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 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 investigate the predictive value of preoperative red blood cell distribution width to platelet count ratio (RPR) and platelet-albumin-bilirubin (PALBI) scoring for postoperative complications after radical resection of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE). MethodsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the clinicopathologic data of patients diagnosed with HAE and underwent radical hepatectomy in the Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University from January 2018 to October 2022 were retrospectively collected. The risk factors affecting postoperative complications after radical hepatectomy for HAE were analyzed by univariate and multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis, which were used to construct the nomogram. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the value in predicting postoperative complications by nomogram model. The discrimination of the nomogram was evaluated using Bootstrap internal 1 000 resampling and evaluated using a consistency index. The predicted postoperative complications probability by nomogram and actual postoperative complications probability were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method, and the calibration curve was drawn. The calibration ability of the nomogram model was evaluated by Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. The decision curve analysis was used to evaluate clinical benefit of the nomogram model. ResultsA total of 160 patients with HAE radical hepatectomy were included, of which 105 had no postoperative complications and 55 had postoperative complications. The multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that the operation time ≥207 min, intraoperative bleeding ≥650 mL, and albumin ＜38 g/L, RPR ≥0.054, and higher PALBI grading (3 levels) were the risk factors affecting postoperative complications after HAE radical hepatectomy (OR＞1, P<0.05). Based on the risk factors, the nomogram was constructed. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95%CI) predicted by the nomogram for the postoperative complications was 0.873 (0.808, 0.937), with an optimal cutoff value of 0.499. The consistency index was 0.855 for discriminating postoperative complications after HAE radical hepatectomy. The calibration curve was tested by Hosmer-Limeshow and showed a good fit between the predicted curve by the nomogram and actual curve (χ2=3.193, P=0.367), indicating that the nomogram had a good calibration ability. The decision curve analysis showed that there was a good clinical applicability within the range of 11% to 93% of the threshold probability. ConclusionsThe preoperative RPR and PALBI scoring are risk factors affecting postoperative complications after radical hepatectomy for HAE. The nomogram constructed with risk factors including RPR and PALBI has a good predictive value for postoperative complications after radical hepatectomy for HAE.
ObjectiveTo explore the influencing factors of textbook outcomes (TO) after radical resection for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE). MethodsClinical data from 427 patients diagnosed with HAE at the Ganzi Branch of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, between 2015 and 2022, were retrospectively collected. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO) was first used to screen potential influencing factors for achieving TO (predictive model A). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were then used to explore the influencing factors of TO (predictive model B). A Nomogram was further constructed and validated. ResultsA total of 427 patients who successfully underwent radical liver resection were included, of which 174 patients (40.7%) achieved TO. Compared to the non-TO group, patients in the TO group had higher proportions of WHO PNM stage of P 1+2 [62.6% (109/174) vs 42.3% (140/253)], N0 [77.0% (134/174) vs 63.6% (161/253)], lesion diameter≤10 cm [77.0% (134/174) vs 64.8% (164/253)], albumin-bilirubin index (ALBI) ≤–2.6 [70.1% (122/174) vs 59.3% (150/253)], and minor liver resection [71.8% (125/174) vs 50.2% (127/253)], higher prealbumin (181 mg/L vs 169 mg/L) and albumin (39 g/L vs 38 g/L) levels, shorter postoperative hospital stay (15 d vs 19 d), and lower hospitalization costs (51 727 RMB vs 62 715 RMB), P<0.05. LASSO regression analysis indicated that P stage, lesion diameter, ALBI, and liver resection method were potential influencing factors for achieving TO after HAE surgery (model A), P<0.05. The TO rate for P 1+2 stage was higher than that of P 3+4 stage, the TO rate for lesion diameter ≤ 10 cm was higher than that of lesion diameter >10 cm, the TO rate for ALBI ≤–2.6 was higher than that of ALBI >–2.6, and the TO rate for minor liver resection was higher than of major liver resection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that P stage (OR=1.800, P=0.025) and liver resection method (OR=1.974, P<0.001) were influencing factors for achieving TO (model B). The TO rates for P1+2 stage and minor liver resection were higher. Predictive model A demonstrated higher accuracy and stability compared to predictive model B (AUC: 0.754 vs 0.712, C-index: 0.756 vs 0.707). ConclusionsAmong patients undergoing radical resection for HAE, less than half achieved TO. Striving to achieve TO can significantly shorten the length of hospital stay and effectively reduce medical costs. The TO predictive model based on P stage, lesion diameter, ALBI, and liver resection method is superior to the model based solely on P stage and liver resection method.
