Objective To explore feasibility and safety of ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation in treating end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis combined with secondary cavernous transformation of portal vein. Methods The patient was diagnosed with the end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis combined with secondary cavernous transformation of portal vein. The ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging were used to access the characteristics of the lesions and the extent of involvement of the portal vein and its branches. The liver model was reconstructed using a three-dimensional imaging data analysis system (EDDA Technology, Inc. USA), the remnant liver volume and the extent of involvement of the first hepatic hilum were recorded. Then the multidisciplinary team repetitively discussed the risks and procedures involved in the surgery. Finally, the ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation was proposed. Results The preoperative evaluation showed the patient had a large intrahepatic lesion which severely invaded the retrohepatic inferior vena cava, the right hepatic vein, and the middle hepatic vein and were completely occluded, the left hepatic vein was partially invaded, and the portal vein was spongiform. The remnant liver volume was 912 mL, the ratio of residual liver volume to standard liver volume was 0.81. The preoperative liver function Child-Pugh score was grade A. The ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation was successfully managed according to the expected schedule. The autografts (made by patient’s great saphenous vein) were used to reconstruct the hepatic vein and portal vein, and the retrohepatic inferior vena cava was not reconstructed. The patient recovered well and was discharged on day 20 after the operation. Conclusions Ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation could successfully be applied in treating patient with end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis combined with secondary cavernous transformation of portal vein. Adequate preoperative assessment and management of the first hepatic hilum are key to this operation.
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical application of in vivo hepatectomy with preservation of retrohepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) with the invasion of IVC. MethodsThe clinicopathologic data of a complicated HAE patient with large lesion (maximum cross-section 12.6 cm×9.6 cm), infiltrative growth, unclear boundary with surrounding tissues, and invasions of diaphragm and IVC (invasion length up to 4.6 cm) admitted to the Department of Liver Surgery in the West China Hospital of Sichuan University in December 2021 was retrospectively collected. The three-dimensional reconstruction of the liver model was performed by Mimics Medical 21.0 software before operation. The invading IVC of the right liver lesion was measured and the resection was simulated. During the operation, the HAE lesion and the affected IVC were gradually separated from IVC by the hemostatic forceps, and the residual lesions were gradually removed. ResultsIn this patient, the HAE lesion of right liver was resected, the IVC was entirely preserved, and the resection of liver was consistent with the preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction plan. The operation time was 275 min, the bleeding was approximately 500 mL. On the first day after the operation, the alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were increased, no obvious abnormalities were observed in the plasma albumin and bilirubin, the patient recovered and was discharged on the seventh day after the operation. No complications occurred after the operation, and no recurrence or metastasis of HAE was observed during follow-up period. ConclusionsHepatectomy with preservation of retrohepatic IVC for HAE with invasion of IVC is safe and effective. Taking albendazole regularly after surgery will help maintain disease-free survival.
Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) is a severe zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, primarily affecting the liver. Due to its insidious nature, the patients are often diagnosed at advanced stage, posing significant treatment challenges. We comprehensively examines the progress in surgical techniques for HAE management, focusing on various strategies across different disease stages. For the patients with early-stage HAE, ablation therapy has emerged as an effective treatment option. In the moderate to advanced cases, numerous surgical techniques and innovative approaches have been introduced, including laparoscopic surgery and liver transplantation, with particular emphasis on ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation. These advancements offer more effective treatment options for the patients with advanced HAE. However, significant challenges persist, notably the preservation of adequate liver function while achieving complete lesion removal. Future research should prioritize the exploration and optimization of existing surgical methods, especially for advanced HAE cases. This includes refining surgical techniques through precise preoperative evaluation and staging, as well as developing novel surgical approaches to enhance safety and efficacy. Furthermore, multicenter and long-term follow-up prospective studies are crucial for validating the effectiveness of new surgical techniques and strategies. Through these concerted efforts, it is anticipated that the survival rates and quality of life for HAE patients will significantly be improved, marking a new era in the management of this complex disease.
