
Objective:The aim is to assess and contrast the effectiveness and safety of employing robotic surgery versus traditional open surgery in managing cases of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.Methods:Computer searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Database to identify case-control studies comparing robotic surgery with traditional open surgery in the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma from inception until July 2023. References from retrieved articles were reviewed to broaden the search. This review was prospectively registered in the PROSPERO database (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024527511) and reported in line with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and AMSTAR (Assessing the methodological quality of systematic reviews) Guidelines. The primary outcome measures included operation time, intraoperative blood transfusion rate, R0 resection rate, lymph node metastasis rate, incidence of postoperative complications, and postoperative hospital stay. Data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software, calculating combined odds ratios (OR), mean differences (MD), and 95% CI.Results:A total of 4 studies encompassing 267 patients diagnosed with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (177 males and 90 females, mean age of (58.8 +/- 5.7) years) were included in this analysis. Among these, 165 patients underwent open surgery, while 102 patients underwent robotic surgery. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated comparable outcomes between the two groups. Specifically, the operation time between the robotic surgery and open surgery cohorts did not significantly differ (MD=-103.96, 95% CI: -216.90 to 8.98, P=0.070). Additionally, the intraoperative blood transfusion rate (OR=1.32, 95% CI: 0.43-4.07, P=0.630), R0 resection rate (OR=1.41, 95% CI: 0.71-2.81, P=0.330), and lymph node metastasis rate (OR=1.62, 95% CI: 0.46-5.63, P=0.450) showed no significant differences between the groups. Similarly, there were no statistically significant disparities observed in the incidence of postoperative complications (OR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.28-1.31, P=0.200) and postoperative hospital stay (MD=2.17, 95% CI: -11.56 to 15.90, P=0.760).Conclusion:In the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma, robotic surgery demonstrates comparable safety and feasibility to traditional open surgery. However, due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, these conclusions warrant validation through additional high-quality investigations.
The prognostic role of the Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI) in hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients undergoing laparoscopic resection is unclear. To evaluate ACCI's effect on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS), we gathered data from 136 patients who underwent laparoscopic resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma at Zhengzhou University People's Hospital between 1 June 2018 and 1 June 2022. ACCI scores were categorized into high ACCI (ACCI > 4.0) and low ACCI (ACCI ≤ 4.0) groups. We examined ACCI's association with OS and RFS using Cox regression analyses and developed an ACCI-based nomogram for survival prediction. Our analysis revealed that higher ACCI scores (ACCI > 4.0) (HR = 2.14, 95%CI: 1.37-3.34) were identified as an independent risk factor significantly affecting both OS and RFS in postoperative patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (p < 0.05). TNM stage III-IV (HR = 7.42, 95%CI: 3.11-17.68), not undergoing R0 resection (HR = 1.58, 95%CI: 1.01-2.46), hemorrhage quantity > 350 mL (HR = 1.92, 95%CI: 1.24-2.97), and not receiving chemotherapy (HR = 1.89, 95%CI: 1.21-2.95) were also independent risk factors for OS. The ACCI-based nomogram accurately predicted the 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates, with Area Under the Curve (AUC) values of 0.818, 0.844, and 0.924, respectively. Calibration curves confirmed the nomogram's accuracy, and decision curve analysis highlighted its superior predictive performance. These findings suggest that a higher ACCI is associated with a worse prognosis in patients undergoing laparoscopic resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The ACCI-based nomogram could aid clinicians in making accurate predictions about patient survival and facilitate individualized treatment planning.
In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as a transformative approach in treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite their success, challenges persist, including concerns about their effectiveness, treatment costs, frequent occurrence of treatment-related adverse events, and tumor hyperprogression. Therefore, it is imperative to identify indicators capable of predicting the efficacy of ICIs treatment, enabling optimal patient selection to maximize clinical benefits while minimizing unnecessary toxic side effects and economic losses. This review paper categorizes prognostic biomarkers of ICIs treatment into the following categories: biochemical and cytological indicators, tumor-related markers, imaging and personal features, etiology, gut microbiome, and immune-related adverse events (irAEs). By organizing these indicators systematically, we aim to guide biomarker exploration and inform clinical treatment decisions.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the main pathological type of primary liver cancer, and using targeted drugs and combined with drugs of immunization therapy for systemic treatment is the choice of most patients in advanced stage. Inducing ferroptosis is an emerging approach for targeted therapy, including intracellular iron accumulation, free radical generation, lipid peroxidation and activation of multiple cell death effectors, eventually leading to rupture of the plasma membrane. Studies have shown that the chemotherapy effect can be enhanced through the induction of ferroptosis in cancer cells. This paper attempts to expound the ferroptosis, its molecular mechanisms and the related signaling pathways involved in HCC, so that we can propose potential drug treatment targets and possible combination therapy options for patients with liver carcinoma.
