Remnant Liver Volume Research Articles

New criteria for preoperative liver function assessment with safety margins to avoid postoperative mortality during liver resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

BackgroundDespite recent medical advancements, surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma is associated with high complication and mortality rates. This may be partly attributed to the absence of established preoperative liver evaluation criteria for safe surgery. This study aimed to propose a reliable indicator for safe and well-planned management of major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection. MethodsWe included 150 patients who underwent major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection between 2013 and 2021 in Japan. The risk factors for post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) were retrospectively analyzed. ResultsPHLF was observed in 24 (16.0%) patients who underwent major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection. In the multivariate analysis, the identified risk factors for PHLF were the ratio of future remnant liver volume to total liver volume (FRLV/TLV) ≤ 42% and indocyanine green clearance fraction of the future remnant liver (ICGK-F) ≤ 0.07. Patients with these two factors were significantly associated with PHLF compared with those with either one or none of the risk factors (60.0% vs 15.1% and 8.1%, respectively). ConclusionsThe combinational use of ICGK-F and FRLV/TLV is useful for preoperative liver function assessment with a safety margin to avoid PHLF and postoperative mortality in hepatectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Transileocolic Portal Vein Embolization Increases Remnant Liver Volume After Major Hepatectomy.

Transileocolic portal vein embolization (TIPE) may reduce the risk of liver failure after massive hepatectomy. However, convincing evidence of its usefulness in this regard is yet to be reported. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the use of TIPE after massive hepatectomy. Twelve patients who underwent TIPE were included. Pre- and postoperative liver volumetry was determined using a 3D simulator with computed tomography. After TIPE, the percent change in total liver volume was 104.0%±13.1% (p=0.08). Conversely, the percent increase in remnant liver volume (ml)/total liver volume (ml) and remnant liver volume (ml)/standard liver volume (ml) was 122.9%±18.6% (p<0.001) and 132.2%±19.6% (p<0.001), respectively. TIPE operation time was 125±84.6 min, with minimal blood loss in all cases. Postoperative hospitalization duration during TIPE was 4.5±2.6 days. No TIPE-related complications occurred in any patient. TIPE is beneficial and safe when preoperative volumetry indicates that the remaining liver volume is inadequate and inoperable.

Liver Vein Deprivation versus Portal Vein Embolization: Retrospective Review of Safety and Effectiveness

PurposeTo compare the safety and effectiveness of liver vein deprivation (LVD) and portal vein embolization (PVE) in patients scheduled to undergo liver resection. Materials and MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 59 patients who underwent either PVE (n = 28) or LVD (n = 31) in preparation for liver resection. The primary outcome was percent change in future liver remnant volume (FLRV). The secondary endpoints were degree of hypertrophy (DH) and kinetic growth rate (KGR). ResultsLow baseline FLRV and time interval in days between the procedure and follow-up imaging (Ti) positively impacted the primary and secondary endpoints in both groups. Percent change in FLRV was higher in the LVD group (52.8% ± 5.3) than in the PVE group (22.3% ± 3.0, P < .001). DH was also higher in the LVD group (15.4% ± 1.7) than in the PVE group (6.4% ± 0.9, P < .001). KGR did not differ significantly between groups (LVD, 0.54%/d ± 0.06; PVE, 0.35%/d ± 0.1; P = .239). When patients with a baseline standardized FLRV of >35% were excluded from the analysis, the LVD group demonstrated higher values than the PVE group in KGR (0.57%/d ± 0.06 vs 0.29%/d ± 0.05, P < .001), percent change in FLRV (64.2% ± 6.0 vs 25.9% ± 4.3, P < .001), and DH (15.4% ± 1.4 vs 6.6% ± 1.0, P < .001). No adverse events were noted in either group. ConclusionsLVD appears to be safe and may be superior to PVE in inducing hypertrophy of future liver remnant in patients scheduled to undergo surgical resection.

Comprehensive Review of Future Liver Remnant (FLR) Assessment and Hypertrophy Techniques Before Major Hepatectomy: How to Assess and Manage the FLR.

