Long-term outcomes of transarterial embolization with lipiodol-bleomycin emulsion plus polyvinyl alcohol particles versus the particles alone for large symptomatic focal nodular hyperplasia: a propensity score-matched analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of transarterial embolization (TAE) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles alone and lipiodol-bleomycin emulsion (LBE) plus PVA particles for patients with unresectable large symptomatic focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent TAE either with PVA particles alone (group A, n = 46) or LBE plus PVA particles (group B, n = 35) for large (≥ 7 cm) symptomatic FNH between January 2002 and February 2019. Propensity score matching (PSM) (1:1) was performed to adjust for potential baseline confounders. Technical success, adverse events (AEs), symptom relief, and changes in the lesion size after TAE were evaluated. Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon rank sum test and χ2 test. RESULTS: After PSM, no significant differences in baseline characteristics were found between the groups (31 in group A and 31 in group B, with a mean age of 31 years). Technical success was achieved in all patients (100%), without major AEs in both groups. Complete resolution of the abdominal symptoms was reported in 77.4% in group A and 100% in group B (p = 0.037) during a mean follow-up period of 72 months; complete resolution (CR) of the FNH rate was significantly higher in group B than in group A (93.6% vs. 67.7%; p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Compared with the use PVA particles alone, TAE with LBE plus PVA particles in the treatment of patients with large symptomatic FNH had a significantly higher rates of CR of the FNH and complete relief of the symptoms. KEY POINTS: • Transarterial embolization (TAE) with lipiodol-bleomycin emulsion (LBE) plus PVA particles for the large symptomatic FNH yielded better results than with PVA particles alone, in terms of complete resolution of FNH lesions (93.6% vs 67.7%) and complete relief of the abdominal symptoms (100% vs 77.4%) during a mean follow-up period of 72 months (38-170 months). • No major complications were recorded in both groups, and no significant difference in the incidence of postembolization syndrome were observed between the two groups.

Elevated Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 (TRPM8) Expression Is Correlated with Poor Prognosis in Pancreatic Cancer.

BACKGROUND The transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) was found to be expressed abnormally in a variety of tumors and is associated with unfavorable prognosis in human cancers. However, its clinical significance in pancreatic cancer (PC) is mostly unknown. MATERIAL AND METHODS qRT-PCR was performed to measure the expression of TRPM8 in 110 pairs of PC tissues and the adjacent non-cancerous tissues. The association of TRPM8 expression with the clinical characters of PC patients was analyzed using the chi-square test. Furthermore, the prognostic value of TRPM8 was determined with Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS We found that the expression level of TRPM8 was significantly elevated in PC tissues compared to the non-cancerous controls (P<0.001). In addition, a close relationship was observed between elevated TRPM8 expression with large tumor size (P=0.001), advanced TNM (P=0.013), and distant metastasis (P=0.034). Survival analysis suggested that patients with high TRPM8 expression has worse OS (P=0.001) and DFS (P<0.001) than those with low TRPM8 expression. Moreover, TRPM8 was confirmed as a valuable prognostic biomarker for OS (HR=1.913; 95% CI: 1.020-3.589; P=0.043) or DFS (HR=2.374; 95% CI: 1.269-4.443; P=0.007) of PC patients. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that TRPM8 expression is significantly up-regulated in PC and it might be a useful prognostic factor for patients with PC.

Usefulness of three-dimensional visualization technology in minimally invasive treatment for infected necrotizing pancreatitis.

AIM: To explore the value of three-dimensional (3D) visualization technology in the minimally invasive treatment for infected necrotizing pancreatitis (INP). METHODS: Clinical data of 18 patients with INP, who were admitted to the PLA General Hospital in 2017, were retrospectively analyzed. Two-dimensional images of computed tomography were converted into 3D images based on 3D visualization technology. The size, number, shape and position of lesions and their relationship with major abdominal vasculature were well displayed. Also, percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) number and puncture paths were designed through virtual surgery (percutaneous nephroscopic necrosectomy) based on the principle of maximum removal of infected necrosis conveniently. RESULTS: Abdominal 3D visualization images of all the patients were well reconstructed, and the optimal PCD puncture paths were well designed. Infected necrosis was conveniently removed in abundance using a nephroscope during the following surgery, and the median operation time was 102 (102 ± 20.7) min. Only 1 patient underwent endoscopic necrosectomy because of residual necrosis. CONCLUSION: The 3D visualization technology could optimize the PCD puncture paths, improving the drainage effect in patients with INP. Moreover, it significantly increased the efficiency of necrosectomy through the rigid nephroscope. As a result, it decreased operation times and improved the prognosis.