Objective:To analyze the influencing factors of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) in children with pancreatic tumors after surgery.Methods:The clinical data of 123 children undergoing surgery for pancreatic tumor in Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2007 to March 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including 39 males and 84 females, with a median age of 9.8 years (6.7 to 11.8). Patients without pancreatic fistula and with biochemical leakage were included in control group ( n=95), while patients with grade B and C pancreatic fistula were divided into CR-POPF group ( n=28). The independent influencing factors of CR-POPF were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results:Among 123 children, 28 cases (22.8%) developed CR-POPF, including 24 cases (85.7%, 24/28) of grade B pancreatic fistula and 4 cases (14.3%, 4/28) of grade C pancreatic fistula. There were significant differences between CR-POPF and control groups in the age > 8 years and 4 months, tumor location, operation time >390 min and procedures (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed an increased risk of CR-POPF in children aged > 8 years and 4 months ( OR=8.226, 95% CI: 1.813-37.333, P=0.006) and undergoing duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR) ( OR=3.353, 95% CI: 1.282-8.767, P=0.014). Conclusion:Age>8 years and 4 months and DPPHR are independent risk factors for CR-POPF in children with pancreatic tumors after surgery.
Objective:A predictive nomogram model for the prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) patients after curative resection was constructed based on the albumin-bilirubin score and tumor burden score (ATS) grade, and the predictive performance of the nomogram model was evaluated.Methods:Retrospective analysis of clinical data was made, from ICC patients who underwent curative resection at Zhengzhou University People's Hospital and Zhengzhou University Cancer Hospital from January 2016 to January 2020. A total of 258 patients were included in the study, with 140 males and 118 females, with an average age of (56.5±9.5) years. The 258 ICC patients were randomly divided into a training set ( n=174) and a testing set ( n=84) in a 7∶3 ratio. Single-factor and multi-factor Cox regression analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors for ICC patients of the training set, and then a nomogram model was constructed. The performance of the nomogram model was evaluated by using the concordance index (C-index), calibration curve, and risky decision curve analysis. Results:In the training set, univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that albumin-bilirubin (ALBI), tumor burden score (TBS), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), tumor differentitation, lymphvascular invasion and ATS significantly influenced overall survival after radical resection for ICC (all P<0.05). Multifactorial Cox regression analysis revealed that ATS grade, CEA, tumor differentiation, lymphovascular invasion, and AJCC N stage are independent risk factors for the prognosis of ICC patients after curative resection (all P<0.05). Assessment of the postoperative survival prediction model based on multifactorial Cox regression yielded a C-index of 0.775(95% CI: 0.747-0.841) for the training set and 0.731(95% CI: 0.668-0.828) for the testing set. The calibration curves for both the training and testing sets indicated strong predictive capability of the model. Additionally, the risk decision curve also suggested high net benefit of the model. Conclusions:The preoperative ATS grade is an independent factor affecting the survival after ICC radical resection. The nomogram model constructed based on ATS grade demonstrates excellent predictive value for postoperative prognosis in ICC patients.