The regenerative capacities of the liver and improvements in surgical techniques have expanded the possibilities of resectability. Liver resection is often the only curative treatment for primary and secondary malignancies, despite the risk of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). This serious complication (with a 50% mortality rate) can be avoided by better assessment of liver volume and function of the future liver remnant (FLR). The aim of this review was to understand and assess clinical, biological, and imaging predictors of PHLF risk, as well as the various hypertrophy techniques, to achieve an adequate FLR before hepatectomy. We reviewed the state of the art in liver regeneration and FLR hypertrophy techniques. The use of new biological scores (such as the aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index + albumin-bilirubin [APRI+ALBI] score), concurrent utilization of 99mTc-mebrofenin scintigraphy (HBS), or dynamic hepatocyte contrast-enhanced MRI (DHCE-MRI) for liver volumetry helps predict the risk of PHLF. Besides portal vein embolization, there are other FLR optimization techniques that have their indications in case of risk of failure (e.g., associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy, liver venous deprivation) or in specific situations (transarterial radioembolization). There is a need to standardize volumetry and function measurement techniques, as well as FLR hypertrophy techniques, to limit the risk of PHLF.

Impact of the future liver remnant volume before major hepatectomy

IntroductionFollowing major liver resection, posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is associated with a high mortality rate. As there is no therapy for PHLF available, avoidance remains the main goal. A sufficient future liver remnant (FLR) is one of the most important factors to reduce the risk for PHLF; however, it is not known which patients benefit of volumetric assessment prior to major surgery. MethodsA retrospective, bi-institutional cohort study was conducted including all patients who underwent major hepatectomy (extended right hepatectomy, right hepatectomy, extended left hepatectomy and left hepatectomy) between 2010 and 2023. ResultsA total of 1511 major hepatectomies were included, with 29.4 % of patients undergoing FLR volume assessment preoperatively. Overall, PHLF B/C occurred in 9.8 % of cases. Multivariate analysis identified diabetes mellitus, extended right hepatectomy, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA), gallbladder cancer (GBC) and cirrhosis as significant risk factors for PHLF B/C. High-risk patients (with one or more risk factors) had a 15 % overall incidence of PHLF, increasing to 32 % with a FLR <30 %, and 13 % with an FLR of 30–40 %. Low-risk patients with a FLR <30 % had a PHLF rate of 21 %, which decreased to 8 % and 5 % for FLRs of 30–40 % and >40 %, respectively. For right hepatectomy, the PHLF rate was 23 % in low-risk and 38 % in high-risk patients with FLR <30 %. ConclusionPatients scheduled for right hepatectomy and extended right hepatectomy should undergo volumetric assessment of the FLR. Volumetry should always be considered before major hepatectomy in patients with risk factors such as diabetes, cirrhosis, GBC and pCCA. In high-risk patients, a FLR cut-off of 30 % may be insufficient to prevent PHLF, and additional liver function assessment should be considered.

Central Liver Segments Resections vs Extended Hepatectomies in Children: Single-center Experience

BackgroundCentral liver segments resection (CLSR) still is not widely used in pediatric surgery due to its technical difficulty, whereas this procedure is widely spread as a parenchyma sparing approach of centrally located liver tumors in adults. The aim of this study is to analyze the outcomes of CLSR in comparison with extended hepatectomy (EH) in children with different liver tumors. MethodsA single-center retrospective analysis of patients who received CLSR (n = 14) and EH (n = 44) from June 2017 to December 2023 was applied. Patient's characteristics, preoperative, intra- and postoperative data were compared between 2 groups. ResultsPreoperative CT-volumetry showed that future liver remnant volume was higher in CLSR group compared to EH (FLR-V; (54 ± 29 (40–91) % vs 40 ± 12 (17–73) %, p = 0.016). The intraoperative blood loss (200 [90–1150] (20–3000) ml vs 100 [30–275] (10–9000) ml, p = 0.088) and transfusion volume (310 [85–590] (0–1860) ml vs 150 [0–310] (0–4770) ml, p = 0.484) were similar in both groups, while operation time was longer in CLSR group (420 [320–595] (145–785) min vs 280 [203–390] (125–710) min), p = 0.011). There was no difference in biliary leakage (3 (21.4 %) vs 12 (27.3 %); p = 0.479), other complications (4 (28.6 %) vs 5 (11.4 %), p = 0.198) and complications ≥ IIIb by Clavien-Dindo (2 (14.3 %) vs 8 (18.2 %), p = 0.385) postoperatively. ConclusionCLSRs allow to preserve more healthy liver parenchyma compared to EH with similar intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. «Extended mesohepatectomy» allows to achieve R0 resection when central liver tumor extends on the left lateral and/or right posterior section. Type of StudyRetrospective Comparative Study (Level of Evidence III).

