Non-anatomical Liver Resection Research Articles

Impact of anatomical liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in preventing early-phase local recurrence after surgery.

The superiority of anatomical liver resection (AR) for localized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) over nonanatomical liver resection (NR) remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the impact of AR in preventing local and early HCC recurrence. A total of 280 patients who underwent initial liver resection for solitary HCC ≤5 cm in diameter were categorized into the AR and NR groups and compared using propensity score matching analysis. Between the matched pairs (n = 87 in each group), the incidence rates of local and early (recurrence within 2 years after surgery) recurrences in the AR group were significantly lower than those in the NR group (13.8% vs. 28.7%, p = .025; 20.7% vs. 35.6%, p = .028, respectively). The overall survival in the AR group was better than that in the NR group (median: 13.4 vs. 7.6 years, p = .003). NR was among independent risk factors for early recurrence (odds ratio: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.1-3.6, p = .023) and prognostic factors for local recurrence (hazard ratio: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.4-4.4, p = .003). AR is superior in controlling local and early recurrence postoperatively for solitary HCC ≤5 cm in diameter compared with NR.

Which Surgical Technique for Liver Resection is Favourable in Patients with Colorectal Liver Metastases?

Abstract Background The liver is the most common metastatic site after curative treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC). Around 50% of all patients with CRC will develop colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Liver resection (LR) represents a curative treatment option. Benefits of anatomic (ALR) versus non-anatomic liver resection (NALR) show a lack of consistent evidence. While ALR seems to be associated with a higher postoperative complication rate, NALR could lead to more recurrences. Aims We investigated complication and survival rates of patients with CRLM after both resection types. Methods This is a multicentre cohort study using retrospectively and prospectively collected data. All patients undergoing LR for CRLM between 2009 and 2020 from 3 specialised centres in Switzerland and Germany were included. Complication and survival rates after ALR versus NALR were analysed using uni- and multivariate Cox regression models. Results 624 patients were included. Median follow-up time was 25.49 months. In 292/624 patients (47%) ALR was performed, while 53% underwent NALR. Complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification have been observed significantly more often in the ALR group (p=0.001). Especially severe complications grade III and IV have been more present after ALR (36/292 vs. 26/332 and 13/292 vs. 11/332, respectively). Both, length of ICU and postoperative hospital stay have been significantly longer in the ALR group (p<0.001 each). The uni- and multivariate models have shown no significant differences in overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival rates (RFS) between both groups (for OS adjusted HR of 0.84 (95% CI 0.59 - 1.21; p=0.35) and for RFS adjusted HR 0.92 (95% CI 0.69 - 1.22, p=0.56)). Conclusion This multicentre prospective study investigating ALR versus NALR for CRLM has shown no significant differences in OS and RFS. However, postoperative complications have been reported significantly more often after ALR. NALR seems to be the better choice for patients with CRLM undergoing LR.

Impact of prolonged liver ischemia during intermittent Pringle maneuver on postoperative outcomes following liver resection

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare postoperative outcomes following liver resection between patients with prolonged cumulative ischemia time (CIT) which exceeded 60 min and patients with CIT less than 60 min. MethodsBetween March 2020 and October 2022, 164 consecutive patients underwent liver resection at the Unit for hepato-bilio-pancreatic surgery, University Clinic for Digestive Surgery in Belgrade, Serbia. Intermittent Pringle maneuver was routinely applied. Depending on CIT during transection, patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (CIT <60 min) included 101 patients, and group 2 (CIT ≥60 min) included 63 patients. ResultsMedian operative time (210 vs. 400 min) and CIT (30 vs. 76 min) were longer in the Group 2 (p < 0.001). Intraoperative blood loss was higher in the Group 2 (150 vs 500 ml), p < 0.001. The perioperative transfusion rate was similar between the groups (p = 0.107). There was no difference in postoperative overall morbidity (50.5% vs. 58.7%, p = 0.337) and major morbidity (18.8 vs. 19%, p = 0.401). In-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, and 90-day mortality were similar between the groups (p = 0.408; p = 0.408; p = 0.252, respectively). Non-anatomical liver resection was the only predictive factor of 90-day mortality identified by multivariate analysis (p = 0.047; Relative Risk = 0.179; 95% Confidence Interval 0.033–0.981). ConclusionIntermittent Pringle maneuver with CIT exceeding 60 min is a safe method for bleeding control during liver resection with no impact on postoperative morbidity and mortality. Keywords: intermittent Pringle maneuver, liver ischemia, liver resection.

