Pathological Complete Response to Liver Metastasis With Pembrolizumab in a Previously Treated Patient With Microsatellite Instability-high Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective in treating microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). Pathological complete response to immune checkpoint inhibitors for MSI-H metastatic CRC have been described in several reports. Liver metastasis is known to predict resistance to ani-programmed death 1 (PD-1)/PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) therapy in several cancers, including CRC. CASE REPORT: Herein, we report the case of a 23-year-old man with MSI-H colorectal liver metastasis who exhibited a pathological complete response to pembrolizumab following systemic chemotherapies. Pathological examination of the primary lesion revealed strong HLA-class I and HLA-DR expression in cancer cells. Elevated PD-L1 expression was observed in areas of increased CD8-postive T cell infiltration. Additional pathological study of regional lymph nodes showed increased PD-L1 and CD169 expression. CONCLUSION: A detailed pathological examination revealed PD-L1 expression not only in the primary CRC lesion but also in regional lymph nodes. Recent studies have highlighted the significance of regional lymph nodes in anti-cancer immune responses. Therefore, pathological studies using resected lymph nodes might be beneficial for predicting the response of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.

MANGOU (Miyazaki Advanced New General Surgery of University) Wet Lab Training Relieves Anxiety About Surgical Skills in Surgical Education: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: To increase the number of medical students or residents who want to become surgeons, we must evaluate our program that recruits new young surgeons. METHODS: We planned surgical training programs for medical students and residents that we named the MANGOU (Miyazaki Advanced New General surgery Of University) training project in the Department of Surgery, Miyazaki University, Japan. From January 2016 through December 2022, we asked trainees who attended this training to complete questionnaires to evaluate their interest in surgery, confidence in surgical skills, and training. Scoring of the questionnaire responses was based on a 5-point Likert scale, and we evaluated this training prospectively. RESULTS: Among the 109 trainees participating in this training, 61 answered the questionnaires. Two participants found the training boring, but 59 (96.7%) enjoyed it. All of them answered "Yes" to wanting to participate in the next training. Respective pre- and post-training scores were as follows: confidence in surgical skills, 2.2 ± 1.0 and 3.0 ± 1.0 (p < 0.0001); interest in surgery, 4.2 ± 0.8 and 4.4 ± 0.5 (p = 0.0011); and willingness to become surgeons, 3.9 ± 0.7 and 4.1 ± 0.6 (p = 0.0011). All scores rose after MANGOU training. CONCLUSION: We planned MANGOU surgical wet lab training for medical students and residents that aimed to educate and recruit new surgeons. After joining the MANGOU training, the trainees' anxiety about surgery was reduced, their confidence in performing surgical procedures improved, they showed more interest in surgery, and they increased their motivation to become surgeons.

Prognostic significance of lymph node metastasis in pancreatic tail cancer: A multicenter retrospective study.

Background: Distal pancreatectomy (DP) with lymph node (LN) dissection is the standard procedure for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma of the tail (Pt-PDAC). However, the optimal surgery including extent of LN dissection is still being debated. The present study investigated the incidence and prognostic impact of LN metastasis on patients suffering from Pt-PDAC. Patients and method: This multicenter, retrospective study involved 163 patients who underwent DP for resectable Pt-PDAC at 12 institutions between 2013 and 2017. The frequency of LN metastasis and the effect of LN dissection on Pt-PDAC prognosis were investigated. Results: There were high incidences of metastases to the LNs along the splenic artery in the patients with Pt-PDAC (39%). The rate of metastases in the LNs along the common hepatic, left gastric, and celiac arteries were low, and the therapeutic index for these LNs was zero. In pancreatic tail cancer located more distally, there were no metastases to the LNs along the common hepatic artery. Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size was the only independent factor related to recurrence-free survival (HR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.33-3.05, p = 0.001). The level of pancreas division and LN dissection along the common hepatic artery did not affect the site of tumor recurrence or recurrence-free survival. Conclusions: LN dissection along the hepatic artery for Pt-PDAC has little significance. Distal pancreatic transection may be acceptable in terms of oncological safety, but further examination of short-term outcomes and preservation of pancreatic function is required.

A case of late-presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia diagnosed at 5 years with acute abdomen.

