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.

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.

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.

Essential updates 2021/2022: Update in surgical strategy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Resection is the only potential curative treatment for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC); however, complete resection is often technically challenging due to the anatomical location. Various innovative approaches and procedures were invented to circumvent this limitation but the rates of postoperative morbidity (20%-78%) and mortality (2%-15%) are still high. In patients diagnosed with resectable PHC, deliberate and coordinated preoperative workup and optimization of the patient and future liver remnant are crucial. Biliary drainage is recommended to relieve obstructive jaundice and optimize the clinical condition before liver resection. Biliary drainage for PHC can be performed either by endoscopic biliary drainage or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. To date there is no consensus about which method is preferred. The volumetric assessment of the future remnant liver volume and optimization mainly using portal vein embolization is the gold standard in the management of the risk to develop post hepatectomy liver failure. The improvement of systemic chemotherapy has contributed to prolong the survival not only in patients with unresectable PHC but also in patients undergoing curative surgery. In this article, we review the literature and discuss the current surgical treatment of PHC.

Successful Treatment of a Case of Metallo-Beta-Lactamase-Producing Raoultella ornithinolytica Bacteremia by Antimicrobial Stewardship Team Intervention and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring-Based Amikacin Treatment.

An 80-year-old woman underwent pancreatoduodenectomy. Post-operation, she experienced a fever, and a culture of blood revealed metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Raoultella ornithinolytica. For treatments with aminoglycoside antimicrobial agents, a therapeutic drug monitoring-based dosing design can lower the risk of adverse events and enable appropriate treatment. Key Clinical Message. When aminoglycoside antimicrobial agents are administered for MBL-producing bacteremia, prescription suggestions based on TDM by antimicrobial stewardship team can reduce the occurrence of adverse events and enable appropriate treatment.

Sequential therapy of portal vein embolization and systemic chemotherapy for locally advanced perihilar biliary tract cancer.

BACKGROUND: Curative resection is the only potential treatment for cure in patients with perihilar biliary tract cancer (PBTC). However, post hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) due to insufficient future liver remnant volume (FRLV) remains a lingering risk even after portal vein embolization (PVE). This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of a sequential treatment strategy consisting of PVE followed by preoperative chemotherapy before surgery. METHODS: Between April 2019 and December 2021, 15 patients with locally advanced PBTC (LA-PBTC) underwent sequential treatment consisting of PVE followed by preoperative chemotherapy. The feasibility and efficacy, including resection rate, changes of FRLV, and chemotherapeutic effect, were investigated retrospectively. RESULTS: Thirteen of 15 patients (86.6%) underwent curative resection. The median duration time between PVE and surgery was 144 days. FRLV/TLV ratio was 31.3% at prePVE, 38.4%, at two weeks after PVE, and 45.7% before surgery, respectively. There was significant increase in FRLV/TLV ratio two weeks after PVE. Additional increase in FRLV/TLV ratio was significantly achieved before surgery. PHLF occurred in 5 patients (38.4%). Pathological complete response was found in 2 of 13 patients (15.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Sequential PVE and systemic chemotherapy contribute to the sufficient hypertrophy of FRLV without compromising resectability in patients with LA-PBTC.

Segmental resection with partial mesopancreatic and mesojejunal excision (pMME) for duodenal carcinoma of the third or fourth portion.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatoduodenectomy is the standard procedure for duodenal carcinoma of the third or fourth portion. As an alternative option, we developed a novel segmental resection (SR) with partial mesopancreatic and mesojejunal excision (pMME) that enhances radicality. In this report, the surgical technique with video and outcomes are described. METHOD: We performed SR with pMME on seven consecutive patients with third or fourth duodenal carcinoma between 2009 and 2021. We divided the procedure into four sections, including (1) wide Kocher's maneuver, (2) supracolic anterior artery-first approach, (3) dissection of the mesopancreas and mesojejunum, and (4) devascularization of the uncinate process and dissection of duodenum. RESULT: Median operative time was 348 min (range, 222-391 min), and median blood loss was 100 mL (range, 30-580 mL). Major complications of Clavien-Dindo classification grade 3a or more occurred in one patient. All patients achieved R0 resections with 10 mm or more proximal margin. Six cases (85%) were alive without recurrence. CONCLUSION: We developed a radical and safe procedure of SR with pMME as an alternative and less invasive approach for duodenal carcinoma of the third or fourth portion.

Anatomic Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Prognostic Impact Assessed from Recurrence Treatment.

