Risk Of Posthepatectomy Liver Failure Research Articles

Large hepatocellular carcinoma: Does fibrosis really impact prognosis after resection?

Hepatectomy remains the standard treatment for large hepatocellular carcinoma (LHCC) ≥5cm. Fibrosis may constitute a contraindication for resection because of high risk of post-hepatectomy liver failure, but its impact on patient outcome and cancer recurrence remains ill defined. Our aim was to compare predictors of survival in patients with and without cirrhosis following hepatectomy for LHCC. The data on consecutive patients undergoing hepatectomy for LHCC in two tertiary centres between 2012 and 2016 were reviewed. The outcomes of cirrhotic (F4) and non-cirrhotic (F0-F3) patients were compared. Patients with perioperative medical (sorafenib) or radiological (transarterial chemoembolization, radiofrequency) treatments were excluded. Sixty patients were included. Preoperative and intraoperative features were identical between both groups. Cirrhotics (n=15) presented more satellite nodules on specimens (73% vs. 44%; P=0.073) but better differentiated lesions than non-cirrhotics (P=0.041). The median overall survival of cirrhotics was 34 vs. 29months for non-cirrhotics (P=0.8), and their disease-free survival was 14 versus 18 months (P=0.9). Fibrosis stage did not impact overall (P=0.2) nor disease-free survivals (P=0.6). Hepatectomy for LHCC in cirrhotics can achieve acceptable oncological results when compared to non-cirrhotic patients. Curative resection of LHCC should be attempted if liver function is acceptable, whatever the fibrosis stage.

Quantintative risk assessment for post-hepatectomy liver failure: analysis of the 2015 ACS-NSQIP procedure-targeted hepatectomy database

Background: Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a feared complication following liver resection and a major cause of significant perioperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze the quantitative risk association of perioperative factors with PHLF. Methods: Analysis of patients in the 2015 ACS NSQIP Procedure-Targeted Hepatectomy Database, who underwent hepatectomy, was done. In this database, PHLF is graded according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS). Multiple regression model was performed to assess the association of perioperative factors with PHLF. Results: A total of 3,854 patients who underwent hepatectomy were analyzed. PHLF occurred in 218 patients (5.7%). Of these, 106 (48.6%) had ISGLS grade A PHLF, 64 (29.4%) grade B, and 48 (22%) grade C. Open hepatectomy was associated with 13-fold risk of PHLF compared to minimally invasive hepatectomy (p = 0.018), postoperative bile leak with a 5-fold risk of PHLF (p < 0.0001) and liver cirrhosis and parenchymal congestion with 2-fold risk of PHLF (p = 0.004 and 0.02). Increased INR and bilirubin on or after postoperative day 5 were associated with slightly increased risk of PHLF (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001). Preoperative stenting, hepatitis B/C status, intraoperative ablation, major versus minor hepatectomy, duration of drain, and drain bilirubin level had no association with PHLF. Pringle maneuver use and hepatobiliary reconstruction were protective against PHLF. Conclusion: PHLF occurs in 5.7% of hepatectomies. The risk of developing PHLF is 13-fold after open hepatectomy compared to minimally invasive hepatectomy, 5-fold in patients with post- hepatectomy bile leak, and 2-fold in patients with liver parenchymal congestion and cirrhosis. Use of Pringle maneuver and hepatobiliary reconstruction are protective against PHLF.

Liver regeneration after hemihepatectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

