Transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt is a risk factor for liver dysplasia but not hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective study of explanted livers.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting data exist regarding the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma after transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt (TIPS) insertion in cirrhotic patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed histopathological data from 214 patients who were transplanted in our Institution including 68 patients who underwent TIPS placement before transplantation. Pathological lesions from explanted livers, including incidental hepatocellular carcinoma, small cell dysplasia and large cell dysplasia were recorded. RESULTS: Pathological lesions were found in 36.4% of explanted livers. TIPS insertion was an independent risk factor for pathological lesion (HR = 2.11, p < 0.05), concurrently with age (HR = 1.10 per year, p < 0.001) and viral aetiology of cirrhosis (HR = 3.05, p < 0.001). When considering the different type of lesions, TIPS insertion was not associated with an increased risk for hepatocellular carcinoma but was an independent risk factor for liver dysplasia (HR = 2.15, p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: Although a direct relationship between TIPS insertion and hepatocellular carcinoma risk was not demonstrated in this study, the increased frequency of liver dysplasia observed in TIPS-bearing explanted livers deserves further prospective investigations with adequate follow-up.

DNA-repair and carcinogen-metabolising enzymes genetic polymorphisms as an independent risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma in Caucasian liver-transplanted patients.

We studied polymorphisms of three genes, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase1A7 (UGT1A7), Glutathione-S-transferaseM1 (GSTM1) and X-Ray Cross Complementing group 1 (XRCC1), involved in detoxification of xenobiotics or DNA-repair in a population of 133 liver-transplanted patients, including 56 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 77 without HCC, and in 89 healthy controls originating from the south of France. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that, among liver-transplanted patients, interactions between XRCC1-G/G or -G/A and GSTM1-nul polymorphisms were independently associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (p interaction=0.027) concurrently with increasing age (p<0.001), male sex (p=0.037) and chronic hepatitis B or C virus infection (p=0.018 and p=0.001 respectively). On the contrary, no relationship was observed between UGT1A7 polymorphisms considered alone or in interaction with GSTM1 or XRCC1 polymorphisms and HCC. This suggests that concomitant impaired metabolism of carcinogenic compounds and impaired DNA-repair function play an important role in liver carcinogenesis in high-risk cirrhotic patients originating from the south of France.

Prognostic factors after resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in nonfibrotic or moderately fibrotic liver. A 116-case European series.

The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing prognosis after resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in the noncirrhotic liver and to measure the impact of moderate fibrosis on presentation and prognosis. A series of 116 primary procedures were performed for hepatocellular carcinoma in the noncirrhotic liver. These cases accounted for 42% of hepatic resections performed for hepatocellular carcinoma during the study period (1987-2005). Seventy-seven cases (58%) occurred in patients with nonfibrotic livers (Metavir score F0). The mean age was 61 years. The sex ratio was 3.5, with a female predominance before 50 years. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus infection was found in 30% of patients. Symptoms were present in 64% of cases. Elevated serum alpha fetoprotein levels were observed in 44% of cases. Procedures involved minor hepatectomy in 40 cases, major hepatectomy in 72 cases, and transplantation in 4 cases. Postoperative mortality was 6% and morbidity was 31%. Complete resection was achieved in 90% of cases. The tumor was isolated in 72% of cases. The mean tumor diameter was 10.6 cm. Vascular invasion was observed in 48% of cases. Hepatocellular carcinoma in the nonfibrotic liver was associated with younger age and female sex, but there was no difference with other hepatocellular carcinoma with regard to histological or prognostic features. With a median follow-up of 79 months, overall survival was 40% for a median of 41 months. Multivariate analysis identified incomplete resection, vascular invasion, and HBV infection as independent factors of poor prognosis. In case of recurrence, repeat resection was feasible in 30% of cases with 69% survival at 5 years. Although hepatocellular carcinoma in the noncirrhotic liver is generally diagnosed at an advanced stage, its resectability remains high. As a result, hepatocellular carcinoma in the noncirrhotic liver accounts for a large proportion of cases in surgical series and has a better prognosis than hepatocellular carcinoma in the cirrhotic liver. Vascular invasion, incomplete resection, and HBV infection are independent factors of poor prognosis.

[Ileosigmoid knot is an unusual and severe cause of bifocal bowel strangulation]. / Le noeud iléosigmoïde: une cause improbable d'occlusion intestinale primitive par strangulation bifocale.

