Introduction: Multidisciplinary tumor boards (MTBs) are the standard for oncologic decision-making but require substantial time and personnel resources. Large language models (LLMs) may support MTBs by generating structured, guideline-based recommendations. We evaluated concordance between MTB decisions and LLM recommendations in newly diagnosed cholangiocellular adenocarcinoma (CCA) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Method: In this retrospective single-center study, MTB protocols from 2022-2023 were screened. After exclusions, 50 CCA and 50 HCC cases were analyzed. Institutional MTB recommendations were compared with outputs from ChatGPT and Claude using identical structured clinical summaries available at the time of MTB presentation. Agreement was assessed using Cohen's kappa, and correlation using Spearman's rank coefficient. Results: For CCA, exact concordance between MTB and ChatGPT was 80%, with substantial agreement (k = 0.688) and strong correlation (r = 0.725; both p < 0.001). Concordance with Claude was at 56%. For HCC, concordance between MTB and ChatGPT was 66%, with substantial agreement (k = 0.604) and moderate correlation (r = 0.484; both p < 0.001). Concordance with Claude was only 38%, with fair agreement (k = 0.314, p < 0.001) and weak correlation (r = 0.086, p = 0.551). Conclusions: LLM-derived recommendations varied markedly by model. ChatGPT demonstrated substantial concordance, whereas Claude showed limited agreement. MTBs appeared more individualized, while LLM outputs were more guideline-oriented. These findings highlight the potential role of LLMs as supportive tools for structured clinical reasoning and guideline adherence. Prospective multicenter studies should evaluate real-time LLM integration into MTB workflows, efficiency, decision quality, and patient outcomes safely.

BACKGROUND:Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation (PVL) for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) and selective PV embolization (PVE) are important clinical strategies in liver surgery. Even though it has been demonstrated that ALPPS induces a more rapid and expressed hypertrophy than PVL/PVE, this phenomenon is still not well understood. AIM:In the present study, we aimed to characterize enhanced regeneration patterns in a rat model. METHODS:Male Wistar rats were used (n = 84; 220-250 g). Selective PVL and ALPPS were achieved using microsurgical techniques (RML-regenerating/LML-non-regenerating). Parameters of liver regeneration, microcirculation, hepatocyte morphology, hepatocellular injury, and activation status of certain protein kinases involved in liver regeneration were investigated. RESULTS:Right median lobe (RMLs) in the ALPPS group exhibited a more significant and rapid hypertrophy compared to PVL (regeneration ratio, 1.669 ± 0.155 vs. 1.980 ± 0.189, p = 0.009, PVL vs. ALPPS). ALPPS led to a more prominent hepatocellular injury. Hypertrophy was associated with increased microcirculation of the RML and a prominent increase of hepatocellular size (300.43 ± 31.92 μm2 vs. 374.48 ± 58.34 μm2, PVL vs. ALPPS) and morphology. There was an early pAkt/Akt activation after surgery which was significantly higher in ALPPS (5 ± 2 vs. 9.7 ± 3 RQ-fold-change, p = 0.0087, PVL vs. ALPPS). CONCLUSIONS:Our results suggest that the enhanced regeneration in ALPPS is associated with characteristic changes in liver microcirculation, cell division, hepatocyte morphology, and activation of pAkt/Akt.

Background: In patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), preoperative chemotherapy may increase resectability and survival outcomes. However, cytotoxic agents can also cause chemotherapyassociated liver injury (CALI), leading to increased rates of postoperative complications. This study evaluates the association between splenic hypertrophy (SH) after preoperative chemotherapy and postoperative liverspecific complications (LSC), in patients undergoing major liver resection for CRLM. Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent major curative liver resection of CRLM following preoperative chemotherapy at the University Hospital RWTH Aachen (UH-RWTH) between 2010-2021. Patients with missing radiological images, incomplete data on chemotherapy regimens, or prior splenectomy were excluded. Volumetric measurements of the spleen were performed on preoperative computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, using segmentation software (3D-Slicer). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the optimal SH cut-off for predicting postoperative LSC. Independent risk factors of postoperative LSC were examined using logistic regression. Results: A total of 115 patients were included in the study, of which 78 (68%) received oxaliplatin as part of their preoperative chemotherapy regimen. A threshold of 8.6% SH (Youden Index =0.25) was identified as predictive of postoperative LSC. Patients with SH >8.6% (n=62) received oxaliplatin significantly more often (84% vs. 49%; P<0.001) and exhibited higher rates of liver fibrosis (72% vs. 52%, P=0.03) and LSC (63% vs. 38%, P=0.007). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified SH >8.6% as an independent risk factor Conclusions: Preoperative SH may be a valuable predictor of postoperative LSC in patients undergoing major liver resection for CRLM, following chemotherapy. Further studies are necessary to investigate the impact on a larger cohort and find preventive strategies to mitigate and treat CALI.

Colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are the predominant factor limiting survival in patients with colorectal cancer and liver resection with complete tumor removal is the best treatment option for these patients. This study examines the predictive ability of three-dimensional lung volumetry (3DLV) based on preoperative computerized tomography (CT), to predict postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing major liver resection for CRLM. Patients undergoing major curative liver resection for CRLM between 2010 and 2021 with a preoperative CT scan of the thorax within 6 weeks of surgery, were included. Total lung volume (TLV) was calculated using volumetry software 3D-Slicer version 4.11.20210226 including Chest Imaging Platform extension ( http://www.slicer.org ). The area under the curve (AUC) of a receiver-operating characteristic analysis was used to define a cut-off value of TLV, for predicting the occurrence of postoperative respiratory complications. Differences between patients with TLV below and above the cut-off were examined with Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test and Mann–Whitney U tests and logistic regression was used to determine independent risk factors for the development of respiratory complications. A total of 123 patients were included, of which 35 (29%) developed respiratory complications. A predictive ability of TLV regarding respiratory complications was shown (AUC 0.62, p = 0.036) and a cut-off value of 4500 cm3 was defined. Patients with TLV < 4500 cm3 were shown to suffer from significantly higher rates of respiratory complications (44% vs. 21%, p = 0.007) compared to the rest. Logistic regression analysis identified TLV < 4500 cm3 as an independent predictor for the occurrence of respiratory complications (odds ratio 3.777, 95% confidence intervals 1.488–9.588, p = 0.005). Preoperative 3DLV is a viable technique for prediction of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing major liver resection for CRLM. More studies in larger cohorts are necessary to further evaluate this technique.

Background Advances in immunosuppression have improved outcomes after deceased-donor liver transplantation (DDLT). However, patient factors still affect long-term survival and graft loss. This study examines the predictive value of preoperative C-reactive-protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) regarding recipient survival (RS) and graft survival (GS) after DDLT.

Patients undergoing major liver resection often suffer from significant perioperative morbidity. This study examines the ability of lung volumetry, based on preoperative computerized tomography (CT), to predict postoperative pulmonary complications after major liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Patients undergoing major liver resection for CRLM between 2010–2021 with suitable chest CT, were included. Preoperative total lung volume (TLV) was measured using 3D-Slicer version 4.11.20210226 (http://www.slicer.org). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) analyses were used to define a cut-off, for prediction of postoperative respiratory complications. Differences between groups were examined with Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. Risk factors for the development of respiratory complications were identified through logistic regression. Of 123 patients included, 35 (29%) developed respiratory complications. A good predictive ability of TLV was shown (AUC 0.62, p = 0.036), with an ideal cut-off value of 4500cm3. Patients with TLV < 4500cm3 suffered from significantly higher rates of respiratory complications (44% vs. 21%, p = 0.007), and TLV < 4500cm3 was an independent risk factor (odds ratio 3.777, 95% confidence intervals 1.488–9.588, p = 0.005). Preoperative TLV is a viable predictor of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing major liver resection for CRLM. More studies in larger cohorts are necessary to further evaluate this technique.

