[Conversion Therapy Using Etoposide and Cisplatin Chemotherapy for Liver Metastases from Advanced Gastric Mixed Adenoneuroendocrine Carcinoma - A Case Report].

Gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma(MANEC)with multiple liver metastases is a rare condition with most data being derived from case reports. We present a case with liver metastases from gastric MANEC that respond remarkably to chemotherapy. Sixty-one-year-old male with severe anemia referred to surgical consultation due to advanced gastric cancer with multiple liver metastases. To relieve uncontrollable tumor bleeding, simple distal gastrectomy for symptom palliation was performed. Based on the tentative diagnosis with gastric poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, a course of TS-1 and oxaliplatin therapy was administrated. Thereafter final diagnosis with neuroendocrine carcinoma with tubular adenocarcinoma was made, and the chemotherapy was switched to etoposide and cisplatin. Follow up abdominal CT scan after the third course of the therapy showed remarkable tumor shrinkages(PR). In anticipation of the chemotherapy effects in the adjuvant setting, we performed liver metastasectomy for curative intent. Two of 6 resected liver specimens showed no viable cancer cells at all (pCR). However, immediately after the surgery, multiple liver metastases developed, and the recurrent masses had kept growing up rapidly. The third line carboplatin and etoposide chemotherapy was given once but was withdrawn because of bone marrow suppression. At the present, the patient is alive with recurrent diseases for 18 months after initial diagnosis.

A Novel Surgical Technique for Patellar Fracture: Application of Extra-articular Arthroscopy With Hanger-Lifting Procedure.

We describe a novel operative technique for patellar fracture. The patient is placed in the supine position for setup of both an image intensifier and arthroscopy. After routine intra-articular inspection with an arthroscope, an extra-articular space including the prepatellar bursa is developed. The space is created with a lifting hanger applied from a portal wherein an arthroscope can then afford both intra- and extra-articular observation of the articular and bony surface of the patella. By use of an image intensifier, the fracture can be treated and fixed in percutaneous fashion with the aid of an arthroscope. This new technique offers surgeons a magnified view of the patella, both intra- and extra-articularly, through a minimally invasive procedure. Although it includes inherent risks and limitations, this new application of arthroscopy would certainly help surgeons to treat patellar fracture.

Rare case of disseminated neonatal zygomycosis mimicking necrotizing enterocolitis with necrotizing fasciitis.

A set of monochorionic male twins presented with intestinal perforation. The smaller twin was diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis followed by sepsis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and necrotizing fasciitis of the abdominal wall. The infant died on the fourth day after surgery, 16 days after birth. Surgical specimens and autopsy revealed a disseminated zygomycotic infection. Gastrointestinal zygomycosis followed by necrotizing fasciitis in premature infants is a rare condition and mimics necrotizing enterocolitis clinically. Necrotizing fasciitis after gastrointestinal zygomycosis in premature infants is considered a poor prognostic sign. Gastrointestinal zygomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis.

One-step percutaneous transhepatic insertion of a balloon-expanding metallic stent for obstructive jaundice.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of one-step percutaneous transhepatic insertion of the Express LD stent, a balloon-expanding stainless steel stent used for the management of distal artery stenosis in the treatment of obstructive jaundice caused by various inoperable malignancies. METHODS: Seventy-one consecutive patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction who underwent Express LD stent placement between 2007 and 2010 at our institute were reviewed. RESULTS: Mean stent patency was 165 ± 144 days and mean patient survival was 180 ± 156 days, while the cumulative stent patency rate and patient survival rate at 6 and 12 months were 79% and 65%, and 38% and 16%, respectively. Stents were successfully placed in all cases without any stent migration or misplacement. Stent failure occurred in 14 patients (20%), and 16 complications were observed, including 12 cholangitis (17%), two cholecysitis (3%), and two pancreatitis (3%). Y-configuration stenting for hilar bile duct obstruction was the only independent prognostic factor for stent failure. CONCLUSIONS: One-step percutaneous transhepatic insertion of the Express LD stent is effective and safe for the management of obstructive jaundice caused by inoperable malignancies.

Surgical strategy for bile duct cancer: Advances and current limitations.