Effect of Huaier granule on recurrence after curative resection of HCC: a multicentre, randomised clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: There is little evidence that adjuvant therapy after radical surgical resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) improves recurrence-free survival (RFS) or overall survival (OS). We conducted a multicentre, randomised, controlled, phase IV trial evaluating the benefit of an aqueous extract of Trametes robinophila Murr (Huaier granule) to address this unmet need. DESIGN AND RESULTS: A total of 1044 patients were randomised in 2:1 ratio to receive either Huaier or no further treatment (controls) for a maximum of 96 weeks. The primary endpoint was RFS. Secondary endpoints included OS and tumour extrahepatic recurrence rate (ERR). The Huaier (n=686) and control groups (n=316) had a mean RFS of 75.5 weeks and 68.5 weeks, respectively (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.55 to 0.81). The difference in the RFS rate between Huaier and control groups was 62.39% and 49.05% (95% CI 6.74 to 19.94; p=0.0001); this led to an OS rate in the Huaier and control groups of 95.19% and 91.46%, respectively (95% CI 0.26 to 7.21; p=0.0207). The tumour ERR between Huaier and control groups was 8.60% and 13.61% (95% CI -12.59 to -2.50; p=0.0018), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first nationwide multicentre study, involving 39 centres and 1044 patients, to prove the effectiveness of Huaier granule as adjuvant therapy for HCC after curative liver resection. It demonstrated a significant prolongation of RFS and reduced extrahepatic recurrence in Huaier group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01770431; Post-results.

Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of the segmental Glissonian pedicle: A new technique for anatomic liver resection.

BACKGROUND: Anatomic liver resection is widely accepted as the optimal surgical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the complexity of conventional operative methods limits their use. To explore the possibility of using modern techniques to achieve a simpler approach, we have evaluated ultrasound-guided segmental radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the Glissonian pedicle before liver resection in a porcine model and in HCC patients. METHODS: This study had 2 stages. First, we piloted anatomic liver resection using ultrasound-guided RFA of the segmental Glissonian pedicle in 6 Bama miniature pigs. Having found this technique safe and effective, we selected 21 HCC patients to treat with the same approach. RESULTS: The pigs had no postoperative mortality or morbidity. Demarcation areas were apparent in all targeted segments. The mean length of segmental portal, arterial, and biliary tract branches ablated was 1.7, 1.4, and 1.6 cm, respectively. Human HCC operations consisted of 8 subsegmentectomies, 8 segmentectomies, and 5 multisegmentectomies. The procedure was feasible in all patients, with no mortality, morbidity, or need for blood transfusions. A demarcation area was apparent in all patients within 157 seconds of RF application for each target feeding vessel. The mean number of target feeding vessels was 2 (range, 1-7). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that ultrasound-guided RFA ablation of the segmental Glissonian pedicle is expedient, safe, and effective, and is suitable for resection of any hepatic segments or subsegments, from segments 2 to 8.

Risk factors of delayed gastric emptying following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore the morbidity and risk factors of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) following pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: Between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013, data from 196 consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy in the Chinese PLA General Hospital were recorded retrospectively. A total of 17 factors were examined with univariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate relative risks. RESULTS: DGE occurred in 71 patients (36.2%). The incidence rates of grade A, grade B and grade C DGE were 22.4% (44/196), 6.1% (12/196) and 7.7% (15/196), respectively. There were three post-operative deaths for the entire series, with an overall mortality rate of 1.5%. Braun enteroenterostomy, clinically relevant post-operative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) and intra-abdominal collection correlated with DGE rates significantly in univariate analysis, whereas CR-POPF and intra-abdominal collection were independent risk factors in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Body mass index ≥25 kg/m(2) , CR-POPF and intra-abdominal collection correlated with clinically relevant DGE rates significantly and were independent risk factors in univariate analysis and multivariate regression. CONCLUSION: Only post-operative complications instead of operative methods were associated with DGE. Early diagnosis and timely treatment for pancreatic fistula and intra-abdominal collection were helpful to decrease morbidity and promote recovery of DGE.