Laparoscopic anatomic vs. nonanatomic liver resection for large hepatocellular carcinoma (≥5 cm) in the right lobe

ObjectiveTo determine the impacts and outcomes of laparoscopic anatomic liver resection (LAR) and laparoscopic nonanatomic resection (LNAR) in patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the right lobe of the liver. BackgroundThere are few comparative studies of LAR and LNAR for large HCC. MethodThree hundred thirty-seven patients underwent liver resection for large HCC (≥5 cm) at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul, Korea, between January 2004 and December 2022. After the exclusion of patients treated with open hepatic resection and those who had left-lobe or bilobar tumors, 94 patients were ultimately included. Patients were divided into LAR group (61 patients) and LNAR group (33 patients). After propensity score matching (PSM) with 1:1 matching, 31 patients were included in each group. The outcomes in the two groups were compared. ResultsLAR group had longer operative time than LNAR group (333.7 ± 113.7 vs 210 ± 117.6 min, respectively, P < 0.001), wider safety margin (1.4 ± 1.5 vs 0.7 ± 0.7 cm, respectively, P = 0.015), and lower incidence of recurrence (25.8% vs. 54.8%, respectively, P = 0.021). ConclusionLAR required longer operative time, achieved wider safety margin, and had lower incidence of recurrence than LNAR.

Laparoscopic Liver Resection Utilizing a Water Jet Scalpel for Patients With Liver Fibrosis.

Introduction A variety of devices are utilized in order to resect liver parenchyma in laparoscopic liver resection. However, liver fibrosis makes hepatectomy problematic because the liver is rigid and prone to bleeding. The water jet scalpel, which dissociates the liver parenchyma with a jet streamhas no thermal damageand is clinically utilized in liver resection, but its safety and efficacy during laparoscopic liver resection for patients with liver fibrosis remain unknown. Methods We analyzed patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection utilizing the water jet scalpel with liver fibrosis at our hospital. A water jet scalpel was used for liver parenchymal transection, and a saline-linked ball-tipped electrocautery was simultaneously used for hemostasis. Results Subsectionectomy was one case, left lateral sectionectomy was two cases, and non-anatomical liver resection was three cases. The median blood loss was 70 mL (24-104 mL). There was no need for the intraoperative Pringle's maneuver. No perioperative blood transfusion was performed, and there were no postoperative complications, including posthepatectomy liver failure. Conclusion It was suggested that laparoscopic liver resection in patients with liver fibrosis can be safely performed with the water jet scalpel.

Tumor attachment to Major intrahepatic vascular for Colorectal liver metastases

BackgroundColorectal liver metastases attached major intrahepatic vessels has been considered to be a risk factor for survival outcome after liver resection. The present study aimed to clarify the outcomes of R1 surgery (margin < 1 mm) in CRLM patients, distinguishing parenchymal margin R1 and attached to major intrahepatic vessels R1.MethodsIn present study, 283 CRLM patients who were evaluated to be attached to major intrahepatic vessels initially and underwent liver resection following preoperative chemotherapy. They were assigned to two following groups: R0 (n = 167), R1 parenchymal (n = 58) and R1 vascular (n = 58). The survival outcomes and local recurrence rates were analyzed in each group.ResultsOverall, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates after liver resection were 53.0% and 38.2% (median overall survival 37 months). Five-year overall survival was higher in patients with R0 than parenchymal R1 (44.9%% vs. 26.3%, p = 0.009), whereas there was no significant difference from patients with vascular R1 (34.3%, p = 0.752). In the multivariable analysis, preoperative chemotherapy > 4 cycles, clinical risk score 3–5, RAS mutation, parenchymal R1 and CA199 > 100 IU/ml were identified as independent predictive factors of overall survival (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference for local recurrence among three groups.ConclusionParenchymal R1 resection was independent risk factor for CRLM. Vascular R1 surgery achieved survival outcomes equivalent to R0 resection. Non-anatomic liver resection for CRLM attached to intrahepatic vessels might be pursued to increase patient resectability by preoperative chemotherapy.

