Future liver remnant hypertrophy is the primary endpoint of portal vein embolization before major hepatectomy. However, even when adequate future liver remnant is achieved, postoperative hepatic insufficiency is not universally averted. We aimed to identify preoperative risk factors of postoperative hepatic insufficiency despite the use of portal vein embolization.

Patients who underwent portal vein embolization followed by major hepatectomy at 6 academic medical centers were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative hepatic insufficiency was defined as postoperative peak bilirubin >7 mg/dL. Preoperative variables associated with postoperative hepatic insufficiency were analyzed.

From 2008 to 2019, 164 patients underwent portal vein embolization followed by major hepatectomy. Twenty (12%) patients developed postoperative hepatic insufficiency. On univariate analysis, postoperative hepatic insufficiency was associated with older age, performance status, preoperative biliary drainage, smaller pre- and post-portal vein embolization future liver remnant volumes, diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma/gallbladder cancer, and preoperative cholangitis. There was significant future liver remnant hypertrophy noted even in the setting of postoperative hepatic insufficiency (from 27% to 39%); however, degree of hypertrophy >5% (100% vs 93%, P = .6) and kinetic growth rate >2%/week (95% vs 82%, P = .3) did not differ between the postoperative hepatic insufficiency and non-postoperative hepatic insufficiency groups. On multivariate analysis, the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma/gallbladder cancer and preoperative cholangitis (postoperative hepatic insufficiency incidence 34% and 62%, respectively), but not future liver remnant volumetrics, were independently associated with postoperative hepatic insufficiency. Postoperative hepatic insufficiency raised post-hepatectomy 90-day mortality from 3.5% to 45% and hospitalization from 7 days to 16 days (both P < .001).

Postoperative hepatic insufficiency still occurs in 12% of patients after major hepatectomy despite preoperative portal vein embolization. In addition to traditional volumetric information, surgeons should be aware of preoperative cholangitis and cholangiocarcinoma/gallbladder cancer as powerful predictors of this fatal complication.

Major liver resection is often required for complete clearance of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Patients with insufficient future liver remnant (FLR) volume/function are at high risk of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) and require FLR hypertrophy-inducing procedures to enable safe resection. The most recent variant of these procedures is combined portal and hepatic vein embolization (PVE/HVE). The DRAGON 1 trial evaluates the safety and efficacy of PVE/HVE, while assessing recruitment potential for the DRAGON 2 randomized trial.

DRAGON 1 is a prospective, single-arm, international, multicenter trial. Patients with upfront unresectable CRLM due to a small FLR were included. The primary outcome was the ability of centers to recruit three patients and perform PVE/HVE and liver resection without 90-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included recruitment capacity, PVE/HVE technical details, FLR volume changes, complications, and resection rates. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04272931.

In total, 102 patients were included from 43 centers. Twenty-four centers (24/43 = 56%) recruited three or more patients, and 20 centers (20/43 = 47%) achieved this without 90-day mortality. Of 96 patients undergoing PVE/HVE, no post-embolization mortality occurred, though major complications were reported in two patients. Resection was completed in 86 patients (86/96 = 90%), with seven patients (7/86 = 8%) dying within 90 days. PHLF grade B/C (International Study Group of Liver Surgery criteria) occurred in 19 patients (19/86 = 22%).

DRAGON 1 demonstrates that PVE/HVE is safe, with no embolization-related mortality, low morbidity, and high resection rates in upfront unresectable CRLM.

The Dutch Cancer Society, National Institute for Health and Care Research UK, Maastricht UMC+, Abbott Laboratories and Guerbet.

Future liver remnant volume (FLRV) is a critical determinant of safety for hepatectomy. This study assesses concordance between imaging-based measured FLRV (mFLRV), and body surface area (BSA)-based standardized FLRV (sFLRV), and their association with post-hepatectomy complications.

All major hepatectomy between 1999 and 2021 were assessed for agreement between mFLRV and sFLRV using concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). Association between each method and major postoperative complications, post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF), or grade 4/5 morbidity was compared using logistic regression model and area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUC) curve to evaluate the discriminatory power of each volumetry method separately.

A total of 1749 patients were included, 49% were female, median age was 60 years, 70.2% had metastatic disease, and 49.7% received preoperative chemotherapy. Median sFLRV (41.3%) was higher than mFLRV (39.4%). Major complications were observed in 5.1% (n = 90). Concordance between mFLRV and sFLRV was moderate, CCC = 0.78 (95% CI 0.75-0.79) but was poor (CCC = 0.39; 95% CI 0.32-0.43) among patients with mFLRV ≤ 35% (n = 528). In this subset, sFLRV overestimated remnant volume in 63% (n = 333) with ≥ 5% overprediction in 145 patients (27.5%). Factors associated with ≥ 5% variation were lower weight (p = 0.003), lower BMI (p = 0.003), and lower BSA (p = 0.004). Both methods performed similarly in predicting major complications with AUC of 0.64 and 0.63 for sFLRV and mFLRV, respectively.

Imaging- and BSA-based volumetry are moderately correlated, with poor concordance among patients with smaller FLRV where sFLRV overestimated remnant volume. Both techniques can be safely used for volumetric assessment before major hepatectomy.

