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R Raab

Publications and source records attributed to R Raab.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Universal fresh-frozen plasma (Uniplas): an exploratory study in adult patients undergoing elective liver resection.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The compatibility of an ABO blood group independently applicable plasma, Uniplas, was explored in liver resection because patients undergoing liver resection frequently require the transfusion of plasma to compensate for blood loss and/or clotting factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred and twenty two patients undergoing elective liver resection were enrolled; 81 patients required plasma transfusion, while 41 did not. Of those in need of plasma, 58 were blood group A, B or AB, and 23 were blood group O. Patients were monitored up to day 7 postoperatively for signs of haemolysis and haemostasis, and viral markers were assessed at baseline and 3 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Uniplas transfusions of up to 50.7 ml/kg body weight were given per treatment episode, without signs of haemolysis caused by transfusion. A total of 94/99 patients (95%) were negative in the direct antiglobulin test throughout the study. Two patients, one transfused with Uniplas, the other not, had a positive direct antiglobulin test result at baseline, while three of 64 patients transfused with Uniplas demonstrated a change from having negative to intermittently positive direct antiglobulin test results without concurrent signs of haemolysis. International normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time and protein C levels were maintained by transfusion of plasma (>/= 20 ml/kg body weight). No patient underwent seroconversion for human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus. Positivity for hepatitis A virus (HAV) immunoglobulin G (IgG) in 11 patients from the Uniplas group (who tested HAV immunoglobulin M negative), together with an apparent seroconversion for parvovirus B19 seen in two patients who received Uniplas, indicated passively transferred IgG antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: No haemolysis was observed as a result of Uniplas transfusions up to 50.7 ml/kg body weight per treatment episode in patients undergoing liver resection. Moreover, transfusion (>/= 20 ml/kg body weight of Uniplas) maintained acceptable levels of international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time and protein C.

ABO Blood-Group System↗
PubMed2003

Adjuvant vs. neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer: the German trial CAO/ARO/AIO-94.

AIM: The standard treatment for patients with clinically resectable rectal cancer is surgery. Postoperative radiochemotherapy (RCT) is recommended for advanced disease (pT3/4 or pN+). In recent years, encouraging results of pre-operative radiotherapy have been reported. This prospective randomized phase-III-trial (CAO/ARO/AIO-94) compares the efficacy of neoadjuvant RCT to standard postoperative RCT. We report on the design of the study and first results with regard to toxicity of RCT and postoperative morbidity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with locally advanced operable rectal cancer (uT3/4 or uN+, Mason CS III/IV) were randomly assigned to pre or postoperative RCT: A total dose of 50.4 Gy (single dose 1.8 Gy) was applied to the tumour and the pelvic lymph nodes. 5-FU (1000 mg/m2/d) was administered concomitantly in the 1th and 5th week of radiation as 120 h-continuous infusion. Four additional cycles of 5-FU-chemotherapy (500 mg/m2/d, i.v.-bolus) were applied. RCT was identical in both arms except for a small-volume boost of 5.4 Gy postoperatively. The time interval between RCT and surgery was 4-6 weeks in both arms. Techniques of surgery were standardized and included total mesorectal excision. Primary endpoints of the study are 5-year survival and local and distant control. Secondary endpoints include the rate of curative (R0) resection and sphincter saving procedures, toxicity of RCT, surgical complications and quality of life. RESULTS: As of July 2002, 805 patients were randomized from 26 participating institutions. Acute toxicity (WHO) of RCT was low, with less than 15% of patients experiencing grade 3 or higher toxicity: The principal toxicity was diarrhea, with 12% in the postoperative RCT-arm and 11% in the pre-operative RCT-arm having grade 3-, and 1% in either arm having grade 4-diarrhea. Erythema, nausea and leukopenia were the next common toxicities, with less than 3% of patients in either arm suffering grade 3 or greater leukopenia or nausea. Postoperative complication rates were similar in both arms, with 12% (postop. RCT) and 12% (pre-op. RCT) of patients, respectively, suffering from anastomotic leakage, 3% (postop. RCT) and 3% (pre-op. RCT) from postoperative bleeding, and 6% (postop. RCT) and 4% (pre-op. RCT) from delayed wound healing. CONCLUSION: The patient accrual to the trial is satisfactory. Neoadjuvant RCT is well tolerated and bears no higher risk for postoperative morbidity.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Adjuvant versus neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. A progress report of a phase-III randomized trial (protocol CAO/ARO/AIO-94).

