Toine M. Lodewick

Are sarcopenia, obesity and sarcopenic obesity predictive of outcome in patients with colorectal liver metastases?

BACKGROUND The impact of body composition on outcomes after surgery for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of sarcopenia, obesity and sarcopenic obesity on morbidity, disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS). METHOD Between 2005 and 2012, all patients undergoing a partial liver resection for CRLM in the Maastricht University Medical Centre, and who underwent computed tomography (CT) imaging within 3 months before liver surgery, were included. Body composition was primarily based on pre-operative CT measurements. Sarcopenia was based on total muscle area at the level of the third lumbar vertebra and predefined body mass index (BMI)- and gender-specific cut-off values for sarcopenia were used. Body fat percentages were calculated and the top 40% for men and women were considered obese. RESULTS Of the 171 included patients undergoing liver surgery for CRLM, 80 (46.8%) patients were sarcopenic, 69 (40.4%) obese and 49 (28.7%) sarcopenic obese. The presence of sarcopenia, obesity or sarcopenic obesity did not affect the complication rates. However, readmission rates were significantly increased in patients with (sarcopenic) obesity (P < 0.05). Surprisingly, obesity seemed to prolong OS (P = 0.021) and was identified as an independent predictor [hazard ratio (HR):0.58 and P = 0.046] for better OS. Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity did not affect DFS or OS. CONCLUSION Sarcopenia, obesity and sarcopenic obesity did not worsen DFS, OS and complication rates after a partial liver resection for CRLM.

Sarcopenia negatively affects preoperative total functional liver volume in patients undergoing liver resection.

OBJECTIVES Sarcopenia may negatively affect short-term outcomes after liver resection. The present study aimed to explore whether total functional liver volume (TFLV) is related to sarcopenia in patients undergoing partial liver resection. METHODS Analysis of total liver volume and tumour volume and measurements of muscle surface were performed in patients undergoing liver resection using OsiriX(®) and preoperative computed tomography. The ratio of TFLV to bodyweight was calculated as: [TFLV (ml)/bodyweight (g)]*100%. The L3 muscle index (cm(2) /m(2) ) was then calculated by normalizing muscle areas (at the third lumbar vertebral level) for height. RESULTS Of 40 patients, 27 (67.5%) were classified as sarcopenic. There was a significant correlation between the L3 skeletal muscle index and TFLV (r= 0.64, P < 0.001). Median TFLV was significantly lower in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group [1396 ml (range: 1129-2625 ml) and 1840 ml (range: 867-2404 ml), respectively; P < 0.05]. Median TFLV : bodyweight ratio was significantly lower in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group [2.0% (range: 1.4-2.5%) and 2.3% (range: 1.5-2.5%), respectively; P < 0.05]. CONCLUSIONS Sarcopenic patients had a disproportionally small preoperative TFLV compared with non-sarcopenic patients undergoing liver resection. The preoperative hepatic physiologic reserve may therefore be smaller in sarcopenic patients.

Outcomes of extended versus limited indications for patients undergoing a liver resection for colorectal cancer liver metastases.

BACKGROUND Currently, resection criteria for colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) are only limited by remnant liver function. Morbidity and survival after a partial hepatectomy with limited or extended indication criteria were compared. METHODS/DESIGN Between 1991 and 2010, patients undergoing a liver resection for CRCLM with limited (n = 169) or extended indication criteria (n = 129) were retrospectively identified in a prospectively collected single-centre database. Limited indication criteria were defined as less than three unilateral, not centrally located liver metastases in the absence of extra hepatic metastases. The extended criteria were only limited by predicted remnant liver volume and patients fitness. Data on co-morbidity, resection margin, short- and long-term morbidity, disease-free (DFS) and overall survival were compared. RESULTS Patients with limited indications had less major complications (19.5% vs. 33.1%, P < 0.01), longer overall survival of 68.8 months [confidence interval (CI) 46.5-91.1] vs. 41.4 months (CI 33.4-49.0, P ≤ 0.001) and longer median DFS of 22.0 months [confidence interval (CI) 15.8-28.2] vs 10.2 months (CI 8.4-11.9, P < 0.001) compared with the extended indication group. Cure rates, defined as 10-year DFS, were 35.5% and 15.8%, respectively. Fewer patients in the extended indication group underwent an R0 resection (92.9% vs. 77.5%, P < 0.001). Only 17% of all R1 resected patients had recurrences at the transection plane. CONCLUSION A partial hepatectomy for CRCLM with extended indications seems justified but is associated with higher complication rates, earlier recurrence and lower overall survival compared with limited indications. However, the median 5-year survival was substantial and a cure was achieved in 15.8% of patients.