An international registry on liver venous deprivation (LVD, simultaneous portal and hepatic vein embolization) was created in 2020. This study assessed the outcomes after LVD in patients included in the registry.

Eight international centers participated. Future liver remnant (FLR) and standardized FLR ratios were defined as FLR/total functional liver volume and FLR/total estimated liver volume.

216 patients were included (80 women, median age 63). Main surgical indication was colorectal metastases (n=124). Median and standardized FLR ratios before LVD were 33% (IQR27-47) and 32% (IQR24-39). In one patient, right hepatic vein embolization failed. Complications after LVD occurred in 14 patients (6.5%). After LVD, median and standardized FLR ratios significantly increased to 46% (IQR38-60, p<0.001) and 44% (IQR35-51, p<0.001), corresponding to a median kinetic growth rate of 3.4%/week (IQR1.5-6.0). Hepatectomy was performed in 160 patients (72 extended hepatectomies), while 56 dropped out (4% insufficient hypertrophy, 13% tumor progression). Seventy-seven patients had postoperative complications (48%; 5 postoperative liver failures, 3%). Median Comprehensive Complication Index was 20.9 (IQR0-30.8).

Preliminary data of this international registry showed that LVD had a high technical success rate with few post-procedural complications and significant kinetic growth. Major hepatectomy after LVD appeared to be safe.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between voxel-based dosimetric variables derived from Y-90 PET/MRI and hypertrophy observed in the left lobe after radioembolization and to investigate if there is any difference in hypertrophy induced by glass versus resin microspheres.

Voxel-based dosimetry-derived variables and their relationship with the change of the standardized future liver remnant (ΔFLR) was investigated with linear regression models. To compare and evaluate the discriminatory power of the dosimetric variables, ROC analyses were utilized. ΔFLR and kinetic growth rate (KGR) induced with glass and resin microspheres were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test.

In this retrospective study, data of the 40 patients treated with Y-90 microspheres were evaluated. Among the several dosimetric variables, the mean perfused volume normal tissue dose (pDnorm), perfused normal tissue V90 (pV90), and pV100 values for glass microspheres; and the mean whole liver normal tissue dose (Dnorm), pDnorm, whole liver normal tissue V30 (nV30), nV40, and pV40 for resin microspheres had the highest relationship with ΔFLR. In the ROC analysis for glass microspheres, the optimal cut-offs to predict ΔFLR > 5% were 60.55 Gy for Dnorm, 94.21 Gy for pDnorm, 28.07% for pV90, and 24.98% for pV100. For resin microspheres, corresponding values were 23.20 Gy for Dnorm, 37.40 Gy for pDnorm, 31.50% for nV30, 24.50% for nV40, and 43.60% for pV40. No significant difference was observed between glass and resin microsphere-induced median ΔFLR, KGR values and atrophy of the right lobe.

Following Y-90 radioembolization therapy with glass and resin microspheres applied to the right lobe of the liver, ΔFLR is correlated with pDnorm and Dnorm, but is also significantly related to various nV and pV values. In addition, the hypertrophy and kinetic growth rates observed with glass and resin microspheres were largely similar.

Portal vein embolization (PVE) may be used to induce hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (FLR) before major hepatectomy. The influence of hyperbilirubinemia on FLR hypertrophy after PVE is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare FLR hypertrophy after PVE between patients with and without elevated P-bilirubin.

This is a Scandinavian retrospective cohort study of patients from five hepatobiliary centres. This study included patients who underwent right-sided PVE from 2013 to 2023. Data were collected from electronic medical records. FLR growth was analysed with respect to normal or elevated P-bilirubin.

In total, 410 patients were included in this study. Among the total cohort, 105 patients had elevated P-bilirubin levels (≥26 μmol/L) at the time of PVE. Elevated P-bilirubin levels were not associated with impaired FLR hypertrophy after PVE, as determined by absolute growth (p < 0.001), relative growth (p = 0.008), degree of hypertrophy (p < 0.001) and kinetic growth rate (p = 0.002). Multivariable analysis revealed that elevated P-bilirubin levels at the time of PVE (p = 0.002) together with the use of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) as an embolizing material (p = 0.009) were associated with increased FLR hypertrophy. A larger estimated total liver volume was associated with reduced FLR hypertrophy (p < 0.001).

In this multicentre, retrospective cohort study, we were unable to show any negative effect of elevated P-bilirubin on FLR hypertrophy at the time of PVE. There is no need for P-bilirubin levels to normalize before PVE. This study supports the ongoing shift towards NBCA as an embolizing material.

Transplantation of the left lateral section (LLS) of the liver is now an established practice for treating advanced diffuse and unresectable focal liver diseases in children, with variants of the LLS primarily used in infants. However, the surgical challenge of matching the size of an adult donor's graft to the volume of a child's abdomen remains significant. This review explores historical developments, various approaches to measuring the required functional liver mass, and techniques to prevent complications associated with large-for-size grafts in infants.

