Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents one of the most common neoplasms worldwide. Surgical resection and local ablative therapies represent the most frequent first lines therapies adopted when liver transplantatio...Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents one of the most common neoplasms worldwide. Surgical resection and local ablative therapies represent the most frequent first lines therapies adopted when liver transplantation can not be offered or is not immediately accessible. Hepatic resection (HR) is currently considered the most curative strategy, but in the last decade local ablative therapies have started to obtain satisfactory results in term of efficacy and, of them, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is considered the reference standard. An extensive literature review, from the year 2000, was performed, focusing on results coming from studies that directly compared HR and RFA. Qualities of the studies, characteristics of patients included, and patient survival and recurrence rates were analyzed. Except for three randomized controlled trials (RCT), most studies are affected by uncertain methodological approaches since surgical and ablated patients represent different populations as regards clinical and tumor features that are known to affect prognosis. Unfortunately, even the available RCTs report conflicting results. Until further evidences become available, it seems reasonable to offer RFA to very small HCC (< 2 cm) with no technical contraindications, since in this instance complete necrosis is most likely to be achieved. In larger nodules, namely > 2 cm and especially if > 3 cm, and/or in tumor locations in which ablation is not expected to be effective or safe, surgical removal is to be preferred.展开更多
The recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma,the sixth most common neoplasm and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide,represents an important clinical problem,since it may occur after both surgic...The recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma,the sixth most common neoplasm and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide,represents an important clinical problem,since it may occur after both surgical and medical treatment.The recurrence rate involves 2 phases:an early phase and a late phase.The early phase usually occurs within 2 years after resection;it is mainly related to local invasion and intrahepatic metastases and,therefore,to the intrinsic biology of the tumor.On the other hand,the late phase occurs more than 2 years after surgery and is mainly related to de novo tumor formation as a consequence of the carcinogenic cirrhotic environment.Since recent studies have reported that early and late recurrences may have different risk factors,it is clinically important to recognize these factors in the individual patient as soon as possible.The aim of this review was,therefore,to identify predicting factors for the recurrence of hepatocellularcarcinoma,by means of invasive and non-invasive methods,according to the different therapeutic strategies available.In particular the role of emerging techniques(e.g.,transient elastography)and biological features of hepatocellular carcinoma in predicting recurrence have been discussed.In particular,invasive methods were differentiated from non-invasive ones for research purposes,taking into consideration the emerging role of the genetic signature of hepatocellular carcinoma in order to better allocate treatment strategies and surveillance follow-up in patients with this type of tumor.展开更多
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is one of the most frequent neoplasms worldwide and in most cases it is associated with liver cirrhosis.Liver resection is considered the most potentially curative therapy for HCC patient...Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is one of the most frequent neoplasms worldwide and in most cases it is associated with liver cirrhosis.Liver resection is considered the most potentially curative therapy for HCC patients when liver transplantation is not an option or is not immediately accessible.This review is aimed at investigating the current concepts that drive the surgical choice in the treatment of HCC in cirrhotic patients;Eastern and Western perspectives are highlighted.An extensive literature review of the last two decades was performed,on topics covering various aspects of hepatic resection.Early post-operative and long-term outcome measures adopted were firstly analyzed in an attempt to define an optimal standardization useful for research comparison.The need to avoid the development of post-hepatectomy liver failure represents the "conditio sine qua non" of surgical choice and the role of the current tools available for the assessment of liver function reserve were investigated.Results of hepatic resection in relationship with tumor burden were compared with those of available competing strategies,namely,radiofrequency ablation for early stages,and trans-arterial chemoembolization for intermediate and advanced stages.Finally,the choice for anatomical versus non-anatomical,as well as the role of laparoscopic approach,was overviewed.The literature review suggests that partial hepatectomy for HCC should be considered in the context of multi-disciplinary evaluation of cirrhotic patients.Scientific research on HCC has moved,in recent years,from surgical therapy toward non-surgical approaches and most of the literature regarding topics debated in the present review is represented by observational studies,whereas very few well-designed randomized controlled trials are currently available;thus,no robust recommendations can be derived.展开更多