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver in children: our experience in four difficult cases and three-dimensional practical exploration

AimsTo explore rare and difficult cases of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver (UESL) in children in a single centre, summarize the diagnosis and treatment experience and analyse the role of a computer-assisted surgery system (Hisense CAS), thus providing a new global vision and three-dimensional perspective.MethodsWe retrospectively collected the clinical data including the diagnoses and treatment processes, of children with UESL confirmed by histopathological examination in our hospital from January 2009 to December 2020. The relationship between the tumour volume and important blood vessels and between the liver volume and tumour volume, as well as other three-dimensional characteristics in the reconstructed three-dimensional model were analysed using Hisense CAS. The findings from this analysis can be used to aid in surgical decision-making and preoperative planning.ResultsFour children—3 girls and 1 boy—with UESL were included in the study. The age at onset ranged from 6 to 8 years. All four children presented with symptoms of abdominal discomfort, and abdominal masses were detected during physical examination. Owing to the wishes of their parents and the possibility that the disease was benign, all four children underwent one-stage radical surgery. For patient 1, a three-dimensional reconstruction was created during the initial diagnosis, which made accurate evaluation and planning of the preoperative procedure challenging. In patient 2, the tumour was located in the middle lobe of the liver and involved the first and second hepatic hilum. For patient 3, the pathological diagnosis of the tumour after surgery was challenging, but eventually, the diagnosis was confirmed through histochemistry and consultation with higher-level hospitals. Patient 4 had a giant tumour, which had a preoperative simulated future liver remnant volume (FLV) that was 21.0% of the total volume of the liver and tumour (TLTV). According to the standard liver volume (SLV) for children, the FLV was 77.0% of the SLV, making surgery feasible. All four children underwent complete resection, and only patient 4 experienced recurrence below the diaphragm 19 months after surgery. Currently, the 3-year overall survival rate is 100%, and the 3-year event-free survival rate is 75%.ConclusionUESL in children is rare, and the key to diagnosis and treatment is complete surgical resection. Through individualized three-dimensional surgical planning, accurate and complete resection of difficult and complex UESL in children can be achieved, leading to a favourable prognosis.

Value of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging for preoperative prediction of future liver regeneration after hemihepatectomy.

Liver resection is currently considered the most effective treatment for patients with liver cancer. To the best of our knowledge, no study has investigated the association between gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and liver regeneration in patients who underwent hemihepatectomy. We aimed to clarify the relationship between the signal intensity (SI) of the liver parenchyma on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and the degree of liver regeneration in patients who underwent hemihepatectomy. Forty-one patients who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI before hemihepatectomy were enrolled. We calculated the liver-to-erector spinae muscle SI ratio (LMR) in the hepatobiliary phase and the precontrast images. ΔLMR was calculated using the following equation: ΔLMR = (LMR in the hepatobiliary phase-LMR in the precontrast image)/LMR in the precontrast image. The preoperative and postoperative remnant liver volumes (LVs) were calculated using CT volumetry. We calculated the resection rate (RR) and liver regeneration index (LRI) using the following formulas: RR = Resected LV/Total LV × 100 and LRI = (postoperative remnant LV-preoperative remnant LV)/preoperative remnant LV × 100. The relationships among LRI, imaging, and clinicopathological factors were analyzed. Univariate analysis showed RR and ΔLMR showed a positive correlation with LRI (ρ = 0.4133, p = 0.0072 and ρ = 0.7773, p < 0.001, respectively). Spleen volume showed a negative correlation with LRI (ρ = -0.3138, p = 0.0486). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed ΔLMR and RR were independently correlated with LRI (β coefficient = 44.8771, p = 0.0198 and β coefficient = 1.9653, p < 0.001, respectively). ΔLMR may serve as a preoperative predictor of liver regeneration in patients undergoing hemihepatectomy.

