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The Pringle maneuver remains a widely used technique in hepatic surgery with varying opinions on its effects on postoperative outcomes and survival, requiring evidence-based evaluation of its impact on liver function and long-term results.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the intermittent Pringle maneuver on postoperative liver function and survival in hepatectomy patients, focusing on early dysfunction markers as prognostic factors.
In this retrospective cohort of 198 patients (106 women and 92 men; mean age, 59 years), the Pringle group showed longer surgical times (226.87±82.18 vs. 184.00±80.90 min, p<0.001) and extended intensive care unit stays (4.02±2.1 vs 3.11±1.9 days, p=0.026), but lower bilirubin levels (2.18±0.33 vs. 3.13±0.39 mg/dL, p=0.049). Multivariate analysis revealed that the Pringle maneuver reduced mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR]=0.540, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.333–0.876, p=0.013). Early liver dysfunction markers strongly predicted worse outcomes: elevated bilirubin nearly doubled mortality risk (HR 1.975, 95%CI 1.100–3.545, p=0.023), and decreased prothrombin activity tripled it (HR 3.055, 95%CI 1.839–5.075, p<0.001).
While the Pringle maneuver extends operative time and intensive care unit stay, it demonstrates a protective effect on survival. Early postoperative liver dysfunction strongly predicts poor outcomes, emphasizing the importance of careful postoperative monitoring regardless of vascular control strategy. These findings suggest that a controlled intermittent Pringle maneuver offers survival benefits when properly timed.
Although the presence of synchronous colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) represents an important prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS), the definitions of synchronicity are variable in the literature, including metastases at the time of diagnosis, or even before the diagnostic of the primary site of colorectal cancer (CRC), until either six or 12 months after the time of diagnosis, according to the author of each study. Simultaneous approaches to treat CRC and CRLM seem to be safe for patients carefully selected without jeopardizing oncologic outcomes, with similar complication rates, shorter hospital length of stay, and operation times even for major hepatectomies. However, there is no consensus about the optimal timing to approach the primary tumor and CRLM, whether simultaneously or staged, and both performance status and the presence of symptoms play important roles in the treatment sequence, perhaps avoiding two high-risk procedures at the same time.
The presence of synchronous colorectal liver metastases represents an important prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival and overall survival, the definitions of synchronicity are variable in the literature, including metastases at the time of diagnosis, or even before the diagnostic of the primary site of colorectal cancer, and until either six or 12 months after the time of diagnosis, according to the authors of the studies.
Simultaneous approaches to treat colorectal cancer and colorectal liver metastases seem to be safe for patients carefully selected without jeopardizing oncologic outcomes, with similar complication rates, shorter length of stay and operation times even for major hepatectomies. However, there is no consensus about the optimal timing to approach the primary tumor and colorectal liver metastases, whether simultaneously or staged, and both performance status and presence of symptoms play important roles in the treatment sequence, perhaps avoiding two high-risk procedures at the same time
Although the presence of synchronous colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) represents an important prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS), the definitions of synchronicity are variable in the literature, including metastases at the time of diagnosis, or even before the diagnostic of the primary site of colorectal cancer (CRC), until either six or 12 months after the time of diagnosis, according to the author of each study. Simultaneous approaches to treat CRC and CRLM seem to be safe for patients carefully selected without jeopardizing oncologic outcomes, with similar complication rates, shorter hospital length of stay, and operation times even for major hepatectomies. However, there is no consensus about the optimal timing to approach the primary tumor and CRLM, whether simultaneously or staged, and both performance status and the presence of symptoms play important roles in the treatment sequence, perhaps avoiding two high-risk procedures at the same time.
Deaths related to colorectal cancer are generally associated with its metastases that affect the liver (50%) through the hematogenous route. Approximately 20-25% of these patients already have synchronous metastases in the liver at the time of primary tumor diagnosis. In others, liver metastases will occur during the course of the disease and are called metachronous. Metachronous metastases are believed to have a better prognosis; however, 20-25% of metastatic cases can be resected during the course of the disease. There is a lack of consensus on the diagnostic time interval for metastases to be considered metachronous in the consulted literature. Surgical treatment of metastases and lymph nodes is indicated, and extrahepatic neoplastic disease must be carefully evaluated. Liver transplantation can benefit the patient, should be evaluated, and is indicated in some special situations.
Biliary fistula is one of the most common complications after liver resection and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. One of the methods used to evaluate biliary fistulas is the White test, which consists of injecting a lipid emulsion into the bile duct. However, no standard technique for performing the White test has been published.
The aim of this study was to standardize the technique for performing the White test in patients undergoing hepatectomies, with and without previous cholecystectomy, and to assess the preliminary results.
Patients over 18 years of age who were submitted to open hepatectomy were included in the study. The primary outcome was the rate of biliary fistula. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of acute pancreatitis and overall morbidity, measured by the Clavien-Dindo classification.
