Claude Tayar

Laparoscopic versus open left lateral hepatic lobectomy: a case-control study

BACKGROUND After technical advances in hepatic surgery and laparoscopic surgery, some teams evaluated the possibilities of laparoscopic liver resections. The aim of our study was to assess the results of laparoscopic left lateral lobectomy (bisegmentectomy 2-3) and to perform a case-control comparison with the same operation performed by open surgery. STUDY DESIGN From 1996 to 2002, 60 laparoscopic resections were performed in selected patients, including 18 left lateral lobectomies. The resected lesions were benign tumors, hepatocellular carcinomas with compensated cirrhosis, and metastases. Surgical procedures were performed with a harmonic scalpel, an ultrasonic dissector, linear staplers, and portal pedicule clamping when necessary. Results were compared with those of patients who underwent open left lateral lobectomies selected from our liver resection database in a case-control analysis. Both groups were similar for age, type and size of the tumor, and presence of underlying liver disease. RESULTS Compared with laparotomy, laparoscopic left lateral lobectomies were associated with a longer surgical time (202 versus 145 minutes, p < 0.01), a longer portal triad clamping (39 versus 23 minutes, p < 0.05), and a decreased blood loss (236 versus 429 mL, p < 0.05). There were no deaths in either group, and the morbidity rates were 11% in the laparoscopic group and 15% in the open group. There were no specific complications of hepatic resection after laparoscopy (no hemorrhage, subphrenic collection, or biliary leak), but some were observed in the open group. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the safety of laparoscopic left lateral lobectomy. Despite longer operation and clamping time, without any clinical consequences, the laparoscopic approach was associated with decreased blood loss and absence of specific complications of the hepatic resection.

Laparoscopic Liver Resection for Peripheral Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Chronic Liver Disease: Midterm Results and Perspectives

Objective:Report the midterm results of laparoscopic resection for hepatocellular in chronic liver disease (CLD). Summary Background Data:Surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic liver disease (CLD) remains controversial because of high morbidity and recurrence rates. Laparoscopic resection of liver tumors has recently been developed and could reduce morbidity. Methods:From 1998 to 2003, patients with HCC and CLD were considered for laparoscopic liver resection. Inclusion criteria were chronic hepatitis or Childs A cirrhosis, solitary tumor ≤5 cm in size, and location in peripheral segments of the liver. Mortality, morbidity, recurrence rates, and survival were analyzed. Results:A total of 27 patients were included. Liver resections included anatomic resection in 17 cases and non anatomic resection in 10. Seven conversions to laparotomy (26%) occurred for moderate hemorrhage in 5 cases and technical difficulties in 2 cases. Mortality and morbidity rates were 0% and 33%, respectively. Postoperative ascites and encephalopathy occurred in 2 patients (7%) who both had undergone conversion to laparotomy. Mean surgical margin was 11 mm (range, 1–47 mm). After a mean follow-up of 2 years (range, 1.1–4.7), 8 patients (30%) developed intrahepatic tumor recurrence of which one died. Treatment of recurrence was possible in 4 patients (50%), including orthotopic liver transplantation, right hepatectomy, radiofrequency ablation, and chemoembolization in 1 case each. There were no adhesions in the 2 reoperated patients. Overall and disease-free 3-year survival rates were 93% and 64%, respectively. Conclusion:Our study shows that laparoscopic liver resection for HCC in selected patients is a safe procedure with very good midterm results. This approach could have an impact on the therapeutic strategy of HCC complicating CLD as a treatment with curative intent or as a bridge to liver transplantation.

The learning curve in laparoscopic liver resection: improved feasibility and reproducibility.

Objective:To evaluate the “learning curve” effect on feasibility and reproducibility of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR). Summary Background Data:LLR is currently limited to few centers and to few procedures. Its reproducibility is still debated. Methods:Patients undergoing LLR between 1996 and 2008 were included. Indications and type of hepatectomies were compared with those of open resections performed in the same period, considering 3 periods (1996–1999, 2000–2003, and 2004–2008). LLRs were divided into 3 equal groups of 58 cases and technical data and outcomes were compared. Risk-adjusted Cumulative Sum model was used for determining the learning curve based on the need for conversion. Results:Of 782, 174 (22.3%) patients underwent LLR. Proportion of LLR progressively increased (17.5%, 22.4%, and 24.2%), such as hepatocellular carcinoma (17.6%, 25.6%, and 39.4%, P < 0.05), colorectal metastases (0%, 6.5%, and 13.1%, P < 0.05), major hepatectomies (1.1%, 9.1%, 8.5%, P < 0.05), and right hepatectomies (0%, 13.2%, and 13.1%, P < 0.05). Comparing groups, results of LLR significantly improved in terms of conversion rate (15.5%, 10.3%, and 3.4%, P < 0.05), operative time (210, 180, and 150 minutes, P < 0.05), blood loss (300, 200, and 200 mL, P < 0.05), and morbidity (17.2%, 22.4%, and 3.4%, P < 0.05). Pedicle clamping was less used over time (77.6%, 62.1%, and 17.2%, P < 0.05) and for shorter durations (45, 30, and 20 minutes, P < 0.05). Having adjusted for case-mix, the Cumulative Sum analysis demonstrated a learning curve for laparoscopic hepatectomies of 60 cases. Conclusion:A slow but constant evolution of LLR occurred: indications and magnitude of procedures increased and technical outcomes improved. The learning curve demonstrated in this study suggests that LLR is reproducible in liver units but specific training to advanced laparoscopy is required.