BACKGROUND: The oncologic advantage of anatomic resection (AR) for primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical advantages of AR for primary HCC by using propensity score-matching and by assessing treatment strategies for recurrence after surgery. METHODS: The study reviewed data of patients who underwent AR or non-anatomic resection (NAR) for solitary HCC (≤ 5 cm) in two institutions between 2004 and 2017. Surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups in a propensity score-adjusted cohort. The time-to-interventional failure (TIF), defined as the elapsed time from resection to unresectable/unablatable recurrence, also was evaluated. RESULTS: The inclusion criteria were met by 250 patients: 77 patients (31%) with AR and 173 patients (69%) with NAR. In the propensity score-matched populations (AR, 67; NAR, 67), the 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) for AR was better than for NAR (62% vs 35%; P = 0.005). No differences, however, were found in the 5-year overall survival between the two groups (72% vs 78%; P = 0.666). The 5-year TIF rates for the NAR group (60%) also were similar to those for the AR group (66%) (P = 0.413). In the cohort of 67 patients, curative repeat resection or ablation therapy was performed more frequently for the NAR patients (42%) than for the AR patients (10%) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: For solitary HCC, AR decreases recurrence after the initial hepatectomy. However, aggressive curative-intent interventions for recurrence compensate for the impaired RFS, even for patients undergoing NAR.

A case report of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, with particular reference to preoperative diagnosis, value of molecular genetic diagnosis, and cell origin.

BACKGROUND: Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC) is a liver tumor that occurs almost exclusively in young adults without underlying liver disease. In spite of its distinct clinical characteristics and specific imaging findings, preoperative diagnosis is often difficult due to the extremely low incidence of the tumor. Although FL-HCC shows particular morphological features on H&E-stained tissue sections, differential diagnosis from ordinary HCC, especially the scirrhous variant of HCC, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma needs additional immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses and/or molecular genetic testing. CASE PRESENTATION: A 21-year-old male patient was referred to our hospital for further evaluation of a large liver mass. Abdominal ultrasound examination, contrast-enhanced computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-defined hypervascular lobulated liver mass, 11 × 11 cm in diameter, with a central scar and calcification, in segments 5/8. Under the diagnosis of FL-HCC, we carried out extended anterior sectorectomy, including a part of segment 4. On microscopic examination, the tumor was composed of proliferating polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm containing nuclei with vesicular chromatin and enlarged nucleoli, in an abundant stroma. Collagen fibers arranged in a parallel lamellar pattern were seen in the tumor stroma. These findings, together with the results of subsequent IHC analyses using HAS, CK7, and CD 67, we made the diagnosis of FL-HCC, which was further confirmed by detection of the DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion gene in the tumor cells by RT-PCR. CONCLUSION: FL-HCC shows distinct imaging appearances. Although it also has characteristic morphological features, combined use of IHC and/or molecular genetic studies are necessary for the final diagnosis.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy after endoscopic trans-papillary gallbladder stenting for acute cholecystitis: a pilot study of surgical feasibility.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) is indicated for patients with acute cholecystitis (AC) who are not indicated for urgent surgery, but external tubes reduce quality of life (QOL) while waiting for elective surgery. The objective of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of laparoscopic cholecystectomy after endoscopic trans-papillary gallbladder stenting (ETGBS) comparing with after PTGBD. METHODS: Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of patients with ETGBS and PTGBD were retrospectively compared. RESULTS: Eighteen ETGBS and ten PTGBD patients were compared. Differences in the duration of ETGBS and PTGBD [median 209 min (range 107-357) and median 161 min (range 130-273), respectively, P = 0.10], median blood loss [ETGBS 2 (range 2-180 ml) and PTGBD 24 (range 2-100 ml), P = 0.89], switch to laparotomy (ETGBS 11% and PTGBD 20%, P = 0.52), and median postoperative hospital stay [ETGBS 8 (range 4-24 days) and ETGBS 8 (range 4-16 days), P = 0.99]. Thickening of the cystic duct that occurred in 60% of the ETGBS patients and none of the PTGBD patients (P = 0.005) interfered with closure of the duct by clipping. No obstruction occurred in ETGBS patients. CONCLUSION: ETGBS did not make laparoscopic cholecystectomy less feasible than after PTGBD. This is a pilot study, and further investigations are needed to validate the results of the present study.

Simulation training in pancreatico-jejunostomy using an inanimate biotissue model improves the technical skills of hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgical fellows.

