Evolution of laparoscopic liver resection in the last two decades: lessons from 2000 cases at a referral Korean center.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has evolved to become the standard surgical approach in many referral centers worldwide. The aim of this study was to analyze how LLR evolved at a single high-volume referral center since its introduction, more than two decades ago. METHODS: Data from all consecutive LLR between January 2003 and September 2022 at the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital were analyzed. Perioperative outcomes were compared between three time periods, with major technological innovations considered as landmarks: before introduction of laparoscopic-US and CUSA (2003-2006), before (2006-2015) and after (2015-2022) introduction of high-definition scope. RESULTS: During the analyzed time periods the number of technically challenging procedures increased from 39.2 to 61.1% (p < 0.001). The most recent period showed shorter median operation time (from 267.5' to 175', p < 0.001), lower median estimated blood loss (EBL) (from 500 to 300 ml, p < 0.001), lower intraoperative transfusions (from 33.8 to 9.3%, p < 0.001), shorter median postoperative hospital stay (from 12 to 6 days, p < 0.001). The time period, a technical major resection and an underlying liver cirrhosis were found to be the associated with longer operation time (p < 0.001) in the multivariable linear regression analysis, while tumor size, technically major surgeries and liver cirrhosis were associated with higher EBL (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: During the last two decades, the indications for patients undergoing LLR have expanded significantly, including more and more challenging procedures and frail patients. Despite such challenges, perioperative outcomes improved, although technically major procedures, cirrhotic patients and huge tumors have still to be considered challenging situations.

Prognostic Effect of Liver Resection in Extended Cholecystectomy for T2 Gallbladder Cancer Revisited: A Retrospective Cohort Study With Propensity Score-matched Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of liver resection on the prognosis of T2 gallbladder cancer (GBC). BACKGROUND: Although extended cholecystectomy [lymph node dissection (LND) + liver resection] is recommended for T2 GBC, recent studies have shown that liver resection does not improve survival outcomes relative to LND alone. METHODS: Patients with pT2 GBC who underwent extended cholecystectomy as an initial procedure and did not reoperation after cholecystectomy at 3 tertiary referral hospitals between January 2010 and December 2020 were analyzed. Extended cholecystectomy was defined as either LND with liver resection (LND+L group) or LND only (LND group). We conducted 2:1 propensity score matching to compare the survival outcomes of the groups. RESULTS: Of the 197 patients enrolled, 100 patients from the LND+L group and 50 from the LND group were successfully matched. The LND+L group experienced greater estimated blood loss ( P <0.001) and a longer postoperative hospital stay ( P =0.047). There was no significant difference in the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) of the 2 groups (82.7% vs 77.9%, respectively, P =0.376). A subgroup analysis showed that the 5-year DFS was similar in the 2 groups in both T substages (T2a: 77.8% vs 81.8%, respectively, P =0.988; T2b: 88.1% vs 71.5%, respectively, P =0.196). In a multivariable analysis, lymph node metastasis [hazard ratio (HR) 4.80, P =0.006] and perineural invasion (HR 2.61, P =0.047) were independent risk factors for DFS; liver resection was not a prognostic factor (HR 0.68, P =0.381). CONCLUSIONS: Extended cholecystectomy including LND without liver resection may be a reasonable treatment option for selected T2 GBC patients.

Validation of the Anatomical and Biological Definitions of Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer According to the 2017 International Consensus for Survival and Recurrence in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Undergoing Upfront Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The International Consensus Criteria (ICC) (2017) redefined patients with borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (BR-PDAC) according to anatomical, biological, and conditional aspects. However, these new criteria have not been validated comprehensively. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to validate the anatomical and biological definitions of BR-PDAC for oncological outcomes in patients with resectable (R) and BR-PDAC undergoing upfront surgery. METHODS: A total of 404 patients who underwent upfront surgery for R- and BR-PDAC from 2004 to 2020 were included. The patients were classified according to the ICC as follows: resectable (R) (n = 259), anatomical borderline (BR-A) (n = 43), biological borderline (BR-B) (n = 81), and anatomical and biologic borderline (BR-AB) (n = 21). RESULTS: Compared with the R and BR-B groups, the BR-A and BR-AB groups had higher postoperative complication rates (16.5% and 27.2% vs 32.5% and 33.4%; P < 0.001) and significantly lower R0 resection rates (85.7% and 80.2% vs 65.1% and 61.9%; P = 0.003). In contrast, compared with the R and BR-A groups, the BR-B (32.1%) and BR-AB (57.1%) groups had higher early recurrence rates (within postoperative 6 months) (16.5% and 25.6% vs 32.1% and 57.1%; P < 0.001) and significantly lower 3-year recurrence-free survival rates (36.1% and 20.7% vs 12.1% and 7.8%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Anatomically defined BR-PDAC was associated with a higher risk of margin-positive resection and postoperative complication rates, while biologically defined BR-PDAC was associated with higher early recurrence rates and lower survival rates. Thus, the anatomical and biological definitions are useful in predicting the prognosis and determining the usefulness of neoadjuvant therapy.

