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Background: Gemcitabine together with nab-paclitaxel (GnP) has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the predictive markers for treatment effects remain unclear. This study aimed to identify early prognostic factors in patients with PDAC receiving GnP. Patients and Methods: We analyzed 113 patients who received GnP for PDAC and evaluated the relationship between clinical factors and outcomes. Results: The median survival time (MST) was 1.2 years. In multivariate analysis, baseline carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) ≥747 U/ml [hazard ratio (HR)=1.9], baseline controlling nutrition status (CONUT) score ≥5 (HR=3.7) and changing rate of CA19-9 after two GnP cycles ≥0.69 (HR=3.7) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis. When examining outcomes according to pre-chemotherapeutic measurable factors (baseline CA19-9 and CONUT), the MSTs of patients with pre-chemotherapeutic zero risk factors (pre-low-risk group, n=63) and one or more risk factors (pre-high-risk group, n=50) were 1.7 and 0.65 years (p

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to define robust benchmark values for the surgical treatment of perihilar cholangiocarcinomas (PHC) to enable unbiased comparisons. BACKGROUND: Despite ongoing efforts, postoperative mortality and morbidity remains high after complex liver surgery for PHC. Benchmark data of best achievable results in surgical PHC treatment are however still lacking. METHODS: This study analyzed consecutive patients undergoing major liver surgery for PHC in 24 high-volume centers in 3 continents over the recent 5-year period (2014-2018) with a minimum follow-up of 1 year in each patient. Benchmark patients were those operated at high-volume centers (≥50 cases during the study period) without the need for vascular reconstruction due to tumor invasion, or the presence of significant co-morbidities such as severe obesity (body mass index ≥35), diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases. Benchmark cutoff values were derived from the 75th or 25th percentile of the median values of all benchmark centers. RESULTS: Seven hundred eight (39%) of a total of 1829 consecutive patients qualified as benchmark cases. Benchmark cut-offs included: R0 resection ≥57%, postoperative liver failure (International Study Group of Liver Surgery): ≤35%; in-hospital and 3-month mortality rates ≤8% and ≤13%, respectively; 3-month grade 3 complications and the CCI: ≤70% and ≤30.5, respectively; bile leak-rate: ≤47% and 5-year overall survival of ≥39.7%. Centers operating mostly on complex cases disclosed better outcome including lower post-operative liver failure rates (4% vs 13%; P = 0.002). Centers from Asia disclosed better outcomes. CONCLUSION: Surgery for PHC remains associated with high morbidity and mortality with now the availability of benchmark values covering 21 outcome parameters, which may serve as key references for comparison in any future analyses of individuals, group of patients or centers.

Background: Analysis of operative data with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) is expected to improve the knowledge and professional skills of surgeons. Identification of objects in videos recorded during surgery can be used for surgical skill assessment and surgical navigation. The objectives of this study were to recognize objects and types of forceps in surgical videos acquired during colorectal surgeries and evaluate detection accuracy.Methods: Images (n=1818) were extracted from 11 surgical videos for model training, and another 500 images were extracted from 6 additional videos for validation. The following 5 types of forceps were selected for annotation: ultrasonic scalpel, grasping, clip, angled (Maryland and right-angled), and spatula. IBM Visual Insights software was used, which incorporates the most popular open-source deep-learning CNN frameworks.Results: In total, 1039/1062 (97.8%) forceps were correctly identified among 500 test images. Calculated recall and precision values were as follows: grasping forceps, 98.1% and 98.0%; ultrasonic scalpel, 99.4% and 93.9%; clip forceps, 96.2% and 92.7%; angled forceps, 94.9% and 100%; and spatula forceps, 98.1% and 94.5%, respectively.Conclusions: Forceps recognition can be achieved with high accuracy using deep-learning models, providing the opportunity to evaluate how forceps are used in various operations.

The current status and future prospects for diagnosis and treatment of lateral pelvic lymph node (LPLN) metastasis of rectal cancer are described in this review. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended for the diagnosis of LPLN metastasis. A LPLN-positive status on MRI is a strong risk factor for metastasis, and evaluation by MRI is important for deciding treatment strategy. LPLN dissection (LPLD) has an advantage of reducing recurrence in the lateral pelvis but also has a disadvantage of complications; therefore, LPLD may not be appropriate for cases that are less likely to have LPLN metastasis. Radiation therapy (RT) and chemoradiation therapy (CRT) have limited effects in cases with suspected LPLN metastasis, but a combination of preoperative CRT and LPLD may improve the treatment outcome. Thus, RT and CRT plus selective LPLD may be a rational strategy to omit unnecessary LPLD and produce a favorable treatment outcome.

Background Although thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is recognized as one of the poor-prognosis factors after liver transplantation, the precise outcome of TMA is unclear. We sought to elucidate the factors affecting the outcome of TMA after liver transplantation in Japan, based on the data from a nationwide survey. Methods One hundred cases of post-transplant TMA were accumulated from 17 Japanese centers of which 2 cases were excluded because the cause of death was obviously not related to TMA (recurrence of original diseases as primary sclerosing cholangitis and hepatocellular carcinoma), and remaining 98 cases were enrolled in this study. The patient survival after the development of TMA and the factors that affected the patients' outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Results All cases were living-donor liver transplant cases, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year patient survival rates after transplantation were 66.9%, 64.6%, and 62.2%, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, the requirement of renal replacement therapy during TMA treatment was the only factor that was significantly related to poor outcome after the development of TMA. Conclusion The outcomes of TMA were generally poor. The progression of renal dysfunction despite intensive treatment might be the only factor related to the poor prognosis after the development of TMA.

