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Background: Several registries focus on patients undergoing minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS). This study compared transatlantic registries focusing on the variables collected and differences in baseline characteristics, indications, and treatment in patients undergoing MILS. Furthermore, key variables were identified., Methods: The five registries for liver surgery from North America (ACS-NSQIP), Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, and Europe were compared. A set of key variables were established by consensus expert opinion and compared between the registries. Anonymized data of all MILS procedures were collected (January 2014-December 2019). To summarize differences for all patient characteristics, treatment, and outcome, the relative and absolute largest differences (RLD, ALD) between the smallest and largest outcome per variable among the registries are presented., Results: In total, 13,571 patients after MILS were included. Both 30- and 90-day mortality after MILS were below 1.1% in all registries. The largest differences in baseline characteristics were seen in ASA grade 3-4 (RLD 3.0, ALD 46.1%) and the presence of liver cirrhosis (RLD 6.4, ALD 21.2%). The largest difference in treatment was the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (RLD 4.3, ALD 20.6%). The number of variables collected per registry varied from 28 to 303. From the 46 key variables, 34 were missing in at least one of the registries., Conclusion: Despite considerable variation in baseline characteristics, indications, and treatment of patients undergoing MILS in the five transatlantic registries, overall mortality after MILS was consistently below 1.1%. The registries should be harmonized to facilitate future collaborative research on MILS for which the identified 46 key variables will be instrumental., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Laparoscopic redo resections for colorectal metastases are poorly investigated. This study aims to explore long-term results after second, third, and fourth resections., Material and Methods: Prospectively updated databases of primary and redo laparoscopic liver resections in six European HPB centers were analyzed. Procedure-related overall survival after first, second, third, and fourth resections were evaluated. Furthermore, patients without liver recurrence after first liver resection were compared to those with one redo, two or three redo, and patients with palliative treatment for liver recurrence after first laparoscopic liver surgery. Survival was calculated both from the date of the first liver resection and from the date of the actual liver resection. In total, 837 laparoscopic primary and redo liver resections performed in 762 patients were included (630 primary, 172 first redo, 29 second redo, and 6 third redo). Patients were bunched into four groups: Group 1-without hepatic recurrence after primary liver resection (n = 441); Group 2-with liver recurrence who underwent only one laparoscopic redo resection (n = 154); Group 3-with liver recurrence who underwent two laparoscopic redo resections (n = 29); Group 4-with liver recurrence who have not been found suitable for redo resections (n = 138)., Results: No significant difference has been found between the groups in terms of baseline characteristics and surgical outcomes. Rate of positive resection margin was higher in the group with palliative recurrence (group 4). Five-year survival calculated from the first liver resection was 67%, 62%, 84%, and 7% for group 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Procedure-specific 5-year overall survival was 50% after primary laparoscopic liver resection, 52% after the 1st reoperation, 52% after the 2nd, and 40% after the 3rd reoperation made laparoscopic., Conclusions: Multiple redo recurrences can be performed laparoscopically with good long-term results. Liver recurrence does not aggravate prognosis as long as the patient is suitable for reoperation., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

At the time of diagnosis synchronous colorectal cancer, liver metastases (SCRLM) account for 15-25% of patients. If primary tumour and synchronous liver metastases are resectable, good results may be achieved performing surgical treatment incorporated into the chemotherapy regimen. So far, the possibility of simultaneous minimally invasive (MI) surgery for SCRLM has not been extensively investigated. The Italian surgical community has captured the need and undertaken the effort to establish a National Consensus on this topic. Four main areas of interest have been analysed: patients' selection, procedures, techniques, and implementations. To establish consensus, an adapted Delphi method was used through as many reiterative rounds were needed. Systematic literature reviews were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses instructions. The Consensus took place between February 2019 and July 2020. Twenty-six Italian centres participated. Eighteen clinically relevant items were identified. After a total of three Delphi rounds, 30-tree recommendations reached expert consensus establishing the herein presented guidelines. The Italian Consensus on MI surgery for SCRLM indicates possible pathways to optimise the treatment for these patients as consensus papers express a trend that is likely to become shortly a standard procedure for clinical pictures still on debate. As matter of fact, no RCT or relevant case series on simultaneous treatment of SCRLM are available in the literature to suggest guidelines. It remains to be investigated whether the MI technique for the simultaneous treatment of SCRLM maintain the already documented benefit of the two separate surgeries., (© 2021. Italian Society of Surgery (SIC).)

