Minor Resections Research Articles

Rates of Textbook Outcome Achieved in Patients Undergoing Liver and Pancreatic Surgery

Backgorund: Textbook outcome (TO) is a composite measure that reflects the most desirable surgical results as a single indicator. The aim of this study was to assess the achievement of TO at a hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery unit in a Spanish tertiary hospital. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study of all consecutive patients who underwent HPB surgery over a 4-year period. Morbidity according to the Clavien-Dindo classification at 30 days, hospital stay, risk of morbidity and mortality according to the POSSUM, and mortality and readmissions at 90 days were recorded. TO was considered when a patient presented no major complications (≥IIIA), no mortality, no readmission, and no prolonged length of stay (≤75th). Results: 283 patients were included. Morbidity >IIIA was reported in 21.6%, and 5.7% died; the median postoperative stay was 4 days. TO was achieved in 56.2% of patients. Comparing patients who presented TO with those who did not, significant differences were recorded for the type of procedure and the expected risk of morbidity and mortality calculated according to the POSSUM scale. There were significant differences between patients with major resections (TO rates: major hepatectomy (46.3%) and major pancreatectomy (52.5%)) and those with minor resections (TO rates minor hepatectomy (67.7%) and minor pancreatectomy (40.4%)). Conclusions: TO is a useful management tool for assessing postoperative results.

Is prolonged operative time associated with postoperative complications in liver surgery? An international multicentre cohort study of 5424 patients.

The relation between operative time and postoperative complications in liver surgery is unclear. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of operative time on the development of postoperative complications in patients who underwent minimally invasive or open liver resections of various anatomical extent and technical difficulty levels. In this retrospective cohort study, patients that underwent a right hemihepatectomy (RH), technically major resection (anatomically minor resection in segment 1, 4a, 7 or 8; TMR) or left lateral sectionectomy (LLS) between 2000 and 2022 were extracted from a multicenter database comprising the prospectively maintained databases of 31 centers in 13 countries. Minimally invasive procedures performed during the learning curve were omitted. Logistic regression models, performed separately for 9 different groups based on stratification by procedure type and allocated surgical approach, were used to assess the association between the fourth quartile of operative time (25% of patients with the longest operative time) and postoperative complications. Overall, 5424 patients were included: 1351 underwent RH (865 open, 373 laparoscopic and 113 robotic), 2821 TMR (1398 open, 1225 laparoscopic and 198 robotic), and 1252 LLS (241 open, 822 laparoscopic and 189 robotic). After adjusting for potential confounders (age, BMI, gender, ASA grade, previous abdominal surgery, disease type and extent, blood loss, Pringle, intraoperative transfusions and incidents), the fourth quartile of operative time, compared to the first three quartiles, was associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications after open, laparoscopic and robotic TMR (aOR 1.35, p = 0.031; aOR 1.74, p = 0.001 and aOR 3.11, p = 0.014, respectively), laparoscopic and robotic RH (aOR 1.98, p = 0.018 and aOR 3.28, p = 0.055, respectively) and solely laparoscopic LLS (aOR 1.69, p = 0.019). A prolonged operative time is associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications, although it remains to be defined if this is a causal relationship.

ThP4.2 - Role of LiMAx in the Risk Assessment of Postoperative Outcomes in Patients undergoing Liver Resection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis

Abstract Background LiMAx is a novel test for assessing the metabolic capacity and dynamic function of the liver. The current review aims to investigate the predictive role of LiMAx for postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing liver resection. Methods A systematic review was conducted using EMBASE, Web of Science, Medline and Cochrane Library databases. Preoperative LiMAx values and various postoperative outcomes were extracted (e.g. mortality, post-hepatectomy liver failure). Pooled averages were calculated where appropriate. Postoperative complications in relation to the extent of resection and LiMAx values were the outcomes assessed. Results 13 studies, comprising 1668 participants and 20 separate cohorts in total, were included. The meta-regression of preoperative LiMAx and postoperative outcomes yielded non-significant results (p>0.05). A second meta-regression highlighted significant correlations between extra major surgery rate and various outcomes (p<0.05), suggesting its confounding role in the first regression. A further analysis found a non-significant tendency for mortality to correlate with LiMAx as expected in patients undergoing minor resection. Conclusion In this review, there was no statistical correlation between LiMAx values and post-hepatectomy outcomes. The LiMAx test was relatively more helpful in predicting mortality in patients undergoing minor resection; this was likely confounded by selection bias in the low quality studies. Larger multi-centre studies with standardised reporting of outcomes are required.

