Hepatic Artery Injury Research Articles

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.

Life-threatening event in laparoscopic hepatic surgery: Training curriculum on sudden hepatic artery haemorrhage

BackgroundExposure of the hepatic artery is a fundamental step in many surgeries, during which iatrogenic hepatic artery injury may occur. Although the incidence of hepatic artery haemorrhage is low, its occurrence can lead to life-threatening haemorrhage. It is difficult and dangerous to accumulate clinical experience in laparoscopic hepatic artery repair in actual patients, and simulation training models for laparoscopic hepatic artery repair are currently lacking. In this study, a 3D printed model was designed to simulate the training curriculum for sudden hepatic artery haemorrhage, but whether training with the 3D printed model could yield superior skill improvement for surgeons remained to be determined.MethodsA new 3D printed model was designed for this study. Surgeons from the General Surgery Department of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital participated in this simulation training. The surgical performance of each model was compared, and the authenticity of the model was evaluated and mechanically tested.ResultsExperienced surgeons performed better on the 3D printed model. After repeated training, inexperienced surgeons showed significant improvement of their laparoscopic hepatic artery repair skills. The authenticity of the model was generally satisfactory, but shortcomings persisted in the mechanical testing of artery wall tearing, necessitating further improvement.ConclusionsFew studies have investigated laparoscopic simulation training for sudden hepatic artery haemorrhage. This simulation model distinguishes surgeons with different levels of experience and allows those with less experience to improve their laparoscopic hepatic artery repair skills through training on the model.

Four-Year Report of Iatrogenic Bile Duct Injury Repair from a Referral Hepatobiliary Center.

Iatrogenic bile duct injury (BDI) is one of the most common complications that challenge surgeons performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). As the number of LC surgeries increases, a pattern of BDI is emerging, but little is known about this matter. The purpose of this study was to assess the pattern of post-LC BDIs directed in a referral center in Iran. Post-BDI patients referred to a hepatobiliary center were studied. Demographic data, clinical status, diagnostic examinations, referral time, post-referral management, and morbidity were analyzed. Nine out of 68 patients had Charcot's cholangitis triad featuring right upper quadrant abdominal pain, fever, and icter. Fever, icter, and itching were the most frequent symptoms. Increased bilirubin, leukocytosis, and abnormal liver function test (LFT) were the most common laboratory abnormalities. 30 patients experienced hepatic artery injury. Out of them, six patients experienced hepatectomy due to hepatic ischemia. Two patients were re-admitted and re-operated, and four patients died. Early and correct treatment by a hepatobiliary surgeon experienced in the management of these types of injuries prevents further complications in patients suffering from iatrogenic BDI. Postoperative complications of bile duct repair, such as anastomosis stricture, are possible; thus, patients need long-term and thorough postoperative observation.

Hepatic artery injury in a six-year-old patient after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A management challenge

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is among the most common surgeries in adults and is increasing in the pediatric age group. However, data are lacking on complications of the surgery and their treatment in children. Although many case series can be found that address hepatic artery injury after cholecystectomy in adults, we could not find similar publications in the English literature relating to the pediatric age group. This report shares the complex diagnosis and treatment process of a six-year-old female patient who presented with jaundice eight months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. During the treatment process, it was observed that the common bile duct went into lysis in the late period due to haptic artery injury. The treatment continued with redo hepaticojejunostomy and catheters passed through the anastomosis line in the patient, who had anastomotic stenosis after hepaticojejunostomy. Twenty-four months after the patient’s first operation, she had no active complaints. Complications may occur months after a cholecystectomy. In this case, arterial injury should be kept in mind. We wanted to contribute by presenting the first case in the literature on hepatic artery injury in the pediatric age group.