Validation of original, alternative, and updated alternative fistula risk scores after open and minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy in an Asian patient cohort.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to validate and compare the performance of the original fistula risk scores (o-FRS), alternative (a-FRS), and updated alternative FRS (ua-FRS) after open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD) and laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD) in an Asian patient cohort. METHODS: Data of 597 consecutive patients who underwent PD (305 OPD, 274 LPD) were collected from two tertiary centers. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). RESULTS: The overall AUC values of o-FRS, a-FRS, and ua-FRS were 0.67, 0.69, and 0.68, respectively, which were lower than those of the Western validation. Three FRS systems had similar AUC values in the overall and OPD groups, whereas ua-FRS had a higher AUC than o-FRS in the LPD group. The accuracy of ua-FRS (47.2%) was higher than that of o-FRS (39.0%) and a-FRS (19.5%) overall, but low specificity and low positive predictive value were observed regardless of the operative type across the three FRS systems. In the multivariate analysis, pathology, estimated blood loss, and body mass index were not independent risk factors for CR-POPF in the OPD and LPD groups. CONCLUSIONS: Current FRS systems have some limitations, including a relatively lower performance in an Asian cohort, low positive predictive values, and inclusion of insignificant risk factors.

Impact of Drain Position on Drain Fluid Amylase, Fluid Collection and Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula after Distal Pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: The current definition for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is based on the drain fluid amylase (DFA), and drains must be positioned adequately. We investigated the impact of DFA level, drain position and fluid collection after distal pancreatectomy (DP). METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 516 patients who underwent DP between June 2004 and December 2018. Patients were excluded if DP was not main procedure, DFA was not measured, postoperative computed tomography (CT) was not performed, or drains were removed before CT. Demographic and perioperative data were analyzed in 422 eligible patients. RESULTS: Of 422 patients, 49(11.6%) had clinically relevant (CR)-POPF and 102(24.2%) had a malpositioned drain. There was no difference in CR-POPF rate between the high and low DFA groups (12.6% vs 10.7%, P = 0.649). Drain malposition was more frequently associated with symptomatic fluid collection and CR-POPF than well-positioned drains. Male sex, high body mass index, transfusion, and drain malposition were CR-POPF risk factors. In subgroup analysis, drain malposition was also an independent risk factor for CR-POPF in the low DFA group. CONCLUSIONS: After DP, the incidence of CR-POPF in the high and low DFA groups was similar and drain malposition increased the risk of CR-POPF. Thus, the ISGPS definition of POPF based on DFA levels is limited in DP, and DFA levels should be interpreted together with the drain position.

Development and Validation of a Prognostic Classification Model Predicting Postoperative Adverse Outcomes in Older Surgical Patients Using a Machine Learning Algorithm: Retrospective Observational Network Study.