Background: Increased expertise with minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) could cause an unjustified extension of indications to resect liver benign disease (BD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the operative risk of MILS for BD and if implementation and diffusion of MILS have widened indications for BD resection., Methods: A prospective study including centers with > 6 MILS for BD, enrolled in the I Go MILS registry from January 2015 to October 2016. Cysts fenestrations were excluded., Results: Eight hundred eighteen MILS were performed in 15 centers. One hundred seventy-three of these (21.1%) were for BD: conversion rate was 6.9%, postoperative mortality and morbidity rates were 0 and 13.9%. During the same period, 3713 liver resections (open + MILS) were performed and 407 (11.0%) were for BD. A time-trend analysis showed that the total number of MILS and the number of MILS for malignant disease significantly increased, but this increasing trend was not documented for the number of MILS for BD, which remained stable during the study period of time. This trend was confirmed for the overall rate of resected BD (open + MILS) that remained stable., Discussion: BD represents a valid indication for MILS. For BD, 21.1% of MILS was performed, rate significantly lower than that previously reported in Italy. Although an evident growth of the use of MILS was observed during the time period analysis in Italy, this trend did not correspond to an increased number of MILS for BD, and the overall rate of resected BD was comparable to that reported in previous large open series.

Background: In the absence of randomized controlled data and even propensity-matched data, indications for, and outcomes of, laparoscopic repeat liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain uncertain. This study aimed to clarify the current indications for laparoscopic repeat liver resection for HCC, and to evaluate outcomes., Methods: Forty-two liver surgery centres around the world registered patients who underwent repeat liver resection for HCC. Patient characteristics, preoperative liver function, tumour characteristics, surgical method, and short- and long-term outcomes were recorded., Results: Analyses showed that the laparoscopic procedure was generally used in patients with relatively poor performance status and liver function, but favourable tumour characteristics. Intraoperative blood loss (mean(s.d.) 254(551) versus 748(1128) ml; P < 0·001), duration of operation (248(156) versus 285(167) min; P < 0·001), morbidity (12·7 versus 18·1 per cent; P = 0·006) and duration of postoperative hospital stay (10·1(14·3) versus 11·8(11·8) days; P = 0·013) were significantly reduced for laparoscopic compared with open procedures, whereas survival time was comparable (median 10·04 versus 8·94 years; P = 0·297). Propensity score matching showed that laparoscopic repeat liver resection for HCC resulted in less intraoperative blood loss (268(730) versus 497(784) ml; P = 0·001) and a longer operation time (272(187) versus 232(129); P = 0·007) than the open approach, and similar survival time (12·55 versus 8·94 years; P = 0·086)., Conclusion: Laparoscopic repeat liver resection is feasible in selected patients with recurrent HCC., (© 2020 BJS Society Ltd Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Evidence on the value of laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and severe cirrhosis is still lacking. The aim of this study is to assess surgical and oncological outcomes of LLR in cirrhotic HCC patients., Methods: The analysis included 403 LLR for HCC from seven European centres. 333 cirrhotic and 70 non-cirrhotic patients were compared. A matched comparison was performed between 100 Child-Pugh A and 25 Child-Pugh B patients., Results: There was no difference in blood loss (250 vs. 250 mL, p 0.465) and morbidity (28.6 vs. 26.4%, p 0.473) between cirrhotics and non-cirrhotics, and liver-specific complications were similar (12.8 vs. 12%, p 0.924). The sub-analysis revealed similar perioperative outcomes in either Child-Pugh A or B patients. Noteworthy, ascitis (11 vs. 12%, p 0.562) and liver failure (3 vs. 4%, p 0.595) were not different. ASA score (OR 1.76, p 0.034) and conversion (OR 2.99, p 0.019) were risk factors for major morbidity. Despite lower recurrence-free survival in cirrhotics (43 vs. 55 months, p 0.034), overall survival was similar to non-cirrhotic patients (84 vs. 76.5, p 0.598)., Conclusion: LLR for HCC appear equally safe in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients, and the advantages can be witnessed in those with advanced cirrhosis. Severe comorbidities and conversion should be considered risk factors for complications-rather than the severity of cirrhosis and portal hypertension-when liver resection is performed laparoscopically. Such results may be of great interest to liver surgeons and hepatologists when deciding on the management of HCC within cirrhosis.

