Amylase level after pancreaticoduodenectomy in predicting postoperative pancreatic fistula.

BACKGROUND: It is new clinical interest higher serum amylase level with pancreatitis after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) correlates with postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Nevertheless, its evidence and study were scarce. We aimed to investigate correlation of serum amylase level immediate after PD and POPF occurrence. METHODS: Of 163 patients who underwent PD at between January 2009 and December 2019, retrospective analysis was conducted to identify risk factors including serum amylase level immediate after PD for POPF occurrence. RESULTS: Overall incidence of POPF (25/163) was 15.3%. The patients occurred a POPF had significantly higher level of serum amylase on POD0 compared to in whom without a POPF (414 vs 253, p < 0.001). In univariate analysis, ASA classification, post pancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (POAP, serum amylase on POD0 >285IU/L) and Fistula Risk Grade were correlated with POPF occurrence. In multivariable analysis, Fistula risk grade and POAP were significantly associated with developing POPF. CONCLUSION: In patients with higher serum amylase (>285IU/L) on POD0 with higher fistula risk grade, comprehensive management to achieve mitigation of POPF is important.

Appraisal of Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Explorations Using Balloon-Assisted Stone Extraction Method: Seventeen Years Experiences.

Background: Balloon-assisted stone extraction (BASE) can be applied to remove the common bile duct (CBD) stones during laparoscopic CBD exploration (LCBDE). This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of BASE. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with CBD stone who underwent LCBDE using BASE from 2001 to 2017 was conducted. The outcomes of BASE and potential factor for failure of technique were also evaluated. Results: A total of 163 patients underwent LCBDE using BASE were enrolled. Success rate of BASE was 88.3% (144/163) and 19 (11.7%) patients with failed BASE underwent basket for lithotripsy additionally. The reason for aborting BASE were stone impaction (n = 6), small stone (n = 4), migration into intrahepatic duct (IHD) (n = 3), and others (n = 6). The overall success rate of stone clearance was 98.2% (160/163). The mean CBD diameter was 15.8 mm (range 7-34 mm), and the largest stone size was 13.8 mm (range 3-36 mm). The overall rate of complication related with procedure was 4.9% (8/163), including bile leakage in 2 patients (1.2%), bleeding in 2 patients (1.2%), and pancreatitis in 4 patients (2.4%). There was no procedure-related mortality. Conclusions: BASE for CBD stone is safe and effective technique for the treatment of CBD stones.

Favorable Long-Term Oncologic Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Following Laparoscopic Liver Resection.

BACKGROUND: Reports on the long-term oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) compared to open liver resection (OLR) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are rare. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of LLR and OLR as a treatment for HCC patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 125 patients were included in the study (32 patients underwent LLR and 93 underwent OLR). Data were categorized according to operation methods. The primary endpoints were disease-free survival and overall survival. The secondary endpoints were surgical outcomes of LLR for HCC. RESULTS: Capsular invasion was more frequent in the LLR group (P = .001). The median follow-up period was 48 months (1-188 month). There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding mortality and morbidity. Hospitalization days were shorter in the LLR group (P = .042). Disease-free 5-year survival of HCC was 40.9% and 47.2% in the LLR and OLR group, respectively (P = .376). Overall 5-year survival for HCC was 96.4% and 96.7% for the LLR and OLR group, respectively (P = .748). CONCLUSION: Our long-term analysis on oncologic aspects confirms the safety of LLR compared to OLR in HCC patients.

Pathologic response to preoperative transarterial chemoembolization for resectable hepatocellular carcinoma may not predict recurrence after liver resection.