Impact of Cirrhosis on the Choice of Liver Resection in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually occurs within an underlying chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis with limited liver function. Liver resection is an effective treatment option. Most studies investigating the benefits of anatomic (ALR) versus non-anatomic (NALR) liver resections in cirrhotic HCC patients involve Asian populations with different underlying chronic liver diseases. Aims NALR limits the resection of liver parenchyma, and therefore could reduce postoperative liver failure, while the effects on survival rates remain unclear. European data are desperately needed. Methods This is a retrospective and prospective multicentre cohort study, including all patients undergoing liver resection for HCC between 2009 and 2020 from 3 specialised centres in Switzerland and Germany. Patients were stratified for cirrhosis and no cirrhosis. Complications and survival rates were analysed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. Results 298 patients were included. Median follow-up time was 52.76 months. 158/298 (53%) patients presented with cirrhosis. Cirrhotic patients after ALR (n=64/158) showed a significantly longer ICU stay (p=0.017) and postoperative in-hospital stay (p=0.007) compared to after NALR (n=94/158), while the NALR group showed significantly more postoperative complications (p&amp;lt;0.001), but the rate of liver insufficiency was not significantly different after NALR versus ALR (p=0.846). Overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) in cirrhotic versus non-cirrhotic patients were not significantly different (adjusted HR 0.78 (95% CI 0.53-1.15, p=0.21) and adjusted HR 0.82 (95% CI 0.64-1.24, p=0.27), respectively). A trend towards better OS and RFS could be observed favouring NALR in cirrhotic patients (for OS adjusted HR 0.55 (95% CI 0.28-1.07, p=0.08) and for RFS adjusted HR 0.55 (95% CI 0.30-1.01, p=0.06)). Conclusions European patients with cirrhosis could benefit from NALR regarding longer OS and RFS. NALR is associated with a significantly higher complication rate compared to ALR, but not with a higher rate of postoperative liver insufficiency.

Effect of anatomical liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Despite retrospective studies comparing anatomical liver resection (AR) and non-anatomical liver resection (NAR), the efficacy and benefits of AR for hepatocellular carcinoma remain unclear. The authors systemically reviewed MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library for propensity score matched cohort studies that compared AR and NAR for hepatocellular carcinoma. Primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Secondary outcomes were recurrence patterns and perioperative outcomes. Overall, 22 propensity score matched studies (AR, n =2,496; NAR, n =2590) were included. AR including systemic segmentectomy was superior to NAR regarding the 3-year and 5-year OS. AR showed significantly better 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year RFS than NAR, with low local and multiple intrahepatic recurrence rates. In the subgroup analyses of tumour diameter less than or equal to 5cm and tumours with microscopic spread, the RFS in the AR group was significantly better than that in the NAR group. Patients with cirrhotic liver in the AR group showed comparable 3-year and 5-year RFS with the NAR group. Postoperative overall complications were comparable between AR and NAR. This meta-analysis demonstrated that AR showed better OS and RFS with a low local and multiple intra-hepatic recurrence rate than NAR, especially in patients with tumour diameter less than or equal to 5cm and non-cirrhotic liver.

Non-Stick Liver Parenchymal Transection With Saline-Linked Bipolar Clamp-Crush Technique in Robotic Liver Resection.

