C reactive protein albumin ratio as a new predictor of postoperative delirium after cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis.

Postoperative delirium (POD) is one of the most common complications of surgery. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for POD in patients undergoing cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. This retrospective study included 77 patients who underwent cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis between January 2015, and December 2020. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with the development of delirium as the primary endpoint. Patients were divided into POD (n = 18) and non-POD (n = 59) groups and their demographic features and clinical results were compared. A significant model associated with delirium onset was predicted (Nagelkerke's R2 = 0.382), and the significantly correlated factors were C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR), Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) score, and history of psychiatric disease. The predictive value of CAR for POD was evaluated using ROC analysis; the area under the curve of CAR was 0.731, with a cutoff value of 3.69. CAR, SGA score, and a history of psychiatric disease were identified as factors associated with the development of POD in patients with acute cholecystitis. In particular, the new preoperative evaluation of CAR may be beneficial as an assessment measure of the risk factor for the development of POD.

Olprinone, a Selective Phosphodiesterase III Inhibitor, Has Protective Effects in a Septic Rat Model after Partial Hepatectomy and Primary Rat Hepatocyte.

Olprinone (OLP) is a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase III and is used clinically in patients with heart failure and those undergoing cardiac surgery; however, little is known about the effects of OLP on hepatoprotection. The purpose of this study aimed to determine whether OLP has protective effects in in vivo and in vitro rat models of endotoxin-induced liver injury after hepatectomy and to clarify the mechanisms of action of OLP. In the in vivo model, rats underwent 70% partial hepatectomy and lipopolysaccharide treatment (PH/LPS). OLP administration increased survival by 85.7% and decreased tumor necrosis factor-α, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression in the livers of rats treated with PH/LPS. OLP also suppressed nuclear translocation and/or DNA binding ability of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Pathological liver damage induced by PH/LPS was alleviated and neutrophil infiltration was reduced by OLP. Primary cultured rat hepatocytes treated with the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) were used as a model of in vitro liver injury. Co-treatment with OLP inhibited dose-dependently IL-1ß-stimulated iNOS induction and NF-κB activation. Our results demonstrate that OLP may partially inhibit the induction of several inflammatory mediators through the suppression of NF-κB and thus prevent liver injury induced by endotoxin after liver resection.

Giant hemorrhagic pancreatic pseudocyst with suspected cystic pancreatic tumor: a case report.

Pancreatic pseudocysts are surrounded by a non-epithelialized wall confined to the pancreas and localized to the pancreatic tissue or adjacent pancreatic cavity. In contrast, pancreatic cystic tumors occur less frequently than solid lesions and are often detected incidentally on imaging. Regarding the qualitative diagnosis of pancreatic pseudocysts, it is important to differentiate them from neoplastic cysts. We report the case of a 74-year-old woman with a giant hemorrhagic pancreatic pseudocyst and a suspected cystic pancreatic tumor, wherein distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy with lymph node dissection were performed. The patient was discharged 11 days postsurgery, with a good postoperative course. There are no reports of giant pancreatic pseudocysts larger than 10 cm with hematoma contents. The presumptive diagnosis of pseudocysts based on imaging alone may be difficult. Surgical resection is considered when it is difficult to distinguish a giant pancreatic pseudocyst from a cystic neoplasm.

Hepatoprotective effects of baicalein against liver ischemia-reperfusion injury and partial hepatectomy in a rat model.

