Normal Preoperative Liver Function Research Articles

Right anatomical hepatectomy using extrahepatic glissonean pedicle approach combined liver hanging for hepatocellular carcinoma: Surgical approach in a developing country

Backgrounds/Aims: To evaluate the outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who underwent right anatomical hepatectomy using the combination of the extrahepatic Glissonean pedicle approach (Takasaki’s technique) and liver hanging maneuver (LHM) (Belghiti’s technique). Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 30 cases of HCC treated with right hepatectomy using extrahepatic Glissonean pedicle approach and liver hanging maneuver by only one surgeon at our department from March 2020 to August 2023. Clinical characteristics, pathological results, postoperative outcomes, and survival rate were analyzed. Results: Among the 30 HCC patients analyzed, males accounted for 96.7% of patients. The mean age was 54.9 ± 11 years. 96.7% had normal preoperative liver function (Child-Pugh A). LHM with an extrahepatic Glissonean approach was feasible in 100% of cases with minor blood loss, no blood transfusion, intraoperative complications, or perioperative mortality. The mean operative time was 123.8 ± 29.0 minutes. The mean hospital stay was 9.37 ± 4.02 days. Postoperative liver failure accounted for 6.7%. Pathological results: 63.3% moderately differentiated HCC; 36.7% poorly differentiated HCC. 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 86.1%, 73.8% and 59.0%, respectively. Recurrence was witnessed in 13 (43.3%) cases, with 6 (20%) cases in remnant liver. 1-, 2-, and 3-year disease-free survival were 69.3%, 42.0%, and 28.0% respectively. Conclusion: Right anatomical hepatectomy using extrahepatic Glissonean pedicle approach combined LHM for hepatocellular carcinoma was feasible and safe at our high-volume oncology center in a developing country.

Novel definition of textbook outcome in biliary system cancers and its influence on patients' survival and quality of life.

The definition of textbook outcome in biliary system cancers is a developing concept in need of expansion and investigation of its association with survival and quality of life. In this original research, we developed a novel "all or none" textbook outcome definition which addresses the rapid recovery of post-surgical indexes, in addition to short-term mortality, hospital re-admission, prolonged stay, surgical margin and postoperative complications. Based on the fulfillment of relevant criteria, patients were divided into textbook outcome and non-textbook outcome groups and their characteristics and survival data were analyzed. A customized "quality of life" questionnaire was developed to address short-term recovery and post-discharge life quality of patients. Association with quality of life improvement was then investigated. A total of 129 patients were included. Textbook outcome was achieved in 25.58% of patients (37.04% of gallbladder cancer patients and 17.8% of cholangiocarcinoma patients). Compared to non-textbook outcome group, patients with textbook outcome had lower rate of pre-operative biliary drainage (p = 0.026), higher rate of normal preoperative liver function (p < 0.001) and tumor markers (p = 0.001), reduced perioperative bleeding (p = 0.006) and blood transfusion (p = 0.005), and higher rate of N0 stage cases (p = 0.008). Textbook outcome was also associated with enhanced survival, significantly in older patients (<65 years) (1-year survival rate: 100% vs. 78.57% (p = 0.108), 2-year survival rate: 87.5% vs. 44% (p = 0.046)). Finally, textbook outcome was significantly associated with enhanced basic daily performance (p < 0.001), social life performance (p = 0.033), and personal evaluation (p < 0.001), and thus improved quality of life (p < 0.001). The novel definition of textbook outcome was able to address the specific nature of recovery after resection of biliary system cancers. Expanding the scope of textbook outcome and addressing the influence on survival and quality of life provides a comprehensive concept able to reflect physical, psychological and functioning enhancements in patients recovery.

