Efficacy of S-1 Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Resected Biliary Tract Cancer: A Retrospective Propensity-Matched Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Surgical resection is considered an effective cure for biliary tract cancer (BTC); however, the prognosis is unsatisfactory despite improved surgical techniques and perioperative management. The recurrence rate remains high even after curative resection. The efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy in pancreatic and gastric cancers has been previously reported, and the feasibility of adjuvant therapy with S-1 has recently been reported in patients with resected BTC. We aimed to retrospectively investigate the effects of adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 on resected advanced BTC.

METHODS

We included data from 438 BTC patients who underwent resection between 2001 and 2020. After excluding patients with pTis-pT1 (n = 112) and other exclusion criteria, 266 patients were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

After propensity score matching, 48 patients received S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy (S-1 group), and 48 patients received non-S1 adjuvant chemotherapy or underwent surgery alone (Non-S-1 group). The patients in the S-1 group had significantly better overall survival (OS) than those in the non-S-1 group (MST 51 vs 37 months, hazard ratio [HR]:.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]:.30-.98, P = .04). The S-1 group had a significantly better recurrence-free survival (RFS) than the non-S-1 group (94 vs 21 months, HR: .57, 95% CI: .33-.97, P = .03). Subgroup analyses for OS and RFS exhibited the benefits of S-1 in patients aged <75 years and in patients with primary sites of extrahepatic and perineural invasion and curability of R0.

DISCUSSION

S-1 adjuvant therapy is promising for improving the postoperative survival of patients with resected advanced BTC, positive nerve invasion, and R0 resection.

Spontaneous rupture of splenic hilar lymph node metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma

Spontaneous rupture of a primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequently observed and fatal complication. However, the rupture of lymph node (LN) metastases from HCC is rare. A 79 year-old male with hepatitis B underwent three liver resections for HCC. Two years and 6 months after the last liver resection, enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a nodule with a diameter of 3 cm in the lower pole of the spleen. Splenic metastasis of HCC was suspected, and splenectomy was scheduled. During our hospital stay for a urinary tract infection before the scheduled operation, he complained of acute left-sided abdominal pain, and CT showed intra-abdominal hemorrhage due to rupture of the splenic tumor. Emergency splenectomy was performed, and the postoperative course was uneventful. Histopathological examination revealed a poorly differentiated HCC in the lower splenic pole lesion, which contained LN structures. The ruptured lesion was diagnosed as splenic hilar LN metastasis of HCC. Although laparoscopic partial liver resection was performed for intrahepatic recurrence, and atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy was administered for peritoneal metastases, the patient was alive 25 months after the splenectomy. Our case suggests that emergency surgery for LN metastatic rupture can achieve hemostasis and lead to improved survival outcomes.

The Albumin-bilirubin Grade as Prognostic Indicator for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma Needing Repeat Liver Resection

BACKGROUND/AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the utility of the albumin-bilirubin grade for predicting the prognosis after repeat liver resection for patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety patients with intrahepatic recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent repeat liver resection at our institution between 2005 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Cox proportional-hazards regression models evaluated independent preoperative prognostic factors, including the albumin-bilirubin grade. Prognosis differences between patients with albumin-bilirubin grades 1 and 2 were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis revealed that albumin-bilirubin grade 2 (p=0.003) and early recurrence within one year from the initial surgery (p=0.001) were independently associated with poor recurrence-free survival, and albumin-bilirubin grade 2 (p=0.020) was independently associated with poor overall survival. The five-year recurrence-free (31% and 17%, respectively) and overall (86% and 60%, respectively) survival rates after repeat liver resection for patients with albumin-bilirubin grades 1 and 2 were significantly different between groups (both p=0.003).

CONCLUSION

The albumin-bilirubin grade is useful for preoperatively predicting favorable survival rates after repeat liver resection for patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients with an albumin-bilirubin grade 1 are better candidates for surgical treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma.

Current Roles of Ramucirumab in the Sequential Treatment of Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIM

The treatment algorithm for systemic therapies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has changed dramatically; however, the therapeutic landscape for sequential second-line or later-line treatments, including ramucirumab, remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the role of ramucirumab for treating HCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from 17 patients with advanced HCC who received ramucirumab, and 8 of them who received lenvatinib re-administration after ramucirumab treatment failure.

RESULTS

The median overall survival of 17 patients treated with ramucirumab was 11.5 months. The median ratios of the 1-month post-treatment α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) scores to the pre-treatment AFP levels and ALBI scores following ramucirumab treatment were 0.880 and 0.965, respectively. The median ratios of the 1-month post-treatment AFP and ALBI levels to the pre-treatment levels were 1.587 and 0.970 for mALBI grade 1/2a, and 1.313 and 0.936 for mALBI grade 2b/3, respectively. Six of the eight patients who received lenvatinib rechallenge treatment exhibited a decrease in AFP levels one month post-lenvatinib treatment. Deterioration of liver function 3 months post-lenvatinib treatment was noted in five of the eight patients who received lenvatinib rechallenge treatment after ramucirumab.

CONCLUSION

Ramucirumab may be equally useful in patients with unresectable HCC who have poor liver function or whose liver function is aggravated by other therapies. Rechallenge treatment with lenvatinib after ramucirumab may be a valid treatment option for HCC.

Optimal cutoff values of drain amylase for predicting pancreatic fistula are different between open and laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

Drainage fluid amylase (DFA) is useful for predicting clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after distal pancreatectomy (DP). However, difference in optimal cutoff value of DFA for predicting CR-POPF between open DP (ODP) and laparoscopic DP (LDP) has not been investigated. This study aimed to identify the optimal cutoff values of DFA for predicting CR-POPF after ODP and LDP.

METHODS

Data for 294 patients (ODP, n = 127; LDP, n = 167) undergoing DP at Kobe University Hospital between 2010 and 2021 were reviewed. Propensity score matching was performed to minimize treatment selection bias. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the optimal cutoff values of DFA for predicting CR-POPF for ODP and LDP. Logistic regression analysis for CR-POPF was performed to investigate the diagnostic value of DFA on postoperative day (POD) three with identified cutoff value.

RESULTS

In the matched cohort, CR-POPF rates were 24.7% and 7.9% after ODP and LDP, respectively. DFA on POD one was significantly lower after ODP than after LDP (2263 U/L vs 4243 U/L, p < 0.001), while the difference was not significant on POD three (543 U/L vs 1221 U/L, p = 0.171). ROC analysis revealed that the optimal cutoff value of DFA on POD one and three for predicting CR-POPF were different between ODP and LDP (ODP, 3697 U/L on POD one, 1114 U/L on POD three; LDP, 10564 U/L on POD one, 6020 U/L on POD three). Multivariate analysis showed that DFA on POD three with identified cutoff value was the independent predictor for CR-POPF both for ODP and LDP.

CONCLUSIONS

DFA on POD three is an independent predictor for CR-POPF after both ODP and LDP. However, the optimal cutoff value for it is significantly higher after LDP than after ODP. Optimal threshold of DFA for drain removal may be different between ODP and LDP.

