Right-sided Hepatectomy Research Articles

Comparative study of short-and long-term results in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma undergoing surgical resection: does the extent and side of resection really affect outcome?

The surgical management of perihilar carcinoma (pCCA) is still subject of ongoing debate. To provide more clarity, this study was conducted to evaluate outcomes related to the side and extent of heatectomy in patients with pCAA. A total of 32 patients with curative resection for pCCA were identified from our prospective database. Short-and long-term clinical outcome data and histopathological results were compared between right-sided (R-H) and left-sided (L-H) hepatectomy. Nine patients (28.13%) underwent left-sided hepatectomy while a right-sided hepatectomy was accomplished in 23 patients (71.87%). In the R-H group hepatic conditioning of the future liver remnant (FLR) prior to extended resection was necessary in 13 cases (56.52%), and simultaneous pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed in 5 patients (21.74%). The arterial and portal venous reconstruction rates were 17.39% and 11.11% (P=1.00), and 60.87% and 33.33% (P=0.243) in the R-H and L-H groups, respectively. No statistically significant differences in short-term morbidity and mortality between both groups were observed. The rate of R0 resections was comparable (R-H: 78.26% versus L-H: 66.67%; P=0.654) resulting in similar long-term overall and disease-free survival rates after right-and left hepatectomy. In patients with pCCA, both right- and left-sided resections appear to be safe and feasible options with similar postoperative morbidity and oncologic outcomes. Consecutively, the ideal surgical approach should be patient-tailored based on anatomical considerations and the functional future liver capacity.

Histological and radiological analysis of simultaneous dual hepatic vein embolization for right-sided major hepatectomy.

Simultaneous dual hepatic vein embolization (DHVE) has been proposed for safe right-sided hepatectomy, with good results for liver hypertrophy and function. However, the histological and radiological findings of DHVE have not been thoroughly investigated. This study included 14 patients who underwent DHVE before right-sided major hepatectomy. DHVE was performed if the future liver remnant was < 35% or borderline, but with concomitant vascular resection. The liver function was assessed using the signal intensity on Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI. A histological evaluation of the area of DHVE and portal vein embolization (PVE) were performed. The median pre- and post-functional liver remnants were 363ml and 498ml, respectively (p < 0.001). The median growth rate was 48.6%, and there was no post-hepatectomy liver failure in the patients who underwent DHVE. The signal intensity ratio in the area of DHVE was lower than that in the areas of PVE and the remnant liver (p < 0.01). The degree of congestion and necrosis was greater in the area of DHVE than in the area of PVE alone (p < 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively). We observed good liver hypertrophy after DHVE and histological and radiological changes in the area of DHVE. Our findings provide a compelling rationale for further investigation of the mechanism of liver hypertrophy in DHVE.

Anesthesia Management in Laparoscopic Donor Hepatectomy: The First Report from Turkey

We aimed to report a single-center experience in laparoscopic donor left-side and right-side hepatectomy cases regarding preoperative evaluation, perioperative and anesthetic management protocols, and postoperative follow-up. Laparoscopic donor left-side and right-side hepatectomy cases were included in the study because of their excessive transection area and bleeding potential. Medical records of living donors were reviewed in terms of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), presence of consanguinity with the recipient, perioperative and early postoperative biochemical parameters, hemodynamic changes during surgery, duration of surgery, the ratio of liver volume to total liver volume, perioperative complications, and length of hospital stay. Eighty-one laparoscopic living-donor hepatectomy procedures were performed in our unit between 2018 and 2022. Six laparoscopic donor right-side cases and two left-side cases were retrospectively reviewed. Donors' mean age and BMI were 29.6 ± 8.6 years and 23.1 ± 4.3, respectively. The average weights of the right and left lobe liver grafts were 727 g and 279 g, respectively, constituting 65.8% and 22.7% of the total liver volume, respectively. The mean operation time was 593 ± 94 minutes, and the mean volume of blood loss was 437 ± 294 mL. A major complication, namely portal vein stenosis, developed in 1 donor (1/8), and portal vein patency was achieved postoperatively. Anesthesia management and teamwork between surgeons and anesthesiologists are the most important building blocks for donor safety, which is of the utmost priority. Effective communication and cooperation in the operating room may prevent potential donor complications and improve postoperative recovery time.

