Robotic liver resection as a bridge to liver transplantation

Background:

The surgical robotic system is superior to traditional laparoscopy in regards to 3-dimensional images and better instrumentation. Robotic surgery for hepatic resection has not yet been extensively reported. The aim of this article is to report the first known case of liver resection with the use of a robot in France.

Methods:

A 61-year-old male with hepatitis C liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma was referred for surgical treatment. Preoperative clinical evaluation and laboratory data disclosed a Child-Pugh class A5 patient. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a 3.4-cm tumor in segment III. Liver size was normal, and there were not signs of portal hypertension. Five trocars were used.

Results:

Liver transection was achieved with Harmonic scalpel and bipolar forceps without pedicle clamping. Hemostasis of raw surface areas was accomplished with interrupted stitches. Operative time was 180 minutes. Blood loss was minimal, and the patient did not receive transfusion. The recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the fifth postoperative day without ascites formation.

Conclusion:

The robotic approach may enable liver resection in patients with cirrhosis. The da Vinci robotic system allowed for technical refinements of laparoscopic liver resection due to 3-dimensional visualization of the operative field and instruments with wrist-type end-effectors.     

Huge echinococcal cyst of the liver managed by hepatectomy: Report of two cases

IntroductionEchinococcocal cysts are predominantly located in the right liver. They are usually solitary and asymptomatic, but large cysts can cause compression symptoms.Case reportsWe report two cases of huge (25 cm and 20 cm in diameter, respectively) echinococcal cysts located in the left liver, which presented as a large palpable mass causing compression symptoms. Diagnosis was established with CT scan showing a cystic mass with the characteristic daughter cysts and reactive layer (pericystic wall) consisting of fibrous connective tissue and calcifications. Both patients were treated radically with left hepatectomy and had uneventful postoperative course and no recurrence upon follow-up.DiscussionThe treatment of liver echinococcal cysts represent a unique surgical challenge. Even though conservative approaches are less technically demanding, the radical approach with resection has better outcome with less recurrences, when performed by experienced surgeons.ConclusionResection rather than drainage is the management of choice for such huge liver echinococcal cysts.     

Preparatory hepatic resection with right hepatic vein reconstruction for paracaval liver tumor

A liver tumor in the paracaval portion was very difficult to resect because of its anatomical situation. We therefore employed a technique using right hepatic vein (RHV) resection and reconstruction following the resection of segments VII/VIII with the paracaval portion. The patient was a 70-year-old man who had a hepatocellular carcinoma in the paracaval portion, and the root of the RHV was compressed by the tumor. Computed tomography (CT) during arterioportography under temporary balloon occlusion of the RHV demonstrated hypoattenuation of the entire posterior segment, meaning that RHV reconstruction following the resection of segments VII/VIII with RHV resection would be necessary. We performed the above-mentioned operation without any trouble. On mobilizing segments VI/V to the caudal direction after dissecting the distal RHV, the paracaval Glissons were easily exposed and dissected anteriorly from the first order of the right Glissonean sheath. Our preliminary surgical technique, based on IVR-CT, could provide a better surgical field and result in decreased operating time and decreased blood loss in paracaval liver malignancy. Received: August 16, 2001 / Accepted: February 8, 2002     

Robotic Liver Resection: Initial Experience With Three-Arm Robotic and Single-Port Robotic Technique

Background and Objective:

Robotic-assisted surgery offers a solution to fundamental limitations of conventional laparoscopic surgery, and its use is gaining wide popularity. However, the application of this technology has yet to be established in hepatic surgery.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of our prospectively collected liver surgery database was performed. Over a 6-month period, all consecutive patients who underwent robotic-assisted hepatic resection for a liver neoplasm were included. Demographics, operative time, and morbidity encountered were evaluated.

Results:

A total of 7 robotic-assisted liver resections were performed, including 2 robotic-assisted single-port access liver resections with the da Vinci-Si Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical Sunnyvalle, Calif.) USA. The mean age was 44.6 years (range, 21–68 years); there were 5 male and 2 female patients. The mean operative time (± SD) was 61.4 ± 26.7 minutes; the mean operative console time (± SD) was 38.2 ± 23 minutes. No conversions were required. The mean blood loss was 100.7 mL (range, 10–200 mL). The mean hospital stay (± SD) was 2 ± 0.4 days. No postoperative morbidity related to the procedure or death was encountered.

Conclusion:

Our initial experience with robotic liver resection confirms that this technique is both feasible and safe. Robotic-assisted technology appears to improve the precision and ergonomics of single-access surgery while preserving the known benefits of laparoscopic surgery, including cosmesis, minimal morbidity, and faster recovery.     

全肝血液转流及冷灌注下的离体肝切除术：动物实验和病例报告

通过１３头家猪的实验研究建立了离体肝脏切除及自体残肝再植术的技术方法，并发现离体肝切除术所至脏损害主要发生在残肝植入后的再灌流时相，而残肝能量状态的恢复与手术预后有关。在动物实验研究的基础上，采用全肝血液转流及冷灌注下的半离体肝切主成功地切除了１例侵犯主干静脉及肝后段腔静工伴有早期肝硬变的肝门区巨大肝癌。实验研究结果及初步临床经验表明，全肝血液转流及冷灌注下的离体肝切除术是切除常规手术方法难以切除     

非寄生虫性肝脏囊性疾病的诊断与治疗

随着影像学技术的飞速发展,非寄生虫性肝脏囊性疾病的临床诊断取得了巨大的进步,但对于某些疾病的鉴别诊断仍显不足.单纯多发肝囊肿与多囊肝病的鉴别诊断需结合家族遗传史、囊肿数目、是否合并多囊肾、有无分隔及B超检查特点;单纯单发肝囊肿与肝内胆管囊腺瘤的鉴别需结合影像学特点及活组织病理学检查结果.在治疗上,腹腔镜技术已广泛应用于肝脏囊性疾病的治疗,但并不能完全取代开腹手术,具体选择仍需依据患者的特点采取个体化、多样性的治疗手段.     

Assessment of hepatic reserve for the indication of hepatic resection: how I do it

This author has personally carried out in excess of 700 major hepatic resections for tumor, and runs a unit with a current resection rate of 200 per year, yet uses no scientific tests designed to judge hepatic reserve. In our unit, we have an advantage in that we deal with a northern European population, with a low rate of viral hepatitis, although alcoholism is becoming an increasing feature within our practice and we are dealing with more elderly patients that in the past, and more who have undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In these patients, there appear to be greater risks of postoperative sepsis and slower regeneration. Approximately 65% of our current resection practice is hemihepatectomy or more and the majority is trisectionectomy (extended hepatectomy) and bilateral resection work. Preoperative, operative, and postoperative factors affect the occurrence of postoperative hepatic failure and these aspects are considered. Case series studies are presented to illustrate the incidence of significant hepatic failure we have encountered.     

Volumetric analysis predicts hepatic dysfunction in patients undergoing major liver resection

Liver-enhancing modalities, such as portal vein embolization, are increasingly employed prior to major liver resection to prevent postoperative liver dysfunction. Selection criteria for such techniques are not well described. This study uses CT-based volumetric analysis as a tool to identify patients at highest risk for postoperative hepatic dysfunction. Between July 1999 and December 2000, a total of 126 consecutive patients who were undergoing liver resection for colorectal metastasis and had CT scans at our institution were included in the analysis. Volume of resection was determined by semiautomated contouring of the liver on preoperative volumetrically (helical) acquired CT scans. Hepatic dysfunction was defined as prothrombin time greater than 18 seconds or serum bilirubin level greater than 3 mg/dl. Marginal regression was used to compare the predictive ability of volumetric analysis and the extent of resection. The percentage of liver remaining was closely correlated with increasing prothrombin time and bilirubin level (P < 0.001). After trisegmentectomy, 90% of patients with ≤s25% of liver remaining developed hepatic dysfunction, compared with none of the patients with more than 25% of liver remaining after trisegmentectomy (P < 0.0001). The percentage of liver remaining was more specific in predicting hepatic dysfunction than was the anatomic extent of resection (P = 0.003). Male sex nearly doubled the risk of hepatic dysfunction (odds ratio = 1.89, P = 0.027), and having ≤25% of liver remaining more than tripled the risk (odds ratio = 3.09, P < 0.0001). Hepatic dysfunction and ≤25% of liver remaining were associated with increased complications and length of hospital stay (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0003, respectively). Preoperative assessment of future liver volume remaining distinguishes which patients undergoing liver resection will most likely benefit from preoperative liver enhancement techniques such as portal vein embolization. Presented at the Forty-Third Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, San Francisco, California, May 19–22, 2002 (oral presentation).     

腹腔镜下肝肾囊肿开窗去顶术的临床应用

目的:探讨腹腔镜治疗肝肾囊肿的方法和效果。方法: 1994至2004年于腹腔镜下为68例肝肾囊肿患者行开窗去顶术,其中肝囊肿56例,肾囊肿12例,并注入无水酒精灌洗残留粘膜。结果: 68例手术全部成功,无中转开腹。手术时间30~70min,随访时间6个月~10年, 1例复发。结论:腹腔镜治疗肝肾囊肿安全可行,在严格掌握适应证的条件下值得推广应用。     

Usefulness of computed tomography during cholangiography for the diagnosis of multiple hepatic peribiliary cysts: a report of three cases with chronic liver disease

Hepatic peribiliary cysts are composed of multiple tiny cysts along the larger portal tracts and have been reported to be harmless. On clinical images, peribiliary cysts resemble other diseases such as biliary dilatations, cholangitis, or periportal edema. Therefore, it is important to distinguish peribiliary cysts from these diseases using a combination of several imaging modalities. Herein, we report three cases of peribiliary cysts. The first case underwent laparotomy for the presumptive diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. In the remaining two cases, hepatic peribiliary cysts were diagnosed and laparotomy was avoided. Magnetic resonance cholangiography contributed to the diagnosis, owing to their characteristic distribution. In addition, computed tomography during cholangiography (cholangio-CT) demonstrated that the cysts had no communication with the intrahepatic biliary system. Therefore, cholangio-CT is considered to be the most useful modality for the diagnosis of peribiliary cysts.     

机器人辅助多脏器切除在治疗结直肠癌中的应用

目的探讨机器人辅助多脏器切除治疗结直肠癌的安全性及可行性。 方法回顾分析2014年11月至2017年12月吉林省肿瘤医院收治的13例结直肠患者的临床资料,选择机器人辅助联合多脏器切除术作为治疗策略。分析患者的一般资料、手术结果及肿瘤学结果。 结果全组患者中男7例、女6例,中位年龄60岁,其中直肠癌5例、乙状结肠癌8例;行整块切除7例,联合肝部分切除2例、小肠部分切除3例、子宫切除3例、卵巢切除4例、膀胱及输尿管部分切除1例、右半结肠切除1例。全组中位手术时间为225 min(90～360 min)、中位出血量50 ml(15～600 ml),无术中输血。全组共中转手术5例,其中计划性中转手术3例、非计划性中转手术2例。所有患者均达到R0切除,无围手术期死亡,发生术后并发症2例。 结论机器人辅助多脏器切除治疗结直肠癌是安全、可行的。     

A new scoring system to classify patients with colorectal liver metastases: proposal of criteria to select candidates for hepatic resection

Background Although many studies have reported the beneficial effects of hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases on survival rates, it is still difficult to preoperatively select good candidates for hepatectomy.Methods Fifteen clinicopathological features, which were recognized only before or during surgery, were selected retrospectively in 81 consecutive patients in one hospital (Group I). These features were entered into a multivariate analysis to determine independent and significant variables affecting long-term prognosis after hepatectomy. Using selected variables, we created a scoring formula to classify patients with colorectal liver metastases to select good candidates for hepatic resection. The usefulness of the new scoring system was examined in a series of 70 patients from another hospital (Group II).Results Multivariate analysis, i.e., Cox regression analysis, showed that serosa invasion of primary cancers (P = 0.0720, risk ratio = 2.238); local lymph node metastases of primary cancers, i.e., Dukes C (P = 0.0976, risk ratio = 2.311); multiple nodules of hepatic metastases (P = 0.0461, risk ratio = 2.365); nodules of hepatic metastases greater than 5cm in diameter (P =0.0030, risk ratio = 4.277); and resectable extrahepatic distant metastases (P = 0.0080, risk ratio = 4.038) were significant and independent prognostic factors for poor survival after hepatectomy. Using thsee five variables, we created a new scoring formula to classify patients with colorectal liver metastases. Finally, our new scoring system classified patients in Group II and Group I well, according to long-term outcomes after hepatic resection.Conclusions Our new scoring system to classify patients with colorectal liver metastases is simple and useful in the preoperative selection of good candidates for hepatic resection.     