BACKGROUND: Older adults are at an increased risk of postoperative morbidity. Numerous risk stratification tools exist, but effort and manpower are required. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a predictive model of postoperative adverse outcomes in older patients following general surgery with an open-source, patient-level prediction from the Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics for internal and external validation. METHODS: We used the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership common data model and machine learning algorithms. The primary outcome was a composite of 90-day postoperative all-cause mortality and emergency department visits. Secondary outcomes were postoperative delirium, prolonged postoperative stay (≥75th percentile), and prolonged hospital stay (≥21 days). An 80% versus 20% split of the data from the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH) and Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) common data model was used for model training and testing versus external validation. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) with a 95% CI. RESULTS: Data from 27,197 (SNUBH) and 32,857 (SNUH) patients were analyzed. Compared to the random forest, Adaboost, and decision tree models, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression model showed good internal discriminative accuracy (internal AUC 0.723, 95% CI 0.701-0.744) and transportability (external AUC 0.703, 95% CI 0.692-0.714) for the primary outcome. The model also possessed good internal and external AUCs for postoperative delirium (internal AUC 0.754, 95% CI 0.713-0.794; external AUC 0.750, 95% CI 0.727-0.772), prolonged postoperative stay (internal AUC 0.813, 95% CI 0.800-0.825; external AUC 0.747, 95% CI 0.741-0.753), and prolonged hospital stay (internal AUC 0.770, 95% CI 0.749-0.792; external AUC 0.707, 95% CI 0.696-0.718). Compared with age or the Charlson comorbidity index, the model showed better prediction performance. CONCLUSIONS: The derived model shall assist clinicians and patients in understanding the individualized risks and benefits of surgery.

A scoring system to predict the risk of major complications after laparoscopic liver resection in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The safety of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) in elderly patients is a matter of concern because the reduced physiologic reserve increases the risk of postoperative complications. However, there are few score systems for predicting complications after LLR in elderly patients. The aim of this study is to propose a new simplified scoring system based on the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) to predict major complications after LLR in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 257 consecutive patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent LLR for HCC between 2004 and 2019. The GNRI formula was 1.489 × serum albumin (g/L) + 41.7 × present weight/ideal weight (kg). A scoring system to predict the risk of major complications was developed by assigning points to each risk factor equal to its regression coefficient determined in the multivariable analysis. Major complications were defined as complications of Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher. RESULTS: Of the 257 patients, 219 patients were finally included in this study. Major complications occurred after LLR in 24 patients (10.9%). Multivariable analysis showed that the GNRI (hazard ratio [HR] 3.396, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.242-9.288, P = 0.017), Child-Turcotte-Pugh score (HR 2.191, 95% CI 1.400-8.999, P = 0.036), major liver resection (HR 2.683, 95% CI 1.082-7.328, P = 0.050), and intraoperative transfusion (HR 1.802, 95% CI 1.428-7.591, P = 0.022) were independent predictors of major postoperative complications. These variables were assigned points based on their HRs, and the resulting 10-point model showed good discrimination (area under the curve 0.756, 95% CI 0.649-0.836, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The scoring system outperformed the GNRI for predicting major complications after LLR in elderly patients with HCC.

A Case-Matched Analysis of Laparoscopic Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Located in Posterosuperior Segments of the Liver According to Adaption of Developed Techniques.

Background and Objectives: Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) located in posterosuperior (PS) segment is technically demanding, but has been overcome by accumulated experiences and technological improvements. We analyzed peri-and post-operative results before and after the adaptation of the enhanced techniques. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 246 patients who underwent LLR for HCC in PS segments from September 2003 to December 2019. According to the introduction of advanced techniques including intercostal trocars, Pringle maneuver, and semi-lateral French position, the patients were divided into Group 1 (n = 43), who underwent LLR from September 2003 to December 2011, and Group 2 (n = 203), who underwent LLR from January 2012 to December 2019. Among these cases, 136 patients (Group 1 = 34, Group 2 = 102) were selected by case-matched analysis using perioperative variables. Results: Mean operation time (362 min vs. 291 min) and hospital stay (11 days vs. 8 days, p = 0.023) were significantly longer in Group 1 than Group 2. Otherwise, disease-free survival (DFS) rate was shorter and resection margin (1.3 mm vs. 0.7 mm, p = 0.034) were smaller in Group 2 than Group 1. However, there was no difference in type of complication (p = 0.084), severity of complication graded by the Clavien-Dindo grade system (p = 0.394), and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates (p = 0.986). In case-matched analysis, operation time (359 min vs. 266 min p = 0.002) and hospital stay (11.5 days vs. 8.0 days, p = 0.032) were significantly different, but there was no significant difference in resection margin, DFS, and OS. Conclusions: The adaptation of improved techniques has reduced the complexity of LLR in PS segments.