Background: With the advance of modern laparoscopic technology, laparoscopic colorectal surgery and laparoscopic liver surgery are both worldwide accepted. Preliminary brief series have shown the feasibility of combined laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer (CRC) and synchronous colorectal liver metastases (SCRLM). We aim to report a large International multicenter series of laparoscopic simultaneous resection of CRC and SCRLM., Methods: Between 1997 and 2013, 142 laparoscopic liver resections were performed with simultaneous colorectal surgery for SCRLM. The surgical and postoperative variables evaluated were the duration of the intervention, blood loss, transfusion rate, conversion rate, resection margin, specific and overall morbidity, perioperative mortality, length of hospital stay, and survival. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed examining postoperative morbidity in the all cohort of patients., Results: The median number of liver lesions was 1 (1-9) and the median larger diameter at diagnosis was 28 (2-100) mm. The median operative time was 360 (120-690) min. Seven patients (4.9%) required conversion. The global morbidity was 31.0% and the mortality was 2.1%. After a median follow-up of 29 (1-108) months, 40 patients (28.2%) developed tumor recurrence. Curative treatment of recurrence was possible in 17 patients (12.0%), including a second liver resection in 13 patients (9.1%), which was performed by laparoscopy in 7 patients (4.9%). Overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survivals were 98.8, 82.1, and 71.9%, respectively. By multivariate analysis, ASA score≥3 [OR 13.6 (1.8-99.6); P=0.01] and operative time [OR 1.008 (1.001-1.016); P=0.03] were independent predictors of postoperative morbidity., Conclusions: Our combined data show that in experienced centers, simultaneous laparoscopic approach is technically feasible, safe, and associated with good oncological outcomes.

After an initial skepticism, minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) gained popularity and is nowadays a consolidated option in specialized centers for the surgical treatment of selected patients affected by both benign and malignant liver diseases. Nevertheless, the role of MILS in the surgical treatment of hepato-cellular carcinoma (HCC) developed on the background of chronic liver disease is still a matter of debate. The indications and the current evidences on MILS for HCC are discussed in this paper. MILS being less invasive and harmful for the patients proved to offer a reduction in post-operative morbidity and specific benefits have been highlighted in case of patients affected by HCC and chronic liver disease. In fact, by minimizing liver manipulation and mobilization and by preserving the collateral blood and lymphatic flow, MILS seems to reduce the incidence of post-operative ascites and post-operative liver failure without compromising the oncologic outcomes. This has been confirmed by an analysis of 21 comparative studies and 5 metanalyses comparing MILS and open surgery for HCC. With an adequate surgical training, MILS for HCC can be undertaken safely even in case of major hepatectomies and technically demanding operations such as resections of posteriorly located tumors proved to be feasible in specialized centers. Therefore, with an appropriate patients' selection, MILS for HCC is becoming the preferred option for the surgical treatment of HCC in cirrhotic patients.

Background and Objectives: Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) presents in young, otherwise-healthy individuals. This study examined recurrence and survival characteristics after surgical resection for FLC by utilizing an international multi-institutional database., Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing hepatectomy for FLC from six institutions (1993-2010) were reviewed retrospectively. Survival was studied with life tables and Cox regression models., Results: Thirty-five patients (13 female, 37%) were included (median age: 32 years). R0 resection was achieved in all curative-intent operations (n = 30), and palliative operations were performed for five patients. Crude 30-day morbidity and mortality rates were 22% and 3%, respectively. For curative-intent surgery, overall and recurrence-free survivals at 5 years were 62% and 45%, respectively. In patients who achieved a 4-year disease-free interval after surgery, none subsequently developed recurrence. In multivariate models, presence of extrahepatic disease was the only factor that independently predicted overall (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38-22.55, P = 0.016) and recurrence-free survival (HR: 5.64, 95% CI: 1.48-21.49, P = 0.011)., Conclusions: Patients with surgically amenable FLC had encouraging long-term survival. Recurrence-free survival to 4 years suggested possible freedom from disease thereafter. Recurrent resectable disease was associated with an excellent prognosis, and repeat surgery should be strongly considered., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Introduction: Since the inception of laparoscopic liver surgery, the left-lateral sectionectomy has become the standard of care for resection of lesions located in segments II and III. However, few centers employee laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy on a routine basis. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy as a standard of care., Methods: An international database of 1,620 laparoscopic liver resections was established and outcomes analyzed comparing the laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy (L lat) to laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy (LH). All data are presented as mean ± standard deviation., Results: A total of 222 laparoscopic L lat and 82 LH were identified. The L lat group compared with LH group had a higher incidence of cirrhosis (27 vs. 21 %; p = 0.003) and cancer (48 vs. 35 %; p = 0.043). Tumors were larger in the LH group (7.09 ± 4.2 vs. 4.89 ± 3.1 cm; p = 0.001). Operating time for LH was longer than L lat (3.9 ± 2.3 vs. 2.9 ± 1.4 h; p < 0.001). Operative blood loss was higher in LH (306 vs. 198 cc; p = 0.003). Patient morbidity (20 vs. 18 %; p = 0.765) was equivalent with a longer length of stay (7.1 ± 5.1 vs. 2.5 ± 2.3 days; p < 0.001) for LH. Patient mortality and tumor recurrence were equivalent., Conclusions: Laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy is a more technically challenging and often time-consuming procedure than a left-lateral sectionectomy. This international multi-institutional confirmed that intraoperative blood loss, complications, and conversions are more than acceptable for laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy in expert hands. Postoperative morbidity and mortality rates together with adequate surgical margins and long-term recurrence are not compromised by the laparoscopic approach.