Near-Infrared Fluorescence Laparoscopy of the Cystic Duct and Artery in Pigs: Performance of a Preclinical Dye

BACKGROUND Near-infrared fluorescence laparoscopy after intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) administration has been proposed as a promising surgical imaging technique for real-time visualization of the extrahepatic bile ducts and arteries in clinical laparoscopic cholecystectomies. However, optimization of this new technique with respect to the imaging system combined with the fluorophore is desirable. The performance of a preclinical near-infrared dye, CW800-CA, was compared with that of ICG for near-infrared fluorescence laparoscopy of the cystic duct and artery in pigs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in six pigs (average weight, 35 kg) using a commercially available laparoscopic fluorescence imaging system. The fluorophores CW800-CA and ICG (both 800 nm fluorescent dyes) were administered by intravenous injection in four and two pigs, respectively. CW800-CA was administered in three different doses (consecutively 0.25, 1, and 3 mg); ICG was intravenously injected (2.5 mg) for comparison. Intraoperative recognition of the biliary structures was recorded at set time points. The target-to-background ratio was determined to quantify the fluorescence signal of the designated tissues. RESULTS A clinically proven dose of 2.5 mg of ICG resulted in a successful fluorescence delineation of both the cystic duct and artery. In the CW800-CA-injected pigs a clear visualization of the cystic duct and artery was obtained after administration of 3 mg of CW800-CA. Time from injection until fluorescence identification of the cystic duct was reduced when CW800-CA was used compared with ICG (11.5 minutes versus 21.5 minutes, respectively). CW800-CA provided clearer illumination of the cystic artery, in terms of target-to-background ratio. CONCLUSIONS As well as ICG, CW800-CA can be applied for fluorescence identification of the cystic artery and duct using a commercially available laparoscopic fluorescence imaging system. Fluorescence cholangiography of the cystic duct can be obtained earlier after intravenous injection of CW800-CA, compared with ICG. These findings increase the possibilities of use and of optimization of this imaging technique.

Application of a New Dye for Near-Infrared Fluorescence Laparoscopy of the Ureters : Demonstration in a Pig Model

BACKGROUND: Ureteral injury during laparoscopic colorectal surgery is a rare but serious complication with a reported incidence rate of 0.66%. The early detection and prevention of ureteral injury is clinically relevant and important. The successful use of preclinical near-infrared fluorophore CW800-CA for real-time intraoperative identification of the anatomical course of the ureters with the use of a laparoscopic fluorescence imaging system is reported. METHODS: The usefulness of this new imaging technique was explored in two 35-kg pigs. Intravenous CW800-CA was administered 10 minutes before fluorescence imaging was conducted with the use of a commercially available laparoscopic fluorescence imaging system. RESULTS: A dose of 1 mg/mL CW800-CA (bolus injection of 3 mL) provided clear delineation of the course of both ureters by using the fluorescence mode of the laparoscope. There were no adverse reactions to the injected dye. CONCLUSION: Near-infrared fluorescence laparoscopy of the ureters, following intravenous CW800-CA administration, is easily applicable and provides real-time identification of the course of the ureters.

A survey in the hepatopancreatobiliary community on ways to enhance patient recovery.

OBJECTIVES Both laparoscopic techniques and multimodal enhanced recovery programmes have been shown to improve recovery and reduce length of hospital stay. Interestingly, evidence-based care programmes are not widely implemented, whereas new, minimally invasive surgical procedures are often adopted with very little evidence to support their effectiveness. The present survey aimed to shed light on experiences of the adoption of both methods of optimizing recovery. METHODS An international, web-based, 18-question, electronic survey was composed in 2010. The survey was sent out to 673 hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) centres worldwide in June 2010 to investigate international experiences with laparoscopic liver surgery, fast-track recovery programmes and surgery-related equipoise in open and laparoscopic techniques and to assess opinions on strategies for adopting laparoscopic liver surgery in HPB surgical practice. RESULTS A total of 507 centres responded (response rate: 75.3%), 161 of which finished the survey completely. All units reported performing open liver resections, 24.2% performed open living donor resections, 39.1% carried out orthotopic liver transplantations, 87.6% had experience with laparoscopic resections and 2.5% performed laparoscopic living donor resections. A median of 50 (range: 2-560) open and 9.5 (range: 1-80) laparoscopic liver resections per surgical unit were performed in 2009. Patients stayed in hospital for a median of 7 days (range: 2-15 days) after uncomplicated open liver resection and a median of 4 days (range: 1-10 days) after uncomplicated laparoscopic liver resection. Only 28.0% of centres reported having experience with fast-track programmes in liver surgery. The majority considered the instigation of a randomized controlled trial or a prospective register comparing the outcomes of open and laparoscopic techniques to be necessary. CONCLUSIONS Worldwide dissemination of laparoscopic liver resection is substantial, although laparoscopic volumes are low in the majority of HPB centres. The adoption of enhanced recovery programmes in liver surgery is limited and should be given greater attention.

Laparoscopic Liver Resection in the Netherlands: How Far Are We?

