Quantification of pancreatic stiffness on intraoperative ultrasound elastography and evaluation of its relationship with postoperative pancreatic fistula.

"Soft pancreas" has often been reported as a predictive factor for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreatectomy. However, pancreatic stiffness is judged subjectively by surgeons, without objective criteria. In the present study, pancreatic stiffness was quantified using intraoperative ultrasound elastography, and its relevance to POPF and histopathology was investigated. Forty-one patients (pancreatoduodenectomy, 30; distal pancreatectomy, 11) who underwent intraoperative elastography during pancreatectomy were included. The elastic ratio was determined at the pancreatic resection site (just above the portal vein) and at the remnant pancreas (head or tail). Correlations between the incidence of POPF and patient characteristics, operative variables, and the elastic ratio were examined. In addition, the relationship between the elastic ratio and the percentage of the exocrine gland at the resection stump was investigated. For pancreatoduodenectomy patients, main pancreatic duct diameter < 3.2 mm and elastic ratio < 2.09 were significant risk factors for POPF. In addition, the elastic ratio, but not main pancreatic duct diameter, was significantly associated with the percentage of exocrine gland area at the pancreatic resection stump. Pancreatic stiffness can be quantified using intraoperative elastography. Elastography can be used to diagnose "soft pancreas" and may thus be useful in predicting the occurrence of POPF.

The Transmediastinal, Intrapericardial Inferior Vena Cava Approach for Hepatectomy of a Large Liver Tumor Invading the Hepatic Vein Confluence.

We report the case of a large multilocular upper liver tumor invading the hepatic vein confluence in a 41-year-old male, and the safe resection of the tumor using a transmediastinal, intrapericardial inferior vena cava (IVC) approach. Several methods for exposing suprahepatic IVCs on the cranial side of the diaphragm have been reported. However, the approach to supradiaphragmatic IVCs varies, and there are currently no reports that provide a detailed description of the anatomical landmarks during the intrapericardial IVC approach. In the case reported herein, anatomic landmarks, including the prepericardial fat in the pericardial trigone, were confirmed during the transmediastinal, intrapericardial IVC approach. We believe that such anatomic landmarks are important to ensure a safe approach to the pericardium and the intrapericardial IVC through the anterior mediastinum. We think this case report is useful in elucidating the resection of large liver tumors invading the hepatic vein confluence.