injected with automesoconcentrate of platelets in a dose of 1 ml/kg during surgery into the liver remnant.
 Results and discussion. The study has shown that during the first day following the liver resection, hemocoagulation processes decrease that was indicated by a reduction in the content of platelets and fibrinogen in the blood and a simultaneous increase in the parameters of thrombin time, prothrombin time, and International Normalized Ratio. In the period from the 4th to the 7th day of the study, an increase in the levels of platelets and fibrinogen and a decrease in the indicators of thrombin time, prothrombin time, and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Timer were revealed, however, the studied indicators did not acquire the values ​​of the control group of animals. Administration of automesoconcentrate is a dose of 1 ml/kg directly into the liver remnant during the hepatectomy procedure helps to normalize the hemocoagulation system on the seventh day after the procedure.
 Administration of automesoconcentrate also prevents the development of hypocoagulation, vascular wall defects (vasculitis, reduction in the thickness of the walls of microvessels), deficiency of blood coagulation factors. The high concentration of platelets in the automesoconcentrate enables to effectively avoid the loss of platelets and fibrinogen, coagulation factor V, coagulation factor VIII and other coagulation components. Along with this, the automesoconcentrate helps to restore the functional capacity of the liver after resection of a significant part of it, since hepatectomy damages the liver function of patients.
 Conclusions. Administering platelet automesoconcentrate effectively prevents the loss of platelets, fibrinogen, coagulation factor V, coagulation factor VIII, and other crucial coagulation components.

Pure Laparoscopic Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy (ALPPS) for a Giant Hepatocellular Carcinoma (> 15 cm) Abutting the Liver Hilum

IntroductionThis video manuscript presents a unique case of associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) procedure performed in case of a giant hepatocellular carcinoma (> 15 cm in size) whereby both stages were completed via the pure laparoscopic approach. MethodsThis case was performed in our institution in 2022. All data were obtained from the patient’s records in our prospectively maintained database. Institutional Review Board (IRB) was not required for this publication. ResultsA 67-year-old Chinese male with a history of chronic hepatitis B infection presented with a giant liver mass. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan demonstrated a tumour, with features compatible with hepatocellular carcinoma, measuring 15.4 cm in maximal diameter in the right lobe of the cirrhotic liver with no distal metastasis. The indocyanine green (ICG) retention test at 15 min was prolonged at 25.5%, and the CT volumetry showed a borderline future liver remnant (FLR) volume of 692 ml or 22.9% (based on measured volume) and a standardized FLR of 49%. Stage 1 ALPPS was successfully completed via the pure laparoscopic approach. He was well post-operatively, and a repeat CT volumetry at 7 days showed an increase in FLR to 826 ml, and the ICG retention test improved to 18.1%. The patient underwent pure laparoscopic second-stage ALPPS, 8 days later. The patient recovered well with no liver decompensation or local complications. ConclusionThe use of MIS for in 2-stage ALPPS procedure for giant HCCs larger than 10 cm is technically feasible and safe when attempted in high-volume centres by experienced surgeons, while benefiting from the advantages of MIS liver resection.

Selective hanging maneuver and rubber band retraction technique for pure laparoscopic donor right hepatectomy

BackgroundPure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy (PLDH) is an increasingly performed procedure despite its technical difficulties. This study introduced a selective liver parenchymal hanging maneuver and rubber band retraction technique for PLDH. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed perioperative data from 58 patients who underwent donor right hepatectomy (including right extended) between March 2009 and February 2021. Eighteen patients underwent open donor right hepatectomy (ODRH) and 38 patients underwent pure laparoscopic donor right hepatectomy (PLDRH). ResultsAll PLDRH donors underwent the procedure without the need for open conversion. The median PLDRH operative time was 396.84 ± 72.459 min, the median PLDRH intraoperative bleeding amount was 496.05 ± 272.591 ml, and the warm ischemic time was 8.77 ± 3.062 min. Compared to ODRH, laparoscopic surgery showed further advantages in terms of postoperative hospital stay (10.94 ± 4.036 days vs. 8.03 ± 2.646 days, respectively, P = 0.01) and estimated blood loss (676.67 ± 321.046 ml vs. 496.05 ± 272.591 ml, respectively, P = 0.033). ConclusionsThe selective liver parenchymal hanging maneuver and rubber band retraction technique is a simple and effective pure laparoscopic procedure for donor hepatectomy. Our results demonstrate the safety and feasibility of this technique.

