Pringle Maneuver Group Research Articles

Association of Pringle maneuver with postoperative recurrence and survival following hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter propensity score and competing-risks regression analysis.

The application of Pringle maneuver (PM) during hepatectomy reduces intraoperative blood loss and the need for perioperative transfusion, but its effect on long-term recurrence and survival for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. We sought to determine the association between the application of PM and post-hepatectomy oncologic outcomes for patients with HCC. Patients who underwent curative hepatectomy for HCC at 9 Chinese hospitals from January 2010 to December 2018 were identified. Using two propensity score methods [propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of treatment weight (IPTW)], cumulative recurrence rate and cancer-specific mortality (CSM) were compared between the patients in the PM and non-PM groups. Multivariate competing-risks regression models were performed to adjust for the effect of non-cancer-specific mortality and other prognostic risk factors. Of the 2,798 included patients, 2,404 and 394 did and did not adopt PM (the PM and non-PM groups), respectively. The rates of intraoperative blood transfusion, postoperative 30-day mortality and morbidity were comparable between the two groups (all P>0.05). In the PSM cohort by the 1:3 ratio, compared to 382 patients in the non-PM group, 1,146 patients in the PM group also had the higher cumulative 5-year recurrence rate and CSM (63.9% and 39.1% vs. 55.3% and 31.6%, both P<0.05). Similar results were also yielded in the entire cohort and the IPTW cohort. Multivariate competing-risks regression analyses demonstrated that no application of the PM was independently associated with lower recurrence rate and CSM based on various analytical cohorts [hazard ratio (HR), 0.82 and 0.77 in the adjusted entire cohort, HR 0.80 and 0.73 in the PSM cohort, and HR 0.80 and 0.76 in the IPTW cohort, respectively]. The findings suggested that no application of PM during hepatectomy for patients with HCC reduced the risk of postoperative recurrence and cancer-specific death by approximately 20-25%.

The Effect of Pringle Maneuver Applied during Living Donor Hepatectomy on the Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Observed in the Donors and Recipients.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and laboratory changes of ischemia and reperfusion injury in the remnant livers of donors with and without Pringle maneuver. Furthermore, we evaluated the recipients who have been transplanted with liver grafts from these donors. Methods and Materials: A total of 108 patients (54 living liver donors and 54 liver recipients) who underwent donor hepatectomy and recipients who living donor liver transplantation, were included in this randomized double-blind study between February 2021 and June 2021. The donors were divided into two groups: Pringle maneuver applied (n = 27) and Pringle maneuver not applied (n = 27). Similarly, recipients with implanted liver obtained from these donors were divided into two groups as the Pringle maneuver was performed (n = 27) and not performed (n = 27). Blood samples from donors and recipients were obtained on pre-operative, post-operative 0 h day (day of surgery), post-operative 1st day, post-operative 2nd day, post-operative 3rd day, post-operative 4th day, post-operative 5th day, and liver tissue was taken from the graft during the back table procedures. Liver function tests and complete blood count, coagulation tests, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and β-galactosidase measurements, and histopathological findings were examined. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the parameters of biochemical analyses for ischemia-reperfusion injury at all periods in the donors with and without the Pringle maneuver. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference between in the recipients in who received liver grafts harvested with and without the Pringle maneuver. There was no statistically significant difference between the two recipient groups in terms of perioperative bleeding and early bile duct complications (p = 0.685). In the histopathological examinations, hepatocyte damage was significantly higher in the Pringle maneuver group (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Although the histological scoring of hepatocyte damage was found to be higher in the Pringle maneuver group, the Pringle maneuver did not augment ischemia-reperfusion injury in donors and recipients that was evaluated by clinical and laboratory analyses.