Objective To evaluate effects of three-dimensional (3D) visualized reconstruction technology on short-term benefits of different extent of resection in treating hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) as well as some disadvantages. Methods One hundred and fifty-two patients with HAE from January 2014 to December 2016 in the Department Liver Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University were collected, there were 80 patients with ≥4 segments and 72 patients with ≤3 segments of liver resection among these patients, which were designed to 3D reconstruction group and non-3D reconstruction group according to the preference of patients. The imaging data, intraoperative and postoperative indicators were recorded and compared. Results The 3D visualized reconstructions were performed in the 79 patients with HAE, the average time of 3D visualized reconstruction was 19 min, of which 13 cases took more than 30 min and the longest reached 150 min. The preoperative predicted liver resection volume of the 79 patients underwent the 3D visualized reconstruction was (583.6±374.7) mL, the volume of intraoperative actual liver resection was (573.8±406.3) mL, the comparison of preoperative and intraoperative data indicated that both agreed reasonably well (P=0.640). Forty-one cases and 38 cases in the 80 patients with ≥4 segments and 72 patients with ≤3 segments of liverresection respectively were selected for the 3D visualized reconstruction. For the patients with ≥4 segments of liver resection, the operative time was shorter (P=0.021) and the blood loss was less (P=0.047) in the 3D reconstruction group as compared with the non-3D reconstruction group, the status of intraoperative blood transfusion had no significant difference between the 3D reconstruction group and the non-3D reconstruction group (P=0.766). For the patients with ≤3 segments of liver resection, the operative time, the blood loss, and the status of intraoperative blood transfusion had no significant differences between the 3D reconstruction group and the non-3D reconstruction group (P>0.05). For the patients with ≥4 segments or ≤3 segments of liver resection, the laboratory examination results within postoperative 3 d, complications within postoperative 90 d, and the postoperative hospitalization time had no significant differences between the 3D reconstruction group and the non-3D reconstruction group (P>0.05). Conclusion 3D visualized reconstruction technology contributes to patients with HAE ≥4 segments of liver resection, it could reduce intraoperative blood loss and shorten operation time, but it displays no remarkable benefits for ≤3 segments of liver resection.
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical application of variant associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) combined with inferior vena cava reconstruction for end stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE).MethodThe clinical data of one case with HAE who treated in Organ Transplantation Center of Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital in November 2017 was analyzed retrospectively.ResultsComputed tomography revealed that the three hepatic veins and retrohepatic inferior vena cava were invaded by multiple and giant hydatid lesions. Only the segment 6 retained the complete portal vein and hepatic vein return branch. Remnant liver volume/standard liver volume (RLV/SLV) of this patient was 24.9%. Surgical exploration was performed after preoperative examination. In the first stage, ligation of the left portal vein and the right anterior lobe portal vein were performed to increase portal blood supply at S6 while partial split of the liver. The patient recovered well after operation without complications such as bile leakage and infection. Six months after the first stage surgery, the second stage surgery was performed, and RLV/SLV measured before surgery was 48.3%. S1–5/S7–8 were completely removed and the hepatic inferior vena cava was reconstructed with artificial blood vessels. The patient was discharged on 10 days after operation, and there was no complications and relapses occurred during the 18 months follow-up period.ConclusionsVariant ALPPS combined with inferior vena cava reconstruction is an effective attempt to treat end stage HAE with multiple and giant hydatid lesions and insufficient RLV.
