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BACKGROUND: Data on the management of elderly patients with extensive colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are scarce and conflicting. This study assesses differences in management and long-term oncological outcomes between older and younger patients with CRLM and a high Tumour Burden Score (TBS).; METHODS: International multicentre retrospective study on patients with CRLM and a category 3 TBS, submitted to liver resection. Patients were divided into two groups according to their age (younger and older than 75) and were compared using propensity score matching (PSM) analysis and multivariable regression models. Differences in management and oncological outcomes including recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed.; RESULTS: The study included 386 patients, median follow-up was 48 months. The unmatched comparison revealed a higher ASA score (p=0.035), less synchronous CRLM (47% vs 68%, p=0.003), a lower median number of lesions (1 vs 3, p=0.004) and less perioperative chemotherapy (CTx) (66% vs 88%, p

Supplementary Figure 3 from Transforming Growth Factor-β1 and CD105 Promote the Migration of Hepatocellular Carcinoma–Derived Endothelium

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The impact of obesity on surgical outcomes in elderly patients candidate for liver surgery is still debated. BACKGROUND The impact of obesity on surgical outcomes in elderly patients candidate for liver surgery is still debated. AIM To evaluate the impact of high body mass index (BMI) on perioperative and oncological outcome in elderly patients (> 70 years old) treated with laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Retrospective multicenter study including 224 elderly patients (> 70 years old) operated by laparoscopy for HCC (196 with a BMI < 30 and 28 with BMI ≥ 30), observed from January 2009 to January 2019. RESULTS After propensity score matching, patients in two groups presented comparable results, in terms of operative time (median range: 200 min vs 205 min, P = 0.7 respectively in non-obese and obese patients), complications rate (22% vs 26%, P = 1.0), length of hospital stay (median range: 4.5 d vs 6.0 d, P = 0.1). There are no significant differences in terms of short- and long-term postoperative results. CONCLUSION The present study showed that BMI did not impact perioperative and oncologic outcomes in elderly patients treated by laparoscopic resection for HCC. journal article 2023 Jan 27 imported

Background There is still uncertainty regarding the role of perioperative chemotherapy (CTx) in patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), especially in those with a low-risk of recurrence. Methods Multicentre retrospective analysis of patients with CRLM undergoing liver resection between 2010–2015. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they received perioperative CTx or not and were compared using propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. Then, they were stratified according to prognostic risk scores, including: Clinical Risk Score (CRS), Tumour Burden Score (TBS) and Genetic And Morphological Evaluation (GAME) score. Results The study included 967 patients with a median follow-up of 68 months. After PSM analysis, patients with perioperative CTx presented prolonged overall survival (OS) in comparison with the surgery alone group (82.8 vs 52.5 months, p = 0.017). On multivariable analysis perioperative CTx was an independent predictor of increased OS (HR 0.705, 95%CI 0.705–0.516, p = 0.029). The benefits of perioperative CTx on survival were confirmed in patients with CRS and TBS scores ≤2 (p = 0.022 and p = 0.020, respectively) and in patients with a GAME score ≤1 (p = 0.006). Conclusion Perioperative CTx demonstrated an increase in OS in patients with CRLM. Patients with a low-risk of recurrence seem to benefit from systemic treatment.

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.

Resume Introduction L’impact des collections postoperatoires apres hepatectomie sur le plan clinique et oncologique est mal connu. Le but de cette etude etait d’analyser les facteurs predictifs de developper une collection, de la necessite d’un drainage et de leur impact sur les resultats oncologiques. Methodes Il s’agit d’une etude de cohorte francaise monocentrique sur 10 ans (2008–2017) sur des patients adultes ayant beneficie d’une hepatectomie. L’objectif principal etait de determiner les variables associees a la presence d’une collection apres hepatectomie definie par une collection liquidienne sur le scanner au 7e jour postoperatoire. Les objectifs secondaires etaient les facteurs predictifs de drainage et les predicteurs de la survie globale. Resultats Au cours de la periode d’etude, 395 patients ont ete inclus : 53,6 % d’entre eux (n = 210) ont developpe une collection, dont 12 % (n = 49) necessitant un drainage. Les variables associees a la survenue d’une collection etaient un index de masse corporelle > 35 kg/m2 (OR 8,09, IC a 95 % [1,50, 43,60] p = 0,015) et une hepatectomie majeure (OR 1,96, IC a 95 % [1,05, 3,64] p Conclusions Les patients beneficiant d’une hepatectomie majeure par laparotomie avec un IMC > 35 kg/m2 ont un risque accru de developper une collection : cette population cible necessite une imagerie postoperatoire systematique, meme si l’indication de drainage doit etre guidee par la symptomatologie clinique. Enfin, la presence d’une collection necessitant un traitement a un impact negatif sur la survie des patients traites pour cancer.