339 Background: We explored clinical factors associated with extent of liver regeneration after hemihepatectomy to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as how the extent of regeneration influences postoperative recovery of liver function. Methods: In this prospective study of 125 patients who underwent hemihepatectomy, future liver remnant volume (as a percentage of functional liver volume, %FLRV) and remnant liver volume were measured preoperatively and at 1, 5, 9 and 13 weeks postoperatively. Logistic regression was used to identify clinical factors associated with liver regeneration. Influence of liver regeneration on postoperative liver function was evaluated. Results: After hepatectomy, 1 of 125 patients (0.8%) died within 3 months, 13 (10.4%) experienced liver failure and 99 (79.2%) experienced complications. %FLRV was able to predict liver failure with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.900, and a cut-off value of 42.7% showed sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 88.6%. Postoperative median growth ratio was 21.3% at 1 week, 30.9% at 5 weeks, 34.6% at 9 weeks and 37.1% at 13 weeks. Multivariate analysis identified three predictors associated with liver regeneration: FLRV &lt; 601 cm3 (OR 0.230, 95%CI 0.074-0.717), %FLRV (OR 0.271, 95%CI 0.077-0.960) and liver cirrhosis (OR 7.740, 95%CI 2.748-21.798). At postoperative weeks 1 and 5, liver function indicators were significantly better among patients showing high extent of regeneration than among those showing low extent, but these differences disappeared by postoperative week 9. Conclusions: FLRV, %FLRV and liver cirrhosis strongly influence extent of liver regeneration after hepatectomy. %FLRV values below 42.7% are associated with greater risk of post-hepatectomy liver failure.

Risk prediction of post-hepatectomy liver failure in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

In most patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC), major hepatectomy and extrahepatic bile duct resection are needed for surgical radicality, and a high risk of hepatic insufficiency exists. This study aims to develop a prediction model for post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) in patients with PHCC. A total of 143 patients who underwent major liver resection and extrahepatic bile duct resection for PHCC between October 2001 and December 2013 were included. Clinically relevant PHLF was defined as liver failure corresponding to grade B or C of the International Study Group of Liver Surgery criteria. Multivariate logistic regression was used to develop the PHLF risk model. Model performance was evaluated internally using the area under the curve analysis (discrimination) after 1000 bootstrap resampling and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (calibration). Post-hepatectomy liver failure occurred in 43.4% of patients (n=62). In multivariate analysis, PHLF was significantly associated with future liver remnant ratio (odds ratio [OR] per 10%=0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51-0.88), intraoperative blood loss (OR per 1L=1.82, 95% CI 1.11-3.17), and preoperative prothrombin time>1.20 (OR=3.22, 95% CI 1.15-9.97). The PHLF risk score model showed good discrimination (area under the curve=0.708, 95% CI 0.623-0.793) and calibration (P=0.227). The risk model proposed in this study accurately predicted PHLF in patients with PHCC. This offers surgeons a practical guide to quantitative risk assessment of hepatic insufficiency and aids decision-making in surgical treatment and perioperative management.

Liver Functional Volumetry by Tc-99m Mebrofenin Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy before Major Liver Resection: A Game Changer.

Future remnant liver function (FRL-F) estimation is important before major liver resection to avoid posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). Conventionally, it is estimated by global dynamic liver function tests which assume homogeneous liver function and unable to calculate regional function. Computed tomography is another method to estimate FRL volume but assumes that volume is equivalent to function. Hence, a global and regional non-invasive liver function test is desirable. Studies were identified by MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar for articles from January 1990 to December 2017 using the following keywords “Mebrofenin, hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS), FRL-F, PHLF, portal vein embolization (PVE).” HBS with technetium-99 m galactosyl human serum albumin (Tc-99m GSA) and Tc-99m Mebrofenin is a known test for functional liver assessment. Restricted availability of Tc-99m GSA only in Japan is a main drawback for its global acceptance. However, Tc-99m Mebrofenin is routinely available to the rest of the world. A unique protocol for FRL-F estimation by Tc-99m Mebrofenin is described in detail in this review. Tc-99m Mebrofenin HBS has shown a strong correlation to 15 min indocyanine green clearance. HBS has been reported better in predicting the risk of PHLF with a 2.69%/min/m2 cutoff of FRL-F. Tc-99m Mebrofenin HBS has been found better in stratification of PVE before major liver surgery as well. We concluded, Tc-99m Mebrofenin HBS was unique in calculating global and regional liver function and takes nonuniformity and underlying pathology in the account. Moreover, a single cutoff might fit in all for PHLF risk assessment and PVE stratification.