ObjectiveTo investigate strategies and efficacy of surgical treatment of advanced hepatic alveolar echinococcosis. MethodsThirty-six patients with advanced hepatic alveolar echinococcosis who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital from August 2014 to March 2016 were selected, who were divided into three groups:radical hepatectomy group (15 cases), quasi-radical hepatectomy group (17 cases), and palliative surgery group (4 cases). The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, and metastasis were analyzed among these three groups. ResultsThe operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and rate of postoperative complications had no significant differences between the radical hepatectomy group and the quasi-radical hepatectomy group. No patient had postoperative recurrence in the radical hepatectomy group. The hepatic portal residual lesion was enlarged for 1 case and the intrahepatic and extrahepatic lesions were stable for the other patients in the quasi-radical hepatectomy group. In the palliative surgery group,the retroperitoneal lesions enlargement was seen in 2 cases and the lesions around the abcess grew progressively in 1 case. ConclusionIndividualized treatment accompanied with multiple-disciplinary treatment and damage-control surgery concept could benefit optimally to patients with advanced hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of hepatic outflow reconstruction with allograft vascular in ex-vivo liver resection and autologous liver transplantation.MethodThe clinical data of a patient with end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis admitted to the Organ Transplantation Center of Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital in August 2019 who underwent the ex-vivo liver resection and autologous liver transplantation combined with hepatic vein reconstruction with allograft vascular were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsThe patient, a 44-year-old female, was admitted to Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital for “pain in the right abdomen accompanied by skin and sclera yellow staining for 6+ months and aggravated for 20+ d”. When the patient was admitted, the general condition was poor, such as hyperbilirubin and hypoproteinemia. The body mass was 45 kg and the standard liver volume was 852 mL. The hydatid lesions corroded the first and second hilum of the liver, the right hepatic vein and the posterior inferior vena cava. It was difficult to reconstruct the outflow tract of the hepatic vein in vivo, and it was extremely difficult to completely remove the hydatid lesions in vivo. After admission, the patient was generally in a good condition after the PTCD treatment, then after discussion and rigorous evaluation, the ex-vivo hepatectomy combined with autologous liver transplantation was required. The operative time was 15 h and the intraoperative blood loss was approximately 2 000 mL. After the operation, the routine treatment was performed, the antiviral treatment was continued, the international standardized ratio value was monitored at 1.5–2.5, and the anti-immune rejection drugs were not needed. The patient was transferred to the general ward on the 4th day after the operation, and there were no bile leakage, bleeding, infection and other complications. the result of postoperative pathological diagnosis was the alveolar echinococcosis. The re-examination of enhanced CT on 1 week after the operation suggested that the hepatic outflow tract of allograft vascular reconstruction was unobstructed, no stenosis and no thrombosis occurred. The patient was following-up at present.ConclusionsIn treatment of end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis by autologous liver transplantation, reconstruction of hepatic outflow should be individualized. Allograft venous vessels could be used as ideal materials due to their advantages of matched tube diameter and length, no anti-rejection, and low risk of infection.
ObjectiveTo summarize the surgical technique and indications for liver masses involving the second and the third porta hepatis.MethodsThirteen cases of liver mass involving the second and the third porta hepatis, who underwent surgery in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from June 2013 to September 2016 were collected retrospectively, then made a statistical analysis, including patients’ information, characteristics of liver masses, operation information, and result of followed-up.ResultsOf the 13 cases, there were 3 cases of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, 4 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, 4 cases of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and 2 cases of liver metastasis induced by colon cancer. The mean tumor diameter was 12.5 cm (7–21 cm). Preoperative imaging examinations showed that mass had involved the second and the third porta hepatis, and all masses were resected by surgery without perioperative death, including 7 cases of right three hepatectomy resection, 1 case of left three hepatectomy resection, 4 cases of right hepatectomy resection, and 1 case of left hemi hepatectomy resection; among them, 9 cases were performed caudal lobectomy resection. The mean of operative time was 313 min (210–450 min), the mean of intraoperative blood loss was 592 mL (300–1 100 mL). Four cases received blood transfusion with 300–450 mL (mean of 338 mL). The total hepatic blood inflow occlusion time was 25–55 min (mean of 42 min). Five cases received venous reconstruction, and 1 case received hepatic vein reconstruction. After operation, ascites occurred in 6 cases, pleural effusion occurred in 6 cases, liver failure occurred in 2 cases, bile leakage occurred in 2 cases, pulmonary infection occurred in 3 cases, deep vein thrombosis occurred in 1 case. All of the 13 cases were followed-up for 1–39 months (median time was 14 months), during the followed-up period, 4 cases died, including 3 cases of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and 1 case of liver metastasis induced by colon cancer.ConclusionIt is encouraging to apply the vascular reconstruction and skilled hepatic partition technique for resection lesions which involved the second and the third porta hepatis, through meticulous preoperative evaluation and preparation.