Introduction: Single port access laparoscopic redo liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma on cirrhosis through a single transumbilical skin incision has not been reported in the literature so far., Methods: A wedge resection of segment III lesion with a laparoendoscopic single site surgical incision is described in detail analyzing the technical aspects of the procedure., Results: There were no intraoperative complications with no intraoperative or perioperative blood transfusions. A Pringle maneuver was not used. Operating time was 130 minutes. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged on the second postoperative day. The surgical resection margin was not invaded and had a width of 1.8 cm., Conclusions: In this case report, we found that liver resection performed by laparoendoscopic single site surgery for peripherally located hepatocellular carcinoma on cirrhosis seems a feasible technique. Such technique is technically demanding and should be undertaken only with proper training and in high volume centers, by surgeons with expertize in both liver and advanced laparoscopic surgery.

Background: Few data regarding survival or pattern of recurrence after laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on cirrhosis have been reported so far., Methods: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of 109 laparoscopic interventional procedures performed for HCC in cirrhotic liver between 2000 and 2008 was conducted., Results: Sixty-five patients underwent an LLR. Morbidity rates were 20% (13/65), whereas there was only 1 death (1.5%). Reoperation was required in 2 patients. The overall mean postoperative hospital stay was 8.2 (2.6; 3-15) days. The actuarial overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 95, 70, and 55%, respectively, with a median overall survival of 75 months. Excluding the one hospital death, the actuarial 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 81, 62, and 32%, respectively, with a median overall disease-free survival of 42 months (95% confidence interval, CI: 18-65). On multivariate analysis, tumor grade (OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.1-10.7, p = 0.026) and microvascular invasion (OR: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.2-18.8, p = 0.020) resulted as independent predictors of overall survival. On multivariate analysis, gender (OR: 3.4, 95% CI: 1.1-10.2, p = 0.023), satellite tumor (OR: 4.3, 95% CI: 1.5-12.3, p = 0.006), microvascular invasion (OR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.0-10.1, p = 0.036) and surgical margin (OR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.0-10.1, p = 0.036) were identified as independent prognostic predictors of better disease-free survival. After a median follow-up of 29 (range 3-81) months, 31 (48%) out of 64 patients had recurrence. The cumulative recurrence rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 19, 39, and 68%, respectively., Conclusion: This prospective observational study has confirmed the feasibility and safety of LLR in selected patients with HCC in cirrhotic liver, and proved that it can warrant long-term outcome similar to those reported with the traditional open approach., (Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Some series have suggested that laparoscopy is beneficial for resection of hepatocellular carcinoma. This has to be confirmed in larger series. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of 3 European surgical centers on laparoscopic liver resections for hepatocellular carcinoma., Study Design: Prospective databases of 3 European centers involved in the development of laparoscopic liver surgery were combined. Between 1998 and 2008, 163 liver resections for hepatocellular carcinoma were performed. Liver parenchyma was cirrhotic in 120 (73.6%) patients. Liver resection was anatomic in 107 (65.6%) patients and was a major resection (>or=3 segments) in 16 (9.8%). A totally laparoscopic approach was used in 155 (95.1%) patients., Results: Median surgical duration was 180 minutes. Median operative blood loss was 250 mL, and 16 (9.8%) patients received blood transfusion. Conversion to open surgery was required in 15 (9.2%) patients. Median tumor size was 3.6 cm and median surgical margin was 12 mm. Liver-specific and general complications occurred in 19 (11.6%) and 17 (10.4%) patients, respectively. Hospital length of stay was 7 days. A further analysis of early (n = 75) and recent (n = 88) experiences showed improved results in the latter group. Overall and recurrence-free survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 92.6%, 68.7%, 64.9%, and 77.5%, 47.1%, 32.2%, respectively., Conclusions: This study demonstrates that laparoscopic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma is feasible in selected patients, with good operative and oncologic results. Laparoscopy should be routinely considered in centers experienced in liver surgery and advanced laparoscopy., (Copyright (c) 2010 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Few studies have compared survival and recurrence rates between laparoscopic and open liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis., Methods: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of 179 liver resections performed for HCC in cirrhotic liver between 2000 and 2007 was performed., Results: Fifty-four patients underwent a laparoscopic resection and 125 patients had open surgery. Histopathological features were largely comparable in the two groups. Tumours operated laparoscopically were smaller than those removed at open operation and laparoscopic liver resection was less extensive. Laparoscopic surgery had a lower morbidity rate than open surgery (19 versus 36.0 per cent; P = 0.020), whereas 30-day mortality was similar (2 versus 4.0 per cent; P = 0.615). After a median follow-up of 24 months, 1- and 3-year survival rates were 94 and 67 per cent in the laparoscopic group. Recurrence rates were similar after laparoscopic and open procedures (45 versus 52.5 per cent; P = 0.381), as was disease-free survival (P = 0.864)., Conclusion: Laparoscopic resection of HCC in cirrhotic liver is feasible and safe in selected patients. Adequate long-term survival and recurrence is achieved compared with open surgery, when stratified for tumour characteristics known to be related to survival outcome., ((c) 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Background: Recurrence of cancer and the need for several surgical treatments are the Achilles' heel of the treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cases of cirrhosis. The difficulty of reintervention is increased by the formation of adhesions after the previous hepatectomy that can make a new surgical procedure more difficult and less safe. With a minimally invasive approach, the formation of postoperative adhesions seems to be minimized, and the adhesiolysis procedure seems to be faster and safer in terms of blood loss and risk of visceral injuries., Methods: This report describes a series of 15 patients submitted to a laparoscopic reintervention (hepatic resection or radiofrequency ablation) for a recurrence of HCC after a previous open (group 1) or laparoscopic (group 2) procedure for a primary tumor. It aims to explain the feasibility, safety, and results of repeated laparoscopic liver surgery., Results: The rates for overall postoperative mortality and morbidity were respectively 0% and 26.6% (4/15). No patients had a severe postoperative complication. Only one patient in group 2 presented with moderate ascites postoperatively, whereas two patients in group 1 reported atelectasis requiring physiotherapy and one experienced pneumonia, which was treated with antibiotics. In this series, the findings indicated that patients submitted first to an open hepatic resection (group 1) experience more intraabdominal adhesions. Moreover, in group 1, hypervascularized adhesions typical of cirrhotic patients were several and thicker, with a major potential risk of bleeding and bowel injuries at the time of reintervention. Although for group 2 the length of the intervention was shorter, for group 1, the operating times and safety in terms of bowel injuries were acceptable, demonstrating the feasibility of iterative laparoscopic surgery also for cirrhotic patients previously treated by the open surgical approach. The operative time for the second surgical procedure was shorter and the adhesiolysis easier for the patients previously treated with the laparoscopic approach (group 2). This underscores the advantages of the minimally invasive approach for managing the long oncologic history of cirrhotic patients., Conclusion: Laparoscopic redo surgery for recurrent HCC in cirrhotic patients is a safe and feasible procedure with good short-term outcomes, but further prospective studies are needed to support these results.