743 Intraoperative Outcomes Using Infrahepatic Inferior Vena Cava Clamping During Hepatectomy: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract Aim The aim of this meta-analysis is to determine the effect of infrahepatic inferior vena cava clamping (IIVCC) with Pringle maneuver (PM) compared to only PM during hepatectomy on intraoperative outcomes. Method Medline, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched from inception till 23.11.2021 using a predefined search strategy. The initial search resulted in 615 unique articles. After screening, eight studies including 755 patients (358 in IIVCC+PM, 397 in PM group) met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. Of these, two were randomized controlled trials, one prospective and five retrospective cohort studies. Data on patient demographics, surgical technique and intraoperative outcomes was collected. Summary estimates using the appropriate effect models were generated with Review Manager 5.0. Results Patients who underwent IIVCC + PM during hepatectomies experienced significantly less total intraoperative blood loss (mean difference (MD), 95% confidence interval (CI) = -233.03, -360.48 to -105.58; p = 0.0003), less blood loss during transection (MD, 95% CI = -172.91, -308.94 to -36.88; p = 0.01), and had significantly less intraoperative blood transfusion requirement (Odds ratio, 95% CI = 0.38, 0.25 to 0.57; p&amp;lt;0.0001) compared to patients who had only PM. Additionally, the total operative time was comparable between the two groups (MD, 95% CI = 8.06, 4.29 to 11.82; p&amp;lt;0.0001). There were no difference in the parenchymal transection time and total intraoperative fluid infusion between the two groups. Conclusions IIVCC + PM is beneficial in reducing intraoperative blood loss and need for transfusion without significantly affecting operative times in comparison to PM during hepatectomy.

Open hepatic artery flow with portal vein clamping protects against bile duct injury compared to pringles maneuver

Background Conventional hepatic artery and portal vein clamping strategies can prevent blood loss and ischemia-reperfusion liver injury, and such preventative measures are the key to successful liver surgery. However, ischemic-induced damage to cholangiocytes is rarely considered. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of different hepatic inflow interruption methods on bile duct injury. Methods Forty rats were randomly grouped as sham, Pringle maneuver (PM) and hepatic arterial blood flow open (HAFO) groups. We evaluated liver histology and function in liver sections, and biliary histology, cholangiocyte apoptosis and proliferation, cytokine production, and bile composition. RNA sequencing is performed to explore possible molecular mechanisms. The Blood-biliary barrier permeability and tight junctions were analyzed by HRP injection, immunofluorescence staining and analysis of ZO-1 expression by immunoblotting. Results HAFO significantly attenuated ischemia-induced liver injury and decreased ALT, ALP, TBIL, and DBIL levels in serum. The histopathological observations showed that bile duct injury in the PM group was more serious than that in the HAFO group. The numbers of apoptotic biliary epithelial cells in HAFO-treated rat bile ducta were lower than those in the PM group. RNA-seq showed that tight junctions may be related to the mechanism underlying the protective effect of HAFO, as shown by the reduced HRP levels and increased ZO-1 and claudin-1/3 expression in the HAFO group compared to the PM group. Conclusion Compared with PM, HAFO alleviated the ischemic injury to the biliary system, which was characterized by decreased biliary epithelial cell apoptosis, reduced inflammatory responses and decreased blood-biliary-barrier permeability.

A randomized controlled trial of effect of 15- or 25-minute intermittent Pringle maneuver on hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

BackgroundThe feasibility and safety of using longer ischemic interval during intermittent Pringle maneuver for hepatectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma are still unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of hepatectomy using intermittent Pringle maneuver with an ischemic interval of 25 minutes versus 15 minutes in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. MethodsA total of 344 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing hepatectomy were randomized to receive the intermittent Pringle maneuver with a 15-minute (n = 172) or 25-minute (n = 172) ischemic interval. Primary endpoint was transaminase-based postoperative hepatic injury, assessed by their peak values as well as area under the curve of the postoperative course of aminotransferases. Secondary endpoints included the intraoperative blood loss, transection speed, morbidity, mortality, and postoperative inflammatory reaction. ResultsThere were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the postoperative aminotransferase serum levels or their area under the curve values, but the 25-minute intermittent Pringle maneuver group was associated with significantly higher speed for liver transection (1.38 vs 1.23 cm2/min, P = .002) and a lower blood loss during transection (109 vs 166 mL, P < .001) than the 15-minute intermittent Pringle maneuver group. Postoperative complications, inflammatory cytokines serum levels, and 90-day mortality were comparable. Stratification analysis showed that the 25-minute intermittent Pringle maneuver did not aggravate the hepatic injury but resulted in a lower blood loss during transection and higher transection speed in hepatocellular carcinoma patient undergoing laparoscopic or open hepatectomy. ConclusionIntermittent Pringle maneuver with a 25-minute ischemic interval can be applied safely and efficiently in open or laparoscopic hepatectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

The usefulness of the totally intra-corporeal pringle maneuver with Penrose drain tube during laparoscopic left side liver resection.

