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BACKGROUND Surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) represent two possible strategy in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Milan criteria. AIM To evaluate short- A nd long-term outcome in elderly patients (70 years) with HCC in Milan criteria, which underwent liver resection (LR) or RFA. METHODS The study included 594 patients with HCC in Milan criteria (429 in LR group and 165 in RFA group) managed in 10 European centers. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method before and after propensity score matching (PSM) and Cox regression. RESULTS After PSM, we compared 136 patients in the LR group with 136 patients in the RFA group. Overall survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 91%, 80%, and 76% in the LR group and 97%, 67%, and 41% in the RFA group respectively (P = 0.001). Diseasefree survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 84%, 60% and 44% for the LR group, and 63%, 36%, and 25% for the RFA group (P = 0.001).Postoperative Clavien-Dindo IIIIV complications were lower in the RFA group (1% vs 11%, P = 0.001) in association with a shorter length of stay (2 d vs 7 d, P = 0.001).In multivariate analysis, Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (10) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.89], increased value of international normalized ratio (1.3) (OR = 1.60), treatment with radiofrequency (OR = 1.46) ,and multiple nodules (OR = 1.19) were independent predictors of a poor overall survival while a high MELD score (10) (OR = 1.51) and radiofrequency (OR = 1.37) were independent factors associated with a higher recurrence rate. CONCLUSION Despite a longer length of stay and a higher rate of severe postoperative complications, surgery provided better results in long-term oncological outcomes as compared to ablation in elderly patients (70 years) with HCC in Milan criteria. © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.

Robotic approach to the liver may allow to perform difficult resections with a minimally invasive strategy in an easier way as compared to standard laparoscopy. The aim of this study is to review our experience with robotic major hepatectomies, reporting technical considerations, and describing the outcomes of patients that underwent either left (LRH) or right robotic hepatectomy (RRH). Our prospectively maintained database was screened to identify all patients that received a major liver resection for benign or malignant disease. Preoperative data and postoperative short-term and long-term outcomes were reported. 261 robotic procedures were performed in our Center between May 2014 and October 2020. 12 patients underwent robotic left hepatectomy (RLH) and 10 patients were treated by robotic right hepatectomy (RRH). In the RLH group, median operative time (OT) was 383 min, median estimated blood loss (EBL) was 300 ml, and median in-hospital stay was of 3 days. In the RRH group, median OT was 490 min, median EBL 725 ml, and median hospital stay was 5 days. Although one of the advantages of minimally invasive surgery is to obtain radical resections with parenchyma sparing strategies, patients that need a major hepatectomy may benefit of a robotic resection with good postoperative outcomes. Team learning curve and growth instead of personal progression is crucial to expand the limits of novel surgical techniques.

Background Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) represented potential treatments for patients with a single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) smaller than 3 cm. As the aging population soared, our study aimed to examine the advantage/drawback balance for these treatments, which should be reassessed in elderly patients. Methods A multicentric retrospective study compared 184 elderly patients (aged >70 years) (86 patients underwent LLR and 98 had RFA) with single ≤3 cm HCC, observed from January 2009 to January 2019. Results After propensity score matching (PSM), the estimated 1- and 3-year overall survival rates were 96.5 and 87.9% for the LLR group, and 94.6 and 68.1% for the RFA group (p = 0.001) respectively. The estimated 1- and 3-year disease-free survival rates were 92.5 and 67.4% for the LLR group, and 68.5 and 36.9% for the RFA group (p = 0.001). Patients with HCC of anterolateral segments were more often treated with laparoscopic resection (47 vs. 36, p = 0.04). The median operative time in the resection group was 205 min and 25 min in the RFA group (p = 0.01). Length of hospital stay was 5 days in the resection group and 3 days in the RFA group (p = 0.03). Conclusion Despite a longer length of hospital stay and operative time, LLR guarantees a comparable postoperative course and a better overall and disease-free survival in elderly patients with single HCC (≤3 cm), located in anterolateral segments.