Prospective evaluation of the International Study Group for Liver Surgery definition of post hepatectomy liver failure after liver resection: an international multicentre study

BackgroundThe International Study Group for Liver Surgery (ISGLS) definition of post hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) was developed to be consistent, widely applicable, and to include severity stratification. This international multicentre collaborative study aimed to prospectively validate the ISGLS definition of PHLF. Methods11 HPB centres from 7 countries developed a standardised reporting form. Prospectively acquired anonymised data on liver resections performed between 01 July 2010 and 30 June 2011 was collected. A multivariate analysis was undertaken of clinically important variables. ResultsOf the 949 patients included, 86 (9%) met PHLF requirements. On multivariate analyses, age ≥70 years, pre-operative chemotherapy, steatosis, resection of >3 segments, vascular reconstruction and intraoperative blood loss >300 ml significantly increased the risk of PHLF. Receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis of INR and serum bilirubin relationship with PHLF demonstrated post-operative day 3 and 5 INR performed equally in predicting PHLF, and day 5 bilirubin was the strongest predictor of PHLF. Combining ISGLS grades B and C groups resulted in a high sensitivity for predicting mortality compared to the 50-50 rule and Peak bilirubin >7 mg/dl. ConclusionsThe ISGLS definition performed well in this prospective validation study, and may be the optimal definition for PHLF in future research to allow for comparability of data.

Impact of liver volume and liver function on posthepatectomy liver failure after portal vein embolization- A multivariable cohort analysis.

BackgroundLiver failure remains a life-threatening complication after liver resection, and is difficult to predict preoperatively. This retrospective cohort study evaluated different preoperative factors in regard to their impact on posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) after extended liver resection and previous portal vein embolization (PVE).MethodsPatient characteristics, liver function and liver volumes of patients undergoing PVE and subsequent liver resection were analyzed. Liver function was determined by the LiMAx test (enzymatic capacity of cytochrome P450 1A2). Factors associated with the primary end point PHLF (according to ISGLS definition) were identified through multivariable analysis. Secondary end points were 30-day mortality and morbidity.Results95 patients received PVE, of which 64 patients underwent major liver resection. PHLF occurred in 7 patients (11%). Calculated postoperative liver function was significantly lower in patients with PHLF than in patients without PHLF (67 vs. 109 μg/kg/h; p = 0.01). Other factors associated with PHLF by univariable analysis were age, future liver remnant, MELD score, ASA score, renal insufficiency and heart insufficiency. By multivariable analysis, future liver remnant was the only factor significantly associated with PHLF (p = 0.03). Mortality and morbidity rates were 4.7% and 29.7% respectively.ConclusionFuture liver remnant is the only preoperative factor with a significant impact on PHLF. Assessment of preoperative liver function may additionally help identify patients at risk for PHLF.

Predicting post-hepatectomy liver failure by combined volumetric, functional MR image and laboratory analysis.

To assess the efficacy of functional MR image with volumetric, liver function test and indocyanine green clearance (ICG) in identifying the patients who are at risk of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). We retrospectively included 115 patients undergoing gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging before hepatectomy at one medical centre from January 2013 to December 2015. Contrast enhancement ratio (CER) between transitional and hepatobiliary phases (3 and 30minutes post-contrast) was calculated. Total liver volume (TLV) and spleen volume (Sp) were measured. Post-operatively, the histological Ishak fibrosis score was collected. Potential risk factors for liver failure were analysed, and the performance was examined by receiver operating characteristic curve. Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) occurred in 16 patients (13.9%). TLV/SLV, ADC value, CERHBP/TP and total liver contrast enhancement ratio (tCER) were associated with PHLF (P<.05). Between PHLF and non-PHLF groups, remnant liver volume (RLV), RLV/SLV, Sp/RLV, remnant liver contrast enhancement ratio (rCER) and Ishak fibrosis score showed statistical difference. rCER showed superiority in diagnostic performance (AUC=0.78) with the optimal cut-off value of 1.23. Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging with volumetric is a reliable method for evaluating functional liver volume and determining the risk of PHLF.