Efficacy and safety of robotic liver surgery for the elderly: A propensity-score matched analysis of short-term outcomes with open liver surgery at a single center in Denmark.

The incidence of liver tumors requiring surgical treatment continues to increase in elderly patients. This study compared the short-term results of robotic liver surgery (RLS) versus open liver surgery (OLS) for liver tumors in elderly patients. A prospective database including all patients undergoing liver surgery at Copenhagen University Hospital between July 2019 and July 2022 was managed retrospectively. Short-term surgical outcomes of the two main cohorts (OLS and RLS) and subgroups were compared using propensity score matching (PSM) in elderly patients (age ≥ 70 years) with liver tumors. A total of 42 matched patients from each group were investigated: the RLS group had significantly larger tumor diameters, less blood loss (821.2 vs. 155.2 mL, p < .001), and shorter hospital stays (6.6 vs. 3.4 days, p < .001). Overall morbidity was comparable, while operative times were longer in the RLS group. The advantages observed with the robotic approach were replicated in the subgroup of minor liver resections. In patients ≥70 years, RLS for liver tumors results in significantly less blood loss and shorter hospital stays than OLS. RLS, especially minor liver resection, is safe and feasible in elderly patients with liver tumors.

Minimally invasive surgery approaches in major liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

Over the past two decades, minimally invasive liver resection (MILR) has progressively become the standard for minor resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In contrast, its implementation in major hepatectomy has been slower due to its higher technical complexity and morbidity. However, studies published in recent years have demonstrated that minimally invasive major hepatectomy (MIMH) is safe and feasible with less blood loss, fewer complications, earlier recovery, decreased hospital stay, and improved cosmetic outcomes compared with open surgery. This review examines the current status of MIMH, focusing on the respective strengths and weaknesses of the laparoscopic and robotic approaches, as well as assessing their cost-effectiveness and possible future directions. The earlier introduction of laparoscopic liver resection has led to its widespread utilization as a safe and accurate alternative to open hepatectomy. Of note is that the robotic approach has also been increasingly utilized, demonstrating better perioperative outcomes and decreased need for conversion to open hepatectomy vs. the laparoscopic approach. Advantages associated with the robotic approach include the three-dimensional large visual field and instrumental flexibility, allowing for improved bleeding control. Even though evidence has been slowly accumulating regarding long-term outcomes, most studies report no notable differences between open, robotic, and laparoscopic resection for HCC. Regarding cost-effectiveness, MIMH has been characterized by higher operating room and anesthesia costs, especially for robotic procedures that require highly expensive equipment. The increase in cost is often offset by the lower morbidity and, thus, shorter hospital stays associated with MIMH. Future developments, such as the implementation of artificial intelligence and augmented reality, may potentially maximize the safety and applicability of MIMH and, in time, lead to improved postoperative and oncological outcomes.

Single large hepatocellular carcinoma > 5 cm with surgical indication: is it mandatory a major hepatectomy? a propensity-score weighted analysis.