Machine perfusion (MP) is often referred to as one of the most promising advancements in liver transplantation research of the last few decades, with various techniques and modalities being evaluated in preclinical studies using animal models. However, low scientific rigor and subpar reporting standards lead to limited reproducibility and translational potential, hindering progress. This pre-registered systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42021234667) aimed to provide a thematic overview of the preclinical research landscape on MP in liver transplantation using in vivo transplantation models and to explore methodological and reporting standards, using the ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) score. In total 56 articles were included. Studies were evenly distributed across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Porcine models were used in 57.1% of the studies, followed by rats (39.3%) and dogs (3.6%). In terms of graft type, 55.4% of the studies used donation after cardiac death grafts, while donation after brain death grafts accounted for 37.5%. Regarding MP modalities, the distribution was as follows: 41.5% of articles utilized hypothermic MP, 21.5% normothermic MP, 13.8% subnormothermic MP, and 16.9% utilized hypothermic oxygenated MP. The stringent documentation of ARRIVE elements concerning precise experimental execution, group size and selection, the choice of statistical methods, as well as adherence to the principles of the 3Rs, was notably lacking in the majority of publications, with less than 30% providing comprehensive details. Postoperative analgesia and antibiotics treatment were not documented in 82.1% of all included studies. None of the analyzed studies fully adhered to the ARRIVE Guidelines. In conclusion, the present study emphasizes the importance of adhering to reporting standards to promote reproducibility and adequate animal welfare in preclinical studies in machine perfusion. At the same time, it highlights a clear deficiency in this field, underscoring the need for further investigations into animal welfare-related topics.

Background: While 4 randomized controlled clinical trials confirmed the early benefits of hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE), high-level evidence regarding long-term clinical outcomes is lacking. The aim of this follow-up study from the HOPE-ECD-DBD trial was to compare long-term outcomes in patients who underwent liver transplantation using extended criteria donor allografts from donation after brain death (ECD-DBD), randomized to either HOPE or static cold storage (SCS). Methods: Between September 2017 and September 2020, recipients of liver transplantation from 4 European centers receiving extended criteria donor-donation after brain death allografts were randomly assigned to HOPE or SCS (1:1). Follow-up data were available for all patients. Analyzed endpoints included the incidence of late-onset complications (occurring later than 6 months and graded according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification and the Comprehensive Complication Index) and long-term graft survival and patient survival. Results: A total of 46 patients were randomized, 23 in both arms. The median follow-up was 48 months (95% CI: 41–55). After excluding early perioperative morbidity, a significant reduction in late-onset morbidity was observed in the HOPE group (median reduction of 23 Comprehensive Complication Index-points [p=0.003] and lower incidence of major complications [Clavien-Dindo ≥3, 43% vs. 85%, p=0.009]). Primary graft loss occurred in 13 patients (HOPE n=3 vs. SCS n=10), resulting in a significantly lower overall graft survival (p=0.029) and adverse 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival probabilities in the SCS group, which did not reach the level of significance (HOPE 0.913, 0.869, 0.869 vs. SCS 0.783, 0.606, 0.519, respectively). Conclusions: Our exploratory findings indicate that HOPE reduces late-onset morbidity and improves long-term graft survival providing clinical evidence to further support the broad implementation of HOPE in human liver transplantation.

Introduction Clinical risk scores (CRS) have been developed to predict overall survival (OS), after liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). In this study, we compare 11 previously described CRS on a monocentric cohort.

Background: Various predictive scoring systems have been developed to estimate outcomes of pa-tients undergoing surgery for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). However, data regarding their effec-tiveness in recurrent CRLM (recCRLM) are very limited. Methods: Patients who underwent repeat hepatectomy for recCRLM at the University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Germany from 2010 to 2021 were included. Nine predictive scoring systems (Fong's, Nordlinger, Nagashima, RAS mutation, Tumor Burden, GAME, CERR, and Glasgow Prognostic score, Basingstoke Index) were evaluated by likelihood ratio (LR) x2, linear trend (LT) x2 and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) for their predictive value regarding overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS). Results: Among 150 patients, median RFS was 9 (2-124) months with a 5-year RFS rate of 10%. Median OS was 39 (4-131) months with a 5-year OS rate of 32%. For RFS and OS, the Nagashima score showed the best prognostic ability (LT x2 3.00, LR x2 9.39, AIC 266.66 and LT x2 2.91, LR x2 20.91, 290.36). Discussion: The Nagashima score showed the best prognostic stratification to predict recurrence as well as survival, and therefore might be considered when evaluating patients with recCRLM for repeat hepatectomy.