Avoidance of bile duct injury in laparoscopic cholecystectomy with feasible intraoperative resources: A cohort study.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is one of the most commonly performed surgeries and is considered the standard treatment for cholelithiasis. However, it is associated with a risk of bile duct or hepatic artery injuries. This study evaluated the safety of LCs and the conversion rate (CR) by achieving a critical view of safety (CVS) and identification of Rouviere's sulcus (RS). This was a single-group cohort study that included consecutive patients undergoing LC at Smart Health Tower (Sulaimani, Iraq) from January 2021 to January 2023. The data were prospectively collected from patients' profiles or surgical notes within the hospital's database. A total of 419 patients underwent LC, of which females were the predominant gender (78.5%). The mean and median ages of the cases were 46.3±15.8 and 45 years, with a range of 2-90 years, respectively. The most common indications for surgery were biliary colic (69.5%), followed by acute cholecystitis (23.9%). The duration of the operations was significantly shorter for cases in which the CVS (45.6±17.9 min) or identification of RS (45.6±18.6 min) was achieved compared to those where the CVS (63.7±27.7 min) or RS (50.7±21.7 min) was not observed. Surgeries for patients with both CVS achievement and RS identification were also significantly less time-consuming (44.3±17.6) than counterparts (53.3±22.6). Among the cases without CVS achievement or RS identification (n=97, 23%), eight (8.2%) had adhesions, 12 (12.4%) had a distended gallbladder (GB) and 10 (10.3%) had thick GB walls. In addition, four (4.1%) experienced GB perforation, two (2.1%) had bleeding and one (1%) had stone spillage. There was no conversion. The achievement of CVS and identification of RS are practical landmarks in performing safe LC and decreasing the CR.

REMOVED: Successful management of an Iatrogenic portal vein and hepatic artery injury in a 4-month-old female patient: A case report and literature review

Serious iatrogenic vascular injuries are considered uncommon; however, they are underreported. There are limited studies discussing the proper management of these injuries; therefore, the management is often anecdotal. A 4-month-old female patient presented with elevated liver enzymes and cholecystitis with sludge. Her HIDA scan suggested biliary atresia. During the surgery, there was a bilateral iatrogenic injury to the hepato-duodenal ligament, including the portal vein, hepatic artery, and bile ducts. The patient underwent splenectomy and cholecystectomy, and the hepatic artery transection was successfully managed with a splenic artery jump graft and a portal vein bypass initiated with the SMV using a Gore-TexⓇ vascular graft. The management of iatrogenic vascular injury depends primarily on the assessment of the stage of the injury, which should be conducted by experienced surgeons using proper strategies in an established hepato-biliary surgical center. Additionally, there is little data provided in the literature, mostly case reports. Therefore, no preferred or specific approach can be found.

Multidisciplinary collaboration dealing with aberrant Right Hepatic Artery Injury during Pancreatoduodenectomy

Multidisciplinary collaboration dealing with aberrant Right Hepatic Artery Injury during Pancreatoduodenectomy

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.

Strategic Approach to Aberrant Hepatic Arterial Anatomy during Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Technique with Video

