[Examination of Factors Related to Walking Ability in Patients with Abdominal Cancer].

It has been reported that preoperative rehabilitation reduces the risk of postoperative complications. We examined the factors impacting the efficacy of preoperative rehabilitation. Forty-three cancer patients who underwent abdominal surgery after preoperative rehabilitation at our hospital were assessed". Walkable"was defined as having the ability to walk to the toilet(distance>30 meters)without requiring support. Following the clinical path, if patients became"walkable"by the second day after surgery, they belonged to the smooth group, while the remaining patients belonged to the delayed group. We examined the factors influencing walking ability. The smooth group consisted of 34 patients(79%), and the delayed group consisted of 9 patients(21%). The significant factors related to delays in acquiring walking ability were old age and weakened lower limb function. Improving lower limb function through preoperative rehabilitation may lead to patients acquiring walking ability earlier after surgery, especially in older patients.

[Thyroid Metastasis of Rectal Cancer].

A 65-year-old woman underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer with distant metastasis to the right lobe of her liver and mediastinal and right subclavian lymph nodes. Since the postoperative chemotherapy resulted in the disappearance of the lymph node metastasis and diminished hepatic metastasis lesion, the enlarged anterior segment of the liver was performed. She was administered chemotherapy for 1 year after the second surgery. Thoracoabdominal computed tomography performed 18 months after the end of the treatment revealed swelling of the left lobe of the thyroid. Ultrasonography showed a 23mm lobulated hypoechoic tumor in the left lobe of the thyroid gland. We suspected thyroid metastasis by aspiration biopsy cytology. Left thyroid lobectomy was performed for definitive diagnosis and local control. Histological examination revealed thyroid metastasis of the rectal cancer. We experienced a rare case of thyroid metastasis from rectal cancer.

Adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy after surgical resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was determine the effectiveness of adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy for patients with resected pancreatic cancer. METHODOLOGY: Patients with pancreatic carcinoma who underwent pancreatic resection without adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy (n = 11) or with adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy (n = 10) were included. S-1 was administered orally at a dose of 40 mg/m2 twice daily for 28 consecutive days followed by a 14-day pause. The cycle was repeated 4 times. Overall and disease-free survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and statistical differences between groups were analyzed using the log-rank test. RESULTS: The disease-free survival and overall survival were longer among recipients of adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy than among those who received surgery alone (P < 0.05; 5-year disease-free survival rate, 30% versus 0%; 5-year overall survival rate, 65% vs 0%). Although dose reduction was needed in 2 patients because of grade 2 anorexia, only 1 patient with grade 2 hypoalbuminemia discontinued adjuvant chemotherapy because of long-term hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: S-1 administered as a single agent showed promise as an adjuvant chemotherapy for resected pancreatic cancer.

Hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in super-elderly patients aged 80 years and older in the first decade of the 21st century.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the preoperative and postoperative characteristics and prognosis of super-elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Four hundred and thirty-one patients who underwent hepatic resection for HCC were classified into three groups according to their age at the time of surgery: super-elderly (≥80 years; n = 20), elderly (70-80 years; n = 172) and younger (<70 years; n = 239). We compared the clinical characteristics, preoperative and postoperative factors and prognosis among the groups to evaluate whether liver resection is appropriate for super-elderly patients. RESULTS: The liver function was not significantly different among the groups. The proportion of patients with preoperative cardiovascular and respiratory disease and hypertension was higher in the super-elderly group compared to the other groups. The super-elderly group had shorter operations and reduced hemorrhage rates compared to the other groups. Postoperative cardiovascular complications and delirium were more frequently observed in the super-elderly group. The overall and tumor-free survival rates were not significantly different among the groups. Super-elderly patients had a lower rate of liver or HCC-related death and a higher rate of death due to other causes than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Super-elderly HCC patients who are appropriately evaluated and selected might have a favorable prognosis after undergoing hepatic resection.

Aneurysm of Pancreatic Artery in Association with Celiac Axis Stenosis: Report of a Case and Review of the Literatures.