Criteria for liver transplantation(LT)for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and post-LT indicators of prognosis are historically based on the measurement of the tumor mass.Recently,high throughput technologies have increas...Criteria for liver transplantation(LT)for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and post-LT indicators of prognosis are historically based on the measurement of the tumor mass.Recently,high throughput technologies have increased the prediction of recurrence,but these tools are not yet routinely available.The interaction between HCC and the immune system has revealed an imbalance of lymphocyte phenotypes in the peritumoral tissue,and the increase of regulatory T cells with respect to cytotoxic lymphocytes has been linked to a higher rate of post-LT HCC recurrence.Moreover,some inflammatory markers have shown good reliability in predicting cancer reappearance after surgery,as a result of either a systemic inflammatory response or a decreased capacity of the organism to control the tumor growth.Among these markers,the neutrophil-tolymphocyte ratio appears to be the most promising and easily available serum parameter able to predict HCC recurrence after LT and following other types of treatment,although the exact mechanisms determining its elevation have not been clarified.Post-LT immunosuppression may impact on cancer control,and the exposure to high levels of calcineurin inhibitors or other immunusuppressants has recently emerged as a negative prognostic factor for HCC recurrence and patient survival.Despite the absence of prospective randomized trials,inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin have been shown to be associated with lower rates of tumor recurrence compared to other immunosuppressors,suggesting their use especially in patients with HCC exceeding the conventional indication criteria for LT.展开更多
Improvements in the medical and pharmacological management of liver transplantation (LT) recipients have led to a better long-term outcome and extension of the indications for this procedure. Liver tumors are relevant...Improvements in the medical and pharmacological management of liver transplantation (LT) recipients have led to a better long-term outcome and extension of the indications for this procedure. Liver tumors are relevant to LT; however, the use of LT to treat malignancies remains a debated issue because the high risk of recurrence. In this review we considered LT for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), liver metastases (LM) and other rare tumors. We reviewed the literature, focusing on the past 10 years. The highly selected Milan criteria of LT for HCC (single nodule < 5 cm or up to 3 nodules < 3 cm) have been recently extended by a group from the University of S. Francisco (1 lesion < 6.5 cm or up to 3 lesions < 4.5 cm) with satisfying results in terms of recurrence-free survival and the “up-to-seven criteria”. Moreover, using these criteria, other transplant groups have recently developed downstaging protocols, including surgical or loco-regional treatments of HCC, which have increased the post-operative survival of recipients. CCA may be treated by LT in patients who cannot undergo liver resection because of underlying liver disease or for anatomical technical challenges. A well-defined protocol of chemoirradiation and staging laparotomy before LT has been developed by the Mayo Clinic, which has resulted in long term disease-free survival comparable to other indications. LT for LM has also been investigated by multicenter studies. It offers a real benefit for metastases from neuroendocrine tumors that are well differentiated and when a major extrahepatic resection is not required. If LT is an option in these selected cases, liver metastases from colorectal cancer is still a borderline indication because data concerning the disease-free survival are still lacking. Hepatoblastoma and hemangioendothelioma represent rare primary tumors for which LT is often the only possible and effective cure because of the frequent multifocal, intrahepatic nature of the disease. LT is a very promising procedure for both primary and secondary liver malignancies; however, it needs an accurate evaluation of the costs and benefits for each indication to balance the chances of cure with actual organ availability.展开更多
AIM: To assess the safety and effectiveness of prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a large population of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on cirrhosis.METHODS: Two hundred and twenty nine conse...AIM: To assess the safety and effectiveness of prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a large population of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on cirrhosis.METHODS: Two hundred and twenty nine consecutive cirrhotic patients with HCC who underwent hepatic resection were retrospectively evaluated to assess whether there was any difference in the incidence of thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications between those who received and those who did not receive prophylaxis with low-molecular weight heparin.Differences and possible effects of the following parameters were investigated: age,sex,Child-Pugh and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score,platelet count,presence of esophageal varices,type of hepatic resection,duration of surgery,intraoperative transfusion of blood and fresh frozen plasma (FFP),body mass index,diabetes and previous cardiovascular disease.RESULTS: One hundred and fifty seven of 229 (68.5%) patients received antithromboembolic prophylaxis (group A) while the remaining 72 (31.5%) patients did not (group B).Patients in group B had higher Child-Pugh and MELD scores,lower platelet counts,a higher prevalence of esophageal varices and higher requirements for intraoperative transfusion of FFP.The incidence of VTE and postoperative hemorrhage was 0.63% and 3.18% in group A and 1.38% and 1.38% in group B,respectively;these differences were not significant.None of the variables analyzed including prophylaxis proved to be risk factors for VTE,and only the presence of esophageal varices was associated with an increased risk of bleeding.CONCLUSION: Prophylaxis is safe in cirrhotic patients without esophageal varices;the real need for prophylaxis should be better assessed.展开更多