Liver venous deprivation (LVD) is known to induce better future liver remnant (FLR) hypertrophy than portal vein embolization (PVE). The role of LVD, compared with PVE, in inducing FLR hypertrophy and allowing safe hepatectomy for patients with extensive colorectal liver metastases (CLM) and high-risk factors for inadequate hypertrophy remains unclear.

Patients undergoing LVD (n = 22) were matched to patients undergoing PVE (n = 279) in a 1:3 ratio based on propensity scores, prior to planned hepatectomy for CLM at a single center (1998-2023). The propensity scores accounted for high-risk factors for inadequate hypertrophy, namely pre-procedure standardized FLR (sFLR), body mass index, number of systemic therapy cycles, an extension of PVE to segment IV portal vein branches, prior resection, and chemotherapy-associated liver injury.

The matched cohort included 78 patients (LVD, n = 22; PVE, n = 56). Baseline characteristics were comparable. The number of tumors in the whole liver was similar but more LVD patients had five or more tumors in the left liver (32% vs. 11%; p = 0.024). Post-procedure sFLR was similar but LVD patients had a significantly higher degree of hypertrophy (16% vs. 11%; p = 0.017) and kinetic growth rate (3.9 vs. 2.4% per week; p = 0.006). More LVD patients underwent extended right hepatectomy (93% vs. 55%; p = 0.008). Only one patient had postoperative hepatic insufficiency after PVE, and no patients died within 90 days of hepatectomy.

In patients with extensive CLM and high-risk factors, LVD is associated with better FLR hypertrophy compared with PVE and allows for safely performing curative-intent extended major hepatectomy.

To assess the incidence of posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) and the role of the future liver remnant (FLR) in children undergoing major hepatectomy.

Incidence and risk factors of PHLF in children are unclear, with no validated definition for this age group. Consequently, the role of the FLR in pediatric hepatectomy and evidence-based preoperative guidelines remains undefined.

All pediatric patients undergoing major hepatectomy at a tertiary care center over a 10-year study period were analyzed. Preoperative imaging was used for volumetry. The incidence of PHLF was assessed by applying predefined definitions, and the prognostic impact of the FLR on PHLF and complications was evaluated.

A total of 125 children underwent major hepatectomy, including 35 trisectionectomies. There was a strong correlation between imaging-based measured total liver volume (TLV) and calculated standard liver volume ( r = 0.728, P < 0.001). The median TLV-to-body weight (BW) ratio was 3.4%, and the median FLR/BW ratio was 1.5%. The median FLR-to-TLV ratio was 44% (range: 18%-97%). No clinically relevant PHLF occurred. FLR/TLV and FLR/BW ratios had low predictive value for postoperative liver dysfunction and morbidity.

This is the largest reported single-center series of pediatric major hepatectomies. PHLF is exceedingly rare in children. The liver volume-to-BW ratio is higher in children compared with adults, and the FLR is sufficient even in extreme resections with <20% of the liver remnant. These findings strongly question the use of asociating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy, portal vein embolization, or transplantation based on suspected insufficient liver remnants in children.

This study aimed to develop and externally validate a model for predicting insufficient future liver remnant (FLR) hypertrophy after portal vein embolization (PVE) based on clinical factors and radiomics of pretreatment computed tomography (CT) PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical information and CT scans of 241 consecutive patients from three Swedish centers were retrospectively collected. One center (120 patients) was applied for model development, and the other two (59 and 62 patients) as test cohorts. Logistic regression analysis was adopted for clinical model development. A FLR radiomics signature was constructed from the CT images using the support vector machine. A model combining clinical factors and FLR radiomics signature was developed. Area under the curve (AUC) was adopted for predictive performance evaluation RESULTS: Three independent clinical factors were identified for model construction: pretreatment standardized FLR (odds ratio (OR): 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-1.20), alanine transaminase (ALT) level (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97-0.99), and PVE material (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.08-0.87). This clinical model showed an AUC of 0.75, 0.71, and 0.68 in the three cohorts, respectively. A total of 833 radiomics features were extracted, and after feature dimension reduction, 16 features were selected for FLR radiomics signature construction. When adding it to the clinical model, the AUC of the combined model increased to 0.80, 0.76, and 0.72, respectively. However, the increase was not significant.

Pretreatment CT radiomics showed added value to the clinical model for predicting FLR hypertrophy following PVE. Although not reaching statistically significant, the evolving radiomics holds a potential to supplement traditional predictors of FLR hypertrophy.

To develop a machine learning algorithm to improve hepatic resection selection for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) by predicting post-portal vein embolization (PVE) outcomes.

This multicenter retrospective study (2000-2020) included 200 consecutive patients with CRC liver metastases planned for PVE before surgery. Data on radiomic features and laboratory values were collected. Patient-specific eigenvalues for each liver shape were calculated using a statistical shape model approach. After semiautomatic segmentation and review by a board-certified radiologist, the data were split 70%/30% for training and testing. Three machine learning algorithms predicting the total liver volume (TLV) after PVE, sufficient future liver remnant (FLR%), and kinetic growth rate (KGR%) were trained, with performance assessed using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC), or root mean squared error. Significance between the internal and external test sets was assessed by the Student t-test. One institution was kept separate as an external testing set.