Portal Vein Pressure Change Predicts Posthepatectomy Liver Failure Following Right Lobectomy

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of intraoperative portal venous pressure (PVP) as a predictor of posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). Hepatic functional reserve is typically evaluated by using parameters such as albumin level, platelet count, prothrombin activity level, or indocyanine green retention rate at 15 minutes. Low hepatic functional reserve can enhance the risk of PHLF. We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 35 patients who underwent right lobectomy and intraoperative PVP measurements between April 2004 and August 2012. According to preoperative prediction scores, all patients were within a safe limit for right lobectomy. The patients were grouped into uncomplicated (n = 22) and PHLF (n = 13) groups by postoperative course. PHLF was defined as grade B or C according to International Study Group of Liver Surgery criteria. Patient background, intraoperative bleeding, operative time, and PVP elevation after hepatectomy (ΔPVP) grade were compared between the groups. No cases of in-hospital death occurred. Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in preoperative white blood counts, intraoperative bleeding, and ΔPVP between the groups (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The ΔPVP was an independent risk factor on multivariate analysis. A ΔPVP &amp;gt;3 cmH2O was associated with PHLF at 69.2% sensitivity and 90.9% specificity. Following right lobectomy, a ΔPVP &amp;gt;3 cmH2O indicates a risk of PHLF and warrants careful postoperative management.

437. Prehepatectomy portal vein pressure predicts liver failure after liver resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: As elevated portal vein pressure (PVP) is associated with posthepatectomy liver failure (PLF), we hypothesized that prehepatectomy PVP may be predictive factor associated with increased risk of PLF. We evaluated the predictive value of PVP before liver resection for the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) definition and severity of grading of PLF on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients

Adding Liver Stiffness Measurement to the Routine Evaluation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Resectability CanOptimize Clinical Outcome.

Purpose Liver stiffness (LS) has been shown to be of use in chronic liver disease patients but its utility in surgical judgment still needs to be proven. A decision-making approach was applied to evaluate whether LS measurement before surgery of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be useful in avoiding post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). Materials and Methods Decision curve analysis (DCA) was applied to 202 HCC patients (2008 - 14) with LS measurement prior to hepatectomy to verify whether the occurrence of PHLF grades B/C should be reduced through a decision-making approach with LS. Results Within 90 days of surgery, 4 patients died (2 %) and grades B/C PHLF occurred in 29.7 % of cases. Ascites and/or pleural effusion, treatable with medical therapy, were the most frequent complications. DCA showed that using the "expected utility theory" LS measurement can reduce up to 39 % of cases of PHLF without the exclusion of any patient from surgery that duly undergoes an uncomplicated postoperative course. LS measurement does not add any information to normal clinical judgment for patients with a low (< 10 %) risk of PHLF. Conclusion LS measurement can determine a reduction of PHLF under "expected utility theory" fulfilment. However, the degree of PHLF can be minor and "risk seeking" individuals can accept such a risk on the basis of surgical benefits.

Posthepatectomy Liver Failure in Extended Liver Resections: An Overview Based on a Retrospective Single-Centre Analysis

Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is one of the most serious complications after major liver resections and an important factor in terms of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Despite many advances in the understanding and grading of PHLF, the definitions found in literature are very heterogeneous, which complicates the identification of high-risk patients. In this study we analysed the results of extended liver resections and potential risk factors for PHLF based on patient data derived from our tertiary referral centre. The aim of the study was to gain an overview of the essential aspects in the prevention of PHLF combined with key intraoperative issues and postoperative treatment strategies. We analysed data from 202 patients who underwent extended elective liver resections at our centre between April 1989 and September 2009 (135 right hemihepatectomies, 39 left hemihepatectomies, 28 right trisectionectomies). According to Balzan's "50/50 criteria", PHLF was defined as prothrombin time (PT) < 50 % combined with serum bilirubin (SB) > 50 micromol/L on postoperative day (POD) 5 or as death due to primary or secondary liver failure. Thirty-day mortality and overall in-hospital mortality were 4.95 and 8.91 %, respectively. Twenty-eight (14 %) patients developed PHLF and 16 (57 %) patients died. Compared to patients with normal postoperative liver function, several significant pre- and intraoperative factors for PHLF were identified, e.g. primary malignant liver tumour (p < 0.001), extended liver resection (p < 0.001), time of surgery (p < 0.001) and intraoperative transfusion of packed RBC (p < 0.02) or FFP (p < 0.001). Although progress has been made in hepatobiliary surgery, PHLF remains a serious complication, especially after extended liver resections. Careful, optimised preoperative risk stratification is required to identify patients at risk for PHLF.