Assessing the performance of AI-assisted technicians in liver segmentation, Couinaud division, and lesion detection: a pilot study

BackgroundIn patients with primary and secondary liver cancer, the number and sizes of lesions, their locations within the Couinaud segments, and the volume and health status of the future liver remnant are key for informing treatment planning. Currently this is performed manually, generally by trained radiologists, who are seeing an inexorable growth in their workload. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and non-radiologist personnel into the workflow potentially addresses the increasing workload without sacrificing accuracy. This study evaluated the accuracy of non-radiologist technicians in liver cancer imaging compared with radiologists, both assisted by AI.MethodsNon-contrast T1-weighted MRI data from 18 colorectal liver metastasis patients were analyzed using an AI-enabled decision support tool that enables non-radiology trained technicians to perform key liver measurements. Three non-radiologist, experienced operators and three radiologists performed whole liver segmentation, Couinaud segment segmentation, and the detection and measurements of lesions aided by AI-generated delineations. Agreement between radiologists and non-radiologists was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Two additional radiologists adjudicated any lesion detection discrepancies.ResultsWhole liver volume showed high levels of agreement between the non-radiologist and radiologist groups (ICC = 0.99). The Couinaud segment volumetry ICC range was 0.77–0.96. Both groups identified the same 41 lesions. As well, the non-radiologist group identified seven more structures which were also confirmed as lesions by the adjudicators. Lesion diameter categorization agreement was 90%, Couinaud localization 91.9%. Within-group variability was comparable for lesion measurements.ConclusionWith AI assistance, non-radiologist experienced operators showed good agreement with radiologists for quantifying whole liver volume, Couinaud segment volume, and the detection and measurement of lesions in patients with known liver cancer. This AI-assisted non-radiologist approach has potential to reduce the stress on radiologists without compromising accuracy.Graphical abstract

Comparison of Complications in Patients with Ductal Cholangiocarcinoma (CCC) and Patients with Colorectal Liver Metastases (CRLMs) After Portal Vein Embolization (PVE): A Matched Cohort Study.

To compare complications in patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCC) and patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) after portal vein embolization (PVE) and to identify possible predictive factors. Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients, who underwent PVE between July 2011 and March 2020. The study groups were matched for sex and age. Multivariable analysis was performed for the endpoints of complications categorized according for their respective effect on surgical treatment: "Minor" complications had no effect on subsequent surgical treatment, while "intermediate" and "severe" complications delayed or prevented surgery. A total of 160 patients with either CCC (n = 80) or CRLMs (n = 80) were included: 34/160 experienced complications: 27 (CCC: 21; CRLMs: 6) "minor", 4 (CCC: 3; CRLMs: 1) "intermediate", and 3 (CCC: 2; CRLMs: 1) "severe" complications respectively (p = .01). Patients with CCC received a biliary drainage 5days on average before PVE. Baseline bilirubin levels were 1.1mg/dl in CCC patients and 0.55mg/dl in CRLMs patients (p < .01). Postinterventional infections were more common in CCC patients. The preintervention future liver remnant volume (odds ratio (OR) 0.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88-0.99; p = .02), body mass index (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.04-1.36; p = .01), age (OR 0,91; 95% CI 0.84-0.99; p = .01), chemotherapy before PVE (OR 0.03; 95% CI 0.01-0.23; p < .01) and severe liver steatosis (OR 29.52; 95% CI 1.87-467,13; p = .02) were the only significant predictive factors for the occurrence of (minor) complications. PVE can be performed in CCC patients with prior biliary drainage, with similar procedural safety as in patients with CRLMs.