Extended hepatectomy,or liver transplantation of reduced-size graft,can lead to a pattern of clinical manifestations,namely"post-hepatectomy liver failure"and"small-for-size syndrome"respectively,t...Extended hepatectomy,or liver transplantation of reduced-size graft,can lead to a pattern of clinical manifestations,namely"post-hepatectomy liver failure"and"small-for-size syndrome"respectively,that can range from mild cholestasis to irreversible organ non-function and death of the patient.Many mechanisms are involved in their occurrence but in the recent past,high portal blood flow through a relatively small liver vascular bed has taken a central role.Therefore,several techniques of inflow modulation have been attempted in cases of portal hyperperfusion first in liver transplantation,such as portocaval shunt,mesocaval shunt,splenorenal shunt,splenectomy or ligation of the splenic artery.However,high portal flow is not the only factor responsible,and before major liver resections,preoperative assessment of the residual liver function is necessary.Techniques such as portal vein embolization or portal vein ligation can be adopted to increase the future liver volume,preventing posthepatectomy liver failure.More recently,a new surgical procedure,that combines in situ splitting of the liver and portal vein ligation,has gradually come to light,inducing remarkable hypertrophy of the healthy liver in just a few days.Further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis and overcome one of the biggest issues in the field of liver surgery.展开更多
Liver transplant for hepatitis B virus(HBV) currently yields excellent outcomes: it allows to rescue patients with an HBV-related advanced liver disease, resulting in a demographical modification of the waiting list f...Liver transplant for hepatitis B virus(HBV) currently yields excellent outcomes: it allows to rescue patients with an HBV-related advanced liver disease, resulting in a demographical modification of the waiting list for liver transplant. In an age of patient-tailored treatments, in liver transplantation as well the aim is to offer the best suitable graft to the patient who can benefit from it, also expanding the criteria for organ acceptance and allocation. With the intent of developing strategies to increase the donor pool, we set-up a multicenter study involving 3 Liver Transplant Centers in Italy: patients undergoing liver transplantation between March 03, 2004, and May 21, 2010, were retrospectively evaluated. 1408 patients underwent liver transplantation during the study period, 28(2%) received the graft from hepatitis B surface antigen positive(HBs Ag)-positive deceased donors. The average follow-up after liver transplantation was 63.7 mo [range: 0.1-119.4; SD ± 35.8]. None Primary nonfunction, re-liver transplantation, early or late hepatic artery thrombosis occurred. The 1-, 3-and 5-year graft and patient survival resulted of 85.7%, 82.1%, 78.4%. Our results suggest that the use of HBs Agpositive donors liver grafts is feasible, since HBV can be controlled without affecting graft stability. However, the selection of grafts and the postoperative antiviral therapy should be managed appropriately.展开更多
The urea cycle is the final pathway for nitrogen metabolism. Urea cycle disorders(UCDs) include a variety of genetic defects, which lead to inefficient urea synthesis. Elevated blood ammonium level is usually dominant...The urea cycle is the final pathway for nitrogen metabolism. Urea cycle disorders(UCDs) include a variety of genetic defects, which lead to inefficient urea synthesis. Elevated blood ammonium level is usually dominant in the clinical pattern and the primary manifestations affect the central nervous system. Herein, we report the case of a 17-year-old girl who was diagnosed with UCD at the age of 3. Despite a controlled diet, she was hospitalized several times for acute attacks with recurrent life risk. She came to our attention for a hyperammonemic episode. We proposed an orthotopic liver transplant(OLT) as a treatment; the patient and her family were in complete agreement. On February 28, 2007, she successfully received a transplant. Following the surgery, she has remained well, and she is currently leading a normal life. Usually for UCDs diet plays the primary therapeutic role, while OLT is often considered as a last resort. Our case report and the recent literature data on the quality of life and prognosis of traditionally treated patients vs OLT patients, support OLT as a primary intervention to prevent life-threatening acute episodes and chronic mental impairment.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the predictors of 10-year survival of patients with hepatitis C recurrence. METHODS: Data from 358 patients transplanted between 1989 and 2010 in two Italian transplant centers and with evidence of he...AIM: To evaluate the predictors of 10-year survival of patients with hepatitis C recurrence. METHODS: Data from 358 patients transplanted between 1989 and 2010 in two Italian transplant centers and with evidence of hepatitis C recurrence were analyzed. A χ2, Fisher's exact test and Kruskal Wallis' test were used for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Survival analysis was performed at 10 years after transplant using the Kaplan-Meier method, and a log-rank test was used to compare groups. A P level less than 0.05 was considered significant for all tests. Multivariate analysis of the predictive role of different variables on 10-year survival was performed by a stepwise Cox logistic regression.RESULTS: The ten-year survival of the entire population was 61.2%. Five groups of patients were identified according to the virological response or lack of a response to antiviral treatment and, among those who were not treated, according to the clinical status(mild hepatitis C recurrence, "too sick to be treated" and patients with comorbidities contraindicating the treatment). While the 10-year survival of treated and untreated patients was not different(59.1% vs 64.7%, P = 0.192), patients with a sustained virological response had a higher 10-year survival rate than both the "non-responders"(84.7% vs 39.8%, P < 0.0001) and too sick to be treated(84.7% vs 0%, P < 0.0001). Sustained virological responders had a survival rate comparable to patients untreated with mild recurrence(84.7% vs 89.3%). A sustained virological response and young donor age were independent predictors of 10-year survival. CONCLUSION: Sustained virological response significantly increased long-term survival. Awaiting the interferon-free regimen global availability, antiviral treatment might be questionable in selected subjects with mild hepatitis C recurrence.展开更多