Single large hepatocellular carcinoma >5cm (SLHCC) traditionally requires a major liver resection. Minor resections are often performed with the goal to reduce morbidity and mortality. Aim of the study was to establish if a major resection should be considered the best treatment for SLHCC or a more limited resection should be preferred. A multicenter retrospective analysis of the HE.RC.O.LE.S. Group register was performed. All collected patients with surgically treated SLHCC were divided in 5 groups of treatment (major hepatectomy, sectorectomy, left lateral sectionectomy, segmentectomy, non-anatomical resection) and compared for baseline characteristics, short and long-term results. A propensity-score weighted analysis was performed. 535 patients were enrolled in the study. Major resection was associated with significantly increased major complications compared to left lateral sectionanectomy, segmentectomy and non-anatomical resection (all p<0.05) and borderline significant increased major complications compared to sectorectomy (p=0.08). Left lateral sectionectomy showed better overall survival compared to major resection (p=0.02), while other groups of treatment resulted similar to major hepatectomy group for the same item. Absence of oncological benefit after major resection and similar outcomes among the 5 groups of treatment was confirmed even in the sub-population excluding patients with macrovascular invasion. Major resection was associated to increased major post-operative morbidity without long-term survival benefit; when technically feasible and oncologically adequate, minor resections should be preferred for the surgical treatment of SLHCC.

The differential benefit of laparoscopic over open minor liver resection for lesions situated in the anterolateral or posterosuperior segments.

It is well known that laparoscopic liver surgery can offer advantages over open liver surgery in selected patients. However, what type of procedures can benefit most from a laparoscopic approach has been investigated poorly thus far. The aim of this study is thus to define the extent of advantages of laparoscopic over open liver surgery for lesions in the anterolateral (AL) and posterosuperior (PS) segments. In this international multicentre retrospective cohort study, laparoscopic and open minor liver resections for lesions in the AL and PS segments were compared after propensity score matching. The differential benefit of laparoscopy over open liver surgery, calculated using bootstrap sampling, was compared between AL and PS resections and expressed as a Delta of the differences. After matching, 3,040 AL and 2,336 PS resections were compared, encompassing open and laparoscopic procedures in a 1:1 ratio. AL and PS laparoscopic liver resections were more advantageous in comparison to open in terms of blood loss, transfusion rate, complications, and length of stay. However, AL resections benefitted more from laparoscopy than PS in terms of overall and severe complications (D-difference were 4.8%, P=0.046 and 3%, P=0.046) and blood loss (D-difference was 195 mL, P<0.001). Similar results were observed in the subset for high-volume centres, while in recent years no significant differences were found in the differential benefit between AL and PS segments. The advantage of laparoscopic over open liver surgery is greater in the AL segments than in the PS segments.

ASO Author Reflections: Factors and Consequences of Open Conversion After Minimally Invasive Minor Liver Resections.

ASO Author Reflections: Factors and Consequences of Open Conversion After Minimally Invasive Minor Liver Resections.

Extended and two-staged liver resections in patients with colorectal liver metastases

The questions of liver resection volume in patients with colorectal liver metastases are controversial and solved by specialists differently, taking into account the characteristics of the tumor lesion, the surgeon’s own experience and the technical capabilities of the clinic. On the basis of the abdominal department of Saint-Petersburg clinical scientific and practical center for specialized types of medical care (oncological) of N.P. Napalkov, we conducted a retrospective analysis of the long-term outcomes of 106 patients with colorectal liver metastases after extended (n=39) and minor (n=67) liver resections. The median of time-to-progression (TTP) was 8.0 months (95% CI 5.4–10.5) after extended and 11.2 months (95% CI 6.0-16.4) after minor liver resections. There was a tendency towards an increase in median overall survival (OS) for minor resections to 48.9 months (95% CI 31.5–66.4) compared with 33.4 months (95% CI 26.2–40.5) after extended resections. The rate of repeat resections in case of disease recurrence was higher in the minor resection group. When comparing the R0 and R1 resection groups, it was noted that the median OS was not significantly different (49.1 vs 40.8 months, 95% CI 25.7–72.5) despite an increase in TTP in patients with negative resection margins (10.8 vs 7.4 months, 95% CI 25.7–72.5). Thus, according to the analysis of long-term outcomes, no advantages were identified in performing minor interventions compared to extended liver resections, despite the obviously more unfavorable prognosis for massive metastatic liver disease.

