Hepatocellular carcinoma is a deadly disease and the most common form of primary liver disease in the world. A great deal of new research into all aspects of the disease is reported each year. This review examined many of the most recent publications concerning HCC and reports some of the more interesting developments. The paper attempts to highlight information which may be of practical use to health care providers and provides a source of references for further investigation. Some of the latest information concerning prognosis, etiology, diagnostic techniques is summarized. This article also discusses advances in the therapy, both medical and surgical, for Hepatocellular carcinoma.
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a deadly disease and the most common form of primary liver disease in the world. A great deal of new research into all aspects of the disease is reported each year. This review examined many of the most recent publications concerning HCC and reports some of the more interesting developments. The paper attempts to highlight information which may be of practical use to health care providers and provides a source of references for further investigation. Some of the latest information concerning prognosis, etiology, diagnostic techniques is summarized. This article also discusses advances in the therapy, both medical and surgical, for Hepatocellular carcinoma.
Background/Aims: The role of serum alpha-fetoprotein (APP) determination in hepato cellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance is controversial. Methods: We reviewed a total of 132 patients (mean age 57.8 +/- 9.6, males = 101 (76%); HBsAg positive = 109 (82.6%); cirrhosis = 94 (71.2%)) who were diagnosed with HCC during regular surveillance test with ultrasound (US) and AFP. Results: The primary mode of tumor detection was US only in 51.5%, US and AFP in 22.0%, APP only in 19.7%, and incidental in 6.8% of patients. US detected 68.5% of tumor diagnosed at early stage, which was significantly lower than tumor beyond-early stage (85.0%, p = 0.048). AFP doubling (an increase in AFP level more than double from a prior surveillance) was more frequently observed in HBV-related FCC (47.7%) than HCV-related FCC (11.8%, p = 0.009). The AFP increased sensitivity by 19.7% for all patient; 28.0% for HBV-related early stage FCC patients. Conclusions: This result suggest that serum APP measurements may have a significant role in increasing sensitivity in FCC surveillance, especially for detecting early stage HBV-related HCC.
BACKGROUND/AIMS:In advanced gastric cancers, a significant correlation exists between the response to chemotherapy in primary gastric cancers and patient prognosis. Therefore, accurate evaluation of the response to chemotherapy in primary gastric cancers is important. We examined the response to chemotherapy in primary gastric cancers by contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography (CEH-EUS).METHODOLOGY:Thirty-five patients with advanced gastric cancer underwent CEH-EUS. Among these patients, 19 patients with stage IV advanced gastric cancer who received chemotherapy and CEH-EUS more than twice were enrolled, and evaluated the response to chemotherapy in primary gastric cancers by CEH-EUS and endoscopy.RESULTS:In PRs evaluated by endoscopic findings, echo intensity ratio (EIR) was decreased, and in PDs EIR was increased significantly by CEH-EUS. Five cases had difficulty in evaluating the response of primary gastric cancers to chemotherapy by endoscopy, while evaluation was possible in those 5 cases by CEH-EUS.CONCLUSIONS:CEH-EUS is a new method to evaluate responses to chemotherapy in primary gastric cancers not only by a change in size but also in tumor vascularity. Correct evaluation of primary gastric cancers by CEH-EUS help predicting prognosis of patients.
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication following splenectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension, which also brings difficulties to future possible liver transplantation. This paper retrospectively analyzes the preventive effect of combined anatomic splenectomy and early anticoagulant therapy on post-splenectomy portal vein thrombosis in patients with portal hypertension.We retrospectively analyzed 136 patients who underwent splenectomy at our hospital between January 2010 and December 2013 due to liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Patient conditions, such as coagulation function, splenic and portal vein thrombosis, intra-abdominal hemorrhage, pancreatic leakage and intra-abdominal infections, are observed postoperatively.Despite the presence of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension in patients, early postoperative anticoagulant therapy has no significant impact on coagulation function and intra-abdominal hemorrhage of these patients (p > 0.05). Anatomic splenectomy can reduce the occurrence of complications such as postoperative bleeding, pancreatic leakage and intra-abdominal infections (p < 0.05).Combined anatomic splenectomy and early postoperative anticoagulant therapy can reduce post-splenectomy portal vein thrombosis in patients with portal hypertension, and is conducive to the future liver transplantation therapy may be needed by the patients.