BACKGROUND: Baicalein is the main active flavonoid in Scutellariae Radix and is included in shosaikoto, a Kampo formula used for treating hepatitis and jaundice. However, little is known about its hepatoprotective effects against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI), a severe clinical condition directly caused by interventional procedures. We aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of baicalein against HIRI and partial hepatectomy (HIRI + PH) and its potential underlying mechanisms. METHODS AND RESULTS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats received either baicalein (5 mg/kg) or saline intraperitoneally and underwent a 70% hepatectomy 15 min after hepatic ischemia. After reperfusion, liver and blood samples were collected. Survival was monitored 30 min after hepatic ischemia and hepatectomy. In interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß)-treated primary cultured rat hepatocytes, the influence of baicalein on inflammatory mediator production and the associated signaling pathway was analyzed. Baicalein suppressed apoptosis and neutrophil infiltration, which are the features of HIRI + PH treatment-induced histological injury. Baicalein also reduced the mRNA expression of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). In addition, HIRI + PH treatment induced liver enzyme deviations in the serum and hypertrophy of the remnant liver, which were suppressed by baicalein. In the lethal HIRI + PH treatment group, baicalein significantly reduced mortality. In IL-1ß-treated rat hepatocytes, baicalein suppressed TNF-α and chemokine mRNA expression as well as the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and Akt. CONCLUSIONS: Baicalein treatment attenuates HIRI + PH-induced liver injury and may promote survival. This potential hepatoprotection may be partly related to suppressing inflammatory gene induction through the inhibition of NF-κB activity and Akt signaling in hepatocytes.

Sulforaphane Is Protective against Warm Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Partial Hepatectomy in Rats.

Sulforaphane (SFN) has various beneficial effects on organ metabolism. However, whether SFN affects inflammatory mediators induced by warm hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI) is unclear. To investigate the hepatoprotective effects of SFN using an in vivo model of HIRI and partial hepatectomy (HIRI + PH), rats were subjected to 15 min of hepatic ischemia with blood inflow occlusion, followed by 70% hepatectomy and release of the inflow occlusion. SFN (5 mg/kg) or saline was randomly injected intraperitoneally 1 and 24 h before ischemia. Alternatively, ischemia was prolonged for 30 min to evaluate the effect on mortality. The influence of SFN on the associated signaling pathways was analyzed using the interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß)-treated primary cultured rat hepatocytes. In the HIRI + PH-treated rats, SFN reduced serum liver enzyme activities and the frequency of pathological liver injury, such as apoptosis and neutrophil infiltration. SFN suppressed tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) mRNA expression and inhibited nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation by HIRI + PH. Mortality was significantly reduced by SFN. In IL-1ß-treated hepatocytes, SFN suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB activation. Taken together, SFN may have hepatoprotective effects in HIRI + PH in part by inhibiting the induction of inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α, via the suppression of NF-κB in hepatocytes.

[A Case of Adenocarcinoma of Duct of Luschka].

A 75-year-old man was transferred to our hospital with a diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. On next day, a laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. Histologic examination confirmed an adenocarcinoma arising from duct of Luschka. Patient underwent additional resection of the liver bed. No residual adenocarcinoma was seen in the surgical specimen. Adenocarcinoma of duct of Luschka is rare, but it is important during cholecystectomy to consider the presence of duct of Luschka, possibility of malignant disease and careful dissection of the gallbladder from its fossa staying close to the gallbladder wall.

[Repeat Hepatectomy for Primary Hepatic Neuroendocrine Carcinoma in the Remnant Liver Nine Years after the First Resection].

The patient was a 55-year-old man who had undergone extended right lobectomy of the liver with a diagnosis of primary hepatic carcinoid tumor. Nine years after the operation, enhanced abdominalCT revealed a tumor measuring 2.2 cm in the remnant liver. He was diagnosed with recurrence of primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma and underwent partial hepatectomy. Pathologically, the tumor cells had round nuclei and formed trabecular patterns. Immunohistologically, the cells were positive for CD56, synaptophysin, and chromogranin A. The Ki-67 index was 6%, which was equivalent to Grade 2 in the WHO classification revised in 2010. Since there were no other lesions suspected to be the primary site other than in the liver, it was diagnosed as recurrence of the primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma. Two years after the operation, he was diagnosed with recurrence of primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma and underwent partialhepatectomy again.

[A Case of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome after Laparotomy for Peritonitis Caused by Colon Perforation Due to Gallbladder Carcinoma].