From the Editor’s desk....: January 2016

Selection of the month Plasma exchange improves survival of ALF patients and liver derived exosomes can improve hepatic regeneration Despite improvements in our understanding of acute liver failure, mortality of patients without liver transplantation remains unacceptably high. The study of Larsen et al. describes the results of a landmark randomized clinical trial that took over 10-years to perform and shows that treatment with plasma exchange can improve the survival of ALF patients , providing proof of concept for ‘detoxification' systems.

Early trends in serum phosphate and creatinine levels are associated with mortality following major hepatectomy

BackgroundMortality after major hepatectomy remains high and is frequently related to post‐hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). Other than pre‐existing liver disease and a small future liver remnant, few patient factors or early postoperative indicators identify patients at elevated risk for PHLF and mortality. MethodsData on demographics, comorbidities, operative procedures and postoperative laboratory trends were reviewed for patients submitted to major hepatectomy (at least three Couinaud segments) for malignancy during 1998–2013. These factors were compared among patients who died within 90 days, survivors who met the 50–50 criteria and all remaining survivors. ResultsA total of 1528 patients underwent major hepatectomy during the study period. Of these, 947 had metastatic colorectal cancer and underwent resection of a median of four segments. Overall, 49 patients (3.2%) died within 90 days of surgery and 48 patients (3.1%) met the 50–50 criteria for PHLF; 30 of these patients survived 90 days. Operative blood loss was higher in patients who died within 90 days compared with survivors (1.0 l versus 0.5 l; P< 0.001). Despite equivalent perioperative resuscitation and urine output, non‐survivors had higher creatinine and phosphate levels than survivors on postoperative day (PoD) 1 (1.1 mg/dl versus 0.9 mg/dl and 4.6 mg/dl versus 3.7 mg/dl, respectively; P< 0.001). ConclusionsEarly trends in creatinine and phosphate (between the day of surgery and PoD 1) identify patients at risk for PHLF and mortality.

Living donor liver transplantation using dual grafts: Experience and lessons learned from cases worldwide.

In living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), insufficient graft volume could result in small-for-size syndrome in recipients, whereas major liver donation predisposes the donor to a high risk of posthepatectomy liver failure. Dual graft LDLT is therefore introduced to obtain combined graft sufficiency. To date, 367 patients have been reported worldwide. We reviewed all the relevant literature, with a special focus on 43 case reports containing enough data to extract and analyze. A simple decision-making algorithm was developed. Dual graft LDLT is indicated when (1) a single donation is unacceptable due to graft-to-recipient size mismatch; (2) the future liver remnant is insufficient in the single donor after major resection; or (3) there is a significant underlying disorder or anatomical variation within the donor liver. The outcome of dual graft LDLT is reported to be comparable with that of single donor LDLT. Unilateral graft atrophy was found in 7 of the 43 patients, predominantly in the right-sided, heterotopic and initially smaller grafts. Technically, the heterotopic implantation and complex vascular reconstruction are the most demanding. Elaborate surgical planning and modification are needed. Ethical concerns about involving a second living donor need to be addressed. In conclusion, dual graft LDLT should be prudently performed in select cases by surgeons of proven expertise when single donation is unacceptable and a second living donor is available. The decision-making criteria need to be standardized. More surgical modification and clinical research are needed.

