Laparoscopic and open liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma with type 2 diabetes mellitus: multicenter propensity score-matched study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed at analyzing and comparing the perioperative results and long-term oncological outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with laparoscopic (LLR) versus open liver resection (OLR). METHODS: Clinicopathological data of HCC patients with T2DM who underwent LLR or OLR as initial treatment from four medical centers were retrospectively reviewed. The survival outcomes of patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) were compared with those of patients who underwent open liver resection (OLR). Using the Kaplan-Meier method, survival curves for the two groups of patients were generated, and the log-rank test was used to compare survival differences. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to match patients of the LLR and OLR groups in a 1:1 ratio. RESULTS: 230 HCC patients with T2DM were enrolled, including 101 patients in the LLR group and 129 patients in the OLR group. After PSM, 90 patients were matched in each of the study group. Compared with the OLR group, the LLR group had less blood loss, a shorter hospitalization and fewer postoperative complications. The LLR group had a significantly better overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) than the OLR group before and after PSM. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that HCC patients with T2DM had survival benefits from LLR regardless of the course of T2DM. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic liver resection for HCC patients with T2DM can be safely performed with favorable perioperative and long-term oncological outcomes at high-volume liver cancer centers, regardless of the course of T2DM.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) in liver fibrosis.

The ability of the human liver to both synthesize extracellular matrix(ECM), as well as regulate fibrogenesis, are integral functions to maintaining homoeostasis. Chronic liver injury stimulates fibrogenesis in response to the imbalance between ECM accumulation and fibrosis resolution. Liver disease that induces fibrogenesis is associated with multiple risk factors like hepatitis infection, schistosomiasis, alcohol, certain drugs, toxicants and emerging aetiology like diabetes and obesity. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), whose function is to generate and accumulate ECM, is a pivotal event in liver fibrosis. Simultaneously, HSCs selectively promote regulatory T-cells (Tregs) in an interleukin-2-dependent pattern that displays a dual relationship. On the one hand, Tregs can protect HSCs from NK cell attack, while on the other hand, they demonstrate an inhibitory effect on HSCs. This paper reviews the dual role of Tregs in liver fibrogenesis which includes its promotion of immunosuppression, as well as its activation of fibrosis. In particular, the balance between Tregs and the Th17 cell population, which produce interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-22, is explored to demonstrate their key role in maintaining homoeostasis and immunoregulation. The contradictory roles of Tregs in liver fibrosis in different immune microenvironments and molecular pathways need to be better understood if they are to be deployed to manage this disease.

Perioperative and long-term survival outcomes of laparoscopic versus laparotomic hepatectomy for BCLC stages 0-A hepatocellular carcinoma patients associated with or without microvascular invasion: a multicenter, propensity score matching analysis.

PURPOSE: To analyze the long-term oncological outcomes of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages 0-A hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients associated with or without microvascular invasion (MVI) treated with laparoscopic versus laparotomic liver resection. METHODS: Clinicopathological data of HCC patients with BCLC stages 0-A from four medical centers were retrospectively reviewed. The survival outcomes of patients who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy were compared with those who underwent laparotomic hepatectomy. Subgroup analyses in terms of MVI were further performed to explore the effect of surgical approaches on the long-term survival outcomes. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to match patients between the laparoscopic and laparotomic resection groups in a 1:1 ratio. RESULTS: 495 HCC patients at BCLC stages 0-A were enrolled, including 243 in the laparoscopic resection group and 252 in the laparotomic resection group. Laparoscopic resection group had a shorter operation time, less blood loss, a lower frequency of blood transfusion and postoperative complication rates. The laparoscopic resection group had a significantly better overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) than the laparotomic resection group before and after PSM. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that OS and RFS of patients without MVI were remarkably better in the laparoscopic resection group compared with the laparotomic resection group. However, no significant differences in OS and RFS between the two groups were found in patients with MVI after PSM. CONCLUSIONS: Pure laparoscopic hepatectomy for patients with BCLC stages 0-A HCC can be performed safely with favorable perioperative and long-term oncological outcomes at high-volume liver cancer centers, regardless of the presence of MVI.

Treatment of hepatic venous system hemorrhage and carbon dioxide gas embolization during laparoscopic hepatectomy via hepatic vein approach.