Background:Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer may require extended resections in order to achieve tumor-free margins,especially in the case of up-front resections,but it is important to know the limits of surgica...Background:Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer may require extended resections in order to achieve tumor-free margins,especially in the case of up-front resections,but it is important to know the limits of surgical therapy in this disease.This study aimed to investigate the impact of extent of pancreatic and venous resection on short-and long-term outcomes in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma(PDAC).Methods:This was a retrospective study from a prospectively maintained database of pancreatic resections for PDAC.Short-and long-term outcomes were analyzed in patients having borderline resectable PDAC submitted to up-front total pancreatectomy(TP)or pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD)with simultaneous portal vein(PV)and/or superior mesenteric vein(SMV)resection.Venous resections were carried out as tangential venous resection(TVR)or segmental venous resection(SVR).Patients were divided into 4 groups:(1)PD+TVR,(2)PD+SVR,(3)TP+TVR,(4)TP+SVR.Uni-and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed to identify factors associated with survival.Results:Ninety-nine patients were submitted to simultaneous pancreatic and venous resection for PDAC.Among them,25 were submitted to PD+TVR(25.3%),12 to PD+SVR(12.1%),23 to TP+TVR(23.2%),and 39 to TP+SVR(39.4%).Overall,major morbidity(Clavien-Dindo grade≥IIIA)was 26.3%.Thirty-and 90-day mortality were 3%and 11.1%,respectively.There were no significant differences among groups in terms of short-term outcomes.Median overall survival of patients submitted to PD+TVR was significantly higher than those to TP+SVR(29.5 vs 7.9 months,P=0.001).Multivariate analysis identified TP(HR=2.11;95%CI:1.31–3.44;P=0.002)and SVR(HR=2.01;95%CI:1.27–3.15;P=0.003)as the only independent prognostic factors for overall survival.Conclusions:Up-front TP associated to SVR was predictive of worse survival in borderline resectable PDAC.Perioperative treatments in high-risk surgical groups may improve such poor outcomes.展开更多
BACKGROUND Two-stage hepatectomy(TSH)is a well-established surgical technique,used to treat bilateral colorectal liver metastases(CRLM)with a small future liver remnant(FLR).However,in classical TSH,drop-out is report...BACKGROUND Two-stage hepatectomy(TSH)is a well-established surgical technique,used to treat bilateral colorectal liver metastases(CRLM)with a small future liver remnant(FLR).However,in classical TSH,drop-out is reported to be around 25%-40%,due to insufficient FLR increase or progression of disease.Trans-arterial radioembolization(TARE)has been described to control locally tumor growth of liver malignancies such as hepatocellular carcinoma,but it has been also reported to induce a certain degree of contralateral liver hypertrophy,even if at a lower rate compared to portal vein embolization or ligation.CASE SUMMARY Herein we report the case of a 75-year-old female patient,where TSH and TARE were combined to treat bilateral CRLM.According to computed tomography(CT)-scan,the patient had a hepatic lesion in segment VI-VII and two other confluent lesions in segment II-III.Therefore,one-stage posterior right sectionectomy plus left lateral sectionectomy(LLS)was planned.The liver volumetry estimated a FLR of 38%(segments I-IV-V-VIII).However,due to a more than initially planned,extended right resection,simultaneous LLS was not performed and the patient underwent selective TARE to segments II-III after the first surgery.The CT-scan performed after TARE showed a reduction of the treated lesion and a FLR increase of 55%.Carcinoembryonic antigen and CA 19.9 decreased significantly.Nearly three months later after the first surgery,LLS was performed and the patient was discharged without any postoperative complications.CONCLUSION According to this specific experience,TARE was used to induce liver hypertrophy and simultaneously control cancer progression in TSH settings for bilateral CRLM.展开更多
Dear Editor:In the last two decades,the indications of liver transplantation(LT)for primary and secondary hepatobiliary malignancies have been increasingly expanded.Although this attractive option still represents the...Dear Editor:In the last two decades,the indications of liver transplantation(LT)for primary and secondary hepatobiliary malignancies have been increasingly expanded.Although this attractive option still represents the“last court of appeal”in cancer patients,the role of LT is well established in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),where transplantation has also demonstrated a benefit for selected patients affected by peri-hilar cholangiocarcinoma,intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma,and neuroendocrine tumors[1].Recently,the interest in LT in liver-limited stage IV colorectal cancer(CRC)has increased due to recent advances in transplantation techniques that have led to a re-evaluation of this approach.展开更多
Introduction Focal nodular hyperplasia(FNH)and hepatocellular adenoma(HCA)are both benign nodular hepatocellular lesions.FNH is the second-most common solid liver tumour,representing8%of all primary hepatic neoplasms[...Introduction Focal nodular hyperplasia(FNH)and hepatocellular adenoma(HCA)are both benign nodular hepatocellular lesions.FNH is the second-most common solid liver tumour,representing8%of all primary hepatic neoplasms[1].If the diagnosis of FNH is firmly established on the basis of imaging,and if the individual is asymptomatic,follow-up imaging is not required,and the patient can be discharged.However,there is a poor association between FNH and symptoms;therefore,even in symptomatic cases,treatment is rarely indicated[2].展开更多