Background Although we previously proposed a nomogram to predict malignancy in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) and validated it in an external cohort, its application is challenging without data on tumor markers. Moreover, existing nomograms have not been compared. This study aimed to develop a nomogram based on radiologic findings and to compare its performance with previously proposed American and Korean/Japanese nomograms. Methods We recruited 3708 patients who underwent surgical resection at 31 tertiary institutions in eight countries, and patients with main pancreatic duct > 10 mm were excluded. To construct the nomogram, 2606 patients were randomly allocated 1:1 into training and internal validation sets, and area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was calculated using 10-fold cross validation by exhaustive search. This nomogram was then validated and compared to the American and Korean/Japanese nomograms using 1102 patients. Results Among the 2606 patients, 90 had main-duct type, 900 had branch-duct type, and 1616 had mixed-type IPMN. Pathologic results revealed 1628 low-grade dysplasia, 476 high-grade dysplasia, and 502 invasive carcinoma. Location, cyst size, duct dilatation, and mural nodule were selected to construct the nomogram. AUC of this nomogram was higher than the American nomogram (0.691 vs. 0.664, p = 0.014) and comparable with the Korean/Japanese nomogram (0.659 vs 0.653, p = 0.255). Conclusions A novel nomogram based on radiologic findings of IPMN is competitive for predicting risk of malignancy. This nomogram would be clinically helpful in circumstances where tumor markers are not available. The nomogram is freely available at http://statgen.snu.ac.kr/software/nomogramIPMN.

Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is an inflammatory condition commonly complicated by mild liver dysfunction. However, severe liver failure is rarely reported. We report three cases of severe acute hepatic failure (ALF) associated with AOSD. We encountered three cases of acute liver failure (ALF) with encephalopathy. Case 1 was a 75-year-old female, who was started on a steroid (prednisolone, PSL) to treat AOSD; this was gradually tapered. Two months later, severe ALF developed. She died despite an increase in the PSL dose and artificial liver support. Case 2 was a 26-year-old-female taking PSL 30 mg/day to treat subacute thyroiditis. PSL was tapered, and she received methyl PSL pulse therapy and artificial liver support, but this did not cure the ALF. Liver transplantation (LT) was performed 25 days later. Three years later, the same symptoms were observed and we diagnosed AOSD. Case 3 was a 56-year-old-female who met the AOSD criteria. PSL 50 mg/day was started and then tapered. Methyl PSL pulse therapy was prescribed to treat hemophagocytic syndrome, but she required LT on hospital day 13. In AOSD cases, ALF is rarely complicated; urgent LT should be considered only for patients with AOSD-related severe ALF.

The controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score is a useful biomarker to evaluate undernutrition. However, there have been few reports describing the correlation between postoperative complications and the CONUT score for pancreatic cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of the CONUT score on the postoperative complications of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in patients with pancreatic cancer. We retrospectively analyzed 206 consecutive patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent PD over a 12-year duration at our institution. The patients were divided into two groups based on preoperative CONUT scores; their clinicopathological characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared. Furthermore, we compared the CONUT score with preoperative clinical factors and several nutritional biomarkers for postoperative complications using univariate and multivariate analyses. Postoperative complications of Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ IIIa and those of Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ IIIb occurred in 29 (14.1%) and 9 (4.4%) patients, respectively. The high CONUT score (≥5) group indicated that patients with an undernutrition status had a higher postoperative complication rate, poorer relapse-free survival, and overall survival rates than the low CONUT score (≤4) group. Among preoperative clinical factors, a high CONUT score was an independent risk factor for severe postoperative complications. The CONUT score may be a useful parameter in the identification of patients undergoing pancreatic surgery who are susceptible to postoperative complications.

BACKGROUND The high operative mortality rate after hepatopancreatoduodenectomy (HPD) is still a major issue. The present study explored why operative mortality differs significantly due to hospital volume. METHOD Surgical case data were extracted from the National Clinical Database (NCD) in Japan from 2011 to 2014. Surgical procedures were categorized as major (≥2 sections) and minor (

BACKGROUND The Glissonean approach has been widely validated for both open and minimally invasive anatomic liver resection (MIALR). However, the possible advantages compared to the conventional hilar approach are still under debate. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the application of the Glissonean approach in MIALR. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted on PubMed and Ichushi databases. Articles written in English or Japanese were included. From 2,390 English manuscripts evaluated by title and abstract, 43 were included. Additionally, 23 out of 463 Japanese manuscripts were selected. Duplicates were removed, including the most recent manuscript. RESULTS The Glissonean approach is reported for both major and minor MIALR. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd order divisions of both right and left portal pedicles can be reached following defined anatomical landmarks. Compared to the conventional hilar approach, the Glissonean approach is associated with shorter operative time, lower blood loss, and better peri-operative outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Glissonean approach is safe and feasible for MIALR with several reported advantages compared to the conventional hilar approach. Clear knowledge of Laennec's capsule anatomy is necessary and serves as a guide for the dissection. However, the best surgical approach to be performed depends on surgeon experience and patients' characteristics. Standardization of the Glissonean approach for MIALR is important.

To evaluate the surgical outcomes of patients with gallbladder cancer (GBC) with jaundice due to as-yet unelucidated prognostic factors. A total of 348 GBC patients underwent resection at our institute between 1985 and 2016. Of these, 67 had jaundice (serum total bilirubin ≥ 2 mg/dL). Preoperative biliary drainage was performed, with portal vein embolization as required. All patients underwent radical surgery. We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes, performed multivariate analysis for overall survival, and compared our findings to those reported in the literature. The 5-year survival rate of M0 (no distant metastasis) GBC patients with jaundice, who underwent resectional surgery, was 21.9%, versus 68.3% in those without jaundice (p < 0.05). Since 2000, surgical mortality in GBC patients with jaundice has decreased from 12 to 6.8%. Patients with jaundice had more advanced disease and underwent major hepatectomies and vascular resections; however, preoperative jaundice alone was not a prognostic factor. Multivariate analysis of jaundiced patients revealed that percutaneous biliary drainage (PTBD) (vis-a-vis endoscopic drainage [EBD], hazard ratio [HR] 2.82), postoperative morbidity (Clavien–Dindo classification ≥ 3, HR 2.31), and distant metastasis (HR 1.85) were predictors of poor long-term survival. The 5-year survival and peritoneal recurrence rates in M0 patients with jaundice were 16% and 44%, respectively, for patients with PTBD and 39% (p < 0.05) and 13% (p = 0.07) for those with EBD. M0 GBC patients with jaundice should undergo surgery if R0 resection is possible. Preoperative EBD may be superior to PTBD in M0 GBC patients with jaundice, although further studies are needed.