Novel concept of "sequential particle radiotherapy" with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus

Owing to the high objective response rate of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atez/Bev) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the concept of sequential conversion to local treatment has recently become mainstream. The conversion concept is mainly applied to Barcelona Clinic for Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B cases, and radiotherapy is rarely considered as a conversion local treatment. We herein report three patients who were treated with the novel concept of "sequential particle radiotherapy," consisting of Atez/Bev therapy followed by particle radiotherapy (PRT) for HCC with advanced portal vein tumor thrombus (Vp3/4 PVTT). All patients achieved partial response radiologically and were switched to PRT. All patients were recurrence free at 1 year after the introduction of Atez/Bev therapy without any additional treatment. This upcoming combination strategy includes the advocacy of sequential concepts for BCLC stage C cases and the introduction of PRT as a local treatment after Atez/Bev.

Utility of plasma D-dimer for diagnosis of venous thromboembolism after hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potentially fatal complication of hepatectomy. The use of postoperative prophylactic anticoagulation in patients who have undergone hepatectomy is controversial because of the risk of postoperative bleeding. Therefore, we hypothesized that monitoring plasma D-dimer could be useful in the early diagnosis of VTE after hepatectomy.

AIM

To evaluate the utility of monitoring plasma D-dimer levels in the early diagnosis of VTE after hepatectomy.

METHODS

The medical records of patients who underwent hepatectomy at our institution between January 2017 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not they developed VTE after hepatectomy, as diagnosed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography and/or ultrasonography of the lower extremities. Clinicopathological factors, including demographic data and perioperative D-dimer values, were compared between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the D-dimer cutoff value. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression analysis to identify significant predictors.

RESULTS

In total, 234 patients who underwent hepatectomy were, of whom (5.6%) were diagnosed with VTE following hepatectomy. A comparison between the two groups showed significant differences in operative time (529 vs 403 min, P = 0.0274) and blood loss (530 vs 138 mL, P = 0.0067). The D-dimer levels on postoperative days (POD) 1, 3, 5, 7 were significantly higher in the VTE group than in the non-VTE group. In the multivariate analysis, intraoperative blood loss of > 275 mL [odds ratio (OR) = 5.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-27.0, P = 0.044] and plasma D-dimer levels on POD 5 ≥ 21 μg/mL (OR = 10.1, 95%CI: 2.04-50.1, P = 0.0046) were independent risk factors for VTE after hepatectomy.

CONCLUSION

Monitoring of plasma D-dimer levels after hepatectomy is useful for early diagnosis of VTE and may avoid routine prophylactic anticoagulation in the postoperative period.

A Novel Method Using Gadolinium-Ethoxybenzyl Diethylenetriamine Pentaacetate Acid-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Predicting Post-Hepatectomy Liver Failure in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with a Major Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus

INTRODUCTION

The usefulness of gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetate acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI) in assessing the functional future remnant liver volume (fFRLV) to predict post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) has been previously reported. Herein, we evaluated the efficacy of this technique in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a major portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT).

METHODS

This study included 21 patients with PVTT in the ipsilateral first-order branch (Vp3) and 30 patients with PVTT in the main trunk/contralateral branch (Vp4). To evaluate fFRLV, the signal intensity (SI) of the remnant liver was determined on T1-weighted images, using both conventional and newly developed methods. The fFRLV was calculated using the SI of the remnant liver and muscle, remnant liver volume, and body surface area. Preoperative factors predicting PHLF (≥grade B) in HCC patients with Vp3/4 PVTT were evaluated.

RESULTS

In the Vp3 group, we found fFRLV area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUCs) above 0.70 (AUC = 0.875, 0.750) using EOB-MRI results calculated using either the plot or whole method. None of the parameters in the Vp4 group had an AUC greater than 0.70.

CONCLUSION

The fFRLV calculated by EOB-MRI using the whole method can be as useful as the conventional method in predicting PHLF (≥grade B) for HCC patients with Vp3 PVTT.

Potential Role of Surgical Resection for Gallbladder Cancer in Elderly Patients

INTRODUCTION

With the aging of the population in Japan, gallbladder cancer (GBC) in the elderly is increasing. However, the available clinical data are limited, and the optimal treatment is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of surgical resection in GBC patients ≥75 years of age.

METHODS

A retrospective single center analysis of patients who had undergone surgical resection for GBC between 2000 and 2019 was carried out. Patients aged ≥75 years (elderly group, n = 24) or <75 years (younger group, n = 50) were compared.

RESULTS

Both younger and elderly patients exhibited similar clinicopathological characteristics, but comorbidity in the latter was significantly greater, as was the frequency of less invasive surgery. Nonetheless, the incidence of postoperative complications was similar in elderly and younger patients. The proportion of patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy was lower in the elderly. Overall survival of elderly and younger patients was not significantly different (65.0 vs 62.4% at 5 years, P = .600). In multivariate analysis, residual tumor status but not age was an independent prognostic factor.

DISCUSSION

This study demonstrated that appropriate surgical treatment of elderly GBC patients was safe and effective, despite their having more comorbidities and lower rates of adjuvant chemotherapy than younger patients.

Impact of GLIM criteria-based malnutrition diagnosis on outcomes following liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM), comprising several of the major global clinical nutrition societies, suggested the world's first criteria for diagnosis of the severity of malnutrition. However, the impact of the resulting diagnosis on patient outcomes for those with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following liver resection (LR) has not been investigated.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 293 patients with HCC who underwent LR between January 2011 and December 2018 was performed. We compared overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) and evaluated prognostic factors after LR using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

RESULTS

Preoperative patient nutritional status, n (%), was classified as follows: normal, 130 (44%), moderate malnutrition, 116 (40%), and severe malnutrition, 47 (16%). The median OS (129 vs. 43 months, p < 0.001) and median RFS (54 vs. 20 months, p = 0.001) were significantly greater in the normal group than in the severe malnutrition group. Multivariate analysis showed that severe malnutrition was a significant risk factor for OS (p = 0.006) and RFS (p = 0.010) after initial LR.

CONCLUSION

Severe malnutrition, as diagnosed by the GLIM criteria, is a significant prognostic factor for survival and recurrence in patients with HCC after LR.

Transarterial chemoembolization for liver metastases of a pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm: a single-center experience

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is performed for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PanNEN) liver metastases; however, the safety and efficacy of TACE procedures, especially for patients who have undergone previous pancreatic surgery, have not been established. We reviewed 48 TACE procedures (1-6 procedures/patient) performed on 11 patients with PanNEN liver metastases, including 16 TACE procedures (4-6 procedures/patient) for 3 patients with a history of biliary-enteric anastomosis. The overall tumor objective response rate was 94%. The incidence of Clavien‒Dindo grade ≥ 2 complications was 1/16 (6%) and 1/32 (3%), and the median time to untreatable progression was 31 (14-41) and 27 (2-60) months among patients with and without a history of biliary-enteric anastomosis, respectively. Although validation is needed in future studies, our experiences have shown that TACE treatment is a viable treatment option for PanNEN liver metastases, even after biliary-enteric anastomosis with experienced teams and careful patient follow-up.