A 63-year-old Japanese woman with a history of pemphigus was referred to us for abnormal findings of dynamic abdominal CT where three aneurysms of splenic artery and pancreaticoduodenal artery, celiac axis compression, and gall stone. Superior mesenteric artery supplied hepatic arterial flow via pancreaticoduodenal artery. Avoiding transarterial embolization to prompt arterial ischemia of liver/pancreas head/duodenum, she laparotomically underwent cholecystectomy, splenectomy, transection of median arcurate ligament, and ligation of splenic and inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery all at once. Postoperative course was uneventful except drainage of abdominal abscess, and she remained well without aneurysm recurring 40 months post. Important point of treatment for pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm associated with celiac artery occlusion/stenosis is both preventive solutions for rupture of aneurysm and hepatic/duodenal/pancreatic arterial ischemia. Remaining main arterial supply for the liver via pancreaticoduodenal artery from superior mesenteric artery would prompt recurrent aneurysm of pancreaticoduodenal artery. When a clinician encounters a case of pancreatic aneurysm associated with celiac axis occlusion, the case should be treated using with multimodality such as interventional radiology, and vascular surgery.

[A Case Report of Successful Chemotherapy with Tegafur/Gimeracil/Oteracil and Nab-Paclitaxel for Gastric Cancer with Chronic Renal Failure].

An 80-year-old Japanese woman with chronic renal failure was diagnosed with gastric cancer and 2 primary colon cancers. The colon cancers were treated with laparoscopic colectomy, but the gastric cancer metastasized to the liver with inoperable dissemination. After operative treatment of the colon cancers, 1 year of combination chemotherapy consisting of tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil (TS-1®) and nab-PTX was administered to treat the advanced gastric cancer. Tegafur is a well-known prodrug of 5-FU. Serum densitometry of 5-FU was performed to determine the correct dose of TS-1®. After completion of chemotherapy, no tumor was detected on gastroscopy or dynamic computed tomography. The patient was well with no recurrence 6 months after completion of chemotherapy. CDDP, CPT-11, 5-FU, PTX, and DTX are known chemotherapy agents for treating gastric cancer. Renal excretion is not involved in the metabolism of CPT-11, 5-FU, PTX, or DTX. These agents are metabolized in the liver. CPT-11 metabolism depends on individual hepatic enzymes. Therefore, we believe that nab-PTX and TS-1® are safe and effective agents for patients with chronic renal failure and advanced gastric cancer. Additionally, we also conclude that using serum densitometry of 5-FU to guide the administration of TS-1® can improve both safety and efficacy.

The long-term outcomes after curative resection for mass-forming intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma associated with hepatitis C viral infection: a multicenter analysis by Osaka Hepatic Surgery Study Group.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection plays an important role in the development of not only hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but also intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). The aim of this study was to identify the specific characteristics of HCV-related ICC. METHODS: Of 90 patients who underwent curative resection for mass-forming ICC, 33 patients had chronic HCV infection. We examined the relationship between HCV infection and the clinicopathologic findings and surgical outcomes. RESULTS: The incidence of simultaneous HCC was significantly higher in patients infected with HCV (30.3%) than in those without HCV infection (5.3%). Four patients were diagnosed with metachronous HCC after resection for HCV-related ICC. Patients with HCV infection had a significantly shorter overall survival time than patients without HCV infection, although there was no difference in ICC tumor-free survival rates between the two groups. Five HCC-related deaths occurred in patients with HCV infection, while none of patients without HCV infection died from HCC. Multivariate analysis indicated that HCV infection, tumor size >5 cm, multiple ICC tumors, and nodal metastases were predictors of poor prognosis in patients who underwent curative resection for mass-forming ICC. CONCLUSIONS: HCV infection was an adverse prognostic factor after curative resection for mass-forming ICC.

Higher complication rate in hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing prophylactic cholecystectomy with curative hepatic resection.