The aim of this review is to describe recent advances and topics in the surgical management of bile duct cancer. Radical resection with a microscopically negative margin (R0) is the only way to cure cholangiocarcinoma and is associated with marked survival advantages compared to margin-positive resections. Complete resection of the tumor is the surgeon's ultimate aim, and several advances in the surgical treatment for bile duct cancer have been made within the last two decades. Multidetector row computed tomography has emerged as an indispensable diagnostic modality for the precise preoperative evaluation of bile duct cancer, in terms of both longitudinal and vertical tumor invasion. Many meticulous operative procedures have been established, especially extended hepatectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma, to achieve a negative resection margin, which is the only prognostic factor under the control of the surgeon. A complete caudate lobectomy and resection of the inferior part of Couinaud's segment IV coupled with right or left hemihepatectomy has become the standard surgical procedure for hilar cholangiocarcinoma, and pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy is the first choice for distal bile duct cancer. Limited resection for middle bile duct cancer is indicated for only strictly selected cases. Preoperative treatments including biliary drainage and portal vein embolization are also indicated for only selected patients, especially jaundiced patients anticipating major hepatectomy. Liver transplantation seems ideal for complete resection of bile duct cancer, but the high recurrence rate and decreased patient survival after liver transplant preclude it from being considered standard treatment. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy have a potentially crucial role in prolonging survival and controlling local recurrence, but no definite regimen has been established to date. Further evidence is needed to fully define the role of liver transplantation and adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy.

Gallbladder volvulus in a child with mild clinical presentation.

Gallbladder volvulus in children is rare. Pre-operative diagnosis is considered difficult because of the nonspecific symptoms and inflammatory blood analysis findings. Sometimes diagnosis is confirmed at laparotomy. Many reports mention that the chief complaints of this disease are sudden and severe abdominal pain. We report a case of gallbladder volvulus in a boy with mild clinical symptoms and laboratory data of nonspecific inflammation. A reconstructed coronal CT abdominal view showed clearly the gallbladder torsion. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed and postoperative course was uneventful. Recent reports have suggested the effectiveness of MRI. This case highlights the utility of a reconstructed coronal view of abdominal CT in successful pre-operative diagnosis for gallbladder volvulus in children.

Biliary reconstruction, its complications and management of biliary complications after adult liver transplantation: a systematic review of the incidence, risk factors and outcome.

Biliary reconstruction remains common in postoperative complications after liver transplantation. A systematic search was conducted on the PubMed database and 61 studies of retrospective or prospective institutional data were eligible for this review. The study comprised a total of 14,359 liver transplantations. The overall incidence of biliary stricture was 13%; 12% among deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) patients and 19% among living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) recipients. The overall incidence of biliary leakage was 8.2%, 7.8% among DDLT patients and 9.5% among LDLT recipients. An endoscopic strategy is the first choice for biliary complications; 83% of patients with biliary stricture were treated by endoscopic modalities with a success rate of 57% and 38% of patients with leakage were indicated for endoscopic biliary drainage. T-tube placement was not performed in 82% of duct-to-duct reconstruction. The incidence of biliary stricture was 10% with a T-tube and 13% without a T-tube and the incidence of leakage was 5% with a T-tube and 6% without a T-tube. A preceding bile leak and LDLT procedure are accepted risk factors for anastomotic stricture. Biliary complications remain common, which requires further investigation and the refinement of reconstruction techniques and management strategies.

The "coiling-up procedure": a novel technique for extra-articular arthroscopy.

The "coiling-up procedure" is a novel technique for extra-articular arthroscopy. A coil-shaped lifter is used to create the extra-articular working space, and a dry arthroscopy is performed. It can be combined with conventional intra-articular arthroscopy to enable direct vision from both inside and outside the joint. We have successfully used this technique to perform a vastus lateralis release in cases of painful bipartite patella. This is an innovative technique that offers the possibility of expanding the indications for extra-articular arthroscopy to other areas of the body. We describe in detail the technique for this new procedure in the knee.