Percutaneous treatment of univesicular versus multivesicular hepatic hydatid cysts

Background Percutaneous drainage has been used successfully to treat hepatic hydatid cysts. This study aimed to analyze the results of this method in the treatment of univesicular and multivesicular hepatic hydatid cysts. Methods Ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage was used to treat 72 patients (44 women and 28 men; average age, 46.8 ± 17.7 years) with hepatic hydatidosis. Of these 72 patients, 57 had one cyst, 7 had two cysts, and 8 had three cysts. Albendazole (10 mg per kg of body weight daily for 8 weeks) was administered to all the patients. Serial assessments included clinical and biochemical examinations, ultrasonography, and serologic tests for echinococcal antibody titers. Results During the follow-up period, the mean cyst diameter decreased from 83.3 ± 38.6 mm to 11.1 ± 16.0 mm (p < 0.001) in the multivesicular group (27 cysts) and from 65.5 ± 27.5 to 5.9 ± 13.0 mm (p < 0.001) in the univesicular group (68 cysts). The final cyst diameter did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 0.1). The findings showed that 81% of the cysts in the univesicular group and 63% in the multivesicular group disappeared (p = 0.12). The mean hospital stay was 4.8 ± 2.9 days in the univesicular group and 6.1 ± 4.7 days in the multivesicular group (p < 0.001). After an initial rise, the echinococcal-antibody titers fell progressively, and at the last follow-up evaluation were negative (<1:160) for 43 patients (94%) in the univesicular group and 19 patients (73%) in the multivesicular group (p = 0.03). Mild nonfatal complications were experienced by 24 patients (33%). Conclusions Percutaneous drainage combined with albendazole therapy is an effective and safe method for managing hydatid cysts of the liver that requires a short hospital stay. Disappearance of the cysts depends on cyst size. Multivesicular cysts have a more complicated course, a slower disappearance, and a higher incidence of positive echinococcal-antibody titers. Abscess formed after the procedure can be treated successfully by percutaneous drainage.     

监测乙醇浓度在CT引导下硬化治疗肝脏单纯性囊肿中的应用

目的探讨乙醇浓度监测在CT引导下肝脏单纯性囊肿抽吸-硬化治疗中的应用价值。方法回顾性分析于我院接受CT引导下无水乙醇硬化治疗的48例肝脏单纯性囊肿患者的临床资料,其中15例未监测乙醇浓度(一般治疗组),33例术中通过测量CT值监测囊内乙醇浓度(乙醇监测组)。CT扫描不同浓度乙醇(10%~100%),测量不同浓度乙醇CT值,分析二者相关性。患者接受CT引导下无水乙醇硬化治疗6个月后,根据CT复查结果,比较两组疗效。结果CT值与乙醇浓度呈线性负相关(r=-0.983,P0.05)。一般治疗组和乙醇监测组完全缓解率和部分缓解率分别为46.67%(7/15)、26.67%(4/15)和84.85%(28/33)、15.15%(5/33),总有效率分别为73.33%(11/15)和100%(33/33),差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。一般治疗组和乙醇监测组囊肿体积平均缩小率分别为(81.98±20.35)%和(98.37±4.04)%,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 CT值与乙醇浓度呈良好线性负相关,CT引导下无水乙醇硬化治疗肝脏单纯性囊肿时,通过测量CT值监测乙醇浓度可以明显提高治疗效果。     

Orbital hydatid cysts: Report of four cases

Hydatid cysts of central nervous system are rare and comprise only 2% to 3% of all hydatid cysts reported. Orbital localization is very uncommon and has been reported less than 1 % of all hydatid diseases. The primary treatment of hydatid disease is surgical. The most important complication of the surgical treatment is secondary hydatidosis due to spillage of the cyst contents. Because of the difficulties of the orbital localization, total extirpation of the cysts without rupture is almost impossible. Preventing spontaneous rupture of the cysts during surgery and postoperative antihelmintic treatment should be taken into consideration in these cases.This study includes four cases who underwent surgery for orbital hydatid cysts. Radiological characteristics, operative technique and postoperative medical therapy are discussed.     

Repeat hepatic resection as effective treatment for recurrent colorectal liver metastases

Background: Approximately 20–40% of patients who undergo liver resection for colorectal metastases develop recurrent disease confined to the liver. The goals of this study were to determine whether the survival benefit of repeat hepatic resection justified the potential morbidity and mortality. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on all patients who underwent liver resection for colorectal cancer metastases between 1983 and 1995 (N=202). Repeat liver resections were performed on 23 patients for recurrent metastases. Results: There were no operative deaths in the 23 patients, and the postoperative morbidity rate was 22%. The 5-year actuarial survival rate after repeat resection was 32%, with a median length of survival of 39.9 months. There were three patients who survived for >5 years after repeat resection. Sixteen patients (70%) developed recurrent disease at a median interval of 11 months after the second resection; 10 of these 16 patients (62%) had new hepatic metastases. No clinical or pathological factors were significant in predicting long-term survival. Conclusions: Repeat liver resection for recurrent colorectal metastases (a) can be performed safely with acceptable mortality and morbidity rates and (b) may result in long-term survival in some patients.Presented at the 49th Annual Cancer Symposium of The Society of Surgical Oncology, Atlanta, Georgia, March 21–24, 1996.     

肝脏肿瘤的微创治疗——从腹腔镜到机器人

目的探讨完全腹腔镜、手助式腹腔镜及机器人三种微创手术方式在肝脏切除术中的可行性、安全性及适用范围。方法回顾性分析上海交通大学医学院附属瑞金医院普外科自2004年9月至20l2年1月期间完成的微创肝脏切除术(minimally invasive liver resection,MILR)128例患者的临床资料,根据手术方式分为完全腹腔镜肝脏切除术(pure laparoscopic resection,PLR)组、手助式腹腔镜肝脏切除术(hand-assisted laparoscopicresection,HALR)组及机器人辅助肝脏切除术(robotic liver resection,RLR)组,分别观察3组患者术中与术后恢复情况并进行对比分析。结果 PLR组82例,中转开腹3例,手术时间为(145.4±54.4)min(40～290 min)、术中出血量为(249.3±255.7)ml(30～1 500 ml),术后并发腹腔感染3例,胆瘘5例,经保守治疗后痊愈,无围手术期死亡,术后住院时间为(7.1±3.8)d(2～34 d)。HALR组35例,中转开腹3例,手术时间为(182.7±59.2)min(60～300 min)、术中出血量为(754.3±785.2)ml(50～3 000 ml),术后并发腹腔感染1例,胆瘘2例,切口感染2例,经保守治疗后痊愈,无二次手术,术后住院时间为(15.4±3.7)d(12～30 d)。RLR组11例,中转开腹2例,手术时间为(129.5±33.5)min(120～200 min)、术中出血量为(424.5±657.5)ml(50～5 000 ml),术后并发腹腔感染1例,胆瘘1例,经保守治疗后痊愈,术后住院时间为(6.4±1.6)d(5～9 d)。3组中,RLR组手术时间最短(P=0.001),术后住院时间最短(P=0.000),PLR组术中出血量最少(P=0.000),其差异均有统计学意义。结论肝脏肿瘤微创切除术安全、可行,临床工作中,需要根据不同的病例选择不同的手术方式。机器人辅助肝脏切除术为肝脏肿瘤的微创治疗带来了新的突破。     

Laparoscopic treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts with a liposuction device.

OBJECTIVE: We describe herein a surgical technique, whereby we use a liposuction device for the laparoscopic treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts (HHC). METHODS: Ten patients with 12 hepatic hydatid cysts were treated with this technique. All patients received pre- and postoperative antiscolecidal medications. The laparoscopic technique consisted of partial aspiration of the cyst fluid and replacement of the aspirated fluid with 10% Betadine. The Betadine solution was left in situ for 10 minutes. Evacuation of the cyst contents was carried out with the liposuction device. The residual cavity was unroofed by partial excision of the ectocyst. A drain was left alongside the cyst. No intra- or postoperative complications were encountered. RESULTS: All patients were mobilized freely, were allowed to eat a regular meal 6 hours after recovery from anesthesia, and were discharged on the third postoperative day. All patients resumed their normal household and work activities by the tenth postoperative day. The patients were regularly followed up every 2 months for 2 years. At follow-up in the surgical clinic, no evidence of recurrence was noted either clinically, serologically, or by imaging techniques. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the laparoscopic treatment of HHC is feasible and advantageous. We believe that the use of a liposuction device facilitates rapid and efficient evacuation of the viscid organic contents of the cyst and helps in the obliteration of the residual cavity.     

机器人辅助前正中入路肝尾状叶肿瘤切除

目的:探讨机器人辅助前正中入路肝尾状叶肿瘤切除的手术技术及临床应用,提出微创肝脏手术的新入路。方法:分析2012年11月我院于机器人手术系统(da Vinci S)辅助下完成的1例前正中入路肝尾状叶肿瘤切除术,术前CT血管造影图像建立肝脏3D模型,确定经肝正中裂前入路行尾状叶肿瘤切除的手术方案。结果:病人男性,78岁。完全机器人辅助顺利完成手术。完整切除肿瘤。手术时间360 min,术中出血300 mL,无术中、术后输血。术后病理为肝细胞癌。未发生术后并发症,术后28天出院,随访至今1年余,恢复良好。结论:肝正中裂前入路可提高肝尾状叶肿瘤的手术切除率,保留更多的正常肝组织。在精确的术前评估后,机器人手术系统下肝尾状叶肿瘤切除术安全、可行。