Multivariable prediction model for both 90-day mortality and long-term survival for individual patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: does the predicted survival justify the surgical risk?

The risk of death after surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is high; nearly one in every five patients dies within 90 days after surgery. When the oncological benefit is limited, a high-risk resection may not be justified. This retrospective cohort study aimed to create two preoperative prognostic models to predict 90-day mortality and overall survival (OS) after major liver resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. Separate models were built with factors known before surgery using multivariable regression analysis for 90-day mortality and OS. Patients were categorized in three groups: favourable profile for surgical resection (90-day mortality rate below 10 per cent and predicted OS more than 3 years), unfavourable profile (90-day mortality rate above 25 per cent and/or predicted OS below 1.5 years), and an intermediate group. A total of 1673 patients were included. Independent risk factors for both 90-day mortality and OS included ASA grade III-IV, large tumour diameter, and right-sided hepatectomy. Additional risk factors for 90-day mortality were advanced age and preoperative cholangitis; those for long-term OS were high BMI, preoperative jaundice, Bismuth IV, and hepatic artery involvement. In total, 294 patients (17.6 per cent) had a favourable risk profile for surgery (90-day mortality rate 5.8 per cent and median OS 42 months), 271 patients (16.2 per cent) an unfavourable risk profile (90-day mortality rate 26.8 per cent and median OS 16 months), and 1108 patients (66.2 per cent) an intermediate risk profile (90-day mortality rate 12.5 per cent and median OS 27 months). Preoperative risk models for 90-day mortality and OS can help identify patients with resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma who are unlikely to benefit from surgical resection. Tailored shared decision-making is particularly essential for the large intermediate group.

Significance of Skeletal Muscle Loss in Liver Hypertrophy in Patients Undergoing Portal Vein Embolization Before Major Hepatectomy: Assessment With Body Composition and Nutritional Indicators.

The relationship between body composition including skeletal muscle and liver hypertrophy initiated by portal vein embolization (PVE) for major hepatectomy has not been clarified. This study aimed to investigate the effects of skeletal muscle, body adipose, and nutritional indicators on liver hypertrophy. Fifty-nine patients who underwent PVE scheduled for major right-sided hepatectomy were included. The skeletal muscle area of L3 as skeletal muscle index was calculated. The relationship between skeletal muscle loss and clinical variables was assessed. We also evaluated the relationship between >30% liver growth or >12% liver growth/week after PVE. Skeletal muscle loss was observed in 39 patients (66.1%) and associated with zinc deficiency, visceral adipose index, liver growth rate, and liver growth rate/week. Multivariate analysis indicated that future liver volume and skeletal muscle index were associated with >30% liver growth, and functional future liver volume and skeletal muscle index were associated with >12% liver growth/week. Loss of skeletal muscle, and a small future remnant liver volume, attenuates liver hypertrophy initiated by PVE. Strength building and nutritional supplementation may have positive effects on liver hypertrophy after PVE.

ASO Visual Abstract: Left-Sided Hepatectomy Leads to Less Postoperative Liver Failure and Comparable Overall Survival to Right-Sided Hepatectomy in Type II or IV Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma.

ASO Visual Abstract: Left-Sided Hepatectomy Leads to Less Postoperative Liver Failure and Comparable Overall Survival to Right-Sided Hepatectomy in Type II or IV Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma.

Left-sided Hepatectomy Leads to Less Postoperative Liver Failure and Comparable Overall Survival to Right-sided Hepatectomy in Type II or IV Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma.