Laparoscopic liver ALPPS - How I do it

In complex oncological liver resections, insufficient future liver remnant (FLR) volume may become the most challenging problem to deal with in the postoperative setting. The Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy (ALPPS) is one of the techniques described for inducing hepatic hypertrophy and achieving an adequate FLR. The technique initially described is performed by a complete bipartition of the liver in the first operation and a portal vein ligation to achieve occlusion of the intrahepatic circulation followed by a major hepatectomy in the second operation once an adequate FLR has been reached. With the introduction of minimally invasive liver surgery, these procedures can be performed by laparoscopic or robotic approach. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of ALPPS, highlighting key technical aspects. Furthermore, the main aspects of this technique based on current evidence, such as indications, outcomes, strengths, limitations and potential complications, will be analyzed.

The Cross-Sectional Area Ratio of Right-to-Left Portal Vein Predicts the Effect of Preoperative Right Portal Vein Embolization.

Background and Objectives: Preoperative right portal vein embolization (RPVE) is often attempted before right hepatectomy for liver tumors to increase the future remnant liver volume (FRLV). Although many factors affecting FRLV have been discussed, few studies have focused on the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the right portal vein to that of the left portal vein (RPVA/LPVA). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of RPVA/LPVA on predicting FRLV increase after RPVE. Materials and Methods: The data of 65 patients who had undergone RPVE to increase FRLV between 2004 and 2021 were investigated retrospectively. Using computed tomography scans, we measured the total liver volume (TLV), FRLV, the proportion of FRLV relative to TLV (FRLV%), the increase in FRLV% (ΔFRLV%), and RPVA/LPVA twice, immediately before and 2-3 weeks after RPVE; we analyzed the correlations among those variables, and determined prognostic factors for sufficient ΔFRLV%. Results: Fifty-four patients underwent hepatectomy. Based on the cut-off value of RPVA/LPVA, the patients were divided into low (RPVA/LPVA ≤ 1.20, N = 30) and high groups (RPVA/LPVA > 1.20, N = 35). The ΔFRLV% was significantly greater in the high group than in the low group (9.52% and 15.34%, respectively, p < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, RPVA/LPVA (HR = 20.368, p < 0.001) was the most significant prognostic factor for sufficient ΔFRLV%. Conclusions: RPVE was more effective in patients with higher RPVA/LPVA, which is an easily accessible predictive factor for sufficient ΔFRLV%.

The Efficiency of Volumetry in Graft Weight Assessment in Living Donor Liver Transplant

Abstract Background Liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for end-stage hepatic diseases. The most important factor responsible for the success of the transplant is the size of the graft and the remnant liver volume in the donor. A small graft may not meet the metabolic demands of the recipient resulting in impaired liver functions such as hyperbilirubinemia, prolonged prothrombin time (PT), ascites and portal hypertension. Patient and Methods This comparative study was conducted on manual contrast enhanced hepatic CT scans of 40 potential living liver donors (29) male and (11) female Age range from (18 to 50 ) in Ain shams specialized hospital and some private centers during the period from May 2021 till July 2022. The potential donors were investigated using 16 channel multi-detector row CT scanner (Alexion; Toshiba medical systems). All potential donors underwent 1st step laboratory investigations to enter the 2nd step investigations for living donor liver transplantation operations. All potential donors were of average weight and physically fit for operation with no history of any medical diseases. Results We correlated the results of CT volumetry of right lobe graft weight with the intra-operative weight of liver graft in patients undergoing Living Donor Liver Transplantation(LDLT). CT Volumetry is an efficient and a reliable tool for assessing potential donors undergoing liver transplant, and this information is essential for donor selection and pre operative surgical planning as well as it ensure that the liver remnant volume is at least 30 % which guarantee the safety of the donor. Conclusion The size of the right lobe graft for LDLT can be precisely calculated from pre-operative CT Volumetry with confidence and accuracy up to 95%.