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 determine the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the differentiation of primary liver cancer (PLC) and hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE). Methods The data of 56 patients with PLC or HAE were collected between January 2010 and May 2015. Grayscale and CEUS features of the patients were analyzed retrospectively. The frequency of each imaging finding, including calcification, arterial enhancement, and internal enhancement were evaluated and compared. Results Statistically significant difference of the proportion of gender and age were detected between the two groups (P=0.013, 0.002). Thirty-eight PLC lesions were detected in 32 patients. The diameters of PLC lesions were 3-10 cm with an average of (5.6±2.1) cm. Thirty-two HAE lesions were found in 24 patients. The diameters of HAE lesions were 4-12 cm with an average of (9.1±4.4) cm. Statistically significant difference of lesion size and the incidence rate of calcification (5.3% vs. 75.0%) were seen between PLC and HAE (P<0.001). Peripheral enhancement were seen in 100.0% (38/38) PLC lesions, including 84.2% (32/38) hyperenhancement and 15.8% (6/38) dendritic hyperenhancement. All PLC lesions demonstrated hypoenhancement in late phase. Irregular peripherally hyperenhancement both in arterial and late phase were detected in 43.8% (14/32) HAE lesions. The other 56.2% (18/32) HAE lesions showed no peripheral enhancement both in arterial and late phase. No internal enhancement were seen in HAE lesions. The presence of arterial enhancement (100.0% vs. 43.8%) and absence of internal enhancement (0 vs. 100.0%) were significantly different between PLC and HAE (P<0.001). Conclusions PLC is predicted by arterial phase hyperenhancement and late phase hypoenhancement on CEUS. HAE is predicted with calcification on baseline sonography and internal non-enhancement on CEUS. Arterial phase enhancement is less common and less intensive in HAE than in PLC which also contributes to the differentiation of these lesions.
Objective To explore the effect of “in situ first” ex vivo liver resection and autologous liver transplantation (ELRA) for end stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE). Methods The clinicopathologic data of 85 end stage HAE cases were initially scheduled underwent ELRA from June 2019 to May 2022 in the Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital were collected retrospectively. The included cases were operated under “in situ first” ERLA principle. The analyzed data included the final surgical style, operative time, time of anhepatic phase and intraoperative blood transfusion volume for ELRA cases. Results All the included 85 cases underwent radical HAE lesions resection and without perioperative death occurred. According to the principle of “in situ first”, 57 cases underwent HAE lesions resection combined vascular reconstruction without ex vivo liver resection (in situ resection group); 1 case underwent auxiliary partial autologous liver transplantation, and 27 cases underwent ERLA procedures (ELRA group). In the in situ resection group, the operative time was 210–750 min, （380±134）min, and the intraoperative blood transfusion was 0–3 250 mL with a median of 0 mL. In the ELRA group, the operative time was 450–1 445 min, (852±203) min, and the intraoperative blood transfusion was 0–6 800 mL with a median of 1 960 mL. The operative time and the amount of blood transfusion in the ELRA group were longer or more than those in the in situ resection group. The time of anhepatic phase for the ELRA group was 60–480 min, (231±83) min. On the 5th day after operation, except that the total bilirubin and direct bilirubin in the ELRA group were higher than those in the in situ resection group, the other indexes of liver function were similar between the two groups. The postoperative stay in ICU and the total postoperative hospital stay in the ELRA group were longer than those in the in situ resection group. Conclusions The advantage of “in situ first” ERLA principle for end stage HAE patients include resecting the HAE lesions radically without ex vivo liver resection and alleviating the hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury. For the inevasible ELRA cases, “in situ first” principle could shorten the anhepatic phase and reduce intraoperative blood loss, and turn some cases to auxiliary partial autologous liver transplantation, which will reduce the risk of postoperative hepatic failure.