Right-side hepatectomy (RH) is used in oncological resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC); however, the decision between performing left-side hepatectomy (LH) or RH is still controversial. We compared surgical and oncologic outcomes of LH and RH in PHC type II or IV where either hepatectomy was expected to have a negative margin. From 2001 to 2020, 99 patients underwent major liver resection for type II or IV PHC. Patients with unilateral vascular invasion, unilateral tumor growth, and atrophy of unilateral liver were excluded. Preoperative characteristics, perioperative, and long-term outcomes were compared between the remaining RH and LH patients. After excluding 47 cases with side predominance, the RH group (n = 29) and LH group (n = 23) were compared. Clinical characteristics and disease severity did not differ between the groups. Portal vein embolization (RH: 48.3% vs. LH: 0.0%, p < 0.001) and days from diagnosis to operation (RH: 31.0 ± 16.2 vs. LH: 18.8 ± 13.4, p = 0.006) were significantly higher in the RH group. The RH group had statistically higher rate of postoperative hepatic failure (RH: 55.2% vs. LH: 21.7%, p = 0.015) and a higher mortality rate that was not significant (RH: 13.8% vs. LH: 0%, p = 0.120). The R0 resection rate (RH: 72.4% vs. LH: 78.3%, p = 0.629), median disease-free (p = 0.620), and overall (p = 0.487) survival did not differ between groups. R1 resection and lymph node metastasis were significant risk factors for disease-free survival in multivariate analysis. In type II or type IV PHC where either LH or RH was feasible, LH provided a shorter period of preoperative preparation, lower postoperative hepatic failure rate, similar R0 rate, and comparable long-term outcomes. LH should be considered a reasonable option in type II or IV PHC.

Factors associated with failure to rescue after major hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: A 15-year single-center experience

BackgroundThe management of complications after major hepatectomy in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma may not always be successful, leading to failure to rescue. The present study seeks to identify independent risk factors for failure to rescue after major hepatectomy in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the postoperative course of all consecutive patients who underwent major hepatectomy in a curative intent for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma between 2005 and 2019 at our department. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for failure to rescue. ResultsOf 287 patients, 186 (65%) had major complications (Dindo-Clavien grade ≥IIIa), of which 142 (76%) were grade IIIa to IVb (rescue group). Failure to rescue (FTR group, Dindo-Clavien grade V) occurred in 44 of 186 patients (24%). Age >65 years (odds ratio = 4.001, 95% confidence interval 1.025–15.615, P = .046) and right-sided resection (odds ratio = 17.040, 95% confidence interval 1.926 – 150.782, P = .011) were independently associated with failure to rescue. Preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels >100 kU/mL as well as preoperative chemotherapy appear to increase odds for failure to rescue as well; however, the association was short of statistical significance (P = .070 and .079, respectively). ConclusionsElderly patients as well as patients undergoing right-sided hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma with high preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels are at high risk for failure to rescue. Thus, patients should be assessed critically preoperatively. Postoperatively, close monitoring, especially of patients who are at risk, is mandatory.

Surgical Outcomes of Left Side Hepatectomy Compared with Right Side Hepatectomy in Type II or IV Hilar Cholangiocellular Carcinoma

Introduction: Right-side hepatectomy (RH) has been considered an oncological resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCC), however, decision for left-side hepatectomy (LH) or RH is still a controversial issue. We compared surgical and oncologic outcomes of LH and RH in HCCC type II or IV in which either side of hepatectomy was expected to have a negative margin. Method: From 2001 to 2020, 85 patients underwent major liver resection for type II or IV HCCC. Among them, 52 patients who had no vascular invasion, no unilateral tumor growth and no atrophy of unilateral liver were enrolled. Preoperative characteristics, perioperative outcomes and long-term outcomes were compared between RH (n=29) and LH (n=23) group. Results: Clinical characteristics and disease severity did not differ between two groups. Portal vein embolization rate(RH: 48.3% vs LH: 0.0%, p<0.001) and duration of diagnosis to operation (RH: 31.0±16.2 vs LH: 18.8±13.4, p=0.006) were significantly higher in RH group. Postoperative hepatic failure(over grade B) was more frequent in RH group (RH: 55.2% vs LH: 21.7%, p=0.015). R0 resection rate (RH: 72.4% vs LH: 78.3%, p=0.629), median disease free (p=0.620) and overall survival (p=0.487) did not differ between two groups. R1 resection and number of lymph node metastasis were significant risk factor for DFS in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: In type II or type IV HCCC in which either LH or RH was a feasible option, LH provided shorter period of preoperative preparation, lower postoperative hepatic failure rate, similar R0 rate and comparable long-term outcomes compared with RH. LH should be considered reasonable option to type II or IV HCCC.