AIMS: We performed a retrospective analysis to evaluate the short and long-term impact of simultaneous prophylactic cholecystectomy with hepatectomy in these patients. METHODS: We identified 642 patients who underwent curative hepatocellular carcinoma resection between 2001 and 2005 at five university hospitals. One hundred and twenty-five hepatocellular carcinoma patients who received left lateral sectionectomy or partial resection in the left lateral and Spiegel lobes were identified and followed. They were divided into two groups, 74 with and 51 without simultaneous cholecystectomy. None of these patients had gallbladder stones or polyps at preoperative diagnosis. RESULTS: Although not statistically significant, the operating time was longer and blood loss was greater in the cholecystectomy group. Patients in the cholecystectomy group had a significantly higher postoperative morbidity rate. Surgical complications according to the Clavien classification differed significantly between the two groups. Variables significantly associated with complications in the univariate and multivariate analyses were simultaneous cholecystectomy and operative blood loss ≥ 1000 ml. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous cholecystectomy of the asymptomatic gallbladder with curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma in the left lateral section or Spiegel lobe resulted in higher postoperative complications. Consequently, the gallbladder should be preserved except in cases of gallbladder stones or polyps.

Carcinosarcoma of the liver: report of a case.

A 64-year-old Japanese woman without a history of viral hepatitis was admitted for investigation of a huge liver mass. The tumor, measuring 14 × 12 × 22 cm, had invaded the diaphragm, right lung, and inferior vena cava. Serum examinations demonstrated high levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and the Child-Pugh score was A. She underwent right lobectomy of the liver and partial resection of the right diaphragm, right lung, and inferior vena cava. Radio- and chemotherapy were also given, but she died of recurrence 3 months after surgery. Microscopically, the tumor exhibited intermingled adenocarcinomatous and atypical mesenchymal components. The carcinomatous component was positive for cytokeratins 7, 19, and 20, chromogranin A, epithelial membrane antigen, c-KIT, and vimentin. The sarcomatous component was positive for vimentin and c-KIT. A review of 36 cases of hepatic carcinosarcoma revealed the following: chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis in 57 % of the patients; increased serum CA19-9 levels in 30 %; a mean tumor diameter of 10 cm; invasion of the adjacent organs or metastasis to distant organs in 47 %; wide intrahepatic infiltration in 44 %; and 50 % survival of only 5 months. Significant differences were seen according to tumor diameter (diameter >5 cm; p < 0.05), wide intrahepatic infiltration (p < 0.05), and extrahepatic invasion/metastasis (p < 0.01). Neither chemotherapy nor radiotherapy contributed to prognosis, but surgical resection resulted in some improvement (p < 0.05).

Fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis after successful interferon and ribavirin therapy for recurrent hepatitis C post living related liver transplantation: a case report.

A 33-year-old Japanese man who had suffered from liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) underwent living related liver transplantation (LRLT). The allograft was given by his brother, who was healthy with no history of hepatitis or hepatic virus infection. After LRLT, the patient's hepatitis C recurred. Liver biopsy revealed chronic viral hepatitis and no allograft rejection such as shown by portal lymphocytic infiltration or mild bridging fibrosis. Interferon and ribavirin were administered, and sustained viral response (SVR) was obtained. Although serum hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA/HCV-RNA polymerase chain reaction found no presence of hepatic virus, the serum examination demonstrated liver dysfunction seven months after SVR. Liver biopsies histopathologically showed portal fibrosis invading to the sinusoids, cholestasis, mild hyperplasia of the cholangioles, and no features of allograft rejection. Fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (FCH) was diagnosed. The FCH was resistant to treatment and advanced, and the patient died 17 months post-LRLT. Several serum examinations failed to demonstrate the existence of HBV/HCV during the patient's course. FCH is a type of viral hepatitis that is characterized by recurrent viral hepatitis after allograft transplantation. Because SVR obtained by anti-viral therapy commonly resolves FCH, we believe that this patient represented a rare case of FCH. The present case suggests that not only direct viral cytotoxicity, but other factors as well, promote the development of fibrosis and cholestasis. FCH sometimes progresses irreversibly despite the absence of serum viral load. The present case informed us that immediate anti-viral therapy should be initiated when recurrent allograft viral hepatitis is diagnosed.

Efficacy of single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy in adults and adolescents using an endolinear stapler.