BACKGROUND: Technical proficiency of the operating surgeons is one of the most important factors in the safe performance of pancreaticoduodenectomy. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether surgical simulation of pancreatico-jejunostomy (PJ) using an inanimate biotissue model could improve the technical proficiency of hepato-biliary pancreatic (HBP) surgical fellows. METHODS: The biotissue drill consisted of sewing biotissues to simulate PJ. The drill was repeated a total of five times by each of the participant surgical fellows. The improvement of the surgical fellows' technical proficiency was evaluated by the supervisor surgeons using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) scale. RESULTS: Eight HBP surgical fellows completed all the 5 drills. Both the OSATS 25 score and OSATS summary score, assessed by the two supervisor surgeons, improved steadily with repeated execution of the PJ drill. The average OSATS score, as assessed by both the supervisor surgeons, improved significantly from the first to the final drill, with a P value of 0.003 and 0.014 for the assessment by the two surgeons, respectively. On the other hand, no chronological alteration was observed in time of procedure (P = 0.788). CONCLUSION: Repeated execution of a biotissue PJ drill improved the HBP surgical fellows' technical proficiency, as evaluated by OSATS. The present study lends support to the evidence that simulation training can contribute to shortening of the time required to negotiate the learning curve for the technique of PJ in the actual operating room.

Re-evaluation of the Couinaud classification for segmental anatomy of the right liver, with particular attention to the relevance of cranio-caudal boundaries.

BACKGROUND: Although the Couinaud classification of liver segments has been challenged by several studies, whether the cranio-caudal boundaries can be delineated in the right liver has not yet been assessed. This study scrutinized the third-order branching pattern of the portal vein in the right liver with attention to the validity of cranio-caudal segmentation. METHODS: Three-dimensional reconstruction of the portal vein and hepatic vein, using non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 50 healthy participants. RESULTS: In the right paramedian sector, the portal vein ramified into 2 thick P8s (P8vent and P8dor) in all the participants. Additional thick P8s that ran laterally and/or medially (P8lat and/or P8med) were observed in 18 (32%) participants. In contrast, multiple thin P5s, ranging in number from 2 to 6 (median, 4), branched from the right paramedian trunk, the right portal trunk, and/or even from P8s. In the right lateral sector, an arch-like type in which multiple P6s ramified from a single thick P7 was observed in 26 (52%) participants. A bifurcation type composed of a single P7 and a single P6 was observed in 23 (46%) participants, and a trifurcation type was observed in 1 participant. CONCLUSION: No clear cranio-caudal intersegmental plane could be delineated in the right liver in most of the participants. The resection of a whole Couinaud segment in the right liver should not be regarded as a systematic, anatomic resection from an oncologic viewpoint. In contrast, detailed information on the third-order portal vein ramification pattern is likely to be helpful when performing smaller anatomic resections.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy with reconstructing blood flow of the gastric conduit after esophagectomy with concomitant celiac axis stenosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy after esophageal resection is technically difficult, because blood flow of the gastric conduit should be preserved. Celiac axis stenosis (CAS) is also a problem for pancreaticoduodenectomy, because arterial blood supply for the liver comes mainly through the collateral route from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) via the gastroduodenal artery (GDA). Herein, we report the case of a patient with pancreatic head cancer who underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy after esophagectomy with concomitant CAS. CASE PRESENTATION: A 76-year-old man with pancreatic head cancer was referred to our department. He had a history of esophagectomy with retrosternal gastric conduit reconstruction for esophageal cancer. Computed tomography showed severe CAS and a dilated collateral route between the SMA and the splenic artery (SPA). We prepared several surgical options depending on the intraoperative findings, and performed radical pancreaticoduodenectomy with concomitant resection of the distal gastric conduit. The right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) of the remnant gastric conduit was fed from the left middle colic artery (MCA) with microvascular anastomosis. Despite CAS, when the GDA was dissected and clamped, good blood flow was confirmed, and the proper hepatic artery did not require reconstruction. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 90. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully performed radical pancreaticoduodenectomy after esophagectomy with concomitant CAS, having prepared multiple surgical options depending upon the intraoperative findings.

Optimal indication criteria for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: There are no optimal indication criteria for neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases (CLM). The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the survival benefit of selective NAC administration in this patient population based on tumor characteristics. METHODS: Borderline resectable CLM (BR-CLM) were defined as four or more liver metastases, CLM larger than 5 cm, or CLM with concomitant resectable extrahepatic metastases. From 2010 to 2015, NAC was administered to BR-CLM patients. Upfront surgery without NAC was performed to patients having clearly resectable CLM (less than 3 lesions, smaller than 5 cm, and no extrahepatic metastases: CR-US group). Survival outcomes of the two groups were assessed. RESULTS: The BR-NAC group comprised 73 patients and the CR-US group 172. All patients in the BR-NAC group underwent subsequent resection, as none showed disease progression or chemotherapy-associated liver damage. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates of the CR-US group were 83.0% and 74.0%, while patients in the BR-NAC group had comparable 3-year and 5-year overall survivals (80.5% and 66.6%, P = 0.397). CONCLUSION: Defining BR-CLM based on tumor characteristics optimizes patient selection for NAC. Favorable overall survival can be achieved by upfront surgery in patients with clearly resectable CLM and by NAC in patients with BR-CLM.

