PROF. DANIEL CHERQUI, M.D.

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This study looked at the outcomes of a specific liver surgery called laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy, which is performed minimally invasively. Researchers analyzed data from 854 patients across 57 centers worldwide from 2015 to 2021 and set standards for things like surgery time and complications. They found that low-risk surgeries had an average operation time of about 351 minutes and a 4% rate of perfect outcomes, providing doctors with important benchmarks for success. Who this helps: This benefits doctors performing liver surgeries and their patients.

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This study compared two types of surgical techniques—robotic and laparoscopic minor liver surgery—specifically for certain parts of the liver. Out of over 10,000 patients analyzed, those who underwent robotic surgery had less blood loss (75 mL vs. 100 mL), reduced need for blood transfusions (3.1% vs. 5.4%), shorter hospital stays (4 days vs. 5 days), and fewer serious complications (2.5% vs. 4.6%). These findings show that robotic liver surgery can be safer and more efficient than traditional laparoscopic methods, especially for patients with liver conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing minor liver surgery and their doctors by providing better surgical options.

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This study compared the results of two treatments—two-stage hepatectomy (surgery to remove part of the liver) and liver transplantation—for patients with widespread colorectal cancer in the liver. Researchers looked at 32 patients who had surgery and 19 patients who received a transplant. They found that after five years, 84% of the transplant patients were still alive compared to only 32% of those who had surgery, showing that a liver transplant could lead to much better outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with extensive liver cancer who may need treatment options.

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This study examined specific imaging characteristics of a new type of low-grade liver tumor called low-grade vascular neoplasia. It included 28 patients, and researchers found that 67% had a typical "flower petal shape" enhancement on MRI, while 42% of patients showed tumor growth after about 16 months, with faster growth in those with atypical features. Understanding these imaging patterns is important because it aids in diagnosing these tumors and differentiating them from other conditions. Who this helps: This helps doctors diagnose and manage liver tumors more accurately.

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This study looked at how a lack of blood flow to the remaining liver after surgery affects the chances of liver cancer coming back. Researchers found that 71% of the patients had this lack of blood flow, and those with it had a higher chance of cancer returning after one year—16% compared to only 5% for those without it. The findings highlight the importance of careful surgical planning to reduce this issue, suggesting that using advanced imaging techniques could help improve recovery and outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing liver surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of a system called the IMM complexity classification, which ranks laparoscopic liver surgeries based on how complex they are. Researchers analyzed data from 22,252 patients across 64 centers worldwide and found that more complex surgeries took longer and resulted in more complications; for example, the average surgery time, blood loss, and hospital stay all increased with the complexity level. This matters because it helps doctors better understand how to prepare for these surgeries and manage patient care based on the complexity. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors preparing for laparoscopic liver surgeries.

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This study looked at a surgical technique called duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction (DDBR) used during major liver surgeries. In a group of 14 patients, only one person experienced a bile leak (7%), and while 5 patients faced abdominal issues, these were not related to the reconstruction itself. Overall, DDBR showed good results, with 28.5% of patients developing strictures, most of which were easily treated. Who this helps: This information benefits surgeons and patients undergoing major liver surgery by offering a reliable reconstruction method.

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This study looked at the results of liver transplants using a special technique called right ex situ split grafts, which can help address the shortage of available livers for transplant. Researchers found that after one year, 96% of patients were alive and 91.5% of the new livers were still functioning, both figures are comparable to standard whole liver transplants. They identified that while bile leaks (17% of cases) and a higher rate of early clotting in the liver artery were issues, these complications didn't severely affect overall survival rates. Who this helps: This research benefits patients needing liver transplants by showing that split liver transplants can be effective and safe.

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This study looked at how the sex of liver donors and recipients affects survival rates after liver transplants for liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). Researchers analyzed data from over 7,600 transplant patients and found that overall, there was no major difference in survival rates among different combinations of donor and recipient sexes, with 10-year survival rates between 54.5% and 59.1%. However, female liver transplant recipients who received organs from male donors had a 28% lower mortality risk compared to those who received organs from female donors. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing liver transplants, especially women with liver cancer.