With the improvement of laparoscopic surgery, the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic hepatectomy have been affirmed, but intraoperative hepatic venous system hemorrhage and carbon dioxide gas embolism are the difficulties in laparoscopic hepatectomy. The incidence of preoperative hemorrhage and carbon dioxide gas embolism could be reduced through preoperative imaging evaluation, reasonable liver blood flow blocking method, appropriate liver-breaking device, controlled low-center venous pressure technology, and fine-precision precision operation. In the case of blood vessel rupture bleeding in the liver vein system, after controlling and reducing bleeding, confirm the type and severity of vascular damage in the liver and venous system, take appropriate measures to stop the bleeding quickly and effectively, and, if necessary, transfer the abdominal treatment in time. In addition, to strengthen the understanding, prevention and emergency treatment of severe CO2 gas embolism in laparoscopic hepatectomy is also the key to the success of surgery. This study aims to investigate the methods to deal with hepatic venous system hemorrhage and carbon dioxide gas embolization based on author's institutional experience and relevant literature. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 60 patients who received laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy of hepatic vein approach for HCC. For patients with intraoperative complications, corresponding treatments were given to cope with different complications. After the operation, combined with clinical experience and literature, we summarized and discussed the good treatment methods in the face of such situations so that minimize the harm to patients as much as possible.

Impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus on the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after laparoscopic liver resection: A multicenter retrospective study.

Background: The effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has not been reported. This study aimed to explore the relationship between preoperative T2DM and long-term prognosis in HCC patients undergoing LLR. Methods: HCC patients receiving LLR as initial treatment at four cancer centers were retrospectively included in this study. Clinicopathological factors associated with the prognosis of HCC patients were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) curves between different cohorts of patients were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Results: Of 402 HCC patients included, 62 patients had T2DM and 340 patients did not have T2DM. The OS and RFS of patients with T2DM were significantly worse compared to those without T2DM (P = 0.001 and 0.032, respectively). In Cox multivariate analysis, T2DM was identified as an independent risk factors for OS (HR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.38-3.85, P = 0.001) and RFS (HR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.08-2.55, P = 0.020). Conclusions: Following laparoscopic surgical approach, HCC patients with T2DM had poorer prognoses than those without T2DM. Preoperative T2DM was an independent risk factor for HCC patients. Thus, patients with concurrent HCC and T2DM should be closely monitored after LLR.

Preoperative Prognostic Nutritional Index and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predict Survival Outcomes of Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Curative Resection.

Increasing evidence indicates that preoperative prognostic indices can serve as independent predictors of survival in patients with cancer. However, the applicability of these indices in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial. This study aims to investigate the prognostic value of these indices in patients with HCC after curative hepatectomy. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 215 patients who underwent curative resection for HCC. Prognostic indices including prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were evaluated by comparing by the area under the curve (AUC). Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were performed to identify independent prognostic factors. Additionally, risk factors were combined to predict the survival of patients. We found that serum albumin concentration, tumor diameter, tumor stage, degree of differentiation, PNI, and NLR were independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). Vascular invasion, tumor stage, degree of differentiation, and PNI were independent prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS). The cutoff value of the PNI and NLR was 43.75 and 3.29, respectively. Patients with low NLR and high PNI had the best outcomes, potentially indicative of the intensive antitumor effects of the immune system. Moreover, patients with at least three risk factors had a significantly lower OS and RFS compared with those with two or fewer risk factors. This new nomogram based on PNI and NLR may provide an accessible and individualized prediction of survival and recurrence for HCC patients.

Acute pancreatitis connected with hypercalcemia crisis in hyperparathyroidism: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The association between primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and acute pancreatitis is rarely reported. Here we describe the process of acute pancreatitis-mediated PHPT induced by hypercalcemia in a male patient. Hypercalcemia induced by undiagnosed PHPT may be the causative factor in recurrent acute pancreatitis. CASE SUMMARY: We report a case of hypercalcemia-induced acute pancreatitis caused by a functioning parathyroid adenoma in a 57-year-old man. The patient initially experienced a series of continuous gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal distension, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, electrolyte disturbance, renal dysfunction, and acute pancreatitis. Due to prolonged hypercalcemia, the patient subsequently underwent surgical resection of the parathyroid adenoma. Two weeks after surgery, his serum calcium, amylase, and lipase concentrations were normal. The patient had a good recovery after a series of other relevant therapies. CONCLUSION: Acute pancreatitis as the first presentation is a rare clinical symptom caused by PHPT-induced hypercalcemia.