Hemangioma is the most frequent focal liver lesion. It affects mainly women and may cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, mass, and early satiety, or complications such as heart failure or coagulopathy (Kasabach-Merrit syndrome). Although, surgical resection is the only curative treatment for symptomatic giant hemangiomas, the best surgical technique (formal liver resection or enucleation) is still debated. Between January 2000 and April 2006 we treated 12 giant symptomatic hemangioma. Of these, 4 anterior and superficially located in the liver were treated by enucleation and they are discussed in this paper. The operative technique is described. Detailed pathologic examination has demonstrated an interface between hemangiomas and the normal liver tissue that allowed the enucleation. The dissection in the plane between the tumor and the adjacent normal liver tissue has been facilitated by the use of an ultrasonically activated device (USAD). Median operative blood loss was 90 ml (range, 50 to 190 ml), and no transfusion were used. The procedure described allowed a safe enucleation of giant hemangiomas with a reduced blood loss and the preservation of virtually all normal hepatic parenchyma.

Background: Laparoscopic technique for lesions located in the left liver is well described in the literature. On the contrary, the best laparoscopic approach for lesions located in the right liver, such as in segment VI, is still debated., Aim: In this article, we provide a detailed description of a laparoscopic segment VI liver resection using a left lateral decubitus position with the right side up, facilitated by a personal technique. We also discuss potential advantages and disadvantages of this procedure.