It is critical for every pancreatic surgeon to determine how to protect the aberrant hepatic artery intraoperatively in order to safely implement laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD). "Artery-first" approaches to LPD are ideal procedures in selected patients with pancreatic head tumors. Here, we described our surgical procedure and experience of aberrant hepatic arterial anatomy-LPD (AHAA-LPD) in a retrospective case series. In this study, we also sought to confirm the implications of the combined SMA-first approach on the perioperative and oncologic outcomes of AHAA-LPD. From January 2021 to April 2022, the authors completed a total of 106 LPDs, of which 24 patients underwent AHAA-LPD. We evaluated the courses of the hepatic artery via preoperative multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and classified several meaningful AHAAs. The clinical data of 106 patients who underwent AHAA-LPD and standard LPD were retrospectively analyzed. We compared the technical and oncological outcomes of the combined SMA-first approach, AHAA-LPD, and the concurrent standard LPD. All the operations were successful. The combined SMA-first approaches were used by the authors to manage 24 resectable AHAA-LPD patients. The mean age of the patients was 58.1 ± 12.1 years; the mean operation time was 362 ± 60.43 min (325-510 min); blood loss was 256 ± 55.72 mL (210-350 mL); the postoperation ALT and AST were 235 ± 25.65 IU/L (184-276 IU/L) and 180 ± 34.43 IU/L (133-245 IU/L); the median postoperative length of stay was 17 days (13.0-26.0 days); the R0 resection rate was 100%. There were no cases of open conversion. The pathology showed free surgical margins. The mean number of dissected lymph nodes was 18 ± 3.5 (14-25); the number of tumor-free margins was 3.43 ± 0.78 mm (2.7-4.3 mm). There were no Clavien-Dindo III-IV classifications or C-grade pancreatic fistulas. The number of lymph node resections was greater in the AHAA-LPD group (18 vs. 15, p < 0.001). Surgical variables (OT) or postoperative complications (POPF, DGE, BL, and PH) showed no significant statistical differences in both groups. In performing AHAA-LPD, the combined SMA-first approach for the periadventitial dissection of the distinct aberrant hepatic artery to avoid hepatic artery injury is feasible and safe when performed by a team experienced in minimally invasive pancreatic surgery. The safety and efficacy of this technique need to be confirmed in large-scale-sized, multicenter, prospective randomized controlled studies in the future.

Predictors of need for endovascular intervention in hepatic trauma.

Non-operative management of hepatic trauma with adjunctive hepatic arterial embolization (HAE) is widely accepted. Despite careful patient selection utilizing CTA, a substantial proportion of angiograms are negative for arterial injury and no HAE is performed. This study aims to determine which CT imaging findings and clinical factors are associated with the presence of active extravasation on subsequent angiography in patients with hepatic trauma. The charts of 243 adults who presented with abdominal trauma and underwent abdominal CTA followed by conventional angiography were retrospectively reviewed. Of these patients, 49 had hepatic injuries on CTA. Hepatic injuries were graded using the American association for the surgery of trauma (AAST) CT classification, and CT images were assessed for active contrast extravasation, arterial pseudoaneurysm, sentinel clot, hemoperitoneum, laceration in-volving more than 2 segments, and laceration involving specific anatomic landmarks (porta hepatis, hepatic veins, and gallbladder fossa). Medical records were reviewed for pre- and post-angiography blood pressures, hemoglobin levels, and transfusion requirements. Angiographic images and reports were reviewed for hepatic arterial injury and performance of HAE. In multivariate analysis, AAST hepatic injury grade was significantly associated with increased odds of HAE (Odds ratio: 2.5, 95% CI 1.1, 7.1, p = 0.049). Univariate analyses demonstrated no significant association between CT liver injury grade, CT characteristics of liver injury, or pre-angiographic clinical data with need for HAE. In patients with hepatic trauma, prediction of need for HAE based on CT findings alone is challenging; such patients require consideration of both clinical factors and imaging findings.

Stent Graft Placement for the Treatment of Hepatic Artery Injury in Patients with Cancer: Primary Patency and Clinical Outcomes

PurposeTo evaluate the safety, primary patency, and clinical outcomes of hepatic artery stent graft (SG) placement for vascular injuries. Materials and MethodsPatients treated with hepatic arterial SG placement for vascular injuries between September 2018 and September 2021 were reviewed. Data on demographic characteristics, indication, stent graft characteristics, antiplatelet/anticoagulant use, clinical success rate, complications, and type of follow-up imaging were collected. Follow-up images were reviewed by 2 independent reviewers to assess primary patency. A time-to-event analysis was performed. The median duration of stent graft patency was estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate factors related to stent graft patency. ResultsThirty-five patients were treated with hepatic arterial SG placement, 11 for postoperative bleeds and 24 for hepatic artery infusion pump catheter–related complications. Clinical success was achieved in 32 (91%) patients (95% CI, 77–98). The median primary patency was 87 days (95% CI, 73–293). Stent grafts of ≥6-mm diameter retained patency for a longer duration than that with stent grafts of smaller diameters (6 mm vs 5 mm; hazard ratio, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.14–0.88; P = .026; and 7+ mm vs 5 mm; hazard ratio, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.09–0.83; P = .023). Anticoagulation/antiplatelet regimen was not associated with increased stent graft patency duration (P > .05). Only minor complications were reported in 2 (5.7%) patients. ConclusionsStent grafts can be used safely and effectively to treat injuries of the hepatic artery. Stent graft diameters of ≥6 mm seem to provide more durable patency.