AIM: The standard treatment for patients with clinically resectable rectal cancer is surgery. Postoperative radiochemotherapy is recommended for patients with advanced disease (pT3/4 or pN+). In recent years, encouraging results of preoperative radiotherapy have been reported. This prospective randomized phase-III trial (CAO/ARO/AIO-94) compares the efficacy of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy to standard postoperative radiochemotherapy. We report on the design of the study and first results with regard to toxicity of radiochemotherapy and postoperative morbidity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with locally advanced operable rectal cancer (uT3/4 or uN+, Mason CS III/IV) were randomly assigned to pre- or postoperative radiochemotherapy: A total dose of 50.4 Gy (single dose 1.8 Gy) was applied to the tumor and the pelvic lymph nodes. 5-FU (1,000 mg/m2/d) was administered concomitantly in the first and fifth week of radiation as 120-h continuous infusion. Four additional cycles of 5-FU chemotherapy (500 mg/m2/d, i.v. bolus) were applied. Radiochemotherapy was identical in both arms except for a small-volume boost of 5.4 Gy in the postoperative setting. Time interval between radiochemotherapy and surgery was 4-6 weeks in both arms. Techniques of surgery were standardized and included total mesorectal excision. In addition, stratification according to surgeons involved has been provided for. Primary endpoints of the study are 5-year overall-survival, local and distant control, secondary endpoints include rate of curative (R0) resections and sphincter saving procedures, toxicity of radiochemotherapy, surgical complications and quality of life. RESULTS: As of 15th November 2000, 628 patients were randomized from 26 participating institutions: 310 patients were randomized to postoperative radiochemotherapy, 318 patients to preoperative radiochemotherapy. Acute toxicity (WHO) of radiochemotherapy was low, with less than 15% of patients experiencing Grade 3 or higher toxicity: The principal toxicity was diarrhea, with 12% in the postoperative radiochemotherapy arm and 10% in the preoperative radiochemotherapy arm having Grade-3, and 1% in either arm having Grade-4 diarrhea. Erythema, nausea and leukopenia were the next common toxicities, with less than 3% of patients in either arm suffering Grade 3 or greater leukopenia or nausea. Postoperative complication rates were similar in both arms, with 12% (postoperative radiochemotherapy) and 13% (preoperative radiochemotherapy) of patients, respectively, suffering from anastomotic leakage, 4% (postoperative radiochemotherapy) and 3% (preoperative radiochemotherapy) from postoperative bleeding, and 6% (postoperative radiochemotherapy) and 5% (preoperative radiochemotherapy) from delayed wound healing. CONCLUSION: The patient accrual of our trial is satisfactory, neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy is well tolerated and bears no higher risk for postoperative morbidity.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Development of obstructive jaundice after hemorrhage into a benign, non-parasitic liver cyst].

Benign, non-parasitic liver cysts are usually asymptomatic and found incidentally by abdominal ultrasound or CT scan. We present the case of a 68-year-old patient who showed obstructive jaundice due to a hemorrhagic liver cyst compressing the choledochal duct. Due to the location of the cyst in the porta hepatis with partial compression of central liver vessels and the meanwhile organized hematoma, operative therapy was preferred in order to prevent secondary complications such as portal vein thrombosis and to exclude a malignant neoplasm.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Ex-vivo resection techniques in tissue-preserving surgery for liver malignancies.

Some primary and secondary liver tumours are not absolutely irresectable, but cannot be resected using a conventional approach because of the limited warm ischaemia tolerance of the liver or poor accessibility of the tumour region. In such situations, the techniques of ex vivo liver surgery, pioneered by Rudolf Pichlmayr some 10 years ago, offer new chances for R0 resection. All the three different approaches, namely "in situ"-, "ante situm"-, and "ex situ" resection, require the use of measures originally developed for transplantation, such as hypothermic liver perfusion and veno-venous bypass. They differ mainly in the extent to which major vessels are divided in order to achieve optimal mobility of the organ. The results show that radical resection can be achieved accomplished in many cases. If necessary, complex vascular reconstructions can be performed. Although perioperative morbidity and mortality are high, there are a number of long-term survivors. Tumour recurrence, however, remains the main problem over the long term. In conclusion, ex vivo liver surgery is an important extension of surgical treatment possibilities. However, the procedure is suitable only for a small number of carefully selected patients and should be reserved for use in specialised centres. Furthermore, in view of the fact that the results are not yet optimal, additive and adjuvant treatment modalities are needed.