A New Segmental Hepatectomy Approach Using Ultrasound-Guided Portal Branch Infusion of a Thermosensitive Gel in Pigs.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of a new segmental hepatectomy (SH) approach using intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) guided infusion of a reversible thermosensitive gel into the portal vein branch in pigs; MATERIALS AND METHODS: Poloxamer 407 aqueous solution (20%, W/V) was mixed with indocyanine green (P407-ICG) in this study to make it green, and it remained liquid at room temperature and turned into a firm gel upon reaching body temperature. In experiment I, six pigs were used to detect the outcome of infusing the mixture into the biliary tract, liver parenchyma, and hepatic vein for a safety study. In experiment II, another 12 pigs were randomly segmented into two groups [SH group and partial hepatectomy (PH) group] to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of the new approach using IOUS-guided infusion of the mixture into the portal branch; RESULTS: No thermosensitive gel-induced abnormal changes were observed in the safety study. In the SH group, IOUS-guided infusion of the P407-ICG solution was effective in occluding the portal blood temporarily and demarcating the target liver segment to achieve precise SH. The blood loss in the SH group was significantly less than that of the PH group; CONCLUSIONS: SH assisted by IOUS-guided infusion of the reversible thermosensitive gel into the feeding portal vein branches is feasible, safe, simple, and effective.

Risk scoring system and predictor for clinically relevant pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

AIM: To establish a scoring system to predict clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: The clinical records of 921 consecutive patients who underwent PD between 2008 and 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) was defined and classified by the international study group of pancreatic fistula (ISGPF). We used a logistic regression model to determine the independent risk factors of CR-POPF and developed a scoring system based on the regression coefficient of the logistic regression model. The optimal cut-off value to divide the risk strata was determined by the Youden index. The patients were divided into two groups (low risk and high risk). The independent sample t test was used to detect differences in the means of drain amylase on postoperative day (POD) 1, 2 and 3. The optimal cut-off level of the drain amylase to distinguish CR-POPF from non-clinical POPF in the two risk strata groups was determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: Grade A POPF occurred in 106 (11.5%) patients, grade B occurred in 57 (6.2%) patients, and grade C occurred in 32 (3.5%) patients. A predictive scoring system for CR-POPF (0-6 points) was constructed using the following four factors: 1 point for each body mass index ≥ 28 [odds ratio (OR) = 3.86; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.92-7.75, P = 0.00], soft gland texture (OR = 4.50; 95%CI, 2.53-7.98, P = 0.00), and the difference between the blood loss and transfusion in operation ≥ 800 mL (OR = 3.45; 95%CI, 1.92-7.75, P = 0.00); and from 0 points for a 5 mm or greater duct diameter to 3 points for a less than 2 mm duct (OR = 8.97; 95%CI: 3.70-21.77, P = 0.00). The ROC curve showed that the area under the curve of this score was 0.812. A score of 3 points was suggested to be the best cut-off value (Youden index = 0.485). In the low risk group, a drain amylase level ≥ 3600 U/L on POD3 could distinguish CR-POPF from non-clinical POPF (the sensitivity and specificity were 75% and 85%, respectively). In the high risk group, the best cut-off was a drain amylase level of 1600 (the sensitivity and specificity were 77 and 63%, respectively). CONCLUSION: A 6-point scoring system accurately predicted the occurrence of CR-POPF. In addition, a drain amylase level on POD3 might be a predictor of this complication.

Double stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase promotes the tumorigenic phenotype in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells by activating STAT3.

Previously known as a first-response protein upon viral infection and other stress signals, double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR, also termed EIF2AK2) has been found to be differentially expressed in multiple types of tumor, including hepatocellular carcinoma, suggesting that PKR may be involved in tumor initiation and development. However, whether and how PKR promotes or suppresses the development of hepatocellular carcinoma remains controversial. In the present study, PKR expression was investigated using qPCR and western blot analysis, which revealed that PKR expression was upregulated in liver tumor tissues, when compared to that of adjacent normal tissues, which were obtained from four primary liver cancer patients. Furthermore, in vitro cellular assays revealed that PKR exerts a key role in maintaining the proliferation and migration of HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Mouse models with xenograft transplantations also confirmed a tumorigenic role of PKR in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, a transcription factor, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), was revealed to mediate the tumor-promoting function of PKR in HepG2 cells, as shown by in vitro cellular proliferation and migration assays. In conclusion, the results suggested a tumorigenic role of PKR in liver cancer and a detailed mechanism involving an oncogenic transcription factor, STAT3, is described. Therefore, PKR may present a potential novel therapeutic target for the treatment of liver cancer.

