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Liver Tumours (liver + tumour)
Selected AbstractsOpen versus laparoscopic resection for liver tumoursHPB, Issue 6 2009Thomas Van Gulik Abstract Background:, The issue under debate is whether laparoscopic liver resections for malignant tumours produce outcomes which are comparable with conventional, open liver resections. Methods:, Literature review on liver resection and laparoscopy. Results:, There are no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published that provide any evidence for the benefits of laparoscopic liver resections for liver tumours. In case,control series reporting short-term outcomes, laparoscopic liver resection has been shown to have the advantage of a reduced length of hospital stay. There are as yet, however, no adequate long-term survival studies demonstrating that laparoscopic liver resection is oncologically equivalent to open resection. Discussion:, The challenge for the near future is to test the oncological integrity of laparoscopic liver resection in controlled trials in the same way that we have learned from the RCTs carried out in laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer. It is likely that laparoscopic liver resection will then have to compete with fast-track, open liver resection. Already, concerns have been raised regarding the learning curve required to master the techniques of laparoscopic liver resection. [source] Laparoscopic management of benign liver diseases: where are we?HPB, Issue 4 2004Jean-François Gigot Background The role of laparoscopic surgery in the management of benign cystic and solid liver tumours appears to differ according to each tumour type. As regards congenital liver cysts, laparoscopic treatment is now the gold standard for treating selected, huge, accessible, highly symptomatic or complicated cysts. In contrast, the laparoscopic approach is not useful for patients suffering from adult polycystic liver disease (PLD), except for type I PLD with large multiple hepatic cysts. For benign hepatocellular tumours, the surgical management has recently benefited from a better knowledge of the natural history of each type of tumour and from the improvement of imaging techniques in assuring a precise diagnosis of tumour nature. Thus the general tendency has led to a progressive restriction and tailoring of indications for resection in benign liver tumours, selecting only patients with huge, specifically symptomatic or compressive benign tumours or patients suffering from liver cell adenoma. Despite the enthusiastic use of the laparoscopic approach, selective indications for resection of benign liver tumours should indeed remain unchanged. For all types of benign liver tumours, the best indication remains small, superficial lesions, located in the anterior or the lateral segments of the liver. Deep, centrally located lesions or tumours in contact with major vascular or biliary trunks are not ideal candidates for laparoscopic liver resections. When performed by expert liver and laparoscopic surgeons using an adequate surgical technique, the laparoscopic approach is safe for performing minor liver resections and is accompanied by the usual postoperative benefits of laparoscopic surgery. When applied in selected patients and tumours, laparoscopic management of benign liver diseases appears to be a promising technique for hepatobiliary surgeons. [source] Clinical care and technical recommendations for 90yttrium microsphere treatment of liver cancerJOURNAL OF MEDICAL IMAGING AND RADIATION ONCOLOGY, Issue 3 2010S-C Wang Summary Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with 90yttrium microspheres is a relatively new clinical modality for treating non-resectable malignant liver tumours. This interventional radiology technique employs percutaneous microcatheterisation of the hepatic arterial vasculature to selectively deliver radioembolic microspheres into neoplastic tissue. SIRT results in measurable tumour responses or delayed disease progression in the majority of eligible patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatic metastases arising from colorectal cancer. It has also been successfully used as palliative therapy for non-colorectal malignancies metastatic to the liver. Although most adverse events are mild and transient, SIRT also carries some risks for serious and , rarely , fatal outcomes. In particular, entry of microspheres into non-target vessels may result in radiation-induced tissue damage, such as severe gastric ulceration or radiation cholecystitis. Radiation-induced liver disease poses another significant risk. By careful case selection, considered dose calculation and meticulous angiographic technique, it is possible to minimise the incidence of such complications to less than 10% of all treatments. As the number of physicians employing SIRT expands, there is an increasing need to consolidate clinical experience and expertise to optimise patient outcomes. Authored by a panel of clinicians