Search

Polycythaemia vera (PV) is a haematological disorder caused by an overproduction of erythroid cells. To date, the molecular mechanisms involved in the disease pathogenesis are still ambiguous. This study aims to identify aberrantly expressed proteins in erythroblasts of PV patients by utilizing mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis. Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) were isolated from newly-diagnosed PV patients, PV patients who have received cytoreductive therapy, and healthy subjects. In vitro erythroblast expansion confirmed that the isolated HSCs recapitulated the disease phenotype as the number of erythroblasts from newly-diagnosed PV patients was significantly higher than those from the other groups. Proteomic comparison revealed 17 proteins that were differentially expressed in the erythroblasts from the newly-diagnosed PV patients compared to those from healthy subjects, but which were restored to normal levels in the patients who had received cytoreductive therapy. One of these proteins was S-methyl-5′-thioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP), which had reduced expression in PV patients’ erythroblasts. Furthermore, MTAP knockdown in normal erythroblasts was shown to enhance their proliferative capacity. Together, this study identifies differentially expressed proteins in erythroblasts of healthy subjects and those of PV patients, indicating that an alteration of protein expression in erythroblasts may be crucial to the pathology of PV.

Transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) patients require regular blood transfusions. The unavoidable consequence is iron overload. Iron chelation therapy is the mainstay of treatment, of which the favorable outcome depends mainly on adherence level. The aim of this study was to assess adherence to iron chelation therapy of TDT patients. A cross-sectional cohort of TDT patients were evaluated on their adherence to chelation therapy using the Thai version of Morisky Medication Adherence Scales (MMAS-8). A total of 70 patients (38 males, 32 females), with a median age of 10 years, were enrolled in the study. Sixteen patients (22.9%) and 54 patients (77.1%) were classified as high and medium-low adherence level groups. The raised serum ferritin value for 6 months previous to enrollment in the high adherence level group is lower than the medium-low adherence level group (276.4 vs. 413.0 ng/mL, p = 0.034, respectively). Factors impacted high adherence to iron chelation including younger age (p = 0.015) and deferasirox (DFX) administration (p = 0.025). The body weight and height in both groups were not statistically different. The most common obstacle to adherence was forgetfulness. The Thai version of MMAS-8 is a practical tool for evaluating adherence to chelation therapy in TDT patients. High adherence level of patients correlates with more controlled serum ferritin level. The younger age and once-daily dose chelation therapy are associated with better adherence.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most fatal cancers with highly invasive properties. The progression of CRC is determined by the driving force of periostin (PN) from cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumour microenvironment. This present work aims to investigate autophagy‐mediated CRC invasion via the receptor integrin (ITG) by PN. The level of PN in 410 clinical CRC tissues was found increased and was an independent poor prognosis marker (HR = 2.578, 95% CI = 1.218‐5.457, P‐value = .013) with a significant correlation with overall survival time (P‐value

Background and objectives Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with common bile duct exploration (LC with LCBDE) remains the preferred technique for difficult common bile duct stone (CBDS) removal. The chopstick method uses commonly available instruments and may be cost-saving compared to other techniques. We studied the outcome of LCBDE using the chopstick technique to determine if it could be considered a first-choice method. Methods Data from all patients that underwent LCBDE from January 1, 2012 to April 30, 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. A standard 4-port incision and CBDS permitted extraction with two laparoscopic instruments by chopstick technique via vertical choledochotomy. Demographic data, stone clearance rate, surgical outcomes, complications, and other associated factors were evaluated. Results Thirty-two patients underwent LCBDE. The mean number of preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) sessions was 2.4. In 65.5% of cases, the CBDS was completely removed by the chopstick technique, while 96.9% of stones were removed after using additional tools. The need for additional instruments was associated with increased age, increased numbers of stones, longer period from the latest ERCP session, and previous upper abdominal surgery. The conversion rate to open surgery was 28.1% and was significantly associated with a history of upper abdominal surgery. Conclusion The chopstick technique is a good alternative and could be considered as a first-line technique in LCBDE to remove the CBDS in cases with 1 to 2 large suprapancreatic CBDS due to instrument availability, cost-effectiveness, and comparable surgical outcomes.