Post-pancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhage: risk factors, managements and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Post-pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) hemorrhage (PPH) is an uncommon but serious complication. This retrospective study analyzed the risk factors, managements and outcomes of the patients with PPH. METHODS: A total of 840 patients with PD between 2000 and 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 73 patients had PPH: 19 patients had early PPH and 54 had late PPH. The assessment included the preoperative history of disease, pancreatic status and surgical techniques. Other postoperative complications were also evaluated. RESULTS: The incidence of PPH was 8.7% (73/840). There were no independent risk factors for early PPH. Male gender (OR=4.40, P=0.02), diameter of pancreatic duct (OR=0.64, P=0.01), end-to-side invagination pancreaticojejunostomy (OR=5.65, P=0.01), pancreatic fistula (OR=2.33, P=0.04) and intra-abdominal abscess (OR=12.19, P<0.01) were the independent risk factors for late PPH. Four patients with early PPH received conservative treatment and 12 were treated surgically. As for patients with late PPH, the success rate of medical therapy was 27.8% (15/54). Initial endoscopy was operated in 12 patients (22.2%), initial angiography in 19 (35.2%), and relaparotomy in 15 (27.8%). Eventually, PPH resulted in 19 deaths. The main causes of death were multiple organ failure, hemorrhagic shock, sepsis and uncontrolled rebleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Careful and ongoing observation of hemorrhagic signs, especially within the first 24 hours after PD or within the course of pancreatic fistula or intra-abdominal abscess, is recommended for patients with PD and a prompt management is necessary. Although endoscopy and angiography are the standard procedures for the management of PPH, surgical approach is still irreplaceable. Aggressive prevention of hemorrhagic shock and re-hemorrhage is the key to treat PPH.

Effects of intensive insulin therapy combined with low molecular weight heparin anticoagulant therapy on severe pancreatitis.

The current study explored the effects of intensive insulin therapy (IIT) combined with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) anticoagulant therapy on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). A total of 134 patients with SAP that received treatment between June 2008 and June 2012 were divided randomly into groups A (control; n=33), B (IIT; n=33), C (LMWH; n=34) and D (IIT + LMWH; n=34). Group A were treated routinely. Group B received continuous pumped insulin, as well as the routine treatment, to maintain the blood sugar level between 4.4 and 6.1 mmol/l. Group C received a subcutaneous injection of LMWH every 12 h in addition to the routine treatment. Group D received IIT + LMWH and the routine treatment. The white blood cell count, hemodiastase, serum albumin, arterial partial pressure of oxygen and prothrombin time were recorded prior to treatment and 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days after the initiation of treatment. The intestinal function recovery time, incidence rate of multiple organ failure (MOF), length of hospitalization and fatality rates were observed. IIT + LMWH noticeably increased the white blood cell count, hemodiastase level, serum albumin level and the arterial partial pressure of oxygen in the patients with SAP (P<0.05). It markedly shortened the intestinal recovery time and the length of stay and reduced the incidence rate of MOF, the surgery rate and the fatality rate (P<0.05). It did not aggravate the hemorrhagic tendency of SAP (P>0.05). IIT + LMWH had a noticeably improved clinical curative effect on SAP compared with that of the other treatments.