Liver resection (LR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are considered curative options for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to compare outcomes after LR and RFA in octogenarian patients with HCC.This multicenter retrospective study included 102 elderly patients ( 80 years old) treated between January 2009 and January 2019, who underwent LR or RFA for HCC (65 and 37 with, respectively).After Propensity Score Matching, the postoperative course of LR was burdened by a higher rate of complications than RFA group (64% vs 14%, respectively, p: 0.001). The LR group had also significantly longer operative time (207 ± 85 min vs 33 ± 49 min, p 0.001) and postoperative hospital stays than the RFA group (7 d vs 2 d, p = 0.019). Overall survival at 1-, 2-, and 3-year were 86%, 86%, and 70% for the LR group and 82%, 64%, and 52% for the RFA group (p = 0.380). Disease-free survival at 1-, 2-, and 3-year were 89%, 74%, and 56% for the LR group, and 51%, 40%, and 40% for the RFA group (p = 0.037).Despite a higher rate of Dindo-Clavien I-II post-operative complications, a longer operative time and length of hospital stay, LR in octogenarian patients can provide comparable 90d mortality than RFA and better long-term outcomes.

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.

Liver resection and thermoablation are the mainstay of the surgical management of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). The main limitation of thermoablation is the “heat-sink” effect for nodules next to large vessels. Herein, we report the preliminary results of microwave ablation (MWA) with associated Pringle maneuver to overcome this flaw. From November 2017, we performed intraoperative MWA with Pringle maneuver for nodules ≤3 cm with immediate proximity to large vessels (distance ≤ 5 mm, diameter ≥ 3 mm). We collected characteristics of nodules, surgical procedures and postoperative morbidity. Diameter of the ablation area, especially the ablative minimal margin, was calculated for each nodule. Recurrence was also evaluated. Nineteen patients underwent MWA with Pringle maneuver for 23 nodules. Nineteen (83%) ablated nodules were located in segments VI, VII and VIII, and one nodule was in segment I. Median size of nodules was 15 mm (10–21). No deaths occurred. Six patients (38%) experienced complications, among them only one was subsequent to the thermal ablation. Ablative minimal margin was ≥5 mm for 19 (83%) nodules. Margin was not sufficient for four nodules, among them only 2/23 cases (8.7%) of in situ recurrence occurred after 12 months of median follow-up. In this preliminary study, MWA with Pringle maneuver was associated with a low related morbidity rate and favorable oncological outcome, especially when the radiological minimal margin was sufficient.

There is still debate regarding the principal role and ideal timing of perioperative chemotherapy (CTx) for patients with upfront resectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). This study assesses long-term oncological outcomes in patients receiving neoadjuvant CTx only versus those receiving neoadjuvant combined with adjuvant therapy (perioperative CTx).International multicentre retrospective analysis of patients with CRLM undergoing liver resection between 2010 and 2015. Characteristics and outcomes were compared before and after propensity score matching (PSM). Primary endpoints were long-term oncological outcomes, such as recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Furthermore, stratification by the tumour burden score (TBS) was applied.Of 967 patients undergoing hepatectomy, 252 were analysed, with a median follow-up of 45 months. The unmatched comparison revealed a bias towards patients with neoadjuvant CTx presenting with more high-risk patients (p = 0.045) and experiencing increased postoperative complications ≥Clavien-Dindo III (20.9% vs. 8%, p = 0.003). Multivariable analysis showed that perioperative CTx was associated with significantly improved RFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.579, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.420-0.800, p = 0.001) and OS (HR 0.579, 95% CI 0.403-0.834, p = 0.003). After PSM (n = 180 patients), the two groups were comparable regarding baseline characteristics. The perioperative CTx group presented with a significantly prolonged RFS (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.37-0.76, p = 0.007) and OS (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.38-0.87, p = 0.010) in both low and high TBS patients.When patients after resection of CRLM are able to tolerate additional postoperative CTx, a perioperative strategy demonstrates increased RFS and OS in comparison with neoadjuvant CTx only in both low and high-risk situations.