Left hepatic trisectionectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma presenting with an aberrant biliary duct of segment 5: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Management of the biliary ducts during liver resection is one of the most important challenges for hepatobiliary surgeons. Here, we report the case of a left hepatic trisectionectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma with a rare aberrant biliary duct of segment 5, which, to the best of our knowledge, has never been reported in previous literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old Asian female initially presented with intrahepatic bile duct dilatation in the left lateral sector, left paramedian sector, and right paramedian sector. Simultaneous cholangiography from a percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage tube in biliary duct of segment 8 and endoscopic nasobiliary drainage tube in biliary duct of segment 3 revealed drainage of the right lateral sectoral branch into the common hepatic duct and the aberrant drainage of segment 5 into the right lateral sectoral branch. The left hepatic duct, right paramedian sectoral duct, and the confluence of the right lateral sectoral duct were narrowed. Left hepatic trisectionectomy was successfully performed with careful dissection and division of the aberrant biliary duct of segment 5. CONCLUSION: For safe liver resection, it is important to perform a detailed anatomic evaluation of the intrahepatic ducts, both preoperatively and intraoperatively.

Giant liver hemangioma resected by trisectorectomy after efficient volume reduction by transcatheter arterial embolization: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Liver hemangiomas are the most common benign liver tumors, usually small in size and requiring no treatment. Giant hemangiomas complicated with consumptive coagulopathy (Kasabach-Merritt syndrome) or causing severe incapacitating symptoms, however, are generally considered an absolute indication for surgical resection. Here, we present the case of a giant hemangioma, which was, to the best of our knowledge, one of the largest ever reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 38-year-old Asian man was referred to our hospital with complaints of severe abdominal distension and pancytopenia. Examinations at the first visit revealed a right liver hemangioma occupying the abdominal cavity, protruding into the right diaphragm up to the right thoracic cavity and extending down to the pelvic cavity, with a maximum diameter of 43 cm, complicated with "asymptomatic" Kasabach-Merritt syndrome. Based on the tumor size and the anatomic relationship between the tumor and hepatic vena cava, primary resection seemed difficult and dangerous, leading us to first perform transcatheter arterial embolization to reduce the tumor volume and to ensure the safety of future resection. The tumor volume was significantly decreased by two successive transcatheter arterial embolizations, and a conventional right trisectorectomy was then performed without difficulty to resect the tumor. CONCLUSIONS: To date, there have been several reports of aggressive surgical treatments, including extra-corporeal hepatic resection and liver transplantation, for huge hemangiomas like the present case, but because of its benign nature, every effort should be made to avoid life-threatening surgical stress for patients. Our experience demonstrates that a pre-operative arterial embolization may effectively enable the resection of large hemangiomas.

Risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: the significance of the ratio of the main pancreatic duct to the pancreas body as a predictor of leakage.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a severe and frequent complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The aim of this study was to identify an independent predictor of POPF and to assess the efficacy of preoperative multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) images as an indicator for POPF. METHODS: A total of 122 patients who underwent PD with an end-to-side, duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy between January 2005 and May 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. The diameter of the main pancreatic duct (MPD), the diameter of the short axis of the pancreas body, and the ratio of the MPD to the pancreas body (MPD index) were digitally measured based on the curved reformatted images of preoperative MDCT. RESULTS: Postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 33 patients (27%). The operative mortality rate was 3.3% (4 patients). All four patients had grade C POPF. Three died because of hemorrhage from a pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery stump, and one died because of sepsis due to major leakage from the pancreaticojejunostomy. In a multivariate analysis, the intraoperative blood loss (/100 ml) [odds ratio (OR), 1.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05-1.17] and MPD index (<0.2) (OR 50; 95% CI 6-41) proved to be independent predictors of POPF. In patients with an MPD index of <0.2, the incidence of POPF was 45%, and the mortality rate was 7.5%. CONCLUSION: The MPD index obtained from preoperative MDCT can be a reliable predictor of POPF after PD.