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICCA)incidence has been rising in the last few decades.Currently,hepatic resection is the only curative treatment for ICCA,and there is a lack of evidence supporting the use of preopera...Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICCA)incidence has been rising in the last few decades.Currently,hepatic resection is the only curative treatment for ICCA,and there is a lack of evidence supporting the use of preoperative treatment.A narrative review was conducted to analyze the available literature published on the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy(CHT),either alone or combined with intra-arterial therapies(IAT),for downstaging unresectable ICCA to surgical resection.Most of the studies included in this review showed that secondary resection was associated with improvement in overall survival.In particular,studies analyzing CHT alone reported the highest conversion rate ranging from 20%to 57.1%,confirming that systemic treatment may yield the best results,and therefore,it should always be included as part of the neoadjuvant protocol.Among all the IATs,the longest overall survival reported was after CHT plus hepatic artery infusion,25 months.Downsizing neoadjuvant multimodal approach,including combined systemic therapy with IAT,might improve the long-term outcomes of unresectable patients and expand surgical indications.However,randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm their effectiveness.展开更多
基金Supported by A speaker fee from Siemens, research contracts with Esaote and advisory board and speaker fee from Bayer to Fabio Piscaglia
文摘Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents one of the most common neoplasms worldwide. Surgical resection and local ablative therapies represent the most frequent first lines therapies adopted when liver transplantation can not be offered or is not immediately accessible. Hepatic resection (HR) is currently considered the most curative strategy, but in the last decade local ablative therapies have started to obtain satisfactory results in term of efficacy and, of them, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is considered the reference standard. An extensive literature review, from the year 2000, was performed, focusing on results coming from studies that directly compared HR and RFA. Qualities of the studies, characteristics of patients included, and patient survival and recurrence rates were analyzed. Except for three randomized controlled trials (RCT), most studies are affected by uncertain methodological approaches since surgical and ablated patients represent different populations as regards clinical and tumor features that are known to affect prognosis. Unfortunately, even the available RCTs report conflicting results. Until further evidences become available, it seems reasonable to offer RFA to very small HCC (< 2 cm) with no technical contraindications, since in this instance complete necrosis is most likely to be achieved. In larger nodules, namely > 2 cm and especially if > 3 cm, and/or in tumor locations in which ablation is not expected to be effective or safe, surgical removal is to be preferred.
文摘The recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma,the sixth most common neoplasm and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide,represents an important clinical problem,since it may occur after both surgical and medical treatment.The recurrence rate involves 2 phases:an early phase and a late phase.The early phase usually occurs within 2 years after resection;it is mainly related to local invasion and intrahepatic metastases and,therefore,to the intrinsic biology of the tumor.On the other hand,the late phase occurs more than 2 years after surgery and is mainly related to de novo tumor formation as a consequence of the carcinogenic cirrhotic environment.Since recent studies have reported that early and late recurrences may have different risk factors,it is clinically important to recognize these factors in the individual patient as soon as possible.The aim of this review was,therefore,to identify predicting factors for the recurrence of hepatocellularcarcinoma,by means of invasive and non-invasive methods,according to the different therapeutic strategies available.In particular the role of emerging techniques(e.g.,transient elastography)and biological features of hepatocellular carcinoma in predicting recurrence have been discussed.In particular,invasive methods were differentiated from non-invasive ones for research purposes,taking into consideration the emerging role of the genetic signature of hepatocellular carcinoma in order to better allocate treatment strategies and surveillance follow-up in patients with this type of tumor.
文摘Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is one of the most frequent neoplasms worldwide and in most cases it is associated with liver cirrhosis.Liver resection is considered the most potentially curative therapy for HCC patients when liver transplantation is not an option or is not immediately accessible.This review is aimed at investigating the current concepts that drive the surgical choice in the treatment of HCC in cirrhotic patients;Eastern and Western perspectives are highlighted.An extensive literature review of the last two decades was performed,on topics covering various aspects of hepatic resection.Early post-operative and long-term outcome measures adopted were firstly analyzed in an attempt to define an optimal standardization useful for research comparison.The need to avoid the development of post-hepatectomy liver failure represents the "conditio sine qua non" of surgical choice and the role of the current tools available for the assessment of liver function reserve were investigated.Results of hepatic resection in relationship with tumor burden were compared with those of available competing strategies,namely,radiofrequency ablation for early stages,and trans-arterial chemoembolization for intermediate and advanced stages.Finally,the choice for anatomical versus non-anatomical,as well as the role of laparoscopic approach,was overviewed.The literature review suggests that partial hepatectomy for HCC should be considered in the context of multi-disciplinary evaluation of cirrhotic patients.Scientific research on HCC has moved,in recent years,from surgical therapy toward non-surgical approaches and most of the literature regarding topics debated in the present review is represented by observational studies,whereas very few well-designed randomized controlled trials are currently available;thus,no robust recommendations can be derived.
