BACKGROUND:Repeated application of the Pringle maneuver is a key obstacle to safe minimally invasive repeat liver resection (MISRLR). However, limited technical guidance is available. AIM:To study the utility of newly developed Pringle taping method guided by liver surface in MISRLR. METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed 72 cases of MISRLR performed by a single surgeon at two centers from August 2015 to July 2024. Beginning in October 2019, a liver surface-guided encirclement of hepatoduodenal ligament (LSEH) was used for repeat Pringle taping. Perioperative outcomes including Pringle taping success, operative time, blood loss, conversion rate, morbidity, and mortality were assessed. RESULTS:Laparoscopic and robotic approaches were used in 63 patients and 9 patients, respectively. The median operative time, blood loss, and hospital stay were 331.5 minutes, 70 mL, and 8 days, respectively. Open conversion occurred in two cases (2.8%) due to severe adhesions and right renal vein injury. Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III complications occurred in 5.6% of cases with no mortality. Anti-adhesion barriers were used in 54 patients (75.0%). LSEH was attempted in 57 cases, improving Pringle taping success from 33.0% to 91.4% (P < 0.001). LSEH succeeded in all patients with prior open liver resection (n = 11). Among 6 patients in whom LSEH failed, 3 patients (50.0%) had undergone a third liver resection, and 1 patient had a history of distal gastrectomy with choledochoduodenostomy. CONCLUSION:The newly developed LSEH technique for Pringle taping in MISRLR was feasible, enhancing safety and reproducibility even in patients with a history of open liver resection.

BACKGROUND In Japan, primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often develops in the setting of chronic hepatitis, such as persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus infection. Patients with HCC are commonly in their 50s or 60s, and the occurrence of HCC in individuals in their 40s or younger is extremely rare. The adolescent and young adult (AYA) population refers to individuals aged 15-39 years. Patients with cancer in the AYA population may present distinct clinical features and biological characteristics. AIM To evaluate the outcomes of hepatic resection for AYA patients with HCC at our institution. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 885 patients who underwent hepatectomy at our institution between 1994 and 2024. Patients were categorized into two groups: the AYA group and the non-AYA group. Patient demographics, operative details, perioperative outcomes, pathological features, clinicopathological findings, overall survival (OS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared between the groups. RESULTS Nine patients (5 males and 4 females) were younger than 40 years. The incidence of AYA HCC was 1.0%. Six patients had a history of hepatitis B. The percentage of HBV-positive patients was significantly greater in the AYA group than in the non-AYA group, and the tumor diameter was significantly greater in the AYA group. There were no significant differences in tumor marker levels, vascular invasion, differentiation, OS rate, or RFS rate between the AYA and non-AYA groups. CONCLUSION The outcomes of hepatic resection for AYA patients with HCC are favorable. Early detection of AYA HCC and timely hepatectomy are recommended.

BACKGROUND:Refractory ascites severely impairs quality of life in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and cancer-related peritonitis. For individuals who are intolerant to medical therapy and require frequent large-volume paracentesis, a peritoneovenous shunt (PVS) offers a potential treatment option. However, PVS placement is associated with high complication rates, perioperative mortality, and lacks well-defined indications. AIM:To identify prognostic factors for PVS placement and develop a novel postoperative survival scoring model for LC with refractory ascites. METHODS:A total of 100 patients who underwent PVS placement for refractory ascites due to LC in our department between 1998 and 2024 were analyzed. Patients were stratified into two groups: Those who survived more than 180 days after PVS placement (L-group) and those who survived for less than 180 days (S-group). Prognostic factors were compared between groups, and four variables (sex, age, Child-Pugh score, and liver volume) were selected for the creation of a new scoring system. RESULTS:Significant differences between the S- and L-groups were observed for age, sex, Child-Pugh score and preoperative liver volume. Based on these variables, we developed a scoring system as follows: 1 point each for age ≥ 60 years, Child-Pugh score ≥ 10, female sex, and preoperative liver volume < 1057 mL. Patients scoring 0-2 points were classified as PVS grade A, and those scoring 3-4 points as PVS grade B. Survival analysis showed that overall survival was significantly higher in PVS grade A compared with PVS grade B. Multivariate analysis confirmed PVS grade as an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSION:The proposed PVS scoring system may be a useful tool for predicting postoperative prognosis following PVS placement in patients with LC and refractory ascites.