[A Case of Ampullary Carcinoma with Celiac Axis Stenosis That Underwent Pancreaticoduodenectomy and Arterial Reconstruction]

A 72-year-old male patient presented with obstructive jaundice and was diagnosed with ampullary carcinoma. Contrast- enhanced computed tomography(CT)showed stenosis of the common hepatic artery and dilatation of the pancreaticoduodenal arcade(PDA)due to celiac axis stenosis(CAS)at the origin, suggesting that hepatic artery blood flow was supplied from the superior mesenteric artery via the PDA. Since calcification of the arterial wall was observed at the origin of the celiac artery(CA), the cause of the CAS was diagnosed as atherosclerotic. An intraoperative gastroduodenal artery(GDA) clamp test showed no obvious decrease in hepatic arterial blood flow. However, because of concerns about the postoperative patency of the CA, an inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery-GDA bypass using the left great saphenous vein and subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. When pancreaticoduodenectomy is performed in patients with atherosclerotic CAS, this arterial reconstruction method can be considered as an option.

Efficacy and safety of laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in segment 8: a propensity score-matched two-center study

BACKGROUND

The safety and efficacy of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) have been reported worldwide. However, those of LLR for tumors located in Couinaud's segment 8 are not sufficiently investigated.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 108 patients who underwent liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in segment 8 at Kobe University Hospital and Hyogo Cancer Center between January 2010 and December 2021. The patients were categorized in LLR and open liver resection (OLR) groups, and 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to compare surgical outcomes between the groups.

RESULTS

Forty-seven and 61 patients underwent LLR and OLR, respectively. After PSM, each group contained 34 patients. There was no significant difference in operation time between the groups (331 min vs. 330 min, P = 0.844). Patients in the LLR group had significantly less blood loss (30 mL vs. 468 mL, P < 0.001) and shorter length of postoperative hospital stay (10 days vs. 12 days, P = 0.015) than those in the OLR group. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of postoperative complications between the groups (12% vs. 9%, P = 0.690). Further, the 1-year cumulative incidence of recurrence was not significantly different between the groups (16% vs. 19%, P = 0.734).

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical outcomes and short-term prognosis of LLR were similar or better than those of OLR. LLR could be an effective and safe procedure, even for lesions located in segment 8, which is considered a difficult anatomical location for LLR.

Clinical impact of spacer placement surgery with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sheet for particle therapy

BACKGROUND

Spacer placement surgery is useful in particle therapy (PT) for patients with abdominopelvic malignant tumors located adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to assess the safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of spacer placement surgery using an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) spacer.

METHODS

This study included 131 patients who underwent ePTFE spacer placement surgery and subsequent PT between September 2006 and June 2019. The overall survival (OS) and local control (LC) rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier method. Spacer-related complications were classified according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 5.0).

RESULTS

The median follow-up period after spacer placement surgery was 36.8 months. The 3-year estimated OS and LC rates were 60.5% and 76.5%, respectively. A total of 130 patients (99.2%) were able to complete PT. Spacer-related complications of ≥ grade 3 were observed in four patients (3.1%) in the acute phase and 13 patients (9.9%) in the late phase. Ten patients (7.6%) required removal of the ePTFE spacer.

CONCLUSIONS

Spacer placement surgery using an ePTFE spacer for abdominopelvic malignant tumors is technically feasible and acceptable for subsequent PT. However, severe spacer-related late complications were observed in some patients. Since long-term placement of a non-absorbable ePTFE spacer is associated with risks for morbidity and infection, careful long-term follow-up and prompt therapeutic intervention are essential when complications associated with the ePTFE spacer occur.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

retrospectively registered.

Histological diagnosis of polyploidy discriminates an aggressive subset of hepatocellular carcinomas with poor prognosis

BACKGROUND

Although genome duplication, or polyploidization, is believed to drive cancer evolution and affect tumor features, its significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. We aimed to determine the characteristics of polyploid HCCs by evaluating chromosome duplication and to discover surrogate markers to discriminate polyploid HCCs.

METHODS

The ploidy in human HCC was assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization for multiple chromosomes. Clinicopathological and expression features were compared between polyploid and near-diploid HCCs. Markers indicating polyploid HCC were explored by transcriptome analysis of cultured HCC cells.

RESULTS

Polyploidy was detected in 36% (20/56) of HCCs and discriminated an aggressive subset of HCC that typically showed high serum alpha-fetoprotein, poor differentiation, and poor prognosis compared to near-diploid HCCs. Molecular subtyping revealed that polyploid HCCs highly expressed alpha-fetoprotein but did not necessarily show progenitor features. Histological examination revealed abundant polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) with a distinct appearance and frequent macrotrabecular-massive architecture in polyploid HCCs. Notably, the abundance of PGCCs and overexpression of ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes 2C indicated polyploidy in HCC and efficiently predicted poor prognosis in combination.

CONCLUSIONS

Histological diagnosis of polyploidy using surrogate markers discriminates an aggressive subset of HCC, apart from known HCC subgroups, and predict poor prognosis in HCC.

The Usefulness of Total Tumor Volume as a Prognostic Factor and in Selecting the Optimal Treatment Strategy of Chemotherapeutic Intervention in Patients with Colorectal Liver Metastases

BACKGROUND

Few reports have discussed the association between total tumor volume (TTV) and prognosis in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). The present study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of TTV for predicting recurrence-free survival and overall survival (OS) in patients receiving initial hepatic resection or chemotherapy, and to investigate the value of TTV as an indicator for optimal treatment selection for patients with CRLM.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients with CRLM who underwent hepatic resection (n = 93) or chemotherapy (n = 78) at the Kobe University Hospital. TTV was measured using 3D construction software and computed tomography images.

RESULTS

A TTV of 100 cm3 has been previously reported as a significant cut-off value for predicting OS of CRLM patients receiving initial hepatic resection. For patients receiving hepatic resection, the OS for those with a TTV ≥ 100 cm3 was significantly reduced compared with those with a TTV < 100 cm3. For patients receiving initial chemotherapy, there were no significant differences between the groups divided according to TTV cut-offs. Regarding OS of patients with TTV ≥ 100 cm3, there was no significant difference between hepatic resection and chemotherapy (p = 0.160).

CONCLUSIONS

TTV can be a predictive factor of OS for hepatic resection, unlike for initial chemotherapy treatment. The lack of significant difference in OS for CRLM patients with TTV ≥ 100 cm3, regardless of initial treatment, suggests that chemotherapeutic intervention preceding hepatic resection may be indicated for such patients.