Robotic hepatectomy and cholecystectomy in the management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the biliary tract: A case report and literature review.

In the Western Hemisphere, Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the biliary tract (IPMN-B) is a rare lesion with uncertain aetiology. This report outlines a scarcely documented instance of IPMN-B treated using robotic hepatectomy and cholecystectomy supplemented with intraoperative imagery aimed at informing future robotic procedures. A healthy person with acute cholangitis symptoms underwent diagnostic imaging followed by successful robotic hepatectomy and cholecystectomy. Pathological examination confirmed IPMN-B. The patient was consulted regarding the proposed procedure of robotic left hepatectomy, cholecystectomy, and potential hepaticojejunostomy, to which she provided consent. Subsequent surgical intervention resulted in clear margins for malignancy, and the patient recovered without complications. This case emphasises the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in managing IPMN. The use of a robotic approach, specifically through robotic left hepatectomy combined with cholecystectomy, offers minimally invasive surgery that provides exceptional visualisation and precise control.

Effect of various hepatectomy procedures on circulating tumor cells in postoperative patients: a case-matched comparative study.

The objective of this study is to elucidate the prevalence of systemic circulating tumor cells (CTCs) prior to and following resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to compare the disparities in postoperative CTCs in terms of quantity and classifications between the open liver resection (OPEN) and laparoscopic liver resection (LAP) cohorts. From September 2015 to May 2022, 32 consecutive HCC patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection at Southwest Hospital were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The clinicopathological data were retrieved from a prospectively collected computer database. Patients in the OPEN group matched at a 1:1 ratio with patients who underwent open liver resection during the study period on age, gender, tumor size, number of tumors, tumor location, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, TNM and Child-Pugh staging from the database of patients to form the control group. The Can-Patrol CTC enrichment technique was used to enrich and classify CTCS based on epithelial-mesenchymal transformation phenotypes. The endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS), and the Kaplan-Meier method and multiple Cox proportional risk model were used to analyze the influence of clinicopathological factors such as total CTCs and CTC phenotype on prognosis. The mean age of the 64 patients with primary liver cancer was 52.92 years (23-71), and 89.1% were male. The postoperative CTC clearance rate was more significant in the OPEN group. The total residual CTC and phenotypic CTC of the LAP group were significantly higher than those of the OPEN group (p = 0.017, 0.012, 0.049, and 0.030, respectively), which may increase the possibility of metastasis (p = 0.042). In Kaplan-Meier analysis, DFS was associated with several clinicopathological risk factors, including Barcelona Clinical Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage, tumor size, and vascular invasion. Of these analyses, BCLC Stage [p = 0.043, HR (95% CI) =2.03(1.022-4.034)], AFP [p = 0.007, HR (95% CI) =1.947 (1.238-3.062)], the number of positive CTCs [p = 0.004, HR (95% CI) =9.607 (2.085-44.269)] and vascular invasion [p = 0.046, HR (95% CI) =0.475 (0.22-1.023)] were significantly associated with DFS. In comparison to conventional OPEN technology, LAP technology has the capacity to augment the quantity of epithelial, mixed, and mesenchymal circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Following the surgical procedure, there was a notable increase in the total CTCs, epithelial CTCs, and mixed CTCs within the LAP group, indicating a potential drawback of LAP in facilitating the release of CTCs.

Successful two-stage transplant hepatectomy using the ALPPS procedure for advanced hepatocellular cancer