Background: Liver surgery, especially for cirrhotic patients, is one of the last areas of resistance to progress in laparoscopic surgery. This study compares the postoperative results and the 2-year patient outcomes between laparoscopic and open resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with histologically proven cirrhosis., Methods: From May 2000 to October 2004, 23 consecutive cirrhotic patients who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) for HCC were compared in a retrospective analysis with a historic group of 23 patients who underwent open hepatectomy (OH). The two groups were well matched for age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class, tumor location and size, type of liver resection, and severity of cirrhosis. The selection criteria for both groups specified a small (size < 5 cm), exophytic, or subcapsular tumor located in the left or peripheral right segments of the liver (II-VI segments, Couinaud); a well-compensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A); and an ASA score lower than 3. In the LH group, 15 subsegmentectomies, 3 segmentectomies, and 5 left lateral sectionectomies were performed, as compared with 12 subsegmentectomies, 5 segmentectomies, and 6 left lateral sectionectomies in the OH group., Results: One patient in the LH group (4.3%) underwent conversion to laparotomy for inadequate exposition. The mean operative time was statistically longer for the LH group (LH, 148 min; OH, 125 min; p = 0.016), whereas blood transfusions (LH, 0%; OH, 17.3%; p = 0.036), Pringle maneuver (LH, 0%; OH, 21.73%; p = 0.017), mean hospital stay (LH, 8.3 days; OH, 12 days; p = 0.047), and postoperative complications (LH, 13%; OH, 47.8%; p = 0.010) were significantly greater in OH group. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality and 2-year survival rates between the two groups., Conclusion: This study shows that LH for HCC in properly selected cirrhotic patients results in fewer early postoperative complications and a shorter hospital stay than the traditional OH. The 2-year survival rate was the same for LH and OH.

The management of patients affected by more than one hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still controversial but nowadays a multimodal approach to this pathology seems to be the most effective and versatile therapeutic option. When orthotopic liver transplantation is not indicated, survival-time and quality of life improvement is the goal for patients who will have a long metabolic and oncologic disease history. Combined use of minimally invasive nonsurgical treatments [percutaneous ethanol injection, radiofrequency ablation, transcutaneous arterial chemioembolization (TACE)] allows to offer to the patients the advantages of each therapeutic procedure reducing their individual side effects and complications. We consider laparoscopy as a minimally invasive procedure, which can offer the benefits of surgical treatment, by tumor removing, but with an improved postoperative course. If recurrence risk factors are present, the costs/benefits rapport can be decreased by the laparoscopic approach which offers, in addition to a radical resection, a decreased postoperative pain, reduced trauma to the abdominal wall, smaller incisions, reduced peritoneal adhesions and, in selected cases, an earlier beginning of chemiotherapy. We report the case of a patient affected by more than one HCC with a bigger lesion of 50 mm protruding from hepatic segment III, one subcapsular lesion located at segment V, and one deep lesion located at segment VII-VIII. The patient was submitted to a double laparoscopic liver resection in association with laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation. Five months later, the patient presented an early recurrence of malignancy that was treated by TACE. At 8 months from the treatment, the patient presented another multifocal recurrence and was submitted to another TACE. At 2 years from the laparoscopic procedure, the patient is in apparent good conditions with an acceptable quality of life. We think that laparoscopic resection could gain a considerable place in the multimodal treatment of cirrhotic liver with more than one HCC because, by tumor removing, it offers the benefits of surgical treatment with a lower complications rate.

Tumor recurrence after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can occur early (<2 years) or late (>2 years) as metastases or de novo tumors. Interferon (IFN) has the potential for chemoprevention against hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis. A predetermined group of 150 HCV RNA-positive patients undergoing resection of early- to intermediate-stage HCC was stratified into 80 HCV-pure (hepatitis B anticore antibody [anti-HBc]-negative) and 70 mixed HCV+hepatitis B virus (HBV) (anti-HBc-positive) groups, then randomized to IFN-alpha (3 million units 3 times every week for 48 weeks [n = 76]) versus control (n = 74). The primary end point was recurrence-free survival (RFS); secondary end points were disease-specific and overall survival. Intention-to-treat and subgroup analysis on adherent patients were conducted. Treatment effects on early/late recurrences were assessed using multiple Cox regression analysis. No patient experienced life-threatening adverse events. There were 28 adherent patients (37%). After 45 months of median follow-up, overall survival was 58.5%, and no significant difference in RFS was detectable between the two study arms (24.3% vs. 5.8%; P = .49). HCC recurred in 100 patients (48 IFN-treated, 52 controls), with a 50% reduction in late recurrence rate in the treatment arm. HCC multiplicity and vascular invasion were significantly related to recurrence (P = .01 and .0003). After viral status stratification, while no treatment effect was apparent in the mixed HCV+HBV population and on early recurrences (72 events), there was a significant benefit on late recurrences (28 events) in HCV-pure patients adherent to treatment (HR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.09-0.9; P = .04). In conclusion, IFN does not affect overall prevention of HCC recurrence after resection, but it may reduce late recurrence in HCV-pure patients receiving effective treatment.