BACKGROUND: Some investigators recently introduced transumbilical single-incisional laparoscopic appendectomy (SILA), however, those SILA require expensive surgical instruments, or difficult technique. We uniquely propose performing SILA using with endolinear stapler, and compare the clinical results of the present SILA with those of conventional laparoscopic appendectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In brief, the skin of the umbilical hollow is cut, the anterior layer of the rectus sheath and subcutaneous fat is exfoliated widely, and the linea alba is opened. Two low-profile 5-mm-diameter trocars are stabbed through the right rectus sheath, and a 12-mm-diameter trocar is inserted from the opened linea alba. Using a 5-mm laparoscope, and endolinear stapler, the appendix is dissected. Some clinical and operative data of 16 cases treated the present SILA are compared with those of 35 cases treated conventional laparoscopic appendectomy. RESULTS: We performed the present SILA for 16 patients consisted of young women mostly, compared with cases treated conventional laparoscopic appendectomy (mean, 26-year-old vs 51-year-old, p < 0.0001). The results of the SILA we have proposed in adults and adolescents are good in terms of operation time (mean, 64 minutes vs 89.3 minutes, p = 0.049), duration of hospitalization (mean, 4.2 days vs 8.1 days, p = 0.0038), and low frequency of intra- and postoperative complications (one patient of postoperative umbilical granuloma). CONCLUSIONS: We assume that convenience of surgical procedure of the present SILA would affect the shortness of operation time, and that minimal invasive surgical stress of the present SILA would reduce perioperative stress of appendicitis, and ameliorate adolescents with appendicitis earlier. We believe that the SILA we have proposed offers advantages in diversion of conventional surgical instruments, similarity to conventional manipulation of laparoscopic forceps, usage of an endoscopic stapler able to cut cecum in cases of advanced appendicitis extending to the cecum, and obviation of extra-abdominal appendectomy demanding excessive traction of the appendix.

Clinicopathological features of recurrence in patients after 10-year disease-free survival following curative hepatic resection of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to clarify the clinicopathologic features of long-term disease-fee survival after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: This retrospective study identified 940 patients who underwent curative resection of HCC between 1991 and 2000 at five university hospitals. Seventy-four patients with 10 years of recurrence-free survival were identified and followed up. They were divided into two groups, 60 recurrence-free and 14 with recurrence after a 10-year recurrence-free period. RESULTS: Overall survival rates of recurrence and non-recurrence groups were 68 and 91 % at 16 years, and 34 and 91 % at 20 years (p = 0.02), respectively. There were five (36 %), and two deaths (3 %), respectively, after 10 recurrence-free years. A second resection for recurrence was performed in four patients (29 %), and mean survival was 15.3 years after the first hepatectomy. Although three patients in the non-recurrence group (5 %) developed esophageal and/or gastric varices, seven patients in the recurrence group (50 %) developed varices during 10 years (p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, preoperative and 10-year platelet count was identified as a favorable independent factor for maintained recurrence-free survival after a 10-year recurrence-free period following curative hepatic resection of HCC. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence of HCC may occur even after a 10-year recurrence-free period. Long-term follow-up after resection of HCC is important, and should be life-long. Patients with higher preoperative and 10-year platelet counts are more likely to have long-term survival after resection. A low platelet count, related to the degree of liver fibrosis, is a risk factor for recurrence and survival of HCC after curative resection.

Nutritional risk index as an independent predictive factor for the development of surgical site infection after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

PURPOSE: Malnutrition has been considered a risk factor for the development of a surgical site infection (SSI). The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between preoperative nutritional screening scores and the development of SSI after pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: We examined 64 patients who had undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy. Their clinical data, nutritional risk index (NRI), and nutritional risk screening 2002 (NRS-2002) score were recorded. SSIs were diagnosed according to the definitions of wound infection established by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and were confirmed by a microbiological examination. Data were analyzed using the Fisher exact probability method and a multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: SSIs developed in 21 patients (33 %). Eleven patients had wound infections, and 14 patients had an intra-abdominal abscess. A univariate analysis of perioperative factors revealed that a pancreatic fistula, the NRS-2002, and the NRI were significantly associated with the development of SSI (p < 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a pancreatic fistula and the NRI were independent risk factors for SSI. By analyzing the pre- and intra-operative factors after excluding the 11 patients with pancreatic fistulas, the NRI was still an independent risk factor for SSI. CONCLUSION: The present study showed the NRI to be an independent factor for predicting the risk of SSI after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Management of postoperative intraabdominal abscess in laparoscopic versus open appendectomy.