Central Hepatectomy versus Major Hepatectomy for Patients with Centrally Located Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth-most common cancer globally and the third highest cause of cancer-related death exceeded only by cancers of the lung and stomach. It is estimated that 782,000 new cases are diagnosed with HCC annually and 600,000 die of this tumor globally each year. Therapeutic treatment modalities are available for patients with local disease including ablation, liver resection, and liver transplantation (LT). However, for those with respectable tumor and without an underlying liver disease, liver resection offers the best treatment. Aim of the Work The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the short- and long- term outcomes including overall survival, recurrence rate and complications between patients treated with CH and patients treated with hemi-/extended hepatectomy for those with centrally located HCC. Patients and Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed / MEDLINE, Scopes, Web of science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for data from inception to 1 April, 2022 with the following terms: major hepatectomy and Mesohepatectomy or central Hepatectomy and hepatocellular carcinoma. More searches by Google Scholar have been used to supplement the search with the sites mentioned above. according to the eligibility process. Abstract-based eligibility studies were obtained, and the manuscripts were fully reviewed. Report bibliographies that meet the eligibility criteria were reviewed for further studies. Results Our meta-analysis showed that the overall incidence of complications was comparable between the two modalities. However, on one hand, the incidence of post-operative liver cell failure was significantly higher in those who underwent major hepatectomy. This could be attributed to the fact that major hepatectomy is associated with the removal of 60–85% of liver parenchyma.6,7 On the other hand, a higher incidence of biliary fistula was detected for those who underwent central hepatectomy. Conclusion This study showed no significant difference in the short and long term survival and recurrence between CH and MH for CL-HCC. However, CH is associated with greater future remnant liver volume that decrease the incidence of LCF and provides more opportunities for a repeat hepatectomy after tumor recurrence.

Is conventional functional liver remnant volume higher than 40% still sufficient to prevent post-hepatectomy liver failure in jaundiced patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma? A single-center experience in China.

Our study aims to evaluate the predictive accuracy of functional liver remnant volume (FLRV) in post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) among surgically-treated jaundiced patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA). We retrospectively reviewed surgically-treated jaundiced patients with HCCA between June, 2000 and June, 2018. The correlation between FRLV and PHLF were analyzed. The optimal cut off value of FLRV in jaundiced HCCA patients was also identified and its impact was furtherly evaluated. A total of 224 jaundiced HCCA patients who received a standard curative resection (43 patients developed PHLF) were identified. Patients with PHLF shared more aggressive clinic-pathological features and were generally in a more advanced stage than those without PHLF. An obvious inconsistent distribution of FLRV in patients with PHLF and those without PHLF were detected. FLRV (continuous data) had a high predictive accuracy in PHLF. The newly-acquired cut off value (FLRV = 53.5%, sensitivity = 81.22%, specificity = 81.4%) showed a significantly higher predictive accuracy than conventional FLRV cut off value (AUC: 0.81 vs. 0.60, p < 0.05). Moreover, patients with FLRV lower than 53.5% also shared a significantly higher major morbidity rate as well as a worse prognosis, which were not detected for FLRV of 40%. For jaundiced patients with HCCA, a modified FLRV of 53.5% is recommended due to its great impact on PHLF, as well as its correlation with postoperative major morbidities as well as overall prognosis, which might help clinicians to stratify patients with different therapeutic regimes and outcomes. Future multi-center studies for training and validation are required for further validation.