A total of 114 (76 men; mean age, 56 years [SD± 12]) and 37 (19 men; mean age, 50 years ± [SD± 11]) patients met the inclusion criteria for the internal validation and external validation, respectively. Prediction accuracy and AUC for sufficient FLR% or liver growth potential (KGR%> 0%) were high in the internal testing set-85.81% (SD ± 1.01) and 0.91 (SD ± 0.01) or 87.44% (SD ± 0.10) and 0.66 (SD ± 0.03), respectively. Similar results occurred in the external testing set-79.66% (SD ± 0.60) and 0.88 (SD ± 0.00) or 72.06% (SD ± 0.30) and 0.69 (SD ± 0.01), respectively. TLV prediction showed discrepancy rates of 12.56% (SD ±4.20%; P = .86) internally and 13.57% (SD ± 3.76%; P = .91) externally.

Machine learning-based models incorporating radiomics and laboratory test results may help predict the FLR%, KGR%, and TLV as metrics for successful PVE.

Ethambutol is used to treat tuberculosis (TB) in individuals living with HIV. Low concentrations of ethambutol have been reported in patients dosed with the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended first-line regimen. We analyzed the pharmacokinetics of ethambutol in 61 HIV-positive individuals diagnosed with drug-sensitive TB enrolled in the tuberculosis and highly active antiretroviral therapy (TB-HAART) study. Participants started on TB treatment and were randomized to early or later introduction of efavirenz-based antiretroviral treatment. We explored potential covariate effects and evaluated the current WHO dosing recommendations for ethambutol in drug-susceptible and multidrug-resistant (MDR)-TB. A two-compartment model with first-order elimination allometrically scaled by fat-free mass and transit compartment absorption best described the pharmacokinetics of ethambutol. Clearance was estimated to be 40.3 L/h for a typical individual with a fat-free mass (FFM) of 42 kg. The Antib-4 formulation had 26% higher bioavailability and slower mean transit time by 37% compared with Rifafour. Simulations showed that individuals in the lower weight bands (<55 kg) who were administered ethambutol at WHO-recommended doses had relatively low drug exposures. These individuals would need doses of 825 mg if their body weight is <37.9 kg and 1,100 mg if it is between 38 and 54.9 kg to achieve the reference maximum concentrations of 2-6 mg/L and an area under the concentration-time curve (0-24) of 16-29 mg·h/L. To achieve these targets in MDR-TB treatment, a dose increment of 400 mg (extra tablet) would be required for individuals in the lower weight band (<46 kg). Our dose adjustments are consistent with the literature and can be recommended for consideration by the WHO for first-line drug-susceptible and MDR-TB treatment.

Small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) remains a critical challenge in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), characterized by graft insufficiency due to inadequate liver volume, leading to significant postoperative morbidity and mortality. As the global adoption of LDLT increases, the ability to predict and manage SFSS has become paramount in optimizing recipient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the pathophysiology, risk factors, and strategies for managing SFSS across the pre-, intra-, and postoperative phases. The pathophysiology of SFSS has evolved from being solely volume-based to incorporating portal hemodynamics, now recognized as small-for-flow syndrome. Key risk factors include donor-related parameters like age and graft volume, recipient-related factors such as MELD score and portal hypertension, and intraoperative factors related to venous outflow and portal inflow modulation. Current strategies to mitigate SFSS include careful graft selection based on graft-to-recipient weight ratio and liver volumetry, surgical techniques to optimize portal hemodynamics, and novel interventions such as splenic artery ligation and hemiportocaval shunts. Pharmacological agents like somatostatin and terlipressin have also shown promise in modulating portal pressure. Advances in 3D imaging and artificial intelligence-based volumetry further aid in preoperative planning. This review emphasizes the importance of a multifaceted approach to prevent and manage SFSS, advocating for standardized definitions and grading systems. Through an integrated approach to surgical techniques, hemodynamic monitoring, and perioperative management, significant strides can be made in improving the outcomes of LDLT recipients. Further research is necessary to refine these strategies and expand the application of LDLT, especially in challenging cases involving small-for-size grafts.

Background/Objectives: Covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) is associated with decreased quality of life. Detection of Child-Pugh class A is necessary for its early diagnosis. This study aimed to establish a simple diagnostic method of CHE in patients with Child-Pugh class A. Methods: One hundred patients with liver cirrhosis without overt hepatic encephalopathy and sixty-eight with liver cirrhosis and Child-Pugh class A who visited our institution were enrolled. CHE was diagnosed using number connection test B in the neuropsychiatric test (NPT). Clinical data were compared. Results: The liver volume/body surface area ratio (LV/BSA) was associated with CHE in patients with all-cause and Child-Pugh class A liver cirrhosis. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that low LV/BSA and low serum zinc (Zn) levels were significantly associated with CHE in Child-Pugh class A liver cirrhosis. The best cutoff values in the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the complication rate of CHE was 54.8% in patients with LV/BSA < 620 mL/m2, which was 2.9 times higher than that in patients with larger liver volume. Referring to the cutoff values for LV/BSA and Zn (<70 µg/dL), in cases with LV/BSA < 620 mL/m2 and Zn < 70 µg/dL, 64.2% had CHE, whereas in cases with LV/BSA ≥ 620 mL/m2 and Zn ≥ 70 µg/dL, 94.5% did not have CHE. Conclusions: Liver volume can be used as a risk assessment tool for CHE. LV/BSA and serum Zn levels are considered effective diagnostic tools for CHE, serving as alternatives to NPT in patients with Child-Pugh class A liver cirrhosis.