文摘Criteria for liver transplantation(LT)for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and post-LT indicators of prognosis are historically based on the measurement of the tumor mass.Recently,high throughput technologies have increased the prediction of recurrence,but these tools are not yet routinely available.The interaction between HCC and the immune system has revealed an imbalance of lymphocyte phenotypes in the peritumoral tissue,and the increase of regulatory T cells with respect to cytotoxic lymphocytes has been linked to a higher rate of post-LT HCC recurrence.Moreover,some inflammatory markers have shown good reliability in predicting cancer reappearance after surgery,as a result of either a systemic inflammatory response or a decreased capacity of the organism to control the tumor growth.Among these markers,the neutrophil-tolymphocyte ratio appears to be the most promising and easily available serum parameter able to predict HCC recurrence after LT and following other types of treatment,although the exact mechanisms determining its elevation have not been clarified.Post-LT immunosuppression may impact on cancer control,and the exposure to high levels of calcineurin inhibitors or other immunusuppressants has recently emerged as a negative prognostic factor for HCC recurrence and patient survival.Despite the absence of prospective randomized trials,inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin have been shown to be associated with lower rates of tumor recurrence compared to other immunosuppressors,suggesting their use especially in patients with HCC exceeding the conventional indication criteria for LT.
文摘Improvements in the medical and pharmacological management of liver transplantation (LT) recipients have led to a better long-term outcome and extension of the indications for this procedure. Liver tumors are relevant to LT; however, the use of LT to treat malignancies remains a debated issue because the high risk of recurrence. In this review we considered LT for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), liver metastases (LM) and other rare tumors. We reviewed the literature, focusing on the past 10 years. The highly selected Milan criteria of LT for HCC (single nodule < 5 cm or up to 3 nodules < 3 cm) have been recently extended by a group from the University of S. Francisco (1 lesion < 6.5 cm or up to 3 lesions < 4.5 cm) with satisfying results in terms of recurrence-free survival and the “up-to-seven criteria”. Moreover, using these criteria, other transplant groups have recently developed downstaging protocols, including surgical or loco-regional treatments of HCC, which have increased the post-operative survival of recipients. CCA may be treated by LT in patients who cannot undergo liver resection because of underlying liver disease or for anatomical technical challenges. A well-defined protocol of chemoirradiation and staging laparotomy before LT has been developed by the Mayo Clinic, which has resulted in long term disease-free survival comparable to other indications. LT for LM has also been investigated by multicenter studies. It offers a real benefit for metastases from neuroendocrine tumors that are well differentiated and when a major extrahepatic resection is not required. If LT is an option in these selected cases, liver metastases from colorectal cancer is still a borderline indication because data concerning the disease-free survival are still lacking. Hepatoblastoma and hemangioendothelioma represent rare primary tumors for which LT is often the only possible and effective cure because of the frequent multifocal, intrahepatic nature of the disease. LT is a very promising procedure for both primary and secondary liver malignancies; however, it needs an accurate evaluation of the costs and benefits for each indication to balance the chances of cure with actual organ availability.
文摘AIM: To assess the safety and effectiveness of prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a large population of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on cirrhosis.METHODS: Two hundred and twenty nine consecutive cirrhotic patients with HCC who underwent hepatic resection were retrospectively evaluated to assess whether there was any difference in the incidence of thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications between those who received and those who did not receive prophylaxis with low-molecular weight heparin.Differences and possible effects of the following parameters were investigated: age,sex,Child-Pugh and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score,platelet count,presence of esophageal varices,type of hepatic resection,duration of surgery,intraoperative transfusion of blood and fresh frozen plasma (FFP),body mass index,diabetes and previous cardiovascular disease.RESULTS: One hundred and fifty seven of 229 (68.5%) patients received antithromboembolic prophylaxis (group A) while the remaining 72 (31.5%) patients did not (group B).Patients in group B had higher Child-Pugh and MELD scores,lower platelet counts,a higher prevalence of esophageal varices and higher requirements for intraoperative transfusion of FFP.The incidence of VTE and postoperative hemorrhage was 0.63% and 3.18% in group A and 1.38% and 1.38% in group B,respectively;these differences were not significant.None of the variables analyzed including prophylaxis proved to be risk factors for VTE,and only the presence of esophageal varices was associated with an increased risk of bleeding.CONCLUSION: Prophylaxis is safe in cirrhotic patients without esophageal varices;the real need for prophylaxis should be better assessed.