Backgrounds/AimsThe Pringle maneuver is generally performed to reduce the amount of blood loss during hepatic resection. During laparoscopic liver resection, the Pringle maneuver can be used in several ways. We have developed a new Pringle maneuver (PM) with Penrose drain tube to sufficiently control blood loss during laparoscopic liver resection. This study was performed to determine the safety and outcome during laparoscopic left-sided hepatectomy performed using this new method.MethodsWe describe the technique and results of the left-sided liver resection with totally intracorporeal PM with Penrose drain tube. We performed 37 laparoscopic left-sided hepatic resections with (PM group) or without the Penrose PM (No PM group). We retrospectively compared the short-term operative outcome between the No PM group (n=12) and the PM group (n=25) during laparoscopic left-sided liver resection.ResultsMedian PM duration was 34.3 min. The median duration of the surgery using the totally intracorporeal PM with Penrose drain tube was 174 min, while the surgical duration required for resection without the PM was 156 min. The median volume of operative blood loss was lower in the PM group than in the No PM group (No PM group (341 ml) vs. PM group (165 ml)). There was no postoperative mortality and no open conversion. ConclusionsThe totally intracorporeal PM with Penrose drain tube for laparoscopic hepatectomy is safe, reproducible, and can facilitate liver dissection during left-sided liver resection.

Pringle Maneuver in Extended Liver Resection: A propensity score analysis

Despite the ongoing decades-long controversy, Pringle maneuver (PM) is still frequently used by hepatobiliary surgeons during hepatectomy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PM on intraoperative blood loss, morbidity, and posthepatectomy hemorrhage (PHH). A series of 209 consecutive patients underwent extended hepatectomy (EH) (≥5 segment resection). The association of PM with perioperative outcomes was evaluated using multivariate analysis with a propensity score method to control for confounding. Fifty patients underwent PM with a median duration of 19 minutes. Multivariate analysis revealed that risk of excessive intraoperative bleeding (≥1500 ml; odds ratio [OR] 0.27, 95%-confidence interval [CI] 0.10–0.70, p = 0.007), major morbidity (OR 0.41, 95%-CI 0.18–0.97, p = 0.041), and PHH (OR 0.22, 95%-CI 0.06–0.79, p = 0.021) were significantly lower in PM group after EH. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in 3-year recurrence-free-survival between groups. PM is associated with lower intraoperative bleeding, PHH, and major morbidity risk after EH. Performing PM does not increase posthepatectomy liver failure and does not affect recurrence rate. Therefore, PM seems to be justified in EH.

Autologous Blood Transfusion and Pringle Maneuver in Laparoscopic Segmental Hepatectomy for Benign Hepatic Neoplasms: A Retrospective Study.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of autologous blood transfusion (ABT) and Pringle maneuver (PM) on postoperative early liver function and short-term postoperative results following laparoscopic liver resection in patients with benign hepatic neoplasms. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data for 125 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic segmental hepatectomy from January 2015 to May 2018 (68 in the ABT group versus 57 in the PM group). We compared patients' characteristics and intra- and postoperative short-term outcomes between the groups. Results: The 2 groups were well matched regarding patients' clinical characteristics, types of liver resection, operative time, and histopathological findings (P > .05). Median blood loss was significantly lower in the PM group versus the ABT group (200 mL versus 750 mL, respectively; P < .01), and overall complication rates were similar (n = 12 [17%] versus n = 9 [16%], respectively; P > .05). The ABT group had significantly lower mean levels of total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, aspartate transaminase, and alanine aminotransferase on postoperative days 1 and 3 (P < .05). The ABT group had a shorter hospital stay compared with the PM group (5.8 days versus 7.7 days, respectively; P < .05) and lower hospitalization costs (55,400 ± 15,400 versus 667,000 ± 21,600 CN dollars, respectively; P < .05). Conclusions: Compared with Pringle's maneuver, laparoscopic hepatectomy with ABT promoted early recovery of liver function and reduced hospitalization costs in select patients with benign hepatic neoplasms.

