The HPB controversy of the decade: 2007–2017 – Ten years of ALPPS

Ten years ago the first patient underwent Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy (ALPPS). This report aimed to critically review literature on ALPPS in terms of methods, outcomes, and bias. In total, 237 English papers on ALPPS were identified, 75 (32%) were letters and 43 (18%) case-reports. Forty-nine single-center series reported a median 10 patients, with 0–69% morbidity and 0–50% mortality. The indications for ALPPS were reported in 35% and 47% reported on modifications. Twenty-three multicenter series included a median 45 patients. Some reports excluded up to 399 cases. 26% reported on the indications and 35% on ALPPS modifications. Across journals, variation in positive and negative conclusions on ALPPS was observed. Ten years of ALPPS have resulted in diverse publications with a high concern of bias. Although one randomized study has been published, a more critical approach towards retrospective methodology is needed to allow pragmatic conclusions for HPB-surgeons.