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This study examined the Iwate difficulty scoring system, which assesses how challenging laparoscopic liver surgeries are based on 12 points and four difficulty levels. Researchers analyzed data from 14,759 patients who had this surgery at 64 hospitals worldwide and found that as the difficulty score increased, so did complications, longer surgery times, and higher rates of serious issues after surgery. Specifically, they confirmed that both the four levels and the 12-point scale of the scoring system are effective in predicting surgical outcomes, leading to more informed surgical decisions. Who this helps: This benefits patients by improving the safety and effectiveness of their liver surgeries.

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This study looked at how well split liver transplants work for adults with serious liver disease, specifically those with a high MELD score (25 or above), compared to those with a lower score (under 25). Researchers found that while patients with high MELD scores needed more blood transfusions and had longer stays in the ICU, there were no significant differences in survival rates: 75% for lower MELD and 61% for higher MELD patients after five years. This matters because it shows that split liver transplants can be a safe option for those with severe liver disease, helping more patients receive needed organs without significantly increasing risks. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe liver disease who are waiting for a transplant.

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This study examined a complex surgery in a 51-year-old woman with advanced liver cancer that was intertwined with major blood vessels. The surgery involved removing part of the liver and rebuilding crucial veins; despite some complications, the patient has lived for eight years after the operation without signs of cancer. This is important because it shows that even extremely challenging surgeries can lead to long-term survival for certain patients with advanced liver cancer. Who this helps: This benefits patients with advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and their doctors.

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This study examined a new surgical method called the RAPID procedure to see if it could help patients with liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) find available organs faster and improve their survival rates. The trial involved 50 adult patients, with 34 receiving a part of a deceased donor's liver. Early findings suggest that this method may reduce waiting times and improve outcomes for patients, making it a potentially important option in liver transplantation. Who this helps: This helps liver cancer patients who are waiting for a transplant.

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This study looked at how often patients with a genetic disorder called Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) were diagnosed before they received a liver transplant. Researchers found that only 40% of the 58 patients were diagnosed before their transplant, 15% after, and 45% were never diagnosed. The study also revealed that many liver transplant specialists in France lack knowledge about AATD, with 78% rating their understanding as low to moderate, indicating a need for better screening and education. Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver disease and their doctors by improving diagnosis and treatment options.

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This study looked at the use of minimally invasive surgery for liver donation around the world. Researchers found that in 2022, 32.6% of liver donor surgeries (1,551 out of 4,774) were done using minimally invasive techniques, with more than half of the left lateral procedures performed this way. This trend matters because it shows that minimally invasive methods are becoming more common, leading to likely better recovery for donors. Who this helps: This benefits patients who are potential living liver donors, as they may experience less pain and a quicker recovery.

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This study looked at mistakes and complications that happen during elective liver surgeries by analyzing data from 15 patients. Researchers found 154 human errors and 42 adverse events, linking most major complications to these errors, particularly issues with recognition. Understanding these mistakes is important because it can help improve surgical safety and reduce complications in future procedures. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing liver surgery and the doctors performing these procedures.

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This study looked at whether a more extensive surgical procedure called trisectionectomy (TS) leads to better outcomes for patients with a specific type of liver cancer known as Bismuth-Corlette (BC) type II-III perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, compared to the standard procedure called extended hemihepatectomy (EH). It found that patients who had TS had a longer overall survival (about 52 months compared to 31 months for EH) and a longer disease-free survival (about 40 months compared to 24 months). However, TS did come with a higher rate of liver complications but similar rates of severe complications and death within 90 days. Who this helps: This benefits patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma looking for better surgical options.

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This study looked at the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients who had elective liver surgery to see if it could help predict complications. Among 448 surgeries analyzed, 12.4% had severe complications, and the overall death rate within 90 days was 2%. The findings showed that CRP levels on the first, third, and fifth days after surgery were not reliable indicators of complications, suggesting that other tests might be needed to manage patient care effectively. Who this helps: This helps doctors who perform liver surgeries by guiding them to seek better ways to predict and monitor complications for their patients.