Background. While laparoscopy is currently adopted for hepatic resections, robotic approaches to the liver have not gained wide acceptance. We decided to analyze the learning curve in the field of robotic liver surgery comparing short-term outcomes between the first and the second half of our series. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed demographics and clinical data of patients who underwent robotic liver resection at our institution from July 2014 through September 2017. 60 patients diagnosed with primary or secondary liver neoplasms or hydatid disease were included in this study. ASA PS >3, heart failure, respiratory insufficiency, and general contraindication to pneumoperitoneum were exclusion criteria. Results. 60 patients were included. We observed a statistically significant decrease in operative time (p Discussion. This is the first European analysis of the learning curve for robotic liver resection in an HPB and liver transplant referral center. However, more studies are needed to confirm such results outside a HPB referral center. This is crucial to develop formal credentialing protocols for both junior and senior surgeons.

Background: Surgical resection is a first-line curative option for hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role is still unclear in elderly patients. The aim of our study was to compare short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic and open liver resection in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: The study included 665 consecutive hepatocellular carcinoma liver resection cases in patients with ≥70 years of age treated in eight European hospital centres. Patients were divided into laparoscopic and open liver resection groups. Perioperative and long-term outcomes were compared between these groups. Results: After a 1:1 propensity score matching, 219 patients were included in each group. Clavien-Dindo grades III/IV (6 vs. 20%, p = 0.04) were lower in the laparoscopic than in the open matched group. Hospital stay was shorter in the laparoscopic than in the open matched group (5 vs. 7 days, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between laparoscopic and open groups regarding overall survival and disease-free survival at 1-, 3- and 5- year periods. Conclusion: Laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with good short-term outcomes in patients with ≥70 years of age compared to open liver resection. Laparoscopic liver resection is safe and feasible in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been increasingly used in the treatment of gastric cancer (GC). Laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) has shown several advantages over open surgery in dealing with GC, although it is still considered a demanding procedure. Robotic gastrectomy (RG) is now being employed with increased frequency worldwide and has been reported to overcome some limitations of conventional LG. The aim of this updated meta-analysis is to compare surgical and oncological outcomes of RG versus LG for gastric cancer.A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using the PubMed, MEDLINE and Cochrane library database of published studies comparing RG and LG up to March 2020. The evaluated end-points were intra-operative, post-operative and oncological outcomes. Dichotomous data were calculated by odds ratio (OR) and continuous data were calculated by mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and a random-effect model was always applied.Forty retrospective studies describing 17,712 patients met the inclusion criteria. With respect to surgical outcomes, robotic compared with laparoscopic gastrectomy was associated with higher operating time [MD 44.73, (95%CI 36.01, 53.45) p 0.00001] and less intraoperative blood loss [MD -18.24, (95%CI -25.21, -11.26) p 0.00001] and lower rate of surgical complication in terms of Dindo-Clavien ≥ 3 classification [OR 0.66, (95%CI 0.49, 0.88) p = 0.005]. With respect to oncological outcomes, the RG group showed a significantly increased mean number of retrieved lymph nodes [MD 1.84, (95%CI 0.84, 2.84) p = 0.0003], but mean proximal and distal resection margin distance and the recurrence rate were not significantly different between the two approaches.With respect to safety, technical feasibility and oncological adequacy, robotic and laparoscopic groups were comparable, although the robotic approach seems to achieve better short-term surgical outcomes. Moreover, a higher rate of retrieved lymph nodes was observed in the RG group.

Background The associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) technique can induce a greater degree of hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (FLR) in a shorter time compared with other procedures. A robotic approach may reduce the complication rate, increasing the ability to perform classic ALPPS. Methods We report technical and clinical considerations on the first full robotic ALPPS (stages 1 and 2) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein intrahepatic tumor thrombus. Results The patient was a 38-year-old man with Milan-out HCC and FLR volume of 19.6%. On postoperative day (POD) 8, FLR increased to 37%; therefore, he underwent completion of ALPPS on POD 10. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged in good general conditions on POD 3. Conclusion Robotic ALPPS is safe and feasible for selected patients with initially unresectable HCC or requiring extended resections, with good postoperative outcomes.