Surgical outcomes of left side hepatectomy compared with right side hepatectomy in type I, II or IV hilar cholangiocellular carcinoma

Right-side hepatectomy (RH) has been considered an oncological resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCC), however the decision for left-side hepatectomy (LH) or RH is still a controversial issue. We compared surgical and oncologic outcomes of LH and RH in HCCC type I, II or IV in which either side of hepatectomy was expected to have a negative margin. From 2001 to 2020, 85 patients underwent major liver resection for type I, II or IV HCCC. Among them, 52 patients who had no vascular invasion, no unilateral tumor growth and no atrophy of unilateral liver were enrolled. Preoperative characteristics, perioperative outcomes and long-term outcomes were compared between RH (n = 29) and LH (n = 23) group. Clinical characteristics and disease severity did not differ between two groups. Portal vein embolization rate (RH: 48.3% vs. LH: 0.0%, p < 0.001) and duration of diagnosis to operation (RH: 31.0 ± 16.2 vs. LH: 18.8 ± 13.4, p = 0.006) were significantly higher in RH group. Postoperative hepatic failure (over grade B) was more frequent in RH group (RH: 55.2% vs LH: 21.7%, p = 0.015). R0 resection rate (RH: 72.4% vs. LH: 78.3%, p = 0.629), median disease free (p = 0.620) and overall survival (p = 0.487) did not differ between two groups. R1 resection and number of lymph node metastasis were significant risk factor for DFS in multivariate analysis. In type I, II or type IV HCCC in which either LH or RH was a feasible option, LH provided shorter period of preoperative preparation, lower postoperative hepatic failure rate, similar R0 rate and comparable long-term outcomes compared with RH. Therefore, LH should be considered reasonable option to type I, II or IV HCCC.

Are all Bismuth type IV Klatskin tumors unresectable? Impact of surgery on survival outcomes and radiologic parameters of resectability for Bismuth type IV Klatskin tumor

The Bismuth-Corlette type IV Klatskin tumor has been considered as unresectable. This study was to demonstrate survival improvement of type IV Klatksin tumor when resected, and suggest possible radiological features for R0 resectability. Data on type IV Klatskin tumor diagnosed from 2008 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with poor general condition/liver function, distant metastasis, concomitant other cancers at the initial state, and extensive vascular invasion were excluded. Survival outcomes and radiologic parameters of bile duct tumor were compared between curative-intended resection (R0, 1 resection) and non-resection groups. Demographic findings of patient with curative-intended resection (n = 48) and with non-resection (n = 111) were comparable. Both were potentially resectable at the initial state. The most common surgical procedure was the right-sided hepatectomy (60.4%). The postoperative morbidity was 22.9% and the 90-days mortality 4.2%. There was a significant difference in median survival month among the curative-intended resection, palliative treatment, and supportive care (35, 16, and 12 months respectively; p < 0.001). In right-sided hepatectomy, shorter length of the left bile duct tumor (17.89 ± 6.42, 23.74 ± 7.48; p < 0.001) and longer length of left tumor end to the umbilical point (25.59 ± 7.69, 14.52 ± 9.40; p < 0.001) and in left-sided hepatectomy, shorter length of the right anterior bile duct tumor (17.22 ± 6.07, 21.50 ± 7.46; p = 0.001) were observed in the curative-intended resection compared to the non-resection group. In patients without extensive tumor extension into adjacent tissues including major vessels, aggressive surgical resection should be considered because it warrants markedly better survival than any other treatment.