A70 -year-old man with a diagnosis of panperitonitis caused by colon perforation due to invasion of gallbladder cancer was transferred to our hospital. The next day, an emergency operation was performed. During laparotomy, the ascending colon was perforated; therefore, ileocecal resection was performed. Six hours after the operation, the stoma became ischemic with marked abdominal distention. The intra-abdominal pressure increased to 28 mmHg, and the patient was diagnosed as having abdominal compartment syndrome(ACS). He immediately underwent decompressive laparotomy at bedside. Multiple organ failure was avoided and he recovered, but he died of advanced gallbladder cancer 4 months after the surgery. This case suggests that immediate surgical decompressive laparotomy for ACS can prevent multiple organ failure.

Laparoscopic splenectomy for solitary splenic metastasis in a patient with ovarian cancer with a long disease-free interval: a case report.

BACKGROUND: In general, splenic metastasis of epithelial ovarian cancer is considered a terminal stage resulting in widespread metastasis. Solitary splenic metastasis of epithelial ovarian cancer is rare in patients with post-treatment ovarian cancer with long disease-free intervals. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 62-year-old Japanese woman who presented with elevated serum cancer antigen 125 due to a solitary splenic metastasis of ovarian cancer. She underwent primary open cytoreduction including resection of the right ovarian cancer and postoperative chemotherapy, followed by secondary open cytoreduction and additional postoperative chemotherapy. The disease-free interval was more than 5 years after the additional postoperative chemotherapy. She did not complain of any symptoms and there were no abnormal findings except for elevated cancer antigen 125. However, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor of 6.5 × 4.5 cm in her spleen, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography showed no other metastatic lesions. Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed as tertiary cytoreduction with a diagnosis of a solitary splenic metastasis. Her elevated cancer antigen 125 immediately decreased to within the normal range after the splenectomy. On microscopic examination, the tumor was grade 3 endometrioid adenocarcinoma localized in the spleen, consistent with the previous grade 3 endometrioid adenocarcinoma ovarian cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated cancer antigen 125 is useful for early detection of metastasis of ovarian cancer. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography are useful to evaluate whether splenic metastasis of ovarian cancer is solitary, and laparoscopic splenectomy is safe and feasible for a solitary splenic metastasis.

[A Case of Port Site Recurrence of Gallbladder Carcinoma after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy].

The patient was a 76-year-old man who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with a diagnosis of cholecystolithiasis. Since the definite diagnosis of gallbladder carcinoma was made after the operation, he underwent additional resection. Four years later, he revisited the hospital complaining of painful swelling of the port site of his epigastrium. Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen revealed a mass 3.4 cm in diameter at the epigastrium. Thus, port site recurrence of gallbladder carcinoma was the suspected diagnosis. We resected the peritoneum, rectus abdominis muscle, and skin, as well as the tumor, and the abdominal wall was reconstructed using synthetic composite mesh. Histological examinations revealed recurrence of gallbladder carcinoma. Port site recurrence of gallbladder carcinoma is known to have a poor prognosis, but long survival can be expected in patients after complete resection of the metastatic lesion, if the recurrence develops more than a year after the initial operation.

[A Case of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor with Necrolytic Migratory Erythema].

A 45-year-old man was admitted because of necrolytic migratory erythema. A computed tomographic scan of the abdomen revealed a 4.5cm mass in the tail of the pancreas. We performed distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy, and a definitive diagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor(WHO class grade 2)was made histopathologically.

[Changes in Endocrine Function in Patients after Pancreatic Surgery].

We investigated glucose metabolism in patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy(PD), distal pancreatectomy (DP), and partial resection(PR). Fifteen patients(36%)were diabetic(HbA1c≥6.5%)before PD, 16(38%)were diabetic after PD, and 6(60%)were diabetic both before and after DP. The level of HbA1c was not significantly different preoperatively( PD: 7.5±2.7%, DP: 7.5±1.3%)vs postoperatively(PD: 6.7±1.1%, DP: 6.3±0.7%). These results suggest that pancreatic endocrine function was fairly preserved in patients who underwent pancreatic surgery.

[The Efficiency of Postoperative Endoscopy for Anastomotic Leakage after Total Gastrectomy].

