Hepatic Artery Reconstruction Research Articles

A case of successful conversion surgery for unresectable gallbladder cancer treated with durvalumab in combination with gemcitabine plus cisplatin.

We report a rare case of a patient with initially unresectable gallbladder cancer who underwent conversion surgery with durvalumab in combination with gemcitabine plus cisplatin and achieved an R0 resection. A 68year-old woman was found to have gallbladder cancer and multiple enlarged lymph nodes around the suprapancreatic rim and hepatic hilum invading the proper hepatic artery on computed tomography. The diagnosis was cT3cN2cM0, cStage IVB. After eight cycles of durvalumab in combination with gemcitabine plus cisplatin, all tumor markers became negative, and lymph node invasion of the hepatic artery disappeared. The patient underwent conversion surgery with gallbladder bed resection and regional lymph node dissection. There was no need for hepatic artery reconstruction. Pathology revealed ypT2aypN0ycM0, ypStage IIA, and radical resection was considered. Immunostaining of tissue collected at the time of endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition revealed less than 1% programmed death ligand-1 expression. The patient continued adjuvant chemotherapy with single-agent durvalumab every 4weeks and maintained a relapse-free survival of 8months postoperatively. The utility of durvalumab in combination with gemcitabine plus cisplatin in unresectable gallbladder cancer independent of programmed death ligand-1 expression has been confirmed and may be an important option in future multimodal treatment, including conversion surgery.

Portal Vein Arterialization as a Lifesaving Strategy for Hepatic Artery Injury in Robotic Hepatectomy.

Roboticvascular resection and reconstruction is a challenging procedure. Portal vein arterialization (PVA) can offer an efficient solution in those cases in which the hepaticartery cannot be reconstructed.1.Can J Surg 64:e173-e182;2.The Paul Brousse Hospital Experience. HPB (Oxford) 16:723-738;3.J Am Coll Surg 207:e1-6; PVA increases oxygen supply to theremaining partoftheliver, promotesliver regeneration, and prevents liver failure.Majlesara A, Golriz M, Ramouz A, et al. Portal vein arterialization as a salvage method in advanced hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. Br J Surg. 2024;111. In this multimedia article, we describea patient who was treated with PVA for a robotic hepatic arteryinjury during robotic left-liver-first anterior radical modular orthotopic right hemihepatectomy (Rob-Larmorth).5.Ann Surg Oncol 31:5636-5637 METHODS: A 52-year-old male patient was admitted with epigastricpain. Further imaging showed intrahepaticcholangiocarcinoma involving the root of the right anterior branch of the portal vein. Following multidisciplinary consultation, surgical resection was recommended as the primary approach. The robotic technique was chosen in this operation, with preoperative anticipation of needing Rob-Larmorth. Unfortunately, the left hepatic artery sustained unintended damage during skeletonization of the duodenal ligaments. Anastomosis could not be performed due to severe damage to the distal end intima. We utilized PVA technology to anastomose the hepatic artery to the portal vein. Finally, Rob-Larmorth and PVA were successfully performed. The surgery took 490min and the estimated blood loss was approximately 300mL. No blood transfusion was performed.Postoperatively, the patient recovered smoothly without liver failure, although percutaneous drainage was required due to bile leakage. Pathological examination revealed moderately to poorly differentiated bile duct cell carcinoma (T2N0M0, stage II). No recurrence was observed during the 12-month follow-up. PVA can be an effective solution when no other revascularization options are available.Implementing PVA as a bridging procedure increases oxygen delivery to the remnant liver, facilitating regeneration and reducing the risk of liver failure. The development of arterial collaterals is a significant concern for individuals undergoing PVA. Complications reported after PVA include early shunt thrombosis, portal hypertension, and a notable 90-day mortality rate.1.Can J Surg 64:e173-e182 However, Majlesara and colleagues found no evidence of postoperative liver damage associated with PVA. They also reported low morbidity rates and no associated mortality for both one- and two-stage embolization of the arterioportal shunt.Majlesara A, Golriz M, Ramouz A, et al. Portal vein arterialization as a salvage method in advanced hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. Br J Surg. 2024;111. PVA can offer an effective solution when hepatic artery reconstruction is not feasible.

P.406: Does tying first during hepatic artery reconstruction help prevent stenosis?

P.406: Does tying first during hepatic artery reconstruction help prevent stenosis?