Risk Factors for Recurrence of Cholangitis After Pancreaticoduodenectomy and Comparison of Stents in Hepaticojejunostomy

BACKGROUND

Postoperative cholangitis is a common complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy. Frequent cholangitis impairs patients' quality of life after pancreaticoduodenectomy. However, the risk factors for recurrence of cholangitis remain unclear. Hence, this retrospective study aimed to identify risk factors for recurrence of cholangitis after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

METHODS

The medical records of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2015 and 2019 in our institution were retrospectively reviewed. At least two episodes of cholangitis a year after pancreaticoduodenectomy were defined as 'recurrence of cholangitis' in the present study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The recurrence of cholangitis occurred in 40 of 207 patients (19.3%). Multivariate analysis revealed that internal stent (external, RR: 2.16, P = 0.026; none, RR: 4.76, P = 0.011), firm pancreas (RR: 2.61, P = 0.021), constipation (RR: 3.49, P = 0.008), and postoperative total bilirubin>1.7 mg/dL (RR: 2.94, P = 0.006) were risk factors of recurrence of cholangitis. Among patients with internal stents (n = 54), those with remnant stents beyond 5 months had more frequent recurrence of cholangitis (≥5 months, 75%; <5 months, 30%).

CONCLUSIONS

Internal stents, firm pancreas, constipation, and postoperative high bilirubin levels are risk factors for cholangitis recurrence after pancreaticoduodenectomy. In addition, the long-term implantation of internal stents may trigger cholangitis recurrence.

Advantages of the Laparoscopic Approach for the Initial Operation in Patients who Underwent Repeat Hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Less intra-abdominal adhesions are expected following laparoscopic surgery. Although an initial laparoscopic approach for primary liver tumors may have advantages in patients who require repeat hepatectomies for recurrent liver tumors, this has not been sufficiently investigated.

METHODS

Patients who underwent repeat hepatectomies for recurrent liver tumors at our hospital between 2010 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Of 127 patients, 76 underwent laparoscopic repeat hepatectomy (LRH), of whom 34 patients initially underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy (L-LRH) and 42, open hepatectomy (O-LRH). Fifty-one patients underwent open hepatectomy as both the initial and second operation (O-ORH). We analyzed surgical outcomes between L-LRH and O-LRH groups and between L-LRH and O-ORH groups using propensity-matching analysis for each pattern.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients each were included in L-LRH and O-LRH propensity-matched cohorts. The L-LRH group had a lower rate of postoperative complications than the O-LRH group (0 vs 19%, P = 0.036). When we compared surgical outcomes between L-LRH and O-ORH groups in another matched cohort with 18 patients in each group, in addition to the lower rate of postoperative complications, the L-LRH group had additional favorable surgical outcomes including shorter operation time and lower blood loss volume than the O-ORH group (291 vs 368 min, P = 0.037 and 10 vs 485 mL, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

An initial laparoscopic approach would be favorable for patients undergoing repeat hepatectomies, as it leads to lower risk of postoperative complications. Compared with O-ORH, the advantage of the laparoscopic approach may be enhanced when it is repeatedly adopted.

Prognostic Impact of Malnutrition Diagnosed by the GLIM Criteria for Resected Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIM

Recently, the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM), which includes the world's leading clinical nutrition societies, proposed the first global diagnostic criteria for malnutrition. However, the association between malnutrition diagnosed by the GLIM criteria and prognosis in patients with resected extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC) remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the predictive validity of the GLIM criteria for the prognosis of patients with resected ECC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2000 and 2020, 166 patients who underwent curative-intent resection for ECC were retrospectively analyzed. Prognostic significance of preoperative malnutrition diagnosed by the GLIM criteria was investigated using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

Eighty-five (51.2%) and 46 (27.7%) patients were diagnosed with moderate and severe malnutrition, respectively. Increased malnutrition severity tended to be correlated with increased lymph node metastasis rate (p-for-trend=0.0381). The severe malnutrition group had worse 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates than the normal (without malnutrition) group (82.2% vs. 91.2%, 45.6% vs. 65.1%, 29.3% vs. 61.5%, respectively, p=0.0159). In multivariate analysis, preoperative severe malnutrition was an independent predictor for poor prognosis (hazard ratio=1.68, 95% confidence interval=1.06-2.66, p=0.0282), along with intraoperative blood loss >1,000 ml, lymph node metastasis, perineural invasion, and curability.

CONCLUSION

Severe preoperative malnutrition diagnosed by the GLIM criteria was associated with poor prognosis in patients who underwent curative-intent resection for ECC.

Factors Predicting Over-Time Weight Increase After Liver Transplantation: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Post-transplantation weight control is important for long-term outcomes; however, few reports have examined postoperative weight change. This study aimed to identify perioperative factors contributing to post-transplantation weight change.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients who underwent liver transplantation between 2015 and 2019 with an overall survival of >3 years were analyzed.

RESULTS

The median age, model for end-stage liver disease score, and preoperative body mass index (BMI) of the recipients were 57, 25, and 23.7, respectively. Although all but one recipient lost weight, the percentage of recipients who gained weight increased to 55% (1 month), 72% (6 months), and 83% (12 months). Among perioperative factors, recipient age ≤50 years and BMI ≤25 were identified as risk factors for weight gain within 12 months (P < .05), and patients with age ≤50 years or BMI ≤25 recipients gained weight more rapidly (P < .05). The recovery time of serum albumin level ≥4.0 mg/dL was not statistically different between the 2 groups. The weight change during the first 3 years after discharge was represented by an approximately straight line, with 18 and 11 recipients showing a positive and negative slope, respectively. Body mass index ≤23 was identified as a risk factor for a positive slope of weight gain (P <.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although postoperative weight gain implies recovery after transplantation, recipients with a lower preoperative BMI should strictly manage body weight as they may be at higher risk of rapid weight increase.

Hepatectomy versus sorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with macroscopic portal vein tumor thrombus: A bi-institutional propensity-matched cohort study

AIM

Sorafenib was previously considered a first-line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with macroscopic portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). This case-matched analysis was performed to evaluate the best first-line treatment for HCC in patients with macroscopic PVTT.

METHODS

The HCC patients with Vp2 (PVTT invaded into a second-order portal branch), Vp3 (first-order portal branch), and Vp4 (main trunk or contralateral portal vein) PVTT who underwent hepatectomy and those treated with sorafenib were included. Treatment results were compared between the two modalities for each PVTT category, and a propensity analysis was performed for patients with Vp3 and Vp4 (Vp3/4).

RESULTS

The median survival times (MSTs) of patients with Vp2, Vp3, and Vp4 PVTT who underwent hepatectomy were 21.4, 13.6, and 14.9 months, respectively; the MSTs for those with Vp2, Vp3, and Vp4 PVTT who received sorafenib treatment were 6.9, 5.5, and 3.6 months, respectively, with a significant difference. In a propensity-matched cohort of patients with Vp3/4 PVTT (36 patients in each), the MST of patients who underwent hepatectomy (15.1 months) was significantly better than the patients treated with sorafenib (4.5 months).

CONCLUSION

Hepatectomy can be associated with prolonged survival in HCC patients with macroscopic PVTT.

Reappraisal of Malignant Risk Assessment for Small (≤20 mm) Non-functioning Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

BACKGROUND

Optimal management of non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) ≤20 mm is controversial. The biological heterogeneity of these tumors poses challenges when deciding between resection and observation.