Purpose In this systematic review, we aimed to clarify the useful anatomic structures and assess available surgical techniques and strategies required to safely perform minimally invasive anatomic liver resection (MIALR), with a particular focus on the hepatic veins (HVs). Methods A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE/PubMed for English articles and Ichushi databases for Japanese articles through September 2020. The quality assessment of the articles was performed in accordance with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). Results A total of 3,372 studies were obtained, and 59 were selected and reviewed. Due to the limited number of published comparative studies and case series, the degree of evidence from our review was low. Thirty-two articles examined the anatomic landmarks and crucial structures for approaching HVs. Regarding the direction of HV exposure, 32 articles focused on the techniques and advantages of exposing HVs from either the root or the periphery. Ten articles focused on the techniques to perform a segmentectomy 8 in particularly difficult cases of MIALR. In seven articles, bleeding control from HVs was also discussed. Conclusions This review may help experts reach a consensus regarding the best approach to the management of hepatic veins during MIALR.

Background In preparation for the upcoming consensus meeting in Tokyo in 2021, this systematic review aimed to analyze the current available evidence regarding surgical anatomy of the liver, focusing on useful landmarks, strategies and technical tools to perform precise anatomic liver resection (ALR). Methods A systematic review was conducted on MEDLINE/PubMed for English articles and on Ichushi database for Japanese articles until September 2020. The quality assessment of the articles was performed in accordance with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). Results A total of 3169 manuscripts were obtained, 1993 in English and 1176 in Japanese literature. Subsequently, 63 English and 20 Japanese articles were selected and reviewed. The quality assessment of comparative series and case series was revealed to be usually low; only six articles were qualified as high quality. Forty-two articles focused on analyzing intersegmental/sectional planes and their relationship with specific hepatic landmark veins. In 12 articles, the authors aimed to investigate liver surface anatomic structures, while 36 articles aimed to study technological tools and contrast agents for surgical segmentation during ALR. Although Couinaud's classification has remained the cornerstone in daily diagnostic/surgical practices, it does not always portray the realistic liver segmentation and there has been no standardization on which a single strategy should be followed to perform precise ALR. Conclusions A global consensus should be pursued in order to establish clear guidelines and proper recommendations to perform ALR in the era of minimally invasive surgery.

Objective Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is one of the severe complications that develop after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This study aimed to assess the utility of preoperative clinicophysiologic findings as risk factors for POPF after PD. Summary of Background Data We enrolled 350 patients who underwent PD between 2007 and 2012 at Tokyo Women's Medical University. Methods In total, 350 patients who underwent PD between 2007 and 2012 were examined retrospectively. All patients were classified into 2 groups as follows: group A (no fistula/biochemical leak group, 289 patients) and group B (grade B/C of POPF group 61 patients). Variables, including operative characteristics, length of stay in hospital, morbidity, mortality, and data regarding preoperative clinicophysiologic parameters, were collected and analyzed as predictors of POPF for univariate and multivariate analyses. Results There were 213 male and 137 female patients. The mean age was 65.4 years (range, 21–87 years). Univariate analysis showed that sex (P = 0.047), amylase level (P = 0.032), prognostic nutritional index (PNI; P = 0.001), and C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (P = 0.005) were independent risk factors for POPF. In contrast, multivariate analysis showed that sex (P = 0.045) and PNI (P = 0.012) were independent risk factors for POPF. Conclusions Our results show that PNI (≤48.64 U/mL) and male sex were risk factors for POPF after PD, and especially, PNI can be suggested as an effective biomarker for POPF.

Aim We aimed to investigate whether later weekdays are related to worse short‐term outcomes after elective right hemicolectomy for colon cancer. Methods We retrospectively analyzed adult patients who underwent elective right hemicolectomy for colon cancer between 2012 and 2017. Records lacking details about surgical mortality were excluded, and multiple imputation was performed for other missing data (variables). The primary endpoint was surgical mortality, defined as the sum of 30‐day mortality and in‐hospital deaths within 90 days postoperatively. Using 22 clinical variables, hierarchal logistic regression modeling with clustering of patients from the same institutes was performed. Results Of the 112 658 patients undergoing elective right hemicolectomy for colon cancer, the 30‐day mortality and surgical mortality were 0.6% and 1.1%, respectively. Surgery on Friday was less frequent, accounting for 17.1% of all cases. The occurrence of severe postoperative complications, anastomotic leakage, or unadjusted odds ratio for surgical mortality did not show significant differences between weekdays. A hierarchal logistic regression model identified 19 independent factors for surgical mortality. Adjusted odds ratios for surgical mortality were 1.01 (95% confidence interval: 0.83‐1.22, P = .915), 0.86 (95% confidence interval: 0.71‐1.05, P = .144), 0.86 (95% confidence interval: 0.71‐1.05, P = .408), and 0.83 (95% confidence interval: 0.68‐1.03, P = .176) for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, respectively, showing no significant differences. Conclusion This study did not identify an evident difference in surgical mortality between weekdays; a safe elective right hemicolectomy for colon cancer is being offered throughout the week in Japan., Weekday effect on mortality.

To evaluate the incidence, risk factors, management options, and outcomes of portal vein thrombosis following major hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.A total of 177 perihilar cholangiocarcinoma patients who (1) underwent major hepatectomy and (2) underwent investigating the portal vein morphology, which was measured by rotating the reconstructed three-dimensional images after facilitating bone removal using Aquarius iNtuition workstation between 2002 and 2018, were included. Risk factors were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models.Six patients developed portal vein thrombosis (3.4%) within a median time of 6.5 (range 0-22) days. Portal vein and hepatic artery resection were performed in 30% and 6% patients, respectively. A significant difference in the probability of the occurrence of portal vein thrombosis (PV) within 30 days was found among patients with portal vein resection, a postoperative portal vein angle100°, remnant portal vein diameter5.77 mm, main portal vein diameter13.4 mm, and blood loss (log-rank test, p = 0.003, p = 0.06, p0.0001, p = 0.01, and p = 0.03, respectively). Decreasing the portal vein angle and narrowing of the remnant PV diameter remained significant predictors on multivariate analysis (p = 0.027 and 0.002, respectively). Reoperation with thrombectomy was performed in four patients, and the other two patients were successfully treated with anticoagulants. All six patients subsequently recovered and were discharged between 25 and 70 days postoperatively.Narrowing of the remnant portal vein diameter and a decreased portal vein angle after major hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma are significant independent risk factors for postoperative portal vein thrombosis.