BACKGROUND: Pathologic response (PR) predicts survival after preoperative chemotherapy and resection of a malignancy. Occasionally, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) may be selected for preoperative management of resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study investigated whether PR to preoperative TACE can predict recurrence after resection for resectable HCC. METHODS: We conducted analysis of 106 HCC patients who underwent TACE followed by liver resection with a curative intent. The PR was evaluated as the mean percentage of non-viable tumor area within each tumor. We divided the patients into three groups according to response rate: complete PR (CPR), major response (MJR: PR≥50%) and minor response (MNR: PR<50%). The primary endpoint was disease-free survival, and the secondary endpoints were predicting factors for tumor recurrence and MJR+CPR. RESULTS: Among the 121 TACE patients, PR could be measured in 106 (87.6%). The mean interval between TACE and liver resection was 33.1 days. The 5-year disease-free survival rates by PR status were as follows: 40.6% CPR, 43.7% MJR, and 49.0% MNR (P=0.815). There were also no significant differences in overall survival between the three groups. Multivariate analyses revealed that microvascular invasion and capsular invasion (hazard ratio [HR]=11.224, P=0.002 and HR=2.220, P=0.043) were independent predictors of disease-free survival. Multivariate analysis of the predictors of above 50% PR revealed that only hepatitis B was an independent factor. CONCLUSION: These data could reflect that the PR after TACE for resectable HCC may not be useful for predicting recurrence of HCC after resection.

Nationwide Survey on Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in Korea: 2003-2013 Results.

A survey to evaluate the current status of bariatric and metabolic operations in Korea was conducted. Data from 5467 cases (32 hospitals) were collected. The annual numbers of bariatric and metabolic operations increased each year, from 139 in 2003 to 1686 in 2013. Adjustable gastric band (AGB, 67.2 %) was the most common operation, followed by sleeve gastrectomy (SG, 14.2 %), and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB, 12.7 %). Mean patient age and body mass index (BMI) were 35.4 years and 35.9 kg/m2, respectively. In-hospital morbidity and mortality rates were 6 % (114/2305) and 0.25 % (5/2176), respectively. In Korea, AGB was the most common operation because of the availability and activity of specialized bariatric clinics. These national survey results established a baseline for future data collection.

The effect of modified pancreaticojejunostomy for reducing the pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Pancreatic fistula (PF) has traditionally been a source of significant morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). External drainage of pancreatic duct with stent and Blumgart anastomosis had reduced PF after PD in some studies. We applied compounding described two methods for pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) during PD, and investigated the effectiveness of this modified PJ technique to prevent PF. METHODOLOGY: Between March 2002, and March 2013, 90 patients who underwent PD were enrolled. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to pancreatienterostomy method. Group 1 contain patients who did not undergo modified PJ (n=70) compared with group 2 (n=20) those who did undergo the modified PJ technique. We compared clinical data between two groups. RESULTS: No differences were noted in the demographics and operation-related factors, between the 2 groups. A PF occurred in 38 of 70 patients in group 1 (54.3%) and in 2 of 20 in group 2 (10.0%). Group 2 had a significantly lower incidence of PF (P=.0016), and these fistulas were classified as being grade A using the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula Definition. Mortality in group 1 was 10.0% and no mortality in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: External drainage with Blumgart method of PJ showed reducing high grade PF after PD.

Effects of bariatric surgery on metabolic and nutritional parameters in severely obese Korean patients with type 2 diabetes: A prospective 2-year follow up.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the long-term effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in severely obese Asian individuals. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 33 severely obese patients with type 2 diabetes underwent RYGB. All patients were followed up for 2 years. Visceral and abdominal subcutaneous fat areas were assessed using computed tomography (CT) before, and 12 and 24 months after RYGB. The muscle attenuation (MA) of paraspinous muscles observed by CT were used as indices of intramuscular fat. RESULTS: The mean percentage weight loss was 22.2 ± 5.3% at 12 months, and 21.3 ± 5.1% at 24 months after surgery. Compared with the baseline values, the visceral fat area was 53.6 ± 17.1% lower 24 months after surgery, and the abdominal subcutaneous fat area was 32.7 ± 16.1% lower 24 months after surgery. The MA increased from 48.7 ± 10.0 at baseline to 52.2 ± 8.9 (P = 0.009) 12 months after surgery. The MA after the first 12 months maintained changes until 24 months. Triglycerides and free fatty acids were reduced after surgery, whereas the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were increased significantly after surgery. At the last follow-up visit, 18 patients (55%) had diabetes remission. The percentage of iron and vitamin D deficiency was 30% and 52%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We found that patients subjected to RYGB had significant sustained reductions in visceral and intramuscular fat. There were durable improvements in the cardiometabolic abnormalities without any significant comorbidities. However, there were mild nutritional deficiencies in these patients despite daily supplementation with multivitamins and minerals.