ObjectiveTo summarize the key operative points and efficacy of ex-vivo ex-vivo liver resection and autologous liver transplantation (ELRA) using various vascular materials for hepatic vein reconstruction in the treatment of end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE). MethodThe clinicopathologic data of a patient with end-stage HAE who underwent ELRA combined with complex hepatic vein reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed. ResultsThe patient was a 60-year-old male who was admitted to the Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital due to giant alveolar hydatid in the liver, with a body weight of 60 kg and a standard liver volume of 1 024.5 mL. The imaging showed that the hydatid invaded the first and second hepatic portals, middle hepatic vein, left hepatic vein, and retrohepatic inferior vena cava. The three-dimensional reconstruction of CT showed that the residual liver volume was 1 270.6 mL. The patient received supportive treatment after admission and underwent ELRA following strict evaluation. Intraoperatively, it was found that the multiple hepatic veins and retrohepatic inferior vena cava were widely invaded. The liver was split in vivo and the mass was excised ex vivo by “in vivo first” principle. The hepatic vein was repaired and reconstructed into a wide mouth outflow tract using allogeneic veins, autologous inferior mesenteric vein, and hepatic round ligaments, then performed the autotransplantation by wide mouth outflow-artificial inferior vena cava anastomosis (end to side). The operative time was 16 h, and the intraoperative blood loss was approximately 2 000 mL. FK506 was orally administered after operation, and low-molecular-weight heparin sodium was administered 24 h later for anticoagulation. The patient was returned to the general ward on the 6th day after the operation, and the enhanced CT scan showed that the hepatic outflow tract was unobstructed, without stenosis and thrombosis, and the patient was discharged on day 18 after the operation. The patient was pathologically diagnosed with alveolar echinococcosis. ConclusionsFrom the results of this case, combination of multiple vascular materials to reconstruct the hepatic outflow tract is an optional procedure for ELRA in treatment of end-stage HAE. Strict preoperative evaluation, skillful vascular anastomosis technique, and postoperative anticoagulation are important measures to maintain patency of postoperative reconstruction vessel.
ObjectiveTo explore value of partial liver preservation in situ for ex-vivo liver resection and auxiliatry autologous liver transplantation in end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.MethodsThe clinical data of one patient with end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis treated with auxiliatry autologous liver transplantation combined partial liver preservation in situ were analyzed retrospectively. This patient was admitted on January 2019. During the auxiliatry autologous liver transplantation procedure, the S1, S4-S8 segments of the liver were resected for mass dissection, whereas the S2 and S3 segments of left liver were preserved in situ.ResultsThe preoperative evaluation and intraoperative exploration indicated that the mass located in the S4, S5, S8 segments, which was adjacent to the first hepatic portal and involved the anterior wall of posterior inferior vena cava, middle hepatic veins, the opening of right hepatic veins and the right wall of left hepatic veins. Based on the " in situ first” principle, the left lesion was slit using the anterior approach, the left hepatic vein was repaired and the S2 and S3 segments were preserved in situ. Then, the right lesion to involved hepatic vein was slit along the right interlobar fissure. The right hepatic artery, right portal vein and right bile duct were divided separately. The S1 and S4-S8 segments were removed completely. Next, the mass was resected, the out flow of the right liver was reconstructed using the allogeneic veins during the ex-vivo liver resection. Then, the auxiliatry autologous right liver transplantation was initiated by the wide-caliber hepatic vein-artificial inferior vena cava anastomosis. The surgical procedures lasted for 12 h, and the intraoperative bleeding was approximately 800 mL. The patient was routinely treated and smoothly recovered after the operation.ConclusionsProcedure of auxiliatry autologous liver transplantation preserved part functional liver in situ during ex-vivo resection, which could maintain stability of systemic and portal vein circulation, hold part liver function during operation, preserve functional liver furthest, and reduce risk of hepatic failure, is an effective attempt for end stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.