Long-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Liver Resection for Centrally Located Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background and Objectives: The feasibility of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for centrally located hepatocellular carcinoma (cHCC 1 cm of the hilum, major hepatic veins, and inferior vena cava) is still controversial. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of LLR for cHCC and compare the perioperative outcomes with those of open liver resection (OLR). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 110 patients who underwent LLR (n = 59) or open liver resection (OLR) (n = 51) for cHCC between January 2004 and September 2018. LLR group was divided into the following two subgroups according to the date of operation: Group 1 (n = 19) and Group 2 (n = 40), to account for the advancement in the laparoscopic techniques. Results: No mortality within 3 months was observed. There were no significant differences in operation time (285 vs. 280 min; p = 0.938) and postoperative complication rate (22.0% vs. 27.5%; p = 0.510) between both groups. However, intraoperative blood loss (500 vs. 700 mL; p < 0.001), transfusion rate (10.2% vs. 31.4%; p = 0.006), and hospital stay (6 vs. 10 days; p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the LLR group than in the OLR group. In the LLR group, Group 2, showed a shorter hospital stay than Group 1 (6 vs. 8 days; p = 0.006). There were improvements in the operation time (280 vs. 360 min; p = 0.036) and less intraoperative blood loss (455 vs. 500 mL; p = 0.075) in Group 2. Conclusions: We demonstrated that LLR can be safely performed in highly selected patients with cHCC.

Development and Validation of a Difficulty Scoring System for Laparoscopic Liver Resection to Treat Hepatolithiasis.

Background and Objectives: A difficulty scoring system was previously developed to assess the difficulty of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for liver tumors; however, we need another system for hepatolithiasis. Therefore, we developed a novel difficulty scoring system (nDSS) and validated its use for predicting postoperative outcomes. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study. We used clinical data of 123 patients who underwent LLR for hepatolithiasis between 2003 and 2021. We analyzed the data to determine which indices were associated with operation time or estimated blood loss (EBL) to measure the surgical difficulty. We validated the nDSS in terms of its ability to predict postoperative outcomes, namely red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, postoperative hospital stay (POHS), and major complications defined as grade ≥IIIa according to the Clavien−Dindo classification (CDC). Results: The nDSS included five significant indices (range: 5−17; median: 8). The RBC transfusion rate (p < 0.001), POHS (p = 0.002), and major complication rate (p = 0.002) increased with increasing nDSS score. We compared the two groups of patients divided by the median nDSS (low: 5−7; high: 8−17). The operation time (210.7 vs. 240.7 min; p < 0.001), EBL (281.9 vs. 702.6 mL; p < 0.001), RBC transfusion rate (5.3% vs. 37.9%; p < 0.001), POHS (8.0 vs. 13.3 days; p = 0.001), and major complication rate (8.8% vs. 25.8%; p = 0.014) were greater in the high group. Conclusions: The nDSS can predict the surgical difficulty and outcomes of LLR for hepatolithiasis and may help select candidates for the procedure and surgical approach.

Effect of postoperative administration of nafamostat mesilate on posthepatectomy liver failure.

BACKGROUND: To investigate whether the administration of nafamostat mesilate (NM) reduces the risk of posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) in patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the 1114 patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC between 2004 and 2020. NM was selectively administered to patients undergoing major hepatectomy with an estimated blood loss of >500 mL. NM group was administered via intravenous of 20 mg of NM from immediately after surgery until postoperative day 4. We performed 1:1 propensity score matching and included 56 patients in each group. PHLF was defined according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS). RESULTS: The incidence of PHLF was lower in the NM group than control group (P = 0.018). The mean peak total bilirubin (P = 0.006), aspartate transaminase (P = 0.018), and alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.018) levels postoperatively were significantly lower in the NM group. The mean hospital stays (P = 0.012) and major complication rate (P = 0.023) were also significantly lower in the NM group. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic administration of NM reduced the risks of complication and decreased the frequency of PHLF after hepatectomy. A further prospective study is needed to verify our findings.

Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of jejunal varix of the afferent loop after pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Jejunal varix is a concerning late complication after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) due to the risk of recurrent and intractable bleeding. Our aim was to investigate the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of jejunal varix after PD. METHODS: A total of 709 patients who underwent PD between 2007 and 2017 were included. Preoperative and postoperative CT images were reviewed to evaluate the development of portal vein (PV) stenosis (≥50%) and jejunal varices. RESULTS: Jejunal varix developed in 83 (11.7%) patients at a median of 12 months after PD. Eighteen (21.7%) patients experienced variceal bleeding. PV stenosis (P < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] 33.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 15.6-66.7) and PV/superior mesenteric vein resection (P = 0.028; OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.7) were independent risk factors for jejunal varix. Of the nine patients who underwent stent placement for PV stenosis before the formation of jejunal varices, none experienced variceal bleeding. By contrast, 18 (27.3%) of the 135 patients without PV stent placement experienced at least one episode of variceal bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of jejunal varix was substantial after PD. PV stenosis was a strong risk factor for jejunal varix. Early PV stent placement and maintaining stent patency could reduce the risk of variceal bleeding in patients with PV stenosis.

Hepatic Artery Embolization for Postoperative Hemorrhage: Importance of Arterial Collateral Vessels and Portal Venous Impairment.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between hepatic ischemic complications and hepatic artery (HA) collateral vessels and portal venous (PV) impairment after HA embolization for postoperative hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2003 to November 2019, 42 patients underwent HA embolization for postoperative hemorrhage. HA collateral vessels were classified according to visualization after embolization (grade 1, none; grade 2, 1-4 segmental HA; and grade 3, ≥4 segmental HA). Transhepatic portal vein stent placements were performed in the same session for 5 patients (11.9%) with poor HA collateral vessels (grade 1 or 2) and compromised PV flow (>70% stenosis). Hepatic ischemic complications were analyzed for relevance to HA collateral vessels and PV compromise. RESULTS: After HA embolization, HA flow was found to be preserved (grade 3) through intra- and/or extrahepatic collateral vessels in 23 patients (54.8%), and hepatic complications did not occur regardless of PV flow status (0%). Of the 19 patients (45.2%) with poor HA collateral vessels (grade 1 or 2), segmental hepatic infarction occurred in 2 of 15 patients (13.3%) with preserved PV flow (10 naïve and 5 stented). The remaining 4 patients with poor HA collateral vessels and untreated compromised PV flow experienced multisegmental hepatic infarction (n = 3) or hepatic failure (n = 1) (100%) (P < .005). CONCLUSIONS: After HA embolization, preserved HA flow (≥4 segmental HA) lowered the risk of hepatic complications regardless of the PV flow. Based on these findings, transhepatic PV stent placement seems to be an effective intervention for the prevention of hepatic complications in cases of poor HA collateral vessels and compromised PV flow.

Validation of a difficulty scoring system for laparoscopic liver resection in hepatolithiasis.

BACKGROUND: A difficulty scoring system (DSS) based on the extent of liver resection, tumor location, liver function, tumor size, and tumor proximity to major vessels was previously developed to assess the difficulty of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR). Recently, we proposed a modified DSS for patients who undergo LLR for intrahepatic duct (IHD) stones. In this study, we validated the modified DSS for LLR for IHD stones. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical data of 121 patients who underwent LLR for IHD stones between July 2003 and November 2015 and validated the modified DSS in patients who underwent LLR according to their surgical outcomes. We divided the patients into subgroups according to their scores and compared the surgical outcomes, including hospital stay, operation time, blood loss, transfusion rate, and the postoperative complication rate and grade, among the subgroups of patients. RESULTS: The DSS score ranged from 3 to 12 in LLR for IHD stones. The operation time (P < 0.001) significantly increased according to the DSS score. The median hospital stay after surgery (P = 0.024) and transfusion rate (P = 0.001) were significantly different among subgroups of patients divided by their difficulty scores. When we divided the patients into two groups based on the side of liver of resected, the operation time (P < 0.001), mean difficulty score (P < 0.001), and blood loss (P = 0.041) were greater in patients who underwent right liver resection. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical difficulty varies among patients undergoing the same LLR procedure for IHD stones. The modified DSS for IHD stones can effectively predict the surgery outcomes and complications of LLR.