Comparison of the effect on the prognosis of HCC in terms of different surgical approaches for hepatic inflow occlusion

Background: To investigate the effect of surgical approaches for hepatic inflow occlusion performed during hepatectomy on postoperative tumor-free survival (TFS) in patients treated with R0 resection. Methods: In total, 343 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who underwent hepatectomy (R0) with different surgical approaches for hepatic inflow occlusion were analyzed retrospectively. Results: In total, 68.80% of the patients underwent hepatic inflow occlusion, including 46.65% with a routine Pringle maneuver and 22.16% with selective hemi-hepatic vascular exclusion (SHVE), during surgery. The TFS did not significantly differ among the Pringle group, the SHVE group and the no hepatic inflow occlusion group. After further stratifying the patients according to the Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) staging system, the patients with BCLC stage A disease in the SHVE group and no hepatic inflow occlusion group displayed better TFS than those in the Pringle maneuver group (P=0.04; P=0.002), but the patients with BCLC stage B–C disease did not show significant differences among the groups. Furthermore, all 214 patients with BCLC stage A disease were classified into two subgroups according to the microvascular invasion (MVI) status. Interestingly, among the patients with MVI, those in the SHVE group and no hepatic inflow occlusion group had significantly longer TFS than those in the Pringle group (P=0.025; P=0.006); however, the patients without MVI did not show differences among the groups. Additionally, the multivariate analysis revealed that a tumor size ≥5 cm, an absent capsule, a low Edmondson grade, MVI positivity and performance of the Pringle maneuver were independent risk factors of the prognosis in patients with BCLC stage A disease. Conclusions: Hepatic inflow occlusion and the surgical approach used to address this issue may have an impact on HCC prognosis in patients with BCLC stage A disease, especially among those with MVI positivity. No hepatic inflow occlusion or an SHVE approach rather than the Pringle maneuver should be considered first during hepatectomy for patients with BCLC stage A disease.

Comparison of the effect on the prognosis of HCC in terms of different surgical approaches for hepatic inflow occlusion.

BackgroundTo investigate the effect of surgical approaches for hepatic inflow occlusion performed during hepatectomy on postoperative tumor-free survival (TFS) in patients treated with R0 resection.MethodsIn total, 343 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who underwent hepatectomy (R0) with different surgical approaches for hepatic inflow occlusion were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsIn total, 68.80% of the patients underwent hepatic inflow occlusion, including 46.65% with a routine Pringle maneuver and 22.16% with selective hemi-hepatic vascular exclusion (SHVE), during surgery. The TFS did not significantly differ among the Pringle group, the SHVE group and the no hepatic inflow occlusion group. After further stratifying the patients according to the Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) staging system, the patients with BCLC stage A disease in the SHVE group and no hepatic inflow occlusion group displayed better TFS than those in the Pringle maneuver group (P=0.04; P=0.002), but the patients with BCLC stage B–C disease did not show significant differences among the groups. Furthermore, all 214 patients with BCLC stage A disease were classified into two subgroups according to the microvascular invasion (MVI) status. Interestingly, among the patients with MVI, those in the SHVE group and no hepatic inflow occlusion group had significantly longer TFS than those in the Pringle group (P=0.025; P=0.006); however, the patients without MVI did not show differences among the groups. Additionally, the multivariate analysis revealed that a tumor size ≥5 cm, an absent capsule, a low Edmondson grade, MVI positivity and performance of the Pringle maneuver were independent risk factors of the prognosis in patients with BCLC stage A disease.ConclusionsHepatic inflow occlusion and the surgical approach used to address this issue may have an impact on HCC prognosis in patients with BCLC stage A disease, especially among those with MVI positivity. No hepatic inflow occlusion or an SHVE approach rather than the Pringle maneuver should be considered first during hepatectomy for patients with BCLC stage A disease.