Background: Considering the increase in overall life expectancy and the rising incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), more elderly patients are considered for hepatic resection. Traditionally, major hepatectomy has not been proposed to the elderly due to severe comorbidities. Indeed, only a few case series are reported in the literature. The present study aimed to compare short-term and long-term outcomes between laparoscopic major hepatectomy (LMH) and open major hepatectomy (OMH) in elderly patients with HCC using propensity score matching (PSM). Methods: We performed a multicentric retrospective study including 184 consecutive cases of HCC major liver resection in patients aged ≥ 70years in _8 European Hospital Centers. Patients were divided into LMH and OMH groups, and perioperative and long-term outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. Results: After propensity score matching, 122 patients were enrolled, 38 in the LMH group and 84 in the OMH group. Postoperative overall complications were lower in the LMH than in the OMH group (18 vs. 46%, p < 0.001). Hospital stay was shorter in the LMH group than in the OMH group (5 vs. 7days, p = 0.01). Mortality at 90days was comparable between the two groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) at 1, 3, and 5years. Conclusion: LMH for HCC is associated with appropriate short-term outcomes in patients aged ≥ 70years as compared to OMH. LMH is safe and feasible in elderly patients with HCC.

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has gained increasing acceptance for surgical treatment of malignant and benign liver tumors. LLR for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is not commonly performed because of the concern for the frequent need for major hepatectomy, vascular-biliary reconstructions, and lymph node dissection (LND). The aim of this present meta-analysis is to compare surgical and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic (LLR) versus open liver resection (OLR) for ICC. A systematic review was conducted using the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane library database of published studies comparing LLR and OLR up to October 2019. Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility and quality of the studies. Dichotomous data were calculated by odds ratio (OR), and continuous data were calculated by mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Four retrospective observational studies describing 204 patients met the inclusion criteria. With respect to surgical outcomes, laparoscopic compared with open liver resection was associated with lower blood loss [MD − 173.86, (95% CI − 254.82, −92.91) p

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a leading cause of death in patients with cirrhosis. This review attempts to clarify the role of robotic surgery for HCC in terms of oncologic outcomes. Materials and methods A systematic literature search was performed according to the PRISMA statement including papers comparing open, robotic, and laparoscopic approach for liver surgery. If more than one study was reported by the same institute, only the most recent or the highest quality study was included. Results The literature search yielded 302 articles; titles and abstracts were reviewed for inclusion. Ten papers were finally included in this review for a total of 307 patients who underwent robotic resection for HCC. Conclusions Robotic liver resection for HCC is effective in terms of oncological results as compared with open and laparoscopic approach when performed in experienced centers and is accurate in terms of R0 rates and disease-free surgical margin.

Human echinococcosis is among the 17 neglected tropical diseases recognized by the World Health Organization. It is responsible for over $3 billion of health costs every year being endemic in large areas worldwide, and liver is affected in 70% of the cases. Surgery associated to medical treatment is the gold standard and robotic approach may be a valuable tool to achieve safe, parenchyma sparing resections. We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of patients that underwent robotic radical surgical treatment for hydatid liver disease, from prospectively maintained databases of three Italian centers. 15 patients were included in this study, median age 51 years (24–76). 1 right hepatectomy, 2 left lateral sectionectomies, 5 segmentectomies (including 1 caudatectomy), 3 wedge resections and 5 cyst-pericystectomies were performed. Median estimated blood loss was of 100 ml (50–550 ml), and median operative time including docking was 210 min (95–590 min), with no need for conversion to open. Median hospital stay was 4 days, with only one readmission for fever. Only one patient experienced recurrence in a different liver segment. In our experience, robotic approach for cystic echinococcosis of the liver proved to be a safe and effective strategy also in the so-called “difficult segments”, with short post-operative stay and quick return to daily activities, along with the absence of surgical site recurrences. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest report of robotic approach to hydatid liver disease.