Blood Loss, Surgical↗
PubMed2000

Retrospective analysis of prognostic factors after liver resection and transplantation for cholangiocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Cholangiocellular carcinoma is an uncommon primary liver cancer, which may be mixed with hepatocellular carcinoma. A retrospective analysis was undertaken to evaluate the results of surgical treatment and to identify prognostic factors. METHODS: Between 1978 and 1996, 162 patients underwent surgery for cholangiocellular carcinoma: liver resection (n = 95), liver transplantation (n = 24) and exploratory laparotomy with and without drainage (n = 43). Univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors were performed. RESULTS: Overall survival was 47 per cent at 1 year, 28 per cent at 2 years and 13 per cent at 5 years. Survival rates for patients with resectable tumours were 64, 43 and 21 per cent respectively, and for those who underwent liver transplantation 21, 8 per cent and zero respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the following variables had an effect on survival: age, jaundice, liver resection, T, N and M stage in the tumour node metastasis classification, Union Internacional Contra la Cancrum (UICC) tumour stage, tumour-free margins, vascular infiltration, tumour number, tumour size and serum level of carcinoembryonic antigen. Multivariate analysis identified jaundice, N and M category, and UICC tumour stage as independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: The data underscore the importance and prognostic value of the UICC tumour classification for cholangiocellular carcinoma. The prognosis of mixed tumours is no different. Liver resection remains the treatment of choice; transplantation offers no solution for otherwise unresectable tumours.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Management and results of proximal anastomotic leaks in a series of 1114 total gastrectomies for gastric carcinoma.

AIMS: The management of anastomotic leakage of the oesophago-jejunostomy after total gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma was evaluated in a retrospective study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a 30-year period, a total of 1114 oesophago-jejunostomies were performed during total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. In 83 cases (7.5%) a leak of the oesophago-jejunostomy was diagnosed. RESULTS: Frequency of anastomotic leakage was independent of the type of reconstruction and of surgical radicality. Therapeutic management was conservative in 58 cases (69.9%), with placement of a naso-jejunal tube along the anastomoses and with percutaneous drainage of intraabdominal abscesses. In 25 patients re-operation with resuturing of the anastomoses or surgical drainage of an abscess was performed. Mortality was 11/58 (19%) after conservative treatment of the anastomotic leakage and 16/25 (64%) after re-operation. CONCLUSION: Conservative management with a naso-intestinal tube and percutaneous drainage of intraabdominal abscesses is realistic for anastomotic leaks. Re-operation results in a high morbidity and should only be considered when conservative management is not successful.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Long-term experience after ex situ liver surgery.