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This study looked at the occurrence of symptomatic venous gas embolism (GE) during laparoscopic liver surgery at three French hospitals over three years. Out of 518 surgeries, 26 patients (5%) experienced GE, but thankfully there were no deaths or long-term health issues related to this condition. The researchers found that using a specific device called Airseal at higher pressures significantly increased the risk of GE to 7.1%, compared to 0.59% with standard devices, highlighting the need to reconsider the methods used during these surgeries. Who this helps: This information benefits patients undergoing laparoscopic liver surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at how the sex of transplant recipients affects their long-term outcomes after receiving a liver transplant for liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). Researchers analyzed data from 384 patients and found that both men and women had similar survival rates over 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 years after the transplant, with survival rates for both sexes around 50% after 10 years. The study also highlighted specific factors that might predict cancer recurrence differently for men and women, but overall, sex did not impact survival or cancer recurrence rates. Who this helps: This research benefits both patients and doctors by clarifying that sex does not affect liver transplant outcomes and identifying factors that can help tailor patient care.

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This study looked at 110 liver surgeries done using a method called hypothermic perfusion over the span of 27 years. Researchers found that 15.5% of patients died within 90 days after surgery, with problems related to liver failure being the main cause for most of these deaths. The study shows that while this surgical method can lead to promising results for patients with certain types of tumors, a large majority of cancer patients were not eligible for a liver transplant, indicating a need for better treatment options. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver tumors who are exploring surgical options, as well as doctors seeking effective strategies for liver surgery.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of two surgical techniques for removing tumors from specific parts of the liver: robotic surgery and traditional laparoscopic surgery. Researchers analyzed data from over 3,500 patients and found that robotic surgery resulted in fewer complications, such as only 2.2% needing to switch to open surgery (compared to 6.0% with laparoscopic surgery), less blood loss (100 mL versus 150 mL), and shorter surgeries (188 minutes versus 222 minutes). These findings are important because they suggest that robotic surgery might offer safer and more efficient options for patients undergoing liver surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing liver tumor surgeries, especially those with cirrhosis.

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This study looked at a surgical option called rescue liver transplantation for people who suffer from severe liver failure after having part of their liver removed, a condition known as posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). Researchers reviewed cases and found that 20% of patients died after the transplant, but 71.4% of those who survived cancer were alive without recurrence several years later. The study highlights that while rescue liver transplants can be successful for some patients, there is a lot of disagreement among liver specialists about when to offer this procedure. Who this helps: This helps patients facing severe liver failure after surgery and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how liver cirrhosis affects the success and difficulties of minimally invasive liver surgeries for patients with liver cancer. The researchers reviewed 2,534 patients and found that those with more advanced cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B) faced higher blood transfusion rates and longer hospital stays. This matters because it shows that doctors need to consider a patient's liver condition when planning surgeries to ensure better care and outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with liver cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at a rare type of cancer called combined hepatocholangiocarcinoma and compared its outcomes after surgery to two other liver cancers: hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. They analyzed data from 3,196 patients and found that patients with combined hepatocholangiocarcinoma had a lower overall survival rate at 1, 3, and 5 years (67%, 45%, and 28%) compared to hepatocellular carcinoma (92%, 75%, and 55%) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (86%, 53%, and 42%). However, the rate of cancer recurrence was similar across all three groups. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors treating liver cancer patients, as it highlights the need for tailored follow-up care based on cancer type.

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This study looked at how liver cirrhosis affects the challenges of performing minimally invasive surgeries on the liver for cancer in specific areas. Out of 3,675 patients, those with Child A cirrhosis experienced more complications, such as higher rates of needing a traditional surgery instead of minimally invasive ones (about 20% higher), more blood loss of over 500 ml, and more post-surgery issues. Those with Child B cirrhosis had longer hospital stays and more serious complications. Understanding these impacts is crucial for improving surgical planning and outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with liver cancer and cirrhosis.

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This study looked at how patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) are selected for liver transplants while they are in intensive care units (ICUs). Out of 200 patients examined, 96 were potential candidates for a transplant, but only 69 were listed and 50 actually received a transplant. The researchers found that patients on mechanical ventilation and those with worsening organ failures were less likely to receive a transplant, showing that many critically ill patients may not benefit from the procedure due to these factors. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers in making better decisions about transplant eligibility for critically ill patients.