Hepatic venous pressure gradient in the preoperative assessment of patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma

To assess the relationship existing between hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and the occurrence of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) grade B/C after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and persistent worsening of liver function. Data from 70 consecutive prospectively enrolled HCC patients undergoing resection were collected and analysed. PHLF grade B/C was defined by the International Study Group of Liver Surgery recommendations. The appearance of unresolved decompensation was also analysed. Postoperative and 90-day mortality were null. The median HVPG value was 9mmHg (range: 4-18) and the median Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was 8 (range: 6-14); 34 patients had an HVPG ⩾10mmHg (48.6%). Forty-nine patients had an uneventful (Grade A) postoperative course, including 17 with an HVPG ⩾10mmHg (24.2% of 70 patients). Grade B complications occurred in 20 patients (3 with an HVPG <10mmHg and 17 with an HVPG ⩾10mmHg; p<0.001); only one grade C complication occurred in a patient with an HVPG <10mmHg, subsequently successfully undergoing liver transplantation. Median MELD score returned to preoperative values after a transient postoperative increase, regardless of the HVPG values; after three months, it returned to the preoperative of 8 in patients with an HVPG <10mmHg and of 9 in patients with an HVPG ⩾10mmHg (p=0.077 and 0.076 at paired test, respectively). The hepatic venous pressure gradient can be used before surgery to stratify the risk of PHLF but the proposed cut-off of 10mmHg excludes approximately one-quarter of the patients who would benefit from surgery without short to mid-term postoperative sequelae.

Validation of the Conventional Resection Criteria in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Terms of the Incidence of Posthepatectomy Liver Failure and Long-Term Prognosis

Background/Aims: Resection criteria in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) should be established based on the risk of posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) and the survival benefit from hepatectomy. This study aimed at verifying the validity of the conventional criteria regarding the incidence of PHLF and the long-term prognosis of HCC patients. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 265 patients who underwent major hepatectomy. Makuuchi's criteria and the future liver remnant plasma clearance rate of indocyanine green (ICGK-rem) ≥0.05 criterion were evaluated. Results: A total of 107 and 158 patients were within and beyond Makuuchi's criteria, respectively. Makuuchi's criteria were associated with the incidence of PHLF (p = 0.03) but not with its severity (p = 0.12). No differences in disease-free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS) were observed between the groups (p = 0.75 and p = 0.94, respectively). Using the ICGK-rem ≥0.05 criterion, 223 and 42 patients were within and beyond the criterion, respectively. ICGK-rem was correlated with both the incidence of PHLF (p = 0.002) and its severity (p = 0.03). No differences in DFS or OS were observed between the groups (p = 0.75 and p = 0.29, respectively). Conclusions: Strict criteria are likely to preclude some patients from obtaining the greater survival benefits of hepatectomy. New criteria that consider patient prognosis are needed.

Quantified Risk Assessment for Major Hepatectomy via the Indocyanine Green Clearance Rate and Liver Volumetry Combined with Standard Liver Volume

BackgroundPreoperative risk assessment for post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is essential for major hepatectomy. We intended to establish a standard liver volume (SLV) formula for Korean patients and validate the predictive power of the indocyanine green clearance rate constant (ICG-K) fraction of future remnant liver (FRL) (FRL-kICG) to total liver volume (TLV). MethodsThis study comprised 2 retrospective studies. Part I established SLV formula and acquired ICG pharmacokinetic data from 2155 living donors. In part II, FRL-kICG cutoff was determined using 723 patients who underwent right liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. ResultsIn part I, the formula SLV (mL) = −456.3 + 969.8 × BSA (m2) (r = 0.707, r2 = 0.500, p = 0.000) was derived with mean volume error of 10.5 %. There was no correlation between TLV and ICG retention rate at 15 min. With a cutoff of 0.04 with hepatic parenchymal resection rate (PHRR) limit of 70 %, 99.0 % of our living donors were permissible for left or right hepatectomy. In part II, 25 hepatocellular carcinoma patients (3.5 %) showed an FRL-kICG or SLV-corrected FRL-kICG <0.05. Of these, 4 (16 %) died of PHLF, whereas only 2 (0.3 %) died in the other patient group with both an FRL-kICG and SLV-corrected FRL-kICG ≥ 0.05 (P = 0.000). ConclusionsThe FRL-kICG appears to reliably predict PHLF risk quantitatively. We suggest FRL-kICG cutoffs of 0.04 and 0.05 with PHRR limits of 70 % and 65 % for normal and diseased livers, respectively. Further validation with large patient population in multicenter studies is necessary to improve FRL-kICG predictability.

