Utilization of the modified Kama scoring system for predicting bail-out cholecystectomy: a valuable tool in the era of rising laparoscopic surgery prevalence.

PURPOSE: Recently, bail-out cholecystectomy (BOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy to avoid severe complications, such as vasculobiliary injury, has become widely used and increased in prevalence. However, current predictive factors or scoring systems are insufficient. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to test the validity of existing scoring systems and determine a suitable cutoff value for predicting BOC. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed 305 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and divided them into a total cholecystectomy group (n = 265) and a BOC group (n = 40). Preoperative and operative findings were collected, and cutoff values for the existing scoring systems (Kama's and Nassar's) were modified using a prospectively maintained database. RESULTS: The BOC rate was 13% with no severe complications. A logistic regression analysis revealed that the Kama's score (odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval 0.91-0.96; P < 0.01) was an independent predictor of BOC. A cutoff value of 6.5 points gave an area under the curve of 0.81, with a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 67%. CONCLUSIONS: Kama's difficulty scoring system with a modified cutoff value (6.5 points) is effective for predicting BOC.

Introduction of robotic pancreatoduodenectomy following phase 2a IDEAL guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD) is a newly introduced procedure, which is still evolving and lacks standardization. An objective assessment is essential to investigate the feasibility of RPD. The current study aimed to assess our initial ten cases of RPD based on IDEAL (Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, and Long-term study) guidelines. METHODS: This was a prospective phase 2a study following the IDEAL framework. Ten consecutive cases of RPD performed by two surgeons with expertise in open procedures at a single center were assigned to the study. With objective evaluation, each case was classified into four grades according to the achievements of the procedures. Errors observed in the previous case were used to inform the procedure in the next case. The surgical outcomes of the ten cases were reviewed. RESULTS: The median total operation time was 634 min (interquartile range [IQR], 594-668) with a median resection time of 363 min (IQR, 323-428) and reconstruction time of 123 min (IQR, 107-131). The achievement of the whole procedure was graded as A, "successful", in two patients. In two patients, reconstruction was performed with a mini-laparotomy due to extensive pneumoperitoneum, probably caused by insertion of a liver retractor from the xyphoid. Major postoperative complications occurred in two patients. One patient, in whom the jejunal limb was elevated through the Treitz ligament, had a bowel obstruction and needed to undergo re-laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS: RPD is feasible when performed by surgeons experienced in open procedures. Specific considerations are needed to safely introduce RPD.

A patient alive without disease 32 months after conversion surgery following lenvatinib treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma with a tumor thrombus originating in the middle hepatic vein and reaching the right atrium via the suprahepatic vena cava: a case report.

Conversion surgery for initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma appears to be increasing in incidence since the advent of new molecular target drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors; however, reports on long-term outcomes are limited and the prognostic relevance of this treatment strategy remains unclear. Herein, we report the case of a 75-year-old man with hepatocellular carcinoma, 108 mm in diameter, accompanied by a tumor thrombus in the middle hepatic vein that extended to the right atrium via the suprahepatic vena cava. He underwent conversion surgery after preceding lenvatinib treatment and is alive without disease 51 months after the commencement of treatment and 32 months after surgery. Just before conversion surgery, after 19 months of lenvatinib treatment, the main tumor had reduced in size to 72 mm in diameter, the tip of the tumor thrombus had receded back to the suprahepatic vena cava, and the tumor thrombus vascularity was markedly reduced. The operative procedure was an extended left hepatectomy with concomitant middle hepatic vein resection. The tumor thrombus was removed under total vascular exclusion via incision of the root of the middle hepatic vein. Histopathological examination revealed that more than half of the liver tumor and the tumor thrombus were necrotic.