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This study looked at how laparoscopic liver surgery is done in hospitals with and without liver transplant programs in France. Researchers examined over 3,150 patients, finding that transplant centers handled more complex cases, including a higher number of liver cancers and patients with cirrhosis. Despite these complexities, the rates of severe complications and deaths after surgery were similar across both types of centers, indicating that all hospitals can provide safe and effective liver surgery regardless of whether they perform transplants or not. Who this helps: This research benefits patients needing liver surgery, as it shows they can receive quality care at various types of hospitals.

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This study explored a new method to detect problems with blood flow in liver transplants that could lead to serious issues if not addressed immediately. Researchers used a dye called indocyanine green and analyzed the fluorescence signals from 89 patients who received liver transplants. They found that by looking at specific patterns in the fluorescence, they could predict early blood flow issues with a high accuracy rate, helping avoid complications in 7.8% of cases. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing liver transplants and their surgeons.

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The DELTA-HCC study looked at a strategy where patients with liver cancer (HCC) could delay their liver transplant to avoid unnecessary surgery when their tumors were being treated with other methods. They found that the delay helped lower the risk of patients dropping out of the transplant list due to worsening health or tumor growth—13% for those using the delay compared to 19% for others, and the survival rate five years after transplant was 74%. This is important because it means that this approach allows for better use of available organs for patients who need them most urgently. Who this helps: This benefits liver cancer patients, doctors managing liver transplants, and the overall organ transplant system.

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This study looked at how receiving chemotherapy before surgery affects short-term outcomes for patients undergoing minimally invasive liver surgery for colorectal cancer spread to the liver. Researchers analyzed data from 2,546 patients and found that those who had neoadjuvant chemotherapy experienced similar surgical results compared to those who had surgery without the chemotherapy, meaning it did not significantly worsen outcomes. This matters because it shows that giving chemotherapy before surgery can be a safe option for patients with liver metastases, potentially allowing for better overall treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well liver transplants from donors aged 85 and older performed compared to those from much younger donors under 40. It found that, after five years, 63% of patients who received livers from elderly donors were still alive, while 77% of those with younger donors were alive. When taking into account similar characteristics between the two groups, survival rates were closer, but livers from younger donors still showed better long-term outcomes. This research is important because it highlights the potential use of older donors to help address the shortage of available organs, while also emphasizing the need for careful selection to ensure the best results. Who this helps: This helps patients in need of liver transplants by expanding the pool of potential donors.

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This study focused on improving the detection of certain harmful features in liver cancer tissues, which are linked to a higher chance of the cancer coming back after surgery. Researchers used a type of artificial intelligence called deep learning to analyze 680 images from liver cancer surgeries, achieving an accuracy of around 82% to 86% in identifying these features. This is important because it could help doctors pinpoint patients at a greater risk of recurrence, allowing for better follow-up treatments and monitoring. Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver cancer by identifying those who might need closer attention after surgery.

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This study looked at over 10,500 patients who underwent minor liver surgeries using either laparoscopic or robotic methods to find out what factors increase the chance of needing to switch to a more invasive open surgery. Researchers found that certain conditions, like having larger tumors or a history of liver disease, raised the risk of conversion; nearly 45% of conversions were due to technical issues. This matters because patients who had to switch to open surgery experienced worse outcomes, including longer surgery times and higher rates of complications and hospital stays. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing minor liver surgeries and their doctors in planning and managing care.

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This study looked at how laparoscopic liver surgery (LLR) before a liver transplant affects patient outcomes compared to traditional open liver surgery (OLR). It found that patients who had LLR needed fewer blood transfusions (44.2% compared to 71.4% for OLR) and had fewer severe adhesions during their transplant surgery. This is important because it suggests that LLR can lead to smoother and safer liver transplant procedures for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients needing liver transplants, particularly those who have undergone liver surgery beforehand.