Routine overnight fasting may increase the risk of postoperative complications and delay postoperative recovery. Oral carbohydrate drinks have been shown to reduce glucose utilization and postoperative negative nitrogen balance while preserving muscle mass and strength. This randomized controlled trial aimed to examine whether preoperative oral carbohydrate drinks can enhance postoperative physical recovery in patients undergoing major colorectal surgery.Seventy patients were randomly assigned to receive either a 12.5% oral carbohydrate drink or pure water. Patients in both groups received 800- mL of one of the drinks on the evening before surgery, and another 400-mL drink on the morning of the operative day. The primary outcomes were the distances covered in 2-minute-walk tests at 24, 48 and 72-hours and 6- minute walk tests at 7-10 days postoperatively. The secondary outcomes were the postoperative serum insulin and glucose concentrations, nitrogen balance, duration of hospital stay, and the patient satisfaction scores.There were no significant differences in the characteristics of the two patients-groups. The postoperative 2-minute and 6-minute walk test distances, serum insulin and glucose concentrations of both groups were not statistically different. Patients receiving carbohydrate drink had more positive nitrogen balance than the control group. The duration of hospital stay and patient satisfaction scores were similar for both-groups.There were no statistically significant differences in the postoperative walking capacities of patients receiving a carbohydrate drink or pure water; only the nitrogen balance on postoperative day 3 was higher for patients receiving the carbohydrate drink.

Background Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the standard treatment for head and neck (HN) cancer patients. Most patients experience malnutrition and weight loss during treatment because of mucositis and difficulty in swallowing. Prevention of malnutrition may allow more patients to complete their treatment. The present study aimed to examine whether prophylactic gastrostomy tube (PGT) could reduce treatment interruption, prevent malnutrition and maintain quality of life, especially in Thai patients who generally do not accept feeding tubes. Methods A prospective study was performed on HN cancer patients undergoing CRT at a tertiary hospital in Thailand (n = 95). Before starting CRT, all patients received nutritional assessment and were counselled about the risks and benefits of PGT. According to patient discretion, they chose to have a PGT (experimental group) or only nutritional counselling with a therapeutic feeding tube if required (control group). During CRT, weight, degree of mucositis, delayed chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, and nutritional status were recorded. Quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Head and Neck Scale; FACT-H&N) was compared between two groups. Results There was no significant difference in the rates of delayed treatment. Mean weight loss was 3.1 and 4.8 kg in the experimental and control groups, respectively (P = 0.04). A higher proportion of patients in the control group experienced ≥10% weight loss (24% versus 4%; P = 0.03). In terms of quality of life, no significant difference in FACT-H&N score was found. Conclusions The results of the present study suggest that PGT provided similar quality of life without a reduction in treatment interruption. However, patients with PGT had significantly less weight loss (P = 0.04) during CRT.

BackgroundNo consensus has yet been reached regarding the best anesthetic technique for inguinal hernia repair. This study aimed to compare postoperative clinical outcomes and inflammatory markers among patients who were anesthetized using local, spinal, or general anesthesia for inguinal hernia repair.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial included patients scheduled to undergo elective unilateral inguinal hernioplasty at Siriraj Hospital during November 2014 to September 2015 study period. Patients were randomly assigned to the local (LA), spinal (SA), or general (GA) anesthesia groups. Primary outcomes were postoperative pain at rest and on mobilization at 8 and 24 hours after surgery.ResultsFifty-four patients were included, with 18 patients randomly assigned to each group. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics were similar among groups. There were no significant differences among groups for postoperative pain at rest or on mobilization at 8 and 24 hours after surgery. No significant differences were observed for interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10 at any time points in any groups. Patients with local anesthesia was associated with less time spent in anesthesia (p= 0.010) and surgery (p= 0.009), lower intraoperative cost (p= 0.003) and total cost in hospital (p= 0.036); however, patient satisfaction in the local anesthesia group (94/100) was statistically significantly lower than the spinal and general anesthesia groups (100/100) (p= 0.010).ConclusionsNo statistically significant difference was observed among groups for postoperative pain scores, duration of hospital stays, complications, or change in inflammatory markers. However, time spent in anesthesia and surgery, the intraoperative cost and total cost for hernia repair, and patient satisfaction were significantly lower in the local anesthesia group than in the other two groups.