In the presented case, after liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular cancer (HCC), the disease progressed in the graft, left lung and bronchopulmonary lymph nodes after 16 months, according to the Milan criteria. Against the background of combined treatment – hepatic artery chemoembolization (HAC), systemic targeted therapy and stereotactic radiotherapy for metastatic node of the left lung – HCC in the extrahepatic foci was stabilized. In this situation, we considered resection of the liver transplant as the only therapeutic option that provides a chance for significant prolongation of the patient’s life. However, extensive resection of the right liver lobe seemed unsafe due to a number of limiting factors – borderline functional residual capacity of the remaining liver: future liver remnant (FLR), 599 cm3 (32%); plasma disappearance rate (PDR), 12.3%/min; tumor invasion of the middle hepatic vein basin. In this case, right portal vein branch (RPVB) embolization could promote vicarious hypertrophy of the remaining part of the liver, but the waiting period usually exceeds three to four weeks, and the RPVB was already partially blocked by the tumor at that time. The only option for surgical intervention was, in our opinion, two-stage hepatectomy according to the Associated Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) procedure, despite the absence of literature data on the performance of such operations on a liver transplant. On postoperative day 5 from the first stage, a 799 cm3 FLR hypertrophy was achieved, which allowed to perform the second stage of intervention relatively safely. Competent tactics regarding medication in the intensive care unit (ICU) and renal replacement therapy allowed to cope with sepsis and acute renal failure – the prevailing postoperative complications.

A "cui prodest" evaluation on the development of a minimally invasive liver surgery program: a differential benefit analysis of open and laparoscopic approach for left and right hemihepatectomies.

The correlation between technical feasibility and short-term clinical advantage provided by laparoscopic over open technique for major hepatectomies is unclear. This monocentric retrospective study investigates the possible differences in the benefit provided by minimally invasive approach between left and right hepatectomy, deepening the concept of differential benefit in the setting of anatomical major resections. All hemihepatectomies performed from January 2004 to December 2021 were identified in the institutional database. A propensity score method was used to match minimal invasive (MILS) and open pairs in the left hemihepatectomies (LH) and right hemihepatectomies (RH) groups with a 1:1 ratio to adjust any potential selection bias. The differential benefit for left and right hepatectomy provided by laparoscopic over open technique was evaluated in a pure analysis (i.e., including cases converted to open) and a risk-adjusted analysis (i.e., after excluding open conversion from the laparoscopic series). The analysis of the risk-adjusted differential benefit demonstrated better result of the MILS in the RH group than in the LH group, in terms of blood loss (∆ blood loss -150 and -350, respectively; differential benefit: 200mL, p < 0.05), morbidity (∆ rate of morbidity -11.3% and -18.1%, respectively; differential benefit: 6.8%, p < 0.05) and length of stay, LOS (∆ LOS -1day and -3days, respectively; differential benefit: 2days, p < 0.05). While MILS is associated with improved clinical outcomes both in left and right hepatectomy procedures, the greater advantage provided by laparoscopy was documented in patients undergoing right hepatectomy, i.e. for more technically demanding procedures. A MILS program should include the broadest range of liver resections to ensure the full benefits of the laparoscopic technique.

Exposure of the hepatic vein trunk via tracing of its branches: a useful surgical procedure for laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy.

Although there are various advantages of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) over open liver resection, some problems have been reported, such as disorientation and lack of control of bleeding during liver parenchymal dissection. In this study, we discuss a strategy to overcome the disorientation experienced during liver parenchymal dissection, especially in anatomical LLR. This procedure involves hepatic parenchymal dissection from the hepatic vein branch along its trunk to reveal an important landmark in anatomical LLR. Knowing which region of the liver is perfused into each hepatic vein in preoperative 3D simulation allows the tracing of the hepatic vein branch that naturally leads to the hepatic vein trunk. After that, hepatic resection can be easily completed by dissecting the line connected to the other landmarks, the Glisson branch, the root of the hepatic vein, and the liver demarcation line. In conclusion, this surgical procedure that traces the branch of the hepatic vein exposes the trunk, which makes it a very useful tool for limited laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy.

Clinical and Economic Burden Associated with Disruptive Surgical Bleeding: A Retrospective Database Analysis.