Significance of hypovascular lesions on dynamic computed tomography and/or gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The natural course and clinical implications of hypovascular lesions on dynamic computed tomography and/or gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging were investigated. METHODS: We followed the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent hepatectomy between April 2009 and August 2012 to determine whether new classical HCCs developed from these unresected borderline lesions or emerged in different areas. RESULTS: One hundred and eleven patients with HCC were identified to have undergone examinations using both imaging methods before hepatic resection. A total of 54 hypovascular lesions were detected. Gadolinium ethoxybenzyl-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging detected 51 lesions, while dynamic computed tomography identified 21 lesions. Eleven lesions were resected at the time of the hepatectomy together with the main HCCs. Classical HCCs had developed from 52.5% of the 43 unresected lesions at 3 years after hepatic resection. Subsequently, we conducted a patient-by-patient analysis to compare the development of classical HCC from these hypovascular lesions and the emergence of de novo classical HCC in other areas. The 3-year occurrence rate was 62.2% for the former group and 55.0% for the latter group (P = 0.83). Thus, although 52.2% of these hypovascular lesions had developed into classical HCCs at 3 years after the initial hepatectomy, de novo HCCs also occurred at other sites. Furthermore, new hypovascular lesions emerged after hepatectomy in 18-29% of patients irrespective of the presence or absence of hypovascular lesions at hepatectomy. CONCLUSIONS: It remains uncertain whether these hypovascular lesions should be resected together with the main tumors at the time of hepatectomy.

Asymptomatic Pancreatic Cancer: Does Incidental Detection Impact Long-Term Outcomes?

BACKGROUND: Detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in asymptomatic patients is very rare, and the clinical implication of early detection of asymptomatic PDAC remains unclear. METHODS: This retrospective study included 569 consecutive patients with PDAC treated in our institution (250 underwent surgical resection and 319 had unresectable PDAC). The patients' demographics, tumor locations, pathologic stages, treatment, and overall survival (OS) were compared between the asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. RESULTS: In total, 163 (29%) patients presented without subjective symptoms. These patients had an earlier stage of PDAC on presentation (p < 0.001), higher resectability rate (64 vs. 36%, p < 0.001), and higher 5-year OS rate (18 vs. 7%, p < 0.001) than patients with symptoms. Among the patients who underwent resection, asymptomatic patients did not have a significantly higher chance of complete resection (88 vs. 78%, p = 0.06) or 5-year OS rate (23 vs. 22%, p = 0.09). However, symptomatic patients more often required complex operations such as concomitant vascular resection and reconstruction (57 vs. 29%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic PDAC is associated with better long-term outcomes than symptomatic PDAC because of the earlier stage at presentation and higher chance of resectability. Our findings highlight the potential implication of screening programs for early detection of PDAC in selected high-risk populations.

Use of intercostal trocars for laparoscopic resection of subphrenic hepatic tumors.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the detailed surgical techniques of laparoscopic hepatectomy using intercostal transthoracic trocars for subcapsular tumors located in segment VII or VIII. METHODS: Intercostal transthoracic trocars were used in patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy for tumors located in segment VII or VIII. Following establishment of pneumoperitoneum and placement of abdominal trocars, balloon-tipped trocars were inserted into the abdominal cavity from the intercostal space and through the pleural space and diaphragm. Upon placement of the intercostal trocars, the lung edge was confirmed by ultrasonography and laparoscopic examination. Following minimal mobilization of the right liver, hemispherical wedge resection of segment VII or VIII was performed using the intercostal trocars as a camera port or for the forceps of the surgeon's left hand. After the hepatectomy, the holes in the diaphragm were sutured closed. RESULTS: Among the 79 patients who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy, intercostal trocars were used in 14 patients for resection of tumors located in segment VII (4 nodules) or VIII (10 nodules). The median (range) operation time and amount of blood loss for hepatectomy were 225 (109-477) min and 60 (20-310) mL, respectively. No postoperative complications associated with hepatectomy or the use of intercostal trocars occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Use of intercostal transthoracic trocars is safe and effective not only for complicated laparoscopic hepatectomy but also for hemispherical wedge resections of subcapsular hepatic tumors located in segment VII or VIII.