Background Without satisfactory instruments, liver parenchymal transection during robotic liver resection (RLR) remains challenging. We combined the commonly used bipolar clamp-crush technique with the saline drip, achieving a comfortable liver resection without coagulated liver tissues sticking to the bipolar forceps. Methods Between December 2022 and March 2023, six RLRs were performed using the saline-linked bipolar clamp-crush method for both anatomical and non-anatomical liver resections. We assessed the safety and feasibility of our robotic liver parenchymal transection technique. Results Three of six patients were diagnosed with colorectal liver metastasis, two with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the other with intrahepatic bile duct stricture. Three of the six patients received anatomical liver resection, and the other three underwent non-anatomical liver resection. There were no conversions to open surgery. The median operative time and estimated blood loss were 406.5 minutes (196-670 minutes) and 5 ml (5-465 ml), respectively. The median length of the postoperative hospital stay was nine days (7-10 days). Postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification grade II or more) or mortality were not encountered in this cohort. Conclusion We presented here our saline-linked bipolar clamp-crush method for liver parenchymal transection in RLR. By simply adding the saline drip to the commonly used bipolar clamp-crush technique, non-stick and comfortable liver parenchymal transection is now possible. This technique may help overcome the limitations of currently available robotic instruments for liver parenchymal resection.

Non-anatomical liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: the SegSubTe classification to overcome the problem of heterogeneity

BackgroundThe superiority of anatomical resection (AR) vs. non-anatomical resection (NAR) in the surgical management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is debated. ARs are well-defined procedures, whereas the lack of NAR standardization results in heterogeneous outcomes. This study aimed to introduce the SegSubTe classification for NAR detailing the appropriateness of the level of surgical section of the Glissonean pedicles feeding the tumor. MethodsA single-center retrospective analysis of pre- and postoperative imaging of consecutive patients treated with NAR for single HCC between 2012 and 2020 was conducted. The quality of surgery was assessed classifying the type of vascular supply and the level of surgical section (segmental, subsegmental or terminal next to the tumor) of vascular pedicles feeding the HCCs; then, the population was divided in “SegSubTe-IN” or “SegSubTe-OUT” groups, and the tumor recurrence and survival were analyzed. ResultsNinety-seven patients who underwent NAR were included; 76% were SegSubTe-IN and 24% were SegSubTe-OUT. Total disease recurrence, local recurrence and cut-edge recurrence in the SegSubTe-IN vs. SegSubTe-OUT groups were 50% vs. 83% (P = 0.006), 20% vs. 52% (P = 0.003) and 16% vs. 39% (P = 0.020), respectively. SegSubTe-OUT odds ratio for local recurrence was 4.1 at univariate regression analysis. One-, three-, and five-year disease-free survival rates in the SegSubTe-IN vs. SegSubTe-OUT groups were 81%, 58% and 35% vs. 46%, 21% and 11%, respectively (P < 0.001). ConclusionsThe SegSubTe classification is a useful tool to stratify and standardize NAR for HCC, aiming at improving long-term oncological outcomes and reducing the heterogeneity of quality of NAR for HCC.

RARE PRESENTATION OF HEMANGIOMA-LIKE HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA WITH INFREQUENT SYMPTOMS OF LOWER GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING AND ATYPICAL RADIOLOGICAL FEATURES-A CASE REPORT