Factors Associated with and Impact of Open Conversion in Laparoscopic and Robotic Minor Liver Resections: An International Multicenter Study of 10,541 Patients.

Despite the increasing widespread adoption and experience in minimally invasive liver resections (MILR), open conversion occurs not uncommonly even with minor resections and as been reported to be associated with inferior outcomes. We aimed to identify risk factors for and outcomes of open conversion in patients undergoing minor hepatectomies. We also studied the impact of approach (laparoscopic or robotic) on outcomes. This is a post-hoc analysis of 20,019 patients who underwent RLR and LLR across 50 international centers between 2004-2020. Risk factors for and perioperative outcomes of open conversion were analysed. Multivariate and propensity score-matched analysis were performed to control for confounding factors. Finally, 10,541 patients undergoing either laparoscopic (LLR; 89.1%) or robotic (RLR; 10.9%) minor liver resections (wedge resections, segmentectomies) were included. Multivariate analysis identified LLR, earlier period of MILR, malignant pathology, cirrhosis, portal hypertension, previous abdominal surgery, larger tumor size, and posterosuperior location as significant independent predictors of open conversion. The most common reason for conversion was technical issues (44.7%), followed by bleeding (27.2%), and oncological reasons (22.3%). After propensity score matching (PSM) of baseline characteristics, patients requiring open conversion had poorer outcomes compared with successful MILR cases as evidenced by longer operative times, more blood loss, higher requirement for perioperative transfusion, longer duration of hospitalization and higher morbidity, reoperation, and 90-day mortality rates. Multiple risk factors were associated with conversion of MILR even for minor hepatectomies, and open conversion was associated with significantly poorer perioperative outcomes.

Introduction of day-case robotic liver surgery: a case series from a tertiary hepatobiliary and pancreatic centre

BackgroundLiver surgery is associated with a significant hospital stay regardless the type of liver resection. A large incision is essential for open liver surgery which is a major factor in the course of the patient’s recovery. For patients with small parenchyma liver lesions requiring surgical resection, robotic surgery potentially offers the opportunity to transform the patient’s post-operative course. A day-case robotic liver resection pathway was formulated and implemented at our institution when patients were planned for discharge within 24 h of admission for liver surgery.MethodsSingle surgeon case series of cases performed at a tertiary hepatobiliary and pancreatic centre between September 2022 and November 2023. The inclusion criteria were non-anatomical wedge resections, < 2 anatomical segmental resections, left lateral hepatectomy and minimally invasive surgery.ResultsThis is the first series of robotic day-case minor liver resection in the United Kingdom. 20 patients were included in this case series. The mean operative time was 86.6 ± 30.9 min and mean console time was 58.6 ± 24.5 min. Thirteen patients (65%) were discharged within 24 h of surgery. The main cause of hospitalisation beyond 24 h was inadequate pain relief. There were no Clavien–Dindo grade III or above complications, no 30-day readmission and 90-day mortalities.ConclusionThis case series demonstrates that robotic day-case liver resection is safe and feasible. Robust follow-up pathways must be in place to allow for the safe implementation of this approach, to monitor for any complications and to allow intervention as required in a timely manner.

Experiencia inicial en hepatectomías en Corrientes

Background: Liver surgery has evolved over time. There are no prior publications on the experience of liver surgery in the province of Corrientes. Our work group operates in both the public and private sectors. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the initial results of a consecutive series of patients undergoing different types of liver resections, performed by the same surgical team. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational, and descriptive study based on data from the medical records and operating room records of patients undergoing liver resection at public and private institutions from September 2019 to January 2023. Results: A total of 27 patients were operated on; mean age was 53 years (25-72) and 16 were women. We used the conventional approach in 25 cases and laparoscopy in 2. Four procedures were major liver resections and 23 were minor liver resections, The diagnoses were cancer in 22 cases and benign conditions in 5. Survival at 90 days was 96.2% One patient died (3.7%). The complications included postoperative liver abscesses in 2 patients (7.4%) and re-operation due to bleeding in 2 patients (7.4%), who had a subsequent favorable course and were discharged from the hospital. Conclusion: The morbidity and mortality in the described series were similar to those reported by other authors