METHODS

In this multicenter, retrospective cohort study, we analyzed all patients (n = 78) who underwent resection of non-functioning PanNETs ≤20 mm at three tertiary medical centers from 2004 to 2020 to assess the utility of preoperatively available radiological features and serological biomarkers of non-functioning PanNETs in choosing an optimal surgical indication. The radiological features included non-hyper-attenuation pattern on enhancement computed tomography (CT; hetero/hypo-attenuation) and main pancreatic duct (MPD) involvement, and serological biomarkers included elevation of serum elastase 1 and plasma chromogranin A (CgA) levels.

RESULTS

Of all small non-functioning PanNETs, 5/78 (6%) had lymph node metastasis, 11/76 (14%) were WHO grade II, and 9/66 (14%) had microvascular invasion; 20/78 (26%) had at least one of these high-risk pathological factors. In the preoperative assessment, hetero/hypo-attenuation and MPD involvement were observed in 25/69 (36%) and 8/76 (11%), respectively. Elevated serum elastase 1 and plasma CgA levels were observed in 1/33 (3%) and 0/11 (0%) patients, respectively. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, hetero/hypo-attenuation (odds ratio [OR] 6.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7-22.2) and MPD involvement (OR 16.8, 95% CI 1.6-174.3) were significantly associated with the high-risk pathological factors. The combination of the two radiological worrisome features correctly predicted non-functioning PanNETs with high-risk pathological factors, with about 75% sensitivity, 79% specificity, and 78% accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

This combination of radiological worrisome features can accurately predict non-functioning PanNETs that may require resection.

Outcomes of the Sequential Treatment of Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Lenvatinib

BACKGROUND/AIM

The chemotherapeutic landscape for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) has changed dramatically with the availability of several treatment options. This study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of lenvatinib treatment and analyze its feasibility in the sequential treatment of HCCs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighty-five consecutive patients who received lenvatinib for unresectable HCCs were investigated retrospectively. Survival was assessed based on when the patients were first radiologically diagnosed with progressive disease. Among those with radiologically diagnosed stable or progressive disease at 3 months after lenvatinib administration, the cutoff α-fetoprotein (AFP) ratio (ratio of the AFP level after lenvatinib treatment to the pretreatment AFP level) that was predictive of survival was determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis.

RESULTS

The median survival time (MST) was significantly worse among patients diagnosed with progressive disease at 1 month after treatment than among those diagnosed at 2-3 or 3-4 months after treatment [MSTs at 1, 2-3, and 3-4 months: 2.2, 10.2, and 17.3 months, respectively (p<0.001)]. An AFP ratio of 1.36 (computed using the AFP level at 3 months after lenvatinib treatment) was significantly predictive of survival in patients with stable or progressive disease (26.3 vs. 11.3 months, p=0.0024).

CONCLUSION

The prognosis of patients on lenvatinib who develop early progressive disease is dismal. Thus, their treatment should be ceased or switched. The 3-month AFP ratio of 1.36 may be a potentially useful cutoff for considering a switch to other treatments in patients radiologically diagnosed with stable or progressive disease.

Successful Management of Refractory Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia with Cold Agglutinin Disease with Splenectomy: A Case Report with Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare autoimmune hemolytic anemia characterized by agglutination of red blood cells at temperatures below the normal core body temperature. In patients with CAD, splenectomy is not indicated because of its low therapeutic effect on hemolytic anemia induced by extravascular hemolysis. Herein, we report a case of refractory hemolytic anemia with CAD successfully managed with splenectomy.

CLINICAL CASE

A 60-year-old man visited a municipal hospital with the chief complaint of fatigue. He was found to have hemolytic anemia and icterus with increased cold agglutination and was diagnosed with CAD. Malignant lymphoma was suspected as the underlying disease; however, no clear underlying disease was identified. Hemolytic anemia progressed during the subsequent winter seasons, and he was treated with temperature control, warming, and weekly blood transfusions. However, despite the blood transfusions, his hemoglobin level did not improve during the summer 2 years after diagnosis, and his previously observed splenomegaly had progressed. He was referred to our department, and a splenectomy was performed to diagnose any occult malignant lymphoma and improve the refractory hemolytic anemia. Because histopathological examination revealed no evidence of malignant lymphoma, a diagnosis of primary CAD was made. The hemolytic anemia improved, and no blood transfusion was required after splenectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Splenectomy significantly improved the patient's refractory hemolytic anemia due to primary CAD. Thus, it may be an effective treatment option in such cases, although further cases and studies are required to evaluate the effects of splenectomy.

Clinicopathological variables and risk factors for lung recurrence after resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a high recurrence rate even after curative resection. Lung recurrence may have better outcomes than other recurrences. However, its detailed clinicopathological features are unclear. We investigated the clinicopathological features and risk factors for lung recurrence after pancreatectomy for PDAC.

METHODS

The study included 161 patients with potentially and borderline resectable PDAC who had undergone R0 or R1 pancreatectomy between January 2008 and December 2016. We retrospectively examined the prognosis and predictors for lung recurrence after curative resection.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients (10.6%) had isolated lung recurrence. The median overall and recurrence-free survivals were 38.0 and 16.1 months, respectively. In multivariate analysis, para-aortic lymph node (PALN) metastasis (p = 0.006) and female sex (p = 0.027) were independent factors for lung recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Lung recurrence had a better prognosis than other recurrences. PALN metastasis and female sex are independent risk factors for lung recurrence after curative resection for PDAC.

Use of a short cartridge stapler is beneficial in pancreatic transection at the neck during laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

Stapling is the standard method for pancreatic transection during laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. Although most surgeons use a 60 mm cartridge stapler, space limitations created by laparoscopic surgery make the instrument difficult to handle, especially during pancreatic transection at the neck. Therefore, we currently use a 45 mm cartridge stapler for laparoscopic pancreatic transection at the neck. Between October 2019 and December 2020, we performed pancreatic transection using a 45 mm cartridge stapler in 27 patients. Fifteen patients experienced biochemical leakage, but no patients developed clinically relevant pancreatic fistula. The compactness of the 45 mm cartridge has several benefits: (1) less space is required for flexing, opening, and closing the device; (2) it enables easy insertion of the lower jaw behind the pancreas, even if the dissected space behind the pancreas is narrow; (3) less obstruction of the surgeons' view prevents accidental injury to the surrounding tissues and vessels. These benefits may enable safe pancreatic transection.

Assessment of serum and drain fluid bilirubin concentrations in liver transplantation patients

BACKGROUND

Bile leakage is a major complication after liver transplantation and remains as a significant source of morbidity and mortality. In 2011, the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) defined bile leakage as a drain/serum bilirubin ratio ≥3. However, to our knowledge there is no literature assessing serum and drain bilirubin concentrations after liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to describe the natural postoperative changes in serum and drain fluid bilirubin concentrations in patients after liver transplantation.

METHODS

We included 32 patients who underwent liver transplantation at Kobe University Hospital from January 2007 to December 2020. We enrolled 34 living donors who had no complications as the control group.