Usefulness and safety of midline incision for right-sided hepatectomy: Cohort study

BackgroundWhile the adoption rates of laparoscopic hepatectomy are increasing, most patients still undergo open hepatectomy. Open hepatectomies use inverted L-shaped or Mercedes incisions for right-sided liver tumor. To decrease procedural invasiveness, we performed midline incisions in such cases, excluding those of laparoscopic hepatectomy. This retrospective study examined the effects of this change in treatment policy on overall patient surgical outcomes. Materials and methodsFrom 2012 to 2018, 374 patients who underwent hepatectomy for right-sided hepatocellular carcinoma were enrolled, and short-term patient outcomes were compared following stratification into the 1st (n = 157) or 2nd (n = 217) Era group based on whether procedures occurred before or after the policy change, respectively. ResultsShort-term outcomes were mostly comparable between the two groups, with significantly increased postoperative aspartate aminotransferase maximum values found in the 2nd Era group relative to the 1st Era group (median: 393 vs. 331, p < 0.05). Pain scores at rest during postoperative day 1 and while moving on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3 were significantly lower in the 2nd Era group than in the 1st Era group (p < 0.05, <0.01, <0.05, <0.01, respectively). ConclusionsUtilization of midline incisions may provide some benefits in postoperative outcomes for right-sided open hepatectomy cases.

Safety and efficacy of right portal vein embolization in patients with prior left lateral liver resection.

In patients with bilobar metastatic liver disease, surgical clearance of both liver lobes may be achieved through multiple-stage liver resections. For patients with extensive disease, a major two-staged hepatectomy consisting of resection of liver segments II and III before right-sided portal vein embolization (PVE) and resection of segments V-VIII may be performed, leaving only segments IV ± I as the liver remnant. To describe the outcome following right-sided PVE after prior complete resection of liver segments II and III. In this retrospective study, 15 patients (mean age = 60.4 ± 9.3 years) with liver metastases from colorectal cancer (n = 14) and uveal melanoma (n = 1) who were scheduled to undergo a major two-stage hepatectomy, were included. Total liver volume (TLV) and volume of the future liver remnant (FLR) were measured on pre- and postinterventional computed tomography (CT) scans, and standardized FLR volumes (ratio FLR/TLV) were calculated. Patient data were retrospectively analyzed regarding peri- and postinterventional complications, with special emphasis on liver function tests. The mean standardized post-PVE FLR volume was 26.9% ± 6.4% and no patient developed hepatic insufficiency after the PVE. Based on FLR hypertrophy and liver function tests, all but one patient were considered eligible for the subsequent right-sided hepatectomy. However, due to local tumor progression, only 9/15 patients eventually proceeded to the second stage of surgery. . Right-sided PVE was safe and efficacious in this cohort of patients who had previously undergone a complete resection of liver segments II and III as part of a major staged hepatectomy pathway leaving only segments IV(±I) as the FLR. .

Left-side vs. right-side hepatectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a meta-analysis

GoalsWe aim to draw a conclusion which type of hepatectomy could be the priority for hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients.BackgroundSurgery is established as only potentially curative treatment for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. However, whether hepatectomy should be preferred to the left-side hepatectomy, which includes left hemihepatectomy, extended left hemihepatectomy, and left trisectionectomy, or right-side hepatectomy, which represents right hemihepatectomy, extended right hemihepatectomy, and right trisectionectomy, is debated. In this meta-analysis, we evaluated and compared the efficacy and safety of left-side hepatectomy and right-side hepatectomy in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.StudyWe systematically retrieved the MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane library and related bibliography up to February 2020. The primary outcome is overall survival, and the secondary outcome includes 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates, morbidity, mortality, R0 resection rate, and operation time. Based on heterogeneity, fixed-effects model or random-effects models were established through meta-analysis.ResultsEleven studies (11 cohort studies, totally 1031 patients) were involved in this study. The overall survival of patients who underwent left-side hepatectomy was comparable to that of patients who underwent right-side hepatectomy (hazard ratio, 1.27 [95% confidence interval, 0.98–1.63]). And there was no significant difference observed in 1-year (relative risk, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.89–1.15]), 3-year (relative risk, 0.94 [95% confidence interval, 0.80–1.11]), and 5-year survival (relative risk, 0.82 [95% confidence interval, 0.67–1.01]) rates between the left-side hepatectomy group and the right-side hepatectomy group. Comparing with the right-side hepatectomy cluster, the hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients in the left-side hepatectomy cluster presented better overall postoperative morbidity (relative risk, 0.82 [95% confidence interval, 0.71–0.96]) and major postoperative morbidity (relative risk, 0.73 [95% confidence interval, 0.56–0.95]). The post-hepatectomy liver failure rate (relative risk, 0.22 [95% confidence interval, 0.09–0.56]) and procedure-related mortality (relative risk, 0.41 [95% confidence interval, 0.23–0.70]) in the left-side hepatectomy group were better than those of the right-side hepatectomy group. Besides, the R0 resection rate was similar between the left-side hepatectomy group and the right-side hepatectomy group (relative risk, 0.95 [95% confidence interval, 0.87–1.03]). And the operation time for the left-side hepatectomy was significantly longer than that for the right-side hepatectomy (mean difference, 38.68 [95% confidence interval, 7.41–69.95]).ConclusionThrough meta-analysis, we explored the comparable long-term outcomes and better short-term outcomes in the left-side hepatectomy group as is compared to the right-side hepatectomy group of hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients. In this study, the evidence obtained might indicate that the choice of left-side hepatectomy or right-side hepatectomy depends on the site of hilar cholangiocarcinoma in every patient.