Remote ischemic preconditioning protects liver ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating eNOS-NO pathway and liver microRNA expressions in fatty liver rats.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is a strategy to reduce ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The protective effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) on liver I/R injury is not clear. This study aimed to investigate the roles of RIPC in liver I/R in fatty liver rats and the involvement of endothelial nitric oxide synthase-nitric oxide (eNOS-NO) pathway and microRNA expressions in this process. METHODS: A total of 32 fatty rats were randomly divided into the sham group, I/R group, RIPC group and RIPC+I/R group. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe histological changes of liver tissues, TUNEL to detect hepatocyte apoptosis, and immunohistochemistry assay to detect heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression. Western blotting was used to detect liver inducible NOS (iNOS) and eNOS protein levels and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect miR-34a, miR-122 and miR-27b expressions. RESULTS: Compared with the sham and RIPC groups, serum ALT, AST and iNOS in liver tissue were significantly higher in other two groups, while serum NO and eNOS in liver tissue were lower, and varying degrees of edema, degeneration and inflammatory cell infiltration were found. Cell apoptosis number was slightly lower in the RIPC+I/R group than that in I/R group. Compared with the sham group, HSP70 expressions were significantly increased in other three groups (all P<0.05). Compared with the sham and RIPC groups, elevated miR-34a expressions were found in I/R and RIPC+I/R groups (P<0.05). MiR-122 and miR-27b were found significantly decreased in I/R and RIPC+I/R groups compared with the sham and RIPC groups (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: RIPC can reduce fatty liver I/R injury by affecting the eNOS-NO pathway and liver microRNA expressions.

MicroRNA-29a/b/c targets iNOS and is involved in protective remote ischemic preconditioning in an ischemia-reperfusion rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) protects against the injury that is incurred by ischemia and reperfusion (IR); however, the role of RIPC in liver IR injury in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unclear. In this study, a NAFLD rat model was utilized in a series of different surgical procedures and molecular experiments. Rats of the IR group and the RIPC+IR group exhibited more severe injury than NAFLD control rats (in which the liver was prodded following a median-incision laparotomy). The liver condition, measured by serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels, of the RIPC+IR group was better than that of the IR group. In addition, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels were lower in the RIPC+IR group compared with the IR group (P<0.001). Flow cytometry revealed that the cell apoptosis ratio was significantly lower in the RIPC+IR group than in the IR group (P<0.001). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to assess miR-29a/b/c levels, revealing that they were significantly reduced in the RIPC and RIPC+IR groups, but did not vary in the IR group compared with the control group. RT-qPCR also revealed that iNOS mRNA levels were not significantly different among any of the NAFLD groups; however, western blot analysis indicated that iNOS protein levels were increased in the RIPC group and the RIPC+IR group compared with the control and IR groups. A luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that transfection with miR-29a/b/c mimics significantly decreased the luciferase activities of plasmids containing the wild-type iNOS 3'-untranslated region (UTR) (relative fluorescence intensity: 0.47±0.06 for miR-29a, 0.36±0.07 for miR-29b, 0.41±0.04 for miR-29c; P<0.001), whereas the activities of plasmids containing the mutant iNOS 3'-UTR sequence were not markedly affected [relative fluorescence intensity: 0.99±0.08 for miR-29a (P=0.1349), 0.99±0.09 for miR-29b (P=0.1607), 0.97±0.07 for miR-29c (P=0.1824)]. This suggested that miR-29a/b/c downregulates iNOS by directly targeting its 3'-UTR. In summary, the results suggest that RIPC has a protective effect in NAFLD liver IR injury, which may be due to reduced miR-29a/b/c levels in the skeletal muscle, leading to increased iNOS and, therefore, nitric oxide.