We report a rare case of choledochal cyst with acute cholangitis that was diagnosed at 37 weeks' gestation and treated by laparoscopic choledochal resection and biliary reconstruction after delivery. A 31-year-old Japanese primigravida at 37 weeks' gestation presented with right upper quadrant pain. The patient was diagnosed as having acute cholangitis due to a type-Ia choledochal cyst, according to the Todani classification, with pancreaticobiliary maljunction. Acute cholangitis improved with conservative treatment, the fetus was delivered by Cesarean section at 38 weeks' gestation, and the patient was treated by laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and biliary reconstruction at 47 days postpartum. Total operation time was 579 minutes and intraoperative body fluid loss was 100 mL. The patient is now healthy with normal liver function 7 years after the operation. To ensure good outcomes for the mother and fetus, treatment decisions for choledochal cyst diagnosed during pregnancy must be carefully considered.

Abstract Background In Japan, primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often develops against a background of chronic hepatitis, such as persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Patients with HCC are commonly in their 50s or 60s. It is extremely rare to find HCC patients in their 40s or younger. In Japan, such cases are reported to constitute only 0.23% of all cases. The adolescent and young adult (AYA) population refers to people aged 15–39 years. Patients with cancer in the AYA population may present special clinical features and biologic characteristics. In this study, we evaluated hepatic resection of AYA hepatocellular carcinoma at our facility. Materials and Methods We analyzed 978 patients who underwent hepatectomy at our institute between 1994 and 2022. We categorized the patients into two groups: the AYA group and the non-AYA group. Patient demographics, operative details, perioperative outcomes, pathologic details, clinicopathological findings, overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared. Results Eight patients—five males and three females—were less than 40 years old. The incidence of AYA hepatocellular carcinoma was 0.8%. Six patients had a history of hepatitis B. Four patients had a history of liver cirrhosis. Two patients experienced recurrent HCC. One patient died a year and a half after surgery. The percentage of HBV-positive patients was significantly greater in the AYA group than in the non-AYA group, and the tumor diameter was significantly greater in the AYA group. There were no significant differences in tumor marker levels, vascular invasion, differentiation, overall survival rate, or recurrence-free survival rate between the AYA group and the non-AYA group. Conclusion The outcome of resection for AYA HCC is good. Detection of AYA HCC in the early stage and hepatectomy are recommended.

Introduction: The spleen is a lymphatic organ that manages immune surveillance of the blood, produces blood cells, and helps filter the blood, remove old blood cells, and fight infection. The normal splenic weight is approximately 65-265 g. This study evaluated spleen volume and segmental volume. Methods: 121 patients who underwent enhanced CT at our center were analyzed. The spleen was divided into upper, middle, and lower segments according to arterial flow area, and the volume of each segment was measured. Patients were classified into two groups as those with and without liver cirrhosis, and differences in the distribution of the segments in these groups was evaluated. Results: The mean upper, middle, and lower spleen segmental volume ratios were 35.4%, 37.0%, and 27.6%, respectively. In the liver cirrhosis group, the segmental splenic volume ratios for the upper, middle, and lower segments were 34.5%, 38.5%, and 28.0%, respectively, indicating that these ratios remain similar regardless of liver cirrhosis status. Conclusion: The present findings on segmental spleen volume are useful for estimating infarction volume in cases of partial splenic arterial embolization. (J Nippon Med Sch 2024; 91: 83 & horbar; 87)

Objective The spleen is part of the lymphatic system and is one of the least understood organs of the human body. It is involved in the production of blood cells and helps filter the blood, remove old blood cells, and fight infection. Partial splenic artery embolization (PSE) is widely used to treat pancytopenia and portal hypertension. The efficacy of PSE for improving thrombocytopenia has been well demonstrated. In this study, we evaluated the splenic infarction ratio and platelet increase ratio after PSE. Methods Forty-five consecutive patients underwent PSE from January 2014 to August 2022. We retrospectively evaluated the splenic infarction volume and ratio after PSE and analyzed the relationship between the splenic infarction ratio and platelet increase ratio after PSE. Results The platelet increase ratio was correlated with the splenic infarction ratio after PSE. The cutoff value for the splenic infarction ratio with a two-fold platelet increase was 63.0%. Conclusion We suggest performance of PSE in patients with a splenic infarction ratio of 63% to double the expected platelet count.