Investigating the Effect of Liver Regeneration on Tumor Growth: Development of a Mouse Model with Orthotopic Implantation of Patient-derived HCC Organoids

Abstract Background Recurrence after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment is a significant problem. It affects more than 70% of patients undergoing liver resection. Recurrence can arise from undetected micro metastasis or de novo cancer. Clinical and experimental studies suggest that liver regeneration ensuing surgical resection may activate occult micro-metastasis leading to regeneration induced tumor recurrence. However, in vivo patient-derived organoid (PDO) HCC models that are translatable to patient tumors are sparse. Aims Here, we aim to establish a new in vivo model to understand the impact of liver regeneration on HCC tumor growth. Methods PDOs were generated from HCC tissue obtained from patients undergoing liver resection at the Clarunis University Digestive Health and Care Center and transduced with firefly luciferase. Implantation was performed via laparotomy and orthotopic injection of the organoids in the right superior liver lobe. Tumor growth is monitored by in vivo bioluminescence imaging until the endpoint of the experiment. As a primary endpoint tumor growth two weeks after liver resection was defined. Experimental groups underwent either minor (30%) or major (65%) hepatectomy of tumor-free liver, whereas the control group received a re-laparotomy with subsequent closure of the abdomen. Normal liver and tumor tissue were characterized using immunohistochemistry. Results Two HCC-PDO lines were successfully implanted. Compared to the control, after minor and major liver resection the mean weight increased significantly to 0.82% (p &amp;lt; 0.0001) respectively 0.99% (p &amp;lt; 0.0001). Preliminary data about the tumor volume have yet to be concluded. Histology and immunohistochemistry staining for HCC confirmed the origin of the PDOs from the original patient tumor. Conclusion The establishment of an orthotopic xenograft mouse model for HCC PDO was successful. Through liver resection, a regenerative environment could be achieved, to investigate the molecular behavior of HCC recurrence after surgery. This offers the basis to study potential new targets and mechanisms to improve HCC-treatment.

Soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 as a predictor of postoperative hepatic failure.

Posthepatectomy liver failure remains a potentially life-threatening complication after hepatectomy. Soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 is an injury-related biomarker. The aim of the study was to assess soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 elevation after hepatectomy and whether it can predict posthepatectomy liver failure. This was a single-centre retrospective study including all patients who underwent a liver resection between 2015 and 2019. Plasma concentrations of soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 were measured before surgery and at postoperative days 1, 2, 5 and 7. Posthepatectomy liver failure was defined according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery and the morbidity rate was graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. A total of 173 patients were included (75 underwent major and 98 minor resection); plasma levels of soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 increased from 43.42 (range 18.69-119.96) pg/ml to 2622.23 (range 1354.18-4178.27) pg/ml on postoperative day 1 (P < 0.001). Postoperative day 1 soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 concentration accurately predicted posthepatectomy liver failure ≥ grade B (area under curve = 0.916, P < 0.001) and its outstanding performance was not affected by underlying disease, liver pathological status and extent of resection. The cut-off value, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of postoperative day 1 soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 in predicting posthepatectomy liver failure ≥ grade B were 3700, 92%, 85%, 64% and 97% respectively. Soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2high patients more frequently experienced posthepatectomy liver failure ≥ grade B (64.3% (n = 36) versus 2.6% (n = 3)) and Clavien-Dindo IIIa higher morbidity rate (23.2% (n = 13) versus 5.1% (n = 6)) compared with soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2low patients. Soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 may be a reliable predictor of posthepatectomy liver failure ≥ grade B as early as postoperative day 1 for patients undergoing liver resection. Its role in controlling hepatic injury/regeneration needs further investigation. Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15007210 (www.chictr.org.cn/).