BACKGROUND: Ex situ liver surgery allows liver resection and vascular reconstruction in patients who have liver tumors located at critical sites. Only a small series of studies about ex situ liver surgery is available in the literature. No long-term results have been published. METHODS: Twenty-four patients were considered for ex situ liver surgery because conventional liver surgery was considered impossible or too hazardous. The patient's ages were 51.3 +/- 7.5 years. Indications were various primary and secondary liver malignancies and benign liver tumors in 2 patients. RESULTS: In 22 of 24 patients, the ex situ liver resection and subsequent autotransplantation were performed. The anhepatic periods in these patients lasted for 5.6 +/- 1.1 hours. In the remaining 2 patients, autotransplantation was not possible and allogenic liver transplantation was performed 17 and 19 hours after hepatectomy. In 4 patients, liver failure occurred after autotransplantation and required transplantation. The confluens between hepatic veins and the inferior vena cava was reconstructed in 5 patients. Fifteen patients survived the postoperative period and were discharged after 36.5 +/- 16 days. The median survival time of 6 patients who had metastases of colonic carcinoma was 21 months. The 2 patients with benign liver disease are alive 9 and 5 years after ex situ surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Extended liver resections with difficult reconstructions of the hepatic venous confluens are feasible by ex situ liver surgery and subsequent autotransplantation. However, the early postoperative mortality rate is high, especially in patients with cholestatic livers. Early tumor recurrence remained the problem in these patients with extended local tumor spread. Ex situ liver surgery should only be performed in selected patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Hepatic metastases from leiomyosarcoma: A single-center experience with 34 liver resections during a 15-year period.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a large single-center experience with hepatic resection for metastatic leiomyosarcoma. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Liver resection is the treatment of choice for hepatic metastases from colorectal carcinoma. In contrast, the role of liver resection for hepatic metastases from leiomyosarcoma has not been defined. METHODS: The records of 26 patients who between 1982 and 1996 underwent a total of 34 liver resections for hepatic metastases from leiomyosarcoma were reviewed. There were 23 first, 9 second, and 2 third liver resections. The records were analyzed with regard to survival and predictive factors. RESULTS: In the 23 first liver resections, there were 15 R0, 3 R1, and 5 R2 resections. Median survival was 32 months after R0 resection and 20.5 months after R1/2 resection. The 5-year survival rate was 13% for all patients and 20% after R0 resection. In 10 patients with extrahepatic tumor at the time of the first liver resection, 6 R0 and 4 R2 resections were achieved. After R0 resection, the median survival was 40 months (range 5-84 months), with a 5-year survival rate of 33%. After repeat liver resection, the median survival was 31 months (range 5-51 months); after R0 resection, median survival was 31 months and after R1/2 resection it was 28 months. There was no 5-year survivor in the overall group after repeat liver resection. CONCLUSIONS: Despite frequent tumor recurrence, the long-term outcome after liver resection for hepatic metastases from leiomyosarcoma is superior to that after chemotherapy and chemoembolization. Although survival after tumor debulking also seems to be more favorable than after nonoperative therapy, these data indicate that only an R0 resection offers the chance of long-term survival. The presence of extrahepatic tumor should not be considered a contraindication to liver resection if complete removal of all tumorous masses appears possible. In selected cases of intrahepatic tumor recurrence, even repeated liver resection might be worthwhile. In view of the poor results of chemoembolization and chemotherapy in hepatic metastases from leiomyosarcoma, liver resection should be attempted whenever possible.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Bone density and metabolism in patients with viral hepatitis and cholestatic liver diseases before and after liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoporosis is frequently found in patients with cholestatic liver disease (primary biliary cirrhosis/primary sclerosing cholangitis) and chronic viral hepatitis. There is limited information about the long-term effect of liver transplantation (OLT) on bone metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of liver transplantation on bone metabolism in patients with cholestatic and viral liver diseases. METHODS: We randomly recruited 193 patients with chronic viral hepatitis or cholestatic liver diseases. Bone density (Z-score) and markers of bone metabolism (intact parathyroid hormone [iPTH], PTH 70-84, osteocalcin, procollagen, telopeptide, and vitamin D) were determined before and at time points (< and > 24 months) post-OLT. RESULTS: Before OLT, bone density (Z-score) was decreased in patients with cholestatic (-1) and viral (-0.4) liver diseases. In both groups bone density continued to decrease in the periods up to and more than 24 months after OLT. In the cholestatic group, bone density decreased significantly compared to pre-OLT (p < 0.05) and to the viral hepatitis group (p < 0,001). Markers of bone metabolism showed that after OLT, bone metabolism was enhanced and shifted versus bone resorption. Immunosuppressive drug therapy (glucocorticoids, cyclosporin, FK 506) directly correlated with increased bone metabolism post-OLT. CONCLUSIONS: Bone loss is a long-term problem after OLT, particularly in patients with cholestatic liver diseases. Drug therapy is a main factor of bone loss. Pre- and post-OLT therapy to reduce bone loss is recommended.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Isolated hyperthermic liver perfusion with high dose tumor necrosis factor alpha in pigs: an experimental study in preparation of clinical Use.

Isolated hyperthermic perfusion of the liver was performed for 45 min in 27 pigs via hepatic artery and portal vein at mean inflow temperatures between 40.7 and 41.2 degrees C. In two study groups B and C (n = 9 pigs each) 50 microg recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (rhTNFalpha) per kg body weight were added to the perfusate, whereas in a control group A liver perfusion was done without rhTNFalpha. Before reperfusion the livers were washed out with Ringer's solution in all groups followed by a protein solution in group C. At 30 and 60 min after reperfusion the maximum systemic rhTNFalpha concentrations were significantly higher in group B with 68 and 61 ng/ml compared to 14.5 and 14.9 ng/ml in group C (p < 0. 05). Mean systemic porcine TNFalpha concentration was significantly higher in group B (217 pg/ml) compared to group C (50 pg/ml) 30 min after reperfusion (p = 0.012). Survival was 7/9 in group A and C and only 2/9 in group B with 6/7 pigs dying due to severe cardiopulmonary failure within 12 h after operation. In surviving pigs of group A and C only mild and transient hepatotoxicity was registered. The presented study underlines the feasibility of high dose rhTNFalpha application in an isolated hyperthermic liver perfusion system. Washout of the liver with a protein solution before reperfusion reduces systemic TNFalpha levels as well as associated lethal cardiocirculatory and hepatotoxic side effects.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Attitudes of patients before and after transplantation towards various allografts.