Changes in serum levels of bone morphogenic protein 4 and inflammatory cytokines after bariatric surgery in severely obese korean patients with type 2 diabetes.

Serum bone morphogenic protein- (BMP-) 4 levels are associated with human adiposity. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in serum levels of BMP-4 and inflammatory cytokines after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Fifty-seven patients with type 2 diabetes underwent RYGB. Serum levels of BMP-4 and various inflammatory markers, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), free fatty acids (FFAs), and plasminogen activator inhibitor- (PAI-) 1, were measured before and 12 months after RYGB. Remission was defined as glycated hemoglobin <6.5% for at least 1 year in the absence of medications. Levels of PAI-1, hsCRP, and FFAs were significantly decreased at 1 year after RYGB. BMP-4 levels were also significantly lower at 1 year after RYGB than at baseline (P = 0.024). Of the 57 patients, 40 (70%) had diabetes remission at 1 year after surgery (remission group). Compared with patients in the nonremission group, patients in the remission group had lower PAI-1 levels and smaller visceral fat areas at baseline. There was a difference in the change in the BMP-4 level according to remission status. Our data demonstrate a significant beneficial effect of bariatric surgery on established cardiovascular risk factors and a reduction in chronic nonspecific inflammation after surgery.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration after unsuccessful endoscopic stone removal.

BACKGROUND: When common bile duct (CBD) stone removal by endoscopy fails, stone removal is a mandatory procedure for the surgeon. However, it is unclear that the laparoscopic procedure is the alternative treatment in this setting. The purpose of this study is to investigate the result of laparoscopic CBD exploration (LCBDE) following unsuccessful CBD stone removal by endoscopy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of 82 consecutive LCBDEs. Group 1 included patients who underwent secondary LCBDE after stone removal by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) failed. Group 2 was defined when primary LCBDE was performed without ERCP. Perioperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were 44 patients in Group 1 and 38 patients in Group 2. There were no significant differences in demographics. Stone clearance was nearly complete in both groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups for operative time, hospital days, open conversion rate, recurrence rate, or complications. CONCLUSIONS: LCBDE is an acceptable alternative treatment when endoscopic CBD stone removal is impossible or incomplete.

The difference of glucostatic parameters according to the remission of diabetes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Gut hormones play a role in diabetes remission after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Our aim was to investigate differences in gut hormone secretion according to diabetes remission after surgery. Second, we aimed to identify differences in insulin secretion and sensitivity according to diabetes remission after RYGB. METHODS: Twenty-two severely obese patients with type 2 diabetes underwent RYGB. A meal tolerance test (MTT) was performed 12 months after RYGB. The secretions of active glucagon-like peptide-1 (active GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), peptide YY, C-peptide and insulin during the MTT test were calculated using total area under the curve values (AUC). Remission was defined as glycated haemoglobin (A(1C)) of <6.5% and a fasting glucose concentration of <126 mg/dL for 1 year or more without active pharmacological therapy. RESULTS: Of the 22 patients, 16 (73%) had diabetes remission (remission group). The secretion CURVES of active GLP-1, GIP and peptide YY were not different between the groups. AUC of insulin and C-peptide were also not different. Homeostasis model assessment estimate of insulin resistance was significantly lower (1.26 ± 1.05 versus 2.37 ± 1.08, p = 0.006), and Matsuda index of insulin sensitivity was significantly higher in the remission group (10.5 ± 6.2 versus 5.8 ± 2.1, p = 0.039). The disposition index (functional reserve of beta cells) was significantly higher in the remission group compared with that in the non-remission group (5.34 ± 2.74 versus 1.83 ± 0.70, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Remission of diabetes after RYGB is not associated with a difference in gut hormone secretion. Patients remaining diabetic had higher insulin resistance and decreased ß cell functional reserve.