BackgroundThis study evaluated the impact of time to surgery (TTS) on overall survival (OS), disease free survival (DFS) and postoperative complication rate in patients with upfront resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA).MethodsWe retrospectively included patients who underwent upfront surgery for PA between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2014 from four French centers. TTS was defined as the number of days between the date of the first consultation in specialist care and the date of surgery. DFS for a 14-day TTS was the primary endpoint. We also analyzed survival depending on different delay cut-offs (7, 14, 28, 60 and 75 days).ResultsA total of 168 patients were included. 59 patients (35%) underwent an upfront surgery within 14 days. Patients in the higher delay group had significantly more vein resections and endoscopic biliary drainage. Adjusted OS (p = 0.44), DFS (p = 0.99), fistulas (p = 0.41), hemorrhage (p = 0.59) and severe post-operative complications (p = 0.82) were similar in both groups. Other delay cut-offs had no impact on OS or DFS.DiscussionTTS seems to have no impact on OS, DFS and 90-day postoperative morbidity.

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.

BACKGROUND Surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) represent two possible strategy in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Milan criteria. AIM To evaluate short- and 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). Disease-free 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 III-IV 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.

BACKGROUND Liver resection and radiofrequency ablation are considered curative options for hepatocellular carcinoma. The choice between these techniques is still controversial especially in cases of hepatocellular carcinoma affecting posterosuperior segments in elderly patients. AIM To compare post-operative outcomes between liver resection and radiofrequency ablation in elderly with single hepatocellular carcinoma located in posterosuperior segments. METHODS A retrospective multicentric study was performed enrolling 77 patients age ≥ 70-years-old with single hepatocellular carcinoma (≤ 30 mm), located in posterosuperior segments (4a, 7, 8). Patients were divided into liver resection and radiofrequency ablation groups and preoperative, peri-operative and long-term outcomes were retrospectively analyzed and compared using a 1:1 propensity score matching. RESULTS After propensity score matching, twenty-six patients were included in each group. Operative time and overall postoperative complications were higher in the resection group compared to the ablation group (165 min vs 20 min, P < 0.01; 54% vs 19% P = 0.02 respectively). A median hospital stay was significantly longer in the resection group than in the ablation group (7.5 d vs 3 d, P < 0.01). Ninety-day mortality was comparable between the two groups. There were no significant differences between resection and ablation group in terms of overall survival and disease free survival at 1, 3, and 5 years. CONCLUSION Radiofrequency ablation in posterosuperior segments in elderly is safe and feasible and ensures a short hospital stay, better quality of life and does not modify the overall and disease-free survival.

Background: Few studies have focused on risk factors which may predict an intrahepatic local recurrence (LR) on the surgical edge rather than a distant recurrence (DR) in other liver segments after surgery for hepatocarcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factors for both patterns of recurrence. Methods: An international, multicentre, retrospective study was conducted by collecting data on all consecutive patients with a first diagnosis of HCC who were treated between 2010 and 2017. The presence of macrovascular invasion was an exclusion criteria. Results: About 376 patients were enrolled, and, among them, 62 presented LR, while 90 had DR. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups, but the DR group had a much higher rate of HCV infection (48.9% vs 29%, p 0.014) and a higher median nodule size (3.40cm IQR 2.2–5.5 versus 3.0cm IQR 2.0–5.0 in the LR group, p 0.025). A positive surgical margin (R1, HR 4.721; 95% CI 1.83–12.17; p 0.001) was the only independent risk factor for LR, while MVI (HR 1.837; 95% CI 1.03–3.77; p 0.039) and satellitosis (HR 2.440, 95% CI 1.43–3.77, p 0.001) were the only predictive factors for DR. Conclusion: MVI and satellitosis are predictive factors of intrahepatic distant recurrence, configuring a probable hallmark of advanced systemic disease, regardless of the treatment. LR has to be considered the expression of surgical failure.