文摘Extended hepatectomy,or liver transplantation of reduced-size graft,can lead to a pattern of clinical manifestations,namely"post-hepatectomy liver failure"and"small-for-size syndrome"respectively,that can range from mild cholestasis to irreversible organ non-function and death of the patient.Many mechanisms are involved in their occurrence but in the recent past,high portal blood flow through a relatively small liver vascular bed has taken a central role.Therefore,several techniques of inflow modulation have been attempted in cases of portal hyperperfusion first in liver transplantation,such as portocaval shunt,mesocaval shunt,splenorenal shunt,splenectomy or ligation of the splenic artery.However,high portal flow is not the only factor responsible,and before major liver resections,preoperative assessment of the residual liver function is necessary.Techniques such as portal vein embolization or portal vein ligation can be adopted to increase the future liver volume,preventing posthepatectomy liver failure.More recently,a new surgical procedure,that combines in situ splitting of the liver and portal vein ligation,has gradually come to light,inducing remarkable hypertrophy of the healthy liver in just a few days.Further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis and overcome one of the biggest issues in the field of liver surgery.
文摘Liver transplant for hepatitis B virus(HBV) currently yields excellent outcomes: it allows to rescue patients with an HBV-related advanced liver disease, resulting in a demographical modification of the waiting list for liver transplant. In an age of patient-tailored treatments, in liver transplantation as well the aim is to offer the best suitable graft to the patient who can benefit from it, also expanding the criteria for organ acceptance and allocation. With the intent of developing strategies to increase the donor pool, we set-up a multicenter study involving 3 Liver Transplant Centers in Italy: patients undergoing liver transplantation between March 03, 2004, and May 21, 2010, were retrospectively evaluated. 1408 patients underwent liver transplantation during the study period, 28(2%) received the graft from hepatitis B surface antigen positive(HBs Ag)-positive deceased donors. The average follow-up after liver transplantation was 63.7 mo [range: 0.1-119.4; SD ± 35.8]. None Primary nonfunction, re-liver transplantation, early or late hepatic artery thrombosis occurred. The 1-, 3-and 5-year graft and patient survival resulted of 85.7%, 82.1%, 78.4%. Our results suggest that the use of HBs Agpositive donors liver grafts is feasible, since HBV can be controlled without affecting graft stability. However, the selection of grafts and the postoperative antiviral therapy should be managed appropriately.
文摘The urea cycle is the final pathway for nitrogen metabolism. Urea cycle disorders(UCDs) include a variety of genetic defects, which lead to inefficient urea synthesis. Elevated blood ammonium level is usually dominant in the clinical pattern and the primary manifestations affect the central nervous system. Herein, we report the case of a 17-year-old girl who was diagnosed with UCD at the age of 3. Despite a controlled diet, she was hospitalized several times for acute attacks with recurrent life risk. She came to our attention for a hyperammonemic episode. We proposed an orthotopic liver transplant(OLT) as a treatment; the patient and her family were in complete agreement. On February 28, 2007, she successfully received a transplant. Following the surgery, she has remained well, and she is currently leading a normal life. Usually for UCDs diet plays the primary therapeutic role, while OLT is often considered as a last resort. Our case report and the recent literature data on the quality of life and prognosis of traditionally treated patients vs OLT patients, support OLT as a primary intervention to prevent life-threatening acute episodes and chronic mental impairment.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the predictors of 10-year survival of patients with hepatitis C recurrence. METHODS: Data from 358 patients transplanted between 1989 and 2010 in two Italian transplant centers and with evidence of hepatitis C recurrence were analyzed. A χ2, Fisher's exact test and Kruskal Wallis' test were used for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Survival analysis was performed at 10 years after transplant using the Kaplan-Meier method, and a log-rank test was used to compare groups. A P level less than 0.05 was considered significant for all tests. Multivariate analysis of the predictive role of different variables on 10-year survival was performed by a stepwise Cox logistic regression.RESULTS: The ten-year survival of the entire population was 61.2%. Five groups of patients were identified according to the virological response or lack of a response to antiviral treatment and, among those who were not treated, according to the clinical status(mild hepatitis C recurrence, "too sick to be treated" and patients with comorbidities contraindicating the treatment). While the 10-year survival of treated and untreated patients was not different(59.1% vs 64.7%, P = 0.192), patients with a sustained virological response had a higher 10-year survival rate than both the "non-responders"(84.7% vs 39.8%, P < 0.0001) and too sick to be treated(84.7% vs 0%, P < 0.0001). Sustained virological responders had a survival rate comparable to patients untreated with mild recurrence(84.7% vs 89.3%). A sustained virological response and young donor age were independent predictors of 10-year survival. CONCLUSION: Sustained virological response significantly increased long-term survival. Awaiting the interferon-free regimen global availability, antiviral treatment might be questionable in selected subjects with mild hepatitis C recurrence.