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is essential for diagnosing and treating biliopancreatic disease. Because ERCP-related perforation can result in death, therapeutic decisions are important. The aim of this study was to determine the cause of ERCP-related perforation and suggest appropriate management. Methods: Between January 1999 and August 2022, 7,896 ERCPs were performed in our hospital. We experienced 15 cases (0.18%) of ERCP-related perforation and conducted a retrospective review. Results: Of the 15 patients, 6 were female and 9 were male, and the mean age was 77.1 years. According to Stapfer's classification, the 15 cases of ERCP-related perforation comprised 3 type I (duodenum), 3 type II (periampullary), 9 type III (distal bile duct or pancreatic duct), and no type IV cases. Fourteen of 15 (92.6%) were diagnosed during ERCP. The main cause of perforation was scope-induced damage, endoscopic sphincterotomy, and instrumentation penetration in type I, II, and III cases, respectively. Four patients with severe abdominal pain and extraluminal fluid collection underwent emergency surgery for repair and drainage. One type III patient with distal bile duct cancer underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy on day 6. Three type III patients with only retroperitoneal gas on computed tomography (CT) performed immediately after ERCP had no symptoms and needed no additional treatment. Seven of the 15 patents were treated by endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (n=5) or CT-guided drainage (n=2). There were no deaths, and all patients were discharged after treatment. Conclusions: Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important in managing ERCP-related perforation.

Simple hepatic cysts are typically saccular, thin-walled masses with fluid-filled epithelial lined cavities. They arise from aberrant bile duct cells that develop during embryonic development. With the development of diagnostic modalities such as ultrasonography (US), CT, and MRI, simple hepatic cysts are frequently detected in clinical examinations. US is the most useful and noninvasive tool for diagnosis of simple hepatic cysts and can usually differentiate simple hepatic cysts from abscesses, hemangiomas, and malignancies. Cysts with irregular walls, septations, calcifications, or daughter cysts on US should be evaluated with enhanced CT or MRI, to differentiate simple hepatic cysts from cystic neoplasms or hydatid cysts. Growth and compression of hepatic cysts cause abdominal discomfort, pain, distension, and dietary symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, a feeling of fullness, and early satiety. Complications of simple hepatic cysts include infection, spontaneous hemorrhage, rupture, and external compression of biliary tree or major vessels. Asymptomatic simple hepatic cysts do not require treatment. Treatment for symptomatic simple hepatic cysts includes percutaneous aspiration, aspiration followed by sclerotherapy, and surgery. The American College of Gastroenterology clinical guidelines recommend laparoscopic fenestration because of its high success rate and low invasiveness. Percutaneous procedures for treatment of simple hepatic cysts are particularly effective for immediate palliation of patient symptoms; however, they are not generally recommended because of the high rate of recurrence. Management of simple hepatic cysts requires correct differentiation from neoplasms and infections, and selection of a reliable treatment.

During their clinical clerkships (CCs) in surgery, medical students are generally introduced to such areas as surgical indications, surgical techniques, and perioperative management through rounds and practical skills training on wards and in operating rooms. Given the technological advances made in virtual reality (VR) over recent years and its increasing use in education and corporate training, we decided to try using VR for the benefit of students on surgical CCs. To this end, we developed what we termed a "VR surgery tour" in the field of gastrointestinal surgery, which involved students using VR goggles to view edited 3D images. We then asked 26 fifth- and sixth-year medical students at Nippon Medical School assigned to CCs in gastrointestinal surgery between November 2020 and September 2021 to evaluate the VR surgery tour via a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire included questions using a five-point Likert scale and space for free comments. Our results showed that all respondents felt satisfied with the VR surgery tour, with 96% of them indicating it was a viable alternative to clinical training; moreover, about 90% of the students found it useful as a teaching aid for pre-learning and requested that VR teaching materials be made available in other fields as well. We concluded that our VR surgery tour is a valuable supplement to practical training in gastrointestinal surgery and that it increases medical students' motivation to learn. We believe VR is an effective teaching aid and that there will be increasing demand for its use in various education and training programs.

Liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths in Japan. The main treatment options for HCC are surgical resection, liver transplantation, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), and systemic chemotherapy. Here, recent medical treatments for HCC, including surgery, percutaneous ablation, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization/transcatheter arterial embolization, and drug therapy, are reviewed with a focus on Japan.

Background The Pringle maneuver is often used in liver surgery to minimize bleeding during liver transection. Many authors have demonstrated that intermittent use of the Pringle maneuver is safe and effective when performed appropriately. However, some studies have reported that the Pringle maneuver is a significant risk factor for portal vein thrombosis. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of portal vein flow after the Pringle maneuver and the impact that massaging the hepatoduodenal ligament after the Pringle maneuver has on portal vein flow. Materials and Methods Patients treated with the Pringle maneuver for hepatectomies performed to treat hepatic disease at our hospital between August 2014 and March 2019 were included in the study (N = 101). We divided these patients into two groups, a massage group and nonmassage group. We measured portal vein blood flow with ultrasonography before and after clamping of the hepatoduodenal ligament. We also evaluated laboratory data after the hepatectomy. Results Portal vein flow was significantly lower after the Pringle maneuver than before clamping of the hepatoduodenal ligament. The portal vein flow after the Pringle maneuver was improved following massage of the hepatoduodenal ligament. After hepatectomy, serum prothrombin time was significantly higher and serum C-reactive protein was significantly lower in the massage group than in the nonmassage group. Conclusion Massaging the hepatoduodenal ligament after the Pringle maneuver is recommended in order to quickly recover portal vein flow during hepatectomy and to improve coagulability.

Background: The number of patients with hemodialysis is increasing increased yearly. Few reports are available on hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal surgery in these patients. Patients and Methods: A total of 222 patients who underwent partial liver resection or segmentectomy in our hospital between January 2015 and September 2019 were included in this study. Patients were divided into the hemodialysis group (n=9) and non-hemodialysis group (n=213). Results: No significant difference was observed in postoperative complications between the hemodialysis and non-hemodialysis group. The hemodialysis group had a significantly higher infectious complication rates than the non-hemodialysis group (33.3% vs. 8.0%, p=0.009). In logistic regression analysis, hemodialysis was only a significant risk factor for postoperative infectious complications (OR=5.61, 95% CI=1.12-28.20, p=0.036). Conclusion: Liver resections, at least segmentectomy or smaller, is acceptable in patients on hemodialysis. However, these patients may have a higher risk of postoperative infectious complications than other patients.

Follicular pancreatitis (FP) is characterized by nodular mass composed of lymphoid hyperplasia and fibrosis. We here present radiological and pathological features of three cases of FP. The three patients were middle- or old-aged men, and nodular mass was pointed out at health examination. Computed tomography failed to demonstrate a mass. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a mass in each case. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography (FDG-PET) demonstrated two nodular masses with high standardized uptake value (SUV) in two cases and single mass in one case. The pathological examination disclosed two lesions with fibrosis and hyperplastic lymphoid follicles in two cases and one lesion in one case. Masses with high SUV appeared to correspond with the lesions of FP. Compared with the features of FDG-PET images of pancreatic ductal carcinoma, multiple lesions with high SUV favor a diagnosis of FP rather than pancreatic cancer. FDG-PET is useful for the diagnosis of FP.

Abstract Background: Relatively high mortality and morbidity rates are reported after liver resection (LR). However, the early predictors of complications after LR are not clear. This study was performed to clarify the usefulness of procalcitonin (PCT) for the early prediction of complications after elective LR. Methods: This observational study included 72 consecutive patients who underwent elective LR from December 2015 to March 2017. Patients were categorized into two groups: those with and without postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥II). The values of postoperative inflammatory markers (white blood cell [WBC] count, C-reactive protein [CRP] and PCT) were compared between the two groups. Results: CRP and PCT were significantly higher in patients with than without complications; however, the WBC count showed no difference within 5 days postoperatively. The maximum area under the receiver operating characteristic curves within 2 days after LR using the WBC count, CRP and PCT were 0.608, 0.697 and 0.860, respectively, PCT had the best predictive ability in the early postoperative period. The PCT level peaked within 2 days postoperatively in 61 patients (85%). The maximum PCT level within 2 days postoperatively (PCT1−2) was significantly higher in patients with than without complications (0.52 vs. 0.19 ng/mL, p<0.001). A cutoff PCT1−2 level of 0.35 ng/mL achieved 80% sensitivity and 83% specificity. In patients without complications, there was no difference in PCT1−2 even when the surgical procedure differed (p=0.935). Conclusions: PCT1−2 is an early predictive marker after LR and can be similarly used regardless of the LR procedure.

