Outcome after ex situ or ante situm liver resection with hypothermic perfusion and auto‐transplantation: A single‐centre experience in adult and paediatric patients

Abstract Background Evolving surgical technology and medical treatment have led to an expansion of indications to enable resection of large hepatic tumours with involvement of other abdominal structures. Methods Twelve extended liver and abdominal resections, either ex situ with auto‐transplantation of the liver remnant or ante situm with veno‐venous bypass (VVBP) were performed between 2016 and 2018. We describe our preoperative assessment, compare surgical strategies and assess outcomes. Results The median age of the 10 adult patients was 50.5 years with a majority suffering from sarcoma‐like tumours. The two paediatric patients were 3 and 8 years of age, both with hepatoblastoma. Two patients underwent ex situ resections with auto‐transplantation of the liver remnant, and nine patients had ante situm tumour removal with the use of VVBP in four. All patients achieved a good immediate liver function. Local infection and acute kidney injury were found in two patients. One patient underwent biliary reconstruction for bile leak. Tumour recurrence was seen in seven patients (58.3%), with four lung metastases. Five patients died from tumour recurrence (41.7%) during the follow‐up. Conclusion Extreme liver resections should be performed in experienced centres, where surgical subspecialties are available with access to cardiovascular support. Additionally, experience in split and living‐donor liver transplantation is beneficial.