ObjectiveTo summarize the research status and new directions of surgical treatment of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) in clinic, and to provide reference for further research in improving the rate of radical surgery.MethodThe recent literatures on the studies of HAE were reviewed.ResultsAlthough the biological behavior of HAE was similar to that of malignant tumor, the clinical symptoms appeared late as the intrahepatic lesions often grow slowly. At present, the treatment of this disease was mainly surgical operation, among which radical resection was the first choice. Drug therapy was also of great value in controlling disease progression and recurrence. In recent years, with the progress of surgical technology, the surgical method had gradually developed to the direction of multi-mode combination, especially for those cases that had not been able to perform conventional radical surgery before.ConclusionThe treatment concept of clinical multi-mode combination can benefit more patients, even achieve clinical radical resection, and improve the rate of radical resection.
ObjectiveTo summarize clinical treatments of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis in recent years and provide a new basis for guiding clinical practice. MethodsThe relevant literatures about treating hepatic alveolar echinococcosis at home and abroad were reviewed. The clinical curative effect and advantages or disadvantages among various treatments were analyzed. ResultsThe radical surgery was still the primary treatment of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, liver transplantation was more used in the treatment of the late hepatic alveolar echinococcosis. surgery combined with chemical therapy had an obvously clinical curative effect. ConclusionsWith a high incidence and poor prognosis of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, it is difficult to cure. Radical surgery, liver transplantation, chemotherapy and radiation therapy have been used in clinical treatment of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis. It is essential to fully acknowledge indications of various treatments. At the same time, if occurrence and development of this disease could be further researched, it might bring us a new hope of curing hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.
ObjectiveTo investigate the risk factors affecting severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification Ⅲa or higher) in patients with end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) underwent ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation (ELRA), and to develop a nomogram prediction model. MethodsThe clinical data of end-stage HAE patients who underwent ELRA at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2014 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors affecting severe postoperative complications. A nomogram prediction model was established basing on LASSO regression and its efficiency was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis. Simultaneously, a generalized linear model regression was used to explore the preoperative risk factors affecting the total surgery time. Test level was α=0.05. ResultsA total of 132 end-stage HAE patients who underwent ELRA were included. The severe postoperative complications occurred in 47 (35.6%) patients. The multivariate logistic analysis results showed that the patients with invasion of the main trunk of the portal vein or the first branch of the contralateral portal vein (type P2) had a higher risk of severe postoperative complications compared to those with invasion of the first branch of the ipsilateral portal vein (type P1) [odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI)=8.24 (1.53, 44.34), P=0.014], the patients with albumin bilirubin index (ALBI) grade 1 had a lower risk of severe postoperative complications compared to those with grade 2 or higher [OR(95%CI)=0.26(0.08, 0.83), P=0.023]. Additionally, an increased total surgery time or the autologous blood reinfusion was associated with an increased risk of severe postoperative complications [OR(95%CI)=1.01(1.00, 1.01), P=0.009; OR(95%CI)=1.00(1.00, 1.00), P=0.043]. The nomogram prediction model constructed with two risk factors, ALBI grade and total surgery time, selected by LASSO regression, showed a good discrimination for the occurrence of severe complications after ELRA [area under the ROC curve (95%CI) of 0.717 (0.625, 0.808)]. The generalized linear regression model analysis identified the invasion of the portal vein to extent type P2 and more distant contralateral second portal vein branch invasion (type P3), as well as the presence of distant metastasis, as risk factors affecting total surgery time [β (95%CI) for type P2/type P1=110.26 (52.94, 167.58), P<0.001; β (95%CI) for type P3/type P1=109.25 (50.99, 167.52), P<0.001; β (95%CI) for distant metastasis present/absent=61.22 (4.86, 117.58), P=0.035]. ConclusionsFrom the analysis results of this study, for the end-stage HAE patients with portal vein invasion degree type P2, ALBI grade 2 or above, longer total surgery time, and more autologous blood transfusion need to be closely monitored. Preoperative strict evaluation of the first hepatic portal invasion and distant metastasis is necessary to reduce the risk of severe complications after ELRA. The nomogram prediction model constructed based on ABLI grade and total surgery time in this study demonstrates a good predictive performance for severe postoperative complications, which can provide a reference for clinical intervention decision-making.