Percutaneous cholecystostomy in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) is often preferred over early cholecystectomy (EC) for elderly patients presenting with acute cholecystitis (AC). However, there is a lack of solid data on this issue. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched the Medline and Web of Science databases for reports published before December 2022.

Downstaging Therapies for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Awaiting Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Intention-to-Treat Outcomes.

Background: Locoregional therapies (LRTs) are commonly used to increase the number of potential candidates for liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this paper is to assess the outcomes of LRTs prior to LT in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) beyond the listing criteria. Methods: In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, we searched the Medline and Web of Science databases for reports published before May 2021.

Bridging therapies for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma awaiting liver transplantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis on intention-to-treat outcomes.

Introduction: Locoregional therapies are commonly used as bridging strategies to decrease the drop-out of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) awaiting liver transplantation (LT). The present paper aims to assess the outcomes of bridging therapies in patients with HCC considered for LT according to an intention-to-treat (ITT) survival analysis.

Material And Methods: Medline and Web of Science databases were searched for reports published before May 2021.

Predicting the available space for liver transplantation in cirrhotic patients: a computed tomography-based volumetric study.

Background: Anthropometric parameters (weight, height) are usually used for quick matching between two individuals (donor and recipient) in liver transplantation (LT). This study aimed to evaluate clinical factors influencing the overall available space for implanting a liver graft in cirrhotic patients.

Methods: In a cohort of 275 cirrhotic patients undergoing LT, we calculated the liver volume (LV), cavity volume (CV), which is considered the additional space between the liver and the right hypocondrium, and the overall volume (OV = LV + CV) using a computed tomography (CT)-based volumetric system.

Analysis of factors associated with discrepancies between predicted and observed liver weight in liver transplantation.

Background: Even using predictive formulas based on anthropometrics in about 30% of subjects, liver weight (LW) cannot be predicted with a ≤20% margin of error. We aimed to identify factors associated with discrepancies between predicted and observed LW.

Methods: In 500 consecutive liver grafts, we tested LW predictive performance using 17 formulas based on anthropometric characteristics.

Temporary portal decompression during liver transplantation: a video review of the different techniques.

Purpose: Temporary portal decompression (TPD) during liver transplantation (LT) remains a divisive technical issue in the liver transplant community. In this video-based article, we show the technical details of the different techniques used for TPD during LT.

Methods: An early portal section, before liver mobilization, should be preferred in order to achieve hepatectomy of a totally devascularized liver.

Misplacement of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts: A surgical challenge for liver transplantation?

Background: The impact of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt misplacement on outcomes of liver transplantation remains controversial. We systematically reviewed the literature on the outcomes of liver transplantation with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt misplacement.

Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

The left splenorenal venous shunt decreases clinical signs of sinistral portal hypertension associated with splenic vein ligation during pancreaticoduodenectomy with venous resection.

Background: The ligation of the splenic vein during pancreaticoduodenectomy with synchronous resection of the spleno-mesenteric-portal venous confluence has been associated with the development of left portal hypertension despite preservation of the natural confluence with the inferior mesenteric vein. This study aimed to assess whether a left splenorenal venous shunt might mitigate clinical signs of left portal hypertension associated with splenic vein ligation.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the presence of left portal hypertension based on biologic and radiologic parameters in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy with synchronous resection of the spleno-mesentericoportal confluence between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2018.

Outcomes of Simultaneous Resection of Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumors with Synchronous Liver Metastases.

Background: This study evaluated the short- and long-term outcomes of synchronous resection of liver metastases (LM) from small bowel neuroendocrine tumors (SB-NET).

Methods: A retrospective review of patients undergoing resection for LMs from SB-NETs from January 1997 and December 2018 was performed.

Results: There were 44 patients with synchronous SB-NET and LMs.

Oncological outcome of R1 vascular margin for mass-forming cholangiocarcinoma. A single center observational cohort analysis.

Background: Recent studies validated the possibility to detach colorectal liver metastases from vessels (R1vasc) featuring R1vasc equivalent to R0 and superior to tumor exposure along the transection plane (R1par). To clarify the outcome of R1 surgery (margin <1 mm) in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (MFCCC), distinguishing R1par and R1vasc resections.

Methods: Patients undergoing resection for MFCCC between 2008 and 2016 were considered.

Is R1 vascular hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma oncologically adequate? Analysis of 327 consecutive patients.

Background: R1 vascular resection for liver tumors was introduced in the early twenty-first century. However, its oncologic adequacy remains controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the oncologic adequacy of R1 vascular hepatectomy in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

Oncologic superiority of anatomic resection of hepatocellular carcinoma by ultrasound-guided compression of the portal tributaries compared with nonanatomic resection: An analysis of patients matched for tumor characteristics and liver function.

Background: The superiority of anatomic resection compared with nonanatomic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma remains a matter of debate. Further, the technique for anatomic resection (dye injection) is difficult to reproduce. Anatomic resection using a compression technique is an easy and reversible procedure based on liver discoloration after ultrasound-guided compression of the tumor-feeding portal tributaries.

Hepatectomy with or without the thoraco-abdominal approach: impact on perioperative outcome.

Background: Hepatectomy using the thoraco-abdominal approach (TAA) compared to the abdominal approach (AA) remains under debate. This study assessed the perioperative outcomes of patients operated with or without TAA.

Methods: 1:1 propensity score-matched analysis was applied in 744 patients operated between 2007 and 2013, identifying 246 patients who underwent hepatectomy with TAA compared to 246 patients with AA.

Filamin A expression predicts early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy.

Background & Aims: Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatectomy is very high. A predictive marker of early recurrence (ER) capable of personalizing follow-up and developing a new target therapy would be beneficial. The overexpression of Filamin-A (FLNA), a cytoskeleton protein with scaffolding properties, has recently been associated with progression in tumours.

Gastro-splenic fistula as a complication of chemotherapy for large B cell lymphoma.

Aim: Gastro-splenic fistula is a rare entity in which malignant tumors are the primary cause, followed by perforated peptic ulcers and Crohn's disease.

Case Report: A 66 years old patient undergoing chemotherapy for gastric large cells B lymphoma presented fever, fatigue and worsening of general conditions. A CT scan showed the presence of an abdominal abscess resulting from a pathological communication between stomach and spleen.