Right anterior sectionectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma with glissonean pedicle approach

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common primary liver malignancy in Vietnam with a high mortality rate. Right anterior sectionectomy with selective control approach is preferred to the right or the central hepatectomies for HCC, in cirrhotic livers in order to preserve functional liver parenchyma. We carried out a retrospective analysis to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the right anterior sectionectomy at the Vietnam National Cancer Hospital. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted at Vietnam National Cancer Hospital from March 2017 to March 2020. The right anterior sectionectomy study group consisted of 47 patients. The mean patient age was 56.7 years. Of the 47 patients with HCC enrolled in the study, 91.5% were male. Cirrhosis (70.2%) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) (74.5%) were the predominant chronic liver diseases. Most of the patients had normal preoperative liver function (Child-Pugh A, 97.9%, and MELD scores &lt; 9, 89.4%). The median blood loss was 200 ± 120 mL. There were no intraoperative or postoperative transfusions given. The mean operation time was 182.23 ± 54.07 minutes (min - max: 80 – 340 minutes)(min; max). The median postoperative hospital stay was 7.52 ± 2.25 days (min – max: 5 – 21 days) (min; max). Posthepatectomy liver failure occurred in one case, and there was no perioperative mortality. After a median follow-up time of 33 months, the mean disease-free survival was 37.9 ± 1.9 months. 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 94.7%, 92.1% and 85.0%, respectively.

Real-time identification of aberrant left hepatic arterial territories using near-infrared fluorescence with indocyanine green during gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

An aberrant left hepatic artery is frequently encountered during upper gastrointestinal surgery, and researchers have yet to propose optimal strategies with which to address this arterial variation. The objective of this study was to determine whether the areas perfused by an aberrant left hepatic artery can be visualized in real-time using near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green. Patients with gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent minimally invasive radical gastrectomy from May 2018 to August 2019 were enrolled and retrospectively analyzed at a single-center. Patients with an aberrant left hepatic artery and normal preoperative liver function were examined. After the clamping of an aberrant left hepatic artery, indocyanine green was administered via a peripheral intravenous route during surgery. Fluorescence at the liver was visualized under near-infrared fluorescence imaging. In 31 patients with aberrant left hepatic arteries, near-infrared fluorescence imaging was used without adverse events associated with indocyanine green. Six (19%) patients were reported to have an aberrant left hepatic artery upon preoperative CT imaging, while all other instances were detected during surgery. Fluorescence excitation on the liver was, on average, visible after 43s (range, 25-65). Fluorescence across the entire surface of the liver was noted in 20 (65%) patients in whom the aberrant left hepatic artery could be ligated. Aberrant left hepatic arteries were safely preserved in 10 (32%) patients who showed areas of no or partial fluorescence excitation. Guided by near-infrared fluorescence imaging, ligation of aberrant left hepatic arteries elicited no significant changes in postoperative liver function. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging facilitates the identification of aberrant left hepatic arterial territories, guiding decisions on the preservation or ligation of this arterial variation.

Effect of CO2 Pneumoperitoneum on Liver Function Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background: Laparoscopic provides access to abdominal cavity for both diagnostic and therapeutic surgical interventions which were previously only possible through laparotomy. Recent studies have shown marked rise in serum liver enzymes after laparoscopic surgeries which is considered to be related to the impaired liver and splanchnic perfusion. The present study has been carried out with the aim to comprehend changes in liver enzymes after laparoscopic vs conventional cholecystectomy and the effects of these on outcomes of surgery. Subjects and Methods: Between January 2018 and June 2019, 100 patients with symptomatic gall stones which were eligible for cholecystectomy were enrolled in this prospective clinical observational trial. Randomisation to laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy was performed by using a sealed envelope technique just before surgery. All cases were operated by the same consultant surgeon with a standard anaesthetic protocol. Liver function tests were performed before surgery, at 24 hours and day seven postoperatively. Results: In the laparoscopic group, a statistically significant rise in liver enzymes both aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase was observed after 24 hrs of surgery as compared to preoperative values (p&lt;.001) and then again touching normal serum level on 7th day postoperatively. Whereas in open cholecystectomy patients, only a slight variation in the liver enzymes was observed, which was not significant compared to preoperative level (p&gt;.05). No statistically significant changes in serum level of GGT, ALP and bilirubin was seen in either group. No mortality or bile duct injury was observed in this study. Conclusion: Transient elevation in level of liver enzymes occurs after cholecystectomy in both open and laparoscopy group but more in laparoscopic arm attributed to CO2 pneumoperitoneum with possibly some other factors contributing to this. These changes return to normal in a week time after the procedure, and no major complication is generally seen in these patients with normal preoperative liver function, but these temporary derangements at times may be of concern to surgeons for its implication to the integrity of biliary tract.

