Multivisceral Resection in Robotic Liver Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery techniques are expanding in utilization in liver resections and now include robotic approaches. Robotic liver resection has been demonstrated to have several benefits, including surgeon ergonomics, wrist articulation, and 3D visualization. Similarly, for multivisceral liver resections, the use of minimally invasive techniques has evolved and expanded from laparoscopy to robotics. The aim of this article is to review the literature and describe multivisceral resections, including hepatectomy, using a robotic technique. We describe over 50 published cases of simultaneous robotic liver resection with colon or rectal resection. In addition, we describe several pancreatectomies performed with liver resection and one extra-abdominal pulmonary resection with liver resection. In total, these select reported cases at experienced centers demonstrate the safety of robotic multivisceral resection in liver surgery with acceptable morbidity and rare conversion to open surgery. As robotic technology advances and experience with robotic techniques grows, robotic multivisceral resection in liver surgery should continue to be investigated in future studies.

Association between CT-Based Preoperative Sarcopenia and Outcomes in Patients That Underwent Liver Resections

This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate whether preoperative sarcopenia, assessed by CT imaging, was associated with postoperative clinical outcomes and overall survival in patients that underwent liver resections. Patients operated on between January 2014 and February 2020 were included. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) was measured at the level of the third lumbar vertebra on preoperative CT scans. Preoperative sarcopenia was defined based on pre-established SMI cut-off values. The outcomes were postoperative morbidity, length of hospital stay (LOS), and overall survival. Among 355 patients, 212 (59.7%) had preoperative sarcopenia. Patients with sarcopenia were significantly older (63.5 years) and had significantly lower BMIs (23.9 kg/m2) than patients without sarcopenia (59.3 years, p < 0.01, and 27.7 kg/m2, p < 0.01, respectively). There was no difference in LOS (8 vs. 8 days, p = 0.75), and the major complication rates were comparable between the two groups (11.2% vs. 11.3%, p = 1.00). The median overall survival times were comparable between patients with sarcopenia and those without sarcopenia (15 vs. 16 months, p = 0.87). Based on CT assessment alone, preoperative sarcopenia appeared to have no impact on postoperative clinical outcomes or overall survival in patients that underwent liver resections. Future efforts should also consider muscle strength and physical performance, in addition to imaging, for preoperative risk stratification.

O-L07 Role of liver resection for metastases from uveal melanoma: Experience from a supra-regional centre, current evidence, and future prospects

Background Management of liver metastases from uveal melanoma (LMUM) requires a ‘multi-modal’ approach including surgical resection. This study aimed to evaluate the role, safety, and oncological effectiveness of liver surgery for patients with LMUM in the context multidisciplinary management. A comprehensive treatment pathway developed upon current published evidence, prevalent national guidelines and novel treatment options is presented (Figure 2) Methods Retrospective review of prospectively maintained database between February 2005 to August 2018 was performed using the institutional electronic patient record system from oncology and surgical department. Demographic data, MDT outcome letters, operative records, clinic letters, letters from referring hospitals, discharge summaries, radiology reports, and histology findings were reviewed. Focused literature review was conducted to identify all relevant publications. All advanced statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). A p-value of &lt; 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The work was approved by the institutional clinical governance department (Audit ID 6661). Results 31 patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and 17 patients received 19 liver resections locally (Figure 1). 7 major (≥ 3 seg) and 12 minor liver resections (14 laparoscopic) were done without any mortality or major complications. 10/19 (52.6%) were R0 resections. Overall survival positively correlated with the time from UM to LMUM (rs = 0.859, p&lt;0.0001). R0 or R1 resection margin status did not significantly influence survival outcomes (OS 25 Vs 28, p = 0.404; RFS 13 Vs 6 months, p = 0.596), though R1 cohort had longer lead time (100 Vs 24 months, p = 0.0408). Conclusions Liver resection for LMUM is safe, effective and complements multimodal management. Lead time from development of UM to LMUM remains a key factor affecting survival outcomes. As novel treatment modalities for regional and systemic disease control for metastatic uveal melanoma continue to develop, surgical intervention will also continue to evolve as part of the multi-disciplinary management. We emphasise the need for developing a collaborative database at a national and international level. We present an evidence-based, multi-disciplinary management pathway for LMUM patients (Figure 2).

The Applications of 3D Imaging and Indocyanine Green Dye Fluorescence in Laparoscopic Liver Surgery

Laparoscopic liver resections have gained widespread popularity among hepatobiliary surgeons and is nowadays performed for both standard and more complex hepatectomies. Given the increased technical challenges, preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance is pivotal in laparoscopic surgery to safely carry out complex and oncologically safe hepatectomies. Modern tools can help both preoperatively and intraoperatively and allow surgeons to perform more precise hepatectomies. Preoperative 3D reconstructions and printing as well as augmented reality can increase the knowledge of the specific anatomy of the case and therefore plan the surgery accordingly and tailor the procedure on the patient. Furthermore, the indocyanine green retention dye is an increasingly used tool that can nowadays improve the precision during laparoscopic hepatectomies, especially when considering anatomical resection. The use of preoperative modern imaging and intraoperative indocyanine green dye are key to successfully perform complex hepatectomies such as laparoscopic parenchymal sparing liver resections. In this narrative review, we discuss the aspects of preoperative and intraoperative tools that are nowadays increasingly used in experienced hepatobiliary centers.