Hepatocellular carcinoma can mimic benign lesions like liver haemangioma with atypical image findings and can manifest in an acute emergency where a diagnostic dilemma is encountered that can alter the phase of management. We hereby present a case of a 70-year-old male patient with multiple medical comorbidities who presented to us initially in June 2021 with a history of blunt trauma abdomen. Ultrasound abdomen imaging was suggestive of bleeding from liver hemangioma. The patient underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy and hemostasis was achieved. After being clinically better he underwent angioembolisation of the bleeding vessels; unfortunately, he presented one year later with bleeding per rectum. On re-evaluation, imaging features were again consistent with giant liver hemangioma infiltrating ascending and transverse colon. Tumour markers were negative. Being nonamenable to angioembolisation at this setting he underwent exploratory laparotomy unblock right hemicolectomy + non-anatomical liver resection (segment 6, part of 5,7) on October 2022 based on intraoperative findings. Surprisingly the histopathology report was that of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Detailed searching made us able to find these sorts of discordant presentations of HCC with negative tumor markers and atypical imaging findings. The patient was referred to our medical oncology department for expert management. The incidence of direct invasion of HCC to the gastrointestinal tract is approximately 0.5–2%. Colonic metastasis is uncommon in patients with HCC. The diagnosis of HCC is generally made by radiologic hallmarks of dynamic contrast imaging. Sometimes large HCCs may have atypical radiological contrast enhancement patterns thus mimicking hemangioma.

Comparison of Anatomic and Non-Anatomic Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background and Objectives: The survival benefit of anatomical liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma has not been elucidated yet. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of anatomic and non-anatomic liver resection on surgical outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing anatomic or non-anatomic resections due to hepatocellular carcinoma between March 2006 and October 2019 was conducted. Demographics, preoperative laboratory assessments, treatment strategies, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Results: The total cohort consisted of 94 patients, with a mean age of 63.1 ± 8.9 years, and 74.5% were male. A total of 41 patients underwent anatomic liver resection, and 53 patients underwent non-anatomic resection. The overall survival rates were found to be similar (5-year overall survival was 49.3% for anatomic resection and 44.5% for non-anatomic resection). Estimated median overall survival times were 58.5 months and 57.3 months, respectively (p = 0.777). Recurrence-free 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were found to be 73.6%, 39.1%, and 32.8% in the non-anatomic resection group and 48.8%, 22.7%, and 22.7% in the anatomic resection group, respectively. Grade three or higher complication rates were found to be similar among the groups. Conclusions: This study did not find a difference between two surgical methods, in terms of survival. A tailored selection of the resection method should be made, with the aim of complete removal of tumoral lesions and leaving a suitable functional liver reserve, according to the parenchymal quality and volume of the liver remnant.

Novel Liver Parenchymal Transection Technique Using Saline-linked Monopolar Cautery Scissors (SLiC-Scissors) in Robotic Liver Resection.

IntroductionAlthough there are a number of benefits to using robotics in liver surgery over conventional open and laparoscopic approaches, liver parenchymal transection is still the most difficult aspect of robotic liver resection (RLR) due to the limitations of the currently available robotic instruments and the lack of a standardized method.MethodsWe present a novel method for transecting the liver parenchyma during RLR employing saline-linked monopolar cautery (SLiC) scissors (SLiC-Scissors method). Between September 2021 and April 2022, 10 RLRs were performed utilizing the SLiC-Scissors method for both anatomical and non-anatomical liver resections. We assessed the short-term results, as well as the safety and practicality of our robotic liver parenchymal transection technique.ResultsSix of the 10 patients had malignant liver tumors, and four of them had liver metastases from colorectal cancer. Except for S1, the target lesions were present everywhere, and their median size was 25 mm (14-43 mm). The median amount of intraoperative bleeding was 5 mL (5-30 mL), and the median operative and console times were 223 and 134 min, respectively. There were no conversions to open liver resections. The median length of the postoperative stay was seven (4-13) days, and there were no serious postoperative complications or mortality.ConclusionsThe SLiC-Scissors method is a safe and practical procedure for liver parenchymal transection in RLR. In order to standardize and broadly implement RLR into normal patient treatment, this unique approach enables an advanced, locally controlled preparation of intrahepatic vessels and bile ducts.

Laparoscopic anatomical versus non-anatomical liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma located in the posterosuperior segments of the liver: A propensity score matched analysis

Laparoscopic anatomical versus non-anatomical liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma located in the posterosuperior segments of the liver: A propensity score matched analysis

Should Radiology Reporting Change Surgeon's Indication for Surgery in Cases of Hepatic Cyst?