Assessing quality of hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery: nationwide benchmarking.

Clinical auditing is a powerful tool to evaluate and improve healthcare. Deviations from the expected quality of care are identified by benchmarking the results of individual hospitals using national averages. This study aimed to evaluate the use of quality indicators for benchmarking hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery and when outlier hospitals could be identified. A population-based study used data from two nationwide Dutch HPB audits (DHBA and DPCA) from 2014 to 2021. Sample size calculations determined the threshold (in percentage points) to identify centres as statistical outliers, based on current volume requirements (annual minimum of 20 resections) on a two-year period (2020-2021), covering mortality rate, failure to rescue (FTR), major morbidity rate and textbook/ideal outcome (TO) for minor liver resection (LR), major LR, pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and distal pancreatectomy (DP). In total, 10 963 and 7365 patients who underwent liver and pancreatic resection respectively were included. Benchmark and corresponding range of mortality rates were 0.6% (0 -3.2%) and 3.3% (0-16.7%) for minor and major LR, and 2.7% (0-7.0%) and 0.6% (0-4.2%) for PD and DP respectively. FTR rates were 5.4% (0-33.3%), 14.2% (0-100%), 7.5% (1.6%-28.5%) and 3.1% (0-14.9%). For major morbidity rate, corresponding rates were 9.8% (0-20.5%), 28.1% (0-47.1%), 36% (15.8%-58.3%) and 22.3% (5.2%-46.1%). For TO, corresponding rates were 73.6% (61.3%-94.4%), 54.1% (35.3-100), 46.8% (25.3%-59.4%) and 63.3% (30.7%-84.6%). Mortality rate thresholds indicating a significant outlier were 8.6% and 15.4% for minor and major LR and 14.2% and 8.6% for PD and DP. For FTR, these thresholds were 17.9%, 31.6%, 22.9% and 15.0%. For major morbidity rate, these thresholds were 26.1%, 49.7%, 57.9% and 52.9% respectively. For TO, lower thresholds were 52.5%, 32.5%, 25.8% and 41.4% respectively. Higher hospital volumes decrease thresholds to detect outliers. Current event rates and minimum volume requirements per hospital are too low to detect any meaningful between hospital differences in mortality rate and FTR. Major morbidity rate and TO are better candidates to use for benchmarking.

Learning curve analysis after 500 robotic hepatectomies

BackgroundThe robotic platform is growing in popularity for hepatobiliary resections. Although the learning curve for basic competency has been reported, this is the first study to analyze the learning curve to achieve long-term mastery on a decade of experience with more than 500 robotic hepatectomies. MethodsAfter institutional review board approval, 500 consecutive robotic hepatectomies from 2013 to 2023 were analyzed. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis using operative duration was used to determine the learning curves. ResultsA total of 500 patients were included in this study: composed of 230 men (46.0 %) and 270 women (54.0 %), aged 63.0 (61.0 ± 14.6) years, with a body mass index of 28.0 (29.0 ± 8.0) kg/m2, a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score of 7 (8 ± 3.0), an albumin-bilirubin score of −3.0 (−3.0 ± 0.6), and a Child-Pugh score of 5.0 (5.0 ± 0.7). Operative duration was 235.0 (260.1 ± 131.9) minutes, estimated blood loss was 100.0 (165.0 ± 208.1) mL, tumor size was 4.0 (5.0 ± 3.5) cm, and 94.0 % of patients achieved R0 margins. The length of hospital stay was 3.0 (4.0 ± 3.7) days, with 4.0 % of patient having major complications. Of note, 30-day readmission was 17.0 %, 30-day mortality was 2.0 %, and 90-day mortality was 3.0 %. On CUSUM analysis, the learning curve for minor resection (n = 215) was 75 cases, major resection (n = 154) was 100 cases, and technically challenging minor resection (n = 131) was 57 cases. Gaining more experience in performing surgical procedures resulted in shorter operative duration, lower blood loss, higher R0 resections, and lower major postoperative complications. ConclusionThe minimum number of robotic hepatectomies to overcome the learning curves for mastery of minor, major, and technically challenging minor resections was significant. Our study can help guide surgeons in their early experience to optimize patient safety and outcomes.