Introduction The use of grafts from donation after circulatory death (DCD) is an important additional source to implement within the donor pool. We herein report the outcomes of our early experience with DCD grafts for liver transplantation (LT). Methods Ten patients successfully underwent LT with grafts from DCD donors between August 2017 and January 2019 at the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit of University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. All donors underwent normothermic regional perfusion after death declaration and, after the procurement, all the suitable grafts underwent ex situ hypothermic perfusion prior to transplantation. Results Mean postoperative hospital stay after transplant was 12.7 days (range, 5-26), and in 5 cases we placed a biliary drainage (Kehr tube) during surgery. Primary graft nonfunction did not occur after LT in this cohort, although, we registered one case of biliary anastomosis stricture that was managed endoscopically by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. All patients are alive and none required retransplantation. Conclusions In our experience with controlled DCD donors, the demonstration of: (1) a negative trend of lactate during normothermic regional perfusion; (2) an aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase level lower than 2000 mU/dL; and (3) less than 1 hour of functional warm ischemia time along with no signs of microscopic or macroscopic ischemia of the grafts, are related to positive outcomes in the first year after transplant. A DCD risk score based on Italian population characteristics and regulations on death observation may improve donor-recipient match and avoid futile transplants.

Background Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive malignancy of the biliary tract that is a challenging issue for the medical community, with increasing incidence. Risk factors for CCA are similar to those known for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), such as cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B and C, obesity, diabetes, and alcohol. We describe the outcome and the management of patients who underwent liver transplantation (LT) with an incidental diagnosis of intrahepatic (iCCA) or hepatocholangiocarcinoma (CHC). Methods From 2000 to May 2015, 655 LT were performed LT at the Liver Transplant Center in Modena, Italy. We retrospectively reviewed the pathological data of the explanted livers, finding 5 cases of iCCA or CHC. The pathological examination of the explanted livers showed 1 case of iCCA; 1 case of multifocal HCC associated with a nodule of iCCA; 2 cases of CHC associated with nodules of HCC; and 1 case of CHC associated with iCCA. Mean disease-free survival (DFS) was 15.49 months (1.55–42.04) and mean overall survival (OS) was 24.76 months (3.91–75.49). All patients died of recurrent tumor progression. Results iCCA incidental finding after LT affects patient outcomes, massively causing OS and DFS reduction. We stress the necessity of a more accurate selection of the candidates whenever an augmented risk of iCCA or CHC is present. Conclusions Further investigations are required to better understand the role of LT in these patients and to define the best management for them once they have been transplanted and the histological examination reveals the presence of iCCA or CHC.

Background Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been recognized as a valid method of temporary abdominal closure. The role of open abdomen (OA) in the management of abdominal sepsis has been a controversial issue. Recent experimental and clinical studies have indicated that vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) is associated with superior outcomes in the treatment of OA conditions, but sufficient proof of efficacy and effectiveness is lacking. Methods We enrolled in this observational study all patients who had undergone liver transplantation (LT) for all causes between 2007 and 2014 in whom we needed to use VAC therapy, describing the pathology that led to the complication, length of hospitalization, graft survival, microbial identifications, and causes of death. Results We enrolled 11 patients—6 men (55%) and 5 women (45%), from 41.92 to 64.96 years old (mean, 57.62 ± 6.56 years) —who went to LT for different pathologies. The mean hospital stay was 56.72 ± 36.40 days (range, 8–133 days). Graft survival was 35.65 ± 31.61 months (range, 1.51–89.19 months). Six of 11 patients died (55%) of different causes; in particular, 4 patients died 1 to 3 months after the procedures that led to the condition of OA for septic shock and subsequent multi-organ failure. Conclusions Complications related to the use of NPWT, such as painful management and bleeding, are rare and mild when the device is used properly. Although studies are needed to verify the real cost/benefit ratio in this application of VAC therapy, we consider it a useful means to treat the OA condition.

