Minimally Invasive ALPPS Procedure: A Review of Feasibility and Short-Term Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Associated liver partition with portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) represents a recent strategy to improve resectability of extensive hepatic malignancies. Recent surgical advances, such as the application of technical variants and use of a mini-invasive approach (MI-ALPPS), have been proposed to improve clinical outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality. Methods: A total of 119 MI-ALPPS cases from 6 series were identified and discussed to evaluate the feasibility of the procedure and short-term clinical outcomes. Results: Hepatocellular carcinoma were widely the most common indication for MI-ALPPS. The median estimated blood loss was 260 mL during Stage 1 and 1625 mL in Stage 2. The median length of the procedures was 230 min in Stage 1 and 184 in Stage 2. The median increase ratio of future liver remnant volume was 87.8%. The median major morbidity was 8.14% in Stage 1 and 23.39 in Stage 2. The mortality rate was 0.6%. Conclusions: MI-ALPPS appears to be a feasible and safe procedure, with potentially better short-term outcomes in terms of blood loss, morbidity, and mortality rate if compared with those of open series.