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.

Right superior resection (segments 7 and 8) is an uncommon resection for liver malignancies, with most of the literature limited to case reports and small series. Resection of segments 4, 7, and 8 has been reported in only a few cases. When the right hepatic vein is resected, venous reconstruction or identification of one or more right inferior hepatic veins is considered mandatory, to maintain segmentary function of segments 5 and 6. We present a case of liver resection of segments 4, 7, and 8 including the right and middle hepatic veins for symptomatic benign liver disease with no right hepatic vein reconstruction, nor a prominent right inferior hepatic vein(s). After the resection, there was no change in liver function tests, and the patient made an unremarkable recovery. Three months after the operation, partial atrophy of segments 5 and 6 with hypertrophy of the left lateral section was observed, while two and one half years after resection, the patient is asymptomatic. When right hepatic vein reconstruction would add unnecessary operative time, and there is low likelihood of the need for repeated resection, particularly when the hepatic vein is difficult to dissect, this approach can be safe and useful, while providing an adequate postoperative liver mass in the short-term to recover uneventfully from major liver resection.

Background/Objectives: Body surface area is one of the most important anthropometric parameters in medicine. The study's primary objective is to compare the consistency of the BSA estimation results through applying available formulas. Other objectives include determining the ability of these formulas to discriminate between death and survival in patients, comparing the formulas' diagnostic features, and investigating whether the risk associated with a low BSA is independent of BMI. Methods: This study included 1029 patients (median age, 54 years; female, 13.7%; NYHA I/II/III/IV, 6.3%/36.5%/47.7%/9.5%) diagnosed with heart failure. For each patient, BSA was calculated using 25 formulas. Over the 3-year observation period, 31.2% of the patients died. Results: The average BSA value of the optimal discrimination thresholds was 1.79 m2 ± 0.084 m2 and the BSA difference between the estimators with the lowest (BSAMeeh1879) and the highest (BSANwoye1989) optimal discrimination thresholds was 0.42 m2. The lowest mortality rate was 35.2% and occurred in the subgroup of individuals with BSA values below the optimal discrimination threshold using the BSASchlich2010 estimator. The highest mortality was predicted when the estimator BSAMeeh1879 or BSALivingston&Lee2001 was used. Conclusions: Our study showed a relatively good concordance of 25 BSA estimators in BSA assessment in patients, without extremes of weight or height being known to disrupt it. All BSA estimators presented a significant, although weak, ability to discriminate death from survival at 3-year follow-up; however, BSA is not a very good predictor of HF mortality at 3 years. The higher risk of death in smaller patients, as shown by BSA, was independent of BMI in all but two BSA estimators.

Liver transplantation (LT) outcomes are influenced by donor-recipient size mismatch. This study re-evaluated the impact on graft size discrepancies on survival outcomes.

Data from 53 389 adult LT recipients from the United Network for Organ Sharing database (2013-2022) were reviewed. The study population was divided by the body surface area index (BSAi), defined as the ratio of donor body surface area (BSA) to recipient BSA, into small-for-size (BSAi < 0.78), normal-for-size (BSAi 0.78-1.24), and large-for-size (BSAi > 1.24) grafts in deceased donor LT (SFSD, NFSD, and LFSD). Multivariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were conducted.

The frequency of size mismatch in deceased donor LT increased over the past 10 y. SFSD had significantly worse 90-d graft survival (P < 0.01), and LFSD had inferior 1-y graft survival among 90-d survivors (P = 0.01). SFSD was hazardous within 90 d post-LT because of vascular complications. Beyond 1 y, graft size did not affect graft survival. LFSD risk within the first year was mitigated with lower model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) 3.0 scores (<35) or shorter cold ischemia time (<8 h).

The negative impacts on donor-recipient size mismatch on survival outcomes are confined to the first year post-LT. SFSD is associated with a slight decrease in 90-d survival rates. LFSD should be utilized more frequently by minimizing cold ischemia time to <8 h, particularly in patients with MELD 3.0 scores below 35. These findings could improve donor-recipient matching and enhance LT outcomes.

Following major liver resection, posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is associated with a high mortality rate. As there is no therapy for PHLF available, avoidance remains the main goal. A sufficient future liver remnant (FLR) is one of the most important factors to reduce the risk for PHLF; however, it is not known which patients benefit of volumetric assessment prior to major surgery.

A retrospective, bi-institutional cohort study was conducted including all patients who underwent major hepatectomy (extended right hepatectomy, right hepatectomy, extended left hepatectomy and left hepatectomy) between 2010 and 2023.