Liver resection for transplantable hepatocellular carcinoma: long-term survival and role of secondary liver transplantation.

Background/Purpose:Liver transplantation (LT) is the best theoretical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) fulfilling the Milan criteria (TNM stages 1–2). However, LT is limited by organ availability and tumor progression on the waiting list. Liver resection (LR) may represent an alternative in these patients. The aim of this study is to report the results of LR in transplantable patients. Patients:From 1990 to 2007, 274 patients underwent liver resection for HCC. Sixty-seven (24%) met the Milan criteria on pathologic study of the specimen. Ten were TNM stage 1 and 57 stage 2 and all had chronic liver disease. There were 56 men and 11 women with a mean age of 63. LR included 12 major hepatectomies, 14 bisegmentectomies, 14 segmentectomies, and 27 nonanatomic resections. Thirty-seven resections were performed through a laparoscopic approach and there were only 8 open resections since 1998. Results:Three patients died postoperatively (4.5%), none after laparoscopic resection. Morbidity rate was 34%. After a mean follow-up of 4.8 years, 36 patients (54%) developed intrahepatic tumor recurrence. Twenty-eight (77%) were again transplantable of which 16 (44%) were transplanted. Two additional patients underwent pre-emptive LT (ie before recurrence). When considering 44 patients <65 years at the time of resection (ie upper age limit for LT), the rates of recurrence, transplantable recurrence, and intention to treat salvage transplantation (patients with transplantable recurrence actually transplanted) were 59%, 80%, and 61%, respectively. Overall and disease free 5-year survival rates were 72% and 44%, respectively. Survival was not influenced by TNM stage 1 or 2, AFP level, tumor differentiation, or the presence microscopic vascular invasion. Survival after salvage LT was 70% and 87% when calculated from the date of LT and LR, respectively. Conclusion:LR for small solitary HCC in compensated cirrhosis yields an overall survival rate comparable to upfront LT. Despite a significant recurrence rate, close imaging monitoring after resection allows salvage LT in 61% of patients with recurrence on intention to treat analysis.

Laparoscopy as a routine approach for left lateral sectionectomy

Since 1997, the authors have performed laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy of lesions of the liver in preference to open surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome.

Laparoscopic liver resection-understanding its role in current practice: the Henri Mondor Hospital experience.

Objective:To report our complete experience with laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) to understand what role it may play in the broader context of liver surgery. Background:The goal of LLR is to extend the benefits of the laparoscopic approach without compromising the fundamental principles of open liver surgery. LLR, however, presents unique technical challenges and its evaluation is made difficult by the restricted indications for this approach, the few centers world-wide experienced in the technique, and the heterogeneity of procedures and pathologies involved. Methods:Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of liver resections from a unit with a comprehensive liver program, including resection and transplantation. Results:There were 166 laparoscopic liver resections between May 23, 1996 and December 31, 2007, including 100 (60%) for malignant pathology (64 HCC, 3 cholangiocarcinoma, 33 hepatic metastases) and 66 for benign pathology (adenoma, 23; FNH, 19; cystic, 17; other, 7). Numbers of resections for benign indications remained stable over time whereas those for malignant indications increased. There were 31 major resections, 56 left lateral sectionectomies, 28 segmentectomies, and 51 tumorectomies. There was 0% mortality and 15.1% morbidity. Median blood loss was 200 mL, 9 patients (5.4%) required transfusion, and median operating time was 180 minutes. Left lateral sectionectomies demonstrated reduced bleeding (median, 175 vs. 300 mL, P = 0.0015) and faster operating time (median, 170 vs. 180 minutes, P = 0.0265). In the second half of the experience, there was reduced bleeding (median, 200 vs. 300 mL, P = 0.0022) and a lower conversion rate (2.4% vs. 16.9%, P = 0.0015). Conclusions:Good patient selection and refined surgical technique are the keys to successful LLR. The indications for resection of asymptomatic benign lesions should not be increased because the laparoscopic approach is available. Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) are more likely to be suitable to a laparoscopic approach than colorectal liver metastases. Left lateral sectionectomy and limited resection of solitary peripheral lesions are particularly suitable while hemihepatectomies remain challenging procedures. LLR requires an ongoing robust audit to identify any emerging problems.