One major problem with Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is the appearance of pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma. Diffusion-weighted whole body imaging with background body signal suppression (DWIBS) provides hyperintense signals in cases of cancer. DWIBS and T2 image fusion (DWIBS/T2) provides functional information in anatomical settings, and is useful for the detection of cancer with strong contrast against surrounding tissues. DWIBS/T2 signals were analyzed in patients with IPMN to investigate positive or negative results.Patient records were analyzed retrospectively regarding IPMN. None showed high-risk stigmata or worrisome features. To rule out T2 shine-through or differentiate malignant lesions from non-malignant causes of restricted diffusion, positive ADC maps were produced from the recorded ADC values.None of the patients with IPMN had features of malignant progression. No mural nodules were detected by endoscopic ultrasonography. IPMN was hyperintense with DWIBS/T2 and the ADC map. This finding suggested that the hyperintense values of IPMN were T2 shine-through. These results showed that none of the IPMNs were positive with DWIBS/T2.DWIBS/T2 was negative for patients with IPMN. DWIBS/T2 might be useful for the evaluation of malignant progression, in addition to observation.
This study aimed to assess the expression of vasohibin-2 (VASH2) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as a marker of tumor aggressiveness and its impact on tumor angiogenesis, proliferation, and clinical outcome. We examined the expression of the VASH2 gene in human pancreatic cell lines PANC-1 and MiaPaCa-2 by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry. Fifty samples from patients with PDAC were immunostained with VASH2, CD34, and Ki-67 antibodies. Further, the immunoreactivity of VASH2 correlated with the pathological features, including microvessel density (MVD), tumor cell proliferation (Ki-67 labeling index), and survival. Forty-seven of the 50 samples from PDAC patients showed immunoreactivity for VASH2 along the tumor cell cytoplasm. Among the VASH2-positive samples, 22 were categorized as high VASH2 expression group, and this group had statistical significance with pN stage (p = 0.006), UICC stage (p = 0.033), tumor proliferation (p < 0.001), and MVD (p = 0.017). Moreover, patients with high VASH2 expression showed worse prognosis compared to those showing low VASH2 expression (overall logrank p = 0.003). Thus, our results suggested that overexpression of VASH2 accelerated the pace of tumor development toward a more serious malignant phenotype and was associated with a poor clinical outcome. VASH2 may be an important novel target for the management of PDAC after surgery.
BACKGROUND/AIMS:Laparoscopic resection of gastrointestinal stromal tumors has become wide-spread as a minimally invasive surgical method. However, the limitations of laparoscopic surgery for GISTs are well recognized.METHODOLOGY:We developed a local resection by pure robotic surgical procedure to treat intraluminally growing GISTs located in sites that are unsuitable for laparoscopic surgery. Using articulated robotic arms, the GIST is completely excised with a safe margin while employing a unique technique to provide a good operative view and to prevent the intra-abdominal dissemination of the tumor from the cut edge created by robotic excision. The defect created after excision of the tumor is closed using robotic sewing.RESULTS:Four patients were successfully treated with pure robotic surgery without conversion to laparoscopic or open surgery or changing in the method of gastrectomy.CONCLUSIONS:Using robotic surgery, intraluminally growing GISTs located in sites unsuitable for conventional laparoscopic surgery can be treated with minimally invasive procedures.
BACKGROUND/AIMS:The role of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) determination in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance is controversial.METHODS:We reviewed a total of 132 patients (mean age 57.8 ± 9.6, males = 101 (76%); HBsAg positive = 109 (82.6%); cirrhosis = 94 (71.2%)) who were diagnosed with HCC during regular surveillance test with ultrasound (US) and AFP.RESULTS:The primary mode of tumor detection was US only in 51.5%, US and AFP in 22.0%, AFP only in 19.7%, and incidental in 6.8% of patients. US detected 68.5% of tumor diagnosed at early stage, which was significantly lower than tumor beyond-early stage (85.0%, p = 0.048). AFP doubling (an increase in AFP level more than double from a prior surveillance) was more frequently observed in HBV-related HCC (47.7%) than HCV-related HCC (11.8%, p = 0.009). The AFP increased sensitivity by 19.7% for all patients; 28.0% for HBV-related early stage HCC patients.CONCLUSIONS:This result suggest that serum AFP measurements may have a significant role in increasing sensitivity in HCC surveillance, especially for detecting early stage HBV-related HCC.