Modified liver-hanging maneuver designed to minimize blood loss during hepatic parenchymal transection in hemihepatectomy.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the efficiency of a modified liver-hanging technique for minimizing intraoperative blood loss during right and left hemihepatectomy. METHODS: The lower end of the hanging tape was repositioned between the parenchyma of the left paramedian sector and the hilar plate. The upper end of the tape was positioned between the right hepatic vein and middle hepatic vein for right hepatectomy (Belghiti), and between the middle hepatic vein and left hepatic vein for left hepatectomy. The tape was positioned prior to the parenchymal transection. We compared the results of this operative technique, performed in 15 recent patients, with those of conventional hemihepatectomy performed in 14 earlier patients. RESULTS: There were no intergroup differences in baseline characteristics or postoperative outcomes. Intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.02), especially blood loss during the parenchymal transection (P = 0.005), was significantly less in patients undergoing the modified technique. Multivariate analysis revealed that this modified liver-hanging technique offered a significant advantage in blood-loss reduction during parenchymal transection over the conventional techniques (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Using the liver-hanging technique during hemihepatectomy could be crucial for liver surgeons.

Diagnostic accuracy of multidetector-row computed tomography for hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic reliability of multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) for the evaluation of tumor spread in hilar cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: Images obtained from a 16-detector row scanner of 22 patients were interpreted. The diagnostic accuracy of longitudinal ductal spread, vertical invasion (including hepatic parenchyma), and lymph node metastasis was assessed with reference to histopathological findings. RESULTS: The location of the tumor was correctly diagnosed in 95% of cases (21/22), but in five of these cases, the cut end of the intrahepatic bile duct was positive, resulting in 77% diagnostic accuracy for longitudinal spread. Among the patients with a negative bile duct surgical margin, there was a significant difference in the measurement of tumor spread between MDCT and microscopic investigation (P < 0.001). For vertical invasion, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of MDCT were 69%, 100%, 100%, and 69% for the liver parenchyma, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of MDCT for lymph node metastasis were 50%, 75%, 43%, and 80%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic accuracy of MDCT for tumor location and vertical invasion was satisfactory, but ductal spread was underestimated in comparison with microscopic measurements.

Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with hanger lifting procedure.

Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction has become a common surgical procedure in the treatment of recurrent dislocation of the patella. A technique of MPFL reconstruction with the "hanger lifting procedure" using extra-articular arthroscopy is presented. After conventional intra-articular arthroscopy, an incision about 1 cm long is made at the superomedial edge of the patella. A bone tunnel is created with a guide pin and overdrilling method, from this portal to the subcutaneous surface of the patella. Using a semi-loop-shaped hanger, the harvested Gracillis tendon is passed through the bone tunnel using a passing pin. Under extra-articular arthroscopy with the "hanger lifting procedure", this tendon is then led back to the superomedial portal. Both ends of the Gracillis tendon are then led to the femoral fixation site posterosuperior to the medial epicondyle with a tendon passer, and fixed by an absorbable interference screw. This procedure can be performed under a minimum incision using a hanger, but control radiographs should be taken to confirm appropriate placement of bone tunnels.

Preoperative evaluation of the longitudinal spread of extrahepatic bile duct cancer using multidetector computed tomography.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and direct cholangiography in evaluating the longitudinal spread of extrahepatic bile duct cancer. METHODS: Images obtained from a 16-detector row scanner (MDCT) and from direct cholangiography (via either endoscopic naso-biliary drainage or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage) of 47 patients with histopathologically proven extrahepatic bile duct cancer were retrospectively interpreted. Differences between measures of longitudinal tumor spread determined by each modality and measures of macroscopic spread in resected specimens were assessed and compared. RESULTS: Assessments carried out using MDCT differed significantly less from the macroscopic measurements than those made using direct cholangiography (P < 0.0001). Provided the diagnosis was defined as being accurate, based on a diagnostic difference of within +/-5 mm, the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT (96%) was significantly higher than that of direct cholangiography (70%) (P = 0.028). Preoperative evaluation with direct cholangiography resulted in a 30% underestimation of the incidence. CONCLUSION: MDCT is superior to direct cholangiography for evaluating the preoperative longitudinal extent of bile duct cancer. Consequently, the utility of MDCT for preoperative evaluation of extrahepatic bile duct cancer warrants further examination.

Hanger-lifting procedure in knee arthroscopy.