Randomized Controlled Trial for Evaluation of the Routine Use of Nasogastric Tube Decompression After Elective Liver Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The value of routine nasogastric tube (NGT) decompression after elective hepatetctomy is not yet established. Previous studies in the setting of non-liver abdominal surgery suggested that the use of NGT decreased the incidence of nausea or vomiting, while increasing the frequency of pulmonary complications. STUDY DESIGN: Out of a total of 284 consecutive patients undergoing hepatectomy, 210 patients were included in this study. The patients were randomized to a group that received NGT decompression (NGT group; n = 108), in which a NGT was left in place after surgery until the patient passed flatus or stool, or a group that did not receive NGT decompression (no-NGT group; n = 102), in which the NGT was removed at the end of surgery. RESULTS: There were no differences between the NGT group and no-NGT group in terms of the overall morbidity (34.3 vs 35.3 %; P = 0.99), incidence of pulmonary complications (18.5 vs 19.5 %; P = 0.84), frequency of postoperative vomiting (6.5 vs 7.8 %; P = 0.70), time to start of oral intake (median (range) 3 (2-6) vs 3 (2-6) days; P = 0.69), or postoperative duration of hospital stay (19 (7-74) vs 18 (9-186) days; P = 0.37). In the no-NGT group, three patients required reinsertion of the tube 0 (0-3) days after surgery. In the NGT group, severe discomfort was recorded in five patients. CONCLUSIONS: Routine NGT decompression after elective hepatectomy does not appear to have any advantages.

Parenchymal-Sparing Hepatectomy Does Not Increase Intrahepatic Recurrence in Patients with Advanced Colorectal Liver Metastases.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic impact of major hepatectomy (MH) on liver recurrence has yet to be clarified in patients with advanced colorectal liver metastases (CLMs). METHODS: In our institute, parenchymal-sparing hepatectomy (PSH) is a standard procedure for CLMs consistently throughout initial and repeat resection, and MH is selected only in cases in which CLMs are close to major Glisson's pedicles. We reviewed 145 patients who underwent curative hepatectomy for advanced CLMs (≥4 nodules and ≤50 mm in size) from 1999 to 2012. Surgical outcomes and survival were compared between patients who underwent PSH and MH. RESULTS: PSH was performed in 113 patients (77.9 %) and MH in 32 (22.1 %) patients with advanced CLMs. Tumor characteristics and short-term outcomes did not differ between the 2 groups. Incidence of positive tumor margin (8.8 % in PSH vs 9.4 % in MH; p = .927) and rates of liver-only recurrence (43.4 % in PSH and 50.0 % in MH; p = .505) did not differ. No significant differences were found in 5-year overall survival (37.0 % in PSH vs 29.4 % in MH, p = .473), recurrence-free survival (7.6 vs 6.8 %, p = .597), and liver recurrence-free survival (21.0 vs 21.3 %, p = .691). A total of 65 patients had liver-only recurrence, for which repeat hepatectomy was performed in 81.5 % (53 of 65) following our parenchymal-sparing approach. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with advanced CLM, PSH does not increase positive surgical margin or liver recurrence in comparison with MH. A parenchymal-sparing approach offers a high rate of repeat resection for liver recurrence (salvageability).

Pattern of postoperative recurrence and hepatic and/or pulmonary resection for liver and/or lung metastases from esophageal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the benefit of hepatic and pulmonary resections in patients with liver and lung recurrences, respectively, after resection of esophageal carcinoma. METHODS: The study population consisted of 138 consecutive patients with recurrent esophageal carcinoma after esophagectomy conducted between 2003 and 2005. The pattern, timing of appearance, and the prognosis of these recurrences were investigated, paying particular attention to those undergoing hepatic and pulmonary resections. RESULTS: In total, 55 and 92 patients developed locoregional and distant-organ metastases 13 and 6 months (median) after surgery, respectively, including 9 patients with both types of recurrence. The distant-organ metastases were found in the liver (n = 26), lung (n = 27), bone (n = 21), and other organs (n = 29). Patients with pulmonary recurrences had a better overall prognosis (median survival after recurrence detection 13 months) than those with hepatic metastases (5 months) or nonhepatic nonpulmonary metastases. (3 months) Hepatic and pulmonary resections were carried out in patients with oligonodular (n = ≤ 2) isolated liver and lung metastases (n = 5, respectively). Although the survivals of patients with lung metastases who were treated/not treated by pulmonary resection were different (median survival: 48 vs. 10 months, p < 0.01), the difference in the survivals between patients with hepatic metastases who were treated/not treated by hepatic resection reached only borderline statistical significance (13 vs. 5 months, p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Resection of pulmonary metastases yields a survival benefit in properly selected patients. The benefit of resection for hepatic metastases remains controversial.