Visceral obesity is a negative predictor of remission of diabetes 1 year after bariatric surgery.

Our aim was to identify preoperative anthropometric and clinical parameters that predict the remission of diabetes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Fifty severely obese Korean patients with type 2 diabetes underwent RYGB. Visceral and abdominal subcutaneous fat area (SFA) was assessed using computed tomography before and 6 and 12 months after RYGB. Remission was defined as a glycated hemoglobin (A(1C)) level <6.5% and a fasting glucose concentration <126 mg/dl for 1 year or more without the use of medication. The visceral-to-SFA ratio decreased from 0.60 ± 0.30 to 0.53 ± 0.29 (P = 0.001) after 6 months and decreased further to 0.42 ± 0.24 (P < 0.001) after 12 months. Thirty-four of the 50 patients (68%) had remission of diabetes (remission group). Compared with patients in the nonremission group, patients in the remission group had a shorter duration of diabetes and lower preoperative A(1C) level, and were less likely to use insulin preoperatively. Preoperative BMI did not differ in two groups. However, the preoperative visceral-to-SFA ratio was greater in the nonremission group compared with the remission group (0.79 ± 0.29 vs. 0.53 ± 0.26, P = 0.003). Finally, the preoperative visceral-to-SFA ratio was an independent predictor of the remission of diabetes after RYGB in multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis. In conclusion, our data suggest that visceral adiposity negatively influence the likelihood of the patient experiencing the remission of diabetes after RYGB.

Selective laparoscopic management of adhesive small bowel obstruction using CT guidance.

Small bowel obstruction after intra-abdominal surgery is a common cause of morbidity necessitating reoperation. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of and indications for laparoscopic surgery for acute adhesive small bowel obstruction (AASBO). We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with AASBO who underwent laparoscopic adhesiolysis at a major university medical center. Laparoscopic treatment was performed successfully in 16 patients, and conventional treatment was performed in 13 patients. The rate of conversion from laparoscopic to open was 16.7 per cent. In 15 of 16 total patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery, laparoscopic bandlysis was performed and one patient underwent laparoscopic adhesiolysis. Laparoscopic surgery was performed successfully in nine who had a single adhesive band demonstrated on an abdominal CT, and conventional surgery was performed in all 10 patients without a single adhesive band identified radiographically. Abdominal CT scans facilitate the selection of operative approach for AASBO based on preoperative identification of the obstruction site. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis is a safe and effective treatment modality for patients with AASBO with a single band or single transition zone identified by preoperative imaging.

Lateral lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma: results of therapeutic lymph node dissection.

BACKGROUND: Cervical lymph node metastases are quite common in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and they usually spread in a contiguous fashion. However, "skip metastasis," defined as lateral lymph node metastasis without central lymph node metastasis, also occurs in patients with PTC. There is little information regarding skip metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated clinical and imaging features of skip metastasis in PTMC. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 245 patients with PTMC who underwent either thyroidectomy and central lymph node dissection or thyroidectomy, central lymph node dissection, and lateral lymph node dissection if preoperative ultrasonography or computed tomography suggested lateral node metastasis. Clinicopathologic results were reviewed, and the patterns of cervical lymph node metastasis were analyzed. RESULTS: Cervical lymph node metastases were present in 26.5% of cases. The frequency of lymph node metastases was 21.8% in the group that only had thyroidectomy and central lymph node dissection and 51.3% in the group that had thyroidectomy, central lymph node dissection, and lateral lymph node dissection. Younger age, larger tumor size, multiplicity, bilaterality, encapsulation, extrathyroid extension, and lymphatic invasion were associated with metastasis to nodes in the central or lateral compartment. Lateral lymph node dissection was performed in 15.9% of patients. Skip metastasis was observed in 7.7% of the cases in which combined central and lateral node dissection was performed. No features of the primary thyroid tumor could be associated with the development of skip metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Skip metastases occur in a minority of patients with PTMC. We recommend, therefore, that preoperative studies in patients suspected of having PTMC focus not only on nodes in the central compartment but also lateral cervical nodes since the information obtained would guide the extent of surgery.