Hemostatic agents are used to control surgical bleeding; however, some patients experience disruptive bleeding despite the use of hemostats. In patients receiving hemostats, we compared clinical and economic outcomes between patients with vs without disruptive bleeding during a variety of surgical procedures. This was a retrospective analysis of the Premier Healthcare Database. Study patients were age ≥18 with a hospital encounter for one of 9 procedures with evidence of hemostatic agent use between 1-Jan-2019 and 31-Dec-2019: cholecystectomy, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), cystectomy, hepatectomy, hysterectomy, pancreatectomy, peripheral vascular, thoracic, and valve procedures (first procedure = index). Patients were grouped by presence vs absence of disruptive bleeding. Outcomes evaluated during index included intensive care unit (ICU) admission/duration, ventilator use, operating room time, length of stay (LOS), in-hospital mortality, and total hospital costs; 90-day all-cause inpatient readmission was also evaluated. Multivariable analyses were used to examine the association of disruptive bleeding with outcomes, adjusting for patient, procedure, and hospital/provider characteristics. The study included 51,448 patients; 16% had disruptive bleeding (range 1.5% for cholecystectomy to 44.4% for valve). In procedures for which ICU and ventilator use is not routine, disruptive bleeding was associated with significant increases in the risks of admission to ICU and requirement for ventilator (all p≤0.05). Across all procedures, disruptive bleeding was also associated with significant incremental increases in days spent in ICU (all p≤0.05, except CABG), LOS (all p≤0.05, except thoracic), and total hospital costs (all p≤0.05); 90-day all-cause inpatient readmission, in-hospital mortality, and operating room time were higher in the presence of disruptive bleeding and varied in statistical significance across procedures. Disruptive bleeding was associated with substantial clinical and economic burden across a wide variety of surgical procedures. Findings emphasize the need for more effective and timely intervention for surgical bleeding events.

A bibliometric and visualized analysis of preoperative future liver remnant augmentation techniques from 1997 to 2022.

The size and function of the future liver remnant (FLR) is an essential consideration for both eligibility for treatment and postoperative prognosis when planning surgical hepatectomy. Over time, a variety of preoperative FLR augmentation techniques have been investigated, from the earliest portal vein embolization (PVE) to the more recent Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) and liver venous deprivation (LVD) procedures. Despite numerous publications on this topic, no bibliometric analysis has yet been conducted. Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database was searched to identify studies related to preoperative FLR augmentation techniques published from 1997 to 2022. The analysis was performed using the CiteSpace [version 6.1.R6 (64-bit)] and VOSviewer [version 1.6.19]. A total of 973 academic studies were published by 4431 authors from 920 institutions in 51 countries/regions. The University of Zurich was the most published institution while Japan was the most productive country. Eduardo de Santibanes had the most published articles, and Masato Nagino was the most frequently co-cited author. The most frequently published journal was HPB, and the most cited journal was Ann Surg, with 8088 citations. The main aspects of preoperative FLR augmentation technique is to enhance surgical technology, expand clinical indications, prevent and treat postoperative complications, ensure long-term survival, and evaluate the growth rate of FLR. Recently, hot keywords in this field include ALPPS, LVD, and Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy. This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of preoperative FLR augmentation techniques, offering valuable insights and ideas for scholars in this field.

Impacts of in situ donor partial hepatectomy in pediatric liver transplantation

BackgroundPediatric liver transplantation is performed with either whole, reduced, split livers depending on the technical aspects of the surgery and the discrepancy between donor and recipient body dimensions. The optimal method of partial hepatectomy for pediatric transplants remains debated to this day: either in situ (i.e. occurring before liver removal from the donor) or ex situ (i.e. taking place after liver removal). In 2007, our tertiary academic center changed its surgical protocol from ex situ to in situ partial hepatectomy in deceased donor mainly to decrease bleeding complication risk among other amendments. Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of this major modification on the post-operative blood products volume transfusion. MethodsA retrospective analysis of 104 patients who underwent liver transplantation at our pediatric center between 1998 and 2016 was performed. Patients receiving multiple organ transplantations or re-transplantation were excluded from the study. Differences in blood products transfusion volume, post-operative complications and mortality rates were compared between two periods implementing different surgical transplantation protocols: ex situ partial hepatectomy from 1998 to 2006 and in situ partial hepatectomy from 2007 to 2016. Results42 children from the original ex situ protocol group and 62 children from the modified in situ protocol group were included in the study. The median age and weight were 1.5 years (0.7–4.8 kg) and 11.1 kg (7.9–18.2), respectively. There were no significant differences in demographic data between groups. A significant decrease in liver transplant cold ischemia time was observed in the in situ group compared to the ex situ group (p < 0.001). A significant increase in vasopressor use was observed for the in situ group (64% (IS) vs. 24% ex situ group (p < 0.001)), as part of the protocol modifications. Median perioperative blood products transfusion volume was not significantly different between both groups: 275 ml/kg (76–497) ex situ group vs. 229 ml/kg (76–499) in situ group (p = 0.82). We observed a 28-day and 90-day mortality rate of 14.3% and 16.6%, respectively, for the ex situ group and 6.5% and 8.1%, respectively, for the in situ group. Hepatic artery thrombosis was found in the first 7 days in 7% of the ex situ group patients and 6% of the in situ group patients. There were no significant differences in post-operative mortality and morbidity rates observed between groups (p value of 0.29 and 0.28 for 28-days and 90-days mortality rates, respectively). ConclusionsAlthough the median amount of transfusion was higher in the ex-situ group, our study showed no significant differences in perioperative blood product transfusions, morbidity and mortality rates between ex-situ and in-situ partial hepatectomy procedures. Further multicenter studies should be conducted to confirm these results. Level of evidenceIII