Background/purpose: Laparoscopy for liver resection is highly specialized field because laparoscopic liver surgery presents severe technical difficulties, such as control of bleeding and risk of gas embolism. At present, a limited number of laparoscopic anatomical left lobectomies have been reported in the literature, but we believe that the use of stapling devices has made this technique safer and faster., Methods: From January 2000 to May 2005, eight patients (five men, three women; mean age, 60.5 years) underwent laparoscopic anatomical left lobectomy at our department. Seven patients presented with hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis, while one patient had a large symptomatic angioma. The average size of the lesions was 4.18 cm (range, 3.6-7.1 cm); all the lesions were localized in the anatomical left lobe (segments II-III). Transection of the liver parenchyma, together with sectioning of the vascular pedicle for segment II and III and of the left hepatic vein, was obtained by the use of stapling devices., Results: The mean operative time was 142 min (range, 120-180 min). There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, and blood transfusions were not required. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.75 days., Conclusions: The key points of the technique are: late mobilization of the liver; no transection of the round ligament; no surrounding or taping of the portal pedicles or of the left hepatic vein; and the use of three consecutive linear staplers, turned to the left for transecting the liver parenchyma and vascular pedicle together. This technique, in our opinion, should be considered a new good option for patients with isolated lesions of the left lateral segments, but it must be performed by surgeons trained in both liver and advanced laparoscopic surgery.

In the belief that the advantages stemming from a minimally invasive approach are significant, particularly in cirrhosis patients, we decided to apply this technique in the treatment of a group of patients suffering from HCC associated with cirrhosis. Sixteen patients (10 men, 6 women; mean age 60.1 years) underwent laparoscopic surgery for HCC associated with well compensated HCV-related liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class A; mean tumour size 2.9 cm). Seven of these lesions were located in the left liver and 9 in the right lobe. Laparoscopy was performed with a CO2 pneumoperitoneum (12-14 mmHg). The Pringle manoeuvre was not used. There was one conversion to laparotomy due to inadequate exposure. We performed 13 non-anatomical resections, 1 VI segmentectomy and 1 anatomical left lobectomy. None of the patients required blood transfusions. One patient died of severe respiratory distress syndrome on postoperative day 3. Major morbidity included 2 moderate postoperative ascites successfully resolved with conservative treatment. To date (mean follow-up: 18 months) no recurrences at the resection site or port-site metastases have been observed. Limited laparoscopic liver resections for HCC in cirrhotic patients are technically feasible and safe when careful selection criteria are adopted (hepatic involvement limited and located in the left or anterior right segments, tumour size smaller than 5 cm, Child-Pugh class A).

Laparoscopic surgery is a relatively new option for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on cirrhosis. To date, there have been only a few reports of this option for this pathology in the literature, probably because of the intra operative difficulties related to the treatment of this pathology (even at laparotomy) and because of the problems related to the minimally invasive approach (technical difficulties, complicated management of the bleeding, lack of dedicate tools, and fear of gas embolism). In this article we report four patients from our whole series (23 laparoscopic liver resections for HCC) who underwent a laparoscopic resection for completely exophytic HCC on cirrhosis, located in segment IV in two patients, and in segment III and segment V respectively, in the other two. The mean operative time was 116 min (range, 90-150 min). The Pringle maneuver was never performed. No blood transfusions were needed. No postoperative complications occurred, neither ascites, nor jaundice, nor encephalopathy. Postoperative liver function returned to the preoperative level within 3 days. Food intake started on postoperative day 2. The patients were discharged on postoperative days 5 (one patient), 6 (two patients), and 7 (one patient) after uncomplicated courses. In our opinion, limited laparoscopic liver resections could be considered, at present, to be the best option for the treatment of extremely rare protruding HCC on cirrhosis. We believe that a minimally invasive approach can minimize the postoperative morbidity rate, which is still too high in this group of patients. Our experience confirmed that nonanatomical limited resections or anatomical left lateral segmentectomies for HCC on cirrhosis are feasible and safe in the hands of surgeons trained in both open liver surgery and advanced laparoscopic surgery.