RESULTS

The recipient serum total/direct bilirubin concentration were higher compared with the donors from postoperative day (POD) 1 to 5 with a statistical difference (P < .05). The recipient drain/serum total bilirubin ratio was lower than donors on POD 3 (0.89 ± 0.07 vs 1.53 ± 0.07: P < .0001), which was also confirmed by the recipient drain/serum direct bilirubin ratio (0.64 ± 0.10 vs 1.18 ± 0.09: P < .0001). On POD 3, the drain fluid volume (647.38 ± 89.47 vs 113.43 ± 86.8 mL: P < .001) and serum total bilirubin concentration (6.73 ± 0.61 vs 1.23 ± 0.60 mg/dL: P < .001) was higher in the recipients than in donors. Categorized in 2 groups, the higher drain fluid volume and bilirubin concentration recipients showed lower drain/serum total bilirubin ratio compared with the other group (P = .03) CONCLUSION: The drain/serum bilirubin ratio in the transplanted patients could be calculated lower compared with the hepatectomy patients because of high drain fluid volume and hyperbilirubinemia. Great care should be taken when assessing the bile leakage in liver transplant recipients using the ISGLS definition.

Laparoscopic Medial-to-Lateral Approach for the Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Located at the Spiegel Lobe of the Liver

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic caudate lobe resection is a challenging procedure. Several researchers have reported the safety of laparoscopic liver resections;1.Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol. 1:56;2.Asian J Endosc Surg. 12:232-236;3.Ann Surg Oncol. 26:2980; however, a standardized procedure has not yet been established. Herein, we present a video showing laparoscopic Spiegel lobectomy in a patient with 6-cm hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using a novel approach.

PATIENT AND METHODS

A 63-year-old man with a caudate lobe HCC was referred to our hospital. Computed tomography showed a 5 × 6 cm² HCC located in the Spiegel lobe, which profoundly displaced the inferior vena cava (IVC) to the lower right side, and mobilization of the Spiegel lobe was considered difficult. To perform the dissection between the Siegel lobe and IVC safely, we performed parenchymal transection along the ventral side of the IVC initially. The Spiegel lobe was then dislocated to the left side of the IVC. We dissected the left lateral side of the IVC, including the proper hepatic vein draining the caudate lobe and the left IVC ligament with a safe operative field, and successfully removed the Spiegel lobe with large HCC.

RESULTS

The operation time was 383 min. The blood loss was 10 mL. The patient was discharged on the seventh postoperative day without any complications. Histopathological examination revealed well-differentiated HCC with a negative surgical margin.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic medial-to-lateral approach with initial parenchymal transection at the medial side of the Spiegel lobe followed by dissection of the left lateral side of the IVC is considered as a safe and effective procedure for large tumors in the Spiegel lobe.

Suitability of Laparoscopic Liver Resection of Segment VII: a Retrospective Two-Center Study

BACKGROUND

Resecting liver tumors located in Couinaud's segment VII is challenging; the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic liver resection for segment VII lesions compared to open liver resection remain unclear.

METHODS

Medical records of 84 patients who underwent liver resection of segment VII at Kobe University Hospital and Hyogo Cancer Center between 2010 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical outcomes were compared between laparoscopic liver resection and open liver resection groups using propensity matching analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-one and 53 patients underwent laparoscopic liver resection and open liver resection, respectively. After propensity matching, 29 patients were included in each group. The laparoscopic liver resection group had a significantly longer operation time (407 vs. 305 min, P = 0.002), lower blood loss (100 vs. 230 mL, P = 0.004), and higher postoperative alanine aminotransferase levels (436 vs. 252 IU/L, P = 0.008) than the open liver resection group. In patients with liver cirrhosis, the proportion of patients with postoperative liver-specific complications was higher in the laparoscopic liver resection group than in the open liver resection group (57% vs 11%, P = 0.049), although there was no significant difference in postoperative liver-specific complication rates between the groups in patients without liver cirrhosis.

CONCLUSIONS

For liver resection of segment VII, laparoscopic liver resection led to higher postoperative liver damage than open liver resection. Open liver resection may be better for patients with liver cirrhosis to avoid postoperative liver-specific complications. Laparoscopic liver resection could be an acceptable procedure for patients without liver cirrhosis, with some merits such as less blood loss.

Standardization of laparoscopic anatomic liver resection of segment 2 by the Glissonean approach

BACKGROUND

Anatomic liver resection (ALR) has been established to eliminate the tumor-bearing hepatic region with preservation of the remnant liver volume for liver malignancies. Recently, laparoscopic ALR has been widely applied; however, there are few reports on laparoscopic segmentectomy 2. This study aimed to present the standardization of laparoscopic segmentectomy 2 with surgical outcomes.

METHODS

This study included seven patients who underwent pure laparoscopic segmentectomy 2 by the Glissonean approach from January 2020 to December 2021. Four of them had hepatocellular carcinoma, two had colorectal liver metastasis, and one had hepatic angiomyolipoma, which was preoperatively diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma. In all patients, preoperative three-dimensional (3D) simulation images from dynamic CT were reconstructed using a 3D workstation. The layer between the hepatic parenchyma and the Glissonean pedicle of segment 2 (G2) was dissected to encircle the root of G2. After clamping or ligation of the G2, 2.5 mg of indocyanine green was injected intravenously to identify the boundaries between segments 2 and 3 with a negative staining method under near-infrared light. Parenchymal transection was performed from the caudal side to the cranial side according to the demarcation on the liver surface, and the left hepatic vein was exposed on the cut surface if possible.

RESULTS

The mean operative time for all patients was 281 min. The mean blood loss was 37 mL, and no transfusion was necessary. Estimated liver resection volumes significantly correlated with actual liver resection volumes (r = 0.61, P = 0.035). After the operation, one patient presented with asymptomatic deep venous and pulmonary thrombosis, which was treated with anticoagulant therapy. The mean length of hospital stay was 8.9 days.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic segmentectomy 2 by the Glissonean approach is a feasible and safe procedure with the preservation of the nontumor-bearing segment 3 for liver tumors in segment 2.

Prognostic Impact of Inflammation-Based Scores for Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Although the relationship between systemic inflammatory responses and prognosis has been known in various cancers, it remains unclear which scores are most valuable for determining the prognosis of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. We aimed to verify the usefulness of various inflammation-based scores as prognostic factors in patients with resected extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

We analyzed consecutive patients undergoing surgical resection for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma at our institution between January 2000 and December 2019. The usefulness of the following inflammation-based scores as prognostic factor was investigated: glasgow prognostic score (GPS), modified GPS, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, prognostic nutrition index, C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR), controlling nutritional status (CONUT), and prognostic index.

RESULTS

A total of 169 patients were enrolled in this study. Of the nine scores, CAR and CONUT indicated prognostic value. Furthermore, multivariate analysis for overall survival revealed that high CAR (>0.23) was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio: 1.816, 95% confidence interval: 1.135-2.906, p = 0.0129), along with lymph node metastasis and curability. There was no difference in tumor staging and short-term outcomes between the low CAR (≤0.23) and high CAR groups.