BACKGROUND: The presence of an allogeneic graft inside the body may have psychological impact on transplant patients. It was the aim of this study to evaluate the attitude of patients before and after different types of organ transplantation towards organ allografts. METHODS: A total of 1,049 patients (722 patients after and 327 patients on the waiting list for either kidney, liver, heart, or lung transplantation) under care of a single transplant center were studied using a questionnaire with blinded analysis of the data. Mental condition of the patients, their attitude towards the allograft and its donor, emotional stress caused by a graft, and correlation of the attitudes with clinical and demographic parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: The self-reported mental condition of the patients was markedly and consistently better after organ transplantation; 27% of patients before and 60% after transplantation were in good mental condition. Sixty-two percent of transplant patients considered the graft as their own organ, 37% regarded it as a foreign organ now belonging to their body, and 1% considered it as a foreign body; among waiting list patients, 40%, 55%, and 5% assumed they would perceive their graft accordingly. The graft caused considerable emotional stress for 2% of transplant patients, whereas for 70% it did not cause any stress; the latter was assumed by 47% of patients before transplantation. Eleven percent of transplant patients frequently think about the origin of their graft, and 30% would like to have information about their donor. Knowledge about different religion, opposite sex, homosexuality, suicidal death, and age above 65 years of their donor would be of moderate or major concern for 0%, 3%, 21%, 24%, and 38% of the patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The comprehensive survey shows that transplant patients incorporate their graft well into their body image. Emotional stress caused by the graft is very low and is generally less than assumed before transplantation. Knowledge about certain characteristics of the donor may cause increased concerns in some patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

IL-4 enhances proliferation and mediator release in mature human mast cells.

Tissue mast cells (MC) are recognized as key effector cells of immediate-type allergic reactions releasing inflammatory mediators and cytokines on stimulation with antigen, but they also might be involved in IgE-independent inflammatory and tissue repair processes. The mechanism of human MC regulation in tissue is not fully understood. Here, we show that IL-4, in synergy with stem cell factor (SCF), regulates the function of purified human MC isolated from intestinal tissue. Whereas SCF induced only marginal proliferation of MC cultured in vitro up to 4 weeks, addition of IL-4 and SCF strongly increased the proliferation rate. Moreover, IL-4, which by itself had no visible effect on human MC, enhanced the release of histamine, leukotriene C4, and IL-5 in MC triggered by IgE receptor crosslinking. The IL-4 effects occurred in a dose-dependent fashion (ED50 = 100 pg/ml) and could be totally blocked by a competitive IL-4 receptor antagonist. Our data indicate that IL-4 is an important regulator of human MC function and suggest that mature MC retain the capacity to proliferate in a particular tissue environment.

Cell Division↗
PubMed1999

Rescue hepatectomy for initial graft non-function after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Early retransplantation is the therapy of choice in patients with initial graft nonfunction (INF). In rare cases the patients' conditions deteriorate dramatically with severe cardiovascular and/or pulmonary insufficiency while on the waiting list for retransplantation. In this life-threatening situation removal of the graft and temporary portocaval shunt before allocation of a new liver proved to be effective. Our experience with this two-stage hepatectomy and subsequent liver transplantation in patients with complicated INF is reported. METHODS: Hepatectomy was performed in 20 patients with INF associated with severe cardiovascular and pulmonary insufficiency while on the waiting list for emergency liver retransplantation. The mean age was 41.75+/-16.64 years. The time period between primary transplantation and hepatectomy was 2.80+/-2.84 days with a range from 1 to 9 days. RESULTS: Hepatectomy reduced the need for vasopressive agents and improved pulmonary function in the majority of patients. Four patients died before a liver was available due to brain death in one patient and multiorgan failure in three patients. In the remaining 16 patients liver transplantation could be performed after 19.82+/-15.34 hr (range 6.58 to 72.50 hr). Two of the 16 transplanted patients died on the first postoperative day due to multiorgan failure and pneumonia. The remaining 14 of 16 patients survived retransplantation, but 7 died between days 13 and 105 mostly due to sepsis. Seven patients were discharged from the hospital in good condition and show long-term survival. CONCLUSION: Hepatectomy was able to stabilize the cardiovascular and pulmonary function. This study confirms the beneficial effects of hepatectomy and subsequent liver transplantation as a life-saving procedure in patients with INF complicated by cardiovascular and/or pulmonary instability.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[3-dimensional (3-D) visualization of the liver for planning extensive liver resections].