Der traumatisch bedingte Blutverlust ist nach wie vor mit einer hohen Mortalität assoziiert und ein wesentlicher Faktor zur Entwicklung einer „tödlichen Trias“, bestehend aus Acidose, Hypothermie und Koagulopathie. Blutungsquellen liegen v. a. im thorakalen, im abdominellen und im pelvinen Bereich sowie in den Extremitäten. Zur Blutungskontrolle gilt es, zeitnah die Blutungsquelle zu identifizieren und eine zielgerichtete Therapie einzuleiten. Grundsätzlich ist die Blutung schnellstmöglich zu stoppen und der Blutverlust auszugleichen, um so die mit einer Hämorrhagie assoziierten Komplikationen zu verhindern. Aufgrund ihrer Effizienz ist die chirurgische Intervention in der Akutsituation von besonderer Bedeutung. Der vorliegende Beitrag setzt sich mit der aktuellen Literatur bezüglich der zu treffenden diagnostischen und therapeutischen Maßnahmen im Bereich des Thorax, Abdomens, Beckens und der Extremitäten auseinander und beschreibt derzeitige Entwicklungen sowie neueste wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse. Bestehende Algorithmen werden dargestellt und die Wertigkeit verschiedener blutstillender Verfahren für den Thorax und das Abdomen aufgezeigt, wodurch v. a. abdominell zunehmend ein Organerhalt erzielt werden kann. Bezüglich der Blutstillung bei schweren Becken- und Extremitätenverletzungen werden regelhaft angewandte Techniken beschrieben und ihre Wertigkeiten differenzierend eingeordnet.

Trauma-related blood loss is still associated with a high mortality and is a major factor in the development of a deadly triad consisting of acidosis, hypothermia and coagulopathy. Sources of bleeding occur particularly in the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic regions as well as in the extremities. For control of bleeding a timely identification of the source of bleeding and the initiation of a targeted treatment are essential. The principles are to stop the blood loss as soon as possible and to restore the lost volume to avoid the complications associated with traumatic hemorrhage. Surgical treatment in the acute situation is especially important due to its efficiency. The present article focuses on the current literature with respect to the appropriate diagnostic and treatment measures in the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic regions as well as the extremities and describes the latest scientific insights and developments. Available trauma algorithms are presented and the value of various strategies regarding surgical hemostasis for the thorax and abdomen are shown, whereby organ preservation can increasingly be achieved, particularly in the abdomen. With respect to hemostasis in severe pelvic injuries and injuries to the extremities, the regularly used surgical techniques are described and their values are differentially classified.

BACKGROUND:Liver transplantation (LT) has become the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD). The organ shortage forced clinicians to use livers from donors with certain risk factors, so-called extended-criteria donor (ECD) organs. Hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE) is an alternative to conventional static cold storage and reduces early allograft injury in ECD organs. In this article we present the case of a 45-year-old man with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent successful liver transplantation supported by pretransplant hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE) from a 34-year-old extended-criteria donor (ECD) with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome. CASE REPORT:Liver transplantation was scheduled for a 45-year-old man with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to hepatitis B virus-induced liver cirrhosis. The organ donor was a 34-year-old woman who had developed intracerebral hemorrhage and brain death due to HELLP syndrome after delivery. Compared to the day of admission to the intensive care unit, a decrease in the donor’s transaminases was observed prior to organ procurement. Before transplantation, HOPE was conducted after regular back-table preparation of the graft. LT was performed according to the standard surgical techniques and a standardized immunosuppressive regimen was conducted. In the post-transplant period, transaminases peaked directly after the operation and normalized after 1 week. No major surgical complications occurred. The patient was discharged after a 24-day hospital stay with normal liver function. CONCLUSIONS:This case report supports the benefits of using HOPE in ECD organs and it should be considered in livers of donors with HELLP syndrome to improve post-transplant outcome.

Atherosclerosis affects clinical outcomes in the setting of major surgery. Here we aimed to investigate the prognostic role of visceral aortic (VAC), extended visceral aortic (VAC+), and celiac artery calcification (CAC) in the assessment of short- and long-term outcomes following deceased donor orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in a western European cohort. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 281 consecutive recipients who underwent OLT at a German university medical center (05/2010–03/2020). The parameters VAC, VAC+, or CAC were evaluated by preoperative computed tomography-based calcium quantification according to the Agatston score. Significant VAC or CAC were associated with impaired postoperative renal function (p = 0.0016; p = 0.0211). Patients with VAC suffered more frequently from early allograft dysfunction (EAD) (38 vs 26 CT computed tomography, OLT orthotopic liver transplantation