Background: Aim of the study is to correlate radiology reports and histology by conducting a retrospective analysis of patients with hepatic cyst Methods: We analyzed the clinical, radiologic and histopathologic data of patients operated for cystic lesion in the liver between Jan'18-Dec'20. Results: 20 patients were included in the study. CT/MRI of 6(30%) patients were reported as biliary cystadenoma and 13(65%) were reported as simple hepatic cyst and 1(5%) had a diagnosis of cystic HCC. Out of the 6 cases reported as biliary cystadenoma, 5(83%) were reported on MRI and 1(16%) on CT scan. 18 out of 20 patients(90%) had intraoperative finding of a simple liver cyst and the patients underwent cyst wall fenestration demonstrative of clear fluid. 1(5%) had a finding of HCC, so non-anatomical liver resection was performed. Histopathology in 18 of all the operated cases was conclusive of benign hepatic cystic lesion from the cyst wall biopsy. Four of the 20 cases, (20%) were asymptomatic and out of these 4 cases, 3(75%) were initially reported as cystadenoma which ultimately turned out to be simple liver cyst on final pathology. One patient reported as simple cyst turned out to be cystadenoma on histopathology In this series the radiologic diagnosis of cystadenoma lead to unnecessary surgical intervention in 3 out of 4(75%) of patients with asymptomatic liver cyst. Conclusion: Increasingly utilized ‘rule out diagnosis of biliary cystadenoma’ in patients with a simple hepatic cyst creates anxiety for the patient and can lead to unnecessary surgery in asymptomatic patients.

Anatomical and Non-Anatomical Liver Resection for Secondary Liver Tumors, a One-Year Experience

Introduction: The role of liver resection in secondary liver tumours, mainly caused by metastases colo-rectal cancer (MCRC) increases. The authors would like to share their experience in secondary liver tumour resections,using various energy devices,techniques,and results.

Radiologic Reporting of Simple Hepatic Cyst Versus Biliary Cystadenoma May Lead to Unnecessary Surgery.

Simple liver cyst (SHC) is a benign condition with no malignant potential. They are typically discovered incidentally due to the increased use of abdominal imaging, but some patients may present with abdominal pain. A radiologist's differential diagnosis in cases of SHC will often include "rule out biliary cystadenoma." Under these circumstances, patients and surgeons are more likely to pursue surgical options even in asymptomatic cases. The aim of this study is to conduct a retrospective analysis of presentation, radiologic reporting, management plan, and histopathology of patients referred to a tertiary hospital in order to determine the correlation between radiology and histology. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, radiological, and histopathological data of 20 patients operated for a diagnosis of a cystic lesion in the liver. The CT/MRI of 6 (30%) patients was reported as a biliary cystadenoma, 13 (65%) were reported as a simple hepatic cyst and 1 patient (5%) had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with the additional diagnosis of multiple hepatic cysts. The lesion reported as HCC on the scan was separate from the cystic lesions. The modality of imaging for these cysts was evenly split, 50% of patients had a CT scan, and 50% had an MRI performed. All imaging studies were interpreted by an attending radiologist and most of them were discussed in multidisciplinary meetings. Nineteen patients (95%) had an intraoperative diagnosis of a simple liver cyst based on its visual appearance and clear fluid within the cyst. These patients underwent cyst wall fenestration and de-roofing with the cyst wall sent for histopathology. One patient (5%) with HCC underwent a non-anatomical liver resection. Histopathology was conclusive for a benign hepatic cystic lesion from the cyst wall biopsy. All 20 patients in this study underwent surgery, either due to symptoms or due to radiologic diagnosis of BCA. Four of the 20 cases (20%) were asymptomatic and out of these four cases, 3 (75%) were diagnosed as cystadenoma on the preoperative imaging studies. All 19 cases were diagnosed as a simple liver cyst on pathology. In summary, there is a growing trend of "ruling-out the diagnosis of biliary cystadenoma" in patients who present with liver cysts. Patients are appropriately more anxious after this preoperative diagnosis and the treating surgeons have medico-legal concerns regarding conservative management in asymptomatic patients diagnosed as BCA. This single center experience draws attention to the radiology criteria utilized for diagnosing a biliary cystadenoma and suggests that it is time to revisit the imaging interpretation and differential diagnosis.