BACKGROUND: Complicated appendicitis (gangrenous or perforated appendicitis) is a risk for postoperative intraabdominal abscess, but management of intraabdominal abscess may differ between laparoscopic and open appendectomy. METHODS: We reviewed 67 patients who underwent appendectomy for complicated appendicitis, including 26 who received laparoscopic appendectomy (LA group) and 41 who underwent open appendectomy (OA group). The operation was performed under general anesthesia in all 26 patients in the LA group and in 10 (24%) in the OA group. Patient characteristics, operative factors, and postoperative complications (especially postoperative intraabdominal abscess) were compared between the two groups. Management of postoperative intraabdominal abscess was also investigated. RESULTS: Postoperative intraabdominal abscess occurred in 3 patients (12%) in the LA group and in 10 (24%) in the OA group (p = 0.23). All 3 patients in the LA group were treated conservatively. Of the 10 patients in the OA group, 6 were treated conservatively, but 4 needed a reoperation, including 3 who had undergone right pararectal skin incision under spinal analgesia and in whom sufficient irrigation was not possible because anesthesia had worn off. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that insertion of abdominal drainage may be appropriate treatment for intraabdominal abscess after laparoscopic appendectomy. Light anesthesia may induce residual abscess in open appendectomy performed under spinal analgesia.

Histologically proven hepatocellular carcinoma associated with burned-out nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

A 64-year-old Japanese man was referred to our hospital because of liver dysfunction. He had no history of alcohol intake, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, and he was negative for hepatitis viral markers. His body mass index was 30.6 kg/m2. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance was 6.1. Liver biopsy revealed mild steatosis, moderate inflammation, ballooning degeneration, and portal fibrosis with bridging fibrosis; on the basis of these findings, the diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis was made. Thereafter, follow-up imaging study was performed every 4 months. At 16 months after liver biopsy, a 3 cm hepatic lesion was detected in the right hepatic lobe by computed tomography. Dynamic computed tomography revealed a hepatic tumor enhanced with contrast medium during the arterial phase and a low-density area during the portal phase. Based on the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, partial hepatectomy was performed. Histological examination revealed a moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma accompanied by liver cirrhosis without steatosis or ballooning degeneration. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma arising from burned-out nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

The influence of postoperative glycemic control on recurrence after curative resection in diabetics with hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the influence of diabetes on tumor recurrence after curative resection for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: A total of 100 patients who underwent curative resection for solitary HCV-related HCC were analyzed. Data from 26 patients with diabetes were compared to those of 74 patients without diabetes. The two groups were matched in terms of presence of cirrhosis, Child-Pugh classification, and tumor size (within 10%). RESULTS: Tumor-free survival rates were 45% and 48% at 3 years and 27% and 27% at 5 years in patients with and without diabetes, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the tumor-free survival rates between patients with and without diabetes. Tumor-free survival rates were 66% and 27% at 3 years in patients with normal postoperative glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level (HbA1c, <6.5%) and elevated postoperative HbA1c level (HbA1c, ≥6.5%), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that poor glycemic control (HbA1c, ≥6.5%) was associated with postoperative tumor recurrence in patients with diabetes [odds ratio (OR) = 3.551, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.129-11.172, P = 0.030]. CONCLUSIONS: Careful control of plasma glucose should be performed to prevent tumor recurrence after curative resection for HCV-related HCC in patients with diabetes.

