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Objective: The risk factors for residual liver recurrence after resection of colorectal cancer liver metastases were analyzed separately for synchronous and metachronous metastases., Methods: This retrospective study included 236 patients (139 with synchronous and 97 with metachronous lesions) who underwent initial surgery for colorectal cancer liver metastases from April 2010 to December 2021 at the Fujita Health University Hospital. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses of risk factors for recurrence based on clinical background., Results: Univariate analysis of synchronous liver metastases identified three risk factors: positive lymph nodes (p = 0.018, HR = 2.067), ≥3 liver metastases (p < 0.001, HR = 2.382), and use of adjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.013, HR = 0.560). Multivariate analysis identified the same three factors. For metachronous liver metastases, univariate and multivariate analysis identified ≥3 liver metastases as a risk factor (p = 0.002, HR = 2.988); however, use of adjuvant chemotherapy after hepatic resection was not associated with a lower risk of recurrence for metachronous lesions. Inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis of patients with these lesions with or without adjuvant chemotherapy after primary resection showed that patients with metachronous liver metastases who did not receive this treatment had fewer recurrences when adjuvant therapy was administered after subsequent liver resection, although the difference was not significant. Patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy after hepatic resection had less recurrence but less benefit from this treatment., Conclusion: Risk factors for liver recurrence after resection of synchronous liver metastases were positive lymph nodes, ≥3 liver metastases, and no postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended after hepatic resection of synchronous liver metastases., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Asian Surgical Association and Taiwan Society of Coloproctology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

(1) Background: This study aimed to investigate clinical outcomes for cabozantinib in clinical practice in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) previously treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atz/Bev), with a focus on whether patients met criteria of Child-Pugh Class A and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) score 0/1 at baseline. (2) Methods: Eleven patients (57.9%) met the criteria of both Child-Pugh class A and ECOG-PS score 0/1 (CP-A+PS-0/1 group) and eight patients (42.1%) did not (Non-CP-A+PS-0/1 group); efficacy and safety were retrospectively evaluated. (3) Results: Disease control rate was significantly higher in the CP-A+PS-0/1 group (81.1%) than in the non-CP-A+PS-0/1 group (12.5%). Median progression-free survival, overall survival and duration of cabozantinib treatment were significantly longer in the CP-A+PS-0/1 group (3.9 months, 13.4 months, and 8.3 months, respectively) than in the Non-CP-A+PS-0/1 group (1.2 months, 1.7 months, and 0.8 months, respectively). Median daily dose of cabozantinib was significantly higher in the CP-A+PS-0/1 group (22.9 mg/day) than in the non-CP-A+PS-0/1 group (16.9 mg/day). (4) Conclusions: Cabozantinib in patients previously treated with Atz/Bev has potential therapeutic efficacy and safety if patients have good liver function (Child-Pugh A) and are in good general condition (ECOG-PS 0/1).

Surgical techniques and outcomes of minimally invasive anatomic liver resection (AR) using the extrahepatic Glissonian approach for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are undefined. In 327 HCC cases undergoing 185 open (OAR) and 142 minimally invasive (MIAR; 102 laparoscopic and 40 robotic) ARs, perioperative and long-term outcomes were compared between the approaches, using propensity score matching. After matching (91:91), compared to OAR, MIAR was significantly associated with longer operative time (643 vs. 579 min, p = 0.028); less blood loss (274 vs. 955 g, p < 0.0001); a lower transfusion rate (17.6% vs. 47.3%, p < 0.0001); lower rates of major 90-day morbidity (4.4% vs. 20.9%, p = 0.0008), bile leak or collection (1.1% vs. 11.0%, p = 0.005), and 90-day mortality (0% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.043); and shorter hospital stay (15 vs. 29 days, p < 0.0001). On the other hand, laparoscopic and robotic AR cohorts after matching (31:31) had comparable perioperative outcomes. Overall and recurrence-free survivals after AR for newly developed HCC were comparable between OAR and MIAR, with potentially improved survivals in MIAR. The survivals were comparable between laparoscopic and robotic AR. MIAR was technically standardized using the extrahepatic Glissonian approach. MIAR was safe, feasible, and oncologically acceptable and would be the first choice of AR in selected HCC patients.

Background/purpose: Surgical outcomes and utility of robotic liver resection (RLR) are undefined., Methods: We retrospectively studied perioperative and long-term outcomes of the single-center 120 RLRs including non-anatomic (NAR, n = 58) and anatomic (AR, n = 62) resections. To evaluate the feasibility and safety of RLR, perioperative outcomes of RLR (n = 103) were compared to those of open (OLR, n = 495) or laparoscopic (LLR, n = 451) resection in liver-only resections without reconstruction, using 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). The changing trends from the earlier to the later RLR cases were assessed. Long-term outcomes were compared between RLR and LLR., Results: Various types of RLR with different surgical difficulties were performed, with mostly comparable postoperative morbidity between AR and NAR, or among AR subtypes. In segmentectomy and sectionectomy cases, perioperative outcomes significantly improved in the later period. In comparison between PSM-selected OLR and RLR cases (87:87), RLR had significantly longer operative time, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stay. PSM-selected LLR and RLR cases (91:91) showed comparable perioperative outcomes. Overall and recurrence-free survivals after RLR for newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal metastasis were comparable to those after LLR., Conclusions: RLR is applicable to various types of liver resection with acceptable perioperative and long-term outcomes in select patients., (© 2022 Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery.)

We report on a pure laparoscopic left lateral graft procurement with removing segment 3 that employs the Glissonean approach, indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging and in situ splitting. We first mobilised the liver and confirmed the root of the left hepatic vein (LHV). We then encircled the left Glissonean pedicle, and the segment 3 Glissonean pedicle (G3) was also individually encircled. We performed parenchymal transection of the left lateral segmentectomy using Pringle's manoeuvre. We clipped G3 and confirmed the demarcation line using ICG fluorescence imaging. The inflow in the S2 area was confirmed via intraoperative sonography, and we split segment 3 (S3) from the left lateral sector graft in situ. The left hepatic artery, left portal vein and left hepatic duct were also encircled and divided. The LHV was transected using a linear stapler, and the S2 monosegment liver graft and removed S3 were procured. Our technique reasonably prevents graft-related complications., Competing Interests: None

Background: Conventional open distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection (DP-CAR) using the ventral approach is technically challenging, highly invasive, and not easy to ensure ample dorsal surgical margins. Hence, we describe a novel minimally invasive strategy for DP-CAR using the retroperitoneal-first laparoscopic approach (Retlap), i.e., Retlap DP-CAR, for locally advanced pancreatic body cancer (LAPC), and assess its utility., Methods: Retlap DP-CAR was performed in 10 patients with LAPC that was categorized as either unresectable (UR-LA, n = 4) or borderline (BR-A, n = 6). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was applied on 8 patients and upfront surgery on 2. Retlap was used to create a working space in the retroperitoneal cavity between the pancreatic body and the left kidney and confirm technical resectability, such as securing the celiac axis and preserving the superior mesenteric artery in an early operative stage. Retlap DP-CAR was laparoscopic in 8 patients and robotic in 2. Surgical procedures are directly manipulated from the dorsal side of the pancreas and tumor, facilitating confirmation of technical resectability and obtaining ample dorsal margins in a no-touch isolation approach. Once technical resectability was confirmed, the procedure was converted to the ventral approach for completing DP-CAR., Results: Median operating time and blood loss during Retlap were 271 min and 10 mL, respectively, while median resection time and intraoperative blood loss were 582 min and 412 mL, respectively. Tumor-free resection margins were obtained in all cases. The major morbidity rate (C-D > IIIa) was 10%. No mortality was recorded within 90 days. Median overall survival was 53.8 months [95% confidence interval 32.7-75.0]., Conclusions: Retlap DP-CAR is a novel minimally invasive procedure for resecting LAPC located close to the celiac axis. It is both safe and feasible, enables determination of technical resectability, achieves dorsal surgical margins, and can improve outcomes and QOL in patients with LAPC., Competing Interests: Declarations of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Anatomic isolated liver segmentectomy 8 (ILSeg8) for malignancies remains technically challenging. The feasibility, safety, and oncologic validity of laparoscopic ILSeg8 are undefined, and thus were evaluated in comparison with the open approach., Methods: This study enrolled 35 open and 29 laparoscopic ILSeg8 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 47), metastatic liver tumors (n = 16), and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n = 1) at our institution. The surgical techniques were based on the pre-hepatectomy extrahepatic Glissonian pedicle control, followed by cranial-to-caudal parenchymal dissection from the hepatic vein root side. The short- and long-term outcomes after ILSeg8 were retrospectively evaluated and compared between the open and laparoscopic approaches using 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM)., Results: Both before and after PSM, the laparoscopic ILSeg8 group had significantly less blood loss, lower postoperative serum bilirubin level, and a shorter postoperative hospital stay than the open group. The overall survival rates were comparable between the laparoscopic and open groups before (P = 0.017) and after (P = 0.043) PSM, with the similar recurrence-free survival rates between the groups. In a multivariable analysis of the cohort before PSM (n = 64), the laparoscopic approach was identified to be an independent factor for favorable overall survival (hazard ratio = 0.20, P = 0.039)., Conclusion: Laparoscopic ILSeg8 using the extrahepatic Glissonian approach and hepatic vein root at first parenchymal dissection was feasible, safe, and oncologically acceptable. In ILSeg8 for malignancy, the laparoscopic approach potentially confers short-term advantages over the open approach with comparable long-term outcomes in select patients., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: Laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy (LLLS) is a feasible and safe procedure with a relatively smooth learning curve. However, single-incision LLLS requires extensive surgical experience and advanced techniques. The aim of this study is to report the standardized single-incision plus one-port LLLS (reduced port LLLS, RPLLLS) technique and evaluate its safety, feasibility, and effectiveness for junior surgeons., Methods: Between January 2008 and November 2020, the clinical records of 49 patients who underwent LLLS, divided into the conventional LLLS (n = 37) and the RPLLLS group (n = 12), were retrospectively reviewed. The patient characteristics, pathologic results, and operative outcomes were evaluated., Results: A history of previous abdominal surgery in the RPLLLS group was significantly high (56.8% vs. 91.7%, p = 0.552). Notably, junior surgeons performed 62.2% of the conventional LLLSs and 58.4% of the standardized RPLLLSs. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of median operative time (121.0 vs. 113.5, p = 0.387), median blood loss (13.0 vs. 8.5, p = 0.518), median length of hospital stays (7.0 vs. 7.0, p = 0.408), and morbidity rate (2.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.565), respectively., Conclusion: This standardized RPLLLS is a feasible and safe alternative to conventional LLLS and may become the ideal training procedure for both junior surgeons and surgeons aiming to learn more complex procedures., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Aim: The present study evaluated the efficacy and safety of ramucirumab (RAM) in clinical practice as post-treatment, following atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atz/Bev) for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels of ≥400 ng/ml., Patients and Methods: Of the 77 patients treated with Atz/Bev at our institution, 13 patients for whom RAM was introduced as post-treatment following Atz/Bev were enrolled in this retrospective study. There were 9 patients (69.2%) with Child-Pugh A and 11 patients (84.6%) for whom RAM was initiated as 3 rd - or later-line therapy. The median AFP level was 2259 ng/ml., Results: The objective response rate by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours at 6 weeks was 15.4%, and the disease control rate was 69.2%. The median time to progression was 3.0 months; AFP level decreased at 2 weeks in 11 patients (84.6%) and at 6 weeks in seven patients (53.8%). The most common adverse events (AEs) within 6 weeks were ascites, peripheral oedema, and proteinuria, while grade 3 AEs occurred in six patients (46.2%). Albumin-bilirubin scores at both 4 and 6 weeks were significantly worse than those at baseline., Conclusion: In HCC patients with AFP levels of ≥400 ng/mL, RAM after Atz/Bev is expected to be an effective treatment option. Careful attention should be paid to the development of AEs and deterioration of liver function, especially when RAM is used as 3 rd - or later-line therapy. Additional studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of RAM as 2 nd -line treatment after Atz/Bev in Child-Pugh A patients., (Copyright © 2022 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Objective: Evaluating the perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive (MIV) donor hepatectomy for adult live donor liver transplants in a large multi-institutional series from both Eastern and Western centers., Background: Laparoscopic liver resection has become standard practice for minor resections in selected patients in whom it provides reduced postoperative morbidity and faster rehabilitation. Laparoscopic approaches in living donor hepatectomy for transplantation, however, remain controversial because of safety concerns. Following the recommendation of the Jury of the Morioka consensus conference to address this, a retrospective study was designed to assess the early postoperative outcomes after laparoscopic donor hepatectomy. The collective experience of 10 mature transplant teams from Eastern and Western countries was reviewed., Methods: All centers provided data from prospectively maintained databases. Only left and right hepatectomies performed using a MIV technique were included in this study. Primary outcome was the occurrence of complications using the Clavien-Dindo graded classification and the Comprehensive Complication Index during the first 3 months. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for complications., Results: In all, 412 MIV donor hepatectomies were recorded including 164 left and 248 right hepatectomies. Surgical technique was either pure laparoscopy in 175 cases or hybrid approach in 237. Conversion into standard laparotomy was necessary in 17 donors (4.1%). None of the donors died. Also, 108 experienced 121 complications including 9.4% of severe (Clavien-Dindo 3-4) complications. Median Comprehensive Complication Index was 5.2., Conclusions: This study shows favorable early postoperative outcomes in more than 400 MIV donor hepatectomy from 10 experienced centers. These results are comparable to those of benchmarking series of open standard donor hepatectomy., Competing Interests: Disclosures: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The use of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is widespread owing to its several advantages, especially smaller incision (Kaneko et al., Ann Gastroenterol Surg 1:33-43, 1; Ciria et al., Surg Endosc 34:349-360, 2). However, both posterior sectionectomy and donor hepatectomy are extremely difficult procedures to perform in LLR (Hasegawa et al., Ann Gastroenterol Surg 2:376-382, 3; Soubrane and Kwon, J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Sci 24:E1-E5, 4; Takahara et al., Transplantation 101:1628-1636, 5; Lee et al., Clin Transplant 33:e13683, 6; Hong et al., Surg Endosc 33:3741-3748, 7; Rhu et al., J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Sci 27:16-25, 8). Moreover, the right posterior section graft procurement is also difficult even in open laparotomy procedure (Sugawara et al., Transplantation 73:111-114, 9; Hwang et al., Liver Transpl 10:1150-1155, 10; Hori, Kirino, and Uemoto, Hepatol Res 45:1076-1082, 11; Kusakabe et al., Liver Transpl 26:299-303, 12). The pure laparoscopic donor posterior sectionectomy has not been reported yet. Therefore, we aimed to introduce a novel procedure through a video clip., Methods: The donor was placed in the semi-left lateral decubitus position with the reverse Trendelenburg position using a bean bag device. The right liver was mobilized, and the right hepatic vein was exposed. To adopt the liver hanging maneuver, a tape was inserted between the middle and right hepatic veins along the inferior vena cava. The posterior Glissonean pedicle was encircled and controlled, and the liver parenchyma was completely transected using the liver hanging maneuver. The vessels to the posterior section were respectively isolated. The posterior branches of the hepatic duct, hepatic artery, and portal vein were cut. The right hepatic vein was divided, and the graft liver was retrieved via a suprapubic incision. This study was approved by institutional ethics board (No. MH2019-119), and informed consent was taken from the patient., Results: The overall surgical time was 503 min, and the blood loss was 400 mL. No complications were observed, and the donor was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 11., Conclusion: This is the first report of pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy of the posterior section graft. This procedure is more difficult than other laparoscopic donor hepatectomies because it involves parenchymal transection in the right intersectional plane and dissection of the posterior branches of hilar vessels., (© 2020. The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract.)

Background: Minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (MIPD), including laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) and robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD), is technically demanding because of pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ). Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most serious complication of MIPD and open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD). Contrary to expectations, conventional PJ in MIPD did not improve POPF rate and length of hospital stay. High POPF rates are attributed to technical issues encountered during MIPD, which include motion restriction and insufficient water tightness. Therefore, we developed wrapping double-mattress anastomosis, the Kiguchi method, which is a novel PJ technique that can improve MIPD. Herein, we describe the Kiguchi method for PJ in MIPD and compare the outcomes between this technique and conventional PJ in OPD., Methods: The current retrospective study included 83 patients in whom the complete obstruction of the main pancreatic duct by pancreatic tumors was absent on preoperative imaging. This research was performed from September 2016 to August 2020 at Fujita Health University Hospital. All patients were evaluated as having a soft pancreatic texture, which is the most important factor associated with POPF development. Briefly, 50 patients underwent OPD with conventional PJ (OPD group). Meanwhile, 33 patients, including 15 and 18 who had LPD and RPD, respectively, underwent MIPD using the Kiguchi method (MIPD group). After a 1:1 propensity score matching, 30 patients in the OPD group were matched to 30 patients in the MIPD group., Results: The patients' preoperative data did not differ. The grade B/C POPF rate was significantly lower in the MIPD group than in the OPD group (6.7% vs 40.0%, p = 0.002). The MIPD group had a significantly shorter median length of hospital stay than the OPD group (24 vs 30 days, p = 0.004)., Conclusion: The novel Kiguchi method in MIPD significantly reduced the POPF rate in patients without complete obstruction of the main pancreatic duct., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Laparoscopic deroofing of liver cysts is widely accepted as the treatment of symptomatic huge liver cysts. As bile leakage is a common complication of this procedure, indocyanine green (ICG) imaging has played an active role in detecting intrahepatic biliary tract. However, infusion ICG imaging needs time rag after injection due to moving from bloodstream to bile, and also, additional injection is needed when the fluorescent imaging is not clear. To cover this weakness of ICG imaging, we first applied ICG imaging via 5-Fr endoscopic nasal biliary drainage (ENBD) during laparoscopic deroofing of liver cysts. This technique promptly gives us ICG imaging after ICG injection from ENBD; in addition, direct ICG imaging sometimes reveals minor leakage from sealing line and staple lines; therefore, we believe that direct ICG imaging via ENBD helps us to prevent post-operative bile leakage., Competing Interests: None

Background: Several studies have demonstrated that prehabilitation helps reduce the incidence of postoperative complications. In this study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of enhanced prehabilitation (EP) in the hospital for patients with esophageal cancer., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 48 consecutive patients who underwent radical esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction between September 2015 and June 2019. EP program had been introduced in August 2017. In the EP group, patients received the EP program during hospitalization 7 days before surgery in addition to conventional perioperative rehabilitation. The EP program consisted of aerobic exercise and muscle strength training in the morning and afternoon. Operative outcomes were compared between patients who received EP (EP group; 23 patients) and patients who did not receive EP (control group; 25 patients)., Results: The preoperative (EP group vs. control group, 492.9 ± 79.7 vs. 418.9 ± 71.8 m, p < 0.001) and postoperative (EP group vs. control group, 431.5 ± 80 vs. 378 ± 68.7 m, p < 0.001) 6-min walk distance was significantly higher in the EP group than in the control group. The respiratory complications rate was significantly lower in the EP group (4.3%) than in the control group (36%) (p = 0.007). The incidence of atelectasis was particularly significantly lower in the EP group (0%) than in the control group (24%) (p = 0.012)., Conclusions: EP was performed safely for patients before esophagectomy. EP improved the exercise tolerance of the patients before esophagectomy and might be useful in preventing respiratory complications.

Background: Pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy (PLDH) is being increasingly performed at centers with experienced surgeons [1-6]. This procedure is still developing and is associated with several challenges owing to its technical difficulty [7-9]. Conversely, the anterior approach is sometimes applied to both laparoscopic and open right hepatectomy for management of tumors in the liver [10, 11]. However, there are no reports regarding the use of the anterior approach for PLDH. We found this method to be useful; therefore, we aimed to introduce the novel procedure using a video clip., Methods: The donor was placed in the supine position. First, the right side of the inferior vena cava was dissected instead of performing the liver hanging maneuver. The right Glissonean pedicle was encircled and controlled, and the liver parenchyma was completely transected. Thereafter, the ligaments around the liver were dissected, and the graft was mobilized. The hilar vessels were respectively separated. Finally, the right hepatic duct, right hepatic artery, right portal vein, and right hepatic vein were divided, and the graft liver was retrieved. This study was approved by institutional ethics board (MH2019-119), and informed consent was taken from the patient., Results: The overall surgical time was 400 min, the volume of blood loss was 31 mL, the warm ischemic time was 7 min, and no complications were seen., Conclusion: The advantages of the anterior approach for right-sided PLDH might be attribute to reduction of compression injury and incidence of subcapsular hematoma, as liver mobilization is easily performed because of increased liver mobility. However, PLDH is a highly-skilled procedure, and indications for PLDH should be extended in a step-wise manner. Further, the procedure should be performed only by highly proficient surgeons having extensive experience in both laparoscopic liver resection and living donor liver transplantation.

Purpose: To evaluate the early remission rate of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and establish a preliminary scoring system that predicts T2DM remission., Methods: We assessed the outcomes of 49 morbidly obese patients with T2DM who underwent LSG between 2008 and 2018. The prognostic factors for T2DM remission 1 year post-LSG were identified and an original scoring system was established. We validated our scoring system by comparing it with the individualized metabolic surgery score and the ABCD score., Results: The patients' mean body weight loss and percentage of excess weight loss were 34.4 kg and 59.4%, respectively, while the T2DM remission rate was 77.5%. The serum insulin level and the T2DM duration were independent predictive factors, the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves for which revealed cutoff values of 12.7 ng/mL and 72 months, respectively. We set our system's score range at 0-2, whereby patients with higher scores have a good T2DM remission prognosis, as higher insulin levels, and/or shorter T2DM duration. Our scoring system had accuracy levels similar to those of the ABCD score with a simple stratification., Conclusion: Our preliminary scoring system attains a good level of accuracy for predicting T2DM remission.

Background: Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) has been accepted as a function-preserving surgery for the treatment of early gastric cancer in East Asian countries. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of totally laparoscopic PPG (TLPPG) with intracorporeal anastomosis., Methods: A total of 43 patients with early gastric cancer underwent laparoscopy-assisted PPG (LAPPG) with extracorporeal anastomosis between May 2006 and November 2012. The operative outcomes of 22 patients who underwent TLPPG between November 2012 and February 2019 were evaluated, and data were compared with that of the LAPPG group., Results: No significant difference in the operative time was observed between the two groups. Blood loss was lower in the TLPPG group (18.5 mL) than in the LAPPG group (30.7 mL, p = 0.008), and the length of abdominal incision was shorter in the TLPPG group (3.8 cm) than in the LAPPG group (4.7 cm, p < 0.001). No significant difference in the complication rate was observed between the two groups (13.6% in the TLPPG vs. 9.3% in the LAPPG group, p = 0.594). No anastomosis-related complications occurred in either group. No significant between-group difference was observed in the delayed gastric emptying (TLPPG, 9.1 vs. LAPPG, 7%, p = 0.762). The initiation of postoperative fluid (TLPPG, 1.0 day vs. LAPPG, 3.0 days, p < 0.001) and meal (TLPPG, 3.0 days vs. LAPPG, 4.0 days, p < 0.001) intake was earlier in the TLPPG group than in the LAPPG group. No significant between-group difference was observed in the postoperative hospital stay., Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that TLPPG with intracorporeal reconstruction not only is as feasible and safe as LAPPG for the treatment of patients with early gastric cancer but also provides certain advantages such as reduced blood loss and wound size.

Background: The use of pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy has been increasing, with various advantages reported. However, the Glissonean approach has not been adopted despite its usefulness. The aim of this study was to introduce the Glissonean pedicle approach for laparoscopic living donor hepatectomy., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from 11 patients who underwent pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy for adult living donor liver transplantation. In this novel operative procedure, after mobilization of the liver, the right or left Glissonean pedicle was encircled, and then the liver parenchymal transection was completed. Next, the right or left hepatic artery, portal vein, and hepatic duct were dissected out. The right or left hepatic duct was divided under intraoperative cholangiography guidance using indocyanine green fluorescence, and the hepatic artery and the portal vein were cut. Finally, the hepatic vein was divided using the laparoscopic stapler, and the graft liver was procured via a suprapubic incision., Results: The overall median surgical time was 387 min (range 280-563 min), and the volume of blood loss was 75 mL (21-1228 mL). The warm ischemic time was 5 min (2-10 min). A conversion to open procedure was occurred in 1 patient. A complication, a grade IIIa bile leakage according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, was noted in 1 patient., Conclusion: This is the first report of the Glissonean pedicle approach for pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy; our results demonstrate the safety and feasibility of this technique.

We describe a rare case of recurrent pancreatic metastasis of intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN). A 53-year-old woman diagnosed with an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) and a pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) of the pancreatic body underwent a distal pancreatectomy. The tumor was composed of cuboidal, high-grade dysplastic cells proliferating in a tubulopapillary growth pattern without mucin production; hence, the final diagnosis was ITPN. A follow-up computed tomography scan revealed an enhanced 2 cm mass of the pancreatic head 3 years after the surgery. From workup investigations, the patient was diagnosed with PDAC or a recurrent ITPN of the remnant pancreas. A total remnant pancreatectomy was then performed. Histopathological findings revealed that the new ITPN had the same features as the prior ITPN. In IPMNs, the presence of an invasive component and high-grade dysplasia can lead to progression to a recurring IPMN and the development of PDAC. Because there have been few reports of recurrent ITPN developing into PDAC, the risk factors for ITPN have not been investigated. Because of the uncertain clinicopathological characteristics of ITPN, more data should be gathered to assess the long-term outcome and malignant potential of ITPN.

Background: Both single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) and needlescopic cholecystectomy (NSC) are superior to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy in terms of cosmetic outcome and incisional pain. We conducted a prospective, randomized clinical trial to evaluate the surgical outcome, postoperative pain, and cosmetic outcome for SILC and NSC procedures., Methods: In this trial, 105 patients were enrolled (52 in the SILC group; 53 in the NSC group). A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the cosmetic outcome and incisional pain for patients. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the operative difficulty that was present for both procedures., Results: There were no significant differences in patient characteristics or surgical outcomes, including operative time and blood loss. The mean VAS scores for cosmetic satisfaction were similar in both groups. There were significant differences in the mean VAS scores for incisional pain on postoperative day 1 (p = 0.009), and analgesics were required within 12 h of surgery (p = 0.007). Obesity (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) was the only significant influential factor for operating time over 100 min (p = 0.031)., Conclusion: NSC is superior to SILC in terms of short-term incisional pain. Experienced laparoscopic surgeons can perform both SILC and NSC without an increase in operative time., (© 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) grow relatively slowly and without specific symptoms; therefore, they are typically incidental findings. We report a rare gastric GIST in the mediastinum associated with chest discomfort and an esophageal hiatal hernia., Case Presentation: An 81-year-old woman with chest discomfort was admitted to the hospital, where barium esophagography showed a sliding esophageal hiatal hernia and a tumor of the lower esophagus and gastric wall. Esophagogastroscopy confirmed the presence of a huge submucosal tumor that extended from the lower esophagus to the gastric fundus. According to computed tomography, the mediastinal mass measured 12.7 cm and had heterogeneous low-density areas. A submucosal gastric tumor, which we suspected to be a GIST, was diagnosed in association with an esophageal hiatal hernia. Using thoracolaparotomy, we performed a total gastrectomy, a lower esophagectomy, and a Roux-en-Y reconstruction with the jejunum. The presumptive diagnosis was confirmed through immunohistochemical examination; immunostaining yielded results positive for CD34 and c-kit. The patient was discharged from the hospital 13 days after surgery with no complications and remained disease-free at follow-up 24 months after surgery., Conclusions: GIST should be considered in the differential diagnosis of tumors growing in the mediastinum.

Purpose: We investigated the operative outcomes of thoracoscopic esophagectomy (TE) in the prone position, using the concept of total meso-esophageal excision for esophageal cancer., Methods: The medical records of 140 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer who underwent radical esophagectomy by TE were reviewed retrospectively, and operative outcomes were compared between patients treated before (non-meso-esophagus; non-ME group) and after (ME group) the introduction of total meso-esophageal excision (ME)., Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in postoperative morbidity (non-ME group vs. ME group, 28.3% vs. 41.4%, p = 0.119), 30-day mortality (non-ME group vs. ME group, 0% vs. 1.1%; p = 0.433), and in-hospital mortality (non-ME group vs. ME group, 1.9% vs. 0%, p = 0.199). Although overall survival and relapse-free survival did not differ significantly between the groups, the overall recurrence rate was significantly lower in the ME group than the non-ME group (non-ME group vs. ME group, 43.4% vs. 23%, p = 0.011). In particular, the rate of regional lymph node recurrence in the mediastinum was lower in the ME group (non-ME group vs. ME group, 11.3% vs. 2.3%; p = 0.026)., Conclusions: Our results suggest that the ME procedure might be one of the procedures that reduce regional lymph node recurrence in the mediastinum without any deterioration in short-term outcomes.

Background: Docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) therapy can cause severe adverse events, including neutropenia and febrile neutropenia. The feasibility of DCF therapy is a concern, particularly for elderly patients, patients with moderate organ disorders, and patients suffering from malnutrition caused by dysphagia or insufficient oral intake. We introduced a biweekly DCF therapy (bDCF) for the purpose of reducing severe adverse events for these fragile patients. This study investigated the feasibility and outcome of an esophagectomy after bDCF therapy for patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma., Methods: Fifty-nine patients with esophageal carcinoma underwent an esophagectomy after DCF or bDCF therapy as primary chemotherapy. DCF was administered to 37 patients in the DCF group, whereas bDCF was administered to 22 patients in the bDCF group., Results: Patients in the bDCF group were significantly older than those in the DCF group (p = 0.016). Heart and pulmonary comorbidities were significantly more common in the bDCF than in the DCF group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.039, respectively). Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was less frequent in the bDCF than in the DCF group (40.9 vs. 81.1%, p = 0.002). Anorexia was more frequent in the DCF group than in the bDCF group (18.9 vs. 0%, p = 0.030). The clinical response rate of the bDCF group was significantly higher than that of the DCF group (86.4 vs. 62.2%, p = 0.047). There was no significant between-group difference in the postoperative morbidity rate (bDCF 45.5% vs. DCF 32.4%) or in the histological therapeutic effect., Conclusion: The results demonstrate that primary bDCF therapy for high-risk patients with advanced esophageal cancer is feasible and safe in both chemotherapeutic and perioperative periods without a reduction in the efficacy of DCF therapy.

This review describes the recent advances in, and current status of, minimally invasive pancreatic surgery (MIPS). Typical MIPS procedures are laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD), laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP), laparoscopic central pancreatectomy (LCP), and laparoscopic total pancreatectomy (LTP). Some retrospective studies comparing LPD or LDP and open procedures have demonstrated the safety and feasibility as well as the intraoperative outcomes and postoperative recovery of these procedures. In contrast, LCP and LTP have not been widely accepted as common laparoscopic procedures owing to their complicated reconstruction and limited indications. Nevertheless, our concise review reveals that LCP and LTP performed by expert laparoscopic surgeons can result in good short-term and long-term outcomes. Moreover, as surgeons' experience with laparoscopic techniques continues to grow around the world, new innovations and breakthroughs in MIPS will evolve. Well-designed and suitably powered randomized controlled trials of LPD, LDP, LCP, and LTP are now warranted to demonstrate the superiority of these procedures., (Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Taiwan.)

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention by a perioperative multidisciplinary support team for radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 85 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer who underwent radical esophagectomy via right thoracotomy or thoracoscopic surgery with gastric tube reconstruction. Twenty-one patients were enrolled in the non-intervention group (group N) from May 2011 to September 2012, 31 patients in the perioperative rehabilitation group (group R) from October 2012 to April 2014, and 33 patients in the multidisciplinary support team group (group S) from May 2014 to September 2015., Results: Morbidity rates were 38, 45.2, and 42.4% for groups N, R, and S, respectively. Although there were no significant differences in the incidence of pneumonia among the groups, the durations of fever and C-reactive protein positivity were shorter in group S. Moreover, postoperative oral intake commenced earlier [5.9 (5-8) days] and postoperative hospital stay was shorter [19.6 (13-29) days] for group S., Conclusions: The intervention by a perioperative multidisciplinary support team for radical esophagectomy was effective in preventing the progression and prolongation of pneumonia as well as earlier ambulation, oral feeding, and shortening of postoperative hospitalization.

Background: Extending the clinical indications for laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) should be carefully considered based on a surgeon's experience and skill. However, objective indexes to help surgeons assess the estimated difficulty of LLR are scarce. The aim of our study was to develop the first objective numerical rating scale to predict the surgical difficulty of various LLR procedures., Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the operative outcomes of 187 patients who underwent a pure LLR. First, the value of preoperative factors for predicting surgical time was evaluated by multivariate linear regression analyses, and a scoring system was constructed. Next, the integrity of our predictive linear model was evaluated against the documented operative outcomes for patients forming our study group., Results: Four predictive factors were identified and scored based on the weighted contribution of each factor predicting surgical time: extent of resection (scored 0, 2, or 3); location of tumor (scored 0, 1, or 2); obesity (scored 0 or 1); and platelet count (scored 0 or 1). The scores were summed to classify surgical difficulty into three levels: low (total score ≤1); medium (total score 2-3); and high (total score ≥4). Operative outcomes, including surgical time, volume of blood loss, length of hospital stay, and rate of morbidity, were significantly different between the three surgical difficulty levels., Conclusion: Our novel model will be useful for surgeons to predict the difficulty of an LLR procedure relative to their own experience and skill.

A 66-year-old man diagnosed with rectal cancer underwent high anterior resection and received adjuvant chemotherapy (UFT plus UZEL). One year after the surgery, lung and para-aortic lymph node(PLN)metastases were identified. We chose mFOLFOX6 for first-line chemotherapy. After 7 courses, we changed the regimen to sLV5FU2 because of Grade 3 neuropathy. After 5 courses, to treat progressive disease(PD), we changed the regimen to FOLFIRI. Then, the patient had stable disease (SD), and surgical excision was performed for both lung and lymph node recurrence without adjuvant chemotherapy. Six years after the excision, a CT scan revealed PLNagain. We chose FOLFIRI plus cetuximab. After 9 courses, the lymph nodes decreased in size and there was no other recurrence; thus we performed resection. However, a third PLNrecurrence was identified 20 months after the resection. Chemotherapy has continued for 47 courses, and he has maintained SD for more than 2 years.

Nerve-preservation technique during surgery is important. Intraoperative nerve injury often causes permanent palsy or numbness and/or neurogenic functional disorders. To evade such intraoperative nerve injuries, we proposed a novel manner to specifically visualize peripheral nerve fibers. Low-toxic agents clinically available, amphotericin B(AmB)or fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC)were used as neuro-indicators. In in vitro, we used Schwann cells as nerve models to basically confirm these agents effectively functioned as neural markers. In in vivo, we examined whether this novel method was clinically applicable. The Schwann cells reacted with AmB or FITC emitted blue or yellow-green fluorescence in a dark environment. The rat nerve models also fluorescently glimmered in blue-tone when each agent was given. These data suggested that we could clinically discriminate nerve fibers from the surrounding tissues. Our fluorescent-imaging methods warrant further studies for clinical applications.

Background: Diaphragmatic hernia is a potential complication of esophagectomy, which usually occurs as a hiatal hernia and more frequently after minimally invasive esophagectomy. Parahiatal hernia is a rare form of diaphragmatic hernia, and to the best of our knowledge, parahiatal hernia after esophagectomy has not been previously reported. Here, we report a case of parahiatal hernia after esophagectomy that was successfully managed laparoscopically., Case Presentation: A 73-year-old man underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer with gastric tube reconstruction via the posterior mediastinum. Postoperative morbidity was ileus, which required conservative treatment, and intestinal obstruction for which operation with laparotomy was necessary. He was admitted with abdominal pain and vomiting at 15 months after esophagectomy. Abdominal X-ray revealed colon gas in the intrathoracic space. A barium enema examination showed a transverse colon incarcerated in the intrathoracic space. The patient was preoperatively diagnosed with hiatal hernia after esophagectomy, and laparoscopic hernia repair was performed. During the surgery, the hiatus was found to be intact, and the defect was clearly separated from the left crus of the diaphragm. Parahiatal hernia was the operative diagnosis. The incarcerated colon was repositioned in the abdominal cavity, and the defect was repaired using a composite mesh., Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgery was found to be effective for the diagnosis and repair of parahiatal hernia.

Tylosis is an inherited disorder characterized by abnormal palmoplantar skin thickening and a highly elevated risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Analyses of tylosis in families have localized the responsible gene locus to a region of chromosome 17q25.1. Frequent loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in 17q25.1 was also observed in the sporadic form of ESCC. A putative tumor suppressor gene for ESCC may exist at this locus. We investigated the expression patterns of genes on 17q25.1 in tumor and corresponding normal tissues from patients with sporadic ESCC using RNA sequence analysis. For candidate genes, quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR), direct sequence, LOH and methylation analyses were performed using 93 clinical ESCC samples and 10 cell lines. A significant downregulation of ST6GALNAC1 was demonstrated in ESCC tissues compared to its expression in normal tissues by qRT-PCR (n=93, p<0.0001). Frequent LOH (17/27, 62.9%) and hyper‑methylation in ST6GALNAC1 were also observed in all cell lines. Our results indicated that ST6GALNAC1 was downregulated in sporadic ESCC via hyper-methylation and LOH, and it may be a candidate responsible gene for ESCC. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that multiple genes on chromosome 17q25 are involved in ESCC development.

Background: In the present study, we conducted a multicenter nationwide survey to investigate the effects of preoperative fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) on the prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT)., Methods: From 16 Japanese LT centers, data were collected on 182 recipients with HCC who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) between February 2005 and November 2013. PET-positive status was defined as increased uptake of FDG in the tumor compared to the surrounding non-tumor liver tissue. The median follow-up after LDLT was 54.5 months (range 1-125 months)., Results: Postoperative HCC recurrence occurred in 23 patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that exceeding the Milan criteria (MC), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level ≥115 ng/ml, and PET-positive status were significant and independent risk factors for recurrence. In the over-MC group, a subgroup of patients with AFP level <115 ng/ml and PET-negative status (n = 22) had a significantly lower 5-year recurrence rate than the other patients (n = 27, 19% vs. 53%, P = 0.019)., Conclusions: These results suggest that preoperative FDG-PET status offers additional information on HCC recurrence risk after LT. Over-MC patients with PET-negative status and lower AFP level may achieve successful outcome comparable to that of within-MC patients., (© 2016 Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery.)

Background: Laparoscopic major hepatectomy (LMH) is an innovative procedure that is still in the exploration phase. Although new surgical techniques have learning curves, safety should be maintained from the onset. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the safe introduction of LMH., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from 245 consecutive patients who underwent pure laparoscopic liver resection. Patients were divided into three groups: Phase I, the first 64 cases, all minor hepatectomies; Phase II, cases from the first LMH case to the midmost of the LMH cases (n = 69, including 22 LMHs); Phase III, the most recent 112 cases, including 22 LMHs. Patient characteristics and surgical results were evaluated, and the learning curve was analysed with the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method., Results: The first LMH was adopted after sufficient preparatory experience was gained from performing 64 minor hepatectomies. In cases of LMH, there were no significant differences in the surgical time between Phases II and III (356 vs. 309 min; P = 0.318), morbidity rate (22.7 vs. 31.8 %; P = 0.736), or major morbidity rate (18.2 vs. 9.1 %; P = 0.664); however, estimated blood loss was significantly reduced from Phase II to Phase III (236 vs. 68 mL; P = 0.018). The CUSUM for morbidity also showed similar outcomes through Phases II and III., Conclusion: There is a learning curve associated with laparoscopic liver resection. To maintain a low morbidity rate, 60 laparoscopic minor hepatectomies could provide adequate experience before the adoption of LMH.

Background: In a statement by the second International Consensus Conference for Laparoscopic Liver Resection (LLR), minor LLR was confirmed to be a standard surgical practice, as it has become adopted by an increasing proportion of surgeons. However, it is unclear whether this applies to the more complex group of patients suffering from cirrhosis. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective study was to compare the feasibility and safety of LLR for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) between non-liver cirrhosis (NLC) patients and liver cirrhosis (LC) patients at a single high-volume laparoscopy center., Methods: From the beginning of 2000 to the end of 2013, open liver resection (OLR) was performed in 99 HCC patients, and LLR was in 118. The HCC patients who underwent LLR were divided into NLC-LLR (n=60) and LC-LLR (n=58) groups, and we compare the short-term outcomes between them., Results: There was no significant difference in the incidence of blood loss and transfusion requirements between the NLC-LLR group and the LC-LLR group, although wedge resection was mainly performed in the LC-LLR group. There was no significant difference in the complication rate between the two groups, and the remarkable finding was that there was a significantly lower incidence of postoperative ascites in the LC-LLR group than in the NLC-LLR group., Conclusions: According to our experience, it appears that LLR for selected HCC patients with cirrhosis is a feasible and promising procedure that is associated with less blood loss and fewer postoperative complications, especially the incidence of postoperative ascites. Further investigations are clearly warranted.

Background: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy has been shown to be associated with favorable postoperative outcomes using meta-analysis. However, there have been no randomized controlled studies yet. This study aimed to compare laparoscopic and open distal pancreatectomy using propensity score-matching., Methods: We retrospectively collected perioperative data of 2,266 patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy in 69 institutes from 2006-2013 in Japan. Among them, 2,010 patients were enrolled in this study and divided into two groups, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and open distal pancreatectomy. Perioperative outcomes were compared between the groups using unmatched and propensity matched analysis., Results: After propensity score-matching, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy was associated with favorable perioperative outcomes compared with open distal pancreatectomy, including higher rate of preservation of spleen and splenic vessels (P < 0.001); lower rates of intraoperative transfusion (P = 0.020), clinical grade of pancreatic fistula (International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula grade B and C; P < 0.001), and morbidity (P < 0.001); and shorter hospital stay (P = 0.001), but a longer operative time (P < 0.001)., Conclusions: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy was associated with more favorable perioperative outcomes than open distal pancreatectomy., (© 2015 Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery.)

Background: The aim of the present study was to clarify the surgical outcome and long-term prognosis of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) compared with conventional open liver resection (OLR) in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM)., Methods: A one-to-two propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was applied. Covariates (P < 0.2) used for PSM estimation included preoperative levels of CEA and CA19-9; primary tumor differentiation; primary pathological lymph node metastasis; number, size, location, and distribution of CRLM; existence of extrahepatic metastasis; extent of hepatic resection; total bilirubin and prothrombin activity levels; and preoperative chemotherapy. Perioperative data and long-term survival were compared., Results: From 2005 to 2010, 1,331 patients with hepatic resection for CRLM were enrolled. By PSM, 171 LLR and 342 OLR patients showed similar preoperative clinical characteristics. Median estimated blood loss (163 g vs 415 g, P < 0.001) and median postoperative hospital stay (12 days vs 14 days; P < 0.001) were significantly reduced in the LLR group. Morbidity and mortality were similar. Five-year rates of recurrence-free, overall, and disease-specific survival did not differ significantly. The R0 resection rate was similar., Conclusions: In selected CRLM patients, LLR is strongly associated with lower blood loss and shorter hospital stay and has equivalent long-term survival comparable with OLR., (© 2015 Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery.)

Biliary complications, such as stricture or obstruction after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), are still major problems. Magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) is a minimally invasive and nonsurgical procedure in patients with biliary structure or obstruction. A 49-year-old woman who had had ABO-incompatible LDLT 16 months previously presented with obstructive jaundice. After sufficient improvement of obstructive jaundice by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD), the rendezvous technique between PTCD and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was attempted in order to break through the stricture, but this was not successful. Therefore, MCA was performed. A parent magnet was endoscopically placed at the common bile duct side of the stricture, and the daughter magnet, attached to a guidewire, was also inserted to the intrahepatic bile duct. Both magnets were advanced to positions immediately prior to the biliary obstruction, and it was confirmed that the two magnets attracted each other magnetically, sandwiching the stricture. Twenty-four days after MCA, as recanalization could be achieved without any adverse events, the magnets were removed via the PTCD fistula. MCA enabled us to create a fistula without complications. In conclusion, when a conventional endoscopic or percutaneous approach, including the rendezvous technique, has failed, MCA is a novel method for patients with the stricture of the choledochocholedochostomy after LDLT.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of single-port laparoscopic gastric resection (SPLGR) with multiport laparoscopic gastric resection (MPLGR) for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)., Methods: Between April 2009 and December 2012, 16 consecutive patients with gastric GISTs underwent SPLGR. The patients undergoing the SPLGR were case-matched for age, sex, body mass index and tumor location with those undergoing MPLGR. The demographic and surgical outcomes were analyzed and compared from the review of a prospectively collected database of 16 patients who underwent MPLGR., Results: All 16 patients underwent complete SPLGR without any intraoperative complications. No significant differences were observed in the mean length of the operation (91.4 vs. 94.1 min), blood loss (6.3 vs. 10.1 ml) and length of postoperative hospital stay (4.7 vs. 5.4 days) between the SPLGR and MPLGR groups. The tumor size was similar (37.8 vs. 32.1 mm) and negative surgical margins were achieved in all patients. At a mean follow-up of 27 months, all 16 SPLGR patients were disease-free., Conclusions: Our initial comparison demonstrated that SPLGR, when performed by experienced surgeons, is a safe and feasible procedure for patients with gastric GISTs, resulting in good surgical and oncological outcomes.

Background/aims: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and the tolerability of modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX), administered as a second-line or beyond second-line chemotherapy drug in patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer (PC) after the failure of both gemcitabine (GEM) and S-1., Methodology: Treatment of mFOLFIRINOX consisted of oxaliplatin, leucovorin, irinotecan and fluorouracil; all the anticancer drugs were reduced to an 80% dose of the original regimen of FOLFIRINOX, repeated every three weeks. The primary end point was response rate (RR) and disease control rate (DCR). The secondary end points were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), total survival time (TST), safety, and tolerability., Results: Between November 2011 and November 2013, 13 enrolled patients were treated with mFOLFIRINOX, with a median of 5 courses (range 1-33). The RR and DCR were 30.8% and 69.2%, respectively. The median OS, PFS, and TST were 176, 137, and 779 days, respectively. The 6-month and the 1-year OS was 46.1% and 23.1%, respectively. Major grade 3 or grade 4 adverse events included neutropenia (38.5%), and anorexia (25.0%)., Conclusions: mFOLFIRINOX was moderately effective in locally advanced or metastatic PC patients after the failure of both GEM and S-1.

Background: Cancer cells synthesize substantial amounts of protoporphyrin IX( PPIX) from aminolevulinic acid( ALA). PPIX emits red fluorescence when illuminated under blue light. Photodynamic diagnosis (PDD), based on this phenomenon, is currently used; however, various microorganisms also show the same fluorescence with ALA when illuminated under blue light, resulting in false-positive PDD results., Purpose and Methods: To avoid misdiagnosis, we incorporated novel systems into the PDD system. ALA, blue light (wavelength, 380-450 nm), different kinds of cell lines, and bacteria were used in this in vitro study. We used a 70% deacetylated chitosan solution (DAC-70 Sol), developed in-house, as an antibacterial agent and prepared ALA/DAC-70 Sol, used as a novel photoimaging agent. The antibacterial function of ALA/DAC-70 Sol was examined in vitro, and the photodiagnostic effects on using the novel systems were clinically evaluated using bile from patients with biliary tract cancer., Results: DAC-70 Sol demonstrated an effective bactericidal function in vitro. Red fluorescence could clearly be identified, enabling the detection of cancer cells in the bile using ALA/DAC-70 Sol., Conclusions: Our novel systems have a great potential for use in clinical photodynamic cytodiagnosis( PDCD), which plays an important role in preoperative cancer chemotherapy.

Indocyanine green (ICG) is specifically excreted through the biliary tracts. The authors applied ICG as a carrier of gemcitabine (GEM) to devising a novel drug delivery system. Our newly devised chitin flakes, ICG and GEM were mixed together. Then physiological saline solution was added to the mixture to form the system. The release profiles of GEM and ICG from the system were examined at various times in vitro. Anticancer activities of the GEM and ICG delivered from the system were detected by MTT assay method using human pancreatic cancer cell lines. The novel system was visco-elastic green sol at room temperature and changed to gel at body temperature. Seventy to 80% of GEM was gradually delivered from the system in 24 hours, and 30 to 50% of ICG was slowly released over 24 hours. The released GEM favorably demonstrated anticancer activities against the cancer cells, while the ICG released from the system showed no oncolytic activities. These suggested that our devised system would be clinically useful as a novel tool in cancer chemotherapy.

Totally laparoscopic liver resection (TLLR) is still a challenging procedure, although experienced liver surgeons have performed this operation successfully. Between May 1997 and October 2009, 97 patients at Iwate Medical University Hospital underwent TLLR, which included 79 partial resections, 15 left lateral sectionectomies, two S5 subsegmentectomies, and one right hepatectomy. Important considerations in determining indications for TLLR include tumor size, type, and location. Standardization of surgical procedures is also very important for performing surgery safely and efficiently. In a partial liver resection, we prefer to use a pre-coagulation technique using radiofrequency waves to reduce blood loss from the cut surface of the liver parenchyma. The surface of the hepatic parenchyma was transected up to 2 cm without bleeding using ultrasonic coagulating shears. In the left lateral sectionectomy, hepatic parenchyma was thinned on a line left of the falciform ligament by ultrasonic coagulating shears; the portal pedicles and left hepatic vein were divided using an endoscopic linear staplers with a small portion of surrounding liver tissue. This paper reviews the indications and techniques of TLLR for hepatocellular carcinoma.