Objective:To study the efficacy of laparoscopic limited anatomical hepatectomy (LLAH) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within the right anterior section.Methods:The clinical data of 144 patients with HCC confined in the right anterior section undergoing hepatectomy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from January 2015 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 122 males and 22 females, aged (54.5±9.7) years. Patients were divided into LLAH ( n=27), laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy (LAH, n=69), and laparoscopic non-anatomical hepatectomy (LNAH, n=48). Propensity score matching was used to compare the operative time, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications, serum total bilirubin and albumin, and the prognostic indicators such as tumor-free survival (DFS) rate and cumulative survival rate between the groups. Results:After propensity score matching, there were 26 cases each in LLAH and LNAH group. There was no significant difference in operative time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay between LLAH group and LNAH group (all P<0.05). The total bilirubin and albumin in LLAH on the third day after operation were [ M( Q1, Q3)] 24.1(20.9, 29.1) μmol/L and (35.8±2.9) g/L, better than those in LNAH group 39.3(33.2, 57.0) μmol/L and (33.9±2.5) g/L, respectively. The 1- and 3-year DFS rates in LLAH group were 92.3% and 57.7%, higher than those in LNAH group (80.8% and 19.2%) (all P<0.05). After propensity score matching, there were 25 patients each in LLAH and LAH group. The operative time, postoperative hospital stay and postoperative complications of LLAH group were lower than those of LAH group, and the liver function parameters of LLAH group was also better than those of LAH group (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in DSF rate between the two groups LLAH group and LAH group ( χ2=0.10, P=0.800). Conclusions:The perioperative outcome of LLAH for HCC within the right anterior section are similar to that of LNAH and better than that of LAH. The DFS of LLAH were better than that of LNAH and similar to that of LAH.
Objective:To investigate the biochemical properties of porcine improved perfusion-acellular pancreatic bioscaffold (APB).Methods:The fresh pancreas from 10 health pigs [age: 4-6 months, weight: (20.0±2.5) kg] were perfused through portal vein and pancreatic duct by our Easy-Load Digital Drive peristaltic pumps. The histological structure, extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and DNA quantification of APB were evaluated. The biocompatibility of APB was evaluated by transplantation experiment. Also, we observed the proliferation and differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) reseeded on the APB.Results:The pancreatic tissue became translucent and the macroscopic three-dimensional architectures of native pancreas were retained after decellularization. The histological evaluation indicated that the ECM ultrastructure was preserved, and there was no cellular components retained. Compared with the native pancreas, the major ECM components didn’t show significant difference [collagen: (846.1±280.0) ng/mg dry weight vs (754.7±249.6) ng/mg dry weight; sGAG: (433.6±142.6) ng/mg dry weight vs (397.2±98.7) ng/mg dry weight; both P>0.05]. The DNA content of APB decreased significantly compared with native pancreas [(83 464.2±27 813.4) ng/mg dry weight vs (298.9±96.8) ng/mg dry weight, t=11.56, P<0.001]. The histological analysis of the subcutaneous implantation site showed the enhanced histological remold score and benefit remodeling results with time after implantation. The proliferation and differentiation of BMSCs could be promoted on the recellularized APB. Conclusion:Our APB in this study meets the stringent requirement to define a successful decellularization, which could allow APB preserving 3D architecture and represented a biocompatible scaffold capable of supporting and enhancing cell proliferation and differentiation.
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of interventional treatment of advanced portal vein occlusion indifferent stages after liver transplantation.Methods:The clinical data of 13 patients with advanced portal vein occlusion after liver transplantation in Tianjin First Central Hospital from March 2016 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 8 males and 5 females, with a median age of 47 (2 to 68) years. Based on the Yerdel’s Classification of portal vein thrombosis and Department of Radiology, Tianjin First Central Hospital practice experience, the classification of portal vein occlusion was further modified for a classification-base interventional treatment. The changes of portal vein pressure gradient, complications and protal vein after interventional treatment were analyzed.Results:All 13 cases underwent successful interventional treatment. A total of 15 stents were implanted in the 13 patients. The treatment time was (63.1±18.4) min. The pressure gradient at both ends of portal vein occlusion before treatment was [ M ( Q1, Q3)] 14.0 (9.5, 18.0) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), which declined after interventional treatment 1.0 (1.0, 2.5) mmHg ( Z=-3.19, P<0.001). Portal vein and right portal branch thrombosis recurred in one patient six days after interventional treatment, which was managed with re-interventional treatment. One patient underwent intrahepatic portal shunt through jugular vein 111 days after interventional treatment due to recurrent portal vein thrombosis. The other patients recovered uneventfully without recurrent portal vein thrombosis or occlusion during follow-ups. No intervention-related complications such as puncture point and intraperitoneal hemorrhage occurred in the patients. Conclusion:A modified classification-based interventional treatment could be safe and feasible for patients with advanced portal vein occlusion after liver transplantation.
