The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Liver regeneration following experimental major hepatectomy with choledochojejunostomy. BJS 2015; 102: 1410-1417.

Published: 27th August 2015

Authors: T. Takagi, Y. Yokoyama, T. Kokuryo, J. Yamaguchi, M. Nagino

Background

Surgical treatment for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma frequently involves hepatectomy and extrahepatic bile duct resection with a choledochojejunostomy (CJ). Cholangitis owing to bilioenteric anastomosis is a common complication. The impact of CJ or regurgitating cholangitis on the liver regeneration process after major hepatectomy is unknown.

Method

Rats underwent 70 per cent hepatectomy (Hx group) or hepatectomy with CJ (Hx + CJ group). The intrahepatic inflammatory response, hepatic regeneration rate, and expression of regeneration‐associated genes in the liver and blood were compared between these two groups.

Results

Levels of hepatobiliary markers in the blood were significantly higher 4 and 7 days after operation in the Hx + CJ group than the Hx group. Intrahepatic expression of inflammation‐associated genes, such as interleukin 6 and tumour necrosis factor α, was also significantly higher in the Hx + CJ group on days 4 and 7. A progressive periportal inflammatory response was identified in the Hx + CJ group by histological examination. The hepatic regeneration rate was significantly lower in the Hx + CJ group than in the Hx group on day 2 (mean(s.d.) 14·2(6·3) versus 21·4(2·6) per cent; P = 0·013) and day 4 (32·4(5·3) versus 41·3(4·4) per cent; P = 0·004). Gene expression levels of hepatic regeneration‐promoting factors such as hepatocyte growth factor were significantly lower in the Hx + CJ group than the Hx group on day 1.

Conclusion

CJ perturbs early liver regeneration after hepatectomy. An excessive inflammatory response in the liver and suppression of liver regeneration‐associated factors may play a role.

Surgical relevance

Patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma may need major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection and choledochojejunostomy. This carries a substantial risk of postoperative complications including liver failure.

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