文摘Background:Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer may require extended resections in order to achieve tumor-free margins,especially in the case of up-front resections,but it is important to know the limits of surgical therapy in this disease.This study aimed to investigate the impact of extent of pancreatic and venous resection on short-and long-term outcomes in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma(PDAC).Methods:This was a retrospective study from a prospectively maintained database of pancreatic resections for PDAC.Short-and long-term outcomes were analyzed in patients having borderline resectable PDAC submitted to up-front total pancreatectomy(TP)or pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD)with simultaneous portal vein(PV)and/or superior mesenteric vein(SMV)resection.Venous resections were carried out as tangential venous resection(TVR)or segmental venous resection(SVR).Patients were divided into 4 groups:(1)PD+TVR,(2)PD+SVR,(3)TP+TVR,(4)TP+SVR.Uni-and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed to identify factors associated with survival.Results:Ninety-nine patients were submitted to simultaneous pancreatic and venous resection for PDAC.Among them,25 were submitted to PD+TVR(25.3%),12 to PD+SVR(12.1%),23 to TP+TVR(23.2%),and 39 to TP+SVR(39.4%).Overall,major morbidity(Clavien-Dindo grade≥IIIA)was 26.3%.Thirty-and 90-day mortality were 3%and 11.1%,respectively.There were no significant differences among groups in terms of short-term outcomes.Median overall survival of patients submitted to PD+TVR was significantly higher than those to TP+SVR(29.5 vs 7.9 months,P=0.001).Multivariate analysis identified TP(HR=2.11;95%CI:1.31–3.44;P=0.002)and SVR(HR=2.01;95%CI:1.27–3.15;P=0.003)as the only independent prognostic factors for overall survival.Conclusions:Up-front TP associated to SVR was predictive of worse survival in borderline resectable PDAC.Perioperative treatments in high-risk surgical groups may improve such poor outcomes.
文摘BACKGROUND Two-stage hepatectomy(TSH)is a well-established surgical technique,used to treat bilateral colorectal liver metastases(CRLM)with a small future liver remnant(FLR).However,in classical TSH,drop-out is reported to be around 25%-40%,due to insufficient FLR increase or progression of disease.Trans-arterial radioembolization(TARE)has been described to control locally tumor growth of liver malignancies such as hepatocellular carcinoma,but it has been also reported to induce a certain degree of contralateral liver hypertrophy,even if at a lower rate compared to portal vein embolization or ligation.CASE SUMMARY Herein we report the case of a 75-year-old female patient,where TSH and TARE were combined to treat bilateral CRLM.According to computed tomography(CT)-scan,the patient had a hepatic lesion in segment VI-VII and two other confluent lesions in segment II-III.Therefore,one-stage posterior right sectionectomy plus left lateral sectionectomy(LLS)was planned.The liver volumetry estimated a FLR of 38%(segments I-IV-V-VIII).However,due to a more than initially planned,extended right resection,simultaneous LLS was not performed and the patient underwent selective TARE to segments II-III after the first surgery.The CT-scan performed after TARE showed a reduction of the treated lesion and a FLR increase of 55%.Carcinoembryonic antigen and CA 19.9 decreased significantly.Nearly three months later after the first surgery,LLS was performed and the patient was discharged without any postoperative complications.CONCLUSION According to this specific experience,TARE was used to induce liver hypertrophy and simultaneously control cancer progression in TSH settings for bilateral CRLM.
文摘Dear Editor:In the last two decades,the indications of liver transplantation(LT)for primary and secondary hepatobiliary malignancies have been increasingly expanded.Although this attractive option still represents the“last court of appeal”in cancer patients,the role of LT is well established in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),where transplantation has also demonstrated a benefit for selected patients affected by peri-hilar cholangiocarcinoma,intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma,and neuroendocrine tumors[1].Recently,the interest in LT in liver-limited stage IV colorectal cancer(CRC)has increased due to recent advances in transplantation techniques that have led to a re-evaluation of this approach.
文摘Introduction Focal nodular hyperplasia(FNH)and hepatocellular adenoma(HCA)are both benign nodular hepatocellular lesions.FNH is the second-most common solid liver tumour,representing8%of all primary hepatic neoplasms[1].If the diagnosis of FNH is firmly established on the basis of imaging,and if the individual is asymptomatic,follow-up imaging is not required,and the patient can be discharged.However,there is a poor association between FNH and symptoms;therefore,even in symptomatic cases,treatment is rarely indicated[2].
文摘Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICCA)incidence has been rising in the last few decades.Currently,hepatic resection is the only curative treatment for ICCA,and there is a lack of evidence supporting the use of preoperative treatment.A narrative review was conducted to analyze the available literature published on the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy(CHT),either alone or combined with intra-arterial therapies(IAT),for downstaging unresectable ICCA to surgical resection.Most of the studies included in this review showed that secondary resection was associated with improvement in overall survival.In particular,studies analyzing CHT alone reported the highest conversion rate ranging from 20%to 57.1%,confirming that systemic treatment may yield the best results,and therefore,it should always be included as part of the neoadjuvant protocol.Among all the IATs,the longest overall survival reported was after CHT plus hepatic artery infusion,25 months.Downsizing neoadjuvant multimodal approach,including combined systemic therapy with IAT,might improve the long-term outcomes of unresectable patients and expand surgical indications.However,randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm their effectiveness.
