Cornerstones and divergencies in the implementation and use of liver hypertrophy techniques: results from a nationwide survey for the set-up of the prospective registry

BackgroundThe aim of this national survey on liver hypertrophy techniques was to track the trends of their use and implementation in Italy and to detect analogies and heterogeneities among centers.MethodsIn December 2022, Italian centers with liver resection activity were specifically contacted and asked to fill an online questionnaire composed of 6 sections including a total of 51 questions.Results46 Italian centers filled the questionnaire. The proportion of major/total number of liver resections was 27% and the use of hypertrophy techniques was required in 6,2% of cases. The most frequent reason of drop out was disease progression in 58.5% of cases. Most frequently used techniques were PVE and ALPPS with an increasing use of hepatic venous deprivation (HVD).Heterogeneous answers were provided regarding the cutoff values to indicate the need for hypertrophy techniques. Criteria to allocate a patient to different hypertrophy techniques are not standardized.Results46 Italian centers filled the questionnaire. The proportion of major/total number of liver resections was 27% and the use of hypertrophy techniques was required in 6,2% of cases. The most frequent reason of drop out was disease progression in 58.5% of cases. Most frequently used techniques were PVE and ALPPS with an increasing use of hepatic venous deprivation (HVD).Heterogeneous answers were provided regarding the cutoff values to indicate the need for hypertrophy techniques. Criteria to allocate a patient to different hypertrophy techniques are not standardized.ConclusionsThe use of hypertrophy techniques is deep-rooted in Italy, documenting the established value of their role in improving resectability rate. While an evolution of techniques is detectable, still significant heterogeneity is perceived in terms of cutoff values, indications and managing protocols.