Improved Outcomes of Laparoscopic Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Located in Posterosuperior Segments of the Liver.

BACKGROUND: LLR is widely adapted for HCC, while LLR in PS segments is still challenging. With recent improvement of techniques and accumulation of experiences, LLR in PS segments is feasible, but studies investigating the result after the modifications are lacking. METHODS: In this single-center, retrospective study, 149 patients who underwent LLR for HCC located in PS segments from September 2003 to December 2016 were analyzed. The patients were divided into Group 1 (n=43) and Group 2 (n=106) who underwent LLR before and after 2012, respectively, when advanced techniques including use of intercostal trocars, Pringle maneuver, and semi-lateral position of patient were introduced. Also, these patients were compared with those who underwent open liver resection (OLR; n=124) for HCC in PS segments during the same period. RESULTS: Mean operative time (394.7 minutes vs 331.2 minutes; P=0.013), intraoperative blood loss (1545.8 ml vs 1208.2 ml; P=0.020), and hospital stay (11.6 days vs 9.2, P<0.001) were significantly less in Group 2. Postoperative complication rate (18.6% vs 18.9%; P=0.970), open conversion rate (23% vs 17%; P=0.374), 5-year overall (79% vs 89%; P=0.607) and 5-year disease-free (52% vs 53%; P=0.657) survival rates were not significantly different between the groups. Compared to the OLR group, complication rate (40.3% vs 18.8%; P< 0.001) and hospital stay (17.6 days vs 9.7 days; P< 0.001) were significantly lower in the LLR group. CONCLUSION: The complexity of LLR for HCC in PS segments is being gradually overcome by the introduction of advanced techniques.

Impact of Acute Inflammation on the Survival Outcomes of Patients with Resected Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of acute inflammation on cancer progression is still not well elucidated. Pancreatic head cancer is occasionally associated with acute cholangitis. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biomarker that indicates presence of acute inflammation. METHODS: We reviewed the patients' data with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2004 and 2018. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-one patients were included. Median preoperative CRP was 0.45 mg/dL (0-18.9). Median follow-up duration was 22 months (4-152). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 76.4%, 32.2%, and 22.9%, respectively. Recurrence occurred in 168 cases (57.7%). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 53.9%, 27.1%, and 21.9%, respectively. The median OS was higher in normal CRP patients (27 months) than those with elevated CRP (18 months) (log-rank 0.038). The median DFS was higher in normal CRP patients (17 months) than those with elevated CRP (9 months) (log-rank < 0.001). Predictive factors for OS included BMI, CRP, adjuvant therapy, positive lymph nodes, and microvascular invasion. Predictive factors for DFS included CRP, positive lymph nodes, and microvascular invasion. CONCLUSION: Preoperative CRP was an independent poor prognostic factor for OS and DFS of patients with resected PDAC.

Immunohistochemical markers for hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis after liver resection and liver transplantation.

AIM: There were differences in progression and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after surgery between liver resection (LR) and liver transplantation (LT). In this study, immunohistochemical (IHC) markers associated with the prognosis of HCC were assessed. METHODS: Data were collected from 167 patients who underwent LT (n=41) or LR (n=126) for HCC. IHC markers including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), p53, Ki-67, cytokeratin 7 (CK7), and cytokeratin 19 (CK19) were compared between the treatment methods in tumor tissue. RESULTS: AFP- and p53-negative patients had a significantly higher survival rate than AFP- and p53-positive patients (AFP: disease-free survival [DFS] P=.006, overall survival [OS] P=.016; p53: DFS P=.005, OS P=.038) in the LR group. CK19 was related to DFS (P=.005), while CK7 (P=.014) and CK19 (P=.06) were related to OS in the LT group. When we combined factors that were significant in both groups (LR: AFP and p53, LT: CK7 and CK19), all-negative patients had a higher survival rate (LR: DFS P=.025, OS P=.043, LT: DFS P=.034, OS P=.008). CONCLUSION: p53 and AFP were predictors for poor prognosis of HCC after LR; CK7 and CK19 could be predictors for poor prognosis of patients with HCC after LT.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration using V-Loc suture with insertion of endobiliary stent.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of concomitant gallbladder (GB) and common bile duct (CBD) stones is still variable, without a standard treatment protocol. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy is widely being used, but laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is also being widely performed. We present our method of LCBDE, with anterograde insertion of an endobiliary stent and primary closure of the CBD using unidirectional barbed suture. METHODS: From November 2013 to March 2015, LCBDE was performed on 15 consecutive patients. Chart review was performed to analyze demographic data and perioperative data. After dissection of the GB from the liver bed, the CBD is dissected and a choledochotomy is made. A choledochoscope is inserted in the CBD, and using various methods, CBD stones are extracted. An endobiliary stent is inserted, and the CBD is closed using unidirectional barbed sutures. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 64.7 ± 12.5 years. Of the 15 patients, six patients (40 %) were male and nine patients (60 %) were female. The average operation time and postoperative stay were 90.7 ± 32.5 min and 4.3 ± 1.2 days, respectively. There were no significant complications such as postoperative bleeding, bile leakage, or biliary stricture. CONCLUSIONS: LCBDE using barbed V-Loc suture with insertion of endobiliary stent is a safe, feasible treatment modality that is easily reproducible. Our preliminary results show a zero complication rate, with an acceptable operation time.