Objective:To study the changes in the sphincter of Oddi pressure in rabbits after bilateral vagus nerve trunk severance and the therapeutic effect of Qingre Lidan Decoction, to provide a new way for the treatment of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.Methods:Twenty-four 1.5~2.0 kg New Zealand Large White rabbits of either gender were randomly selected and divided into the control group, the model group, and the treatment group. In the control group, only pyloroplasty was performed; in the model group and the treatment group, pyloroplasty plus bilateral vagus nerve trunk dissection at the level of the diaphragm were performed, and in the treatment group, one month of gavage treatment with Qingre Lidan Decoction was carried out 7 days after the operation. Multi-channel bio-signal acquisition system was used to record the pressure changes of the sphincter of Oddi in rabbits of each group; ELISA was used to detect the changes of inflammatory factors IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor TNF-α in the serum of rabbits.Results:The pressure of the sphincter of Oddi in the model group was significantly higher than those in the control group [low-pressure area: (51.95±0.35) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) vs (21.60±1.13) mmHg ( P<0.05) ; High pressure area: (60.75±0.49) mmHg vs (20.70±0.85) mmHg ( P<0.05)], the pressure of sphincter of Oddi in the treatment group of Qingre Lidan Decoction was lower than that of the model group [low-pressure area: (22.70±1.13) mmHg vs (51.95±0.35) mmHg ( P<0.05); high-pressure area: (32.15±0.49) mmHg vs (60.75±0.49) mmHg ( P<0.05)]. Serum IL-6 and TNF-αwere significantly elevated in the model group compared to the control group; IL-6 and TNF-α levels were decreased in the treatment group compared to the model group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Bilateral vagus nerve trunk severance leads to Oddi sphincter dysfunction, and treatment with Qingre Lidan Decoction could improve Oddi sphincter dysfunction.
Laparoscopic hepatectomy has been routinely used in all tumor types of the liver, but for tumors in the Ⅵ, Ⅶ and Ⅷ segments of the liver (referred to as tumors in a special position of the liver in this paper), laparoscopic hepatectomy has some difficulties in aspect of vision and operation due to the deep anatomical position. In the process of continuous experience accumulation, hepatobiliary surgeons have explored different surgical positions, surgical methods and surgical paths to solve the encountered difficulties. For tumors located in a special position of the liver, conventional laparoscopy, change of surgical posture, thoracoscopic or combined laparoscopy and retroperitoneal laparoscopy are effective and feasible. All of them have their own advantages.
Objective:To study the expression level of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) and its correlation with the clinical characteristics and prognosis.Methods:The clinical data of 75 patients with cHCC-CCA undergoing surgery in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from January 2011 to December 2019, including 61 males and 14 females, with a median age of 55 years (36 to 77). Immunohistochemistry was conducted to determine the PD-L1 expression in tumor. The status of PD-L1 expression, clinicopathological data and prognosis of patients were analyzed.Results:In low-differentiated cHCC-CCA tissues, the proportion of PD-L1 expression (21.1%, 8/38) was higher than that in moderately to well-differentiated cHCC-CCA tissues (2.70%, 1/37, χ2=4.366, P=0.037). The median disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS)of PD-L1 positive patients were 12.3 and 15.1 months, respectively, lower than those of PD-L1 negative patients (14.4 and 23.3 months). The difference of DFS was statistically significant ( χ2=4.052, P=0.044). In multivariate analysis, major vascular invasion (DFS: HR=1.965, 95% CI: 1.119-3.450, P=0.019; OS: HR=1.781, 95% CI: 1.022-3.105, P=0.042) and lymph node metastasis (DFS: HR=2.451, 95% CI: 1.1033-5.814, P=0.042; OS: HR=2.652, 95% CI: 1.120-6.279, P=0.027) were identified as independent prognostic factors affecting DFS and OS. Conclusions:The proportion of PD-L1 positive is higher inthe low-differentiated cHCC-CCA tissue compared to that in moderately to well-differentiated cHCC-CCA. The major vascular invasion and lymph node metastasis are independent factors affecting the prognosis of patients with cHCC-CCA.