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This study looked at how well patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) survive after having surgery for liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Out of 813 patients followed between 2001 and 2021, about 48% experienced cancer returning, with an average time of 39.8 months before a recurrence. The findings highlight the importance of closely monitoring patients after surgery since the timing of a recurrence affects their chances of survival. Who this helps: This information is beneficial for doctors treating liver cancer patients with metabolic syndrome.

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This study looked at whether repeat laparoscopic liver surgery (a minimally invasive option) is safe and effective for patients who had already undergone open liver surgery. Researchers analyzed data from 67 patients, finding that those who had laparoscopic surgery experienced shorter operation times (199 minutes compared to 260), less blood loss (100 ml versus 400 ml), and fewer complications (20% versus 49%) than those who had repeat open surgery. This matters because it shows that laparoscopic surgery can be a safer and less invasive alternative for repeat liver surgery, which can lead to quicker recoveries for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients who need repeat liver surgeries.

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This study looked at whether adding liver transplantation to chemotherapy could help people with colorectal cancer that had spread to the liver and couldn't be removed by surgery. Researchers found that 5 years after treatment, about 56.6% of patients who had both liver transplantation and chemotherapy were still alive, compared to only 12.6% of those who had chemotherapy alone. This is important because it shows that liver transplantation can significantly improve survival for certain patients with advanced liver tumors. Who this helps: This benefits patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases.

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This study looked at how effective different treatments are for older patients (70 years and up) with a specific type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It compared open liver surgeries, laparoscopic surgeries, and a procedure called percutaneous thermal ablation (PTA). They found that while PTA resulted in shorter hospital stays and fewer complications (3 days in hospital compared to 5-6 days for surgery), it had much lower long-term survival rates, with only 34% of PTA patients alive after 5 years compared to 82% for open surgeries and 81% for laparoscopic surgeries. Who this helps: This information benefits elderly patients diagnosed with liver cancer and their doctors by guiding treatment decisions.

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This study examined how the weight of a liver transplant compared to the weight of the recipient affects the risk of kidney problems after surgery. Researchers looked at 467 liver transplant patients and found that 45% developed acute kidney injury (AKI). Specifically, they found that when the liver graft weight-to-recipient weight ratio was above 2.5%, the risk of kidney injury significantly increased. These findings can help doctors make better decisions about which grafts to allocate to patients, potentially preventing kidney problems post-surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing liver transplants and their healthcare providers.

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This study investigated how the size of tumors in the liver affects the difficulty of performing a specific type of surgery called laparoscopic major hepatectomy (L-MH). Researchers analyzed data from 1,396 patients and found that larger tumors, especially those over 100 mm, were linked to higher rates of complications during surgery, such as a 23% chance of needing to switch to open surgery and a longer average surgery time of 365 minutes. Understanding these tumor size thresholds is important because it helps surgeons prepare for the challenges of surgery based on the tumor size, ultimately aiming for better patient care. Who this helps: This helps surgeons and patients facing liver surgery decisions.

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This study looked at a condition called nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) that can occur after liver transplants. Researchers found that in patients with NRH, there were signs of damage in the small blood vessels of the liver, specifically a substance called C4d, which was present in over 29% of cases. This is important because it suggests that NRH may be linked to the body’s immune response rejecting the donor liver, which can lead to serious complications. Who this helps: This research benefits liver transplant patients by improving understanding of complications that can arise after surgery.

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This study looked at how liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension affect the complexity and outcomes of minimally invasive liver surgeries in certain areas of the liver. Researchers analyzed 1,954 patients and found that those with cirrhosis had more complications: they needed blood transfusions 14% of the time compared to 9.3% for those without cirrhosis, and their overall complication rate was 20% versus 14.5%. Understanding these risks is important for doctors when planning surgeries for patients with liver issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver diseases and their doctors in making informed decisions about surgery.

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This study examined the safety and risks of liver surgery in elderly patients (70 years and older) with a type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma. Researchers found that factors like overall health status, existing health problems, liver disease severity, and the size of the tumor were linked to higher chances of death within 90 and 180 days after surgery. Developing a simple scoring system based on these factors can help doctors determine which elderly patients are more likely to survive the surgery, ultimately guiding better treatment decisions. Who this helps: This helps doctors determine the safest options for elderly patients with liver cancer.