Background: The objective of this study was to provide a systematic review on the introduction of laparoscopic liver surgery in the Netherlands, to investigate the initial experience with laparoscopic liver resections and to report on the current status of laparoscopic liver surgery in the Netherlands. Methods: A systematic literature search of laparoscopic liver resections in the Netherlands was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE. Analysis of initial experience with laparoscopic liver surgery was performed by case-control comparison of patients undergoing laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy matched with patients undergoing the open procedure in the Netherlands between the years 2000 and 2008. Furthermore, a nationwide survey was conducted in 2011 on the current status of laparoscopic liver surgery. Results: The systematic review revealed only 6 Dutch reports on actual laparoscopic liver surgery. Matched case-control comparison showed significant differences in the length of hospital stay, blood loss and operation time. Complications did not differ significantly between the two groups (26 vs. 21%). The 2011 survey showed that 21 centers in the Netherlands performed formal liver resections and that 49 (5% of total) laparoscopic liver resections were performed in 2010. Conclusion: The systematic review revealed that very few laparoscopic liver resections were performed in the Netherlands in the previous millennium. The matched case-control comparison of laparoscopic and open left lateral resection showed a reduction in hospital length of stay with comparable morbidity. The laparoscopic technique has been slowly adopted in the Netherlands, but its popularity seems to increase in recent years.

Abandoning Prophylactic Abdominal Drainage after Hepatic Surgery: 10 Years of No-Drain Policy in an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Environment

Background: Routine prophylactic abdominal drainage after hepatic surgery is still being debated, as it may be unnecessary, possibly harmful, and uncomfortable for patients. This study evaluated the safety of a no-drain policy after liver resection within an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) programme. Methods: All hepatectomies performed without prophylactic drainage during 2005-2014 were included. Primary end points were resection-surface-related (RSR) morbidity, defined as the presence of postoperative biloma, hemorrhage or abscess, and reinterventions. Secondary end points were length of stay, total postoperative morbidity, the composite end point of liver surgery-specific complications, readmissions, and 90-day mortality. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for RSR morbidity. A systematic search was performed to compare the results of this study to literature. Results: A total of 538 resections were included in the study. The RSR complication and reintervention rate was 15 and 12%, respectively. Major liver resection (≥3 segments) was an independent risk factor for the development of RSR morbidity (OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.61-5.62; p = 0.001) and need for RSR reintervention (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.59-5.73; p = 0.001). Conclusion: RSR morbidity, mortality, and reintervention rates after liver surgery without prophylactic drainage in patients, treated within an ERAS programme, were comparable to previously published data. A no-drain policy after partial hepatectomy seems safe and feasible.

Impact of body composition on survival and morbidity after liver resection in hepatocellular carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common innate liver tumor. Due to improved surgical techniques, even extended resections are feasible, and more patients can be treated with curative intent. As the liver is the central metabolic organ, preoperative metabolic assessment is crucial for risk stratification. Sarcopenia, obesity and sarcopenic obesity characterize body composition and metabolic status. Here we present the impact of body composition on survival after liver resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS A retrospective database analysis of 70 patients who were assigned for liver resection due to hepatocellular carcinoma was conducted. For assessment of sarcopenia and obesity, skeletal muscle surface area was measured at lumbar vertebra 3 level (L3) in preoperative four-phase contrast enhanced abdominal CT scans, and L3 muscle index and body fat percentage were calculated. RESULTS Univariate analysis comparing the survival curves using the score test demonstrated superior postoperative overall survival for sarcopenic (P = 0.035) and sarcopenic obese (P = 0.048) patients as well as a trend favoring obese (P = 0.130) subjects. Whereas multivariate analysis could not identify significant difference in postoperative survival regarding sarcopenia, obesity or sarcopenic obesity. Only large tumor size, multifocal disease and male gender were risk factors for long-term survival. CONCLUSIONS Sarcopenia, obesity and sarcopenic obesity are indeed no risk factors for poor postoperative survival in this study. Our data do not support the evaluation of sarcopenia, obesity and sarcopenic obesity before liver resection in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

Effect of Age on Liver Function in Patients Undergoing Partial Hepatectomy

Background: Postresectional liver failure is the most frequent cause of fatal outcome following liver surgery. Diminished preoperative liver function in the elderly might contribute to this. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate preoperative liver function in patients <60 or >70 years of age scheduled for liver resection. Methods: All consecutive patients aged <60 or >70 years who are about to undergo elective liver surgery between 2011 and 2013 and underwent the methacetin breath liver function test (LiMAx) preoperatively were included. Histologic assessment of the resected liver gave insight into background liver disease. Correlation between age and liver function was calculated with Pearsons test. Results: Fifty-nine patients were included, 31 were aged <60 and 28 were aged >70 years. General patient characteristics and liver function LiMAx values (340 (137-594) vs. 349 (191-530) μg/kg/h, p = 0.699) were not significantly different between patients aged <60 and >70 years. Moreover, no correlation between age and preoperative liver function LiMAx values was found (R = 0.04, p = 0.810). Conclusion: Liver function did not seem to differ between younger and older patients.