Three-Device (3D) Technique for Liver Parenchyma Dissection in Robotic Liver Surgery

Background: The implementation of robotics in liver surgery offers several advantages compared to conventional open and laparoscopic techniques. One major advantage is the enhanced degree of freedom at the tip of the robotic tools compared to laparoscopic instruments. This enables excellent vessel control during inflow and outflow dissection of the liver. Parenchymal transection remains the most challenging part during robotic liver resection because currently available robotic instruments for parenchymal transection have several limitations and there is no standardized technique as of yet. We established a new strategy and share our experience. Methods: We present a novel technique for the transection of liver parenchyma during robotic surgery, using three devices (3D) simultaneously: monopolar scissors and bipolar Maryland forceps of the robot and laparoscopic-guided waterjet. We collected the perioperative data of twenty-eight patients who underwent this procedure for minor and major liver resections between February 2019 and December 2020 from the Magdeburg Registry of minimally invasive liver surgery (MD-MILS). Results: Twenty-eight patients underwent robotic-assisted 3D parenchyma dissection within the investigation period. Twelve cases of major and sixteen cases of minor hepatectomy for malignant and non-malignant cases were performed. Operative time for major liver resections (≥ 3 liver segments) was 381.7 (SD 80.6) min vs. 252.0 (70.4) min for minor resections (p < 0.01). Intraoperative measured blood loss was 495.8 (SD 508.8) ml for major and 256.3 (170.2) ml for minor liver resections (p = 0.090). The mean postoperative stay was 13.3 (SD 11.1) days for all cases. Liver surgery-related morbidity was 10.7%, no mortalities occurred. We achieved an R0 resection in all malignant cases. Conclusions: The 3D technique for parenchyma dissection in robotic liver surgery is a safe and feasible procedure. This novel method offers an advanced locally controlled preparation of intrahepatic vessels and bile ducts. The combination of precise extrahepatic vessel handling with the 3D technique of parenchyma dissection is a fundamental step forward to the standardization of robotic liver surgery for teaching purposing and the wider adoption of robotic hepatectomy into routine patient care.

A study of rate of volumetric regeneration of liver after liver resection and its correlation with platelets and synthetic liver function tests: a single tertiary care centre experience

Background: Aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of pre and postoperative platelet counts and synthetic liver function tests on liver regeneration and its correlation with CT volumetry in patients undergoing liver resections with curative intent.Methods: All major and minor liver resections (maximum 30) between July 2016 and May 2019 at our hospital were included in the study according to the inclusion criteria and patients who had data available on preoperative, 2 weeks and 2 months postoperative platelet counts, synthetic liver function tests as well as triple phase CECT images, were identified retrospectively and these tests will be done for patients who are included prospectively.Results: The rate of regeneration expressed as % RFLR is proportional to the extent of resection. It was less than 20% in WLE and less than 100% in left lobe resections and 100 to 300% in patients undergoing right hepatectomies and extended right hepatectomies. There was no statistically significant effect of sex, age, BMI, serum albumin, platelet count, INR, preoperative chemotherapy and presence of cirrhosis on percentage of regeneration as well as rate of regeneration. However, perioperative low serum albumin and platelet count had statistically significant effect on mortality (p<0.001).Conclusions: We conclude that; greater the extent of liver resection, faster is the rate of regeneration. Perioperative low serum albumin and platelet counts have significant effect on mortality.

EP.TH.1043Outcomes of liver resections by trainee surgeons versus consultant surgeon – a single centre experience

Introduction Liver resection is a most effective treatment for patients with operable primary or secondary cancer deposits. The role of trainee as a lead surgeon versus consultant surgeon performing liver resections and its impact on surgical outcomes had never been reported. Methods and Materials This study was aimed to assess the liver resection outcomes including operative time, acute kidney injury (AKI), bile leak, sepsis, mortality and hospital readmission within 3 months. A total of 320 liver resections from Addenbookes Hospital at Cambridge between 2015 to 2017 were included in this study. All liver resections were performed under supervision of the consultant surgeon who is either scrubbed or unscrubbed in theatre. Trainee surgeons have performed 116 of 320 as lead surgeon and the consultant surgeons performed the remaining 204. Results The mean operative time was 413±129 versus 383±118 (P = 0.41) minutes in trainee surgeons and consultant surgeons respectively. The incidence of postoperative AKI were similar in between the groups (5/116 versus 11/204;P=0.79). Although the bile leak was numerically high in the trainee group, did not reach statistical difference (13/116 versus 12/204;P=0.12); similar results noted in the incidence of sepsis too (3/116 versus 4/204;P=070). Mortality, hospital readmission at 3 months were (1/204 versus 1/116;P=1) and (2/116 versus 4/204;P=1) respectively. No significant difference was observed. Conclusion Liver resections performed by the trainee surgeons under supervision appeared to be safe without increasing the operative time, morbidity, mortality and hospital readmission at 90 days. Further multicentre prospective study with long-term follow up is recommended.