Differential Effects of Three Techniques for Hepatic Vascular Exclusion during Resection for Liver Cirrhosis on Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats.

Background/Aims Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a serious concern during hepatic vascular occlusion. The objectives of this study were to assess effects of three techniques for hepatic vascular occlusion on I/R injury and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods Liver cirrhotic rats had undertaken Pringle maneuver (PR), hemihepatic vascular occlusion (HH), or hepatic blood inflow occlusion without hemihepatic artery control (WH). Levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF), and hemeoxygenase 1 (HMOX1) were assayed. Results The histopathologic analysis displayed that liver harm was more prominent in the PR group, but similar in the HH and WH groups. The HH and WH groups responded to hepatic I/R inflammation similarly but better than the PR group. Mechanical studies suggested that TNF-α/NF-κB signaling and TLR4/TRIF transduction pathways were associated with the differential effects. In addition, the HH and WH groups had significantly higher levels of hepatic HMOX1 (P < 0.05) than the PR group. Conclusions HH and WH confer better preservation of liver function and protection than the Pringle maneuver in combating I/R injury. Upregulation of HMOX1 may lead to better protection and clinical outcomes after liver resection.

Does the Pringle maneuver affect survival and recurrence following surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma? A western series of 441 patients.

The impact of the Pringle maneuver (PM) on long-term outcome after curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial, with eastern series reporting conflicting results. We aim to evaluate the impact of the PM in a western cohort. We retrospectively analyzed patients with HCC who underwent liver resection between January 2001 and August 2015. Patients were divided in two groups based the use of the PM during resection. Primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). A total of 441 patients were analyzed. Of these, 176 patients (39.9%) underwent PM. Median OS was 46.4 months (95%CI: 34.1-58.7) for the PM group and 56.5 months (95%CI: 37.1-75.9) for the no-PM group (P = 0.188), with a median DFS of 26.7 months (95%CI: 15.7-37.7) and 24.9 months (95%CI: 18.1-31.7), respectively (P = 0.883). These results suggest that PM does not increase the risk of tumor recurrence or decrease long-term survival.

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in the animal model: influence on liver surgery.

In recent years, multimodal treatment approaches have led to an increased median survival time of patients with colorectal liver metastases. In particular, this results from new perioperative chemotherapy regimens, which in turn are accompanied by an increased risk of perioperative bleeding and/or liver failure due to the hepatotoxic side effects. Nineteen to 58% of patients treated with oxaliplatin develop sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS). The influence of preexisting SOS on liver surgery remains controversial. Animals were operated 4days after SOS induction with monocrotaline and received either vascular occlusion in the form of Pringle maneuver (PM) or hepatectomy (LR; 70%) or a combination of both (LR+PM). Postoperative liver function was assessed by determination of liver enzyme levels, bile production, and tissue oxygen saturation. Preexisting SOS impaired morbidity after liver resection, reflected by elevated liver enzyme levels, reduced bile secretion, and low liver tissue oxygenation levels. Mortality was increased by up to 25%. Additional ischemia in the form of PM showed no further impact in the LR±PM group compared to LR alone. PM without LR results in high enzyme distribution in the SOS group. SOS significantly affects the outcome after liver resection in our experimental rat model only without PM and showed no protective effect in ischemia in the form of PM.

Continuous Pringle maneuver does not affect outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection.

To investigate whether the use of continuous Pringle maneuver (PM) adversely impacts the outcome of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). From January 1989 to January 2011, 586 HCC patients who underwent curative resection in Peking Union Medical College Hospital were identified from the database. Continuous PM was performed in 290 patients (PM group), including 163 patients with a hepatic inflow occlusion time of <15 min (PM-1 group) and 127 with 15-30 min (PM-2 group). An additional 296 patients underwent partial hepatectomy without inflow occlusion (occlusion-free, OF group). The PM group showed less estimated blood loss during hepatectomy than the OF group (P=0.005) and the two groups experienced similar incidence of perioperative complications. There were no significant differences in either overall survival or disease-free survival (DFS) between the PM and OF groups (P=0.117 and 0.291, respectively), and between the PM-1 and PM-2 groups (P=0.344 and 0.103, respectively). Hepatic inflow occlusion and occlusion time were not independent risk factors for OS or DFS. Continuous PM effectively reduces intraoperative bleeding and does not adversely impact the outcomes of HCC patients. It remains a valuable tool in hepatic resection, even difficult, complicated resections requiring prolonged clamping times.