HtrA1 regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in the development and progression of cancer. HtrA1 had been showed to play a modulatory role in metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The relationship between HtrA1 and EMT in HCC was investigated in the present study. METHODS: The HtrA1 expression in human HCC tumor tissues and cells was determined by real-time PCR. SiRNA-HtrA1 and pcDNA-HtrA1 were respectively transfected into HepG2 and MHCC97H cells to observe their effects on cell migration and expression of EMT-associated markers Vimentin and E-cadherin. The relationship between HtrA1 and EMT in 60 HCC patients was also investigated. RESULTS: HtrA1 expression of tumor tissues was down-regulated with the increasing of number in lymph nodes metastasis in HCC patients. HtrA1 down-regulation led to the significant increase of cell migration, Vimentin expression and decrease of E-cadherin expression, while HtrA1 overexpression resulted in an opposite function. The HtrA1 expression was positively related to the E-cadherin level (R(2) = 0.5903, P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with Vimentin level (R(2) = 0.6067, P < 0.001) in tumor tissues of HCC, respectively. CONCLUSION: HtrA1 expression was closely related to EMT, which might be a potential mechanism underlying metastasis of HCC.

Association between ABO gene polymorphism (rs505922) and cancer risk: a meta-analysis.

Previous studies have showed that ABO blood type is associated with multiple gastrointestinal cancers, including pancreatic cancer. Recently, one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs505922 in ABO gene has been implicated in susceptibility to pancreatic cancer across different populations, but different results were found in other types of cancer. This meta-analysis aimed to clarify the association. All eligible case-control studies were identified by searching through PubMed and Chinese language databases (CNKI and WanFang) up to September 1, 2014. Pooled estimates (odds ratio) were used to assess the strength of associations in fixed- or random-effects models. A total of nine studies with 10,304 cases and 15,564 controls were included. Overall, SNP rs505922 C allele was confirmed as a risk factor for cancer. Additionally, in further stratified analysis by cancer type, C allele carriers were more likely to have higher risk of pancreatic cancer. This study provided evidence of SNP rs505922 C allele as a strong risk factor of cancer susceptibility, specifically for pancreatic cancer.

Diagnosis and Management of High-Grade Pancreatic Trauma: Report of 14 Cases.

The aim of this study was to review the diagnosis and operative management of cases of high-grade pancreatic trauma. A retrospective analysis was performed on 14 patients treated for high-grade pancreatic trauma at our institution between December 2008 and November 2013. The patients were treated for injuries resulting from blunt abdominal trauma. The main clinical data of the patients was analyzed, including time to diagnosis, initial serum amylase level, ultrasonography and abdominal computed tomography (CT) findings, pancreatic injury severity as scored according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Organ Injury Scale, injury to other organs, operative treatment method, postoperative complications, and patient outcome. All 14 patients were diagnosed with severe (≥ grade III) pancreatic trauma. Diagnosis was confirmed in all seven hemodynamically stable patients that underwent CT and in 9/13 patients receiving ultrasound examination. All patients underwent surgical operations, including emergency pancreaticoduodenectomy (n = 8), splenectomy with distal pancreatectomy (n = 3), spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (n = 1), medial pancreatectomy with Roux-en-Y pancreaticojejunostomy (n = 1), and peripancreatic debridement and drainage (n = 1). Diagnosis was delayed beyond 24 h in two patients, both of whom underwent reoperative peripancreatic debridement and drainage, with one death. The complications included pancreatic fistula (n = 8), peripancreatic abscess (n = 2), hepatic artery hemorrhage (n = 1), gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 1), and intra-abdominal abscess (n = 1). CT is the most reliable method for diagnosing high-grade pancreatic trauma. Aggressive surgical therapy including pancreaticoduodenectomy is acceptable in hemodynamically stable patients.

A preliminary study on surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal hypertension.

BACKGROUND: To assess the effects of various operations for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal hypertension (PH). METHODS: Data regarding 78 patients with resectable liver cancer with PH were analyzed. Patients were divided into 3 groups: A (splenic artery ligation), B (in situ splenectomy), and C (in situ splenectomy + pericardial devascularization). RESULTS: White blood cell and platelet counts in the 3 groups increased significantly after surgery. Postoperative portal pressure was not significantly lower than preoperative portal pressure in Group A, while it was significantly lower in B. In Group C, the portal pressure after splenectomy was significantly lower than that before the operation, but not again after pericardial devascularization. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates of all the patients were 89.7%, 64.1%, and 46.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PH is not an absolute contraindication to liver resection in Child-Pugh class B cirrhotic patients. The combined surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with PH is a safe choice.