Anesthesia Management in Laparoscopic Donor Hepatectomy: The First Report from Turkey

We aimed to report a single-center experience in laparoscopic donor left-side and right-side hepatectomy cases regarding preoperative evaluation, perioperative and anesthetic management protocols, and postoperative follow-up. Laparoscopic donor left-side and right-side hepatectomy cases were included in the study because of their excessive transection area and bleeding potential. Medical records of living donors were reviewed in terms of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), presence of consanguinity with the recipient, perioperative and early postoperative biochemical parameters, hemodynamic changes during surgery, duration of surgery, the ratio of liver volume to total liver volume, perioperative complications, and length of hospital stay. Eighty-one laparoscopic living-donor hepatectomy procedures were performed in our unit between 2018 and 2022. Six laparoscopic donor right-side cases and two left-side cases were retrospectively reviewed. Donors' mean age and BMI were 29.6 ± 8.6 years and 23.1 ± 4.3, respectively. The average weights of the right and left lobe liver grafts were 727 g and 279 g, respectively, constituting 65.8% and 22.7% of the total liver volume, respectively. The mean operation time was 593 ± 94 minutes, and the mean volume of blood loss was 437 ± 294 mL. A major complication, namely portal vein stenosis, developed in 1 donor (1/8), and portal vein patency was achieved postoperatively. Anesthesia management and teamwork between surgeons and anesthesiologists are the most important building blocks for donor safety, which is of the utmost priority. Effective communication and cooperation in the operating room may prevent potential donor complications and improve postoperative recovery time.

Pure Laparoscopic Donor Left Hepatectomy Reduces Postoperative Analgesic Use and Pain Scale

BackgroundMany recent reports have described the efficacy and safety of pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy (PLDH). Here we investigated the extent to which this technique could reduce patients’ experienced pain. MethodsAmong donor left hepatectomy procedures performed between July 2011 and November 2022, we retrospectively analyzed 20 open donor hepatectomy (ODH), 20 laparoscopy-assisted donor hepatectomy (LADH), and 5 PLDH cases. We compared these 3 procedures regarding the total amount of postoperative analgesic use (narcotics and non-narcotics) and the first date when the donor was completely pain-free, as evaluated by the patients using a pain scale. ResultsTotal postoperative fentanyl use did not significantly differ among the 3 procedures: median (range), ODH, 0.5 mg (0-2 mg); LADH 1.2 mg (0-7 mg); PLDH, 0.5 mg (0-3.5; P = .172). The percentage of patients who completely discontinued analgesics on postoperative day (POD) 5 was significantly higher for PLDH (80%) than for ODH (35%) or LADH (20%) (P = .041). The day when 50% of donors were completely pain-free on a pain scale was POD9 for ODH, POD11 for LADH, and POD5 for PLDH, significantly shorter in the PLDH group (P = .004). ConclusionAt our institution, we found that PLDH was a useful technique for postoperative pain management compared with PDH and LADH. Our results suggest that PLDH effectively reduces the duration of postoperative analgesia use. Further studies are warranted as the number of PLDH cases gradually increases.

Efficacy of Technical Modifications to the Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy Procedure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Efficacy of Technical Modifications to the Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy Procedure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis