The prognostic value of the preoperative cachexia index for patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma remains unclear.

We retrospectively evaluated 236 patients who underwent radical resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma from September 2002 to December 2020. The cachexia index was calculated as follows: (skeletal muscle index × albumin level)/neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, with sex-specific cutoff values determined via receiver operating characteristic curves on the basis of 3-year survival data. Clinicopathologic characteristics and survival outcomes were compared between the low-cachexia index (n = 95) and high-cachexia index (n = 141) groups. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors for overall survival and relapse-free survival.

The low-cachexia index group was characterized by greater carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level (56 vs 31 U/mL, P = .024) and greater proportion of preoperative biliary drainage (84% vs 70%, P = .013). The low-cachexia index group underwent vascular resection and reconstruction more frequently (47% vs 29%, P = .006) and had a greater rate of lymph node metastasis (54% vs 35%, P = .005). The median overall survival and relapse-free survival times of the low-cachexia index group were significantly worse than those of the high-cachexia index group (overall survival, 29.0 vs 47.4 months, P < .001; relapse-free survival, 17.2 vs 33.1 months, P < .001). Multivariable analysis revealed that a preoperative cachexia index (hazard ratio for overall survival, 0.95, P = .008; hazard ratio for relapse-free survival, 0.95, P = .017) and high preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level (hazard ratio for overall survival, 1.01, P = .002; hazard ratio for relapse-free survival, 1.01, P = .012) were prognostic factors.

The cachexia index may be a useful biomarker for the prediction of tumor aggressiveness and prognosis before perihilar cholangiocarcinoma resection.

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hepatopancreatoduodenectomy (HPD) for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, because it remains controversial owing to high morbidity and mortality, as well as uncertain oncological benefits.

Patients who underwent HPD between 2003 and 2020 were reviewed. Short- and long-term outcomes were compared with those of patients who underwent hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection (HT-B) and pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

In the study interval, 100 patients underwent HPD, 203 underwent HT-B and 209 underwent PD. The median operating time and blood loss of HPD were 668 min and 1,842 mL, which were significantly longer and greater in comparison to the HT-B (552 min and 1,264 ml) and PD (457 min and 911 ml) groups. The rate of clinically relevant postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3) after HPD was 82%, which was significantly greater in comparison to the HT-B (39%) and PD (68%) groups. However, the mortality rate was 2% and was almost comparable to the HT-B (2.5%) and PD (1.4%) groups. The 3- and 5-year survival rates and median survival times were 59%, 40.7%, and 50 months, respectively, in the HPD group; 61.1%, 41.8%, and 45 months in the HT-B group; and 60.7%, 45.4%, and 48 months in the PD group. No significant differences were observed between the groups.

Although HPD is technically demanding and forces stress on patients, it can be performed with acceptable mortality and survival rate, and is an acceptable option for patients cared for in expert hepatopancreatobiliary centers.

To reappraise whether preoperative autologous blood donation reduces post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) in major hepatectomy for perihilar malignancy.

Autologous blood storage and transfusion are carried out to reduce the use of allogeneic blood transfusion during hepatectomy and prevent postoperative complications. However, the clinical benefit of major hepatectomy has been controversial.

This randomized clinical trial included patients who underwent major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection for perihilar malignancy. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to undergo surgery with or without the use of autologous blood transfusion. The primary outcome was the incidence of clinically relevant PHLF (grade B/C according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery definition).

Between February 6, 2019, and May 12, 2023, 138 consecutive patients were enrolled in the study (blood storage group n=68, non-storage group n=70). Twenty-five patients who did not undergo resection were excluded; the remaining 113 patients were investigated as the full analysis set (blood storage group n=60, non-storage group n=53). Surgical procedures, operative time, and blood loss were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The incidence of PHLF was comparable [blood storage group n=10 (17%), non-storage group n=10 (19%); P =0.760]. There were also no between-group differences in other postoperative outcomes, including the incidence of Clavien-Dindo Grade Ⅲ or higher (72% vs 72%, P =0.997) and median duration of hospital stay (25 vs 29 days, P =0.277).

Autologous blood storage did not contribute to reducing the incidence of PHLF in patients undergoing major hepatectomy.

Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) often requires major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection, carrying the risk of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). Central hepatectomy (CH), an alternative technique, aims to preserve functional liver reserve. This study evaluated the feasibility of CH and outcomes for patients with PHC within the paradigm of parenchymal-sparing hepatectomy.

A retrospective analysis included PHC patients who underwent CH between March 2019 and January 2023. Preoperative evaluations involved multimodality imaging and assessment of future remnant liver volume.

Fourteen patients underwent CH for PHC. Tumor locations were perihilar bile duct (10 patients), and entire extrahepatic bile duct involvement (four patients). Median operative time and intraoperative blood loss were 679.5 min and 450 mL, respectively. Clinically-relevant PHLF occurred in two patients, with one sepsis-related death. Nine patients achieved R0 resection. Functional liver reserve parameters exceeded the standard procedure (p < 0.01).

CH for PHC preserves functional liver reserve, potentially reducing PHLF risk. Adequate preoperative evaluation is crucial, and oncological outcomes require further investigation.

Cholestasis can lead to unreliable results of routine liver function assessment tests in clinical practice and the functional cutoff value of hepatectomy is still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine which 99mTc-GSA scintigraphy functional indicators can predict post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) in patients before major liver resection due to malignant perihilar biliary disease. In addition, it aimed to assess the efficiency of functional future liver remnant (FLR) assessment of 99mTc-GSA scintigraphy indicators.

A 99mTc-GSA scintigraphy was performed prior to planned surgery in 187 patients, including 81 patients with major liver resection. The 99mTc-GSA scintigraphy parameters including functional liver volume (FLV), ratio of the FLR functional volume to body weight (FLVFLR-BWR), and predictive residual index (PRI) were calculated from radioactive count in regions of FLR and total liver (TOTAL). Morphological liver volume (MLV) was calculated from computed tomography and standardized by standard liver volume (SLV). The efficacy of these parameters in predicting PHLF was compared using generalized linear mixed models and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

PHLF occurred in 22 patients, who showed lower MLVFLR/SLV, FLVFLR, FLVFLR/FLVTOTAL, FLVFLR-BWR, and PRI and higher resection rate (P < 0.05 for all) than patients without PHLF. After adjusting for clinical parameters, a decreased FLVFLR-BWR (odds ratio, OR 0.17; 95% confidence intervals, CI 0.05-0.53) was found to be an independently significant indicator in the model of GLMM. FLVFLR-BWR (0.835) had the highest ROC among all liver functional indicators.

The FLR functional parameter preoperatively estimated from preoperative 99mTc-GSA scintigraphy protocol is a promising tool for regional liver function assessment, and it can distinguish high-risk patients who may develop PHLF with malignant perihilar biliary tumor undergoing major liver resection.

Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) is a challenging malignancy with a poor prognosis, and the role of robotic surgery in its management remains debated. This systematic review aims to assess the feasibility of robotic surgery for PHC.

A systematic literature search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines in Medline, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for English-language studies on robotic surgery for PHC between 2000 and 2024.

Of the initial 405 manuscripts identified, five studies comprising 110 patients met the inclusion criteria. Pooled analysis showed that operative time ranged from 276 (170-500) to 840 (770-890) minutes, with intraoperative blood loss between 125 (50-425) and 700 (600-800) ml. The rates of overall and major morbidity were 50.0% and 13.6%, respectively. The 30-day and 90-day postoperative mortality rates were 1.8% and 1.9%, respectively. R0 resections were achieved in 78.2% of patients, with a median lymph node retrieval of 7 (8 ± 6.6) to 11 (6-31). Follow-up duration ranged from 7.5 (8.3 ± 2.3) to 15 (19 ± 16) months, recurrence was observed in 14.3% (6/42) of patients.

Robotic surgery for PHC demonstrates promising perioperative outcomes; however, further studies are needed to assess its long-term oncological efficacy compared with traditional approaches.

Hemihepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection is considered the only curative treatment for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. The aim of the study was to clarify the survival benefits in this invasive surgical procedure for elderly patients.

A total of 290 patients who underwent surgical resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma in our department from 2000 to 2020 were categorized into the E group (62 patients aged ≥75 years) and NE group (228 patients aged <74 years).

The E group exhibited decreased pathological lymph node metastasis (p = .001) and had a shorter operative time (p = .021) and fewer cases of combined vascular resection (p = .002). We found no significant differences in postoperative mortality; however, disease-specific survival was significantly better in the E group (3-year survival: 75.6 vs. 60.3%, p = .031). After propensity score matching, overall survival and disease-specific survival did not differ between the two groups; nevertheless, the hospital mortality rate was significantly higher in the E group (11.5 vs. 1.6%, p = .020). In the E group, a high preoperative Glasgow prognostic score was the only factor associated with hospital mortality (odds ratio, 7.35; p = .026) and indicated worse prognosis.

A high preoperative Glasgow prognostic score was associated with hospital mortality and poor prognosis in elderly patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Several parameters are used to assess future liver remnant (FLR) size before major hepatectomy. This study aimed to clarify which is the most appropriate method to use for the prediction of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF).

The subjects of this study were 307 patients with Child-Pugh class A only, who underwent major hepatectomy, to focus on FLR size. The parameters we evaluated for their accuracy in predicting Grade B/C PHLF (PHLF B/C) using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were FLR volume (FLRV), the FLRV to total liver volume ratio (FLRV/TLV), standard liver volume (FLRV/SLV), and body weight (FLRV/BW) according to body mass.

The predictive value accuracy of these four parameters for PHLF was similar for the entire cohort. However, in the subgroup analysis based on body mass index, FLRV/BW accuracy was highest in the obese group, whereas that of FLRV/TLV was highest in the lean group. Multivariate analysis identified that FLRV/BW (< 0.7%) and blood loss (≥ 1000 ml) were independent risk factors for PHLF B/C in the obese group. In the lean group, FLRV/TLV (< 40%) and biliary reconstruction were risk factors for PHLF B/C.

The FLR size evaluation method for predicting PHLF should be appropriately selected based on the patient's body mass.

Due to the limited efficacy of chemotherapy alone in the treatment of unresectable biliary tract cancer, we performed conversion surgery in patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer who responded to down-staging chemotherapy.

Patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer who initiated chemotherapy between 2007 and 2018 were included in this study. We evaluated the short- and long-term outcomes of patients with initially unresectable biliary tract cancer who underwent conversion surgery.

A total of 101 patients with unresectable biliary tract cancers treated with chemotherapy were eligible for the present study. A total of 20 patients eventually underwent conversion surgery; these patients had locally advanced disease in 6 cases, liver metastasis in 6 cases, para-aortic lymph node metastasis in 5 cases, and peritoneal dissemination in 3 cases. The mean operative time was 823 min, and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 1902 mL. Histological R0 resections were performed in 17 patients. Postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa or higher occurred in 10 patients, with no surgery-associated deaths. The 5-year survival rate was significantly higher in patients who underwent conversion surgery (65.0%) than in those who did not (4.3%, p < 0.001).

Conversion surgery for initially unresectable biliary tract cancer resulted in favorable overall survival and was safely performed despite its high surgical invasiveness. Conversion surgery for an initially unresectable biliary tract cancer is worth considering.

To evaluate the prognostic impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients who underwent resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC) and the influence of remnant liver volumes on postoperative glycemic profiles and survival outcomes.

The impact of DM and extended hepatectomy on survival outcomes of patients with PHCC remains unclear.

A total of 184 patients who underwent hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection for PHCC between 2002 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into groups based on DM and future liver remnant (FLR) ≥40% or <40%. Survival outcomes and glycemic profiles were analyzed.

Patients with DM (n = 34) had significantly worse overall survival compared with those without DM (n = 150; median survival time: 23.3 vs 46.7 months; P = 0.003) although cancer-specific survival was comparable (P = 0.894). Patients with DM had a higher incidence of death from infections (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified DM as an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio, 1.742; P = 0.021). DM with FLR <40% (n = 11) exhibited worse survival (median survival time: 13.7 vs 35.0 months; P = 0.026) and a higher incidence of death from infections (P = 0.016) compared with those with FLR ≥40% (n = 23). The median glucose fluctuation was larger in patients with DM and FLR <40% (80 vs 39 mg/dL; P = 0.023).

DM was an independent prognostic factor in patients with PHCC undergoing hepatectomy. DM and FLR <40% were associated with worse survival and larger glucose fluctuation postoperatively.

Two-staged hepatectomy (TSH) with portal (PVE) or dual vein embolization (DVE) gained acceptance in liver surgery. The current study assesses the incidence and causes of failure to progress to completion hepatectomy following PVE/DVE and its influence on overall survival (OS).

This is a longitudinal observational study of patients who underwent PVE or DVE between April 2010-December 2023. Future liver remnant (FLR) volume was measured at least four weeks later. Restaging and resectability was assessed on imaging performed within 6-8 weeks of planned completion surgery.

130 patients underwent PVE (90) or DVE (40) during the study period. Of these, 73 (56 %) patients proceeded to definitive resection. Reasons for failure to progress to completion surgery were: disease progression (79 %), declined fitness for surgery (3.5 %) and inadequate FLR volume (14 %). Synchronous disease is a poor prognostic factor for achieving completion hepatectomy CRLM patients (p = 0.009). The median OS with and without completion hepatectomy was 38 months vs. 13 months in CRLM patients (p=<.001) and 31 months vs. 26 months in pCCA groups respectively (p = 0.471).

A significant percentage of patients did not progress to completion hepatectomy due to disease progression. Patient selection and efficient pathways are essential to improve resection rates following these resource-intensive procedures.

For the past decade, there have been few chemotherapy options for unresectable biliary tract cancer (BTC). Recently, however, combination therapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin plus S-1 (GCS) has been identified as a promising strategy. This retrospective study analyzes the clinical results of GCS therapy and subsequent conversion surgery (CS).

We analyzed the clinical data of 60 consecutive patients who received GCS therapy for unresectable upper BTC at our university hospital during the 5 years between September, 2018 and December, 2022.

All patients received GCS therapy as first-line chemotherapy. The response rate was 33.9% and subsequent CS was performed in 35.0%. Of the patients who underwent CS, 81% required more than bisectionectomy of the liver with extrahepatic bile duct resection. The median overall survival of the patients who received GCS therapy and underwent subsequent CS was significantly longer than that of the patients who received GCS therapy alone (28.0 months vs. 12.4 months, respectively; p < 0.001). A decrease in the CA19-9 level 1 month after chemotherapy and RECIST PR were independent positive predictors of CS, whereas unresectable gallbladder cancer and pretreatment ALBI grade 3 were negative predictors of CS.

GCS therapy and subsequent CS may contribute to the longer term survival of patients with unresectable upper BTC.

The impact of time to surgery (TTS) on survival in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) is uncertain.

Data from PHC patients scheduled for surgery between 2011 and 2020 were reviewed. Patients were grouped based on the median TTS, defined as the time from diagnosis to surgery. Survival outcomes were analyzed for all patients and those undergoing potentially curative resection (resection without distant metastasis).

Of 224 patients, the median TTS was 64 days (range 19-212), with the patients being divided into two groups: long-TTS group (TTS ≥64 days, n = 116) and short-TTS group (TTS <64 days, n = 108). The long-TTS group showed higher rates of preoperative biliary infection (52% vs. 33%; p = 0.004) and portal vein embolization (84% vs. 49%; p < 0.001) compared with the short-TTS group. Forty-seven patients (18%) had unresectable tumors or distant metastasis, with a median overall survival (OS) of 18 months. The rate of potentially curative resection tended to be lower in the long-TTS group (74%) compared with the short-TTS group (84%), although it was not statistically significant (p = 0.063). However, OS for the entire cohort was comparable between the long-TTS and short-TTS groups (median OS 40 vs. 36 months; p = 0.986). Multivariable analysis revealed that TTS was not associated with survival in patients who underwent potentially curative resection.

Although the potentially curative resection rate tended to be lower in the long-TTS group, TTS did not impact survival in patients undergoing potentially curative resection for PHC.

Intrahepatic and peri-hilar cholangiocarcinoma are life threatening disease with poor outcomes despite optimal treatment currently available (5-year overall survival following resection 20-35%, and <10% cured at 10-years post resection). The insidious onset makes diagnosis difficult, the majority do not have a resection option and the high recurrence rate post-resection suggests that occult metastatic disease is frequently present. Advances in perioperative management, such as ipsilateral portal vein (and hepatic vein) embolisation methods to increase the future liver remnant volume, genomic profiling, and (neo)adjuvant therapies demonstrate great potential in improving outcomes. However multiple areas of controversy exist. Surgical resection rate and outcomes vary between centres with no global consensus on how 'resectable' disease is defined - molecular profiling and genomic analysis could potentially identify patients unlikely to benefit from resection or likely to benefit from targeted therapies. FDG-PET scanning has also improved the ability to detect metastatic disease preoperatively and avoid futile resection. However tumours frequently invade major vasculo-biliary structures, with resection and reconstruction associated with significant morbidity and mortality even in specialist centres. Liver transplantation has been investigated for very selected patients for the last decade and yet the selection algorithm, surgical approach and both value of both neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies remain to be clarified. In this review, we discuss the contemporary management of intrahepatic and peri-hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

The risk of mortality due to serious complications associated with hepatectomy for biliary tract cancer remains high. We aimed to investigate the significance of preoperative functional liver volume in predicting and preventing serious morbidity following hepatectomy with bile duct resection (BDR).

Seventy-one patients who underwent hepatectomy with BDR for biliary tract cancer were included. Functional future remnant liver volume (fFRLV) was calculated using future liver remnant (FLR) volume and functional score measured using EOB-MRI. Patients with unsatisfactory fFRLV values underwent portal or sequential portal/hepatic vein embolization (PVE/HVE). We assessed relationship between variables for liver-related morbidity (LRM), including posthepatectomy liver failure, bile leakage, and persistent ascites. Additionally, we assessed Clavien-Dindo grade IV complications (CD ≥ IV) as indicators of serious morbidity.

LRM and CD ≥ IV occurred in 20 (28.2 %) and 6 (8.5 %) cases, respectively. Preoperative FLR volume (p = 0.021), FLR ratio (p = 0.004), fFRLV (p = 0.008), and ICGK-F (p = 0.023) were associated with LRM. fFRLV (p = 0.017) was predictive for LRM but not independent (AUC:0.704). Preoperative FLR volume (p = 0.005), FLR ratio (p = 0.008), and fFRLV (p < 0.001) were associated with CD ≥ IV. fFRLV (p = 0.017) was an independent predictive factor for CD ≥ IV(AUC:0.914), showing greater predictive power compared to other factors.

fFRLV predicts CD ≥ IV in patients undergoing hepatectomy with BDR. A sufficient fFRLV, enhanced by PVE/HVE if necessary, may prevent serious morbidity and mortality.

Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) after major hepatopancreatoduodenectomy (HPD) is a challenge to overcome. However, the appropriate target proportion of the future liver remnant (pFLR) to prevent severe PHLF in major HPD remains uncertain. This study aimed to determine the minimum pFLR required for safe major HPD.

This retrospective study involved 48 major HPD patients. We assessed pFLR and remnant liver function scores (pFLR × albumin-bilirubin [ALBI] / albumin-indocyanine green evaluation [ALICE]/plasma clearance rate of indocyanine green [KICG]) as predictors for Grade B/C PHLF and established safety criteria.

Grade B/C PHLF occurred in 40% of the patients (n = 19), leading to severe morbidity and two in-hospital deaths. pFLR was a good predictor of Grade B/C PHLF [area under the curve (AUC) 0.80, p < 0.01] with a 45% optimal cutoff. While all remnant liver function scores predicted PHLF, the remnant ALICE demonstrated the best predictability (AUC 0.85, p < 0.01), with the sensitivity and specificity at 89% and 83%, respectively, using -0.86 as the cutoff. Independent risk factors for Grade B/C PHLF were remnant ALICE ≥-0.86 and blood loss ≥1500 mL. Grade B/C PHLF developed in 14% with pFLR ≥45% but reached 64% with pFLR <45%. However, the rate could be reduced to 33% with remnant ALICE <-0.86.

To prevent Grade B/C PHLF, a pFLR ≥45% is recommended. Nevertheless, major HPD may be considered in patients with good remnant liver function.

Constitutional indocyanine green (ICG) excretion defect (CIED) is a rare clinical condition characterized by markedly delayed ICG disappearance with other normal liver function tests. Here, we report a case of CIED in which laparoscopic anatomical liver resection was successfully performed using ICG fluorescence staining. A 64-year-old man with a 4-cm tumor located in the liver segment 5 was referred to our hospital. His ICG retention rate at 15 min was 70%, but other liver function tests including 99mTc-galactosyl human serum albumin scintigraphy were normal. We then planned laparoscopic segmentectomy under the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and suspected CIED. Laparoscopic hepatectomy was started after confirming a histologically normal liver. After clamping the Glissonean pedicle of segment 5, ICG was injected and the demarcation line was identified. Liver dissection was performed along the demarcation line and the operation was completed. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 10 without any complications.

The extent of intrahepatic infiltration of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC) remains unclear. This research aimed to explore the pattern and extent of intrahepatic infiltration of PHCC to guide surgical treatment and pathological research.

This study included 62 patients diagnosed with PHCC who underwent major hepatectomy. A whole-mount digital liver pathology system (WDLPS) for hepatectomy specimens greater than 10×10 cm was used to panoramically assess the intrahepatic infiltration extent of PHCC.

The distal intrahepatic infiltration (DIHI) and radial liver invasion (RLI) were important parts of intrahepatic infiltration for PHCC explored by WDLPS. The study confirmed that 75.8% of PHCCs had RLI and the infiltration distance in all patients were within 15 000 µm, 62.9% of PHCCs had DIHI greater than 1 cm away from the main tumor in the liver parenchyma. The recurrence-free survival rates and overall survival rates of patients with DIHI were poorer than the patients without DIHI ( P <0.0001, P =0.0038). Arterial invasion on the resected side could be an excellent predictor. A total of 105 liver lobes were resected from 62 PHCC patients. The invasion rates of the left lateral, left medial, right anterior, and right posterior lobe of PHCC were 79%, 100%, 100%, and 69%, respectively.

The presence of DIHI in most PHCCs was a significant factor for the poor survival. Based on the extent of intrahepatic infiltration, minor hepatectomy was not suitable as the curative surgery for PHCC. Major hepatectomy and liver transplantation were the ideal radical treatment.

In the current situation of an increasing older adult population with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC), the benefits and risks of surgical treatment of PHCC in older people remain controversial. Portal vein embolization (PVE) is a useful preoperative procedure to improve hepatic reserve in the future remnant liver (FRL) and avoid postoperative liver failure after extended hepatectomy for PHCC. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of aging on PVE.

We enrolled 25 patients who underwent right hepatectomy with percutaneous transhepatic PVE. Participants aged <70 years (n = 13) and ≥70 years (n = 12) were compared; correlation coefficients were evaluated using all cases. The FRL volume/total liver volume (FRLV/TLV) ratio and the indocyanine green (ICG) clearance rate (ICG-K) fraction of FRL to total liver (ICG-Krem) were analyzed as FRL hepatic reserves.

FRLV/TLV ratio increased after PVE in <70 years and ≥70 years groups (p = 0.002 and p = 0.013, respectively). The change in ICG-K values from before to after PVE varied between both groups (p = 0.040). The ICG-Krem value after PVE increased only in the <70 years group (p = 0.009). A review of all cases showed a negative correlation between the change (after - before PVE) in the ICG-K and ICG-Krem values and age (r = -0.4827, p = 0.0145 and r = -0.4328, p = 0.0306, respectively).

This study showed aging suppresses hepatic reserve improvement in the FRL, particularly in ICG clearance after PVE in PHCC cases.

Major hepatectomy in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) patients with a small future liver remnant (FLR) risks posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). This study examines combined portal and hepatic vein embolisation (PVE/HVE) to increase preoperative FLR volume and potentially decrease PHLF rates.

In this retrospective, multicentre, observational study, data was collected from centres affiliated with the DRAGON Trials Collaborative and the EuroLVD registry. The study included pCCA patients who underwent PVE/HVE between July 2016 and January 2023.

Following PVE/HVE, 28% of patients (9/32) experienced complications, with 22% (7/32) necessitating biliary interventions for cholangitis. The median degree of hypertrophy after a median of 16 days was 16% with a kinetic growth rate of 6.8% per week. 69% of patients (22/32) ultimately underwent surgical resection. Cholangitis after PVE/HVE was associated with unresectability. After resection, 55% of patients (12/22) experienced complications, of which 23% (5/22) were Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher. The 90-day mortality after resection was 0%.

PVE/HVE quickly enhances the kinetic growth rate in pCCA patients. Cholangitis impairs chances on resection significantly. Resection after PVE/HVE is associated with low levels of 90-day mortality. The study highlights the potential of PVE/HVE in improving safety and outcomes in pCCA undergoing resection.

To evaluate the predictive ability of combining Technetium-99m-galactosyl human serum albumin (99mTc‑GSA) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) volume and plasma clearance rate of indocyanine green (ICGK) for posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF).

Fifty patients who underwent 99mTc-GSA scintigraphy as a preoperative examination for segmentectomy or more from July 2021 to June 2023 were evaluated prospectively. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). Total functional liver volume (t-FLV) and remnant FLV (r-FLV) were measured from 99mTc-GSA SPECT/CT image. Future liver remnant ICGK (ICGK-F) was calculated by ICGK and remnant liver volume from CT. Area under the curve (AUC) of ICGK-F, r-FLV, r-FLV/t-FLV, ICGK × r-FLV, ICGK × r-FLV/t-FLV was calculated to evaluate predictive ability of each parameter for PHLF.

PHLF was occurred in 7 patients. AUC of ICGK × r-FLV was significantly higher than that of ICGK-F (0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96-1 vs 0.82; 95%CI: 0.64-0.96; p = 0.036). There was no significant difference between the AUC of r-FLV, r-FLV/t-FLV, ICGK × r-FLV/t-FLV and that of ICGK-F, respectively.

The combination of 99mTc‑GSA SPECT/CT volume and ICGK can predict PHLF more accurately than ICGK-F.

One of the major reasons for unresectability of the liver is that the remnant liver volume is insufficient to support postoperative liver function. Post-hepatectomy liver insufficiency is one of the most serious complications in patients undergoing major hepatic resection. Preoperative portal vein embolization is performed with the aim of inducing hypertrophy of the future liver remnant and is thought to reduce the risk of liver insufficiency after hepatectomy. We, interventional radiologists, are required to safely complete the procedure to promote future liver remnant hypertrophy as possible and understand portal vein anatomy variations and hemodynamics, embolization techniques, and how to deal with possible complications. The basic information interventional radiologists need to know about preoperative portal vein embolization is discussed in this review.

Methods of predicting severe postoperative complications after anatomical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma are yet to be established. We aimed to clarify the relationship between inflammation-based prognostic scores and liver fibrosis markers and the incidence of postoperative complications after anatomical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma as well as the usefulness of these markers in surgical procedure selection.

We included 374 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who had undergone initial hepatectomy between January 2007 and December 2021. The association between inflammation-based prognostic scores or liver fibrosis markers and postoperative complications was evaluated, and severe postoperative complication rates in the high-risk group defined by these markers were compared in terms of surgical procedure.

The advanced lung cancer inflammation index and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score correlated significantly with severe postoperative complications after anatomical resection, with areas under the curve of 0.67 and 0.61, respectively. The combined advanced lung cancer inflammation index and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score resulted in a larger area under the curve (0.69). Furthermore, in the high-risk group determined by the combined score, the anatomical resection group had a significantly higher incidence of severe complications than the partial resection group (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in prognosis among the surgical procedures in the high-risk group.

The combined advanced lung cancer inflammation index and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score serves as a predictive marker for severe postoperative complications after anatomical resection. This combined marker may contribute to appropriate surgical procedure selection.

In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), postoperative recurrence remains high. This study aimed to evaluate the recurrence patterns and prognosis of HCC after curative hepatectomy.

Among 352 patients with primary HCC who underwent initial hepatectomy between January 2002 and December 2022, 151 with recurrence were assessed for the relationship between recurrence pattern and prognosis.

The early recurrence group (within 6 months postoperatively; n = 38) had significantly higher serum alpha-fetoprotein (p = 0.002), des-γ-carboxyprothrombin (DCP; p = 0.004) levels and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage (p < 0.001), larger tumor size (p < 0.001), higher incidence of multiple tumors (p = 0.002) and lower overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001) than the late recurrence group (> 6 months postoperatively; n = 113). The tumor size (p = 0.013) and BCLC stage (p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for early recurrence within 6 months in multivariate analysis. The multiple recurrence group (intrahepatic multinodular recurrence or distant metastasis; n = 89) had significantly lower prognostic nutritional index (p = 0.026), larger tumor size (p = 0.017), lower incidence of liver cirrhosis (p = 0.03) than the single recurrence group (single nodule recurrence; n = 62). The multiple recurrence group, especially patients with ≥ three intrahepatic nodules and distant metastases, had lower postoperative OS (p < 0.001) and shorter time to recurrence (p < 0.001) than the single recurrence group. When the patients were classified into three groups: late recurrence with one or two tumors (Group A; n = 74), early recurrence or three or more tumors or distant metastasis (Group B; n = 54), and early recurrence with three or more tumors or distant metastasis (Group C; n = 23), OS was significantly lower in Groups B and C than Group A (p < 0.001).

Patients with early recurrence within 6 months after surgery and three or more recurrence nodule or distant metastasis exhibited poor prognosis after initial recurrence, and they should be carefully followed up.

To compare complications in patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCC) and patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) after portal vein embolization (PVE) and to identify possible predictive factors.

Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients, who underwent PVE between July 2011 and March 2020. The study groups were matched for sex and age. Multivariable analysis was performed for the endpoints of complications categorized according for their respective effect on surgical treatment: "Minor" complications had no effect on subsequent surgical treatment, while "intermediate" and "severe" complications delayed or prevented surgery.

A total of 160 patients with either CCC (n = 80) or CRLMs (n = 80) were included: 34/160 experienced complications: 27 (CCC: 21; CRLMs: 6) "minor", 4 (CCC: 3; CRLMs: 1) "intermediate", and 3 (CCC: 2; CRLMs: 1) "severe" complications respectively (p = .01). Patients with CCC received a biliary drainage 5 days on average before PVE. Baseline bilirubin levels were 1.1 mg/dl in CCC patients and 0.55 mg/dl in CRLMs patients (p < .01). Postinterventional infections were more common in CCC patients. The preintervention future liver remnant volume (odds ratio (OR) 0.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88-0.99; p = .02), body mass index (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.04-1.36; p = .01), age (OR 0,91; 95% CI 0.84-0.99; p = .01), chemotherapy before PVE (OR 0.03; 95% CI 0.01-0.23; p < .01) and severe liver steatosis (OR 29.52; 95% CI 1.87-467,13; p = .02) were the only significant predictive factors for the occurrence of (minor) complications.

PVE can be performed in CCC patients with prior biliary drainage, with similar procedural safety as in patients with CRLMs.

The prognostic impact of positive peritoneal lavage cytology (CY+) in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) remains unclear. The present study investigated the clinical significance of primary tumor resection of CY+ PHC.

We retrospectively evaluated 282 patients who underwent surgery for PHC between September 2002 and March 2022. The patients' clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes were compared between the CY negative (CY-) resected (n = 262), CY+ resected (n = 12), and CY+ unresected (n = 8) groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors for overall survival.

The expected residual liver volume was significantly higher in the CY+ resected group (61%) than in the CY- resected (47%) and CY+ unresected (37%) groups (p = 0.004 and 0.007, respectively). The CY+ resected group had a higher administration rate of postoperative therapy than the CY- resected group (58% vs. 16%, p = 0.002). Overall survival of the CY+ resected group was similar to that of the CY- resected group (median survival time [MST] 44.5 vs. 44.6, p = 0.404) and was significantly better than that of the CY+ unresected group (MST 44.5 vs. 17.1, p = 0.006). CY positivity was not a prognostic factor according to a multivariate analysis in patients with primary tumor resection.

The CY+ resected group showed better survival than the CY+ unresected group and a similar survival to that of the CY- resected group. Resection of the primary tumor with CY+ PHC may improve the prognosis in selected patients.

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with biliary tract cancer (BTC), published in late 2022 were adapted in December 2023, according to established standard methodology, to produce the Pan-Asian adapted (PAGA) ESMO consensus guidelines for the management of Asian patients with BTC. The adapted guidelines presented in this manuscript represent the consensus opinions reached by a panel of Asian experts in the treatment of patients with BTC representing the oncological societies of China (CSCO), Indonesia (ISHMO), India (ISMPO), Japan (JSMO), Korea (KSMO), Malaysia (MOS), the Philippines (PSMO), Singapore (SSO), Taiwan (TOS) and Thailand (TSCO), co-ordinated by ESMO and the Taiwan Oncology Society (TOS). The voting was based on scientific evidence and was independent of the current treatment practices, drug access restrictions and reimbursement decisions in the different regions of Asia. Drug access and reimbursement in the different regions of Asia are discussed separately in the manuscript. The aim is to provide guidance for the optimisation and harmonisation of the management of patients with BTC across the different countries and regions of Asia, drawing on the evidence provided by both Western and Asian trials, whilst respecting the differences in screening practices and molecular profiling, as well as age and stage at presentation. Attention is drawn to the disparity in the drug approvals and reimbursement strategies, between the different countries.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) poses a substantial threat as it ranks as the second most prevalent primary liver tumor. The documented annual rise in intrahepatic CCA (iCCA) incidence in the United States is concerning, indicating its growing impact. Moreover, the five-year survival rate after tumor resection is only 25%, given that tumor recurrence is the leading cause of death in 53-79% of patients. Pre-operative assessments for iCCA focus on pinpointing tumor location, biliary tract involvement, vascular encasements, and metastasis detection. Numerous studies have revealed that portal vein embolization (PVE) is linked to enhanced survival rates, improved liver synthetic functions, and decreased overall mortality. The challenge in achieving clear resection margins contributes to the notable recurrence rate of iCCA, affecting approximately two-thirds of cases within one year, and results in a median survival of less than 12 months for recurrent cases. Nearly 50% of patients initially considered eligible for surgical resection in iCCA cases are ultimately deemed ineligible during surgical exploration. Therefore, staging laparoscopy has been proposed to reduce unnecessary laparotomy. Eligibility for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) requires certain criteria to be granted. OLT offers survival advantages for early-detected unresectable iCCA; it can be combined with other treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation and transarterial chemoembolization, in specific cases. We aim to comprehensively describe the surgical strategies available for treating CCA, including the preoperative measures and interventions, alongside the current options regarding liver resection and OLT.

Although hepatectomy including inferior vena cava (IVC) resection is becoming more common, some details remain uncertain such as use of artificial materials to replace a tumor-involved, damaged, or narrowed retrohepatic IVC segment.