A novel surgical scheme for hepatectomy in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with clinically significant portal hypertension

ObjectiveClinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) seriously affects the feasibility and safety of surgical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The aim of this study was to establish a new surgical scheme defining risk classification of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) to facilitate the surgical decision-making and identify suitable candidates for individual hepatectomy among HCC patients with CSPH.BackgroundsHepatectomy is the preferred treatment for HCC. Surgeons must maintain a balance between the expected oncological outcomes of HCC removal and short-term risks of severe PHLF and morbidity. CSPH aggravates liver decompensation and increases the risk of severe PHLF thus complicating hepatectomy for HCC.MethodsMultivariate logistic regression and stochastic forest algorithm were performed, then the independent risk factors of severe PHLF were included in a nomogram to determine the risk of severe PHLF. Further, a conditional inference tree (CTREE) through recursive partitioning analysis validated supplement the misdiagnostic threshold of the nomogram.ResultsThis study included 924 patients, of whom 137 patients (14.8%) suffered from mild-CSPH and 66 patients suffered from (7.1%) with severe-CSPH confirmed preoperatively. Our data showed that preoperative prolonged prothrombin time, total bilirubin, indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min, CSPH grade, and standard future liver remnant volume were independent predictors of severe PHLF. By incorporating these factors, the nomogram achieved good prediction performance in assessing severe PHLF risk, and its concordance statistic was 0.891, 0.850 and 0.872 in the training cohort, internal validation cohort and external validation cohort, respectively, and good calibration curves were obtained. Moreover, the calculations of total points of diagnostic errors with 95% CI were concentrated in 110.5 (range 76.9-178.5). It showed a low risk of severe PHLF (2.3%), indicating hepatectomy is feasible when the points fall below 76.9, while the risk of severe PHLF is extremely high (93.8%) and hepatectomy should be rigorously restricted at scores over 178.5. Patients with points within the misdiagnosis threshold were further examined using CTREE according to a hierarchic order of factors represented by the presence of CSPH grade, ICG-R15, and sFLR.ConclusionThis new surgical scheme established in our study is practical to stratify risk classification in assessing severe PHLF, thereby facilitating surgical decision-making and identifying suitable candidates for individual hepatectomy.

Predictability of combining Technetium-99m-galactosyl human serum albumin single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography and indocyanine green clearance test for posthepatectomy liver failure

PurposeTo evaluate the predictive ability of combining Technetium-99m-galactosyl human serum albumin (99mTc‑GSA) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) volume and plasma clearance rate of indocyanine green (ICGK) for posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF).Materials and methodsFifty patients who underwent 99mTc-GSA scintigraphy as a preoperative examination for segmentectomy or more from July 2021 to June 2023 were evaluated prospectively. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). Total functional liver volume (t-FLV) and remnant FLV (r-FLV) were measured from 99mTc-GSA SPECT/CT image. Future liver remnant ICGK (ICGK-F) was calculated by ICGK and remnant liver volume from CT. Area under the curve (AUC) of ICGK-F, r-FLV, r-FLV/t-FLV, ICGK × r-FLV, ICGK × r-FLV/t-FLV was calculated to evaluate predictive ability of each parameter for PHLF.ResultsPHLF was occurred in 7 patients. AUC of ICGK × r-FLV was significantly higher than that of ICGK-F (0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96–1 vs 0.82; 95%CI: 0.64–0.96; p = 0.036). There was no significant difference between the AUC of r-FLV, r-FLV/t-FLV, ICGK × r-FLV/t-FLV and that of ICGK-F, respectively.ConclusionThe combination of 99mTc‑GSA SPECT/CT volume and ICGK can predict PHLF more accurately than ICGK-F.

Impact of major hepatectomy on recurrence after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma at CNLC Ib stage: a propensity score matching study.