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Outcomes After Hepatic Artery Reconstruction in Pediatric Liver Transplantation Using a Microscope Versus Surgical Loupe

BackgroundTo review the impact of the operating microscope (OM) for reconstruction of the hepatic artery (HA) by comparing the outcomes with standard loupe reconstruction (SL) in pediatric liver transplantation (LT). MethodsStudies comparing the application of OM and SL for the reconstruction of the HA in primary pediatric LT were included from a systematic search of MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and EMBASE from inception to June 2022. Re-transplantation, dual grafts and auxiliary transplants were excluded. Primary outcome was the rate of HA thrombosis (HAT). Secondary outcomes were graft loss and mortality. ResultsThere were 1261 liver recipients from 9 included studies published until June 2022. There were 484 patients in the OM group and 777 patients in the SL group. HAT incidence with OM was significantly lower with OR = 0.18 (95% CI: 0.07-0.48). The 1-year graft survival was significantly better in the OM group with OR = 2.77 (95% CI: 1.13-6.80). 1-year overall mortality was also significantly lower with OM with OR = 0.39 (0.18-0.86). The use of OM did not significantly impact the incidence of HAT in the living donor liver transplant subgroup. Differences in time for hepatic HA reconstruction, total operating time and length of hospital stay did not reach statistical significance. ConclusionThe use of OM has reduced the risk of HAT, graft loss and mortality in pediatric liver transplantation. Adoption of microsurgical principles in general may have contributed to the improved outcomes with SL reconstruction of HA in pediatric LT.

Prediction of hepatic artery occlusion after liver transplantation by ultrasound characteristics and clinical risk factors.

Hepatic artery occlusion (HAO) after liver transplantation (LT) is a devastating complication, resulting in early graft loss and reduced overall survival. Ultrasound is an established assessment method for HAO in patients following LT, especially those with complex hepatic artery reconstruction. To investigate the ultrasound characteristics and analyze the risk factors associated with HAO in patients after LT. We retrospectively analyzed the ultrasound characteristics and the clinic risk factors associated with HAO in 400 adult LT patients who were enrolled and treated at the Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen between November 2016 and July 2022. Fourteen patients diagnosed with acute HAO (A-HAO) by surgery and fifteen diagnosed with chronic HAO (C-HAO) were included. A control group of 33 patients without HAO complications during the same period were randomly selected using a random number table. All patients underwent an ultrasonography examination. Parameters including resistance index (RI), peak systolic velocity (PSV), and portal vein velocity (PVV) were compared across the groups. Additionally, basic clinical data were collected for all patients, including gender, age, primary diagnosis, D-dimer concentration, total operation time, cold ischemia time, hot ischemia time, intraoperative blood loss and transfusion, intraoperative urine volume, infusion, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, and whether complex hepatic artery reconstructions were performed. Furthermore, risk factors influencing HAO formation after LT were analyzed. Compared to the non-HAO group, PVV and RI were higher in the A-HAO group, while PSV was lower. Conversely, both PSV and RI were lower in the C-HAO group compared to the non-HAO group. The proportion of patients undergoing complex hepatic artery reconstructions and the gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) level before occlusion were significantly higher in the A-HAO group compared to the non-HAO group. However, there were no distinct differences between the two groups in D-dimer, MELD score, pre-occlusion alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels, or intraoperative conditions. Ultrasound features of the hepatic artery before occlusion are significantly associated with postoperative HAO development. Additionally, complex hepatic artery reconstructions, defined as revascularization of the graft requiring additional anastomosis between donor hepatic arteries, constitute a risk factor for A-HAO. Besides, abnormal pre-occlusion GGT elevation is an important biochemical indicator. Therefore, ultrasound examination serves as an important tool for screening HAO, especially in patients with the identified risk factors.

Transplantation techniques for liver resections in children

Aim. To carry out a retrospective analysis of the treatment outcomes of the patients who underwent liver resection with angioplasty facilitated by transplantation techniques. Materials and methods. The sample of cases was divided into four groups: liver resection with total vascular isolation of the liver, ante situm liver resection, hepatic artery and portal vein reconstruction, cardiopulmonary bypass resection. The analysis was focused on surgery features and treatment outcomes. Results. The study involved 29 patients. The performed interventions included 11 liver resections with total vascular isolation, 6 ante situm liver resections, 7 resections with angioplasty, and 5 cardiopulmonary bypass resections. 5 patients (17 %) developed complications that required reoperation. Within 90 days, 4 patients (14 %) died. For patients with malignant neoplasms, one-, three-, and five-year overall survival rates accounted for 84.4 %, 58.4 %, and 51.1 %; one-year event-free survival rate comprised 57.1 %, and three- and five-year event-free survival was 41.7 %.The study revealed no significant differences in the complication rates. The groups of ante situm liver resections and cardiopulmonary bypass resections significantly differed from the other groups by the higher incidence of tumor progression, invasion of adjacent organs, hemorrhagic complications, preoperative stay, and duration of cold perfusion of the liver. The cardiopulmonary bypass resections were noted to have higher duration of surgery, vascular isolation, heparin use, and the frequency of anticoagulant therapy before surgery. Conclusion. Liver resections with total vascular isolation, angioplasty and transplantation techniques are considered as the only possible treatment option for a number of patients. Further accumulation of results will reduce the risk of adverse outcomes.

Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery: A Narrative Review and Proposed Management Algorithm.

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is an uncommon condition characterized by the compression of the celiac trunk by the median arcuate ligament. Due to the anatomical proximity to the foregut, MALS has significant implications in hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery. It can pose complications in pancreatoduodenectomy and orthotopic liver transplantation, where the collateral arterial supply from the superior mesenteric artery is often disrupted. The estimated prevalence of MALS in HPB surgery is approximately 10%. Overall, there is consensus for a cautious approach to MALS when embarking on complex foregut surgery, with a low threshold for intraoperative median arcuate ligament release or hepatic artery reconstruction. The role of endovascular intervention in the management of MALS prior to HPB surgery continues to evolve, but more evidence is required to establish its efficacy. Recognizing the existing literature gap concerning optimal management in this population, we describe our tertiary center experience as a clinical algorithm to facilitate decision-making. Research question: What is the significance and management of median arcuate ligament syndrome in patients undergoing hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery?

Short-term outcomes after liver resection with vascular reconstruction: Results from a study with the National Clinical Database of Japan.

Although curative resection with vascular reconstruction improves the prognosis of blood-invading locally advanced hepatobiliary tumors, the mortality and morbidity of the procedure remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the risk factors associated with mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing liver resection with vascular reconstruction. This retrospective observational study included 1215 patients undergoing hepatectomy of more than one section with vascular reconstruction, except for left lateral sectionectomy registered in the National Clinical Database (NCD) between 2015 and 2019. The rates of surgical mortality and relevant clinical factors were evaluated. Among the four types of vascular reconstruction, portal venous reconstruction was frequently performed in 724 patients (59.6% of the enrolled patients). Surgical mortality was 8.1%. Patients with hepatic artery reconstruction had the highest surgical mortality rate of 15.8%. In other types of reconstruction, surgical mortality was 9.1% in the portal vein, 5.2% in inferior vena cava, and 4.9% in hepatic vein. Factors significantly associated with surgical mortality include age, sex (male), preoperative comorbidity (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade >3, respiratory distress, diabetes, preoperative pneumonia, weight loss, and obstructive jaundice), poorer liver functional reserve (indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min and prothrombin time/international normalized ratio >1.1) and accompanying biliary reconstruction. The NCD revealed the detailed status of liver resection combined with vascular reconstruction in Japan. Based on the results of this analysis, understanding the factors that influence the outcome and postoperative course of each procedure will provide patients with accurate information and opportunities to improve future outcomes.

Restoration of Bile Outflow and Liver Revascularization After Cholecystectomy with Damage to the Hepaticocholedochus and Thrombosis of the Right Hepatic Artery

The problem of iatrogenic damage to the extrahepatic bile ducts during cholecystectomy remains relevant. Insufficient experience of the surgical team, limited knowledge of the topographic anatomy of the subhepatic space, especially in conditions of perivesical inflammatory infiltrate, poorly timed access conversion are some of the main reasons.The results of treatment of these patients depend on the timing of recognition of the injury, the type of the injury, the characteristics of reintervention, and timely reconstructive surgery performed in a specialized center. Up to 30 % of damage occurs due to combined injury to the extrahepatic bile ducts and afferent vessels of the liver, which aggravates the course of the disease.We report a clinical case of a female patient. The fragment of the hepaticocholedochus was excised during a planned cholecystectomy. In the same clinic, the primary reconstructive operation was performed (drainage of the hepaticocholedochus using a Kehr’s drain). Afterwards, an external fistula of the common hepatic duct was formed. The reconstructive operation was performed 4 days after the initial operation, in a specialized department of the regional clinical hospital. Relaparotomy was performed. In a dense inflammatory infiltrate during mobilization of the suspected hepaticocholedochus, a Kehr’s drain was identified, which distal branch was not located in the lumen of the bile duct. Thrombosis of the right hepatic artery was diagnosed. The Kehr’s drain was removed, the lobar ducts were identified to their confluence, and the confluence was preserved. The distal stump was sutured. Next, arteriotomy and thrombectomy were performed, and adequate retrograde and antegrade blood flow was recoverd. A hepaticoenteroanastomosis has been formed. The patient was discharged with recovery. When examined after 2 months, the condition was satisfactory. Timely diagnosis of thrombosis of the right hepatic artery, adequate revascularization and biliary reconstruction made it possible to avoid liver necrosis and achieve a good treatment outcome.