The working group of the International Scientific Committee of the International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association(IHPBA) examined conventional staging systems and decided to establish a new staging system that depended on macroscopic findings after liver resection. The TNM/International Union Against Cancer (UICC) classification has been widely used but is too complicated. Vauthey and colleagues, and the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan (LCSGJ) have proposed new simplified classifications. These are compared and discussed. The IHPBA working group proposed a new classification, as follows. T factor. 1. Solitary 2. No more than 2 cm 3. No vascular invasion to portal vein, hepatic vein, and bile duct T1 meets all of the above three requirements.T2 meets two of the three requirements.T3 meets one of the three requirements.T4 does not meet any requirements. Stage: I T1N0M0 II T2N0M0 III T3N0M0IV A T4N0M0 Any TN1M0 IV B Any T/N, M1 The survival curves of each stage were separated clearly (P < 0.0001). The staging system is easy to remember and easy to use. We hope this staging system will be generally used in future.

Background/purpose: Liver metastases, especially those from primary colorectal cancers, are treatable and potentially curable. Imaging techniques such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and ultrasonography have advanced in recent years and led to increased sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of liver metastases. Liver surgery also has been revolutionized in the past two decades. Dissection along nonanatomical lines has permitted the resection of multiple lesions that previously might have been considered unresectable., Methods: From 1986 to 2000, 181 patients underwent liver resection for hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer. Of these, 56 patients underwent systematic anatomical major hepatic resection and 125 underwent nonanatomical limited resection., Results: Operative morbidity and mortality rates were higher in patients in whom anatomical procedures were performed. The overall 5-year survival rate of the 181 patients was 39.8%., Conclusions: An aggressive surgical procedure in patients with hepatic colorectal metastases is safe, and may prolong overall survival, and therefore should be considered in all patients with metastases confined to the liver.

The expression of LewisY related carbohydrate antigens and the content of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in colorectal and liver tumors were determined. These included 30 large bowel adenocarcinomas (7 colon, 6 sigma, 5 caecum, 12 rectum), 12 hepatocellular carcinomas and 6 liver metastases. Histologically normal tissue excised along with the tumors were used as controls. All plasma membranes studied showed specific EGF binding, and tumor plasma membranes had an EGF receptor level higher than that of the normal counterpart. However, EGF-R was positive in only a few tumors, and no correlation between clinical stages and grades of differentiation was observed. Cytosol CEA was higher in tumors than in normal counterparts. Tissue AFP and CEA content was different in liver hepatocellular carcinomas and in liver metastases. They are good markers to differentiate between primary and secondary liver neoplasias. The LewisY and related carbohydrate antigens, evaluated by the reactivity of the tissues to monoclonal antibody MAb B3, are expressed in liver metastases from colorectal adenocarcinoma. MAb B3 failed to react with hepatocellular carcinomas and with peritumoral liver tissues obtained from both metastatic and primary tumor lesions. These data suggest that immunoblotting with MAb B3 may be useful to obtain more information on liver carcinomas. Furthermore, MAb B3 or CEA armed with toxin in the form of recombinant immunotoxin or linked to a radionuclide can be useful in new treatments of metastatic lesions, such as immunotherapy, radioimmunotherapy and radioimmunoguided surgery.

Objective: To report our results in a selected series of patients who had two separate hepatocellular carcinomas that were not suitable for treatment by resection alone or percutaneous injection of ethanol alone, whom we treated by a combination of the two., Design: Open study., Setting: Teaching hospital, Italy., Subjects: 11 patients with Child's grade A or B cirrhosis who had two hepatocellular carcinomas in distant segments of the liver., Interventions: Percutaneous injection of ethanol into the smaller of the two nodules before, during, or after resection., Main Outcome Measures: Morbidity, mortality, and recurrence., Results: No patient died and there was one postoperative complication (atelectasis). During a median follow-up period of 24 months (range 8-48) two patients have developed recurrences (at 10 and 18 months)., Conclusion: Although we have studied only a few patients for a relatively short time this double approach may be an important treatment option for suitable patients with two hepatocellular carcinomas.

The diagnostic accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the preoperative staging of unifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was investigated and compared with that of ultrasonography (US) and Computed Tomography (CT). Eighteen patients with focal HCCs underwent MRI, CT and US scans before surgery. In all cases the histopathologic diagnosis was made with CT-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). The diagnostic accuracy of each imaging modality was investigated with the assessment of three parameters thought to be of the utmost importance for surgical planning, i.e., lesion unifocality, the presence of a capsule and finally vascular involvement. MRI proved to be more sensitive than CT in demonstrating both lesion unifocality (100% vs. 94.4%) and the presence of a capsule (100% vs. 71.4%). In 2 of 18 patients some blood vessels were involved, which was clearly demonstrated only by MRI, CT missing it. Both MRI and CT had 100% specificity in the detection of a perilesional capsule and of vascular involvement. To conclude, MRI exhibited higher diagnostic accuracy than US and CT, thus confirming its major role in the preoperative staging of unifocal HCCs.