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who undergo curative hepatectomy may experience varying remnant liver volumes. Our study aimed to evaluate whether the extent of liver resection has an effect on postoperative recurrence in HCC patients at China Liver Cancer Staging (CNLC) Ib stage. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 197 patients who underwent hepatectomy for a solitary HCC lesion measuring ≥5cm (CNLC Ιb stage) between January 2019 and June 2022. Patients were divided into major hepatectomy (MAH) group (n=70) and minor hepatectomy (MIH) group (n=127) based on the extent of liver resection. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was compared between the two groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to minimize bias in the retrospective analysis. Patients who underwent MAH had a greater total complication rate than did those who underwent MIH (35.7% vs. 11.8%, P<0.001). The median RFS was 14.6 months (95% CI: 11.1-18.1) for MAH group and 24.1 months (95% CI 21.2-27.1) for MIH group (P<0.001). After PSM, patients who underwent MAH still had a greater total complication rate than those who underwent MIH (36.7% vs. 16.3%, P=0.037). The median RFS was 13.2 months (95% CI: 15.1-21.7) for MAH group and 22.3 months (95% CI 18.1-26.5) for MIH group (P=0.0013). The Cox regression model identified MAH as an independent poor predictor for HCC recurrence (hazard ratios of 1.826 and 2.062 before and after PSM, respectively; both P<0.05). MIH can be performed with fewer postoperative complications and contributes to improved RFS in patients with HCC at CNLC Ιb stage compared to MAH. Parenchyma-sparing resection should be considered the first choice for these HCCs.

Effect of Portal Vein Types on Estimated Remnant Volume in Living Donor: Preoperative CT Assessment.

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of portal vein types on the ratio of the right-left lobe liver volumes, as well as the insufficient estimated remnant liver volume (ERLV) during the preoperative assessment of donor candidates for right-lobe liver transplantation. The preoperative abdominal CT examinations of the donor candidates in a single institution between December 2018 and May 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. Portal vein types are divided into 3; classical anatomy was considered type 1, PV trifuction was considered type 2, and if the first branch arising from the main portal vein is the right posterior branch, it was accepted as type 3. Other configurations were defined as type 4. The total, right-left lobe liver volumes, the ERLV, and the portal vein variations were noted. The chi-square test was performed to assess the correlation between portal vein types, the ratio of the right-left lobe volumes, andthe ERLV ratio below 30%. Tamhane's T2 post hoc tests were performed for pairwise comparison to assess the right-left lobe volume ratio among groups. 287 donor candidates (mean age, 35years ± 8.2; 174 men) were evaluated. The volume ratio of median volume of the right and left lobe was significantly higher in candidates with type 3 portal veins compared to those with type 1 portal veins (2 (1.3-3.5) and 2.1 (1.6-3.2), respectively, p = 0.017). The ERLV ratio below 30% was significantly higher in donor candidates with type 3 portal veins (42.9%) compared to those with type 1 and 2 portal veins (24.6%, 20%)) respectively, p = 0.030). Due to its propensity to result in insufficient ERLV in the donor, the presence of a type 3 portal vein should be evaluated during the preoperative evaluation. Secondary abstract: This study suggests that donor candidates with type 3 portal vein exhibit a notable rise in the frequency of insufficient remnant liver volume during the preoperative assessment.

Partial liver resection alters the bile salt-FGF19 axis in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: Implications for liver regeneration.

Extended liver resection is the only treatment option for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA). Bile salts and the gut hormone FGF19, both promoters of liver regeneration (LR), have not been investigated in patients undergoing resection for pCCA. We aimed to evaluate the bile salt-FGF19 axis perioperatively in pCCA and study its effects on LR. Plasma bile salts, FGF19, and C4 (bile salt synthesis marker) were assessed in patients with pCCA and controls (colorectal liver metastases), before and after resection on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, and 7. Hepatic bile salts were determined in intraoperative liver biopsies. Partial liver resection in pCCA elicited a sharp decline in bile salt and FGF19 plasma levels on POD 1 and remained low thereafter, unlike in controls, where bile salts rose gradually. Preoperatively, suppressed C4 in pCCA normalized postoperatively to levels similar to those in the controls. The remnant liver volume and postoperative bilirubin levels were negatively associated with postoperative C4 levels. Furthermore, patients who developed postoperative liver failure had nearly undetectable C4 levels on POD 7. Hepatic bile salts strongly predicted hyperbilirubinemia on POD 7 in both groups. Finally, postoperative bile salt levels on day 7 were an independent predictor of LR. Partial liver resection alters the bile salt-FGF19 axis, but its derailment is unrelated to LR in pCCA. Postoperative monitoring of circulating bile salts and their production may be useful for monitoring LR.