Comparison analysis in synchronous and metachronous metastatic colorectal cancer based on microarray expression profile.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies, and liver metastasis is one of the major causes of death of CRC. This study aimed to compare the genetic difference between metachronous lesions (MC) and synchronous lesions (SC) and explore the molecular pathology of CRC metastasis. METHODOLOGY: Microarray expression profile data (GSE10961) including 8 MC and 10 SC was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two groups were identified based on T test. Furthermore, GO enrichment analysis was performed for the down-regulated DEGs using DAVID. Finally, Classify validation of known CRC genes based on previous studies between MC and SC samples was conducted. RESULTS: Total of 36 DEGs including 35 down-regulated DEGs and 1 up-regulated DEGs were identified. The expressional differences of the 5 informative oncogenes: EGFr, PIK3R1, PTGS2 (COX-2), PTGS1 (COX1), and ALOX5AP between SC and MC were really tiny. CONCLUSIONS: Some DEGs, such as NFAT5, OLR1, ERAP2, HOXC6 and TWIST1 might play crucial roles in the regulation of CRC metastasis (both SC and MC) and by disrupting some pathways. However, our results indeed demand further research and experiment.

[Assessment of hepatic reserve function of cirrhosis liver using dynamic SPECT (99m)Tc-galactosyl human serum albumin scintigraphy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of dynamic SPECT (99m)Tc-galactosyl human serum albumin (GSA) scintigraphy on the assessment of reserve function of cirrhosis liver. METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2011, 55 patients with cirrhosis liver were enrolled in this study. The case numbers of male and female were 43 and 12 respectively and the age was (51 ± 9) years (ranging from 35 to 69 years). After routine biochemistry test, CT scan and (99m)Tc-GSA dynamic SPECT scan were performed in turn using a juxtaposed SPECT/CT system. Then the morphologic volume of liver parenchyma (MLV), functional liver volume (FLV) and the hepatic cell absorption rate constant (GSA-K) were calculated. The correlations between GSA-K and routine biochemistry test, Child-Pugh score, indocyanine green clearance rate (ICG-K) were analyzed. The patients were further divided into 3 groups according to whether there was occlusion or stenosis in the main branch of left portal vein (group 1, n = 5), right portal vein (group 2, n = 13) or not (group 3, n = 37) and the regional hepatic functions index of the 3 groups were compared. RESULTS: The value of FLV of the whole, left and right liver was (594 ± 152) ml, (244 ± 119) ml and (356 ± 171) ml, respectively. There were correlations between GSA-K and total bilirubin, prothrombintime, Child-Pugh score and ICG-K (r = -0.730--0.298, P < 0.05). The FLV and MLV ratios of involved hemiliver to uninvolved hemiliver were 0.09 ± 0.06 and 0.30 ± 0.14 in group 1, 0.57 ± 0.43 and 1.08 ± 0.63 in group 2, 0.71 ± 0.30 and 0.71 ± 0.48 in group 3. The difference in MLV-FLV ratio was signifcant between group 1 and group 3, between group 2 and group 3 (P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The dynamic SPCECT (99m)Tc-GSA scintigraphy can not only assess the whole liver function of cirrhosis liver effectively, but also evaluate the variation of regional liver function accurately.

Comprehensive application of modern technologies in precise liver resection.

BACKGROUND: Liver surgery has gone through the phases of wedge liver resection, regular resection of hepatic lobes, irregular and local resection, extracorporeal hepatectomy, hemi-extracorporeal hepatectomy and Da Vinci surgical system-assisted hepatectomy. Taking advantage of modern technologies, liver surgery is stepping into an age of precise liver resection. This review aimed to analyze the comprehensive application of modern technologies in precise liver resection. DATA SOURCE: PubMed search was carried out for English-language articles relevant to precise liver resection, liver anatomy, hepatic blood inflow blockage, parenchyma transection, and down-staging treatment. RESULTS: The 3D image system can imitate the liver operation procedures, conduct risk assessment, help to identify the operation feasibility and confirm the operation scheme. In addition, some techniques including puncture and injection of methylene blue into the target Glisson sheath help to precisely determine the resection. Alternative methods such as Pringle maneuver are helpful for hepatic blood inflow blockage in precise liver resection. Moreover, the use of exquisite equipment for liver parenchyma transection, such as cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator, ultrasonic scalpel, Ligasure and Tissue Link is also helpful to reduce hemorrhage in liver resection, or even operate exsanguinous liver resection without blocking hepatic blood flow. Furthermore, various down-staging therapies including transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radio-frequency ablation were appropriate for unresectable cancer, which reverse the advanced tumor back to early phase by local or systemic treatment so that hepatectomy or liver transplantation is possible. CONCLUSIONS: Modern technologies mentioned in this paper are the key tool for achieving precise liver resection and can effectively lead to maximum preservation of anatomical structural integrity and functions of the remnant liver. In addition, large randomized trials are needed to evaluate the usefulness of these technologies in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who have undergone precise liver resection.