Background Hepatectomy is standard treatment for colorectal liver metastases; however, it is unclear whether liver metastases from other primary cancers should be resected or not. The Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery therefore created clinical practice guidelines for the management of metastatic liver tumors. Methods Eight primary diseases were selected based on the number of hepatectomies performed for each malignancy per year. Clinical questions were structured in the population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes (PICO) format. Systematic reviews were performed, and the strength of recommendations and the level of quality of evidence for each clinical question were discussed and determined. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess evidence and make recommendations. Results The eight primary sites were grouped into five categories based on suggested indications for hepatectomy and consensus of the guidelines committee. Fourteen clinical questions were devised, covering five topics: (1) diagnosis, (2) operative treatment, (3) ablation therapy, (4) the eight primary diseases, and (5) systemic therapies. The grade of recommendation was strong for one clinical question and weak for the other 13 clinical questions. The quality of the evidence was moderate for two questions, low for 10, and very low for two. A flowchart was made to summarize the outcomes of the guidelines for the indications of hepatectomy and systemic therapy. Conclusions These guidelines were developed to provide useful information based on evidence in the published literature for the clinical management of liver metastases, and they could be helpful for conducting future clinical trials to provide higher-quality evidence.

Background Upfront surgery is the standard treatment for resectable invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma; however, recurrence is common. Therefore, we investigated the recurrence, surgical outcome, and preoperative prognostic factors for recurrence in patients with resectable invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma. Methods We analyzed 111 patients who underwent upfront surgery for resectable invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma between 2000 and 2017 and evaluated the relationship among clinicopathologic factors, recurrence, and outcomes. Results The 5-year recurrence-free survival and disease-specific survival rates were 61% and 74%, respectively. The median time to recurrence was 1.1 years. In multivariate analysis, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 ≥83 U/mL (hazard ratio: 2.8 and 3.1), tumor size ≥2.2 cm (hazard ratio: 3.5 and 4.7), and pathologic tubular adenocarcinoma grade 2 (hazard ratio: 3.1 and 5.2) were risk factors for a shorter recurrence-free survival and disease-specific survival, respectively. Lymph node metastasis (hazard ratio: 3.9) was also a risk factor for a shorter disease-specific survival. When examining outcomes according to preoperatively measurable factors (carbohydrate antigen 19-9 ≥83 U/mL and tumor size ≥2.2 cm), the 5-year recurrence rates in patients with none (n = 47), 1 (n = 46), and both (n = 18) risk factors were 17%, 48%, and 78%, respectively. Five-year disease-specific survival rates in patients with none, 1, and both preoperative risk factors were 95%, 69%, and 31%, respectively. Conclusion Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 ≥83 U/mL and tumor size ≥2.2 cm were independent preoperative risk factors for poor outcomes in patients with resectable invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma.

A 70-year-old female was found to have multiple hepatic cysts at her annual checkup. In the posterior segment of the right lobe of the liver, an 81 × 67 mm circular cystic lesion was detected by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cyst revealed a solid component. The cyst had a capsule-like structure and non-uniform fluid accumulation suggested bleeding. Since the lesion was enlarged and malignancy could not be ruled out, it was surgically resected. Histopathologically, reticular fibers of the liver were seen in necrotic tissue and the lesion was diagnosed as a bleeding hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The non-cancerous liver tissue showed non-cirrhotic steatohepatitis. This was an unusual presentation of HCC.

Background Pouch volvulus after proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis is a very rare postoperative complication. The common site of pouch volvulus has been reported to be the ileal pouch–anal anastomosis and the middle part of the pouch, but no reports on pouch volvulus in the afferent limb of the pouch have been observed. Here, we report the case of a patient with afferent limb volvulus who underwent afferent limbpexy, but required reoperation 7 months later. Case presentation A 38-year-old man with refractory ulcerative colitis had undergone open proctocolectomy 10 years ago at another hospital. He had been aware of lower abdominal pain and bowel movement difficulty for 2 years. After repeated bowel obstruction, he was referred to our hospital for surgery. Based on the radiographic findings, we diagnosed a pouch volvulus and performed an operation. Laparoscopically, counterclockwise rotation of the afferent limb of the pouch was recognized. Moreover, the ileal mesentery was adhered and fixed to the presacral space 20 cm from the oral side of the pouch. The antimesenteric side of the afferent limb was fixed using interrupted stiches on the left peritoneal wall of the pelvis. He was discharged uneventfully 18 days after surgery, and defecation improved immediately. However, he was readmitted 7 months after surgery with the same abdominal pain and defecation difficulty. A similar finding was found and diagnosed as recurrent volvulus. Therefore, we performed a laparoscopic surgery. The same volvulus as in the previous surgery was confirmed. The site fixed during the previous surgery showed scars, but the afferent limb was free. The dilated ileum that contained the volvulus was excised only on the oral side of the pouch and an intraluminal anastomosis was performed on the anterior wall of the pouch. He had a good postoperative course and was discharged. Conclusion Proper diagnosis of volvulus based on the characteristic imaging findings is important. In principle, bilateral row fixation of the rotated ileum is the basic procedure for volvulus. However, fixation with this technique is sometimes difficult. Therefore, this procedure is one of the useful options for the fixation of difficult or recurrent cases.

Aim: To find out differences in biomarkers between Japanese and German patients responsible for response after neoadjuvant radio/chemotherapy and survival for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Materials & methods: A total of 60 patients from Japan and 127 patients from Germany with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were analyzed according to three SNPs by real-time PCR. Results: The distribution of the genotypes of ERCC1 rs16115 and ABCB1 C3435T rs1045642 was significantly different between both patients’ groups. Japanese patients had significantly less good response to 5-fluorouracil/cisplatin chemotherapy. The influence of the three SNPs on response varied between patients from Japan and Germany. Conclusion: Different expressions of ERCC1 and ABCB1 SNPs of Japanese patients compared with the German patients partially explain the different response.