Low level of postoperative plasma antithrombin III is associated with portal vein thrombosis after liver surgery.

Although decreased antithrombin-III (AT-III) is a risk factor for portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with liver cirrhosis, the association between postoperative PVT and postoperative AT-III levels is unknown in patients undergoing hepatectomy. Patients who underwent hepatectomy between 2015 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Postoperative PVT was assessed on CT at days 6-9 after hepatectomy. One-to-one propensity score (PS) matching was used to match the baseline characteristics. Of the 295 patients included in this analysis, 19 patients (6.4%) were diagnosed with postoperative PVT. The AT-III level on postoperative day (POD) 3 predicted postoperative PVT with a sensitivity/specificity of 74%/59% (AUC, 0.644; cut-off value, 60%; p = 0.032). Multivariate analysis revealed that AT-III levels ≤ 60% on POD3 (OR, 3.01; 95% CI 1.02-8.89; p = 0.046), cirrhosis (OR, 5.88; 95% CI 1.92-18.0; p = 0.002) and right-sided hepatectomy (OR, 4.16; 95% CI 1.45-11.9; p = 0.0079) were significant risk factors for postoperative PVT. After PS matching, 56 patients with and without AT-III supplementation were analyzed. The two groups had a similar incidence of PVT (p = 0.489). Patients with AT-III levels ≤ 60% on POD3 should be carefully followed up regarding postoperative PVT. Our results did not support the efficacy of routine AT-III supplementation for the prophylaxis of postoperative PVT.

Liver resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: Impact of biliary drainage failure on postoperative outcome. Results of an Italian multicenter study

BackgroundPreoperative biliary drainage may be essential to reduce the risk of postoperative liver failure after hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. However, infectious complications related to preoperative biliary drainage may increase the risk of postoperative mortality. The strategy and optimal drainage method continues to be controversial. MethodsThis is a retrospective multicenter study including patients who underwent hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma between 2000 and 2016 at 14 Italian referral hepatobiliary centers. The primary end point was to evaluate independent predictors for postoperative outcome in patients undergoing liver resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma after preoperative biliary drainage. ResultsOf the 639 enrolled patients, 441 (69.0%) underwent preoperative biliary drainage. Postoperative mortality was 8.9% (12.5% after right-side hepatectomy versus 5.7% after left-side hepatectomy; P = .003). Of the patients, 40.5% underwent preoperative biliary drainage at the first admitting hospital, before evaluation at referral centers. Use of percutaneous preoperative biliary drainage was significantly more frequent at referral centers than at community hospitals where endoscopic preoperative biliary drainage was the most frequent type. The overall failure rate after preoperative biliary drainage was 43.3%, significantly higher at community hospitals than that at referral centers (52.7% v 36.9%; P = .002). Failure of the first preoperative biliary drainage was one of the strongest predictors for postoperative complications after right-side and left-side hepatectomies and for mortality after right-side hepatectomy. Type of preoperative biliary drainage (percutaneous versus endoscopic) was not associated with significantly different risk of mortality. ConclusionFailure of preoperative biliary drainage was significantly more frequent at community hospitals and it was an independent predictor for postoperative outcome. Centers’ experience in preoperative biliary drainage management is crucial to reduce the risk of failure that is closely associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Is Right or Left Hepatic Resection Better for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma? A Cadaveric Study on the Length of the Right and Left Hepatic Ducts