Papillary carcinoma of the duodenum combined with right renal carcinoma: a case report.

We report a case of papillary carcinoma of the duodenum combined with right renal carcinoma. A 58-year-old man underwent a physical examination that revealed intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct dilatation on B ultrasound. Intrahepatic bile duct dilatation could be seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but the head of the pancreas and distal bile duct showed no tumor signals, which led to a diagnosis of periampullary carcinoma and right renal carcinoma. Considering the trauma of pancreaticoduodenectomy combined with renal resection operation is greater, we carried out the laparoscopic right renal radical resection first, and then a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. However, postoperative intra-abdominal infections and bleeding occurred; our patient improved after vascular interventional microcoil embolization for the treatment of hemostasis. The second operation for celiac necrotic tissue elimination, jejunal fistulization and peritoneal lavage and drainage was performed 14 days latter. Our patient improved gradually and was discharged on the 58th postoperative day. There has been no tumor recurrence after a follow-up of 26 months.

A meta-analysis of the long-term effects of chronic pancreatitis surgical treatments: duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection versus pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Surgery is regarded as the most effective treatment to relieve pain and reduce complications in chronic pancreatitis (CP). Two major strategies exist: duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR) and pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Many studies suggest that DPPHR offers advantages during surgery and in the short-term; however, the long-term effects have not been thoroughly investigated. We analyzed the long-term outcomes of DPPHR and PD, over follow-up times of at least 1 year, to determine the optimal surgical treatment for CP. METHODS: We systemically reviewed all CP surgical treatment reports, and only included randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing DPPHR and PD, excluding unqualified studies using several pre-specified criteria. When multiple publications of a single trial were found, the most comprehensive current data were selected. Characteristics of the study populations and long-term postoperative outcome parameters were collected. The quality of the studies and data was analyzed using RevMan 4.2 software. RESULTS: Five trials were qualified for meta-analysis, with 261 participants in total (114 in the DPPHR group and 147 in the PD group). There were no significant differences in the age, gender, or indications for surgery of each group. At the mean of 5.7-year (1 - 14 years) follow-up examination, DPPHR and PD resulted in equally effective pain relief, exocrine and endocrine function, and similar mortality rates (P > 0.05); however, DPPHR patients had improved global quality of life and weight gain, and reduced diarrhea and fatigue (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: DPPHR and PD result in equal pain relief, mortality, and pancreatic function; however, DPPHR provides superior long-term outcomes.

Preserving hepatic artery flow during portal triad blood inflow occlusion improves remnant liver regeneration in rats after partial hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we compared preservation of the hepatic artery flow during liver blood inflow occlusion with total portal triad blood flow clamping (the Pringle maneuver) to examine their effects on liver regeneration in rats after partial hepatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomized to a control group (without hepatic inflow occlusion), an occlusion of the portal triad (OPT) group (OPT for 30 min under portal blood bypass), and an occlusion of the portal vein (OPV) group (OPV only for 30 min under portal blood bypass). All the rats underwent partial hepatectomy at the end of hepatic blood control. Liver regeneration was assessed on days 3 and 7 after hepatectomy. Liver damage, extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 activation, and cytokine expression of the remnant liver in the first 24 h after hepatectomy were also assessed. RESULTS: Significantly greater liver regeneration, at a level similar to that of the control group, as indicated by the percentage of the initial liver weight, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Ki-67 labeling indexes, and technetium-99m galactosyl human serum albumin liver uptake, was observed in the OPV group on day 3 after hepatectomy (P < 0.05 versus the OPT group). Liver damage, as represented by alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase measurement and histopathologic examination, was substantially alleviated in the OPV group compared with the OPT group. In contrast to the control and OPV groups, the OPT group had markedly increased extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 activation, heat shock protein 70, and interleukin-6 expression in response to ischemia and partial hepatectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Our results have indicated that compared with the Pringle maneuver, clamping the portal vein while preserving the hepatic artery flow during partial hepatectomy is better for remnant liver regeneration at an early posthepatectomy stage.