Cystathionine-gamma-lyase inhibitor attenuates acute lung injury induced by acute pancreatitis in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is known to induce injuries to extrapancreatic organs. Because respiratory dysfunction is the main cause of death in patients with severe AP, acute pancreatitis-associated lung injury (APALI) is a great challenge for clinicians. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the pathogenesis of APALI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-four SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: the AP group of rats that received injection of sodium deoxycholate into the common bile duct, the control group that underwent a sham operation, and the treatment group made by intraperitoneal injection of propargylglycine (PAG), an inhibitor of cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), into rats with AP. Histopathology of the lung was examined and the expression of CSE and TNF-α mRNA in lung tissue was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The H2S level in the serum was detected spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: The serum concentration of H2S and CSE and TNF-α expression in the lung were increased in AP rats modeled after 3 h and 6 h than in control rats (p < 0.05). Intraperitoneal injection of PAG could reduce the serum concentration of H2S, reduce CSE and TNF-α expression, and alleviate the lung pathology (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our findings suggest that the H2S/CSE system is crucially involved in the pathological process of APALI and represents a novel target for the therapy of APALI.

Rare case of omentum-wrapped abscess caused by a fish bone penetrating the terminal ileum.

Accidentally ingested foreign bodies, for the most part, pass through the gastrointestinal tract, but can cause several complications. Perforation is rare, but can occur in any segment of the gastrointestinal tract. Intestinal perforations due to foreign bodies are rarely diagnosed preoperatively as clinical symptoms are non-specific and they can mimic other abdominal conditions. We describe a case of a 48-year-old patient who was admitted to the emergency room because of severe abdominal pain of 5 d duration. A computed tomography scan showed an undefined liquid collection involving a linear image 35 mm in size, suggestive of a foreign body. On laparotomy, an abscess containing a fish bone was resected. As fish bone ingestion is usually not remembered by the patient, the diagnosis can be delayed. The preoperative diagnosis is frequently acute abdomen of unknown cause. A low threshold of suspicion along with a good clinical history and radiological studies are extremely important in order to make a correct diagnosis.

Spontaneous rupture of hepatic metastasis from small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of maxillary sinus.

BACKGROUND: Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the maxillary sinus, a rare malignant tumor, has a poor prognosis because of its high incidence of metastasis. Moreover, metastatic cancer-induced hepatic rupture, characterized by hemoperitoneum, is infrequent, although several lines of evidences have reported that a wide variety of other neoplasms can cause this usually fatal manifestation. CASE PRESENTATION: We now present the first case of a 49-year-old man with spontaneous rupture of hepatic metastasis from small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the maxillary sinus and ultimately resulted in massive intraperitoneal bleeding, which was successfully controlled by subsequent surgery (partial hepatectomy). The postoperative clinical manifestation of the patient was uneventful. He was discharged on the 16th day after operation and without any complication. CONCLUSIONS: Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the maxillary sinus is very scarce and unfortunately has a poor prognosis. It has potential to cause spontaneous metastatic rupture which can elicit fatal hemorrhage. Emergency surgery is effective, although the long-term outcome is still unsatisfactory.

Expression and clinical significance of angiotensin II type 1 receptor in human hepatocellular carcinoma.

This study aimed to investigate the expression of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT-1R) mRNA and the AT-1R protein in human primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC), and to attempt to elucidate their association with pathological and clinical characteristics. Fresh tumor and normal liver tissues were obtained from 44 patients with PHC following hepatectomies. AT-1R mRNA levels were quantitatively analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) while the protein levels were assessed by immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of AT-1R were observed in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and normal liver tissues. The level of AT-1R protein expression in normal liver tissues was higher compared with that in PHC tissues (P=0.0033). The AT-1R mRNA levels were higher in patients with negative hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), normal α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and high tumor differentiation, compared with those in patients with positive HBsAg (P=0.0005), upregulated AFP levels (P=0.0008) and poor tumor differentiation (P=0.0290). No significant correlation was identified between the expression levels of AT-1R mRNA and general characteristics such as gender, age, cirrhotic nodules, tumor size, tumor encapsulation, tumor number, carcinoma embolus, tumor metastasis or tumor recurrence. Downregulated levels of AT-1R mRNA and AT-1R protein may indicate a poor prognosis for patients with PHC.