Objective The primary objective of this study was to identify novel genes that predispose people in the Japanese population to FPC. Summary of background data Familial history of pancreatic cancer is an important risk factor but, to date, few genes predisposing individuals to increased risk of developing FPC have been identified. Methods We performed whole-exome sequencing of germline DNA from 81 Japanese FPC patients. We also investigated somatic gene alterations in 21 matched tumor tissues through whole-exome sequencing and copy number analysis. Results Our germline variants identified previously known FPC susceptibility genes such as ATM and BRCA2, and several novel tumor suppressor genes with potentially deleterious variants for FPC. Interestingly, somatic whole-exome analysis demonstrated that most tumor samples with suspicious loss of heterozygosity of candidate genes were KRAS wild-types, implying that these cases may not have required KRAS activation as a driver event for carcinogenesis. Conclusions Our findings indicate that FPC patients harbor potentially deleterious causative germline variants in tumor suppressor genes, which are known to acquire somatic mutations in pancreatic cancer, and that somatic loss of heterozygosity of some FPC susceptibility genes may contribute to the development of FPC in the absence of somatic KRAS-activating mutation. Genetic testing for a wider variety of FPC-predisposition genes could provide better screening approach for high-risk groups of pancreatic cancer.

AIM The underlying mechanism of non-obese non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has not been fully elucidated. We classified patients with NAFLD by sex and body mass index and compared their clinical features to clarify the background pathophysiology of non-obese NAFLD. METHODS A total of 404 patients with NAFLD were divided according to their body mass index (

To date, postoperative prognostic factors for intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) have not been well-established. This study aimed to examine the histopathologic features and postoperative prognosis of the two IPNB subclassifications, as well as factors affecting prognosis, based on the authors’ experience at a single institution. The study enrolled 83 patients who underwent surgical resection for pathologically diagnosed IPNB at the authors’ institution. The clinicopathologic features and postoperative outcomes for these patients were examined. The study also investigated postoperative prognostic factors for IPNB using uni- and multivariate analyses. More than half of the tumors (64%) diagnosed as IPNB were early-stage cancer (UICC Tis or T1). However, none were diagnosed as benign. The multivariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis (hazard ratio [HR], 5.78; p = 0.002) and bile duct margin status with carcinoma in situ (D-CIS; HR, 5.10; p = 0.002) were independent prognostic factors, whereas MUC6 expression showed only a marginal influence on prediction of prognosis (HR, 0.32; p = 0.07). The tumor recurrence rate and the proportion of locoregional recurrence were significantly greater among the patients with D-CIS than among those with negative bile duct margins, including those patients with low-grade dysplasia. The patients with D-CIS showed a significantly poorer prognosis than those with negative bile duct margins (5-year survival, 38% versus 87%; p = 0.0002). Evaluation of resected IPNBs showed cancer in all cases. Avoiding positive biliary stumps during surgery, including resection of carcinoma in situ, would improve the prognosis for patients with IPNB.

Comorbidity and relative dose intensity (RDI) have been associated with survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients, but both relationships remain unaddressed in the same patients. A retrospective review of consecutive DLBCL patients treated from January 2010 to October 2018 was performed. Data for the clinical characteristics of the patients, including the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and RDI, on their outcomes were evaluated. A total of 211 patients with a median age of 72 years (range 19–90 years) were analyzed. CCI ≥ 2 was associated with poor event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). RDI

To collect large-scale data for further research to improve treatment outcomes in patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM), the Joint Committee for Nationwide Survey on CRLM was established by the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum and the Japanese society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery. The joint committee was initiated to collect data since 2014 and has already reported data including the prognostic data of 3820 patients newly diagnosed with CRLM between 2005 and 2007.The data of patients newly diagnosed with CRLM after 2013 are continuously being registered prospectively, and herein, we report the data of the patients newly diagnosed with CRLM in 2013 and 2014.The data of 3839 patients newly diagnosed with CRLM in 2013 and 2014 were registered from 156 departments (75%) of 152 institutions among 209 departments (from 201 institutions) that agreed to participate in this database system at its initiation. Finally, 3525 patients were enrolled in this study after a quality management process conducted by the joint committee. We report the comprehensive data obtained from 3525 patients, including clinicopathological findings, treatment strategies, and implementation status of chemotherapy.The joint committee will provide these raw data while updating prognostic data to researchers who will conduct meaningful studies that meet the aim of the joint committee.

Background/purpose Anatomical sectionectomy or larger resection is known to be effective in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with microvascular invasion. A non-smooth tumor margin on hepatobiliary-phase gadoxetic acid disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI) can predict microvascular invasion of HCC. We evaluated the usefulness of EOB-MRI for operative planning. Methods We evaluated 224 patients with single HCC who underwent hepatectomy between 2010 and 2013. The tumor margin was determined preoperatively. The hepatic resection was determined based on tumor location, liver function, 3D CT simulation and functional liver reserve. To control for confounding variable distributions, propensity score match was applied to compare the outcomes. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Results Of 113 patients with a non-smooth tumor margin, 40 patients (35%) showed microscopic portal invasion. The 5-year RFS and OS rates were significantly higher after sectionectomy or larger hepatectomy (hemihepatectomy) than after segmentectomy or smaller hepatectomy (non-anatomical resection). Of 111 patients with a smooth tumor margin, eight patients (7%) showed microscopic portal invasion. The 5-year RFS and OS rates did not differ significantly between patients who underwent sectionectomy and those who underwent segmentectomy. Conclusions Our preliminary results appear to recommend that HCC with a non-smooth margin on HB-phase images is treated with anatomical sectionectomy or larger hepatectomy.