Objective:Comparison of early cholecystectomy (EC) and delayed cholecystectomy (DC) after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGD) for over 80-year-old patients with acute cholecystitis.Methods:Clinical data of 297 over-80-year-old patients of with acute cholecystitis undergoing surgery in Shidong Hospital Affiliated to the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology from January 2016 to January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including 123 males and 174 females, aged (86.1±5.2) years. There were 176 cases in EC group and 121 in PTGD-DC group. Demographic data and perioperative outcomes were compared between the groups, including gender, age, ASA score, lab test, grades of acute cholecystitis, symptom, time before EC or PTGD, intraoperative blood loss, conversion, respiratory disfunction, gangrenous cholecystitis, abdominal drainage time, postoperative complication, hospital stay, intensive care time.Results:The baseline characteristics were similar between EC and PTGD-DC groups, including demographics, ASA score, grades of acute cholecystitis, white blood cell counting, platelet counting, level of serum procalcitonin, time before EC or PTGD, and percentage of comorbidity. Compared to PTGD-DC group, Patients in DC group experienced more intraoperative blood loss (118±62 vs 32±31ml], longer operative time (135±43 vs 61±31) min], higher incidence of gangrenouscholecystitis [23.2%(41/176) vs 9.9%(12/121)], more respiratory support [16.5%(29/176) vs 11.6%(14/121)], more conversion to open surgery [22.7%(40/176) vs 9.1%(11/121)], longer postoperative abdominal drainage time (9.1±2.6 vs 3.8±2.3d], longer hospitalization (8.2±3.1 vs 6.1±2.2 d], longer intensive care (9.0±0.3 vs 4.6±0.2 h] (all P<0.05). More complications were observed in EC group, such as bile leakage, postoperative bleeding, unscheduled reoperation, bile duct injury (all P<0.05). Conclusion:PTGD and DC could lower the perioperative risk of elderly patients with acute cholecystitis.
Objective:To screen preoperative microvascular invasion (MVI)-related indicators in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma by machine learning, and to construct a predictive model for predicting MVI and evaluate it.Methods:The clinical data of hepatocellular carcinoma patients who underwent radical resection from January 2018 to March 2023 in General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 437 patients were enrolled, including 325 males and 112 females, aged (56.3±13.6) years. The 437 patients were divided into a training set ( n=305) and a test set ( n=132) by computer-generated random numbers on a 7∶3 basis; the training set was used to construct the predictive model as well as to internally validate it by the five-fold cross-validation method, and the test set was used to externally validate the model. Two machine learning Boruta algorithm and LASSO regression, were used to screen MVI characteristic variables and construct multifactorial logistic regression prediction models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curves, and decision curve were evaluated for predictive modeling, applying Shapley's additive explanatory analysis (SHAP) of the significance of key variables. Results:The intersection (5 variables) of 8 characteristic variables selected by Boruta algorithm and 8 variables selected by LASSO regression were selected: aspartate aminotransferase/lymphocyte ratio (ALR), tumor margin, intratumbral necrosis, tumor number and tumor maximum diameter, and the logistic regression model was constructed. The area under ROC curve for predicting the MVI were 0.77 (95% CI: 0.70-0.82) (training set), 0.76 (95% CI: 0.63-0.87) (validation set), and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.78-0.91) (test set). The prediction results of calibration curve logistic regression model were close to those of reagent, and the analysis of decision curve indicates that the model had good clinical application value. According to the mean absolute SHAP value, the order of importance was tumor margin, tumor maximum diameter, tumor number, ALR, and intratumoral necrosis. Conclusion:Tumor margin, tumor maximum diameter, tumor number, ALR and intratumoral necrosis were independent influencing factors for hepatocellular carcinoma associated with MVI, and the logistic regression model based on these factors was effective in predicting MVI.