Comparative study of postoperative hepatic and renal function changes in laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy

Background: It has been shown that there is a transient elevation of serum liver enzymes after laparoscopic surgeries and major causative factor seemed to be the CO2 pneumoperitoneum. In most of the cases, it does not have any clinical significance in the patient with normal preoperative liver function. However, in patients with deranged liver function, these changes can have great significance.Methods: The present study was designed to determine and compare changes in liver function tests and renal function test following laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open cholecystectomy. This study was conducted on 100 patients admitted to Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital, Allahabad, India from August 2017 to January 2019 who were having symptomatic cholelithiasis with a history of either acute cholecystitis, biliary colic or chronic cholecystitis. All patients were investigated for complete liver function tests and renal function test including serum bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, LDH, S. urea, S. creatinine, S. Na+, S. K+, S. Ca+ and urinary sodium (UNa+). The laboratory tests were carried out in the same laboratory using one type of instrument.Results: In open cholecystectomy, bilirubin decreased by 11% (p value equals 0.191) and remained decreased to the preoperative value on day 1 and day 7. While, laparoscopic cholecystectomy at 14 mmHg pressure, mean bilirubin decreases by 14% immediately postoperatively (p value equals 0.1733) and returns to normal level in 7 days. These changes are clinically insignificant and statistically insignificant.Conclusions: Enzyme elevations could mostly be attributed to the adverse effects of the pneumoperitoneum on the hepatic blood flow and renal blood flow and CO2 absorption in the blood. Though, these changes do not seem to be clinically significant, care should be taken before deciding to perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study suggested that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe operative procedure and have added advantages. The disturbances in the function of the kidney after laparoscopic cholecystectomy are self-limited and not associated with any morbidity in patients with a healthy kidney function.

Value of Cholangiography in Elective Cholecystectomy in Patients with Normal Preoperative Liver Function Tests

Value of Cholangiography in Elective Cholecystectomy in Patients with Normal Preoperative Liver Function Tests

Tu1516 The Value of Cholangiography in Elective Cholecystectomy for Patients With Normal Preoperative Liver Function Tests

Tu1516 The Value of Cholangiography in Elective Cholecystectomy for Patients With Normal Preoperative Liver Function Tests

Total Joint Arthroplasty in Patients with Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is present worldwide. Little is known about the outcome of joint arthroplasty in asymptomatic patients with hepatitis C. We evaluated the surgical complications following hip and knee arthroplasty in patients who were seropositive for hepatitis C in a matched study. Seventy-one patients with hepatitis C underwent forty total hip arthroplasties and thirty-two total knee arthroplasties from 1995 to 2006. The patients had normal preoperative liver function tests. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection, hepatitis B, and hemophilia were excluded. A control group was matched in a 2:1 ratio with the hepatitis-C group for age, body-mass index, sex, year of surgery, and medical comorbidities, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and immunosuppressive conditions. In the group of patients with hepatitis C who were managed with total hip arthroplasty, six patients (15%) had wound complications requiring oral antibiotics or wound irrigation and debridement and four hips (10%) had mechanical complications, including implant loosening or dislocation. In the control group, three patients (3.8%) had wound complications requiring oral antibiotics or irrigation and debridement and three patients (3.8%) had mechanical complications, including dislocation, periprosthetic femoral fracture, and implant failure. In the group of patients with hepatitis C who underwent total knee arthroplasty, three patients (9.4%) had mechanical complications, including loosening and periprosthetic fracture requiring revision. In the control group, three patients (4.7%) had wound complications, one (1.6%) had a deep infection requiring two-stage revision, and one (1.6%) underwent revision because of a mechanical problem. The combined hepatitis-C group had significantly longer hospital stays and higher rates of surgical and mechanical complications, reoperation, and revision. Patients with hepatitis C undergoing joint arthroplasty had a higher rate of surgical complications and a longer hospital stay. The reason for the higher rate of complications in this group of patients is unknown, and further investigation is needed. Patients with hepatitis C should be counseled about the potential for a higher incidence of postoperative complications prior to undergoing joint arthroplasty.