BACKGROUND/AIMS:The clinical implications of peritoneal lavage cytology (CY) status in the patients who received curative resection and adjuvant chemotherapy have not been established.METHODOLOGY:We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 143 consecutive patients who underwent macroscopically curative resection and received adjuvant gemcitabine or S-1 chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer from 2005 to 2014 in our institution. Correlations between CY status and survival and clinicopathological features were investigated.RESULTS:Of the 143 patients, 21 patients were peritoneal washing cytology positive (CY+) (14.7%). Although significant difference was observed in the tumor size, no other correlation between cytology status and clinicopathological parameter existed. The recurrence free survival (RFS) rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 5.1% and 0% in CY+ patients, respectively, and were 21.5% and 16.1% in peritoneal washing cytology negative (CY-) patients, respectively, which were significantly different (p=0.001). The OS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 17.1% and 8.6% in CY+ patients, respectively, and were 26.1% and 16.1% in CY- patients, respectively, which were trend to worse in the CY+ patients (p=0.254).CONCLUSION:The patients with CY+ are likely to experience recurrence, even after they received curative resection and adjuvant Gemcitabine or S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy.
We report the case of a large multilocular upper liver tumor invading the hepatic vein confluence in a 41-year-old male, and the safe resection of the tumor using a transmediastinal, intrapericardial inferior vena cava (IVC) approach. Several methods for exposing suprahepatic IVCs on the cranial side of the diaphragm have been reported. However, the approach to supradiaphragmatic IVCs varies, and there are currently no reports that provide a detailed description of the anatomical landmarks during the intrapericardial IVC approach. In the case reported herein, anatomic landmarks, including the prepericardial fat in the pericardial trigone, were confirmed during the transmediastinal, intrapericardial IVC approach. We believe that such anatomic landmarks are important to ensure a safe approach to the pericardium and the intrapericardial IVC through the anterior mediastinum. We think this case report is useful in elucidating the resection of large liver tumors invading the hepatic vein confluence.
BACKGROUND/AIMS:In cases of remnantgastric cancer (RGC) with previous lymphadenectomy, laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) is still uncommon because of the technical difficulties associated with adhesions from previous gastric cancer surgery and variations in anastomotic reconstruction. Here we demonstrate our procedure of LTG for RGC following distal gastrectomy (DG) with radical lymphadenectomy and review its clinical results.METHODOLOGY:From October 2008 to June 2014, we carried out three consecutive LTGs for RGC with previous lymphadenectomy. All cases had a past history of primary gastric cancer that had required open or laparoscopic DG with D2 radical lymphadenectomy. The preoperative TNM statuses of RGC were all cT1N0M0.RESULTS:All patients successfully underwent LTG without open conversion or intraoperative complications. The median operative duration was 360 min; the median blood loss was 45 mL. The median number of retrieved lymph nodes was 23. No complications occurred postoperatively, and the median length of postoperative hospitalization was 20 days. The pathological TNM statuses of the RGC were all T1N0M0. Resection margins were negative in all cases (R0).CONCLUSIONS:Our novel procedure of LTG for RGC following DG with radical lymphadenectomy is technically acceptable, safe, and feasible.
BACKGROUND/AIMSThis study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic excavation for esophageal subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria.METHODOLOGYForty-five patients with esophageal subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria were treated with endoscopic excavation between January 2010 and June 2012. The key steps were: (1) making several dots around the tumor; (2) incising the mucosa along with the marker dots, and then seperating the tumor from the muscularis propria by using a hook knife or an insulated-tip knife; (3) closing the artificial ulcer with clips after the tumor was removed.RESULTSThe mean tumor diameter was 1.1 ± 0.6 cm. Endoscopic excavation was successfully performed in 43 out of 45 cases (95.6%), the other 2 cases were ligated with nylon rope. During the procedure perforation occurred in 4 (8.9%) patients, who recovered after conservative treatment. No massive bleeding or delayed bleeding occurred. Histologic diagnosis was obtained from 43 (95.6%) patients. Pathological diagnoses of these tumors were leiomyomas (38/43) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (5/43).CONCLUSIONSEndoscopic excavation is a safe and effective method for the treatment of small esophageal subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria.