Objective:To analyze the prognostic factors affecting salvage liver transplantation (SLT).Methods:The clinical data of 97 patients undergoing liver transplantation in the Ningbo Medical Centre Lihuili Hospital from January 2012 to May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 84 males and 13 females, aged (53.6±7.4) years. Among them, 33 patients underwent primary liver transplantation (PLT) and 64 underwent SLT. SLT patients were subdivided into the groups within the Milan criteria (SLT-A, n=35) and beyond the Milan criteria (SLT-B, n=29), according to whether the Milan criteria were met at first hepatectomy. Clinicopathological and prognostic data were subsequently analyzed. Results:The tumor number ( χ2=16.03, P<0.001), microvascular invasion (MVI) ( χ2=10.97, P=0.004), recurrence rate ( χ2=9.31, P=0.010), recurrence-free survival (RFS, F=14.05, P=0.001) and overall survival (OS, F=17.27, P<0.001) were significantly different among the three groups. RFS ( P=0.047) and OS ( P=0.012) in PLT group were better than those in SLT-B group. RFS ( P=0.007) and OS ( P=0.024) in SLT-A group were also better than those in SLT-B group. The multivariate analysis indicated that beyond the Milan criteria at first hepatectomy was an independent risk factor for RFS ( HR=4.378, 95% CI: 1.393-13.756, P=0.011) and OS ( HR=5.391, 95% CI: 1.428-20.352, P=0.013) in patients undergoing SLT, and MVI positive ( HR=4.042, 95% CI: 1.137-14.368, P=0.031) was an independent risk factor for RFS in patients undergoing SLT. Conclusion:Patients beyond the Milan criteria at first hepatectomy and MVI positive showed a poorer prognosis after SLT. Whether the Milan criteria should be the gold standard for SLT as well as for PLT needs further study.
Liver cancer is one of the most common and fatal malignancies worldwide, with high mortality and morbidity. As an important tumor suppressor gene, p53 gene plays a key role in cell cycle regulation, cell growth and apoptosis of tumor cells. P53 gene mutations are closely related to the occurrence of liver cancer. At present, the treatment of liver cancer includes surgery, local treatment and systemic treatment. However, since most liver cancer patients are in advanced stages at the time of diagnosis, non-surgical treatment has become the best choice for the treatment of patients with intermediate and advanced liver cancer. But patients still have problems such as short survival and easy drug resistance. Therefore, the development of new treatment options is essential to improve the treatment outcomes of liver cancer patients. P53-related gene therapy products have great potential as drugs for the treatment of liver cancer. This article will briefly review the relationship between p53 gene and primary liver cancer, and explore its role in diagnosis and treatment, in order to provide a new direction for future clinical treatment.
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in liver transplant recipients.Methods:Clinical data of 130 liver transplant recipients with COVID-19 infection followed in Hebei Medical University Third Hospital from November 2022 to January 2023 were retrospectively collected, including 103 males and 27 females, aged (53.6±11.4) years. The severity of COVID-19 infection, its clinical symptoms, and negative conversion time for each recipient were analyzed and compared.Results:For the disease severity, 121 (93.1%) were mild, 5 (3.8%) were moderate, 3 (2.3%) were severe, and 1 (0.8%) was critically severe. The most common symptoms in the 126 patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 infection were successively fever, fatigue, cough and myalgia, with a negative conversion time of (10.1±4.5) (3.0-29.0)d. In those who underwent transplantation less than 12 months ( n=28), those who were taking mycophenolate mofetil ( n=53) and those who were taking methylprednisolone ( n=10), the negative conversion time was (11.6±5.1) d, (11.4±5.4) d, and (13.4±6.4) d, respectively, longer compared to those who underwent transplantation more than 12 months (9.7±4.2 d, n=98), and who were not taking mycophenolate mofetil (9.2±3.4 d, n=73) or methylprednisolone (9.8±4.2 d, n=116, all P<0.05). The negative conversion times were longer in recipients with symptoms (eg. fatigue and cough) than those in asymptomatic recipients (11.0±5.1 d vs. 9.0±3.3 d, t=2.64, P=0.009, and 11.4±5.2 d vs. 9.0±3.4 d, t=2.92, P=0.004). Conclusion:The COVID-19 infection in liver transplant recipients was mainly mild and moderate. The most common symptoms are fever, fatigue, cough and myalgia. The short time (less than 12 months) after liver transplantation, oral mycophenolate mofetil and methylprednisolone, with symptoms (fatigue and cough) could be associated with a prolonged negative conversion time.