An 81-year-old man underwent total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction for cardiac cancer in our department. He developed high fever on postoperative day 3, and pathological examination showed WBC and CRP level of 12,000/mL and 29.983mg/dL, respectively. A diagnosis of anastomotic leakage was confirmed using enhanced abdominal CT scanning that demonstrated free air around the esophagojejunalanastomosis after totalgastrectomy. The drainage tube was replaced by a 12 Fr sump tube because of leakage on postoperative day 10. Nasal endoscopy performed on postoperative day 13 revealed anastomotic leakage from the sump tube in the abdominal cavity. Endoscopy performed on postoperative day 20 confirmed the anastomotic leakage as a fistula that allowed air to leak into the abdominal cavity. On postoperative day 28, the sump tube was removed and oralintake was started. In conclusion, postoperative endoscopy might be usefulfor the assessment and drainage of anastomotic leakage.

Increased FGF19 copy number is frequently detected in hepatocellular carcinoma with a complete response after sorafenib treatment.

The multi-kinase inhibitor sorafenib is clinically approved for the treatment of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We previously reported that fibroblast growth factor 3 and 4 (FGF3/FGF4) amplification is a predictor of a response to sorafenib. This study aims to analyze the relationship between FGF-FGF receptor (FGFR) genetic alterations and the response to sorafenib. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from HCC patients who had achieved a complete response (CR, N=6) or non-CR (N=39) to sorafenib were collected and were examined for FGF-FGFR gene alterations using next generation sequencing and copy number assay. FGFR mutations were detected in 5 of 45 (11.1%) cases. There was no significant association between FGFR mutation status and the response to sorafenib. We detected no increase in the FGF3/FGF4 copy number in CR cases. An FGF19 copy number gain was detected more frequently among CR cases (2/6, 33.3%) than among non-CR cases (2/39, 5.1%) (P = 0.024, Chi-squared test). In conclusion, a copy number gain for FGF19 may be a predictor of a response to sorafenib, in addition to FGF3/FGF4 amplification.

[A Case of Gallbladder Carcinoma and Breast Cancer Associated with Pancreaticobiliary Maljunction].

We report a case of gallbladder cancer and right breast cancer associated with pancreaticobiliary maljunction.The patient was a 74-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain due to cholecystitis.Abdominal CT detected a gallbladder tumor and right breast tumor.Enhanced CT and MRCP examination revealed gallbladder cancer and right breast cancer associated with pancreaticobiliary maljunction.We performed a gallbladder bed resection, bile duct resection, and right total mastectomy.The histopathological diagnosis of the gallbladder was moderately tubular adenocarcinoma and that of the breast tumor was scirrhous carcinoma.The patient remains recurrence-free 8 months after surgery.

[A Case Report of Difficult Esophagojejunal Anastomosis for Multiple Primary Cancer of Malignant Lymphoma and Gastric Cancer].

A 54-year-old man presented with cervical lymph node swelling and exhibited high levels of sIL-2R. Enhanced cervical, chest, and abdominal CT scanning demonstrated swelling of the cervical, hilar, axilla, and abdominal lymph nodes. The patient was diagnosed with malignant, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, B-cell, follicular lymphoma using biopsy of the cervical lymph nodes. Gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed II c like advanced tumor in the upper gastric body and post-wall area. He was diagnosed with primary multiple cancer comprising malignant lymphoma and gastric cancer. It was difficult to elevate the jejunum for esophagojejunal anastomosis due to the giant abdominal lymph node swelling. The patient received 5 courses of combination R-CHOP chemotherapy for malignant lymphoma. The swollen lymph nodes considerably reduced in size after chemotherapy. Totalgastrectomy with reconstruction using the Roux-en-Y method was performed for gastric cancer. Histopathological findings revealed pT3(SS), pN0, pH0, pP0, pStage I B. The patient achieved complete remission following another course of chemotherapy and involved field radiation therapy. At present, he shows no signs of recurrence of primary multiple cancer.

[A Case of Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Ascending Colon].