A total of 1511 major hepatectomies were included, with 29.4 % of patients undergoing FLR volume assessment preoperatively. Overall, PHLF B/C occurred in 9.8 % of cases. Multivariate analysis identified diabetes mellitus, extended right hepatectomy, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA), gallbladder cancer (GBC) and cirrhosis as significant risk factors for PHLF B/C. High-risk patients (with one or more risk factors) had a 15 % overall incidence of PHLF, increasing to 32 % with a FLR <30 %, and 13 % with an FLR of 30-40 %. Low-risk patients with a FLR <30 % had a PHLF rate of 21 %, which decreased to 8 % and 5 % for FLRs of 30-40 % and >40 %, respectively. For right hepatectomy, the PHLF rate was 23 % in low-risk and 38 % in high-risk patients with FLR <30 %.

Patients scheduled for right hepatectomy and extended right hepatectomy should undergo volumetric assessment of the FLR. Volumetry should always be considered before major hepatectomy in patients with risk factors such as diabetes, cirrhosis, GBC and pCCA. In high-risk patients, a FLR cut-off of 30 % may be insufficient to prevent PHLF, and additional liver function assessment should be considered.

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.

In paediatric liver transplantation, donor-recipient compatibility depends on graft size. We explored whether the graft weight can be predicted using the donor's biometric parameters.

We used seven easily available biometric variables in 142 anonymised paediatric and adult donors, with data collected between 2016 and 2022. The whole or partial liver was transplanted in our hospital from these donors. We identified the variables that had the strongest correlation to our response variable: whole liver graft weight.

In child donors, we determined two linear models: using donor weight and height on the one hand and using donor weight and right liver span on the other hand. Both models had a coefficient of determination R2 = 0.86 and p-value < 10-5. We also determined two models in adult donors using donor weight and height (R2 = 0.33, p < 10-4) and donor weight and sternal height (R2 = 0.38, p < 10-4). The models proved valid based on our external dataset of 245 patients from two institutions.

In clinical practise, our models could provide rapidly accessible estimates to determine whole graft dimension compatibility in liver transplantation in children and adults. Determining similar models predicting the left lobe and lateral segment weight could prove invaluable in paediatric transplantation.

To assess liver and spleen characteristics of a population with Gaucher disease (GD) using multiparametric MRI and MR elastography (MRE) for evaluation of diffuse liver and spleen disease, which includes liver fat fraction, liver and spleen volume and iron deposition, and liver and spleen stiffness correlated with DS3 Severity Scoring System for Gaucher disease (GD-DS3).

We prospectively evaluated 41 patients with type 1 Gaucher disease using a 3.0 T MRI and MRE between January 2019 and February 2020. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging data was collected. Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman's correlation were applied to evaluate liver and spleen MRI and MRE, clinical and laboratory variables, and GD-DS3. ERT and SRT treatment groups were compared.

Hepatomegaly was seen in 15% and splenomegaly in 42% of the population. Moderate and strong and correlations were found between liver and spleen iron overload (rho = 0.537; p = 0.002); between liver and spleen volume (rho = 0.692, p < 0.001) and between liver and spleen stiffness (rho = 0.453, p = 0.006). Moderate correlations were found between liver stiffness and GD-DS3 (rho = 0.559; p < 0.001) and between splenic volume and GD-DS3 (rho = 0.524; p = 0.001).

The prevalence of hepatosplenomegaly, liver fibrosis, and liver iron overload in treated patients with GD is low, which may be related to the beneficial effect of treatment. Liver MRE and splenic volume correlate with severity score and may be biomarkers of disease severity.

In the Republic of Uzbekistan, the history of liver transplantation began in 2018, but this type of medical care was introduced regularly only in 2021. The selection, preparation, and perioperative management of living liver donors can be complicated and have importance in the type of responsible medical care, which requires maximum doctor involvement at all stages. This review has detailed the donor selection algorithm in the Republic of Uzbekistan, donor preparation for liver resection, and basic principles of liver resection surgery in living donors. Algorithms for postoperative donor management and rehabilitation have also been described in detail.

For liver volumetry, manual tracing on computed tomography (CT) images is time-consuming and operator dependent. To overcome these disadvantages, several three-dimensional simulation software programs have been developed; however, their efficacy has not fully been evaluated.

Three physicians performed liver volumetry on preoperative CT images on 30 patients who underwent formal right hepatectomy, using manual tracing volumetry and two simulation software programs, SYNAPSE and syngo.via. The future liver remnant (FLR) was calculated using each method of volumetry. The primary endpoint was reproducibility and secondary outcomes were calculation time and learning curve.

The mean FLR was significantly lower for manual volumetry than for SYNAPSE or syngo.via; there was no significant difference in mean FLR between the two software-based methods. Reproducibility was lower for the manual method than for the software-based methods. Mean calculation time was shortest for SYNAPSE. For the two physicians unfamiliar with the software, no obvious learning curve was observed for using SYNAPSE, whereas learning curves were observed for using syngo.via.

Liver volumetry was more reproducible and faster with three-dimensional simulation software, especially SYNAPSE software, than with the conventional manual tracing method. Software can help even inexperienced physicians learn quickly how to perform liver volumetry.