Concealed left hepatic artery injury with liver trauma

Abstract Injury to the liver accounts for 3%–10% of blunt abdominal trauma injuries. Majority of these injuries are currently managed nonoperatively. Hepatic artery or portal triad injuries are less frequent. However, the mortality rates with portal triad injuries and with combined injuries are high. Hence, identifying these injuries are important to the trauma team to proceed with optimal management. We present the case of a patient with concealed hepatic artery injury with liver trauma who was managed by laparotomy and vessel repair. We highlight the importance of recognising the clinical and radiological signs that indicate the possibility of hepatic artery injuries. This case report aims at improving awareness of hepatic artery injuries that may occur alone or in association with liver injuries and their management.

Assessment of Clinical Outcomes, Clinical Manifestations, and Risk Factors for Hepatic Infarction After Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Placement (TIPS): A Retrospective Comparative Study.

To describe the imaging findings of hepatic infarction after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement and identify risk factors, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of infarction after TIPS. In this retrospective analysis of a TIPS registry (1995-2021), cirrhotic patients with hepatic infarction (n = 33) and control patients without infarct (n = 33) after TIPS were identified. Laboratory values, ultrasound findings, and clinical variables were compared between groups to identify risk factors and differences in outcomes. A Cox proportional hazards regression model with propensity score was used to assess the effect of hepatic infarction on mortality and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) score. Hepatic infarction involved the right posterior segments (segments VI or VII) in 32 of 33 patients. Prolonged vasopressor requirement (p = 0.003) and intensive care unit stay (p = 0.001) were seen in patients with hepatic infarct, as well as trends toward lower post-TIPS portosystemic pressure gradient (p = 0.061) and higher risk of ACLF (p = 0.056). Procedure-related portal vein thrombosis or hepatic artery injury was identified in 12 and 5 patients with infarct, respectively. Patients with infarct had higher postprocedural aspartate aminotransferase (p < 0.001) and alanine aminotransferase (p < 0.001) levels, higher international normalized ratio (p = 0.016), lower platelet count (p = 0.042), and a greater decrease in hemoglobin level (p = 0.003). Hepatic infarction most frequently affects the right posterior hepatic segments after TIPS and results in a worse postprocedural course. Procedure-related complications and critically low portosystemic pressure gradient may contribute to TIPS-associated hepatic infarct.

Minimal access endoscopic debridement of right hepatic necrosis

Introduction: Hepatic necrosis secondary to hepatic artery injuries can be devastating and will often require surgical debridement. Conventionally this is done as an open laparotomy with washout and debridement. We report the first case of significant hepatic necrosis for which a minimal access hepatic necrosectomy was performed via an endoscopic approach, hence reducing morbidity and mortality for the patient. Case Report: A 63-year-old female with type 5 choledochal cyst underwent a left hepatectomy and Roux-en-y biliary reconstruction. This was complicated by an arterial injury with pseudoaneurysm requiring radiological embolization and subsequent right hepatic thrombosis leading to hepatic necrosis. She had a prolong intensive care unit (ICU) admission with percutaneous drainage and intravenous antibiotics for two months. A minimal access necrosectomy was eventually required as an elective day surgery procedure. The patient improved significantly and has been well apart from recurrent cholangitis from a possible hepatic duct stenosis from the initial hepatectomy. Conclusion: Hepatectomies complicated postoperatively by infected hepatic necrosis can be successfully managed via minimal access hepatic necrosectomies. This has multiple benefits such as decreased hospital stay and quicker recovery time.