BACKGROUNDRecently, some reports have revealed a relationship between post-hepatectomy prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatic fibrosis markers. We evaluated the relationship between these markers of hepatic fibrosis, clinicopathological findings, and prognosis.METHODSThree hundred and sixty patients underwent hepatectomy for HCC in the Nippon Medical School Hospital between 1993 and 2013. We divided these patients into two groups: normal serum hyaluronic acid (HA) levels and abnormal levels. We also divided patients into groups with normal serum type IV collagen levels and abnormal levels.RESULTSThe overall survival rate and recurrence-free survival rate of the normal group were significantly higher than those of the abnormal group. In the normal hyaluronic acid group, serum albumin and prothrombin time were significantly higher than in the abnormal group, and age, hepatitis C virus antibody (HCV)-Ab positivity, Child-Pugh grade B, liver cirrhosis, indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (ICGR15), type IV collagen level, and type IV collagen 7s level were significantly lower than those in the abnormal group. In the normal type IV collagen group, HCV-Ab positivity, liver cirrhosis, ICGR15, HA level, and type IV collagen 7s level were significantly lower than those in the abnormal group, and the serum albumin level was significantly higher than that in the abnormal group. Multivariate analysis independently revealed the significant effect of serum type IV collagen on the overall survival rate as well as the significant effect of serum HA on the recurrence-free survival rate in patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC.CONCLUSIONSPreoperative examinations of serum hyaluronic acid levels and type IV collagen levels are imperative for hepatic resection for HCC because these markers are significantly associated with liver function and prognosis.

At present the only method available to confirm microscopic infiltration of cancer into ductal margins during surgery, is intraoperative histological examination. In the present study, the status of the surgical margins and postoperative course were evaluated to determine any correlation between remnant carcinoma and postoperative survival. All consecutive patients who underwent resection for biliary tract cancer between January 2004 and May 2012 were identified from a database. Positive margin cases were divided into two groups, invasive carcinoma and carcinoma in situ (CIS). Immunohistochemical staining targeting Ki67 and p53 for positive margins was performed. Cases of major vessel invasion were significantly increased in the positive group compared with the negative group. The recurrence rate was significantly lower in the CIS group compared with the invasive group. The survival rate was significantly increased in the CIS group compared with the invasive group. The expression levels of p53 and Ki67 were significantly increased in the invasive group compared with the CIS group. No statistical correlations were observed between the expression of p53 or Ki67 and the survival or recurrence of disease. In the positive group, resected margin status was the principal factor associated with recurrence-free survival according to Cox-regression analysis. In conclusion, the status of the resected margins in the positive group was the most important factor for postoperative survival and recurrence in cholangiocarcinoma, not immunohistochemical staining targeting Ki67 and p53.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare complication of liver transplantation which can lead to graft failure and patient death. Treatment can be difficult, especially in cases of PVT from the intrahepatic portal vein to the proximal jejunal veins. A 55-year-old woman had undergone living-donor liver transplantation with splenectomy for end-stage liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C with hepatocellular carcinoma. Ten months after transplantation, massive ascites and slight abdominal pain developed, and computed tomography revealed a PVT between the intrahepatic portal vein and the superior mesenteric vein. Repeated interventional radiology procedures were used in combination with thrombolysis, thrombectomy, and metallic stent replacement to obtain favorable portal flow to the graft. Five years after being treated, the patient is well, with favorable portal flow having been confirmed. In conclusion, repeated and assiduous interventional radiological treatment combined with thrombolytic therapy, thrombectomy, and metallic stent replacement could be important for severe PVT.