Anatomical vs nonanatomical liver resection for solitary hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUNDThe long-term survival of patients with solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following anatomical resection (AR) vs non-anatomical resection (NAR) is still controversial. It is necessary to investigate which approach is better for patients with solitary HCC.AIMTo compare perioperative and long-term survival outcomes of AR and NAR for solitary HCC.METHODSWe performed a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and Cochrane Library. Participants of any age and sex, who underwent liver resection, were considered following the following criteria: (1) Studies reporting AR vs NAR liver resection; (2) Studies focused on primary HCC with a solitary tumor; (3) Studies reporting the long-term survival outcomes (> 5 years); and (4) Studies including patients without history of preoperative treatment. The main results were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Perioperative outcomes were also compared.RESULTSA total of 14 studies, published between 2001 and 2020, were included in our meta-analysis, including 9444 patients who were mainly from China, Japan, and Korea. AR was performed on 4260 (44.8%) patients. The synthetic results showed that the 5-year OS [odds ratio (OR): 1.19; P < 0.001] and DFS (OR: 1.26; P < 0.001) were significantly better in the AR group than in the NAR group. AR was associated with longer operating time [mean difference (MD): 47.08; P < 0.001], more blood loss (MD: 169.29; P = 0.001), and wider surgical margin (MD = 1.35; P = 0.04) compared to NAR. There was no obvious difference in blood transfusion ratio (OR: 1.16; P = 0.65) or postoperative complications (OR: 1.24, P = 0.18).CONCLUSIONAR is superior to NAR in terms of long-term outcomes. Thus, AR can be recommended as a reasonable surgical option in patients with solitary HCC.

Parenchymal preserving liver resection for centrally located liver tumors: how I do it?

Central liver tumors often require extended hepatectomy or a central hepatectomy with complex biliary reconstructions. Extended resections are prone to higher chances of post-operative liver failure, while the resections mandating reconstructions run a risk of biliary leaks. Non-anatomical liver resections for these centrally located tumors provide a benefit of functional parenchymal preservation but a higher perceived risk of oncological inadequacy. This manuscript is an attempt to showcase author's technique of parenchymal sparing liver resection for central located liver tumor without the need for any biliary reconstruction while ensuring oncological adequacy during the conduct of the procedure.

Impact of anatomical liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Although several retrospective studies comparing anatomical liver resection (AR) and non-anatomical liver resection (NAR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been published, the efficacy of anatomic liver resection for HCC remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the oncologic and surgical outcomes of AR and NAR for HCC by performing meta-analysis of published studies. We systemically reviewed the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for propensity score matching (PSM) studies compared AR and NAR for HCC. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS). Secondary outcomes were recurrence patterns and peri-operative outcomes. A total of 19 PSM studies were included. AR was superior to NAR in 3- and 5-year OS (3-year OS hazard ratio [HR]: 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68-0.91, p = 0.001; 5-year OS HR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.71-0.95, p = 0.009). AR showed a significantly better 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS than NAR with low local recurrence rate, intra- and extra-hepatic recurrence (1-year RFS HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.69-0.90, p = 0.0005; 3-year RFS HR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.75-0.87; p = 0.00001; 5-year RFS HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.76-0.88, p < 0.00001). In subgroup analyses about tumor with diameter less than 5cm and with microscopic cancer spread, RFS in AR group was significantly better than NAR. However, AR showed comparable 3- and 5-year RFS with NAR group in patients with cirrhotic liver. Also, post-operative overall complications including biliary leakage and hepatic failure were similar between two groups. Our meta-analysis revealed that AR showed better OS and RFS with low local recurrence than NAR especially patients with tumor diameter less than 5 cm and non-cirrhotic liver.