Ileosigmoid knot is an unusual and severe cause of bifocal bowel strangulation. Prompt surgery is necessary to prevent widespread intestinal infarction and high mortality rate. We report a clinical case and present a literature review to precise the features that should lead to prompt preoperative diagnosis. There are no clinical features specific for this diagnosis. Abdominal CT scan with contrast enema appears to be the fastest way to show the association of small bowel ischemia and sigmoid volvulus that signs ileosigmoid knotting.

[Pancreatic tuberculosis: an unusual cause of obstructive jaundice accessible to endoscopic management]. / Tuberculose céphalopancréatique: une cause rare d'ictère obstructif accessible à un traitement conservateur.

Tuberculosis of the pancreas is unusual and often secondary to generalized tuberculosis. In most cases clinical presentation is obstructive jaundice due to pancreatic mass lesion. Although diagnosis is usually obtained after resection of the mass lesion, endoscopic procedures might avoid non-necessary surgical procedure. We report a clinical case of pancreatic tuberculosis diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy and treated by biliary stenting.

Resection of hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor thrombus in the major vasculature. A European case-control series.

Tumor thrombus in major vasculature is a frequent finding with a poor long-term prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The utility of surgical resection is still controversial. This study compared morbidity and survival after resection for HCC with and without tumor thrombus. Data of 108 patients who underwent major hepatic resection for HCC were prospectively recorded. Patients were divided into two groups. The venous thrombectomy (VT) group included 26 patients who had HCC with tumor thrombus in the portal or hepatic veins. The matched control group included 82 patients who had HCC without tumor thrombus. Surgical technique, early outcome, and late survival were analyzed in each group. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the prognostic value of this feature. Surgical technique was comparable in the VT and control group with regard to extent of hepatectomy, procedure duration, and transfusion requirements. Early postoperative outcome was also comparable. Actuarial survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 38%, 20%, and 13%, respectively, in the VT group (median: 9 months) versus 74%, 56%, and 33%, respectively, in the control group (median: 41 months). In the subgroup of patients with tumor thrombus limited to the portal vein, actuarial survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 50%, 26%, and 17%, respectively, (median: 12 months) and two patients lived longer than 5 years. Multivariate analysis showed that incomplete resection, alphafetoprotein level greater than 100 N, more than two tumor nodules, and tumor thrombus in major vasculature were independent factors of poor prognosis. Survival after resection for HCC with tumor thrombus in the major vasculature is poorer than after resection for HCC without tumor thrombus. However, an aggressive surgical strategy can provide significant survival with comparable morbidity in selected cases, that is, tumor thrombus located in the portal vein only and expected complete resection of the lesions.

Venobronchial fistula: an unusual complication of long-term central venous access.

A venobronchial fistula developed between the azygous vein and the upper aspect of the right main bronchus 12 months after completion of the treatment of a stage IIIB non-small-cell lung cancer in a 54-year-old man. The fistula contained the tip of the catheter placed for chemotherapy perfusion. The reported case presented risk factors previously identified for such a complication. In addition, some clinical particularities were present, suggesting new potent risk factors and some preventive means for safe long-term central venous catheterization.

Serum acute-phase protein level as indicator for liver failure after liver resection.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We investigated the relationship between postoperative liver failure and serum acute-phase protein level before and after liver resection. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-four patients who underwent liver resection were prospectively included. Serum concentrations of negative (albumin, prealbumin and retinol-binding protein) and positive (orosomucoid, haptoglobin and C-reactive protein) acute-phase proteins were assayed prior to surgery (baseline) and on postoperative day 3, 12 and 45. Postoperative liver failure was defined as serum bilirubin more than 50 micromol/L or prothrombin time less than 50% on postoperative day 7. Univariate analysis was performed to compare patients who did and did not present postoperative liver failure. RESULTS: Postoperative liver failure occurred in 8 cases and was correlated with: 1) higher negative and lower positive acute-phase protein levels (p<0.04) at baseline, 2) lower negative and lower positive acute-phase protein levels on postoperative day 3, 12 or 45 (p< or =0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Early onset of inflammatory serum protein profile was correlated with absence of postoperative liver failure. Serum acute-phase protein could be used as predictor as well as early postoperative diagnosis marker of postoperative liver failure. Relationship between preoperative inflammation and postoperative liver failure warrants further investigations because of potential therapeutic consequences.

Leiomyosarcoma of the retrohepatic portion of the inferior vena cava: clinical presentation and surgical management in five patients.