Left Hepatectomy Combined with Right Hepatic Artery Resection and Reconstruction for Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

BackgroundHepatectomy combined with hepatic artery reconstruction in the operation for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin tumor) is a challenging procedure. We present a video of left hepatectomy combined with right hepatic artery reconstruction for hilar cholangiocarcinoma.Patient and MethodsThe patient was a 60-year-old male who presented with obstructive jaundice. The imaging examination showed that the confluence of left and right hepatic ducts and the wall of common hepatic duct were thickened, the local lumen was narrowed, the intrahepatic bile duct was dilated, and the right hepatic artery was invaded by tumors nearly 2.3 centimeters. Left hepatectomy with total caudate lobectomy, resection with reconstruction of right hepatic artery, hilar lymphadenectomy, and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy were performed.ResultsThe operation time was 345 min, and the amount of bleeding was about 400 ml. There was no blood transfusion. The pathology showed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, with negative margins of common bile duct and right hepatic duct, and negative results of all lymph nodes. The patient’s recovery was uneventful and he was discharged on postoperative day 14. The patient was disease free at 12-month follow-up evaluation.ConclusionsHepatic artery resection and reconstruction procedure is safe and feasible for hilar cholangiocarcinoma in a highly tertiary hepatobiliary center.

Reappraisal of saphenous vein conduits for hepatic arterial reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation

Reappraisal of saphenous vein conduits for hepatic arterial reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation

The Use of the "Flange Joint" Anastomotic Technique for Hepatic Artery Reconstruction in Liver Transplantation

The Use of the "Flange Joint" Anastomotic Technique for Hepatic Artery Reconstruction in Liver Transplantation

Comment on The Transition to Microsurgical Technique for Hepatic Artery Reconstruction in Pediatric Liver Transplantation

Comment on The Transition to Microsurgical Technique for Hepatic Artery Reconstruction in Pediatric Liver Transplantation

Liver transplantation with interposition saphenous vein conduits for arterial reconstruction: Impact of morbidity and arterial ischemia time

BackgroundThe outcomes of liver transplantation with hepatic arterial reconstruction using interposition saphenous vein conduits are not widely reported. Here, we share our experience using great saphenous vein conduits for hepatic arterial reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation. MethodsThis was a single-center retrospective review of patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation (n = 950). The saphenous vein conduits were used in 39 patients. We compared hepatic artery thrombosis, graft dysfunction, and 30-day and 1-year survival in the early (2012–2017) and late (2017–2020) transplant periods. ResultsAmong 39 patients (of whom 30 [76.9%] were males, median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease was 24 [interquartile range, 17–27], median age was 50 [interquartile range, 43–54]), saphenous vein conduits were placed on supra celiac aorta in 7 (17.9%), infrarenal aorta in 25 (64.1%), and other arteries in 7 (17.9%) patients. The number of biliary and hepatic vein anastomoses, total arterial ischemia time, portal vein–hepatic artery reperfusion time, and duration of surgery was different in the 2 groups (P < .05). The 30-day mortality was 5/21 (23.8%) and 0 in the early and late periods (P = .05). The 30-day survival was >90% in patients with portal vein–hepatic artery reperfusion time <240 minutes, ≤2 grade 3 complications, no graft dysfunction, and later period of transplantation (P < .05). The 1-year survival with standard transplantation, transplantation with saphenous vein conduits in the early and late period was 87%, 62%, and 89% (P = .022). ConclusionLiver transplantation with saphenous vein conduits is associated with acceptable outcomes. Major complications and arterial ischemia times are major determinants of outcomes.