Objectif : Determiner si la densite medicale (DM) de la zone de residence influencait la survie des patients atteints d’un carcinome hepatocellulaire (CHC) et le stade evolutif du CHC lors du diagnostic dans une region du Nord-Est de la France.Methodes : Cette etude retrospective a ete menee chez 246 patients atteints de CHC presentes consecutivement dans une reunion de concertation pluridisciplinaire (RCP) regionale dediee aux tumeurs hepatobiliaires du 27/03/2012 au 01/01/2016. Les informations suivantes etaient recueillies : donnees clinico-biologiques et radiologiques, densite des medecins generalistes (MG) de la zone de residence, stade evolutif du CHC, traitement. Les courbes de survie ont ete calculees par la methode de Kaplan-Meier et comparees par le test du log-rank.Resultats : Cinquante-et-un patients (20,7 %) residaient dans une zone de faible DM (2,2 a 6,8 MG/10 000 habitants) et 195 (79,3 %), dans une zone de haute DM (6,8 a 12,6 MG/10 000 habitants). La survie n’etait pas statistiquement differente entre les patients vivant en zones de basse et haute DM (survies medianes de 11,7 et 14,8 mois respectivement, p = 0,58). Le stade evolutif du CHC et le delai entre diagnostic et passage en RCP n’etaient pas significativement differents entre les deux zones etudiees.Conclusion : Dans cette etude menee chez des patients atteints de CHC et pris en charge dans un reseau pluridisciplinaire regional dedie aux tumeurs hepatobiliaires, la disparite de la DM de la zone de residence n’avait pas d’impact significatif sur la survie et le stade evolutif initial du CHC.

Objective assessment of the difficulty of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) preoperatively is key in improving its uptake. Difficulty scores are proposed but are not used routinely in practice. We identified and appraised predictive models to estimate LLR difficulty. We systematically searched the literature for tools predicting LLR difficulty. Two independent reviewers selected studies, abstracted data and assessed methodology. We evaluated tools’ quality and clinical relevance using the Critical Appraisal and Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of Prediction Modelling Studies (CHARMS) guidelines. From 1037 citations, we included 8 studies reporting on 4 predictive tools using data from 1995 to 2016 in Asia and Europe. In 4 development studies, tools were designed to predict difficulty as assigned by experts using a 10-level difficulty index, operative time, post-operative morbidity or intra-operative complications. Internal validation and performance metrics were reported in one development study. One tool was subjected to external validations in 4 studies (1 independent and geographic). Validations compared post-operative outcomes (operative time, blood loss, transfusion, major morbidity and conversion) between the risk categories. One study validated discrimination (AUROC 0.53). Calibration was not assessed. Existing tools cannot be used confidently to predict LLR difficulty. Consistent objective clinical outcomes to predict to define LLR difficulty should be established, and better-quality tools developed and validated in a wide array of populations and clinical settings, following best practices for predictive tools development and validation. This will improve risk stratification for future trials and uptake of LLR.

The aim of this study was to compare the results between laparoscopic hepatectomy and open hepatectomy in two French university hospitals, for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using a propensity score matching. A patient in the laparoscopic surgery group (LA) was randomly matched with another patient in the open approach group (OA) using a 1:1 allocated ratio with the nearest estimated propensity score. Matching criteria included age, presence of comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and resection type (major or minor). Patients of the LA group without matches were excluded. Intraoperative and postoperative data were compared in both groups. Survival was compared in both groups using the following matching criteria: number and size of lesions, alpha-fetoprotein rate, and cell differentiation. From January 2012 to January 2017, a total of 447 hepatectomies were consecutively performed, 99 hepatectomies of which were performed for the management of hepatocellular carcinomas. Forty-nine resections were performed among the open approach (OA) group (49%), and 50 resections were performed among the laparoscopic surgery (LA) group (51%). Mortality rate was 2% in the LA group and 4.1% in the OA group. After propensity score matching, there was a statistical difference favorable to the LA group regarding medical complications (54.55% versus 27.27%, p = 0.04), and operating times were shorter (p = 0.03). Resection rate R0 was similar between both groups: 90.91% (n = 30) in the LA group and 84.85% (n =) in the OA group. There was no difference regarding overall survival (p = 0.98) and recurrence-free survival (p = 0.42). Laparoscopic liver resection for the management of HCC seems to provide the same short-term and long-term results as compared to the open approach. Laparoscopic liver resections could be considered as an alternative and become the gold standard in well-selected patients.