Considering the initial treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the best prognostic index for Child–Pugh classes B and C (CP-BC) patients has not been yet established. This study aimed to elucidate the risk factors for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in multicenter patients with a poor liver functional reserve after curative treatment. Between April 2000 and April 2014, 212 CP-BC patients who received treatment in five high-volume centers in Japan were included in this study. CP-B and C patients were 206 and 6, respectively. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses for DFS and OS were performed to estimate the risk factors. The mean observation time was 1132 days. Mean Child–Pugh score and indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min were 7.5 and 31.5%, respectively. Histological chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis were observed in 20% and 74% patients, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the risk factors for DFS were des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) [hazard ratio (HR), 1.6; P = 0.012] and treatment without liver transplantation. Moreover, DCP was identified as an independent risk factor for OS (HR, 1.7; P = 0.01). Tumor size, number, tumor thrombus, Milan criteria, liver cirrhosis, and treatment without liver transplantation were not identified as risk factors for OS. The 5-year OS in patients with high serum DCP levels (

We have been conducting research on esophageal regenerative therapy using cell sheet technology. In particular, in the endoscopic field, we have pushed forward clinical research on endoscopic transplantation of cultured autologous oral mucosal epithelial cell sheets to esophageal ulcer after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). We started research in this direction using animal models in 2004 and performed clinical research in 2012 in collaboration with Nagasaki University and Karolinska Institute. Although in full-circumferential cases it was difficult to prevent esophageal stricture after ESD, there were no complications and stricture could be suppressed. The cell sheet technology is still in its infancy. However, we are convinced that it has a high potential for application in various areas of gastrointestinal science. In this review, we focus on the pre-clinical and clinical trial results obtained and on the theoretical aspects of (1) stricture prevention, (2) esophageal tissue engineering research, and (3) endoscopic transplantation, and review the esophageal regenerative therapy by cell sheet technology., Highlights • Esophageal stricture is the major complication after substantial endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). • Cell sheets can be used to promote epithelialization and treat ulcerative areas. • Autologous cell sheets can be transplanted to ulcerative sites after esophageal ESD. • Autologous cell sheet technology is safe and effective in stricture prevention. • Autologous cell sheets emerge promising standing position from several aspects.

Combined portal vein (PV) resection is performed for pancreatic head cancer to achieve clear resection margins. This can be complicated by the formation of varices due to sinistral portal hypertension after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with combined PV resection. However, clinical strategies to prevent varices formation due to sinistral portal hypertension remain controversial. Moreover, the critical vein among splenic vein (SPV), inferior mesenteric vein, left gastric vein, or middle colonic vein requiring preservation to prevent the development of varices remains unclear.We retrospectively analyzed patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent PD with combined PV resection over 18 years at our institution. Varices were evaluated using enhanced computed tomography (CT) and endoscopy. Preoperative types of porto-mesenterico-splenic confluence, venous drainage, and venous resection types were determined by operative records and CT findings.Of the 108 subjects, the incidence of postoperative varices was observed in 24.1% of cases over 5.6 months. These varices were classified into five types based on location, as pancreaticojejunostomy anastomotic (11.5%), gastrojejunostomy anastomotic (11.5%), esophageal (11.5%), splenic hilar-gastric (23.1%), and right colonic (65.4%) varices. No case of variceal bleeding occurred. Multivariate analysis showed SPV ligation as the greatest risk factor of varices (P 0.001), with a higher incidence of left-sided varices in patients with all the SPV venous drainage sacrificed (60%) than in the others (16.7%). Therefore, sacrificing all the SPV venous drainage was the only independent risk factor of varices (P = 0.049).Preservation of SPV venous drainage should be considered during SPV ligation to prevent post-PD varices.

Purpose Carbon ion beams have several physical and biological advantages compared with conventional radiation for cancer therapy. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of 2-fraction carbon ion radiation therapy (CIRT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods and Materials Between December 2008 and March 2013, 57 patients with localized HCC were treated with CIRT at a total dose of 45 Gy (relative biological effectiveness) in 2 fractions and retrospectively analyzed after long-term observation. The main endpoints of this study were treatment-related toxicity and local tumor control. Toxicity was assessed using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0. Changes in the Child-Pugh score from before to after CIRT were also examined to evaluate hepatic toxicity. Local control was defined as no progression of the irradiated lesion according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Results The median age of the patients was 75 years (range, 49-89 years). Of these patients, 41 had a newly diagnosed lesion, and 16 had residual or recurrent lesions after previous treatments. The median follow-up duration was 54 months (range, 7-103 months). All surviving patients were followed for more than 51 months. Two patients experienced grade 3 acute skin reactions, but no other grade 3 or higher toxicities were observed in any organ. No patient exhibited an increase in the Child-Pugh score of 2 or more points after CIRT. The local tumor control rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 98%, 91%, and 91% after CIRT, respectively. All lesions that failed to respond to previous treatments were successfully controlled by CIRT. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 97%, 67%, and 45%, respectively. Conclusions Two-fraction CIRT was a well-tolerated and effective treatment for patients with HCC.

BACKGROUND/AIM The aim of the study was to compare the outcomes of anatomical resection (AR) versus non-anatomical resection (NAR) for Japanese and Taiwanese patients with single, resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS A propensity score matched (PSM) analysis was performed to compare the outcomes of the AR group to those of the NAR group. Tumor size

Gender and menopause influence the severity and development manner of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Male p62/Sqstm1 and nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (p62 and Nrf2) double-knockout (DKO) mice exhibit severe steatohepatitis caused by hyperphagia-induced obesity, overload of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the liver, and potentiation of the inflammatory response in Kupffer cells. However, the pathogenetic phenotype of steatohepatitis in female DKO mice remains unknown. Phenotypic changes of steatohepatitis in DKO mice were compared in terms of gender differences. Compared with DKO male mice, DKO female mice exhibited later onset of steatohepatitis with obesity after 30 weeks of age, as well as milder severity of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Serum estradiol was higher in female than male mice, with levels increasing up to 30 weeks of age before decreasing until 50 weeks of age (corresponding to the post-menopausal period). Fecal and serum LPS were lower in female mice than male mice, and inflammatory signaling in the liver was attenuated in female compared with male mice. Correlating with LPS levels, the composition of intestinal microbiota in female mice was different from male mice. Gender differences were observed for the development of steatohepatitis in DKO mice. Low-grade inflammatory hit in the liver under in vivo conditions of high estradiol may be attributable to the milder pathological features of steatohepatitis in female mice.

Objective: We compared the pathological features and stage-matched outcomes of patients with invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) of ...