Clinical significance of variant hepatic artery in pancreatic resection: A comprehensive review.

The anatomical structure of the pancreaticoduodenal region is complex and closely related to the surrounding vessels. A variant of the hepatic artery, which is not a rare finding during pancreatic surgery, is prone to intraoperative injury. Inadvertent injury to the hepatic artery may affect liver perfusion, resulting in necrosis, liver abscess, and even liver failure. The preoperative identification of hepatic artery variations, detailed planning of the surgical approach, careful intraoperative dissection, and proper management of the damaged artery are important for preventing hepatic hypoperfusion. Nevertheless, despite the potential risks, planned artery resection has become acceptable in carefully selected patients. Arterial reconstruction is sometimes essential to prevent postoperative ischemic complications and can be performed using various methods. The complexity of procedures such as pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection may be mitigated by the presence of an aberrant right hepatic artery or a common hepatic artery originating from the superior mesenteric artery. Here, we comprehensively reviewed the anatomical basis of hepatic artery variation, its incidence, and its effect on the surgical and oncological outcomes after pancreatic resection. In addition, we provide recommendations for the prevention and management of hepatic artery injury and liver hypoperfusion. Overall, the hepatic artery variant may not worsen surgical and oncological outcomes if it is accurately identified pre-operatively and appropriately managed intraoperatively.

A new alternative technique for the guidance of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation using DSA overlay reference.

Portal vein puncture (PVP) is a critical step during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and correlates to several complications. Techniques guiding PVP are needed. To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficiency of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) overlay reference during TIPS creation and compare it with transhepatic portal vein (THPV) guiding. The clinical records of 185 patients at three medical centers who underwent TIPS placement were reviewed. Portal vein access was guided by THPV guiding in 120 cases and DSA overlay reference in 60 cases. The number of punctures, portal vein entry time, procedural adverse events, technical and hemodynamic success rate were analyzed to compare the safety, feasibility, and efficiency of the two methods. The median numbers of punctures in group 1 and group 2 were 2 (1-4) and 2 (1-5), respectively (P = 0.094). There was no statistical difference between two groups in needle passes. The median portal vein entry time of group 1 was 12 min (8-16 min) and 13 min (8-16 min) in group 2. No significant difference was found in the PVP time (P = 0.802). Arterioportal fistula formation occurred in 15 patients in group 1; two patients in group 2 had hepatic artery injury. The patients in group 2 had lower rates of procedural adverse events (P = 0.047). Median dose area product of G1 was lower than G2 statistically (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in total fluoroscopy time (P = 0.856). DSA overlay reference has lower procedural adverse events rates compared with THPV guiding TIPS. It seems to be a safe and effective method for guiding PVP.

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: a Single-Centre Experience of 1469 Cases

BackgroundDespite having once been extensively used for cosmetics or pain reduction, the use of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) has declined in recent years due to technical difficulties and a reported increase in complications. Since the introduction of SILC in 2009, our hospital has been actively involved with this technique. Our experience suggests that SILC is not a difficult procedure and can be safe and useful, with particularly excellent cosmetic outcomes. This study retrospectively details the outcomes of SILC at our hospital. MethodData on 1469 cases of SILC performed on a waitlist basis at Osaka Police Hospital from May 2009 to December 2020 were collected and retrospectively analysed. ResultsThe median operative time and blood loss were 96 min and 0 mL, respectively. A total of 46 patients (3.1%) required conversion surgery, including 36 needing additional ports and 10 requiring laparotomy. Intraoperative complications included common bile duct injury in 1 patient (0.07%) and right hepatic artery injury in 1 patient (0.07%), with no other organ injury. Postoperative Clavien-Dindo 3 or higher complications were observed in 18 patients (1.2%). Incisional hernias occurred in 15 patients (1.0%). The median postoperative hospital stay was 3 days. ConclusionThis study showed that SILC can be performed safely without any increase in complications, as reported previously. Granted that it is performed safely, SILC may be a useful technique due to its superior cosmetic outcomes or pain reduction.