Preoperative planning of liver resections in patients with liver tumors is based on sonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. A new three-dimensional (3D) visualization program was developed based on CT data. This visualization program was used for preoperative planning in 6 patients with liver tumors in problematic intrahepatic localizations. In 5 out of 6 patients the liver resection could be performed as preoperatively planned. The intraoperative findings agreed with the 3D visualization in all these patients. 3D Visualization of the liver allowed clear and interactive planning of liver resections and improved the preparation of complex liver resections.

Adenoma, Liver Cell↗
PubMed1999

[3-dimensional sonography for volume determination of liver tumors--report of initial experiences].

In a clinical trial the accuracy of volumetry by use of three-dimensional ultrasound (3-D-US) in comparison to three-dimensional computer tomography (3-D-CT) was evaluated. Overall, 42 patients with focal hepatic lesions were investigated with 2-D- and 3-D ultrasound. In 11 patients additional computerized tomographic arterial portography using spiral technique was performed. The volumes of the lesions were calculated using the ellipsoid formula (for 2-D- and 3-D-US) as well as with a planimetric reconstruction for 3-D-US and 3-D-CT. In addition the intra- and inter-investigator variability of 3-D ultrasound was determined. The volume of the investigated liver lesions (planimetric reconstruction with 3-D ultrasound) ranged between 1.5 cm3 and 1231 cm3 with a mean volume of 155 cm3 and a median volume of 68 cm3. The deviation of 2-D-US vs 3-D-CT was -62% to +68%, in the case of 3-D-US (ellipsoid) vs 3-D-CT it was -28% to +9%, and for 3-D-US (planimetry) vs 3-D-CT it was -21% to +9%. The concordance index kappa was 0.886, showing very good agreement between the two investigators. The intra-investigator variability was 5%. Our data show that volume measurement by use of 3-D-US in independent of the investigator. With regard to accuracy of volume measurements 3-D-US is comparable to 3-D-CT but more precise than 2-D-US. These results indicate that 3-D-US may be applied in the follow-up of tumor patients as an alternative diagnostic procedure to computer tomography. In addition 3-D-US might be useful in planning liver resections by virtue of better evaluation of the volume of the liver tissue remaining after resection and better visualization of the topography of liver tumors and major hepatic vessels.

Artificial Intelligence↗
PubMed1999

[Liver resection for non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine hepatic metastases].

Over a period of 11 years a total of 140 liver resections for non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine hepatic metastases were performed in 127 patients (73 women, 54 men; median age 53 years). There were 120 first, 14 second and 6 third liver resections. Primary tumors were: breast cancer (n = 34), leiomyosarcoma (n = 20), pancreatic cancer (n = 16), renal cell carcinoma (n = 13), melanoma (n = 9), gastric cancer (n = 9), lung cancer (n = 6) and adrenal cancer (n = 6) and miscellaneous tumors (n = 14). Extrahepatic tumor manifestation (including synchronous primary tumors) was found in 69/140 cases (49%); 61 of 120 patients with a first liver resection had extrahepatic tumor (51%). In the 120 first liver resections, 82 (68%) R0, 13 (11%) R1 and 25 (21%) R2 excisions were possible. Median survival after first liver resection was 20 months; after R0 resection a median survival of 28 months and after R1/2 resection of 8 months was achieved. The 5-year survival rate was 16% for the total group, 24% in patients with R0 resection and 0% for R1/2 resections. After a second liver resection (n = 14) there was a median survival of 28 months (5-year-survival-rate of 21%) for all patients and of 41 months (5-year survival rate 38%) after R0 resection. Morbidity and mortality after the first liver resection were 32.5% and 5.8%, respectively. In patients without extrahepatic tumor at the time of the first liver resection a median survival of 32 months (5-year survival rate 25%) and 7 months was achieved after R0 resection and R1/2 resection, respectively. In case of extrahepatic tumor the median survival was 24 months (5-year survival rate 23%) for R0 resection compared to 8 months after R1/2 resection. These data suggest that not the presence of extrahepatic tumor but rather the possibility of a R0 resection is most decisive for the prognosis after liver resection. We conclude that patients with liver metastases of non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine tumors may benefit from liver resection. Similar to colorectal metastases, a second or third liver resection can be worthwhile in selected cases. Even in more unfavorable tumor entities, several cases of long-term survival were observed after surgical therapy. Therefore, the indication for liver resection should be considered carefully in every single case.

Breast Neoplasms↗