International audience; OBJECTIVES:Multicenter studies comparing the reverse strategy (RS) with the classical strategy (CS) for the management of stage IVA liver-only colorectal cancer (CCR) are scarce. The aim of this study was to compare long-term survival and recurrence patterns following use of the CS and RS.METHOD:This retrospective multicenter review collected data from all consecutive patients with stage IVA liver-only CCR who underwent staged resection of CCR and liver metastases (LM) at 24 French hospitals between 2006 and 2013 and were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who underwent simultaneous liver and CCR resection, those with synchronous extrahepatic metastasis, and those who underwent emergent CCR resection were excluded. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates and recurrence patterns were investigated before and after propensity score matching (PSM).RESULTS:A total of 653 patients were included: 587 (89.9%) in the CS group and 66 (10.1%) in the RS group. Compared with the CS patients, RS patients were more likely to have rectal cancer (43.9 vs. 24.9%; p = 0.006), larger liver tumor size (52.5 ± 38.6 vs. 39.6 ± 30 mm; p = 0.01), and more positive lymph nodes (62.1 vs. 44.8%; p = 0.009). OS was not different between the two groups (75 vs. 72% at 5 years; p = 0.77), while RFS was worse in the RS group (24 vs. 33% at 5 years; p = 0.01). Time to recurrence at any site (1.8 vs. 2.4 years, p = 0.024) and intrahepatic recurrence (1.7 vs. 2.2 years, p = 0.014) were significantly shorter in the RS group than in the CS group. After PSM (63 patients in each group), no significant difference was found between the two groups in OS (p = 0.35), RFS (p = 0.62), time to recurrence at any site (p = 0.19), or intrahepatic recurrence (p = 0.13).CONCLUSIONS:In this study, approximately 10% of patients with CCR and synchronous LM were offered surgery with the RS. Both strategies ensured similar oncological outcomes.

Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer with poor prognosis, surgery, when feasible, is considered the standard of care. The aim of the study is to compare the peroperative and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic (LLR) and open (OLR) liver resection for centrally located (S5-S8-S4) HCC in cirrhotic patients. Materials and methods Between January 2015 and December 2020 we retrospective analyzed 160 consecutive cirrhotic patients who underwent liver resection for centrally Located (S5-S8-S4) single nodule hepatocellular carcinoma in 8 European Tertiary Center. Patients were divided into LLR and OLR groups and then, perioperative, postoperative and oncological outcomes were analyzed. Results Patients were matched on age, sex, BMI, ASA score, Child, Meld, size and location of nodule and surgical treatment. After propensity score-matching, 96 patients were enrolled, 48 in the LLR group and 48 in the OLR group. Postoperative overall complications (respiratory complications) were lower in the LCLR than in the OCLR group (2% vs. 18%, P Conclusions LLR for single central located HCC in cirrhotic patients is safe and feasible, with lower respiratory complications rate and reduced 90-days mortality.

(1) Background: colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are the most common extra-lymphatic metastases in colorectal cancer; however, few patients are fit for curative surgery. Microwave ablation (MWA) showed promising outcomes in this cohort of patients. This systematic review and pooled analysis aimed to analyze the oncological results of MWA for CRLM. (2) Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and the Wiley Online Library databases were searched for reports published before January 2021. We included papers assessing MWA, treating resectable CRLM with curative intention. We evaluated the reported MWA-related complications and oncological outcomes as being recurrence-free (RF), free from local recurrence (FFLR), and overall survival rates (OS). (3) Results: Twelve out of 4822 papers (395 patients) were finally included. Global RF rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 65.1%, 44.6%, and 34.3%, respectively. Global FFLR rates at 3, 6, and 12 months were 96.3%, 89.6%, and 83.7%, respectively. Global OS at 1, 3, and 5 years were 86.7%, 59.6%, and 44.8%, respectively. A better FFLR was reached using the MWA surgical approach at 3, 6, and 12 months, with reported rates of 97.1%, 92.7%, and 88.6%, respectively. (4) Conclusions: Surgical MWA treatment for CRLM smaller than 3 cm is a safe and valid option. This approach can be safely included for selected patients in the curative intent approaches to treating CRLM.

Background: Several devices are available for liver parenchyma transection (LPT). The aim of this study was to compare the Ultracision Harmonic scalpel (UHS) with the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator (CUSA) among patients who underwent hemi-right hepatectomies (RH) to homogenize transection areas. Methods: From September 2012 to June 2015, 24 patients who underwent the UHS surgery approach were matched with 24 patients who underwent the CUSA transection procedure for RH using propensity score matching. Results: Total operative time (TOT) was shorter in the UHS group, 240 minutes (range 172.5-298.8) versus 330 minutes (range 270-400) in the CUSA group ( P = .0002). The occurrence of hepatopathy (odds ratio = 17; 95% confidence interval = 1.02-230) and the use of the CUSA device (odds ratio = 8; 95% confidence interval = 0.98-77) were associated with a TOT exceeding 300 minutes in multivariate analysis ( P = .05). Conclusions: The UHS is a safe and effective method of LPT as compared to the use of the CUSA system. TOT is statistically decreased.