Management of Bile Duct Injuries in High-Risk Us Population in Unique Referral Settings - An Experience of One HPB Center

Introduction: Aim is to evaluate geographical and demographic factors influencing management of bile duct injuries occurring during cholecystectomy in a tertiary hepato-pancreato-biliary center in Southeast US. Methods: All referrals for biliary injuries during cholecystectomy, between January2017 to December 2020 were included. Results: 19 patients were identified with a median age of 59 (47-65), average BMI of 30.3 (18-49), and the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardiovascular disease of 11%, 47% and 16%, respectively. The average transfer distance was 76 miles (8-102) and median transfer time was 3 days (1- 12). 16 (84%) had Strasberg E injury, with 4 (21%) having a concomitant vascular injury (3 - right hepatic artery, 1 - right portal vein). 2 (10.5%) were managed non-operatively, immediate surgical repair was performed in 2 (12%) out of 17 remaining patients. 15 patients underwent a delayed repair with a median of 87 days (69-118) from injury to repair (Figure). Median operative time was 5 hours (4-7), blood loss was 150 ml (100- 200) and hospital stay was 8 days (6-12). One patient (6%), with an associated portal vein injury expired from complications two months after the repair. During post-operative follow up one patient (6.7%) developed an anastomotic stricture requiring intervention. Discussion: Factors including distance between hospitals, delays in patient transfer due to bed availability and transportation, play a role in the decision-making. The delayed repair has the benefit of medical optimization of our high-risk patients population. Segmental hepatic arterial injury can be managed with excellent outcomes.

Procedure-related risk factors for bleeding after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Bleeding is the most dreaded complication after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). Clarifying the risk factors of bleeding can reduce the morbidity and mortality rates of PTBD. However, the procedure-related risk factors for bleeding after PTBD are still controversial. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to identify procedure-related risk factors of bleeding after PTBD. PubMed, Cochrane database, and Google Scholar were searched for published studies until 1st May 2021. Inclusion criteria were: studies associated with bleeding complications after PTBD and with sufficient data to compare different procedure-related factors for bleeding. Sources of bias were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials. Probable procedure-related risk factors were evaluated and outcomes were expressed in the case of dichotomous variables, as an odds ratio (OR) (with a 95% confidence interval, (CI)). Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in bleeding rates with respect to the side of PTBD (left/right, OR=1.10, 95% CI: 0.68-1.76), the insertion level of bile duct (central/peripheral, OR=1.39, 95% CI: 0.82-2.35), and the usage of ultrasound guidance (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 0.60-2.60). A subgroup analysis revealed a left-sided approach that resulted in more hepatic arterial injuries than the right-sided approach (left/right, OR=1.93, 95% CI: 1.32-2.83). Left-sided approach is a risk factor for hepatic arterial injuries after PTBD.

Primary Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Liver With Papillary Features in a Multivisceral Transplant Patient

Primary neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the liver are rare and difficult to distinguish from other liver tumors such as cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient was initially diagnosed with a NET of the liver in 2007. However, the origin of the cancer was not clear, that is, whether it was primary or originated from the gastrointestinal tract. Although the patient underwent partial hepatectomy, he suffered hepatic artery injury, resulting in biliary strictures. The patient eventually became untreatable and developed cirrhosis, a frozen abdomen. He received multivisceral transplantation in May 2019 and received the liver, duodenal-pancreatic complex, spleen, small bowel, and right colon. After the transplantation, the patient did well overall. More recently, he presented with food poisoning and underwent evaluation, and was found to have a mass in the liver. The liver mass was biopsied and revealed a poorly differentiated primary NET (grade 2) with ciliated papillary structures.