Cholangiocarcinoma originates from bile duct epithelial cells and is a highly heterogeneous and aggressive malignant tumour. A deep understanding of the biological characteristics of the tumor can help to make progress in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. There are many types of animal models of cholangiocarcinoma, and different models can be induced according to different research purposes, including chemotoxic agent models, cholestatic models, implantation models, genetically engineered models, etc. This paper summarises the existing animal models of cholangiocarcinoma, compares their advantages and disadvantages as well as the application scenarios, and provides a reference for subsequent studies.
Objective:To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with Vp4 portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT).Methods:Data of 15 patients undergoing TIPS for HCC with Vp4 PVTT and portal hypertension (PTN) in Peking University First Hospital from July 2018 to February 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including 14 males and 1 female, aged (61.5±11.1) years old, ranging from 40 to 78 years old. The success rate of TIPS, portal pressure gradient (PPG) before and after procedure, perioperative adverse effects and complications were recorded. The survival status of patients was followed up by telephone review after surgery. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis.Results:The procedure of TIPS was performed uneventfully in all patients, with a technical success rate of 100% (15/15). PPG before and after TIPS were (31.73±5.48) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and (17.60±3.66) mmHg, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001). No perioperative death, hepatic artery or bile duct injury, acute liver failure or other major complications occurred. Compared with the preoperative status, the performance status scores [0(0, 0) vs. 3(3, 3)] and Child-Pugh scores [6(5, 8) vs. 9(8, 10)] were lower in patients one month after TIPS (all P<0.05). The median survival time was 228 d. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the cumulative survival rates at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after TIPS were 100%, 64.3%, 32.7% and 8.2%, respectively. Conclusion:TIPS could be safe and effective for HCC with Vp4 PVTT and severe PTN.
Objective:To analyze and predict the clinical efficacy of rigid choledochoscopic percutaneous transhepatic biliary fistulation (PTBF) lithotripsy for the treatment of hepatolithiasis.Methods:Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang were searched for literatures from January 1, 1990 to March 1, 2022 on rigid choledochoscopic PTBF lithotripsy for hepatolithiasis studies. The primary outcomes including the final clearance rate, recurrence rate and overall postoperative complication rate, were analyzed by the random effects model in meta analysis and Bayesian network. The Markov Chain Monte Carlo was used for evaluation and prediction.Results:Fifteen articles were ultimately included, involving 1 296 patients, of which 1 008 patients were clearly shown to have complex intrahepatic bile duct stones in the literature [divided into two groups, the percutaneous transhepatic one-step biliary fistulation (PTOBF) stone removal group ( n=568) and the percutaneous transhepatic two-step biliary fistulation (PTTBF) stone removal group ( n=440)]. The results of Bayesian single-arm meta-analysis showed that the final clearance rate, recurrence rate and overall postoperative complication rate of PTOBF for hepatolithiasis were 84.19% (95% HPD: 79.08%-88.93%), 15.79% (95% HPD: 11.01%-21.07%) and 10.85% (95% HPD: 7.93%-14.21%). For complex hepatolithiasis, the final clearance rate, recurrence rate and overall postoperative complication rate of PTOBF were 82.58% (95% HPD: 75.46%-88.83%), 17.99% (95% HPD: 11.51%-25.45%), 10.34% (95% HPD: 6.42%-15.40%). For PTTBF, they were respectively 73.56% (95% HPD: 65.67%-80.30%), 29.48% (95% HPD: 23.13%-36.01%), 11.42% (95% HPD: 6.18%-17.67%). In comparison to PTTBF, the patients treated with PTOBF has a higher clearance rate ( OR=1.74, 95% CI: 1.17-2.60) and a lower recurrence rate ( OR=0.56, 95% CI: 0.37-0.84)but the overall complication rate did not improve ( OR=1.03, 95% CI: 0.66-1.62). Conclusions:Rigid choledochoscopic PTBF lithotripsy for hepatolithiasis is safe, effective and feasible. For complex hepatolithiasis, PTOBF has a higher clearance rate and a lower recurrence rate.