Background Thalassemia is the most common genetic disease worldwide; those with severe disease require lifelong blood transfusion and iron chelation therapy. The definitive cure for thalassemia is allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which is limited due to lack of HLA-matched donors and the risk of post-transplant complications. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology offers prospects for autologous cell-based therapy which could avoid the immunological problems. We now report genetic correction of the beta hemoglobin (HBB) gene in iPSCs derived from a patient with a double heterozygote for hemoglobin E and β-thalassemia (HbE/β-thalassemia), the most common thalassemia syndrome in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Methods We used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to target the hemoglobin E mutation from one allele of the HBB gene by homology-directed repair with a single-stranded DNA oligonucleotide template. DNA sequences of the corrected iPSCs were validated by Sanger sequencing. The corrected clones were differentiated into hematopoietic progenitor and erythroid cells to confirm their multilineage differentiation potential and hemoglobin expression. Results The hemoglobin E mutation of HbE/β-thalassemia iPSCs was seamlessly corrected by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The corrected clones were differentiated into hematopoietic progenitor cells under feeder-free and OP9 coculture systems. These progenitor cells were further expanded in erythroid liquid culture system and developed into erythroid cells that expressed mature HBB gene and HBB protein. Conclusions Our study provides a strategy to correct hemoglobin E mutation in one step and these corrected iPSCs can be differentiated into hematopoietic stem cells to be used for autologous transplantation in patients with HbE/β-thalassemia in the future. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-018-0779-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Perianal Paget's disease (intraepithelial adenocarcinoma) is rare and sometimes difficult to diagnose because symptoms are nonspecific. It is often noninvasive but frequently recurs locally. Invasive disease can metastasize to distant sites.The purpose of this work was to review the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of patients with perianal Paget's disease.Institutional databases were queried for all of the cases of perianal Paget's disease at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1950 and 2011. Clinicopathologic factors were investigated for association with recurrence and survival.The study was conducted at a tertiary care center.Sixty-five patients with perianal Paget's disease were included in the study (35 women [54%]; median age at diagnosis, 66 years [range, 60-72 years]; and 41 with invasive disease/24 with noninvasive disease). A total of 56% with invasive disease were men.Measures included median follow-up, disease status, local and distant recurrence, sites of recurrence, disease-specific survival, overall survival, and treatment modality.A total of 95% with invasive disease and 87% with noninvasive disease were symptomatic at presentation. The most common symptoms were pruritus and perianal bleeding. The duration of symptoms was longer in patients with invasive (12.0 months; range, 4.0-18.0 months) versus noninvasive (3.5 months; range, 1.0-10.0 months) disease. Synchronous malignancies unrelated to the primary disease were noted in 5 patients with invasive disease and 3 with noninvasive disease. Noninvasive disease was treated with a wide local excision and invasive disease with a wide local excision (n = 32, 78%) or abdominoperineal resection (n = 9, 22%). Forty-one patients (27 invasive and 14 noninvasive) required multiple operations for tumor clearance. In those with invasive disease, the median time to recurrence was 5 years, and the median tumor-specific survival rate was 10 years.This was a retrospective study, limited by selection bias.Perianal Paget's disease is associated with nonspecific symptoms, frequently delaying diagnosis. Wide local excision is the treatment of choice if negative margins can be obtained. Abdominoperineal resection should be considered for invasive disease. Local recurrence is common; follow-up includes periodic proctoscopy and digital examination. Invasive disease can metastasize to distant sites; follow-up should include the examination of inguinal lymph nodes and the imaging of liver and lungs.

The circumferential resection margin (CRM) is highly prognostic for local recurrence in rectal cancer surgery without neoadjuvant treatment. However, its significance in the setting of long-course neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) is not well defined.Review of a single institution's prospectively maintained database from 1998 to 2007 identified 563 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (T3/T4 and/or N1) receiving nCRT, followed after 6 weeks by total mesorectal excision (TME). Kaplan-Meier, Cox regression, and competing risk analysis were performed.The authors noted that 75 % of all patients had stage III disease as determined by endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). With median follow-up of 39 months after resection, local and distant relapse were noted in 12 (2.1 %) and 98 (17.4 %) patients, respectively. On competing risk analysis, the optimal cutoff point of CRM was 1 mm for local recurrence and 2 mm for distant metastasis. Factors independently associated with local recurrence included CRM ≤1 mm, and high-grade tumor (p = 0.012 and 0.007, respectively). CRM ≤2 mm, as well as pathological, nodal, and overall tumor stage are also significant independent risk factors for distant metastasis (p = 0.025, 0.010, and0.001, respectively).In this dataset of locally advanced rectal cancer treated with nCRT followed by TME, CRM ≤1 mm is an independent risk factor for local recurrence and is considered a positive margin. CRM ≤2 mm was associated with distant recurrence, independent of pathological tumor and nodal stage.

Tumor regression grade (TRG) is a measure of histopathological response of rectal cancer to neoadjuvant chemoradiation and is associated with outcomes. Several TRG systems are used: Mandard (5,3-tier), Dowrak/Rödel (5,3-tier), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Cancer Staging. A single measure of rectal cancer response would assist in comparing results across institutions, and in designing future rectal cancer studies. In this study, the predictive accuracies of the various published classification schemes are compared.Review of a prospective database identified 563 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (T3/4 and/or N1) treated between 1998 and 2007 with long-course chemoradiation and total mesorectal excision. TRG was determined by measuring proportion of tumor mass replaced by fibrosis. Patients were classified into TRG schemes, which were compared by analyzing association with recurrence and survival using concordance index. Probabilities of recurrence-free survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. All statistical tests were two-sided.All TRG systems were predictive of recurrence. Concordance indices of the three-tier Mandard, three-tier Dowrak/Rödel, three-tier MSKCC, and four-tier AJCC systems were: 0.665, 0.653, 0.683, and 0.694, respectively (higher number = better prediction). The AJCC system more accurately predicted recurrence than the three-tier Mandard (P = .002) or Dowrak/Rödel (P = .006) and had a higher concordance index than MSKCC, although this did not reach statistical significance (P = .068).When classifying rectal cancer response to chemoradiation, the AJCC Staging Manual (7(th) edition) system is most accurate and should be adopted as the standard.

The effect of lymph node metastasis on local tumor control and distant failure in patients with anorectal melanoma has not been fully studied. Understanding the significance of lymphatic dissemination might assist in stratifying patients for either organ preservation or radical surgery.A retrospective review of all patients with anorectal melanoma who underwent surgery at our institution between 1985 and 2010. Abdominoperineal resection (APR) was performed in 25 patients (39 %), and wide local excision (WLE) in 40 (61%). Extent of primary surgery and locoregional lymphadenectomy (mesorectal vs. inguinal vs. none) and pattern of treatment failure were analyzed. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were calculated.In patients undergoing APR, DSS was not associated with presence (29 %) or absence (71 %) of metastatic melanoma in mesorectal lymph nodes. There was a trend toward improved DSS in patients with clinically negative inguinal lymph nodes (n = 17) compared with patients with proven inguinal metastasis (n = 6; P = 0.12). Type of surgery (WLE vs. APR) was not associated with subsequent development of distant disease. Twelve patients (18 %) had synchronous local and distant recurrence. Synchronous recurrence was not associated with surgical strategy used to treat primary tumor (P = 0.28). Perineural invasion (PNI) was significantly correlated with RFS (P = 0.002).Outcome following resection of anorectal melanoma is independent of locoregional lymph node metastasis; lymphadenectomy should be reserved for gross symptomatic disease. PNI is a powerful prognostic marker warranting further exploration in clinical trials.

Background Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy (SILC) was introduced as a novel minimally invasive technique. The benefits of this technique include reducing number of the incision and cosmetic improvement. Unlike the conventional laparoscopic colectomy, majority of previously reported SILC need to be performed using special curved or articulated instruments. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate our initial experience of SILC, which could be performed using the standard laparoscopic instruments. Material and methods Retrospective review of 14 patients who underwent SILC at Siriraj Hospital from May to December 2010, patient's demographic data, perioperative outcomes, early postoperative complications and pathological data were collected and analyzed. Results The mean age of all patients was 60 years. The most common operation with SILC was sigmoidectomy (n = 9), followed by right hemicolectomy (n = 2), left hemicolectomy (n = 1), anterior resection (n = 1), and total colectomy (n = 1). The trocar insertion techniques were multi-fascial incision using regular port (n = 11) and GelPOINT® (n = 3). The mean operative time was 155 minutes (range 90-280) and the mean estimate blood loss was 32.1 mL (range 10-100). All patients were successfully operated without conversion. The mean length of hospital stay was 9 days (range 5-20). There was no mortality. The pathological results revealed colorectal cancer (n = 12), neoplastic polyp (n = 1) and Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) (n = 1). The mean number of lymph nodes retrieval was 16.6 (range 3-34). Conclusion SILC can successfully and safely be performed with standard laparoscopic instruments. This technique might be an alternative procedure to conventional laparoscopic colectomy with better cosmetic result.

Early gastric cancer (EGC) defined as gastric cancer involving up to submucosal layer, regardless of lymph node metastasis, is increasingly found at Siriraj Hospital. Understanding the characteristic of EGC and result of surgical management for EGC can help to choose the optimal treatment. In the present study, the authors reported the first case series in Thailand.The authors analyzed 21 consecutive EGC patients treated with gastrectomy with lymph node dissection between September 2001 and December 2009 at Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand.Ratio of EGC to total cases of gastric cancer was increasing yearly, from 1.8% in 2006 to 8.1% in 2009 at Siriraj Hospital. The most common type of EGC was type IIc (66.7%) while type III was found in 19%, and type I in 14.3%. The tumor invaded mucosal layer in 42.9% and submucosal layer in 57.1% of the patients. For N staging, 76.2% of the patients were N0 while N1 was 19% and N2 was 4.8%. Overall, lymph node metastasis was found in 23.8%. For mucosal cancer (m), no lymph node metastasis was seen while for submucosal cancer (sm) five cases (41.7%) had lymph node metastasis, especially in one patient that the metastasis was in N2 group. Lymphatic invasion was seen in 14.3% of cases. All cases with lymphatic invasion were all submucosal cancer. Overall staging was stage 1a in 76.2%, stage 1b in 19%, and stage 2 in 4.8%. Morbidity was seen in 14.3% of the cases. No mortality was seen. The survival was excellent with no recurrence found during the follow-up period of the present study (mean 30.53 months).Surgery for EGC has good results with minimal complications and excellent 5-year survival. Less invasive treatment has become the option for EGC. Understanding the characteristic of EGC and careful selection to assign appropriate treatment is important to improve the result in the treatment of EGC.

Radical esophagectomy was reported to have prolonged survival in patients with esophageal cancer However, it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Controversy still exists regarding value of radical esophagectomyThe authors analyzed the results, including complications and survival in 68 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer who were treated with transthoracic radical esophagectomy at the Department of Surgery, Siriraj hospital, Mahidol University between June 2002 and June 2008.There were 57 males and eight females with a mean age of 59.28 +/- 11.25 years. Regarding T staging, 81.5% of the patients were in T3 stage while 1.5% of the patients had Ti stage, 15.4% had T2 stage, and 1.5% had T4 stage. Lymph node metastasis (NI) was found in 63.1% of the patients and NO was in 36.9%. Most of the patients were in advanced stages with 53.8% in stage III, 44.6% in stage II, and 1.5% in stage I. The 5-year survival rate of the patients with node positive was significantly lower than the patients with node negative (p = 0.018). The survival was significantly better in stage Ilcompared to stage III (p = 0.012). Overall 5-year survival rate was 28. 5%. Most common complications were from pulmonary causes (22.1%), anastomotic leakage (8.8%), and wound infection (8.8%). Mortality rate was 4.41%.Radical esophagectomy was associated with relatively low mortality and acceptable survival. It should be considered in surgical treatment of patients with esophageal cancer

Extent of lymph node dissection still remains one of the most controversial issues regarding radical gastrectomy. Knowledge of the pattern and incidence of lymph node metastasis may help to define the optimal extent of lymph node dissection.The authors analyzed lymph node metastasis and survival rate in 130 consecutive gastric cancer patients who underwent radical gastrectomy with D2 dissection between June 2001 and October 2008 at the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand.For N staging, 28.5% of the patients were N0 while N1 was 40% and N2 was 31.5%. 44% of the patients with lymph node positive had metastasis up to group 2 lymph nodes. The patients with node positive had 5 year survival of 39% while the patients with node negative had survival of 73% (p = 0.003). Tumor at the middle part of the stomach had the most widespread lymph node metastasis compared to other regions. Lymph node group 7, 8 and 9 had a high incidence of lymph node metastasis especially for distal cancer while lymph node group 10, 11, 12 had lower incidence of metastasis. No mortality was seen in the present study.N staging, number of metastatic node5 and angiolymphatic invasion were the lymph node related factors contributing to survival. For radical gastrectomy, D2 dissection is required for adequate clearance of metastatic lymph nodes, which can be done without mortality.

For Choledochal cyst type I, complete excision of cyst with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy anastomosis is the treatment of choice. It has been performed laparoscopically with the advancement of laparoscopic skill. Recently, a telemanipulative robotic surgical system was introduced, providing laparoscopic instruments with wrist-arm technology and 3-dimensional visualization of the operative field. We present a case of robot-assisted total excision of a choledochal cyst type I and biliary reconstruction in a 14-year-old girl. No intraoperative complications or technical problems were encountered. An intraabdominal collection occurred and was successfully treated with continuous percutaneous drainage. At one-year follow-up, she is doing well without evidence of recurrent cholangitis.

AIM: To characterize clinical features, surgery, outcome, and survival of malignant melanoma (MM) of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in a surgical training center in Bangkok, Thailand. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for all patients with MM of the GI tract treated at our institution between 1997 and 2007. RESULTS: Fourteen patients had GI involvement either in a metastatic form or as a primary melanoma. Thirteen patients with sufficient data were reviewed. The median age of the patients was 66 years (range: 32-87 years). Ten patients were female and three were male. Seven patients had primary melanomas of the anal canal, stomach and the sigmoid colon (5, 1 and 1 cases, respectively). Seven patients underwent curative resections: three abdominoperineal resections, two wide local excisions, one total gastrectomy and one sigmoidectomy. Six patients had distant metastatic lesions at the time of diagnosis, which made curative resection an inappropriate choice. Patients who underwent curative resection exhibited a longer mean survival time (29.7 mo, range: 10-96 mo) than did patients in the palliative group (4.8 mo, P = 0.0006). CONCLUSION: GI MM had an unfavorable prognosis, except in patients who underwent curative resection (53.8% of cases), who had a mean survival of 29.7 mo.

Background Situs inversus is a rare and silent autosomal recessive disorder occurring in 1:5,000 to 1:20,000 individuals. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a standard treatment for gallbladder disease in the general population, is very challenging in patients with situs inversus, especially for right-handed surgeons. We herein report a case involving our modified laparoscopic cholecystectomy technique for right-handed surgeons in a Thai patient with situs inversus who developed a symptomatic gallstone. We also include a short review of the literature. Case presentation A 39-year-old female patient with dextrocardia presented with a 5-month history of episodic biliary colic. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a left-sided gallbladder with gallstones. We performed laparoscopic cholecystectomy with our modified technique including port relocation. The operation went well, and our patient recovered satisfactorily. Conclusion Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with a left-sided gallbladder is not often confidently performed by right-handed surgeons. However, some modifications of “mirror image” ports focused on the more ergonomic port position are the keys to successful completion of this operation. The patient will thus still obtain benefits from this standard minimally invasive technique.