Outcome using selective hemihepatic vascular occlusion and Pringle maneuver for hepatic resection of liver cavernous hemangioma.

BackgroundThough accumulated evidence proved the advantages of laparoscopic hepatectomy, bleeding still remains the most important challenge in clinical practice. Our study aimed to compare the outcomes of Pringle maneuver (PM) and selective hemihepatic vascular occlusion (SHVO) surgeries for patients with liver cavernous hemangioma (LCH).MethodsThe SHVO (n = 26; mean age, 42) and PM (n = 78; mean age, 43) surgeries were performed in 104 LCH patients from January 2006 to January 2015. The intraoperative (bleeding, arterial pressure, oxyhemoglobin saturation, etc.) and postoperative parameters (anal exhaust time, complications, blood cell numbers, etc.) were measured and compared between the two groups. Liver function of all these patients was detected by blood test at 1-day preoperation, and at 1, 3, and 5 days postoperation.ResultsBoth of the two surgeries were successfully performed without any mortality. The intraoperative systolic arterial pressure and pulse in PM group were much higher than that in SHVO group (P < 0.01). The postoperative liver function parameters such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and total bilirubin (TBIL) increased much more in the PM group than that in the SHVO group compared with preoperation results (P < 0.05). However, there were no statistical differences in intraoperative bleeding, blood transfusion, hepatic inflow occlusion time, oxygen saturation occlusion, anal exhaust time and incidence of complications between the two groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionsSHVO is safer with less ischemia reperfusion injury than PM surgery for hemangioma resection on patients with LCH.

Effects of selective hepatic vascular occlusion on the prognosis of patients undergoing hepatic resection for huge liver cancer

Objective To evaluate the effects of selective hepatic vascular occlusion SHVO) on the prognosis of patients undergoing hepatic resection for huge liver cancer.Methods The clinical data of 49 patients who received huge liver cancer resection at the Zhejiang People's Hospital from January 2005 to January 2010 were retrospectively analyzed.Based on the type of hepatic vascular occlusion,all patients were divided into Pringle's maneuver group (24 patients) and SHVO group (25 patients).The intraoperative condition,postoperative recovery of hepatic and renal function,incidence of complications,survival rate and recurrence rate of liver cancer of the 2 groups were compared.All data were analyzed by using the t test or Fisher exact probability.The survival curve was drawn by using the Kaplan-Meier method and the survival of the 2 groups was compared by using the Log-rank test.Results Hepatectomy was successfully performed on all the patients.Time for blood occlusion were (32 ±19) minutes in the Pringle's maneuver group and (34 ± 22)minutes in the SHVO group,with no significant difference between the 2 groups (t =2.45,P ＞ 0.05).The volume of blood loss of the Pringle's maneuver group was (736 ± 543) ml,which was significantly greater than (273 ± 298) ml of the SHVO group (t =6.87,P ＜0.05).The incidences of hepatic vein rupture were 21％ (5/24) in the Pringle's maneuver group and 24％ (6/25)in the SHVO group,with no significant difference (x2=1.45,P＞0.05).The course of 3 patients was complicated by hepatic vein rupture and hemorrhage and 1 by air embolism in the Pringle's maneuver group,while no hemorrhage or air embolism happened in the SHVO group.Four patients in the Pringle's maneuver group and 3 in the SHVO group were found with vascular invasion,while the resection margins were negative.There was no significant difference in the hepatic function in the 2 groups before operation.The levels of alanine aminotransferase in the SHVO group at postoperative day 1 and 3 were significantly lower than those in the Pringle's maneuver group (t=7.12,6.35,P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine between the 2 groups (P ＞ 0.05).Acute hepatic dysfunction was found in 4 patients in the Pringle's maneuver group,but no patients with acute hepatic dysfunction was found in the SHVO group.The 1-and 3-year tumor-free survival rates were 58％ and 21％ in the Pringle's maneuver group,which were significantly lower than 72％ and 30％ in the SHVO group (x2 =5.32,6.07,P ＜ 0.05).The 5-year tumor-free survival rates were 21％ in the Pringle's maneuver group and 20％ in the SHVO group,with no significant difference between the 2 groups (x2 =1.78,P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion SHVO is safe,feasible and effective to prevent hemorrhage and postoperative acute hepatic dysfunction,and it is also helpful in reducing early-stage tumor recurrence and improving the tumor-free survival rate in patients with huge liver cancer. Key words: Liver neoplasms; Hepatectomy ; Hepatic vascular occlusion ; Recurrence

Assisted hepatic resection using a toroidal HIFU device: An in vivo comparative study in pig

Bleeding is the main cause of postoperative complications during hepatic surgery. Blood loss and transfusions increase tumor recurrence in liver metastases from colorectal cancer. A high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) device with an integrated ultrasound imaging probe was developed for the treatment of colorectal liver metastasis. The HIFU toroidal-shaped transducer contains 256 elements (working frequency: 3 MHz) and can create a single conical lesion of 7 cm3 in 40 s. Then, the volume of treatment can be significantly increased by juxtaposing single lesions. Presented here is the use of this device in an animal model as a complementary tool to improve surgical resection in the liver. Before transecting the liver, a wall of coagulative necrosis was performed using this device in order to minimize blood loss and dissection time during hepatectomy. Resection assisted by HIFU was compared to classical dissections with clamping [intermittent Pringle maneuver (IPM) group] and without clamping (control group). For each technique, 14 partial liver resections were performed in seven pigs. Blood loss per dissection surface area and resection time were the main outcome parameters. Conserving liver blood inflow during hepatic resection assisted by HIFU did not increase total blood loss (7.4 +/- 3.3 ml cm(-2)) compared to hepatic resection performed during IPM and controlled blood inflow (11.2 +/- 2.2 ml cm(-2)). Lower blood loss was measured on average when using HIFU, even though difference with clamping (IPM) was not statistically significant (p = 0.09). Resection assisted by HIFU reduced blood loss by 50% compared to control group (14.0 +/- 3.4 ml cm(-2), p = 0.03). The duration of transection when using HIFU (13 +/- 3 min) was significantly lower compared to clamping (23 +/- 4 min, p < 0.01) and control (18 +/- 3 min, p = 0.02). Precoagulation also resulted in sealing blood vessels with a diameter of less than 5 mm, and therefore the number of clips needed in the HIFU group was significantly lower (0.8 +/- 0.2 cm(-2)) when compared to clamping (1.6 +/- 0.2 cm(-2), p < 0.01) and control (1.8 +/- 0.4 cm(-2), p < 0.01). This method holds promise for future clinical applications in resection of liver metastases.

A prospective randomized controlled trial to compare Pringle maneuver, hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion, and main portal vein inflow occlusion in partial hepatectomy

Background Blood loss during liver resection and the need for perioperative blood transfusions have negative impact on perioperative morbidity, mortality, and long-term outcomes. Methods A randomized controlled trial was performed on patients undergoing liver resection comparing hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion, main portal vein inflow occlusion, and Pringle maneuver. The primary endpoints were intraoperative blood loss and postoperative liver injury. The secondary outcomes were operating time, morbidity, and mortality. Results A total of 180 patients were randomized into 3 groups according to the technique used for inflow occlusion during hepatectomy: the hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion group (n = 60), the main portal vein inflow occlusion group (n = 60), and the Pringle maneuver group (n = 60). Only 1 patient in the hemihepatic vascular occlusion group required conversion to the Pringle maneuver because of technical difficulty. The Pringle maneuver group showed a significantly shorter operating time. There were no significant differences between the 3 groups in intraoperative blood loss and perioperative mortality. The degree of postoperative liver injury and complication rates were significantly higher in the Pringle maneuver group, resulting in a significantly longer hospital stay. Conclusions All 3 vascular inflow occlusion techniques were safe and efficacious in reducing blood loss. Patients subjected to hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion, or main portal vein inflow occlusion responded better than those with Pringle maneuver in terms of earlier recovery of postoperative liver function. As hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion was technically easier than main portal vein inflow occlusion, it is recommended.