CONCLUSIONS

CAR was the most valuable prognostic score in patients with resected extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

[Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Metastasis of Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma-A Case Report]

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma(UPS)is a non-epithelial malignant tumor with a high rate of recurrence and metastasis. The frequent metastasis site is lung, lymph node, liver and bone. Pancreatic metastasis is rare. 71-year-old woman whose course after right foot UPS resection had been followed up at our hospital. But multiple bone and muscle metastasis occurred 1 year after operation. She had resection or radiation for the recurrence. 3 years after the first operation, PET-CT and EUS-FNA revealed pancreatic tail metastasis. The tumor grew up in 6 months, so we performed laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on post-operative day 14. Currently 5 years and 6 months have passed since the first surgery and she is alive. Function-preserving and minimally invasive surgery for UPS pancreatic metastasis is considered to be essential.

[A Case of Pancreatic Cancer with Gastric Wall Recurrence after Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy Due to Needle Tract Seeding following EUS-FNA]

A woman in her 80s was diagnosed with pancreatic tail cancer by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). We performed laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 for 6 months. One year after surgery, contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a 15 mm mass in the posterior wall of the gastric body. EUS showed a hypoechoic mass in the muscular layer in the gastric wall, which was diagnosed as adenocarcinoma by FNA. We diagnosed gastric wall recurrence due to needle tract seeding(NTS)following EUS-FNA and performed partial gastrectomy. Histopathological diagnosis was gastric wall recurrence of pancreatic cancer. Since NTS following EUS-FNA can be proven only by the presence of gastric wall recurrence after surgery for pancreatic body or tail cancer, the actual risk of NTS including peritoneal dissemination is not clear and may have been underestimated. In case of resectable pancreatic body or tail cancer, indication for EUS-FNA should be carefully considered.

[A Patient with Ascending Jejunal Mesentery Metastasis of Pancreatic Cancer after a Subtotal Stomach-Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy]

A 73-year-old woman underwent a subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy, wedge resection of the portal vein, and partial resection of the transverse colon for pancreatic cancer at the age of 71. After 18 months, a computed tomography image showed an 8 mm tumor in the ascending jejunal mesentery. Six months later, the tumor grew to 20 mm and had an increased FDG uptake. The tumor was diagnosed as metastasis of pancreatic cancer to the ascending jejunal mesentery. Since no metastasis was found in the other organs, resection was performed. The pathological results showed adenocarcinoma with proximal lymph node metastasis. The patient was diagnosed with ascending jejunal mesentery metastasis of pancreatic cancer. The patient has remained healthy without recurrent disease 1 year 6 months after the resection. Ascending jejunal mesentery metastasis of pancreatic cancer is a type of distant metastasis. In the absence of metastasis to other organs, it is tolerable and radical resection is possible.

Risk factors for occult metastasis detected by inflammation-based prognostic scores and tumor markers in biliary tract cancer

BACKGROUND

Radiological detection of small liver metastasis or peritoneal metastasis is still difficult, and some patients with biliary tract cancer (BTC) are unresectable after laparotomy. Staging laparoscopy may help avoid unnecessary laparotomy. However, which category of BTC is amenable with staging laparoscopy remains unclear.

AIM

To clarify the risk factors for occult metastasis in patients with BTC.

METHODS

Medical records of patients with BTC who underwent surgery at our institution between January 2008 and June 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups, according to resection or exploratory laparotomy (EL). Preoperative laboratory data, including inflammation-based prognostic scores and tumor markers, were compared between the two groups. Prognostic importance of detected risk factors was also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 236 patients were enrolled in this study. Twenty-six (11%) patients underwent EL. Among the EL patients, there were 16 cases of occult metastasis (7 liver metastases and 9 abdominal disseminations). Serum carcinoembryonic antigen level, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and modified Glasgow prognostic score were significantly higher in the EL group than in the resected group, and these factors were prognostic. Among these factors, carcinoembryonic antigen > 7 ng/mL was the most useful to predict occult metastasis in BTC. When patients have more than three of these positive factors, the rate of occult metastasis increases.

CONCLUSION

Inflammation-based prognostic scores and tumor markers are useful in detecting occult metastasis in BTC; based on these factors, staging laparoscopy may reduce the rate of EL.

Impact of Sarcopenia as a Prognostic Factor on Reductive Hepatectomy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIM

Sarcopenia has been reported to be a significant prognostic factor in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in recent years. This study aimed to clarify the prognostic significance of sarcopenia in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with reductive hepatectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 93 patients who underwent reductive hepatectomy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

RESULTS

Median survival time of the sarcopenia group (16.4 months) was significantly shorter than that of the non-sarcopenia group (20.4 months). The overall survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years of the sarcopenia group were significantly lower than those of the non-sarcopenia group (57.9%, 8.6%, and 2.9% vs. 67.3%, 29.2%, and 15.7%, respectively; p=0.035). On multivariate analysis, sarcopenia was a significant risk factor of overall survival (hazard ratio=1.60, 95% confidence interval=1.00-2.56, p=0.049).

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenia was a significant prognostic factor of survival after reductive hepatectomy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Standardization of the Side-to-Side Cavo-Caval Anastomosis in Orthotopic Liver Transplantation Based on the Causal Analysis of Outflow Obstruction

BACKGROUND

Although liver transplantation is widely accepted as the therapeutic strategy for end-stage liver failure, complication of hepatic venous outflow obstruction remains lethal. Currently, ensuring a single wide orifice in both the graft and recipient inferior vena cava has been proposed to avoid hepatic venous outflow obstruction with no theoretical concept.

METHODS

We herein report a standardization technique for the reconstruction of the hepatic vein based on the causal analysis.

RESULTS

During the put-in process, the graft must be positioned in contact with the recipient diaphragm and slightly pushed to the cranial direction to simulate the state after abdominal closure. Because there is no extra space between the graft and diaphragm, the graft could not rotate about the anastomotic site of the inferior vena cava toward the diaphragm after abdominal closure as the intestinal pressure increases, and accordingly hepatic venous outflow obstruction does not develop.

CONCLUSIONS

With this concept, all transplant surgeons can successfully and easily perform hepatic vein reconstruction without total clamping of the inferior vena cava and without outflow block.

Glucose Tolerance after Pancreatectomy: A Prospective Observational Follow-Up Study of Pancreaticoduodenectomy and Distal Pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

Effects of pancreatectomy on glucose tolerance have not been clarified, and evidence regarding the difference in postoperative glucose tolerance between pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and distal pancreatectomy (DP) is lacking.

STUDY DESIGN

This prospective, single-center observational study analyzed 40 patients undergoing PD and 29 patients undergoing DP (Clinical trial registry number UMIN000008122). Glucose tolerance, including insulin secretion (Δ C-peptide immunoreactivity, ΔCPR) and insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, HOMA-IR) were assessed before and 1 month after pancreatectomy using the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and glucagon stimulation test. We assessed long-term hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in patients, with a follow-up time of 3 years.