While uptake of laparoscopic hepatectomy has improved, evidence on laparoscopic re-hepatectomy (LRH) for colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) is limited and has never been compared to the open approach. We sought to define outcomes of LRH compared to open re-hepatectomy (ORH). Patients undergoing re-hepatectomy for CRLM at 39 institutions (2006–2013) were identified. Primary outcomes were 30-day post-operative overall morbidity, mortality, and length of stay. Secondary outcomes were recurrence and survival at latest follow-up. LRHs were matched to ORHs (1:3) using a propensity score created by comparing pre-operative clinicopathologic factors (number and size of liver metastases and major hepatectomy). Of 376 re-hepatectomies included, 27 were LRH, including 1 (3.7%) conversion. The propensity-matched cohort included 108 patients. Neither median operative time (252 vs. 230 min; p = 0.82) nor overall 30-day morbidity (48.1 vs. 38.3%; p = 0.37) differed. Non-specific morbidity (including cardiac, respiratory, infectious, and renal events) decreased with LRH (11.1 vs. 30.9%, p = 0.04), while surgical-specific morbidity, including liver insufficiency, was higher (44.4 vs. 22.2%, p = 0.03). One ORH and 0 LRH suffered 30-day mortality. Median length of stay (9 vs. 12 days; p = 0.60) was comparable. At latest follow-up, 26 (96.3%) LRH and 67 (82.7%) ORH patients were alive. Eight (29.6%) LRH and 36 (44.4%) ORH patients were alive without disease. LRH for recurrent CRLM was associated with overall short-term outcomes comparable to ORH, but different morbidity profiles. While it may offer a safe and feasible approach, further insight is necessary to better define patient selection.

// Michele Ammendola 1 , Cosmo Damiano Gadaleta 7 , Adam Enver Frampton 2 , Tullio Piardi 3 , Riccardo Memeo 8 , Valeria Zuccala 4 , Maria Luposella 5 , Rosa Patruno 6 , Nicola Zizzo 6 , Pietro Gadaleta 7 , Patrick Pessaux 8 , Rosario Sacco 1 , Giuseppe Sammarco 1 and Girolamo Ranieri 7 1 Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Clinical Surgery Unit, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia” Medical School, Viale Europa-Germaneto, Catanzaro, Italy 2 HPB Surgical Unit, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK 3 Department of General, Digestive and Endocrine Surgery, Hopital Robert Debre, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, Universite de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France 4 Pathology Unit, “Pugliese-Ciaccio” Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy 5 Cardiovascular Disease Unit, “San Giovanni di Dio” Hospital, Crotone, Italy 6 Chair of Pathology, Veterinary Medical School, University “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy 7 Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Traslational Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre, “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy 8 Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgical Unit, General, Digestive and Endocrine Surgery, IRCAD, IHU Mix-Surg, Institute for Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Surgery, University of Strasbourg, 1 place de l'Hopital, Strasbourg, France Correspondence to: Michele Ammendola, email: michele.ammendola@libero.it Keywords: angiogenesis, mast cells, tryptase, c-Kit-receptor, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma Received: May 26, 2017 Accepted: June 24, 2017 Published: July 31, 2017 ABSTRACT Literature data suggest that inflammatory cells such as mast cells (MCs) are involved in angiogenesis. MCs can stimulate angiogenesis by releasing of well identified pro-angiogenic cytokines stored in their cytoplasm. In particular, MCs can release tryptase, a potent in vivo and in vitro pro-angiogenic factor. Nevertheless, few data are available concerning the role of MCs positive to tryptase in primary pancreatic cancer angiogenesis. This study analyzed the correlation between mast cells positive to c-Kit receptor (c-Kit + MCs), the density of MCs expressing tryptase (MCD-T) and microvascular density (MVD) in primary tumor tissue from patients affected by pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A series of 35 PDAC patients with stage T 2-3 N 0-1 M 0 (by AJCC for Pancreas Cancer Staging 7 th Edition) were selected and then undergone to surgery. Tumor tissue samples were evaluated by mean of immunohistochemistry and image analysis methods in terms of number of c-Kit + MCs, MCD-T and MVD. The above parameters were related each other and with the most important main clinico-pathological features. A significant correlation between c-Kit + MCs, MCD-T and MVD groups each other was found by Pearson t-test analysis (r ranged from 0.75 to 0.87; p-value ranged from 0.01 to 0.04). No other significant correlation was found. Our in vivo preliminary data, suggest that tumor microenvironmental MCs evaluated in terms of c-Kit + MCs and MCD-T may play a role in PDAC angiogenesis and they could be further evaluated as a novel tumor biomarker and as a target of anti-angiogenic therapy.