Outcomes of Simultaneous Versus Staged Resection for Stage IV Colorectal Cancer with Synchronous Liver Metastases.

Management of stage IV colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases remains debated, as colorectal and liver resections can be performed simultaneously or staged apart. This study aims to determine any demographic or outcome differences between simultaneous and staged resection. Retrospective review was performed on patients diagnosed with synchronous colorectal primary and liver metastases within Southern California Kaiser Permanente (KP) hospitals between 2010 and 2020. Patients with other metastases on diagnosis or those who did not receive both primary and liver resections were excluded. Demographic and outcome data were collected and analyzed. Of the 113 patients who met criteria, 72 (63.7%) received simultaneous and 41 (36.3%) received staged resection. Demographic data were comparable between simultaneous and staged resection, respectively, including median age of diagnosis, sex, and race. Both groups had similar median length of stay, percentage of major colorectal resection, and percentage of major liver resection. Both groups also had similar rates of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. There were no statistically significant difference in complications rates, median follow-up time, median overall survival, and median disease-free survival. Practice patterns within Southern California KP hospitals favor minor colorectal and liver resections. However, there were no significant differences in demographics, treatment rates, or outcomes between simultaneous and staged resection. While not statistically significant, our findings of a 11.9% higher major liver resection rate and 7.5-month longer median disease-free survival in the staged resection group may benefit from further study with higher power datasets.

Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Liver Resection in Various Settings: An International Multicenter Propensity Score Matched Study of 10.075 Patients.

To compare the perioperative outcomes of robotic liver surgery (RLS) and laparoscopic liver surgery (LLS) in various settings. Clear advantages of RLS over LLS have rarely been demonstrated, and the associated costs of robotic surgery are generally higher than those of laparoscopic surgery. Therefore, the exact role of the robotic approach in minimally invasive liver surgery remains to be defined. In this international retrospective cohort study, the outcomes of patients who underwent RLS and LLS for all indications between 2009 and 2021 in 34 hepatobiliary referral centers were compared. Subgroup analyses were performed to compare both approaches across several types of procedures: (1) minor resections in the anterolateral (2, 3, 4b, 5, and 6) or (2) posterosuperior segments (1, 4a, 7, 8), and (3) major resections (≥3 contiguous segments). Propensity score matching was used to mitigate the influence of selection bias. The primary outcome was textbook outcome in liver surgery (TOLS), previously defined as the absence of intraoperative incidents ≥grade 2, postoperative bile leak ≥grade B, severe morbidity, readmission, and 90-day or in-hospital mortality with the presence of an R0 resection margin in case of malignancy. The absence of a prolonged length of stay was added to define TOLS+. Among the 10.075 included patients, 1.507 underwent RLS and 8.568 LLS. After propensity score matching, both groups constituted 1.505 patients. RLS was associated with higher rates of TOLS (78.3% vs 71.8%, P < 0.001) and TOLS+ (55% vs 50.4%, P = 0.026), less Pringle usage (39.1% vs 47.1%, P < 0.001), blood loss (100 vs 200 milliliters, P < 0.001), transfusions (4.9% vs 7.9%, P = 0.003), conversions (2.7% vs 8.8%, P < 0.001), overall morbidity (19.3% vs 25.7%, P < 0.001), and microscopically irradical resection margins (10.1% vs. 13.8%, P = 0.015), and shorter operative times (190 vs 210 minutes, P = 0.015). In the subgroups, RLS tended to have higher TOLS rates, compared with LLS, for minor resections in the posterosuperior segments (n = 431 per group, 75.9% vs 71.2%, P = 0.184) and major resections (n = 321 per group, 72.9% vs 67.5%, P = 0.086), although these differences did not reach statistical significance. While both produce excellent outcomes, RLS might facilitate slightly higher TOLS rates than LLS.