Laparoscopic CBD exploration using a V-shaped choledochotomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is a treatment modality for choledocholithiasis. The advantages of this technique are that it is less invasive than conventional open surgery and it permits single-stage management; however, other technical difficulties limit its use. The aim of this article is to introduce our novel technique for LCBDE, which may overcome some of the limitations of conventional LCBDE. Since December 2013, ten patients have undergone LCBDE using a V-shaped choledochotomy (V-CBD). After the confluence of the cystic duct and the CBD were exposed, a V-shaped incision was made along the medial wall of the cystic duct and the lateral wall of the common hepatic duct, which comprise two sides of Calot's triangle. The choledochoscope was inserted into the lumen of the CBD through a V-shaped incision, and all CBD stones were retrieved using a basket or a Fogarty balloon catheter or were irrigated with saline. After CBD clearance was confirmed using the choledochoscope, the choledochotomy was closed with the bard absorbable suture material known as V-loc. RESULTS: The diameter of the CBD ranged from 8 to 30 mm, and the mean size of the stones was 11.6 ± 8.4 mm. The mean operative time was 97.8 ± 30.3 min, and the mean length of the postoperative hospital stay was 6.0 ± 4.6 days. All patients recovered without any postoperative complications, except for one patient who developed postoperative pancreatitis. No conversions to laparotomy were observed, and there were no recurrent stones and no need of T-tube insertion. CONCLUSIONS: This report suggests that our novel technique, known as V-CBD, may represent a feasible and straightforward procedure for treating choledocholithiasis, especially when the CBD is not dilated.

Comparison of Survival Outcomes between Radical Antegrade Modular Pancreatosplenectomy and Conventional Distal Pancreatosplenectomy for Pancreatic Body and Tail Cancer: Korean Multicenter Propensity Score Match Analysis.

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to compare the survival benefit of radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) with conventional distal pancreatosplenectomy (cDPS) in left-sided pancreatic cancer. (2) Methods: A retrospective propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted on 333 patients who underwent RAMPS or cDPS for left-sided pancreatic cancer at four tertiary cancer centers. The study assessed prognostic factors and compared survival and operative outcomes. (3) Results: After PSM, 99 patients were matched in each group. RAMPS resulted in a higher retrieved lymph node count than cDPS (15.0 vs. 10.0, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of R0 resection rate, blood loss, hospital stay, or morbidity. The 5-year overall survival rate was similar in both groups (cDPS vs. RAMPS, 44.4% vs. 45.2%, p = 0.853), and disease-free survival was also comparable. Multivariate analysis revealed that ASA score, preoperative CA19-9, histologic differentiation, R1 resection, adjuvant treatment, and lymphovascular invasion were significant prognostic factors for overall survival. Preoperative CA19-9, histologic differentiation, T-stage, adjuvant treatment, and lymphovascular invasion were independent significant prognostic factors for disease-free survival. (4) Conclusions: Although RAMPS resulted in a higher retrieved lymph node count, survival outcomes were not different between the two groups. RAMPS was a surgical option to achieve R0 resection rather than a standard procedure.