The standard technique for the White test was performed on 17 patients. In total, three patients had previous cholecystectomy, and two had low insertion of the cystic duct, requiring cannulation of the hepatocholedochal duct. None of the patients developed clinically significant biliary leaks. Acute pancreatitis did not occur in any patient. One patient developed pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation (Clavien-Dindo IV). All others had minor or no complications.
The standardized technique for performing the White test suggests an appropriate strategy to maximize the detection of intraoperative biliary leaks.
Liver metastases from melanomas, sarcomas, and renal tumors are less frequent. Treatment and prognosis will depend on whether they are isolated or multiple, size and location, the presence or absence of extrahepatic neoplastic disease, age, stage of the initial disease, initial treatments instituted, time of evolution, and clinical condition of the patient. Recently, a high number of oncological therapies including monotherapy or in combination, neoadjuvants or adjuvants, and immuno-oncological treatments have been developed and tested, increasing disease-free time and survival.
Complete removal of metastatic disease and maintenance of an adequate liver remnant remains the only treatment option with curative intent concerning colorectal liver metastases. Surgery impacts on the long-term prognosis and complications adversely affect oncological results. The actual morbidity involving this scenario is debatable and estimated to be ranging from 15% to 50%. Postoperative complications eventually lead to an increase in both mortality rates and tumor recurrence. Biliary fistula and liver failure are the leading complications following liver resection to metastatic colorectal cancer. Prophylactic drainage does not prevent fistulas or hemorrhage. Drainage along with endoscopic intervention and/or surgery may be necessary for grade B and C fistulas. Liver failure is a potentially lethal complication with few therapeutic options. Patient selection and preoperative care are crucial for its prevention.
In patients with synchronic liver colorectal metastasis, resection of the primary tumor and liver metastases is the only potentially curative strategy. In such cases, there is no consensus on whether resection of the primary tumor and metastases should be performed simultaneously or whether a staged approach should be performed (resection of the primary tumor and after, hepatectomy, or hepatectomy first). Patients with no bowel occlusion and with extensive liver disease are advised neoadjuvant oncological therapy. Similarly, various strategies such as portal vein embolization, liver deprivation, two-staged hepatectomy, and associating liver partition and portal vein ligation are available for patients who do not have a sufficient future liver remnant (generally 30-40% of the total). Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is required for the treatment of these patients.
Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma presents unique challenges in perioperative management, requiring a comprehensive approach to optimize patient outcomes.
This case study focuses on the multidisciplinary management and innovative interventions performed in the perioperative care of a patient with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.
A comprehensive assessment and treatment strategy involving neoadjuvant therapy and interventional radiology techniques were implemented. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered to reduce tumor size and improve resectability. The crucial role of interventional radiology in managing postoperative complications is highlighted, particularly in the case of massive pulmonary embolism.
The neoadjuvant therapy successfully reduced tumor size, enabling an R0 surgical resection. Additionally, interventional radiology interventions, such as percutaneous pharmaco-mechanical thrombectomy, effectively addressed the life-threatening complication of massive pulmonary embolism.
This article highlights the importance of a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach in managing complex oncological surgeries, especially regarding the hospital’s rescue capacity for severe postoperative complications. Emergent management with interventional radiology had a central role in resolving life-threatening complications.
Hepatectomy is historically associated with higher morbidity and mortality, related to intraoperative blood loss and biliary fistulas. Technological advances and improvements in surgical and anesthetic techniques have led to greater safety in performing these surgeries.
The aim of this study was to analyze morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing hepatectomy.
Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing liver resections. The type of hepatectomy, indications, need for intraoperative blood transfusion, hospital stay, complications, and postoperative mortality were analyzed.
A total of 48 hepatectomies were performed during the studied period, the most common being 26 (54.16%) major hepatectomies, distributed among 13 (50%) left hepatectomies, 11 (42.30%) right hepatectomies, and 2 (7.70%) others. In total, 24 (45.84%) minor hepatectomies were performed, 11 (50%) mono segmentectomies, and 5 (22.72%) left lateral hepatectomies. The main indications for resection in benign diseases were 6 (12.50%) neotropical hepatic hydatidosis, five (10.41%) intrahepatic lithiasis, and in primary malignancies, 9 (18.75%) hepatocarcinomas. There was no need for an intraoperative blood transfusion. Hospital stays after surgery ranged from 2 to 40 days (average=7 days), and 41 (85.42%) patients went to the ICU in the first 72 h after surgery. In total, 9 (18.75%) patients developed postoperative complications. Overall mortality was 2.08%.
Hepatocellular carcinoma and neotropical hydatidosis were the main diseases with surgical indication, and major hepatectomies were the most performed procedures. Morbidity and mortality were in line with results from major global centers.
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