Remnant Growth Rate after Portal Vein Embolization Is a Good Early Predictor of Post-Hepatectomy Liver Failure

After portal vein embolization (PVE), the future liver remnant (FLR) hypertrophies for several weeks. An early marker that predicts a low risk of post-hepatectomy liver failure can reduce the delay to surgery. Liver volumes of 153 patients who underwent a major hepatectomy (>3 segments) after PVE for primary or secondary liver malignancy between September 1999 and November 2012 were retrospectively evaluated with computerized volumetry. Pre- and post-PVE FLR volume and functional liver volume were measured. Degree of hypertrophy (DH = post-FLR/post-functional liver volume - pre-FLR/pre-functional liver volume) and growth rate (GR = DH/weeks since PVE) were calculated. Postoperative complications and liver failure were correlated with DH, measured GR, and estimated GR derived from a formula based on body surface area. Eligible patients underwent 93 right hepatectomies, 51 extended right hepatectomies, 4 left hepatectomies, and 5 extended left hepatectomies. Major complications occurred in 44 patients (28.7%) and liver failure in 6 patients (3.9%). Nonparametric regression showed that post-embolization FLR percent correlated poorly with liver failure. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that DH and GR were good predictors of liver failure (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.80; p = 0.011 and AUC = 0.79; p = 0.015) and modest predictors of major complications (AUC = 0.66; p = 0.002 and AUC = 0.61; p = 0.032). No patient with GR >2.66% per week had liver failure develop. The predictive value of measured GR was superior to estimated GR for liver failure (AUC = 0.79 vs 0.58; p = 0.046). Both DH and GR after PVE are strong predictors of post-hepatectomy liver failure. Growth rate might be a better guide for the optimum timing of liver resection than static volumetric measurements. Measured volumetrics correlated with outcomes better than estimated volumetrics.

Posthepatectomy liver failure after simultaneous versus staged resection of colorectal cancer and synchronous hepatic metastases.

Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is the third most frequent complication and the major cause of postoperative mortality after resection of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM). In case of synchronous resectable CRLM, it is still unclear if surgical strategy (simultaneous versus staged resection of colorectal cancer and hepatic metastases) influences the incidence and severity of PHLF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of surgical strategy on PHLF and on the early and long-term outcome. Retrospective study on 106 consecutive patients undergoing hepatectomy for synchronous CRLM between 1997 and 2012. Of 106 patients, 46 underwent simultaneous resection and 60 had staged hepatectomy. The rate of PHLF was similar between groups (16.7% vs 15.2%; p=1) and subgroup analysis restricted to patients undergoing major hepatectomy confirmed this observation (31.8% vs 23.8%; p=0.56). Propensity-score analysis showed that preoperative total bilirubin level and the amount of intra-operative blood transfusion were independently associated with an increased risk of PHLF. Nevertheless, the risk of severe PHLF (grade B - C) was increased in patients who underwent simultaneous resection and major hepatectomy (OR: 4.82; p=0.035). No significant differences were observed in severe (Dindo - Clavien 3 - 4) postoperative morbidity (23.9% vs 20.0%; p=0.64) and survival (3 and 5-year survival: 55% and 34% vs 56% and 33%; p=0.83). The risk of PHLF is not associated with surgical strategy in the treatment of synchronous CRLM. Nevertheless, the risk of severe PHLF is increased in patients undergoing simultaneous resection and major hepatectomy.