We report a case of adenosquamous carcinoma of the colon. A 70-year-old woman underwent a colonoscopic examination because of a positive fecal occult blood test. Colonoscopy demonstrated a type 2 tumor of the ascending colon, and a biopsy specimen showed poorly-moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. We performed a right hemicolectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy. The histopathology of the tumor demonstrated adenosquamous adenocarcinoma. Primary adenosquamous carcinoma of the colon is relatively rare and has a poor prognosis. Therefore, adenosquamous carcinoma of the colon may require strict follow-up.

[Difficulty in Preoperative Diagnosis of Residual Gastric Cancer after Distal Gastrectomy for Duodenal Ulcer].

A 67-year-old man underwent distal gastrectomy via the Billroth Ⅱ method (B-Ⅱ) for a duodenal ulcer. He presented with appetite loss and nausea in May 2014. Gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed wall thickness around gastrojejunostomy and the gastric mucosal fold. Biopsy and re-biopsy revealed a group 2 tumor. Laparotomy for diagnosis was performed because of stenosis and tumor progression. Intraoperative frozen section examination revealed adenocarcinoma in the lymph nodes of the jejunum. Residual gastrectomy with reconstruction using the Roux-en-Y method was performed for residual gastric cancer. Histopathological findings revealed pT4a, pN0, pM1 for the tumor in the lymph nodes of the jejunum, pStage Ⅳ. A distorted gastrojejunostomy site and the presence of anastomotic strictures are important for the rapid diagnosis of residual gastric cancer.

[Two Cases of Small Bowel Obstruction Due to Postoperative Adhesions Treated with Laparoscopic Adhesiolysis].

We occasionally require surgical treatment for postoperative adhesion ileus. One patient had adhesion ileus 14 times in 14 years after distal gastrectomy and Billroth-Ⅰreconstruction for gastric cancer. He underwent laparoscopic adhesiolysis for a small bowel obstruction that adhered to the entire surface. Another patient experienced adhesion ileus 7 times in 1.5 years after distal gastrectomy and Billroth-Ⅰreconstruction for gastric cancer. He underwent laparoscopic adhesiolysis for a small bowel obstruction adhering to the scar and the retroperitoneum. After laparoscopic treatment, he underwent an open operation for ischemic colitis but no small bowel obstruction was found. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis was found to be useful in both cases.

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor producing anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas treated by distal pancreatectomy and chemotherapy: report of a case.

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) producing pancreatic cancers are extremely rare. These tumors have an aggressive clinical course but no established treatment. We encountered a patient with a G-CSF-induced pancreatic cancer who was treated by surgical resection, followed by steroid treatment and chemotherapy. A 68-year-old Asian male presented at a local hospital with a 3-month history of fever, loss of appetite, and 10-kg weight loss. Laboratory data showed leukocytosis and elevation of C-reactive protein. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a 50-mm mass in the tail of the pancreas, but no signs of infective foci. He was transferred to our hospital for further evaluation. Contrast-enhanced CT showed rapid growth of this tumor over 1 week, and (18) F-2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) showed FDG accumulation in the tail of the pancreas (SUV max, 17.1) but at no other sites in his body. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a heterogeneous mass, similar to that observed by CT. Three weeks later, the patient underwent a distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. The resected specimen was 154 mm in diameter, a threefold increase from the initial image. Histopathological examination identified the tumor as an anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas. Following surgery, his leukocyte count and body temperature were reduced. He recovered well and was discharged from our hospital on postoperative day 18. Immunohistochemical expression of G-CSF in the resected specimen and elevated serum G-CSF concentration confirmed that the mass was a G-CSF producing anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas. Subsequently, the patient experienced a high fever and loss of appetite. CT showed recurrence of cancer in the abdominal cavity, for which he was started immediately on tegafur-gimeracil-oteracil potassium combination S-1 and steroid. Unfortunately, he died on postoperative day 83. To our knowledge, this patient was the first with a G-CSF producing anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas to be treated by surgical resection, steroid and adjuvant chemotherapy.