BACKGROUND: Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a rare primary soft tissue sarcoma arising from the inferior vena cava (IVC). For LMS involving the retrohepatic portion of IVC there are limited published data about tumor features, surgical strategies, and IVC replacement. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical data, surgical procedures, and pathologic features of five consecutive patients referred for IVC-LMS, in 5 years, were reviewed. A complete surgical resection of the tumor was performed in each patient and IVC replacement used expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. RESULTS: Abdominal pain (n = 4) and palpable flank mass (n = 3) were the most frequent signs. To assure a complete tumoral exeresis, adjacent organ resection included hepatectomy (n = 4), extended right nephrectomy (n = 3), and right adrenalectomy (n = 1). Prosthetic IVC reconstruction was performed in four patients, three times associated with arteriovenous fistula. Median postoperative stay was 18 days. No prosthetic-related complication was observed, venous insufficiency sequela did not occur. Tumoral clearance was achieved in all patients, and direct tumoral involvement of the liver was less frequent than for kidney. Three patients died at a median followup of 34 months, two are alive and disease-free at 34 and 44 months. CONCLUSIONS: LMS of the IVC is characterized by locally advanced status at the time of diagnosis. A radical tumoral resection associated with liberal use of venous prosthetic replacement may offer a chance for cure and good quality of life in palliative situations.

The impact of obesity on technical feasibility and postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic left colectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare technical aspects and postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic left colectomy in obese and nonobese patients. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Obesity has been generally associated with increased surgical risk. The data regarding outcomes after laparoscopic colectomy in obese and nonobese patients are limited and quite controversial; however, most reports have suggested that obesity is associated with a greater technical difficulty as well as an increased risk for conversions and postoperative complications. METHODS: All patients undergoing laparoscopic left colectomy for any pathologic condition between January 2001 and January 2003 were analyzed. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) above 30 kg/m were defined as obese and patients with BMI below 30 kg/m were defined as nonobese. Data collected included age, gender, BMI, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, diagnosis, technical parameters of the procedure, operative time, conversion, pathology, length of hospital stay, and complications over a 30-day postoperative course. RESULTS: A total of 123 patients underwent elective laparoscopic left colectomy during the 2-year period. Twelve patients were excluded from analysis because missing data did not allow calculation of their BMI. Of the 111 patients analyzed, 23 (20.7%) were obese and 88 patients (79.3%) were nonobese. Patients' preoperative clinical characteristics were similar in obese and nonobese patients except for BMI (P > 0.001). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to intraoperative parameters, duration of the operation, resection margin, and number of harvested nodes as well as overall postoperative complication rates. There were no conversions in the obese patients, whereas 5 procedures in the nonobese group required conversion to open surgery (P = not significant). Obese patients had shorter hospital stays than nonobese subjects (7 +/- 2.5 days vs. 9.5 +/- 7 days; P = 0.018). CONCLUSION: In contrast with previously reported series of laparoscopic colectomy, our findings show that obesity does not have an adverse impact on the technical difficulty and postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic left colectomy. Our study supports the safety of using laparoscopic surgery for colorectal diseases in obese patients.

Radiotherapy and immediate two-stage breast reconstruction with a tissue expander and implant: complications and esthetic results.

PURPOSE: To report complications, failure rate, and esthetic results in patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction with a tissue expander and implant, with or without adjuvant treatment. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We reviewed the records of the 77 patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction with an expander/implant between January 1999 and December 2000. Complications were assessed using the Common Toxicity Criteria, version 2, scale. Esthetic results were assessed by the physician using five criteria. RESULTS: Of the 77 patients, 55 had received adjuvant radiotherapy. The median follow-up was 25 months. Complications appeared to correlate with radiotherapy (14% for nonirradiated patients; 51% for irradiated patients; p = 0.006) and adjuvant chemotherapy (54% with chemotherapy [CHT] vs. 25% without CHT; p = 0.02). Breast reconstruction failed in 21% of patients (9% of nonirradiated patients and 24% of irradiated patients; p = 0.1), and chemotherapy was associated with a worse rate of failure (34% with CHT vs. 6% without CHT, p = 0.005). Adjuvant tamoxifen, however, correlated neither with complications (45% with tamoxifen vs. 39% without; p = 0.15) nor with failure (21% with tamoxifen and 23% without, p = 0.79). Esthetic results were acceptable in 60% of cases. CONCLUSION: Immediate breast reconstruction with an expander/implant can be considered even for patients requiring adjuvant treatment. However, the complication and failure rates are three times higher after postexpander radiotherapy.