Portal vein embolization with stem cell augmentation (PVESA) is an emerging approach for enhancing the growth of the liver segment that will remain after surgery (i.e., future liver remnant, FLR) in patients with liver cancer. Conventional portal vein embolization (PVE) aims to induce preoperative FLR growth, but it has a risk of failure in patients with underlying liver dysfunction and comorbid illnesses. PVESA combines PVE with stem cell therapy to potentially improve FLR size and function more effectively and efficiently. Various types of stem cells can help improve liver growth by secreting paracrine signals for hepatocyte growth or by transforming into hepatocytes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), unrestricted somatic stem cells, and small hepatocyte-like progenitor cells have been used to augment liver growth in preclinical animal models, while clinical studies have demonstrated the benefit of CD133 + bone marrow-derived MSCs and hematopoietic stem cells. These investigations have shown that PVESA is generally safe and enhances liver growth after PVE. However, optimizing the selection, collection, and application of stem cells remains crucial to maximize benefits and minimize risks. Additionally, advanced stem cell technologies, such as priming, genetic modification, and extracellular vesicle-based therapy, that could further enhance efficacy outcomes should be evaluated. Despite its potential, PVESA requires more investigations, particularly mechanistic studies that involve orthotopic animal models of liver cancer with concomitant liver injury as well as larger human trials.

Background: A reliable assessment of liver volume, necessary before transplantation, remains a challenge. Our work aimed to assess the differences in the evaluation and measurements of the liver between independent observers and compare different formulas calculating its volume in relation to volumetric segmentation. Methods: Eight researchers measured standard liver dimensions based on 105 abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans. Based on the results obtained, the volume of the liver was calculated using twelve different methods. An independent observer performed a volumetric segmentation of the livers based on the same CT examinations. Results: Significant differences were found between the formulas and in relation to volumetric segmentation, with the closest results obtained for the Heinemann et al. method. The measurements of individual observers differed significantly from one another. The observers also rated different numbers of livers as enlarged. Conclusions: Due to significant differences, despite its time-consuming nature, the use of volumetric liver segmentation in the daily assessment of liver volume seems to be the most accurate method.

Post-hepatectomy liver failure is a source of morbidity and mortality after major hepatectomy and is related to the volume of the future liver remnant. The accuracy of a clinician's ability to visually estimate the future liver remnant without formal computed tomography liver volumetry is unknown.

Twenty physicians in diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, and hepatopancreatobiliary surgery reviewed 20 computed tomography scans of patients without underlying liver pathology who were not scheduled for liver resection. We evaluated clinician accuracy to estimate the future liver remnant for 3 hypothetical major hepatic resections: left hepatectomy, right hepatectomy, and right trisectionectomy. The percent-difference between the mean and actual computed tomography liver volumetry (mean percent difference) was tested along with specialty differences using mixed-effects regression analysis.

The actual future liver remnant (computed tomography liver volumetry) remaining after a hypothetical left hepatectomy ranged from 59% to 75% (physician estimated range: 50%-85%), 23% to 40% right hepatectomy (15%-50%), and 13% to 29% right trisectionectomy (8%-39%). For right hepatectomy, the mean future liver remnant was overestimated by 95% of clinicians with a mean percent difference of 22% (6%-45%; P < .001). For right trisectionectomy, 90% overestimated the future liver remnant by a mean percent difference of 25% (6%-50%; P < .001). Hepatopancreatobiliary surgeons overestimated the future liver remnant for proposed right hepatectomy and right trisectionectomy by a mean percent difference of 25% and 34%, respectively. Based on years of experience, providers with <10 years of experience had a greater mean percent difference than providers with 10+ years of experience for hypothetical major hepatic resections, but was only significantly higher for left hepatectomy (9% vs 6%, P = .002).

A clinician's ability to visually estimate the future liver remnant volume is inaccurate when compared to computed tomography liver volumetry. Clinicians tend to overestimate the future liver remnant volume, especially in patients with a small future liver remnant where the risk of posthepatectomy liver failure is greatest.

In primarily unresectable liver tumors, ALPPS (Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged hepatectomy) may offer curative two-stage hepatectomy trough a fast and extensive hypertrophy. However, concerns have been raised about the invasiveness of the procedure. Full robotic ALPPS has the potential to reduce the postoperative morbidity trough a less invasive access. The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes of open and full robotic ALPPS.

The bicentric study included open ALPPS cases from the University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland and robotic ALPPS cases from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy from 01/2015 to 07/2022. Main outcomes were intraoperative parameters and overall complications.

Open and full robotic ALPPS were performed in 36 and 7 cases. Robotic ALPPS was associated with less blood loss after both stages (418 ± 237 ml vs. 319 ± 197 ml; P = 0.04 and 631 ± 354 ml vs. 258 ± 53 ml; P = 0.01) as well as a higher rate of interstage discharge (86% vs. 37%; P = 0.02). OT was longer with robotic ALPPS after both stages (371 ± 70 min vs. 449 ± 81 min; P = 0.01 and 282 ± 87 min vs. 373 ± 90 min; P = 0.02). After ALPPS stage 2, there was no difference for overall complications (86% vs. 86%; P = 1.00) and major complications (43% vs. 39%; P = 0.86). The total length of hospital stay was similar (23 ± 17 days vs. 26 ± 13; P = 0.56).