Surgical outcomes of 12 patients who underwent hepatectomy with IVC resection including reconstruction using synthetic tubular grafts were investigated to clarify safety and feasibility.

Operative time (median, 573 min; range, 268 to 774) and the blood loss (1076 mL; 155 to 2960) were acceptable. In-hospital mortality was 8% (1/12), and morbidity was 42% (5/12). Among the 12 patients, 2 were planned to undergo IVC reconstruction without an artificial graft. In one patient, prosthetic repair was adopted because of massive bleeding from the IVC wall during dissection of tumor from the IVC. In the other, severe stricture became evident during attempted direct closure of the partially resected IVC wall.

Ongoing experience has increased our acceptance of combined liver and IVC resection. We believe that segmental IVC resection and reconstruction with a prosthetic tubular graft could be chosen more frequently in managing liver tumors suspected to involve the IVC.

A recent randomized control trial (JCOG1202; ASCOT trial) demonstrated the efficacy of adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy (ASC) for biliary tract cancer (BTC) after surgical resection; however, the significance of the completion of ASC in the real-world setting remains unknown.

Data of consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection for biliary tract cancer (BTC) from 2011 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Of these, patients who underwent ASC were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether ASC was completed: the completion group and the non-completion group. Clinicopathological features and survival outcomes were assessed.

Of the 223 patients with BTC who underwent surgical resection, 75 patients who underwent ASC were included for analysis. Among them, 48 (64.0 %) completed the intended ASC course, while 27 cases (36.0 %) discontinued the treatment. The most common reason for the discontinuation was adverse event (n = 16, 59.3 %), followed by disease recurrence (n = 9, 33.3 %). Patients in the completion group showed significantly better overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p < 0.001) compared to the non-completion group. Further, after excluding the patients in the non-completion group who discontinued ASC due to disease recurrence, the significance of ASC completion was retained for both OS and RFS.

The completion of ASC was associated with improved prognosis in patients with BTC after surgical resection. The achievement of ASC should be the goal after surgical resection, while further study may be warranted regarding the resistance of ASC.

Preoperative portal vein embolization is a beneficial option to reduce the risk of postoperative liver failure by promoting the growth of the future liver remnant. In particular, a percutaneous transhepatic procedure (percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization) has been developed as a less-invasive approach. Although percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization is widely recognized as a safe procedure, various complications, including rare but fatal adverse events, have been reported. Currently, there are no prospective clinical trials regarding percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization procedures and no standard guidelines for the PTPE procedure in Japan. As a result, various methods and various embolic materials are used in each hospital according to each physician's policy. The purpose of these guidelines is to propose appropriate techniques at present and to identify issues that should be addressed in the future for safer and more reliable percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization techniques.

To compare 2 ratios of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (nBCA)-ethiodized oil (Lipiodol)-iopamidol (NLI) in balloon-assisted portal vein embolization (PVE) in swine.

In an in vitro study, NLI prepared at a ratio of 2:3:1 (NLI231) or 1:4:1 (NLI141) was injected into 2.5- or 10-mL syringes filled with swine blood, and the viscosity of NLI was measured to determine an appropriate balloon occlusion time. Two portal vein branches in 8 female swine (n = 16 vein branches) were embolized with NLI231 (n = 8) or NLI141 (n = 8) under balloon occlusion. Portal venography was performed before, immediately after, and 3 days after PVE to evaluate the migration of NLI and the recanalization of embolized portal vein branches. Then, the livers were removed for histopathologic evaluation.

The times to peak viscosity of NLI231 in the 2.5- and 10-mL syringes were 55.8 seconds (SD ± 7.0) and 85.2 seconds (SD ± 6.3), and those to peak viscosity of NLI141 were 129.2 seconds (SD ± 11.8) and 254.0 seconds (SD ± 21.8), respectively. No migration of NLI231 was observed in all 8 procedures immediately or 3 days after PVE. Migration of NLI141 was observed in 6 of 8 procedures within 3 days after PVE. The migration frequency of the embolic material was lower in the NI231 group than in the NLI141 group (0/8 vs 6/8; P = .051). Histologically, NLI231 occupied the portal veins without any thrombi, whereas NLI141 was accompanied by thrombi in the portal veins.

NLI231 may be more suitable than NLI141 for balloon-assisted PVE in swine.

The usefulness of inflammation-based prognostic scores for early recurrence (ER) after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma has rarely been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of inflammation-based prognostic scores as predictors of ER and their relationship with tumor markers.

We enrolled 338 patients who underwent hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma between January 2007 and December 2021. Clinicopathological factors were compared between patients who developed ER (ER group) and those who did not develop ER (non-ER group). The association between inflammation-based prognostic scores and ER status was evaluated. These scores were compared with those of well-established tumor markers.

The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) correlated with ER of hepatocellular carcinoma, with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.70, sensitivity of 68.1%, and specificity of 67.7%. In patients with low tumor marker levels, the PLR showed a strong correlation with ER of hepatocellular carcinoma, with an AUC value of 0.851, sensitivity of 100%, and specificity of 76.2%. Multivariate analysis revealed that the PLR was an independent prognostic factor for ER.

The PLR is useful and complementary to tumor markers for predicting ER after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma.