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Abstract Background Surgical resection is standard treatment for invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC); however, impact of multidisciplinary treatment on survival including postoperative adjuvant therapy (AT), neoadjuvant therapy (NAT), and treatment for recurrent lesions is unclear. We investigated the effectiveness of multidisciplinary treatment in prolonging survival of patients with invasive IPMC. Methods This retrospective multi‐institutional study included 1183 patients with invasive IPMC undergoing surgery at 40 academic institutions. We analyzed the effects of AT, NAT, and treatment for recurrence on survival of patients with invasive IPMC. Results Completion of the planned postoperative AT for 6 months improved the overall survival (OS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) of patients with stage IIB and stage III resected invasive IPMC, elevated preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19–9 level, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, serosal invasion, and lymph node metastasis on un‐matched and matched analyses. Of the patients with borderline resectable (BR) invasive IPMC, the OS (p = 0.001), DSS (p = 0.001), and RFS (p = 0.001) of patients undergoing NAT was longer than that of those without on the matched analysis. Of the 484 invasive IPMC patients (40.9%) who developed recurrence after surgery, the OS of 365 patients who received any treatment for recurrence was longer than that of those without treatment (40.6 vs. 22.4 months, p

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma invasion of the bile duct is rare and has a poor prognosis. A 77‐year‐old man presented at the emergency department with persistent pain in the right hypochondrium. Blood tests and imaging studies revealed a 70‐mm occupying lesion in the right lobe of the liver and dilated intrahepatic bile ducts. He was diagnosed with obstructive jaundice and cholangitis. Imaging studies showed an internal mass with poor contrast effects. A liver biopsy was performed to confirm the diagnosis and hepatocellular carcinoma was suspected. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic ultrasound, and peroral cholangioscopy were performed to determine the treatment strategy. The bile duct invasion did not extend to the porta hepatis; therefore, right hepatic lobectomy and radical resection were performed. Bile duct invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma is rare and often difficult to diagnose by computed tomography or conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. However, endoscopic ultrasound and peroral cholangioscopy enable safe and accurate diagnosis of the extent of invasion.

Neoadjuvant therapy is commonly used for invasive pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC). Tumor budding and high podoplanin expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are prognostic factors in patients with various carcinomas including PDAC who have not received neoadjuvant therapy. In this study, we investigated whether tumor budding and podoplanin-positive CAFs are associated with outcomes in Japanese PDAC patients with neoadjuvant therapy. Histopathological findings of surgically resected PDACs with neoadjuvant therapy from 2005 to 2018 were reviewed (n = 97). With reference to International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference recommendations, tumors were evaluated for budding at 20 × magnification (/0.785 mm2) and at 40 × magnification (/0.237 mm2; mean number of fields: 3) for podoplanin expression in CAFs (%). Overall survival, disease-free survival, and disease-specific survival (DSS) were analyzed using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model. After adjusting for T category, N category, resection margin, and adjuvant therapy, multivariate analyses demonstrated that tumor budding at 40 × magnification was an independent prognostic factor for worse DSS (hazard ratio: 2.41, p = 0.022). Tumor budding at 20 × magnification and podoplanin-positive CAFs tended to be associated with worse DSS; however, these findings were not statistically significant. Our findings indicate that tumor budding is an independent prognostic factor in PDAC patients with neoadjuvant therapy.

Abstract Background Laparoscopic splenectomy for patients with portal hypertension is associated with a high risk of bleeding. The use of vessel-sealing devices and automatic sutures is important for bleeding control. However, a rare complication of abdominal surgery is the direct communication between the arterial and portal circulation related to surgical procedures such as simultaneous ligature of an artery and adjacent vein. We describe a rare case of omental arteriovenous fistula (AVF) after laparoscopic splenectomy treated with transarterial embolization. Case presentation We report a case of a 46-year-old male patient with an omental AVF after a laparoscopic splenectomy 6 years ago for splenomegaly associated with alcoholic cirrhosis. Follow-up abdominal dynamic computed tomography accidentally revealed a vascular sac (25 mm in the major axis) that formed an omental AVF with anastomosis to the left colonic vein. The communication was considered to be caused by using a vessel-sealing device. No symptoms related to the AVF were observed. The AVF was embolized with microcoils using the transarterial approach. A 4-axis catheter system was used for accurate embolization due to the long and tortuous distance from the celiac artery. No recurrence or symptoms were observed after 6 months. Conclusions Treatment of arterioportal fistula is mandatory, even in asymptomatic patients. Embolization is a less invasive alternative to surgical approaches. The 4-axis catheter system was useful for accurate embolization via a long and tortuous artery.

Abstract Background The recently developed endoscopic full-thickness resection technique requires reliable closure. The main closure methods are the purse-string suture (PSS) technique and over-the-scope clip (OTSC) technique; however, basic data on the closure strength of each technique are lacking. This study was performed to compare the closure strengths of these two methods in an ex vivo porcine model. Methods In the traction test, a virtual 5-cm full-thickness closure line was closed by the following six methods three times each: conventional hemoclips, mucosal PSS, seromuscular PSS, mucosal OTSC, seromuscular OTSC, and surgical suture. The primary endpoint was the tension at the starting point of dehiscence, measured in Newtons (N) by an automatic traction machine. In the leak test, a 15-mm gastric full-thickness defect was closed by PSS or OTSC six times each, and the closed stomach was then pressurized in a water container. The primary endpoint was the leak pressure when air bubbles appeared. The secondary endpoints were the procedure time and presence of complete inverted closure. Results The mean tension was 2.16, 3.68, 5.15, 18.30, 19.30, and 62.40 N for conventional hemoclips, mucosal PSS, seromuscular PSS, mucosal OTSC, seromuscular OTSC, and surgical suture, respectively. Complete inverted closure was observed for seromuscular PSS, seromuscular OTSC, and surgical suture. The mean leak pressure was 13.7 and 24.8 mmHg in the PSS and OTSC group, respectively (P

Abstract Macrophages are a major population of immune cells in solid cancers, especially colorectal cancers. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are commonly divided into M1-like (tumor suppression) and M2-like (tumor promotion) phenotypes. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is an immunoregulatory neuropeptide with a potent anti-inflammatory function. Inhibition of VIP signaling has been shown to increase CD8+ T cell proliferation and function in viral infection and lymphoma. However, the role of VIP in macrophage polarization and function in solid tumors remains unknown. Here, we demonstrated that conditioned medium from CT26 (CT26-CM) cells enhanced M2-related marker and VIP receptor (VPAC) gene expression in RAW264.7 macrophages. VIP hybrid, a VIP antagonist, enhanced M1-related genes but reduced Mrc1 gene expression and increased phagocytic ability in CT26-CM-treated RAW264.7 cells. In immunodeficient SCID mice, VIP antagonist alone or in combination with anti-PD-1 antibody attenuated CT26 tumor growth compared with the control. Analysis of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes found that VIP antagonist increased M1/M2 ratios and macrophage phagocytosis of CT26-GFP cells. Furthermore, Vipr2 gene silencing or VPAC2 activation affected the polarization of CT26-CM-treated RAW264.7 cells. In conclusion, the inhibition of VIP signaling enhanced M1 macrophage polarization and macrophage phagocytic function, resulting in tumor regression in a CT26 colon cancer model.

Abstract Background There is insufficient evidence on whether indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence angiography can reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage (AL). This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the effect of ICG fluorescence angiography on AL rates in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery at a single institution. Methods Patients who underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection or intersphincteric resection with ICG fluorescence angiography (ICG group; n = 73) and patients who underwent a similar surgical procedure for rectal cancer without ICG fluorescence (non-ICG group; n = 114) were enrolled consecutively in this study. ICG fluorescence angiography was performed prior to transection of the proximal colon, and anastomosis was performed with sufficient perfusion using ICG fluorescence imaging. AL incidence was compared between both groups, and the risk factors for AL were analyzed. Results AL occurred in 3 (4.1%) and 14 (12.3%) patients in the ICG and non-ICG groups, respectively. In the ICG group, the median perfusion time from ICG injection was 34 s, and 5 patients (6.8%) required revision of the proximal transection line. None of the patients requiring revision of the proximal transection line developed AL. In univariate analysis, longer operating time (odds ratio: 2.758; 95% confidence interval: 1.023–7.624) and no implementation of ICG fluorescence angiography (odds ratio: 3.266; 95% confidence interval: 1.038–11.793) were significant factors associated with AL incidence, although the creation of a diverting stoma or insertion of a transanal tube was insignificant. Conclusion ICG fluorescence angiography was associated with a significant reduction in AL during laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery. Changes in the surgical plan due to ICG fluorescence visibility may help improve the short-term outcomes of patients with rectal cancer.

Background: The over-the-scope clip (OTSC) is a highly effective clipping device for refractory gastrointestinal disease. However, Japanese data from multicenter studies for anastomotic leakage (AL) involving a secondary fistula after gastrointestinal surgery are lacking. Therefore, this study evaluated the efficacy and safety of OTSC placement in Japanese patients with such conditions. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from 28 consecutive patients from five institutions who underwent OTSC-mediated closure for AL between July 2017 and July 2020. Results: The AL and fistula were located in the esophagus (3.6%, n = 1), stomach (10.7%, n = 3), small intestine (7.1%, n = 2), colon (25.0%, n = 7), and rectum (53.6%, n = 15). The technical success, clinical success, and complication rates were 92.9% (26/28), 71.4% (20/28), and 0% (0/28), respectively. An age of 7 days (84.2%), and the use of simple suction (78.9%) and anchor forceps (80.0%) were associated with higher clinical success rates. Conclusion: OTSC placement is a useful therapeutic option for AL after gastrointestinal surgery.

Abstract Pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) has two histological components: tumor epithelia and ovarian-like stroma (OLS). To examine the progression and changes in pancreatic MCNs, we analyzed the distribution, amount, immunohistochemical phenotype, presence of theca cells of OLS, and tumor epithelium in 45 surgically resected MCN cases, comparing them with tumor sizes. The OLS data of female MCN cases were also compared between those who were ≤ 51 years old and those > 51 years old to see the effect of menopause on MCN histology. Non-mucinous type epithelium was present in all low-grade MCNs, but its ratio decreased with tumor size (p 51 years than those ≤ 51 years old, however it did not reach statistical significance. This is the first study to show the intralobular distribution of OLS.

Abstract Standardized pathological evaluation of the regression assessment of neoadjuvant pancreatic cancer is necessary to improve prognostication and compare treatment outcomes in clinical trials. However, appropriate tissue sampling from surgically resected pancreatic cancer after neoadjuvant therapy has not been elucidated. We compared the tumor regression scores in the largest cancer slide determined macroscopically or histologically. We reviewed all slides and macroscopic photos of cut surfaces from resected pancreas of patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n = 137; chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy). The tumor regression scores (the Evans, College of American Pathologists, Japanese Pancreas Society grading systems, and Area of Residual Tumor [ART] score) were evaluated for the largest tumor slide determined by macroscopy or histologically as well as all slides from the resected pancreas. The largest cancer slides determined macroscopically and histologically were discrepant in 26% of the cases. Cancer cells were not detected in the largest macroscopically defined cut slides in 3%. Only ART scores assessed in the largest histological slides displayed significant difference in overall survival. We recommend obtaining the largest histological slides to provide adequate assessment for regression of neoadjuvant-treated pancreatic cancer. Sufficient sampling to detect the largest histological slides would be mandatory.

Abstract Background It is important to understand the branching pattern of the celiac artery for a safe surgery. Various branching anomalies of the celiac artery were classified by Adachi in 1928. In Adachi’s classification, type VI (group 26) is a rare anatomical anomaly (0.4%) that requires care when carrying out a surgery in gastric cancer patients with this anomaly. Herein, we reported a case treated successfully with laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with D1+ lymph node dissection for early gastric cancer. Case presentation An 84-year-old female was referred to our division for an additional surgical treatment for early gastric cancer that was resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection. A three-dimensional computed tomography angiography revealed an angioplany of the common hepatic artery branching from the left gastric artery. According to Adachi’s classification, the anomaly of this patient corresponded to type VI (group 26). Preoperative anatomical information of this rare anomaly helped us to safely perform a laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and lymph node dissection with common hepatic artery preservation. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged on postoperative day 11. Conclusions We consider that Group 26 anomalies require the most precise anatomical understanding among Adachi classification type VIs, since it affects hepatic blood flow and can cause serious complications. In this time, we reported a successful case to perform laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with safety and accuracy by preoperative understanding of the precise vascular anatomy.

Abstract Background Inflammatory nutritional factors, such as the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), modified GPS (mGPS), and C-reactive protein/albumin (CRP/Alb) ratio, have prognostic values in many types of cancer. In this study, the prognostic values of inflammatory nutritional scores were evaluated in the patients with resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT). Methods A total of 49 patients who underwent pancreatectomy after NACRT from September 2009 to May 2016 were enrolled. The NACRT consisted of hypofractionated external-beam radiotherapy (30 Gy in 10 fractions) with concurrent S-1 (60 mg/m2) delivered 5 days/week for 2 weeks before pancreatectomy. Inflammatory nutritional scores were determined before and after NACRT in this series. Results The median NLR increased after NACRT (from 2.067 to 3.302), with statistical difference (p

Abstract Background Persistent descending mesocolon (PDM) is a congenital anomaly associated with the failure of fixation of the descending colon to the lateral abdominal wall. In the laparoscopic colectomy for colorectal cancer, it has been noticed that there are extensive adhesions and a distinctive anatomy of colonic vessels in cases with PDM. Therefore, it is necessary to have sufficient knowledge about PDM so that it can be appropriately treated during surgery. Case presentation Case 1—a 79-year-old man underwent laparoscopic intersphincteric resection for rectal cancer. Preoperative barium enema (BE) revealed that the sigmoid colon was located at the right side of the abdomen. An enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed that the common trunk of the left colic artery (LCA) and the first sigmoid colonic artery (S1) branched from the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). Case 2—a 68-year-old man underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for sigmoid colon cancer and laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer synchronously. BE showed that the descending colon ran from the splenic flexure to medial caudal side. An enhanced CT showed that the distance from the LCA to the marginal artery was 1.0 cm. Case 3—a 68-year-old man underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer. BE showed that the descending colon ran to the medial caudal side. An enhanced CT showed that the mesentery of the descending colon was comparatively shortened. Case 4—a 60-year-old man underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for sigmoid colon cancer. An enhanced CT showed that the descending colon ran to the medial caudal side and predicted that the LCA and S1 formed a common trunk and branched radially from the IMA. We reported four cases with PDM recognized preoperatively as above. Three cases had a shortening of the mesocolon. While dissecting the vessels, although special attention was required to maintain the blood flow to the intestine, none of these cases developed any complications during the postoperative course. Conclusions We considered that it is important to have positional awareness of the LCA and the marginal artery to perform the laparoscopic surgery safely when a colorectal cancer with PDM is diagnosed preoperatively using imaging methods.

Abstract Background The observation of spontaneous regression (SR) has been well documented for many cancer types, including renal cell carcinoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia, neuroblastoma, and malignant melanoma. However, the SR frequency in colorectal cancer is very rare. Therefore, the accumulation of SR colorectal cancer cases might contribute to find the regression mechanism. Case presentation A 67-year-old woman received colonoscopy due to being positive for fecal occult blood testing and was diagnosed as having a transverse colon cancer at a local hospital. She was admitted to our institution for surgical treatment of the colon cancer. The colonoscopy revealed a type 2 tumor of 13 mm in diameter at the hepatic flexure of the transverse colon. The enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed an enlarged lymph node in the intermediate lymph node region. The 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT showed no abnormal accumulation on the transverse colon; however, an abnormal accumulation was found at the enlarged lymph node. The patient was preoperatively diagnosed as having advanced transverse colon cancer with lymph node metastasis and underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with D3 lymph node dissection. Pathological examination showed only a scar-like tissue and no cancerous lesion in the transverse colon, while a metastatic lymph node was histologically confirmed in the intermediate lymph node region. Loss of MLH1 and PMS2 expression was observed in the cancer cells of both biopsy specimens and resected lymph nodes. No recurrence was seen for 5 years after surgery. Conclusions We reported a rare case of SR of the primary transverse colon cancer without regression of the metastatic regional lymph node. We considered that colorectal cancer with SR should be resected because even if SR of the primary lesion occurs, lymph node metastasis might have an inconsistent behavior as shown in the present case.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common chronic liver disease with no decisive treatment. The sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor ipragliflozin was developed as a new oral hypoglycemic drug, which can improve NASH via an insulin-independent glucose-lowering effect by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the renal proximal tubules. However, ipragliflozin appears to modulate steatosis or inflammation via different pathways. To elucidate the new mechanism of ipragliflozin for the treatment of NASH, we evaluated its effects in a NASH mouse model (STAM mice) with beta cell depletion, and compared the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in STAM mice treated with or without ipragliflozin (16.7 μg/day for 5 weeks). Ipragliflozin reduced aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase levels, along with reduced hepatic steatosis, hepatocyte ballooning, lobular inflammation, and liver fibrosis. In addition, ipragliflozin upregulated mitochondrial transport-related and antioxidant defensive system-related genes in the liver. Among 2555 mouse miRNA probes, miR-19b-3p was commonly differentially expressed with ipragliflozin treatment for 5 weeks in both the liver and serum but in different directions, with a decrease in the liver and increase in the serum. Therefore, ipragliflozin can improve NASH development likely through the antioxidative stress pathway and by regulating miR-19b-3p.

Abstract Background The perioperative factors predicting or influencing early pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma recurrence are unclear. This study attempted to identify the predictive factors for early pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma recurrence post-pancreatectomy and the influence of pre- and post- operative adjuvant therapy. Methods One hundred and fifteen patients undergoing curative resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma between 2000 and 2016 at our institution were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: those who did (n = 34) and did not (n = 81) experience a recurrence within 6 months postoperatively. Results Multivariate analyses demonstrated postoperative CA19–9 de-normalization, no postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, and serosal invasion were independent risk factors for early recurrence (P

Abstract Background Schloffer tumor is a foreign body granuloma in the abdominal subcutaneous layer that develops due to a foreign body such as suture from several months to years postoperatively. Herein, we report a case of a rapidly growing Schloffer tumor with F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) positivity at the port site of laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for colon cancer. Case presentation An 85-year-old man, who underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for stage IIIa sigmoid colon cancer 10 months ago, was referred to our hospital with complaints of a growing mass in the abdominal wall. The tumor was palpable at the right-sided abdominal wall corresponding to the port site of laparoscopic sigmoidectomy. The tumor rapidly grew for 2 months. Computed tomography showed a ring-enhanced mass at the right-sided abdominal wall. PET examination revealed high accumulation of FDG in the tumor. Tumor resection was performed due to suspected port site recurrence. The pathological diagnosis was inflammatory granuloma, so-called Schloffer tumor. Conclusion In the era of laparoscopic surgery, Schloffer tumor may be one of the differential diagnoses for rapidly growing tumor with FDG-PET positivity at the port site in postoperative patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

Abstract Background A solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a mesenchymal lesion, which commonly develops in the thorax. Non-islet cell hypoglycemia is a rare paraneoplastic phenomenon caused by an extra-pancreatic tumor. We report a rare case of a pelvic SFT with severe hypoglycemia, which was considered to be Doege-Potter syndrome. Case presentation A 72-year-old man was referred to our hospital for treatment of hypoglycemia and a large pelvic tumor. His blood glucose level was 52 mg/dl; serum insulin level, 1.0 μIU/ml; C-peptide level, 0.2 ng/ml; and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) level, 31 ng/ml. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a 13-cm mass in the pelvic cavity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a lobulated tumor with iso- and high-intensity areas combined in T2-weighted images. No clear invasion to any adjacent organs was identified. The tumor was resected, and hypoglycemic symptoms disappeared immediately. Pathological diagnosis was an SFT with malignant potential that secreted IGF-II and caused hypoglycemia. There has been no tumor recurrence during the 1 year of follow-up. Conclusion Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with tumors and hypoglycemia.

Background and study aims Exposed endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) enables the operator to obtain a sufficient surgical margin. However, insufflation leakage and secure endoscopic full-thickness closure (EFTC) remain problematic. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a new exposed EFTR. Patients and methods Exposed EFTR was performed for 2-cm virtual lesions in different locations of the upper stomach in four dogs. EFTR mainly involved half-circumferential EFTR of the endpoint and clip-line traction. Pulley traction was applied with the forward approach for the greater curvature. EFTC involved endoscopic ligation with O-ring closure to diminish insufflation leakage, followed by over-the-scope clip closure. Results Complete resection and technical success were achieved in all four cases. One case of intraoperative bleeding was endoscopically managed. No postoperative complications occurred in any cases. The median maximum resected size was 27.5 mm. The median procedure time of the total operation, EFTR, and EFTC was 76, 37, and 35.5 minutes, respectively. The 1-month survival rate was 100 %. Conclusions This therapeutic strategy may lead to the establishment of exposed EFTR.

Abstract Background In patients with esophageal cancer, differentiation between lymph node metastasis and lymphadenopathies from sarcoidosis or sarcoid-like reactions of lymph nodes is clinically important. Herein, we report two esophageal cancer cases with lymph node involvement of sarcoid-like reaction or sarcoidosis. Case presentation One patient received chemotherapy and the other chemoradiotherapy as initial treatments. In both cases, [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) was performed before and after chemo(radio)therapy. After the treatment, FDG uptake was not detected in the primary tumor, but it was slightly reduced in the hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes in both cases. These non-identical responses to chemo(radio)therapy suggest the presence of sarcoid-like reaction of lymph nodes associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Curative surgical resection was performed as treatment. Conclusions These FDG-PET/CT findings may be helpful to distinguish between metastasis and sarcoidosis-associated lymphadenopathy in esophageal cancer.

Background. Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting (ETGBS) is an effective procedure for treating high-risk patients with acute cholecystitis and severe comorbidities. However, the efficacy of ETGBS for recurrent cholecystitis (RC) remains unclear. This study aimed to explore its efficacy in patients with RC for whom cholecystectomy is contraindicated because of its high surgical risk. Methods. Data on 19 high-risk patients who had undergone ETGBS for RC after initial conservative therapy in our institution between June 2006 and May 2012 were retrospectively examined. The primary outcome was the clinical success rate, which was defined as no recurrences of acute cholecystitis after ETGBS until death or the end of the follow-up period. Secondary outcomes were technical success rate and adverse events (AEs). Results. The clinical success rate of ETGBS was 100%, the technical success rate 94.7%, and AE rate 5%: one patient developed procedure-related mild acute pancreatitis. The clinical courses of all patients were as follows: four died of nonbiliary disease, and the remaining 15 were subsequently treated conservatively. The median duration of follow-up was 14.95 months (range 3–42 months). Conclusions. ETGBS is an effective alternative for managing RC in high-risk patients with severe comorbidities.

Background and study aims: Small gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) rarely have malignant potential with poor prognosis. Using conventional imaging to differentiate between small GISTs and leiomyoma, which often have similar characteristics, is difficult but essential in daily practice. Although some studies have reported on the utility of serum c-kit as a biomarker for non-small GIST and specific miRNA, clinical aspects of such testing are controversial. The aim of this study was to identify differences between small GIST and leiomyoma through the investigation of miRNA expression patterns in human cases. Patients and methods: MiRNA expression was examined in nine GIST (less than low risk, mean 18 mm in size) samples and seven leiomyoma samples acquired by a novel sampling method, submucosal tunneling biopsy (STB), which produces tumor specimens of submucosal tumor (SMT) without contamination of sufficient size to be examined under direct vision. Total RNA was extracted from these tissues and analyzed for miRNA expression patterns by microarray. Subsequently, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to confirm specific miRNA overexpression, comparing GISTs with leiomyomas. Results: Microarray analysis revealed upregulation of the miR-140 family up to 20 times higher in GISTs than in leiomyomas. Real-time qPCR revealed that the expression level of miR-140-5 p in GISTs was 27.86 times higher than in leiomyomas; miR-140-3 p was 12.24 times higher as well. Conclusions: The STB method provided suitable SMT samples for miRNA analysis. MiR-140 family members may serve as specific biomarkers to distinguish GIST from leiomyoma.