Robotic ALPPS was safely implemented and showed potential for improved perioperative outcomes compared to open ALPPS in an experienced robotic center. The robotic approach might bring the perioperative risk profile of ALPPS closer to interventional techniques of portal vein embolization/liver venous deprivation.

Double vein embolization with simultaneous embolization of the portal and hepatic vein aims to grow the future liver remnant in preparation for major hepatectomy. Transvenous hepatic vein embolization is usually done via a transjugular access. The purpose of this study is to describe the transfemoral approach as an alternative option and to discuss potential advantages.

Twenty-three patients undergoing hepatic vein embolization via a transjugular (n = 10) or transfemoral access (n = 13) were evaluated retrospectively. In all cases the portal vein embolization was done first. All procedures were technically successful. There were no peri-interventional complications. Only two patients were not able to proceed to surgery. Standardized future liver remnant hypertrophy was non-inferior with the transfemoral approach compared to the transjugular route. Procedure time was significantly shorter in the transfemoral access group (40 ± 13 min) compared to the transjugular group (67 ± 13 min, p < 0.001).

Transfemoral hepatic vein embolization is feasible, safe, and faster due to easier catheterization, improved stability, and simpler patient preparation. These findings will need to be validated in larger studies.

Postoperative hepatic insufficiency (PHI) is the most feared complication after hepatectomy. Volume of the future liver remnant (FLR) is one objectively measurable indicator to identify patients at risk of PHI. In this review, we summarized the development and rationale for the use of liver volumetry and liver-regenerative interventions and highlighted emerging tools that could yield new advancements in liver volumetry.

A review of MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted to identify literature related to liver volumetry. The references of relevant articles were reviewed to identify additional publications.

Liver volumetry based on radiologic imaging was developed in the 1980s to identify patients at risk of PHI and later used in the 1990s to evaluate grafts for living donor living transplantation. The field evolved in the 2000s by the introduction of standardized FLR based on the hepatic metabolic demands and in the 2010s by the introduction of the degree of hypertrophy and kinetic growth rate as measures of the FLR regenerative and functional capacity. Several liver-regenerative interventions, most notably portal vein embolization, are used to increase resectability and reduce the risk of PHI. In parallel with the increase in automation and machine assistance to physicians, many semi- and fully automated tools are being developed to facilitate liver volumetry.

Liver volumetry is the most reliable tool to detect patients at risk of PHI. Advances in imaging analysis technologies, newly developed functional measures, and liver-regenerative interventions have been improving our ability to perform safe hepatectomy.

Sarcopenia is associated with a decreased kinetic growth rate (KGR) of the future liver remnant (FLR) after portal vein embolization (PVE). However, little is known on the increase in FLR function (FLRF) after PVE. This study evaluated the effect of sarcopenia on the functional growth rate (FGR) after PVE measured with hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS).

All patients who underwent PVE at the Amsterdam UMC between January 2005 and August 2017 were analyzed. Functional imaging by HBS was used to determine FGR. Liver volumetry was performed using multiphase contrast computed tomography (CT). Muscle area measurement to determine sarcopenia was taken at the third lumbar level (L3).

Out of the 95 included patients, 9 were excluded due to unavailable data. 70/86 (81%) patients were sarcopenic. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, sarcopenia (p = 0.009) and FLR volume (FRLV) before PVE (p = 0.021) were the only factors correlated with KGR, while no correlation was found with FGR. 90-day mortality was similar across the sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic group (4/53 [8%] versus 1/11 [9%]; p = 1.000). The resection rates were also comparable (53/70 [75%] versus 11/16 [69%]; p = 0.542).

FGR after PVE as measured by HBS appears to be preserved in sarcopenic patients. This is in contrast to KGR after PVE as measured by liver volumetry which is decreased in sarcopenic patients.

Level 3b, cohort and case control studies.

Small adult patients with end-stage liver disease waitlisted for liver transplantation may face a shortage of size-matched liver grafts. This may result in longer waiting times, increased waitlist removal, and waitlist mortality. This study aims to assess access to transplantation in transplant candidates with below-average bodyweight throughout the Eurotransplant region.

Patients above 16 y of age listed for liver transplantation between 2010 and 2015 within the Eurotransplant region were eligible for inclusion. The effect of bodyweight on chances of receiving a liver graft was studied in a Cox model corrected for lab-Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score updates fitted as time-dependent variable, blood type, listing for malignant disease, and age. A natural spline with 3 degrees of freedom was used for bodyweight and lab-MELD score to correct for nonlinear effects.

At the end of follow-up, the percentage of transplanted, delisted, and deceased waitlisted patients was 49.1%, 17.9%, and 24.3% for patients with a bodyweight <60 kg (n = 1267) versus 60.1%, 15.1%, and 18.6% for patients with a bodyweight ≥60 kg (n = 10 520). To reach comparable chances for transplantation, 60-kg and 50-kg transplant candidates are estimated to need, respectively, up to 2.8 and 4.0 more lab-MELD points than 80-kg transplant candidates.

Decreasing bodyweight was significantly associated with decreased chances to receive a liver graft. This resulted in substantially longer waiting times, higher delisting rates, and higher waitlist mortality for patients with a bodyweight <60 kg.