Achieving Textbook Outcomes after Laparoscopic Resection in Posterosuperior Segments of the Liver: The Impact of the Learning Curve.

Achieving textbook outcomes (TOs) improves the short-term and long-term performance of a hospital. Our objective was to assess TOs in the laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) of tumors in the PS (posterosuperior) section of the liver and identify the impact of the learning curve. We conducted a retrospective cohort study analyzing patients who underwent LLR for lesions located in the PS segments. Patients were divided into a TO and no-TO group. TOs were defined as negative margins, no transfusion, no readmission, no major complications, no 30-day mortality, and a length of stay ≤ 50th percentile. Patients' outcomes were assessed in two study periods before and after 2015. TOs were achieved in 47.6% (n = 117). In multivariable analysis, obesity (p = 0.001), shorter operation time (p < 0.001), less blood loss (p < 0.001), normal albumin (p = 0.003), and minor resection (p = 0.046) were significantly associated with achieving TOs. Although the 5-year recurrence-free survival rate (p = 0.096) was not significantly different, the 5-year overall survival rate was significantly greater in the TO group (p = 0.001). Body mass index > 25 kg/m2 (p = 0.020), age > 65 years (p = 0.049), and achievement of TOs (p = 0.024) were independently associated with survival. The proportion of patients who achieved a TO was higher after 2015 than before 2015 (52.3% vs. 36.1%; p = 0.022). TOs are important markers not only for assessing hospital and surgeon performance but also as predictors of overall survival. As the number of surgeons who achieve the learning curve increases, the number of patients with TOs will gradually increase with a subsequent improvement in overall survival.

A Prospective Analysis of the Effects of a Powder-Type Hemostatic Agent on the Short-Term Outcomes after Liver Resection.

Background and Objectives: Postoperative bleeding is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following liver resection. Therefore, it is crucial to minimize bleeding during liver resection and effectively manage it when it occurs. Arista® AH (Becton, Dickinson and Company, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA) is a microporous polysaccharide hemosphere (MPH), a new plant-derived polysaccharide powder hemostat that can be applied to the entire surgical field. This study prospectively assessed the effectiveness of Arista for bleeding control when applied intraoperatively to the liver resection surface. Materials and Methods: Data were collected at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital for patients who underwent liver resection owing to malignant hepatocellular carcinoma or benign liver diseases. We compared the outcomes between 45 patients managed with Arista® AH (data were prospectively collected between September 2022 and May 2023) and 156 patients managed without the use of Arista® AH (data were retrospectively collected between January 2021 and December 2021). Results: There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the two groups. The estimated blood loss (EBL) was significantly lower in the Arista® AH group compared with the control group (495.56 ± 672.7 mL vs. 691.9 ± 777.5 mL, p = 0.049). The mean postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the Arista® AH group (5.93 ± 1.88 days vs. 6.94 ± 4.17 days, p = 0.024). The time to Jackson-Pratt drain removal was also significantly shorter in the Arista® AH group (4.64 ± 1.31 days vs. 5.30 ± 2.87 days, p = 0.030). The patient subgroup was divided into four categories based on the type of resection and the presence or absence of cirrhosis. Within the subgroup of major resections in non-cirrhotic patients, the Arista® AH group demonstrated significantly better outcomes compared to the control group, showed lower EBL, reduced need for blood transfusions, decreased volume of drain fluid collected within 48 h, earlier removal of drains, and shorter hospital stays. In contrast, for the other subgroups such as minor resection (both non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic) and major resection with cirrhosis, the differences between the Arista® AH and control groups in various parameters like EBL, blood transfusion rates, drain fluid volume, time to drain removal, and duration of hospital stay were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Arista® AH significantly improved intraoperative blood management and postoperative recovery in patients undergoing liver resection, particularly in non-cirrhotic patients who underwent major resection.