FOCUS harmonic scalpel compared to conventional hemostasis in open total thyroidectomy - a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Hemostasis in thyroid surgery is of utmost importance for a successful surgery and an uneventful postoperative course. Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the FOCUS Harmonic Scalpel in patients undergoing open total thyroidectomy. METHODS: In this study, 778 patients were randomized into 2 groups based on the surgical technique used: group I comprised the conventional clamp-and-tie technique, group II comprised patients in whom the FOCUS Harmonic Scalpel was used exclusively. The groups were compared in regard to surgical time, complications, and hospital stay. RESULTS: Surgical time was significantly lower in group II compared with group I (79 ± 21.5 min vs.125 ± 30.4, respectively, P < 0.001). Twenty-seven patients (6.94%) in group I experienced symptomatic hypocalcemia requiring calcium and/or vitamin D therapy versus 14 patients (3.6%) in group II, with statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Mean post-operative hospital stay was significantly lower in group II compared with group I (2.6 ± 0.9 vs. 2.9 ± 1.0; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The FOCUS Harmonic Scalpel can shorten operative time and hospital stay, reduce incidence of symptomatic hypocalcemia but not transient hypoparathyroidism, and show no significance on recurrent nerve injury. FOCUS Harmonic Scalpel is supposed to be a more reliable and safe instrument that can take place of the clamp-and-tie technique in total thyroidectomy.

Transcystic approach with micro-incision of the cystic duct and its confluence part in laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration has become a safe and ideal treatment of common bile duct stones. This study was designed to explore the clinical value of modified laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration as a first line of treatment for patients with common bile duct stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective, case-control study of clinically comparable groups of patients who underwent the laparoscopic transcystic approach with micro-incision of the cystic duct and its confluence part in common bile duct exploration (LTM-CBD) (n=110) and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBD) (n=100) under the care of one surgeon was performed. All clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in terms of operation time between the two groups (P>.05). Postoperative hospital stay and abdominal drainage time were shorter in the LTM-CBD group than in the LCBD group (P<.05). Postoperative bile leakage was seen in 1 case (1 of 110) in the LTM-CBD group and 10 cases (10 of 100) in the LCBD group (P<.05). Twenty patients underwent T-tube drainage in the LCBD group, and primary closure was performed in the other patients; however, all cases in the LTM-CBD group underwent primary closure. The median follow-up was 12 months; 2 patients in the LCBD group who suffered from bile leakage presented with obstructive jaundice due to bile duct stenosis 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: LTM-CBD, which can avoid postoperative T-tube drainage, decrease complications, shorten hospitalization time, and enhance the existing quality, is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective treatment.

Traumatic rupture of a type IVa choledochal cyst in an adult male.

Choledochal cyst (CC) is a rare, congenital anomaly of the bile ducts. We describe a 26-year-old male patient who was transferred to our hospital with a reported traumatic rupture of cystic liver lesions following a fall. At the time of injury, the patient experienced severe abdominal pain. He was found to have peritonitis and abdominal hemorrhage, which is quite rare. Laparotomy revealed 3000 mL fluid consisting of a mixture of blood, bile and inflammatory effusion in the peritoneal cavity. The liver, gallbladder, spleen, stomach, duodenum, small intestine, and colon appeared normal. A large cystic mass was discovered near the porta hepatis. This mass, which connected to the hepatic bifurcation and gallbladder had a 5 cm rupture in the right wall with active arterial bleeding. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) and emergency laparotomy revealed rupture of a huge type IVa CC. The patient was successfully managed by primary cyst excision, cholecystectomy, and Roux-en-Y end-to-side hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the 12(th) day of hospitalization. Four weeks after surgery, abdominal CT scan showed pneumatosis in the intrahepatic bile duct, and intrahepatic dilatation which decreased following adequate biliary drainage. The patient has remained well in the close follow-up period for 9 mo.