Long-term outcome of surgical treatment for ampullary carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We aimed to clarify the surgical indication and describe the long-term surgical outcome for ampullary carcinoma. METHODOLOGY: The long-term outcomes of 23 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy were retrospectively reviewed. The prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival and overall survival after surgery were investigated. RESULTS: The cancer-specific 5-, 10- and 20-year survival rates after resection of the ampullary carcinoma were 52%, 43% and 43%, respectively, while the corresponding overall survival rates were 52%, 32% and 24%, respectively. Ten of the 11 patients with recurrent ampullary carcinoma died within 5 years after surgery. Four patients died because of pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, old age after curative resection of gastric cancer, and pneumonia at later than 5 years after the surgery. The risk factors for the short cancer-specific survival period were pancreatic invasion and lymph node metastasis, while those for the short overall survival period were pancreatic invasion and the tumor grade. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that recurrence of ampullary carcinoma within 5 years after its resection, especially in patients with pancreatic invasion or lymph node metastasis and development of other diseases after more than 5 years after the surgery should be carefully investigated.

Features and outcome after liver resection for non-B non-C hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We investigated the clinicopathological findings and outcome after surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients without hepatitis B or C virus infection. METHODOLOGY: Among 562 patients who underwent curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma, the sera from 97 patients (B group) were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen alone, sera from 355 patients (C group) were positive for anti-hepatitis C virus antibody alone and sera from 104 patients (NBNC group) were negative for both hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-hepatitis C virus antibody. We compared the clinicopathological findings and postoperative outcomes in the 3 groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and alcohol abuse were higher in the NBNC group than in the other groups. The prevalence of obesity was higher in the NBNC group than in the B group. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis was detected in 16 NBNC patients. The tumor- free survival rate was higher in the NBNC group than in the C group. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, alcohol abuse and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis were the possible risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in the NBNC group. The patients in the NBNC group are expected to show a better outcome as compared to patients in the C group.

A simple, noninvasively determined index predicting hepatic failure following liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: A novel index, the serum aspartate aminotransferase activity/platelet count ratio index (APRI), has been identified as a biochemical surrogate for histological fibrogenesis and fibrosis in cirrhosis. We evaluated the ability of preoperative APRI to predict hepatic failure following liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: Potential preoperative risk factors for postoperative hepatic failure (hepatic coma with hyperbilirubinemia, four patients; intractable pleural effusion or ascites, 30 patients; and variceal bleeding, one patient) as well as APRI were evaluated in 366 patients undergoing liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. Prognostic significance was determined by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Hepatic failure developed postoperatively in 30 patients, causing death in four. APRI correlated with histological intensity of hepatitis activity and degree of hepatic fibrosis, and was significantly higher in patients who developed postoperative hepatic failure than in others without failure. Risk of postoperative hepatic failure increased as the serum albumin concentration and platelet count decreased and as indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities, and APRI increased. Only APRI was an independent preoperative factor on multivariate analysis. Of the four patients who died of postoperative hepatic failure, three had an APRI of at least 10. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative APRI independently predicted hepatic failure following liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients with an APRI of 10 or more have a high risk of postoperative hepatic failure.

Reconstruction of hepatic veins by anastomosis with suprahepatic IVC in the posterior mediastinum in living donor liver transplantation for Budd-Chiari syndrome.

In living donor liver transplantation for Budd-Chiari syndrome, it is necessary to eliminate interference with outflow from the liver without the replacement of the involved retrohepatic segment of the inferior vena cava. A 34-year-old female patient underwent living donor liver transplantation for Budd-Chiari syndrome. During surgery, the fibrous tissue surrounding the recipient inferior vena cava was dissected after removal of the recipient liver. The diaphragm was dissected and mobilized from the inferior vena cava on the cranial side to expose the intact inferior vena cava in the posterior mediastinum. The left and middle hepatic veins in the graft liver were anastomosed to a horizontal anastomotic orifice prepared in the anterior wall of the intact inferior vena cava in the posterior mediastinum. Anticoagulant therapy was begun after liver transplantation. Dynamic computed tomography after living donor liver transplantation demonstrated patent hepatic veins. The patient has been doing well, without any episode of thrombosis or occlusion of the graft hepatic veins at 1 year and 6 months after liver transplantation.