Background Pre-existing chronic liver diseases and the complexity of the transplant surgery procedures lead to a greater risk of further surgery in transplanted patients compared to the general population. The aim of this monocentric retrospective cohort study was to assess the epidemiology of surgical complications in liver transplanted patients who require further surgical procedures and to characterize their post-operative risk of complications to enhance their medical care. Patients and methods From January 1997 to December 2011, 1211 patients underwent orthotropic liver transplantation in our center. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed considering patients who underwent surgical procedures more than three months after transplantation. We recorded liver transplantation technique, type of surgery, post-operative complications, time since the liver transplant and immunosuppressive regimens. Results Among these, 161 patients (15%) underwent a further 183 surgical procedures for conditions both related and unrelated to the transplant. The most common surgical procedure was for an incisional hernia repair (n = 101), followed by bilioenteric anastomosis (n = 44), intestinal surgery (n = 23), liver surgery (n = 8) and other surgical procedures (n = 7). Emergency surgery was required in 19 procedures (10%), while 162 procedures (90%) were performed electively. Post-operative mortality and morbidity were 1% and 30%, respectively. According to the Dindo-Clavien classification, the most common grade of morbidity was grade III (46%), followed by grade II (40%). Conclusion Surgical procedures on liver transplanted patients are associated with a significantly high risk of complications, irrespective of the time elapsed since transplantation.

International audience

Backgrounds/Aims Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is the gold standard for the treatment of periampullary tumors. Many specialized centers have adopted the totally laparoscopic or hybrid laparoscopic PD (LPD). However, this procedure has not yet been standardized and serious debate is taking place towards its safety and feasibility. Herein, we report our recent experience whit hybrid-LPD. Methods During 2019 in our department 56 PD were performed and 21 (37.5%) underwent hybrid-LPD. We have retrospectively reviewed the short-term outcomes of these patients. Results Main indication was pancreatic adenocarcinoma (71,4%). The median operative time and intraoperative blood loss were respectively 425 min (range, 226 to 576) and 317 ml (range 60 to 800 ml). Conversion to an open procedure was required in 4 patients (19%): 2 with suspected vein involvement, 1 for mesenteric panniculitis and 1 for biliary injury. The post-operative complication rate was 42.8% (9/21). Regarding post-operative pancreatic fistula, three patients (14.2%) had grade B and 1 grade C (4.7%). Median length of hospital stay was 14 days (range 9-23) and 90- days mortality was 4.7%. The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 17.7 (range 12 to 26). The rate of margins R0 was 80%; R1 ＞0

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) on patient disease-specific survival and recurrence after curative distal pancreatectomy (DP) for pancreatic cancer. Design: This was a retrospective case-control analysis. Methods: We examined the data of adult patients with a diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) of the body and tail of the pancreas undergoing curative DP, over a 10-year period in 12 European surgical departments, from a prospectively implemented database. Results: Among the 382 included patients, 283 met the strict inclusion criteria; 139 were males (49.1%) and the median age of the entire population was 70years (range 37–88). A total of 121 POPFs were observed (42.8%), 42 (14.9%) of which were CR-POPFs. The median follow-up period was 24months (range 3–120). Although poorer in the POPF group, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) did not differ significantly between patients with and without CR-POPF (p = 0.224 and p = 0.165, respectively). CR-POPF was not significantly associated with local or peritoneal recurrence (p = 0.559 and p = 0.302, respectively). A smaller percentage of patients benefited from adjuvant chemotherapy after POPF (76.2% vs. 83.8%), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.228). Conclusions: CR-POPF is a major complication after DP but it did not affect the postoperative therapeutic path or long-term oncologic outcomes. CR-POPF was not a predictive factor for disease recurrence and was not associated with an increased incidence of peritoneal or local relapse. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04348084.

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.