Laparoscopic liver resection: a systematic review

BACKGROUND Outcomes of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) are not clarified. The objective of this article is to depict the state of the art of LLR by means of a systematic review of the literature. METHODS Studies about LLR published before September 2008 were identified and their results summarized. RESULTS Indications for laparoscopic hepatectomy do not differ from those for open surgery. Technical feasibility is the only limiting factor. Bleeding is the major intraoperative concern, but, if managed by an expert surgeon, do not worsen outcomes. Hand assistance can be useful in selected cases to avoid conversion. Patient selection must take both tumor location and size into consideration. Potentially good candidates are patients with peripheral lesions requiring limited hepatectomy or left lateral sectionectomy; their outcomes, including reduced blood loss, morbidity, and hospital stay, are better than those of their laparotomic counterparts. The same advantages have been observed in cirrhotics. Laparoscopic major hepatectomies and resections of postero-superior segments need further evaluation. The results of LLR in cancer patients seem to be similar to those obtained with the laparotomic approach, especially in cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, but further analysis is required. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic liver resection is safe and feasible. The laparoscopic approach can be recommended for peripheral lesions requiring limited hepatectomy or left lateral sectionectomy. Preliminary oncological results suggest non-inferiority of laparoscopic to laparotomic procedures.

Laparoscopic Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A European Experience

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.

Laparoscopic liver resection facilitates salvage liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a previous liver resection (LR) may compromise subsequent liver transplantation (LT) by creating adhesions and increasing surgical difficulty. Initial laparoscopic LR (LLR) may reduce such technical consequences, but its effect on subsequent LT has not been reported. We report the operative results of LT after laparoscopic or open liver resection (OLR). METHODS Twenty-four LT were performed, 12 following prior LLR and 12 following prior OLR. The LT was performed using preservation of the inferior vein cava. Indication for the LT was recurrent HCC in 19 cases (salvage LT), while five patients were listed for LT and underwent resection as a neoadjuvant procedure (bridge resection). RESULTS In the LLR group, absence of adhesions was associated with straightforward access to the liver in all cases. In the OLR group, 11 patients required long and hemorrhagic dissection. Median durations of the hepatectomy phase and whole LT were 2.5 and 6.2 h, and 4.5 and 8.3 h in the LLR and OLR groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Median blood loss was 1200 ml and 2300 ml in the LLR and OLR groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Median transfusions of hepatectomy phase and whole LT were 0 and 3 U, and 2 and 6 U, respectively (P < 0.05). There were no postoperative deaths. CONCLUSIONS In our study, LLR facilitated the LT procedure as compared with OLR in terms of reduced operative time, blood loss and transfusion requirements. We conclude that LLR should be preferred over OLR when feasible in potential transplant candidates.

Anatomical Bi- and Trisegmentectomies as Alternatives to Extensive Liver Resections

Objective To assess the technical and oncologic results of anatomic hepatic bi- and trisegmentectomies. Summary Background Data Regardless of their size, some tumors require extensive hepatectomy only because they are located centrally or in the vicinity of major portal pedicles or hepatic veins. Anatomic bi- and trisegmentectomy might represent an alternative to extensive hepatectomies in such cases. Methods Of 435 liver resections, 32 cases (7%) included 2 or 3 adjacent segments (left lateral sectionectomies, ie, bisegmentectomies 2–3, excluded). There were 16 central hepatectomies (segments 4, 5, and 8), 7 right posterior sectionectomies (segments 6 and 7) and 2 central anterior (segments 4b and 5), 1 central posterior (segments 4a and 8), 2 right superior (segments 7 and 8), 3 right inferior (segments 5 and 6), and 1 left anterior (segments 3 and 4b) bisegmentectomies. Indications were malignant disease in 29 patients, including 15 with cirrhosis and 2 with benign tumors. External landmarks, selective devascularization, and intraoperative ultrasound were used to achieve anatomic resection. Results Mortality, transfusion, and morbidity rates were 0%, 26%, and 19%, respectively. Mean section margin was 9 mm (range, 1-40 mm). Isolated intrahepatic recurrence occurred in 7 patients (24%) and 3 (43%) underwent repeat hepatectomy. Conclusion Anatomic bi- or trisegmentectomy is a safe alternative to extensive liver resection in selected patients, avoiding unnecessary sacrifice of functional parenchyma and enhancing the opportunity to perform repeat resections in cases of recurrence.