experienced in treating liver tumours via SIRT, this paper collates experience in vessel mapping, embolisation, dosimetry, microsphere delivery and minimisation of non-target delivery. In addition to these clinical recommendations, the authors propose institutional criteria for introducing SIRT at new centres and for incorporating the technique into multidisciplinary care plans for patients with hepatic neoplasms. [source] Overexpressed growth hormone (GH) synergistically promotes carcinogen-initiated liver tumour growth by promoting cellular proliferation in emerging hepatocellular neoplasms in female and male GH-transgenic miceLIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2001Kenneth J. Snibson Abstract:Background/Aims: Growth hormone (GH), when overexpressed in male and female GH-transgenic mice, is known to induce liver tumours within 1 year. This study aimed to gain a clearer understanding of the interaction between GH and tumour cells in vivo. Methods/Results: The carcinogen diethylnitrosomine (DEN) was administered to neo-natal transgenic and non-transgenic mice maintained in a "hepatocarcinogenesis resistant" genetic background (C57BL/6J). Macroscopic, microscopic and liver weight/body weight ratio analyses revealed that carcinogen-induced hepatocarcinogenesis was dramatically accelerated in young GH-transgenic mice compared to non-transgenic counterparts. Image analysis of microscopic hepatocellular neoplasms showed rapidly increasing tumour burdens, and neoplastic foci size over time in young adult GH-transgenic mice. The magnitude of enhanced tumour growth was equivalent in both male and female transgenic mice, whereas much lower and sexually dimorphic tumour growth rates (males>females) were observed in non-transgenic mice treated with DEN. BrdU labelling experiments demonstrated that rapid tumour growth in carcinogen-treated GH-transgenic mice was due to the promotion of cell proliferation in emerging lesions. Tumour cell proliferation in young GH-transgenic mice was 2.6- and 4-fold higher, respectively, than that observed in similar age male and female non-transgenic mice. Interestingly, both GH-transgenic and non-transgenic mice displayed progressively slower tumour growth rates in older animals. Conclusion: Overall, GH synergistically promotes carcinogen-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in both sexes of GH-transgenic mice by stimulating tumour cell proliferation. [source] Three-dimensional ultrasound image-guided robotic system for accurate microwave coagulation of malignant liver tumoursTHE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ROBOTICS AND COMPUTER ASSISTED SURGERY, Issue 3 2010Jing Xu Abstract Background The further application of conventional ultrasound (US) image-guided microwave (MW) ablation of liver cancer is often limited by two-dimensional (2D) imaging, inaccurate needle placement and the resulting skill requirement. The three-dimensional (3D) image-guided robotic-assisted system provides an appealing alternative option, enabling the physician to perform consistent, accurate therapy with improved treatment effectiveness. Methods Our robotic system is constructed by integrating an imaging module, a needle-driven robot, a MW thermal field simulation module, and surgical navigation software in a practical and user-friendly manner. The robot executes precise needle placement based on the 3D model reconstructed from freehand-tracked 2D B-scans. A qualitative slice guidance method for fine registration is introduced to reduce the placement error caused by target motion. By incorporating the 3D MW specific absorption rate (SAR) model into the heat transfer equation, the MW thermal field simulation module determines the MW power level and the coagulation time for improved ablation therapy. Two types of wrists are developed for the robot: a ,remote centre of motion' (RCM) wrist and a non-RCM wrist, which is preferred in real applications. Results The needle placement accuracies were < 3 mm for both wrists in the mechanical phantom experiment. The target accuracy for the robot with the RCM wrist was improved to 1.6 ± 1.0 mm when real-time 2D US feedback was used in the artificial-tissue phantom experiment. By using the slice guidance method, the robot with the non-RCM wrist achieved accuracy of 1.8 ± 0.9 mm in the ex vivo experiment; even target motion was introduced. In the thermal field experiment, a 5.6% relative mean error was observed between the experimental coagulated neurosis volume and the simulation result. Conclusion The proposed robotic system holds promise to enhance the clinical performance of percutaneous MW ablation of malignant liver tumours. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Diagnostic and pathogenetic implications of the expression of hepatic transporters in focal lesions occurring in normal liverTHE JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY, Issue 4 2005Sara Vander Borght Abstract Hepatocellular adenoma and focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) are benign liver tumours. The differential diagnosis of these lesions and of well- to moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas is often difficult but is very important in view of their different treatment. Although neither type of lesion is connected to the biliary tree, FNHs are cholestatic, whereas this is rarely the case for hepatocellular adenomas. This suggests that hepatocellular uptake and secretion of bile constituents is different in FNHs compared to adenomas. We therefore evaluated the expression and localization of hepatic transporters in hepatocellular adenomas, different types of FNH and well- to moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas in non-cirrhotic liver and compared them with normal liver, using real-time RT-PCR and (semi-)quantitative immunohistochemistry. The parenchymal expression of the uptake transporter OATP2/8 (OATP1B1/3) was minimal or absent in adenoma, while there was strong and diffuse expression in FNH. We observed diffuse parenchymal expression of the basolateral export pump MRP3 in adenomas, while only reactive bile ductules and adjacent cholestatic hepatocytes were MRP3-positive in FNH. The MRP3/OATP2/8 expression pattern of atypical FNHs resembled that of adenomas, suggesting that both types of lesion are related. Most hepatocellular carcinomas showed decreased expression of one or more of the canalicular transporters (MDR1, MDR3, BSEP). The differences in transporter expression profile between FNHs and adenomas are most likely pathogenetically important and may explain why only FNHs are cholestatic. The finding that each type of focal lesion in non-cirrhotic liver has a specific transporter expression pattern may be useful in the establishment of a correct diagnosis by imaging or on needle biopsy. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] IMPACT OF BLOOD FLOW OCCLUSION ON LIVER NECROSIS FOLLOWING THERMAL ABLATIONANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 1-2 2006Mehrdad Nikfarjam Background: Laser, radiofrequency and microwave are common techniques for local destruction of liver tumours by thermal ablation. The main limitation of thermal ablation treatment is the volume of necrosis that can be achieved. Blood flow occlusion is commonly advocated as an adjunct to thermal ablation to increase the volume of tissue necrosis based on macroscopic and histological assessment of immediate or direct thermal injury. This study examines the impact of blood flow occlusion on direct and indirect laser induced thermal liver injury in a murine model using histochemical methods to assess tissue vitality. Methods: Thermal ablation produced by neodymium yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser (wavelength 1064 nm) was applied to the liver of inbred male CBA strain mice at 2 W for 50 s (100 J). Treatment was performed with and without temporary portal vein and hepatic artery blood flow occlusion. Animals were killed upon completion of the procedure to assess direct thermal injury or at 24, 48 and 72 h to assess the progression of tissue damage. The maximum diameter of necrosis was assessed by vital staining for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) diaphorase. Microvascular changes were assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry, confocal in vivo microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Results: The direct thermal injury (mean SE) assessed by NADH diaphorase staining was significantly greater following thermal ablation treatment without blood flow occlusion than with blood flow occlusion (3.3 (0.4) mm vs 2.9 (0.3) mm; P = 0.005). Tissue disruption, cracking and vacuolization was more pronounced adjacent to the fibre insertion site in the group treated with thermal ablation combined with blood flow occlusion. There was an equivalent increase in the extent of injury following therapy in both groups that reached a peak at 48 h. The maximum diameter of necrosis in the thermal ablation alone group at 48 h was significantly greater than the thermal ablation combined with blood flow occlusion group (5.8 (0.4) mm vs 5.3 (0.3) mm; P = 0.011). The patterns of microvascular injury were similar in both groups, varying in extent. Conclusion: Temporary blood flow inflow occlusion appears to decrease the extent of initial injury measured by vital staining techniques and does not alter the time sequence of progressive tissue injury following thermal ablation therapy. [source] Ten-year experience of totally laparoscopic liver resection in a single institutionBRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 3 2009A. Sasaki Background: Recent developments in liver surgery include the introduction of laparoscopic liver resection. The aim of the present study was to review a single institution's 10-year experience of totally laparoscopic liver resection (TLLR). Methods: Between May 1997 and April 2008, 82 patients underwent TLLR for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (37 patients), liver metastases (39) and benign liver lesions (six). Operations included 69 laparoscopic wedge resections, 11 laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomies and two thoracoscopic wedge resections. Nine patients underwent simultaneous laparoscopic resection of colorectal primary cancer and synchronous liver metastases. Results: Median operating time was 177 (range 70,430) min and blood loss 64 (range 1,917) ml. Median tumour size and surgical margin were 25 (range 15,85) and 6 (range 0,40) mm respectively. One procedure was converted to a laparoscopically assisted hepatectomy. Three patients developed complications. Median postoperative stay was 9 (range 3,37) days. The overall 5-year survival rate after surgery for HCC and colorectal metastases was 53 and 64 per cent respectively. Conclusion: TLLR can be performed safely for a variety of primary and secondary liver tumours, and seems to offer at least short-term benefits in selected patients. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Electrolytic liver ablation is not associated with evidence of a systemic inflammatory response syndromeBRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 2 2004B. D. Teague Background Local ablation has been proposed for treatment of liver tumours. Cryoshock, a variant of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), is a potentially fatal complication of cryoablation caused by systemic release of necrotic breakdown products from ablated liver. The proinflammatory cytokines tissue necrosis factor (TNF) , and interleukin (IL) 1 are important mediators of this response. This study assessed the risk of SIRS complicating electrolytic liver ablation by measuring circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines, other inflammatory markers and clinical markers of organ function. Methods Electrolytic liver ablation was performed in 16 pigs and four pigs served as controls. Platelet count, and serum levels of urea, creatinine, liver enzymes, C-reactive protein (CRP), TNF-, and IL-1, were measured before treatment and for 72 h after the procedure. Results There were significant dose-related increases in CRP and alanine aminotransferase levels with liver electrolysis. There was no significant derangement in renal function or platelet count following ablation. A rise in serum TNF-, and IL-1, levels was not associated with liver electrolysis. Conclusion There was no evidence of organ failure or significantly raised levels of proinflammatory cytokines as a result of liver electrolysis, suggesting that this is a safe procedure for liver ablation. Copyright © 2003 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Cryotherapeutic ablation of liver tumoursBRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 11 2002A. J. Sheen Background: This paper reports a 7-year experience of cryoablation for colorectal and non-colorectal liver metastases. Methods: A retrospective review was undertaken of patients treated in two adjacent UK centres in the north-west of England. Results: Over a 7-year period (1993,2000), 57 patients underwent cryotherapy for malignant hepatic tumours (41 colorectal, 16 non-colorectal). In the patients with colorectal metastases, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels fell significantly, from a mean of 444·1 to 6·22 µg/l (P = 0·002). One patient died, two developed cryoshock and six had cardiorespiratory complications. All patients with colorectal metastases subsequently received 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy. The remaining 16 patients with non-colorectal tumours (seven neuroendocrine metastases, five hepatocellular carcinomas, three sarcomas, one cholangiocarcinoma) all received cryotherapy alone, with no major complications. The median survival for patients with non-colorectal metastases was 37 months, compared with 22 months for those with colorectal metastases (P = 0·005). Conclusion: Hepatic cryotherapy is effective and safe, as demonstrated by the significant reduction in postoperative CEA concentration and the low risk of complications. However, this initial short-term success was not reflected in 5-year survival rates. Cryotherapy for non-colorectal metastases had a greater long-term survival benefit and is a useful means of controlling symptoms. © 2002 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd [source] Use of electrolysis as an adjunct to liver resectionBRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 8 2002B. G. Fosh Background: Patients with hepatic metastases are potentially curable if all the diseased tissue can be resected. Unfortunately, only 10,20 per cent of patients are suitable for curative resection. Electrolysis is a novel non-thermal method of tissue ablation. When used in conjunction with surgery it may increase the number of resectable liver tumours with curative treatment. Methods: All patients had been deemed inoperable using currently accepted criteria. Nine patients with hepatic deposits from colorectal carcinoma underwent combined surgical