The Anesthesiologist's Expanding Role in Perioperative Liver Protection

The Anesthesiologist's Expanding Role in Perioperative Liver Protection

Immediate Postoperative Low Platelet Count is Associated With Delayed Liver Function Recovery After Partial Liver Resection

To evaluate whether a low postoperative platelet count is associated with a poor recovery of liver function in patients after partial liver resection. Experimental studies in rodents have recently suggested that blood platelets play a critical role in the initiation of liver regeneration. It remains unclear whether platelets are also involved in liver regeneration in humans. In a series of 216 consecutive patients who underwent partial liver resection for colorectal liver metastases, we studied postoperative mortality and liver dysfunction in relation to the immediate postoperative platelet count. All patients had normal preoperative liver function and none of them had liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. Delayed postoperative recovery of liver function was defined as serum bilirubin >50 micromol/L or prothrombin time >20 seconds at any time point between postoperative day 1 and 5. Patients with a low (<100 x10(9)/L) immediate postoperative platelet count had worse postoperative liver function, higher serum markers of liver injury, and increased mortality compared with patients with normal platelet counts (>100/L). A low immediate postoperative platelet count was identified as an independent risk factor of delayed postoperative recovery of liver function (OR, 11.5; 95% CI, 1.1-122.4; P = 0.04 in multivariate analysis). After partial liver resection, a low platelet count is an independent predictor of delayed postoperative liver function recovery and is associated with increased risk of postoperative mortality. These clinical findings are in accordance with the accumulating evidence from experimental studies, indicating that platelets play a critical role in liver regeneration.

Quantification of risk of a positive (R1) resection margin following hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal cancer: An aid to clinical decision-making

Margin involvement following liver resection for colorectal cancer is associated with early disease recurrence and shorter long-term survival. This study aimed to develop a predictive index for quantifying the likelihood of a positive resection margin (R1) for patients undergoing hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal cancer. Clinical, pathological and complete follow-up data were prospectively collected from 1005 consecutive liver resections performed in 929 patients for colorectal liver metastases with curative intent at a single centre between 1987 and 2005. Ninety-four resections in 81 patients with extra-hepatic disease were excluded, leaving 911 resections (844 primary and 67 repeat) in 848 patients for analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of margin involvement and from the beta-coefficients generated, develop a predictive model that was validated using measures of discrimination and calibration. There were 80 (8.8%) R1 resections, with a 5-year cancer-specific survival for R0 and R1 hepatic resections of 39.7% and 17.8%, respectively; p<0.001. On multivariate analysis, five risk factors were found to be independent predictors of an R1 resection: non-anatomical resection vs. anatomical resection (odds ratio (OR)=4.3, p=0.001), >3 hepatic metastases involving >50% of the liver vs. <3 metastases (OR=4.0, p<0.001); bilobar vs. unilobar disease (OR=2.9, p<0.001); repeat vs. primary hepatic resection (OR=3.1, p=0.006); abnormal vs. normal pre-operative liver function tests (OR=1.6, p=0.044). These five factors were used to develop a predictive model, which when tested, fitted the data well, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 78.1% (S.E.=2.7%). This study describes an accurate model for quantifying the risk of a positive margin following hepatic resection for liver metastases. It may be used pre-operatively by multi-disciplinary teams to identify patients who may benefit from neoadjuvant therapy prior to liver surgery, thus minimizing the risk of a positive resection margin.

Is abdominoperineal resection a good option for stage IV adenocarcinoma of the distal rectum?

The management of the primary lesion in patients with stage IV adenocarcinoma of the distal rectum is controversial. An abdominoperineal resection (APR) may be a good option. A retrospective analysis of the medical records of 21 patients with stage IV distal rectal adenocarcinoma treated with an APR between January 1991 to December 2000 was performed. All patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 1 and normal preoperative alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin levels. Twelve patients (92%) with liver metastases had less than 25% of total liver volume involvement. Twenty patients (95%) had complete resolution of their symptoms related to the primary rectal cancer. The median follow-up was 19 months (range 3-92 months), with a median survival of 21.6 months and a 2-year overall survival of 34%. Patients with stage IV distal rectal adenocarcinoma who have a good performance status, normal preoperative liver function tests, and minimal metastatic disease to the liver can be offered resective surgery.

Changes in Liver Function Tests after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Not So Rare, Not Always Ominous

The incidental findings of increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) after uneventful laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) prompted us to investigate the incidence and the clinical significance of this phenomenon. Changes in liver function test after LC (n = 55) were compared with those after OC (n = 16). Liver function tests were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively on days 1, 2, and 7. All of the patients fulfilled the selection criteria: normal preoperative liver function test and no endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, common bile duct exploration, or postoperative biliary complications (injury, infection, or obstruction). Converted cholecystectomies were also excluded. During LC, the intra-abdominal pressure was maintained within the conventional range of 14 to 15 mm Hg. ALT had doubled in the first 48 hours from the preoperative mean in 58.2 per cent in LC patients versus only 6.3 per cent in the OC group. AST doubled from the preoperative mean value in 38.2 per cent in the LC group versus only 6.3 per cent in the OC group. By the 7th postoperative day, the enzymes returned to the preoperative values in both the LC and the OC group. In many instances, a significant increase in ALT and AST blood levels occurred after uneventful LC. The phenomenon is transient as these enzymes returned to normal value within 7 days. These changes are clinically silent in patients with a normal liver function.

Ischemic liver dysfunction after elective repair of infrarenal aortic aneurysm: Incidence and outcome

Objective: To assess the frequency of early postoperative liver dysfunction in patients undergoing elective infrarenal aortic aneurysm repair, their hospital course, and outcome. Design: A retrospective case-control study. Setting: A single tertiary referral center. Participants: A review of medical records of 942 consecutive asymptomatic patients with normal preoperative liver function test results who had elective infrarenal aortic aneurysm repair with infrarenal aortic cross-clamping. The authors selected all patients who had an acute increase in serum hepatic enzyme levels (minimum fivefold increase in aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and twofold increase in lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] levels) within the first 7 perioperative days (study patients). The control group consisted of 42 patients with normal postoperative liver function test results, matched by age, sex, and year of surgery to study patients. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Aortic cross-clamping times, lowest intraoperative blood pressure, duration of hypotension (systolic blood pressure ≤95 mmHg), lowest intraoperative base deficit, and estimated blood loss were compared between control and study patients. The study also analyzed perioperative metabolic, hemostatic, hepatic, and renal function variables; the intraoperative course; postoperative complications; and inhospital outcome. Fourteen of 942 patients (1.5%) comprised a study group. In 11 patients (1.2%), AST and LDH levels moderately increased, and three patients (0.3%) developed changes consistent with a diagnosis of acute ischemic hepatitis (AIH). In all patients, the serum liver enzyme levels peaked between 24 and 72 postoperative hours. Three patients with AIH developed concomitant acute renal failure; one had associated disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and died. Of 11 patients with moderate increases, one subsequently developed multisystem organ failure and died. The overall in-hospital mortality rate for patients with postoperative liver dysfunction was 14% ( 2 14 ) and for the control group it was 2.3% ( 1 42 ). The duration of hypotension and metabolic acidosis were more pronounced in patients who postoperatively developed liver dysfunction (both p < 0.001); however, study and control patients did not differ in the duration of aortic cross-clamping, lowest intraoperative blood pressure, or estimated blood loss. Conclusion: Liver enzyme levels acutely increased in 1.5% of patients after elective infrarenal aortic aneurysm repair with infrarenal cross-clamping. In patients with moderately elevated serum liver enzyme levels, postoperative recovery was relatively uncomplicated, whereas all three patients with AIH developed acute renal failure and had a more complicated postoperative course. Those with postoperative liver dysfunction had a longer duration of intraoperative hypotension and more pronounced metabolic acidosis.

Clinical Evaluation and Cost Effectiveness of Preoperative Laboratory Assessment on Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty

By examining the records of 101 admissions (86 patients) undergoing total hip replacement for osteoarthritis, we studied the impact of 24 preoperative laboratory assessments on the postoperative course. Four patients had their procedures postponed or canceled because of laboratory abnormalities; three of these patients had abnormal urinalyses and one had abnormal liver function tests. No other patients had alterations in their perioperative course as a result of the tests. No subsequent postoperative complications were attributable to either an abnormal or deficient preoperative assessment. Two patients with postoperative hepatitis had normal preoperative liver function studies. One patient had a postoperative bleeding episode but had had normal preoperative PT and PTT values. The economic implications are discussed in a cost-effectiveness model. On the basis of these results, we recommend that only a minimal set of preoperative laboratory tests be added to the detailed medical history and physical examination in otherwise healthy patients about to undergo total hip replacement surgery.