BACKGROUND Socratic method, which is an educational method to promote critical thinking through a dialogue, has never been practiced in a large number of people at the academic societies. METHODS Modified Socratic method was performed for the first time as an educational seminar using an example case of moderate acute cholecystitis based on the evidence described in Tokyo Guidelines 2018. We adopted a method that Takada had been modifying for many years: the instructor first knows the degree of recognition of the audience, then the instructor gives a lecture in an easy-to-understand manner and receives questions from the audience, followed by repeated questions and answers toward a common recognition. RESULTS Using slides, video, and an answer pad, 281 participants including the audience, instructors and moderators came together to repeatedly ask and answer questions in the five sessions related to the case scenario. The recognition rate of the topic of Critical View of Safety increased significantly before vs after this method (53.0% vs 90.3%). The seminar had been successfully performed by receiving a lot of praise from the participants. CONCLUSION This educational method is considered to be adopted by many academic societies in the future as an effective educational method.

Background The concept of Minimally invasive anatomic liver resection (MIALR) is gaining popularity. However, specific technical skills need to be acquired to safely perform MIALR. The "Expert Consensus Meeting: Precision Anatomy for Minimally Invasive HBP Surgery (PAM-HBP Surgery Consensus)" was developed as a special program during the 32nd meeting of the Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery (JSHBPS). Methods Thirty-four international experts gathered online for the consensus. A Research Committee performed a comprehensive literature review, classifying studies according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) method. Based on the literature review and experts' opinions, tentative recommendations were drafted and circulated among experts using online Delphi Rounds. Finally, formulated recommendations were presented online in the Expert Consensus Meeting of the JSHBPS on February 23rd, 2021. The final recommendations were validated and finalized by the 2nd Delphi Round in May 2021. Results Seven Clinical Questions (CQs) were selected, and 22 recommendations were formulated. All recommendations reached more than 85% consensus among experts at the final Delphi Round. Conclusions The Expert Consensus Meeting for safely performing MIALR has presented a set of clinical guidelines based on available literature and experts' opinions. We expect these guidelines to have a favorable effect on the safe implementation and development of MIALR.

BACKGROUND Prevention of bile duct injury and vasculo-biliary injury while performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is an unsolved problem. Clarifying the surgical difficulty using intraoperative findings can greatly contribute to the pursuit of best practices for acute cholecystitis. In this study, multiple evaluators assessed surgical difficulty items in unedited videos and then constructed a proposed surgical difficulty grading. METHODS We previously assembled a library of typical video clips of the intraoperative findings for all LC surgical difficulty items in acute cholecystitis. Fifty-one experts on LC assessed unedited surgical videos. Inter-rater agreement was assessed by Fleiss's κ and Gwet's agreement coefficient (AC). RESULTS Except for one item ("edematous change"), κ or AC exceeded 0.5, so the typical videos were judged to be applicable. The conceivable surgical difficulty gradings were analyzed. According to the assessment of difficulty factors, we created a surgical difficulty grading system (agreement probability = 0.923, κ = 0.712, 90% CI: 0.587-0.837; AC2 = 0.870, 90% CI: 0.768-0.972). CONCLUSION The previously published video clip library and our novel surgical difficulty grading system should serve as a universal objective tool to assess surgical difficulty in LC.

Incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction is increasing in Japan. However, in early cases (T1), there is no consensus on treatment strategy. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal range of resection and lymph node dissection according to lymph node metastasis status and vascular invasion in early adenocarcinoma (T1) of the esophagogastric junction. Methods We investigated patient characteristics, surgical procedures, recurrence pattern, and optimum extent of lymph node dissection in 22 patients who underwent surgery in our hospital from 2000 to 2016 and were diagnosed with early adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (by Nishi’s classification). Results Four patients with lymph node metastasis, the depth of invasion was sm2 and lymphatic invasion was positive (ly1–ly3, focal lymphatic invasion to prominent lymphatic invasion). In all cases, the site of lymph node metastasis was the lesser gastric curvature. None of the patients developed postoperative lymph node recurrence. An examination of the outcomes revealed that the metastases were hematogenous in all patients with a depth of invasion of sm2 and a positive venous invasion (v1, focal vascular invasion). Conclusion We conclude that transhiatal esophagectomy should be selected as a minimal requirement, and that dissection of the abdominal lymph node (particularly on the lesser curvature side of the superior part of the stomach) is sufficient, for patients with early adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction. In cases where the depth of invasion is sm2 or greater and vascular invasion is present, patients may require adjuvant therapy regardless of lymph node metastasis status.

Generally we use the stomach after esophagectomy as an organ of reconstruction. But we could not use it after we performed gastrectomy. We investigated the usefulness of the reconstruction with pedicled jejunum or pedicled right colon. Methods We performed esophagectomy from 2000 to 2015.15 patients use the reconstruction with pedicled jejunum as a A.10 patients use the reconstruction with pedicled right colon as a B. We study (1) background (2) complication. Results Average Age A:67.1 B:65.5 location (upper:middle:Lower) A:0:14:1 B:1:4:5 depth of tumor invasion (T1:T2:T3:T4) A:9:3:3:0 B:3:5:2 Stage (0:I:II:III:IVa) A:2:6:4:3:0 B:0:1:3:4:2 Reconstruction route (posterior mediastinal:retrosternal:antethoracic) A:4:2:9 B:0:5:5 The reason of the gastrectomy (ulcer: cancer) A 10:5 B 0:10 (distal gastrectomy:total gastrectomy) A:15:0 B:4:6 Reconstruction (BillrothI: BillrothII: Roux-Y) A:12:3:0 B:2:2:6 Complication (leakage)A:B = 3:0 (ileus)A:B = 2:0(weight loss)A:B = 10:0 (diarrhea)A:B = 3:5. Conclusion The best practice of reconstruction method is a reconstruction with pedicled jejunum without stomach. We can use the jejunum without damage of the vessel in the mesenteri of the jejunum.

Generally we use the stomach after esophagectomy as an organ of reconstruction. But we could not use it after we performed gastrectomy. We investigated the usefulness of the reconstruction with pedicled jejunum or pedicled right colon. Methods We performed esophagectomy from 2000 to 2015.15 patients use the reconstruction with pedicled jejunum as a A.10 patients use the reconstruction with pedicled right colon as a B.We study (1) background (2) complication. Results Average Age A:67.1 B:65.5 location(upper:middle:Lower)A:0:14:1 B:1:4:5 depth of tumor invasion (T1:T2:T3:T4)A:9:3:3:0 B:3:5:2 Stage(0:I:II:III:IVa)A:2:6:4:3:0 B:0:1:3:4:2 Reconstruction route(posterior mediastinal:retrosternal:antethoracic)A:4:2:9 B:0:5:5 The reason of the gastrectomy (ulcer: cancer)A 10:5 B 0:10 (distal gastrectomy:total gastrectomy)A:15:0 B:4:6 Reconstruction(BillrothI法:BillrothII法:Roux-Y) A:12:3:0 B:2:2:6 Complication (leakage)A:B = 3:0. (ileus)A:B = 2:0(weight loss)A:B = 10:0 (diarrhea)A:B = 3:5. Conclusion The best practice of reconstruction method is a reconstruction with pedicled jejunum without stomach. We can use the jejunum without damage of the vessel in the mesenteri of the jejunum. I want to show you our video.

Background Chronic myeloid leukemia is a hematologic malignancy associated with the fusion of two genes: BCR and ABL1. This fusion results from a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, which is called the Philadelphia chromosome. Although the Philadelphia chromosome is present in more than 90% of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, 5–8% of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia show complex variant translocations. Herein, we report a unique case of a three-way translocation variant in chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia. Case presentation A 40-year-old Asian male who presented with leukocytosis was diagnosed with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia. Cytogenetic karyotyping analysis showed 46,XY,t(4;9;22)(q21;q34;q11.2). He was treated with bosutinib and then changed to dasatinib because of intolerance, and MR4.5 (BCR-ABL/ABL ≦ 0.0032%, international scale) was achieved after 17 months of continuous treatment. Conclusion This was the 14th case of t(4;9;22), in particular, a new variant Ph translocation involved in chromosome 4q21 and the first successful case treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the world. We summarize previous case reports regarding three-way variant chromosome translocation, t(4;9;22) and discuss how this rare translocation is linked to prognosis.

BACKGROUND In Japan, strategies for preoperative management of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) have evolved over the last decade; the operative mortality has significantly reduced to

We examined a 22-year-old woman who was admitted to our hospital with abdominal distention. At 19 years of age, the patient presented with hepatosplenomegaly. She was examined several times in another hospital; however, the cause was unidentified. Our evaluation showed severe pancytopenia and a spleen 13×24 cm in size. The serum levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme and lysozyme were elevated. She was diagnosed with liver sarcoidosis based on non-caseating epithelioid granuloma in liver biopsy tissue. To improve the symptoms, splenectomy was performed, and her pancytopenia and symptoms improved. Sarcoidosis should be considered in cases of massive splenomegaly.

Background/aim Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known as an important risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, surgical outcomes in patients with DM and HCC have not been evaluated in detail. Patients and methods We retrospectively studied 177 patients with type 2 DM who underwent curative hepatectomy for HCC. Surgical outcomes after curative hepatectomy and prognostic factors were evaluated among 75 patients with DM and/or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related HCC and 102 patients with DM and viral or alcoholic hepatitis (VAH)-related HCC. Results The 5-year survival rate and 5-year recurrence-free survival rate were significantly higher in the DM and/or NASH-related HCC group (87% and 51%) than in the DM and VAH-related HCC group (68%: p=0.0001 and 26%: p=0.0002). Multivariate analysis showed DM and/or NASH-related HCC to be significant independent prognostic factors for overall survival and recurrence-free survival. Conclusion Patients with DM and/or NASH-related HCC showed more favorable surgical outcomes after hepatectomy in patients with DM and HCC.

Background/aim Amphiregulin (AREG) and epiregulin (EREG) mRNA expression levels are predictors of response to anti-EGFR antibody therapy. Left-sided colon cancer is more sensitive to anti-EGFR antibodies than right-sided, although the mechanism is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between AREG, EREG mRNA expression levels and tumor location as well as the efficacy of anti-EGFR antibody agents. Materials and methods Real-time PCR was used to assess AREG and EREG mRNA expression in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) samples from 153 patients. Results Among KRASwt samples, high AREG expression (AREGHigh) was significantly more common in left-sided tumors than in right-sided. Among patients who received anti-EGFR antibody, response rates were significantly higher in AREGHigh than in AREGLow In the left-sided tumor group, overall survival was significantly longer in patients with high EREG levels than with low levels, whereas the right-sided tumor group showed no survival difference between them. Conclusion AREG and EREG mRNA expression levels in left-sided CRC were higher than in right-sided tumors. This may help explain why left-sided CRC is more responsive to anti-EGFR antibodies.

Highlights • Obstructive jaundice due to tumor thrombus in the common bile duct with HCC is classified as icteric-type HCC. • Biliary drainage for patients with icteric-type HCC is sometimes difficult. • A staged approach with initial tumor thrombectomy followed by hepatectomy should be considered as one of the options for icteric-type HCC., Introduction Biliary drainage for patients with icteric-type hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is sometimes difficult, because the drainage tube makes contact with the tumor thrombus (TT) and effective drainage cannot be achieved due to hemobilia. Presentation of case We performed endoscopic naso-biliary drainage for an icteric-type HCC patient; however, the serum bilirubin level was not decreased due to bleeding from the TT. Therefore, we performed tumor thrombectomy in the bile duct and transection of the right hepatic bile duct prior to right hepatectomy. After the first operation, the bilirubin level was decreased, and liver function was recovered so that the patient could undergo right hepatectomy 4 months after the first operation. The postoperative course was uneventful after the second operation and the patient was discharged from the hospital on the 30th postoperative day. The patient is well without recurrence 10 years after surgery. Conclusion Biliary drainage is one of the key points for successful treatment of icteric-type HCC patients. A staged approach with initial tumor thrombectomy followed by hepatectomy should be considered as one of the options for icteric-type HCC.