Hepatic blood inflow occlusion without hemihepatic artery control in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

To investigate the clinical significance of hepatic blood inflow occlusion without hemihepatic artery control (BIOwHAC) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fifty-nine patients with HCC were divided into 3 groups based on the technique used for achieving hepatic vascular occlusion: group 1, vascular occlusion was achieved by the Pringle maneuver (n = 20); group 2, by hemihepatic vascular occlusion (HVO) (n = 20); and group 3, by BIOwHAC (n = 19). We compared the procedures among the three groups in term of operation time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative liver function, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay. There were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) in age, sex, pathological diagnosis, preoperative Child's disease grade, hepatic function, and tumor size among the three groups. No intraoperative complications or deaths occurrred, and there were no significant intergroup differences (P > 0.05) in intraoperative bleeding, hepatic function change 3 and 7 d after operation, the incidence of complications, and length of hospital stay. BIOwHAC and Pringle maneuver required a significantly shorter operation time than HVO; the difference in the serum alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase levels before and 1 d after operation was more significant in the BIOwHAC and HVO groups than in the Pringle maneuver group (P < 0.05). BIOwHAC is convenient and safe; this technique causes slight hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury similar to HVO.

Selective hepatic vascular exclusion and Pringle maneuver: A comparative study in liver resection

Most liver resections require champing of the hepatic pedicle (Pringle maneuver) to avoid excessive blood loss. But Pringle maneuver cannot control backflow bleeding of the hepatic vein. Resection of liver tumors involving hepatic veins may cause massive hemorrhage or air embolism from injuries of the hepatic vein. Although total hepatic vascular exclusion (THVE) can prevent bleeding of the hepatic vein effectively, it also may result in systemic hemodynamic disturbance because of the clamped inferior vena cava (IVC). SHVE, a new technique, can control the inflow and outflow of the liver without clamping the vena cava. We compared the effects of selective hepatic vascular exclusion (SHVE) and Pringle maneuver in resection of liver tumors involving the junction of the hepatic vein. From January 2000 to October 2005, 2100 patients with liver tumors had undergone liver resections in our department. Among them, tumors of 235 cases adhered to or were close to the junction of one or more hepatic veins. Both SHVE and Pringle maneuver were used to control blood loss during hepatectomy. These 235 cases were divided into two groups: Pringle maneuver group (110) from January 2000 to December 2002 and SHVE group (125) from January 2003 to October 2005. Data were analyzed regarding the intraoperative and postoperative courses of the patients. In the SHVE group, total SHVE (clamping the porta hepatis and all major hepatic veins) was used in 69 cases and partial SHVE (clamping the porta hepatic and one or two hepatic veins) in 56 cases. There were three methods in hepatic veins occlusion: ligating with suture, encircling and occluding with tourniquets and clamping with Satinsky clamps. There was no difference between the two groups regarding the age, gender, tumor size, cirrhosis and HBsAg rate, ischemia time and operating time. Intraoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements were significantly decreased in the SHVE group. Hepatic veins rupture with massive blood loss occurred in 14 and air embolism in three during the tumor resection, but there was no massive blood loss and air embolism in the SHVE group due to hepatic vein occlusion. Postoperative bleeding, reoperation, liver failure and mortality rate were higher, and ICU stay and hospital stay were longer in the Pringle group than those in the SHVE group. SHVE is much more effective than Pringle maneuver in controlling intraoperative bleeding. It can prevent massive blood loss and air embolism from hepatic veins rupture and can reduce the postoperative complication rate and mortality rate. Clamping the hepatic veins with Satinsky clamps is much safer and easier than ligating with suture and occluding with tourniquets.