RESULTS

Percentages of patients diagnosed with abnormal OGTT decreased after PD (from 12 [30%] to 7 [17.5%] of 40 patients, p = 0.096); however, they increased after DP (from 4 [13.8%] to 8 [27.6%] of 29 patients, p = 0.103), although the changes were not statistically significant. ΔCPR decreased after both PD (from 3.2 to 1.0 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and DP (from 3.3 to 1.8 ng/mL, p < 0.001). HOMA-IR decreased after PD (from 1.10 to 0.68, p < 0.001), but did not change after DP (1.10 and 1.07, p = 0.42). Median HbA1c level was higher after DP than after PD for up to 3 years, but the differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

In comparisons of pre- and 1 month post-pancreatectomy data, glucose tolerance showed improvement after PD, whereas it worsened after DP. Insulin secretion decreased after both PD and DP. Insulin resistance improved after PD, but did not change after DP. Further studies are warranted to clarify mechanisms of improved insulin resistance after PD.

Salvage hepatectomy for local recurrence after particle therapy using proton and carbon ion beams for liver cancer

AIM

With the increased use of particle therapy for liver cancer, local recurrence after particle therapy increased. Salvage hepatectomy is an acceptable treatment option for local recurrence following particle therapy; however, its safety and effectiveness remain unclear. Therefore, this multi-center study aimed to verify the feasibility and efficacy of salvage hepatectomy and assess clinical issues associated with its application.

METHODS

We retrospectively assessed the perioperative outcomes, prognosis, and pathological characteristics of 15 patients who underwent salvage hepatectomy for local recurrence after particle therapy between 2006 and 2019.

RESULTS

Hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic liver tumors were noted in eight and seven patients, respectively. The mean total dose and number of fractions were 66.5 Gy and 12, respectively, and the mean interval between particle therapy and surgery was 30.1 months. Major hepatectomy was performed in seven cases. Moreover, the mortality rate was 0%, and surgical complications of Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa or higher were observed in four cases (27%)-two bile leakages, one pleural effusion, and one refractory skin fistula. The median overall survival time and 5-year overall survival rate after salvage hepatectomy were 29.9 months and 43.1%, respectively. Histological examination of the irradiated liver tissue surrounding the tumor showed sinusoidal dilatation, loss of hepatocyte, and fibrosis in most cases.

CONCLUSION

Salvage hepatectomy after particle therapy is a feasible therapy; however, the risk of refractory complications associated with particle therapy is relatively high. Therefore, the first-line treatment for resectable liver cancer should be carefully determined considering second-line treatment after local recurrence.

Lenvatinib Rechallenge After Ramucirumab Treatment Failure for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIM

While there is increasing evidence supporting the role of several first- and second-line treatment regimens for advanced hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), the clinical relevance of rechallenge treatment with previously administered drugs, however, remains to be explored.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Five consecutive patients with advanced HCC who received lenvatinib rechallenge treatment after ramucirumab were assessed.

RESULTS

All patients were clinically diagnosed with failure after ramucirumab treatment, and the frequencies of ramucirumab administration before lenvatinib re-administration ranged from 3 to 11. The alfa-fetoprotein level in four of five patients decreased 1 month after the lenvatinib rechallenge. Radiological findings via the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors showed stable diseases in four patients and a partial response in one.

CONCLUSION

Rechallenge treatment with lenvatinib after ramucirumab can be effective, and may be a treatment option for HCC in cases wherein the disease progressed after an initial response to lenvatinib treatment.

Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorography and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of vessels supplying the remnant stomach that were performed during distal pancreatectomy in a patient with a history of distal gastrectomy: a case report

A 68-year-old man who had undergone distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer 3 years previously, presented to our hospital for examination of dilatation of the main pancreatic duct on follow-up computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. After examination, he was diagnosed with early-stage pancreatic cancer and distal pancreatectomy (DP) was planned. With informed consent, we performed indocyanine green (ICG) fluorography during DP and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of vessels supplying the remnant stomach immediately before and after DP. On ICG fluorography, the remnant stomach gradually became fluoresced starting at the area of the lesser curvature, and the fluorescence eventually intensified over the entire area of the remnant stomach to the same brightness as that of the liver and duodenum. On DSA following DP, the terminal branches of the left inferior phrenic artery (LIPA) were distributed to more than half of the area of the remnant stomach, centering around the proximal area. It is useful to confirm blood flows to the remnant stomach by ICG fluorography using a near-infrared imaging camera during DP. We found that the LIPA played an important role in maintaining the blood supply to the remnant stomach in the absence of the left gastric artery and splenic artery.

Feasibility of Reductive Hepatectomy in Patients With BCLC B and C Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIM

Few studies have established a definite conclusion regarding the limitation of surgical treatment for patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B and C hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 717 consecutive patients who underwent initial hepatectomy for HCC.

RESULTS

Reductive hepatectomy was performed in 103 patients, with a median survival time (MST) of 18.0 months. Total bilirubin and albumin levels were identified as independent prognostic factors. The predictive score of these factors ranged from 0 to 2. Subsequent local treatment was performed in 91.0, 75.0, and 25.0% of patients who scored 0, 1, and 2, respectively. The MST for patients with a score of 0, 1, and 2 was 20.1, 14.8, and 2.7 months, respectively, with a significant difference.

CONCLUSION

Patients with BCLC stage B and C could be properly treated with reductive hepatectomy and subsequent local treatments.

Surgical spacer placement for proton radiotherapy in locally advanced pancreatic body and tail cancers: initial clinical results

Background

Particle radiotherapy has increasingly gained acceptance for locally advanced pancreatic cancers owing to superior tumor conformity and dosimetry compared to conventional photon radiotherapy. However, the close proximity of the pancreas to the stomach and duodenum leads to radiation-induced gastrointestinal toxicities, which hinder the delivery of curative doses to the tumor. To overcome this problem, a surgical spacer was placed between the tumor and gastrointestinal tract, and subsequent proton radiotherapy was performed in this study.

Methods

Data from 9 patients who underwent surgical spacer placement and subsequent proton radiotherapy were analyzed. The safety and feasibility of the spacer placement surgery were evaluated; the impact of the spacer on dosimetry was also assessed using dose volume histogram (DVH) analyses, before and after surgical spacer placement.

Results

Surgical spacer placement and subsequent proton radiotherapy were successfully completed in all cases. Surgical spacer placement significantly improved the dose intensity covering 95%, mean, and minimum doses for the gross tumor volume, and the clinical and planning target volume based on the DVH, while respecting the dose constraints of the gastrointestinal tract. Based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, two patients (22.2%) developed gastrointestinal ulcer (Grade 2) at 1 and 35 months, and one patient (11.1%) developed gastric perforation (Grade 4) at 4 months after proton radiotherapy.

Conclusions

Surgical spacer placement in the locally advanced pancreatic body and tail cancers is relatively safe and technically feasible. Comparing radiation plans, surgical spacer placement seems to improve the dose distribution in the locally advanced pancreatic body and tail cancers, which are close to the gastrointestinal tract.