Mucormycosis is an uncommonly encountered fungal infection in solid organ transplantation. The infection is severe and often results in a fatal outcome. The most common presentations are rhino-sino-orbital and pulmonary disease. We describe a rare case of gastric mucormycosis in a patient with a combined liver-kidney transplant affected by glycogen storage disease type Ia. A 42-year-old female patient presented with gastric pain and melena 26 days after transplantation. Evaluation with upper endoscopy showed two bleeding gastric ulcers. Histological examination of gastric specimens revealed fungal hyphae with evidence of Mucormycetes at subsequent molecular analysis. Immunosuppressive therapy was reduced and antifungal therapy consisting of liposomal amphotericin B and posaconazole was promptly introduced. Gastrointestinal side effects of posaconazole and acute T-cell rejection of renal graft complicated management of the case. A prolonged course of daily injections of amphotericin B together with a slight increase of immunosuppression favored successful treatment of mucormycosis as well as of graft rejection. At 2-year follow-up, the woman was found to have maintained normal renal and liver function. We conclude that judicious personalization of antimicrobial and antirejection therapy should be considered to resolve every life-threatening case of mucormycosis in solid organ transplantation.

Hepatocellular carcinoma has a growing incidence worldwide, and represents a leading cause of death in patients with cirrhosis. Nowadays, minimally invasive approaches are spreading in every field of surgery and in liver surgery as well.We retrospectively reviewed demographics, clinical, and pathologic characteristics and short-term outcomes of patients who had undergone minimally invasive resections for hepatocellular carcinoma at our institution between June 2012 and May 2016.No significant differences in demographics and comorbidities were found between patients in the laparoscopic (n = 24) and robotic (n = 22) groups, except for the rates of cirrhotic patients (91.7% and 68.2%, respectively, P = 0.046). Perioperative data analysis showed that the operative time (mean, 211 and 318 min, respectively, P 0.001) was the only parameter in favor of laparoscopy. Conversely, robotic-assisted resections were related to less Clavien I-II postoperative complications (22 cases versus 13 cases; P = 0.03). As regards resection margins, the two groups were similar with no statistically significant differences in rates of disease-free resection margins.A modern hepatobiliary center should offer both open and minimally invasive approaches to liver disease to provide the best care for each patient, according to the individual comorbidities, risk factors, and personal quality of life expectations. Our results show that the robotic approach is a reliable tool for accurate oncologic surgery, comparable to the laparoscopic approach. Robotic surgery also allows the surgeon to safely approach liver segments that are difficult to resect in laparoscopy, namely segments I-VII-VIII.

Background According to the current literature, biliary lithiasis is a worldwide-diffused condition that affects almost 20% of the general population. The rate of common bile duct stones (CBDS) in patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis is estimated to be 10% to 33%, depending on patient's age. Compared to stones in the gallbladder, the natural history of secondary CBDS is still not completely understood. It is not clear whether an asymptomatic choledocholithiasis requires treatment or not. For many years, open cholecystectomy with choledochotomy and/or surgical sphincterotomy and cleaning of the bile duct were the gold standard to treat both pathologies. Development of both endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and laparoscopic surgery, together with improvements in diagnostic procedures, influenced new approaches to the management of CBDS in association with gallstones. Data sources We decided to systematically review the literature in order to identify all the current therapeutic options for CBDS. A systematic literature search was performed independently by two authors using PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library Central. Results The therapeutic approach nowadays varies greatly according to the availability of experience and expertise in each center, and includes open or laparoscopic common bile duct exploration, various combinations of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and ERCP and combined laparoendoscopic rendezvous. Conclusions Although ERCP followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy is currently preferred in the majority of hospitals worldwide, the optimal treatment for concomitant gallstones and CBDS is still under debate, and greatly varies among different centers.