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in Korean patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

PURPOSE: Although the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is relatively low in Korean population, the number is increasing. The aim of this study is to analyze our experience with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From Sep. 2003 to Mar. 2008, 31 adult Korean patients diagnosed with GERD underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. A 360 degrees fundoplication was carried out in all patients. RESULTS: There were 19 males and 12 females with an average age of 46.8 +/- 17.0 years. Typical symptoms were present in 15 (48%) of patients, and atypical symptoms in 16 (51.6%). Both typical and atypical symptoms were present in 4 of patients (12.9%). Preoperative studies showed hiatal hernias in 13 patients (41.9%), Barrett's esophagus in 10 (32.3%), and reflux esophagitis in 18 (58.1%). Mean DeMeester score was 17.4 +/- 16.7, mean operative time 206.1 +/- 47.8 min and mean hospital stay 5.2 +/- 2.1 days. Perioperative complications occurred in 5 patients (16.1%), including gastric perforation, subcutaneous emphysema, atelectasis, and prolonged ileus. Gastroesophageal junction stenoses with subsequent endoscopic balloon dilations were required in 5 patients (16.1%). After surgery, symptoms were completely controlled in 17 patients (54.8%), partially improved in 12 patients (38.7%) and not controlled in 2 patients (6.5%). CONCLUSION: In our series, 93.5% of patients had either complete or partial remission of symptom after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Atypical symptoms were more predominant in our Korean patients. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is an efficacious method of controlling symptoms of GERD, even for those who have atypical symptoms.

Primary adenocarcinoma of the small intestine: presentation, prognostic factors and clinical outcome.

BACKGROUND: Malignant small intestine tumor accounts for 0.1-0.3% of all malignancies. Although primary adenocarcinoma is the most common histologic subtype, there is no report of the clinical characteristics and natural history in the Asian population. METHODS: We conducted retrospective analysis for the patients with the small intestine adenocarcinoma to explore the clinical characteristics and prognosis. All patients with adenocarcinoma of small intestine diagnosed between March 1997 and March 2007 in the Catholic Medical Center in Korea were identified through the cancer registry. The medical records were reviewed for patient characteristics, treatment and outcome data. RESULTS: Data on 53 patients were available. Twenty-six patients (49.0%) underwent curative resection and 13 patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Fifteen patients received palliative chemotherapy. Median of overall survival of all patients was 12 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 8.5-15.1 months). Three-year survival and relapse-free survival rates after curative resection was 66.1 and 50.8%, respectively. Median survival of patients received palliative chemotherapy was 8.0 months (95% CI: 3.5-12.4). CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis of primary adenocarcinoma of small intestine was poor, especially in cases where curative resection could not to be performed. Further study on the methods for early detection and effective systemic chemotherapy should be investigated.

[Minimally invasive surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease].

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic disease deteriorating patient's quality of life. With the advent of proton pump inhibitors, treatment failures have decreased considerably. However, surgical therapy offers the potential for cure in more than 90% of patients with GERD. Specific indications for antireflux surgery are: incomplete response to medical therapy, frequent recurrences despite the medical treatment, laryngopharyngeal, and/or respiratory symptoms, and complications of GERD, such as esophageal stricture, erosive esophagitis, esophageal ulcer, and/or Barrett's esophagus. The introduction of laparoscopic surgery in early ninties had a profound impact on many surgical fields, including the treatment of GERD. In this review, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is described and controversial topics, such as total vs. partial fundoplication, and the natural history of Barrett's esophagus after antireflux surgery are addressed.