resection and electrolytic ablation of metastases. Results: The treatment was associated with minimal morbidity. Within the electrolytically treated area seven patients had no radiological evidence of recurrence at a median follow-up of 9 (range 6,43) months; local recurrence was detected in two patients. Six of the nine patients had metastases elsewhere in the liver with four having extrahepatic metastases. Three patients remain tumour free. Three patients died. The median survival was 17 (range 9,24) months from the time of treatment. Discussion: Electrolysis with resection may confer a disease-free and overall survival benefit. The small size of this initial study precludes statistical analysis, but preliminary results are encouraging. © 2002 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd [source] Percutaneous radiofrequency thermoablation as an alternative to surgery for treatment of liver tumour recurrence after hepatectomyBRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 6 2002Dr D. Elias Background: Radiofrequency (RF) current, converted into heat through ion agitation and friction, can destroy liver tumours by means of coagulation necrosis. This study assessed whether percutaneous RF ablation is a useful and safe technique for the treatment of liver tumour recurrence after hepatectomy. Methods: Forty-seven patients presenting with local recurrence after hepatectomy for malignant tumours (29 with colorectal secondaries) were treated with percutaneous RF ablation instead of repeat hepatectomy. RF thermal ablation was performed under image guidance for 12,15 min. This group represented 63 per cent of 75 patients treated with curative intent for liver recurrence in the same time interval. The other 28 patients underwent repeat hepatectomy. Results: The mean(s.d.) number of liver metastases destroyed was 1·4(0·7) (range 1,3) and their diameter was 21(8) (range 9,35) mm. Twenty-six patients presented with liver recurrence at least once but up to three times after the initial RF application. Incomplete local RF treatment was observed in six of 47 patients. Fifteen patients developed extrahepatic recurrence. The mean(s.d.) interval between RF ablation and the last follow-up visit was 14·4(10·1) (range 5·5,40) months. One death and three major complications occurred. Survival rates at 1 and 2 years were 88 and 55 per cent respectively. A retrospective study of the authors' database over two similar consecutive periods showed that RF ablation increased the percentage of curative local treatments for liver recurrence after hepatectomy from 17 to 26 per cent and decreased the proportion of repeat hepatectomies from 100 to to 39 per cent. Conclusion: Percutaneous RF treatment increases the number of patients eligible for curative treatment. It should be preferred to repeat hepatectomy when feasible and safe because it is less invasive. Repeat hepatectomy is indicated only when percutaneous RF ablation is contraindicated or fails. © 2002 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd [source] Extending the indications for curative liver resection by portal vein embolizationBRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 3 2000K. Seymour Aims: The aim of ipsilateral portal vein embolization is to induce hypertrophy of normal tissue when resection of a cancerous portion of the liver is contraindicated only by the volume of liver that would remain following surgery. This study reports its use in primary and metastatic liver tumours. Methods: Eight patients with inoperable liver tumours (three women and five men of median age 68·5 years; three colorectal hepatic metastases, two cholangiocarcinomas and three hepatocellular cancers) were selected for portal vein embolization. Selected portal branches were occluded distally with microbeads and proximally with coils. Liver volumes were determined by magnetic resonance imaging before embolization and again before surgery, 6,8 weeks later. Results: Embolization was performed successfully in seven patients by the percutaneous,transhepatic route; one further patient required an open cannulation of the inferior mesenteric vein. Management was altered in six patients, who proceeded to ,curative' surgery. The projected remaining (predominantly left lobe) liver volumes increased significantly from a median of 350 to 550 ml (P < 0·05, Wilcoxon matched pairs test). Two patients had disease progression such that surgery was no longer indicated. One patient, whose disease progressed, had the left portal branch occluded unintentionally by a misplaced coil that was successfully retrieved, although the left portal branch remained occluded. Conclusions: Portal vein embolization produced significant hypertrophy of the normal liver and extended the option of ,curative' surgery to six of the eight patients in whom it was attempted. It appears to be equally effective for primary and metastatic liver tumours in selected patients. © 2000 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd [source] | ||||||||||