We propose a unique arthroscopic technique, the "hanger-lifting procedure." Unlike conventional arthroscopy, the space in which the arthroscope is placed is not a joint space filled with water but a subcutaneous space filled with air. The space is kept lifted by a semi-loop-shaped hanger and a retraction system by use of a wire. In general, arthroscopes are unable to be applied outside the joint because of the lack of a cavity. However, this method can provide extra-articular visualization of the knee in addition to standard intra-articular visualization. This approach is useful for lateral release of the knee extensor and bipartite patellae, allowing direct vision from both outside and inside the joint. One possible complication is subcutaneous effusion or interstitial edema. Compressive dressings should be applied to prevent subcutaneous effusion after surgery. However, the combination of conventional arthroscopy by use of saline solution and the hanger-lifting technique by use of air arthroscopy can provide an excellent view inside and outside the joint. This technique may continue to evolve, and although some points in the technique can be improved, this method is useful in joint surgeries.

Pyloromyotomy through a sliding umbilical window.

PURPOSE: The semi-circumumbilical incision for treatment of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, described by Tan and Bianchi (Tan KC, Bianchi A. Circumumbilical incision for pyloromyotomy. Br J Surg 1986;73:399), does not allow a comfortable access to the pylorus in up to 30% of cases, resulting, not infrequently, in unexpected seromuscular lacerations. To get easier access to the pylorus we have performed the Ramstedt pyloromyotomy through a sliding umbilical window after full-circumumbilical incision in 13 initial consecutive cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Skin was incised along the entire circumference of the umbilicus, and then was undermined, creating a circular subcutaneous space, 8 cm in diameter. The umbilical window, about 1.5 cm in diameter, was slid diagonally toward the right upper quadrant, by shifting a pair of muscle retractors, 3 to 4 cm from the umbilicus, with the umbilicus left in its original position under the slid skin. Through the sliding window at the right upper quadrant, the abdomen was entered, and the hypertrophied pylorus was identified within the center of the window. Then the pyloromyotomy was performed intracorporeally with ease. RESULTS: In all 13 infants, an adequate pyloromyotomy was safely performed. The wound healed primarily in all cases, without leaving conspicuous scar, subcutaneous abscess formation, or incisional hernia. The postoperative course was quite uneventful in each. CONCLUSION: This new approach allows far easier access to and exposure of the pylorus, and facilitates a safe intracorporeal pyloromyotomy, and achieves an excellent cosmetic outcome.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor arising in the colon: report of a case.

Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (pPNETs) are usually found in the soft tissue of the extremities, paravertebral region, and chest wall. We report a rare case of a pPNET arising in the colon. A 59-year-old man underwent left hemicolectomy for an infiltrative ulcerating tumor, 11 cm long, in the descending colon. Histological examination of the resected specimen revealed small, round cell proliferation with rosette-like structures, and confirmed regional lymph node involvement and peritoneal dissemination near the primary tumor. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for synaptophysin and MIC2 (CD 99). ESW-FLI1 chimeric mRNA was detected in the tumor by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The patient underwent resection of recurrence in the retroperitoneum 3 months later, but metastasis rapidly developed and he died of the disease 7 months after his first operation.

[Expression of mRNA levels of thymidylate synthase, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase, and orotate phosphoribosyltransferase of colorectal cancer--relationships among mRNA levels in association with response to 5-FU based treatment].

We semiquantificated the mRNA levels of thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), and orotate phosphoribosyltransferase(OPRT) from the frozen tissue of colorectal cancer, in order to examine the relationships among these enzymes and the efficacy for 5-fluorouracil (FU)-based treatment in terms of the combinations of the expression levels of these enzymes. There were weak and positive relationships among TS mRNA expression and OPRT mRNA expression or DPD mRNA expression, while there was no significant relationship between DPD mRNA expression and OPRT mRNA expression (n = 112). In 39 patients who received 5-FU-based chemotherapy with evaluable lesions, patients with low TS expression (n = 23) showed a higher response rate (52%) as compared to those with high TS expression (13%, p = 0.02). Patients with low TS, low DPD, or high DPD expression tended to show a higher response rate (50%) than those with the other combinations (26%, p = 0.09). In addition, all of the responders with only one favorable factor (n = 4) were associated with low TS or low DPD expression. In conclusion, low TS expression followed by low DPD expression is important to predict the efficacy of 5-FU-based treatment for colorectal cancer. However, it may be of little significance to semiquantify the expression of OPRT.