Impact of Recipient’s Inflow Artery Selection on Hepatic Artery Thrombosis Post Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Abstract Background Hepatic artery reconstruction is one of the most important steps in liver transplantation, and complications associated with this vascular reconstruction, such as hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) may have a significant influence on the recipients’ prognosis. Aim of the Work The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate whether the selection of the recipient’s right versus left hepatic artery for hepatic artery reconstruction as an inflow artery will influence the chance of HAT after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Patients and Methods This is a retrospective study that analysed and evaluated the hospital records of all patients who underwent LDLT at Ain Shams University specialized Hospital (ASCOT) from January 2010 to January 2020. Records of all 390 patients were reviewed and drop out of 101 patients was performed according to the exclusion criteria. Results The study showed that the right hepatic artery was used in 79.5% of cases while the left hepatic artery was used in 20.1% of cases in the study population. The incidence of HAT was 7.3% in the whole study population. On further analysis of the arterial complications and distribution according to the usage of the right or left hepatic artery as the recipient inflow artery, there was an increase in the incidence of HAT when the right hepatic artery was used (7.9 %) compared to left hepatic artery which was (5.2 %) although it did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion Incidence of HAT was generally higher following LDLT using the right hepatic artery as the recipient’s inflow artery.

Letter to the Editor: Redo hepatic artery reconstruction for thrombosis without retransplantation in 1355 adult living donor liver transplantations.

Letter to the Editor: Redo hepatic artery reconstruction for thrombosis without retransplantation in 1355 adult living donor liver transplantations.

Reply: Redo hepatic artery reconstruction for thrombosis without retransplantation in 1355 adult living donor liver transplantations.

Reply: Redo hepatic artery reconstruction for thrombosis without retransplantation in 1355 adult living donor liver transplantations.

Technical characteristics and results of hepatic artery reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation using right lobe graft

Technical characteristics and results of hepatic artery reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation using right lobe graft

Redo hepatic artery reconstruction for thrombosis without retransplantation in 1355 adult living donor liver transplantations.

Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) after liver transplantation is associated with a marked increase in morbidity, leading to graft and patient loss. We evaluated the outcomes of adult living donor liver transplantation patients with HAT under an aggressive surgical intervention. A total of 1355 recipients underwent adult living donor liver transplantation at the Seoul National University Hospital. Surgical redo reconstruction for HAT was performed in all cases except in those with graft hepatic artery injury and late detection of HAT. Postoperative HAT developed in 33 cases (2.4%) at a median time of 3.5 days. Thirty patients (90.9%) underwent redo-arterial reconstruction. The survival rates in patients with HAT were similar to the rates in those without HAT (72.7% vs. 83.8%, p = 0.115). Although graft survival rates were lower in patients with HAT (84.8%) than in those without HAT (98.0%) ( p < 0.001), the graft survival rate was comparable (92.0% vs. 98.0%, p = 0.124) in the 25 patients with successful revascularization. Biliary complication rates were higher in patients with HAT (54.5%) than in those without HAT (32.0%) ( p = 0.008). In conclusion, the successful redo reconstruction under careful selection criteria saved the graft without retransplantation in 96.0% of the cases. Surgical revascularization should be preferentially considered for the management of HAT in adult living donor liver transplantation.

Effect of accessory hepatic artery reconstruction on prognosis in orthotopic liver transplantation: a single center experience

BackgroundIn orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), preserving an aberrant hepatic artery (AHA) can increase the number of arterial anastomoses and may lead to arterial-related complications. AHA includes accessory hepatic artery and replaced hepatic artery. Herein, the purpose of our research is to evaluate the requirement for accessory anastomosis in OLT.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed a total of 95 patients who underwent OLT in our hospital between April 2020 and December 2022. We found seven cases of donor livers with accessory HA. The method of arterial anastomosis and details of the diagnosis and treatment of complications were collated.ResultsAmong 95 consecutive patients with OLT, complications occurred in two of seven patients—patient 2 had an accessory right hepatic artery, while patient 5 had an accessory left hepatic artery. Patient 2 showed bile leakage leading to rupture and bleeding of the accessory HA anastomosis after OLT, and was treated with interventional coil embolization. In patient 5, hepatic artery thrombosis and accessory HA occlusion were treated with embolization and thrombolysis of the splenic artery and left gastric artery. During the intervention, we also found that the internal hepatic artery and accessory HA had communicating branches. After treatment, both patients remain healthy with no complications such as liver necrosis or liver abscess.ConclusionAn AHA can be ligated when assessed as an accessory artery. This can reduce the incidence of arterial complications, contribute to the perioperative management of liver transplantation (LT) patients, and improve the prognosis of LT.