[A case of hepatoid carcinoma of the pancreas].

Hepatoid carcinoma is a primary extrahepatic neoplasm exhibiting features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in terms of morphology, immunohistochemistry, and behavior. In many cases, tumor cytoplasm is positive for alpha- fetoprotein (alpha-FP) with elevated serum alpha-FP level. Because not all hepatoid carcinomas are associated with alpha- FP overproduction, diagnosis should be made essentially by histological features of the tumor. We present a case of hepatoid carcinoma of the pancreas in a 21-year-old male patient. Abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an inhomogeneously enhanced pancreatic head mass. Serum alpha-FP level was markedly elevated. He underwent pylorus-preserving Whipple's operation. The tumor showed hepatoid and neuroendocrine components simultaneously. The histopathological diagnosis was hepatoid carcinoma associated with neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas. Seven months after the surgery, the patient is healthy without evidence of recurrence. To date, only 7 cases of hepatoid carcinoma of the pancreas have been reported in the literature, and this is the first case report in Korea.

Comparison of immune preservation between CO2 pneumoperitoneum and gasless abdominal lift laparoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum has been implicated as a possible factor in early immune preservation in laparoscopic surgery. Although the current analysis was not adequate to clarify this issue, the aim of this study was to compare CO2 insufflation laparoscopic cholecystectomy to gasless abdominal wall lift laparoscopic cholecystectomy with respect to preservation of the immune system. METHOD: An analysis of the temporal immune responses was performed in 2 similar groups of patients (n = 50) who were divided randomly into the categories of gas or abdominal wall lift laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patients were matched with respect to age, weight, and operation time. The immune parameters (serum white blood cell count, cortisol, erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], interferon-y [INF-gamma], interleukin-6 [IL-6], interleukin-8 [IL-8]) were assessed at preoperative 24 hours and at postoperative 24 and 72 hours for the 2 groups. During the operation, the levels of cytokines that were cultured in the peritoneal macrophages were also checked. RESULTS: The serum white blood cell count, cortisol, and ESR levels were not statistically different in either of the 2 groups. Further, the serum TNF-alpha, INF-gamma, IL-6, and IL-8 levels in both groups were not significantly different from each other at preoperative 24 hours, and postoperative 24 and 72 hours. However, an immediate decrease in the cytokine levels at 24 hours after the operation was significant in both groups. The cytokine levels were particularly higher in the cultured peritoneal macrophages than in the serum, but were not statistically different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the beneficial immune response obtained in the CO2 gas insufflation laparoscopic procedure could also be obtained in the gasless abdominal wall lift laparoscopic procedure. An immediate preservation of the immune functions in the postoperative period was detected similarly in the 2 groups.

Does laparoscopic surgery have a role in the treatment of gallbladder cancer?

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the role of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of gallbladder cancer. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 31 patients with a postoperative diagnosis of gallbladder cancer. The laparoscopic approach was initially applied to all of them. RESULTS: Ten patients had a pT1a cancer, and all underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy without recurrence. Nine patients had pT1b lesions, and three had to be converted to an open operation. There were two recurrences. In one of the converted patients the cystic node was invaded. Seven patients had a pT2 lesion, and in four of them the operation was converted to an open procedure. Recurrences were noted in three patients. In two patients with pT3 cancer, the opera-tions were converted; both cancers recurred. Only diagnostic laparoscopy or a palliative laparoscopic procedure was performed for pT4 cancers. The median follow-up time was 17.0 months. The 5-years survival rate was 100% for patients with stage pT1a, 100% for pT1b, and 68% for pT2 lesions. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that when a polypoid lesion of the gallbladder is found on preoperative evaluation, laparoscopic surgery may be attempted initially. During the procedure it is important to open all specimens when a polypoid lesion is present and perform a frozen section biopsy. When a pT1a lesion is found, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is sufficient; however, when a pT1b or more advanced lesion is found, the operation might be converted to a radical cholecystectomy.