Introduction: The optimal surgical procedure for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is based on tumor location and the longitudinal and horizontal extensions. Right-sided hepatectomy is often used because it appears to be oncologically advantageous assuming that, in addition to possible arterial involvement, the left hepatic duct is longer than the right and a negative ductal margin is expected. However, few studies addressed the length of the duct in normal livers. The aim of this study is to examine the lengths of the right and left hepatic ducts to guide surgical strategy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Oncological Superiority of Right-sided Hepatectomy Over Left-sided Hepatectomy as Surgery for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Truth or Biased View?

Oncological Superiority of Right-sided Hepatectomy Over Left-sided Hepatectomy as Surgery for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Truth or Biased View?

Right-side versus left-side hepatectomy for the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a comparative study

BackgroundRadical resection is the only curative treatment for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. While left-side hepatectomy (LH) may have an oncological disadvantage over right-side hepatectomy (RH) owing to the contiguous anatomical relationship between right hepatic inflow and biliary confluence, a small future liver remnant after RH could cause worse surgical morbidity and mortality. We retrospectively compared surgical morbidity and long-term outcome between RH and LH to determine the optimal surgical strategy for the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.MethodsThis study considered 83 patients who underwent surgical resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma between 2010 and 2017. Among them, 57 patients undergoing curative-intent surgery including liver resection were enrolled for analysis—33 in the RH group and 27 in the LH group. Prospectively collected clinicopathologic characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and long-term survival were evaluated.ResultsPortal vein embolization was more frequently performed in the RH group than in the LH group (18.2% vs. 0%, P = 0.034). The proportion of R0 resection was comparable in both groups (75.8% vs. 75.0%, P = 0.948). The 5-year overall and recurrence-free survival rates did not differ between the groups (37.7% vs. 41.9%, P = 0.500, and 26.3% vs. 33.9%, P = 0.580, respectively). The side of liver resection did not affect long-term survival. In multivariate analysis, transfusion (odds ratio, 3.12 [1.42–6.87], P = 0.005) and post-hepatectomy liver failure (≥ grade B, 4.62 [1.86–11.49], P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for overall survival.ConclusionsWe recommend deciding the side of liver resection according to the possibility of achieving radical resection considering the anatomical differences between RH and LH.

The hidden costs of open hepatectomy: A 10-year, single institution series of right-sided hepatectomies

BackgroundIncisional ventral hernias(IVH) are a common complication following open abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to uncover the hidden costs of IVH following right-sided hepatectomy. MethodsOutcomes and hospital billing data for patients undergoing open(ORH) and laparoscopic right-sided hepatectomies(LRH) were reviewed from 2008 to 2018. ResultsOf 327 patients undergoing right-sided hepatectomies, 231 patients were included into two groups: ORH(n = 118) and LRH(n = 113). Median follow-up-times and time-to-hernia were 24.9-months(0.3–128.4 months) and 40.5-months(0.4–81.4 months), respectively. The incidence of hernias at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years was 6/231(2.6%), 13/231(5.6%), 15(6.5%), and 17/231(7.4%); ORH = 14, LRH = 3, p = 0.003), respectively. In terms of IVH repair(IVHR), total operative costs ($10,719.27vs.$4,441.30,p < 0.001) and overall care costs ($20,541.09vs.$7,149.21,p = 0.044) were significantly greater for patients undergoing ORH. Patients whom underwent ORHs had longer hospital stays and more complications following IVHR. Risk analysis identified ORH(RR-10.860), male gender(RR-3.558), BMI ≥30 kg/m2(RR-5.157), and previous abdominal surgery(RR-6.870) as predictors for hernia development (p < 0.030). ConclusionEvaluation of pre-operative hernia risk factors and utilization of a laparoscopic approach to right-sided hepatectomy reduces incisional ventral hernia incidence and cost when repair is needed.