Background: Ablative techniques provide in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) symptomatic relief, survival benefit and potential downsizing. Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) represents potentially an ideal solution as no thermal tissue damage occurs. The purpose of this review is to present an overview on safety, feasibility, oncological results, survival and quality of life improvement obtained by IRE. Methods: A systematic search was performed in PubMed, regarding the use of IRE on PC in humans for studies published in English up to March 2019. Results: 15 original studies embodying 691 patients with unresectable LAPC who underwent IRE were included. As emerged, IRE works better on tumour sizes between 3−4 cm. Oncological results are promising: median OS from diagnosis or treatment up to 27 months. Two groups investigated borderline resectable tumours treated with IRE before resection with margin attenuation, whereas IRE has proved to be effective in pain control. Conclusions: Electroporation is bringing new hopes in LAPC management. The first aim of IRE is to offer a palliative treatment. Further efforts are needed for patient selection, as well as the use of IRE for ‘margin accentuation’ during surgical resection. Even if promising, IRE needs to be validated in large, randomized, prospective series.

International audience; Introduction: Postoperative collection (PC) can occur after liver surgery, but little is known on their impact on short and long-term outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyse factors predicting the occurrence of PC, the need of drainage and their impact on oncologic outcomes.Methods: This single-center, cohort-study included adult patients undergoing liver surgery between 2008 and 2017. The primary objective was to determine variables associated with PC occurrence defined by fluid collection on postoperative day-7 CT scan. Secondary objectives were factors predicting drainage requirement, and predictors of overall survival.Results: During the study period 395 patients were included: 53.6% of them (n = 210) developed a PC with 12% (n = 49) requiring drainage. Variables associated to the occurrence of PC were body mass index > 35 kg/m2 (OR 8.09, 95%CI (1.50,43.60) P = 0.015) and extension of liver surgery (major vs. minor, OR 1.96, 95% CI (1.05,3.64) P < 0.034) while laparoscopic approach was associated to a protective role (OR 0.35, 95%CI (0.18,0.67) P = 0.001) in the multivariate analysis. The presence of a PC requiring treatment was associated to long-term mortality (OR:1.85, 95% CI (1.15, 2.97) P < 0.01) in patients with malignant disease.Conclusions: Patients undergoing to major open liver surgery with BMI > 35 kg/m2 have an increased risk to develop a PC: this target population need a systematic imaging in the postoperative period, even if the indication for drainage should be guided by clinical symptoms. Last, the presence of PC requiring treatment has a negative impact on overall survival among patients treated for malignant disease.; Introduction: L’impact des collections postopératoires après hépatectomie sur le plan clinique et oncologique est mal connu. Le but de cette étude était d’analyser les facteurs prédictifs de développer une collection, de la nécessité d’un drainage et de leur impact sur les résultats oncologiques.Methodes: Il s’agit d’une étude de cohorte française monocentrique sur 10 ans (2008–2017) sur des patients adultes ayant bénéficié d’une hépatectomie. L’objectif principal était de déterminer les variables associées à la présence d’une collection après hépatectomie définie par une collection liquidienne sur le scanner au 7e jour post-opératoire. Les objectifs secondaires étaient les facteurs prédictifs de drainage et les prédicteurs de la survie globale.Résultats: Au cours de la période d’étude, 395 patients ont été inclus: 53,6 % d’entre eux (n = 210) ont développé une collection, dont 12 % (n = 49) nécessitant un drainage.Les variables associées à la survenue d’une collection étaient un index de masse corporelle> 35 kg/m2 (OR 8,09, IC à 95 % (1,50, 43,60) p = 0,015) et une hépatectomie majeure (OR 1,96, IC à 95 % (1,05, 3,64) p < 0,034) alors que l’abord par laparoscopie était protecteur (OR 0,35, IC 95 % (0,18, 0,67) p = 0,001), dans l’analyse multivariée. La présence d’une collection postopératoire nécessitant un traitement était associée à une mortalité à long terme plus importante (OR: 1,85, 95 %CI (1,15, 2,97) p < 0,01) chez les patients traités pour cancer.Conclusions: Les patients bénéficiant d’une hépatectomie majeure par laparotomie avec un IMC> 35 kg/m2 ont un risque accru de développer une collection: cette population cible nécessite une imagerie post-opératoire systématique, même si l’indication de drainage doit être guidée par la symptomatologie clinique. Enfin, la présence d’une collection nécessitant un traitement a un impact négatif sur la survie des patients traités pour cancer.