BACKGROUND/AIMS:We analyzed the effects of the Kampo medicine "Dai-kenchu-to" (DKT) on clinical aspects in colorectal surgery. METHODOLOGY:Total 122 patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery were divided into a DKT group (n = 53) and a non-DKT group (n = 69). The differences of postoperative course and anti-inflammatory responses between those two groups were analyzed. RESULTS:The 53 out of 59 patients could completely take DKT. In the postoperative course, significant difference was observed in the first flatus day. In the anti-inflammatory effects, differences were observed in the heart rate (HR) of the 3rd POD. In the change between 1st POD and 3rd POD, HR in the DKT group was well controlled compared to the non-DKT group. In the patients who had over 37.5°C of body temperature in 1st POD (n = 53), inflammatory response of the DKT group was reduced compared to the non-DKT group. CONCLUSIONS:The DKT might have the favorable influences on postoperative bowel movement and systemic inflammatory reaction, and induce the better postoperative course.
BACKGROUND/AIMS:Assessment of oxaliplatin-associated hepatotoxicity in patients receiving oxaliplatin, fluorouracil and leucovorin chemotherapy (FOLFOX) for colorectal cancer remains controversial. The aims of this study were to clarify which variables are indicators of such hepatotoxicity.METHODOLOGY:Twenty-seven patients who were to receive FOLFOX for colorectal cancer were included in this study. A range of liver function tests, including serum hyaluronic acid (HA) and type IV collagen concentrations, indocyanine green (ICG) retention rate at 15 min (ICGR15) and splenic volume were assessed before commencement of chemotherapy and after four cycles of FOLFOX.RESULTS:No significant changes were found in conventional liver function tests or splenic volume. Significant changes pre- and post-FOLFOX were found in type IV collagen concentrations and ICGR15. Correlation analyses showed that the following two factors were associated with significant changes in ICGR15 after four cycles of FOLFOX: platelet count (p = 0.028, correlation coefficient 0.423), and type IV collagen concentration (p < 0.001, correlation coefficient 0.830). The regression line between type IV collagen concentration and ICGR15 was Y = 2.70 + 0.84 x X.CONCLUSION:Serum type IV collagen concentration is an indicator of oxaliplatin-associated hepatotoxicity and correlates with significant changes in ICGR15 in patients receiving FOLFOX.
BACKGROUND/AIMS To evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic spleen-preserving splenic hilar lymph node dissection for advanced upper gastric cancer in patients with high body mass index. METHODOLOGY Outcomes were retrospectively analyzed in 140 patients with AUGC who underwent laparoscopic spleen-preserving splenic hilar LN dissection between January 2010 and December 2012, including those with high (≥ 23 kg/m) and normal (< 23 kg/m2) BMI. RESULTS Except for BMI, the clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with high and normal BMI were similar. The number of retrieved No. 10 LNs per patient was significantly lower in the high than in the normal BMI group. There were no significant between group differences in operation time, blood loss, postoperative hospital stay and complications. Subgroup analysis showed that the numbers of No. 10 LNs retrieved per patient were lower in males with high than normal BMI and in patients after the initial learning curve of 40 patients with high than normal BMI. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic spleen-preserving splenic hilar LN dissection is feasible and safe in patients with high BMI, although even experienced laparoscopic surgeons should take special care in these patients, especially in men.
BACKGROUND/AIMS:For patients with complete malignant pharyngoesophageal obstruction (CMPO), percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy (PRG) under ultrasound/CT guidance can complicate it to cause failure due to unsatisfied stomach filling. In this study, we retrospectively investigated whether PRG via nasopharyngeal intubation is feasible and effective for these patients.METHODOLOGY:PRG via nasopharyngeal intubation was attempted in 21 patients with CMPO (mean 70.8 ± 8.23 years). The technique comprised a dilation of the stomach via nasopharyngeal intubation using a catheter, followed by fluoroscopically guided puncture and gastrostomy tube placement. Complications including hemorrhage, peritonitis, gastrojejunocolic fistula, infection of puncture site, tube blocking and outleakage was observed during and after the procedure.RESULTS:A 5F catheter was successfully inserted to the stomach under fluoroscopical guidance and subsequent PRG was performed in all 21 patients. Minor complications occurred in 14.3% patients including mild infection of the fistula in 1, tube blocking in 1 and unexpected tube drawing out in 1. Follow-up nutrition indexes revealed obvious improved nutrition compared to before PRG (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:PRG via nasopharyngeal intubation was simple, feasible and effective for patients with CMPO.