BACKGROUND: Some congenital diaphragmatic hernias are diagnosed beyond 1 month. A late-presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia shows a variety of clinical manifestations, and the preoperative clinical course is variable. We herein report a pediatric case of late-presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia diagnosed as acute abdomen. CASE PRESENTATION: A 5-year-old boy was brought to our hospital because of herniation of the intestine into the left thoracic cavity, which was observed on radiography performed for abdominal pain. Enhanced computed tomography showed herniation of the small intestine and colon into the left thoracic cavity. Emergency laparoscopic surgery was performed based on the diagnosis of left diaphragmatic hernia. The entire small intestine and part of the colon herniated from the posterolateral defect of the diaphragm. We were able to retract the herniated intestine back into the abdomen but confirmed that the diaphragmatic defect and closure of the defect seemed to be technically challenging via laparoscopy; therefore, we converted the procedure to open laparotomy. The diaphragmatic defect was directly closed with interrupted sutures, and the thoracic cavity was degassed. Postoperatively, the left lung was found to be poorly expanded, but pulmonary hypoplasia was not evident in this case. CONCLUSIONS: We herein report a pediatric case of late-presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia diagnosed as abdominal pain. Late-presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernias present with a wide variety of symptoms; therefore, it is important to be reminded of these conditions and check chest radiographs in children presenting with acute or chronic respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms of unknown etiology.

Clinical significances of several fibrotic markers for prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients who underwent hepatectomy.

Background: Progression of chronic liver fibrosis and related increased fibrotic markers are associated with functional liver reserves or patient prognosis as well as tumor factors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The aim of this study was to newly clarify the relationship between fibrotic markers and HCC malignant behaviors or its long-term postoperative prognosis by the retrospective cohort study. Methods: We examined the relationship between tumor-related factors or six liver fibrosis-associated parameters, including platelet count, hyaluronic acid (HA), Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi), type IV collagen 7S (T4C7), aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis-4 (Fib-4) index, and clinicopathological parameters, surgical records, and postoperative prognosis in 130 HCC who underwent curative hepatectomy. Results: Histological fibrosis stage 4 as cirrhosis was in 31%. The platelet count significantly decreased in stage 4 fibrosis and correlated with grade B liver damage (P<0.01). HA levels were significantly increased in multiple HCC, stage 4 fibrosis, and grade B liver damage (P<0.01). T4C7 was significantly increased in patients with post-hepatectomy tumor recurrence compared to those without (P<0.01). Additionally, M2BPGi was significantly higher in stage 4 fibrosis and liver damage grade B, and was significantly associated with poor prognosis (P<0.05). Fib-4 index was significantly higher in patients with liver damage B (P<0.05), and T4C7 alone did not correlate with other five fibrosis markers. Stage 4 fibrosis, higher T4C7, higher M2BPGi, and increased tumor size were significantly associated with shorter cancer-free, overall, and cancer-specific survivals. Higher T4C7, non-met Milan criteria, liver damage B, blood transfusion, and curability C were independently associated with cancer-specific survivals (P<0.05). Conclusions: Type IV collagen 7S (T4C7) may reflect not only impaired liver function but also HCC malignant behaviors and patient survivals.

Short-term outcomes after liver resection with vascular reconstruction: Results from a study with the National Clinical Database of Japan.

BACKGROUND: Although curative resection with vascular reconstruction improves the prognosis of blood-invading locally advanced hepatobiliary tumors, the mortality and morbidity of the procedure remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the risk factors associated with mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing liver resection with vascular reconstruction. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 1215 patients undergoing hepatectomy of more than one section with vascular reconstruction, except for left lateral sectionectomy registered in the National Clinical Database (NCD) between 2015 and 2019. The rates of surgical mortality and relevant clinical factors were evaluated. RESULTS: Among the four types of vascular reconstruction, portal venous reconstruction was frequently performed in 724 patients (59.6% of the enrolled patients). Surgical mortality was 8.1%. Patients with hepatic artery reconstruction had the highest surgical mortality rate of 15.8%. In other types of reconstruction, surgical mortality was 9.1% in the portal vein, 5.2% in inferior vena cava, and 4.9% in hepatic vein. Factors significantly associated with surgical mortality include age, sex (male), preoperative comorbidity (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade >3, respiratory distress, diabetes, preoperative pneumonia, weight loss, and obstructive jaundice), poorer liver functional reserve (indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min and prothrombin time/international normalized ratio >1.1) and accompanying biliary reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The NCD revealed the detailed status of liver resection combined with vascular reconstruction in Japan. Based on the results of this analysis, understanding the factors that influence the outcome and postoperative course of each procedure will provide patients with accurate information and opportunities to improve future outcomes.

The successful posterior sectionectomy accompanied with caudate lobectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma located in segment 1 after LEN-TACE: a case report.

Nowadays, the novel molecular targeting chemotherapy provides possibility of safe hepatectomy for progressive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Further, combination of the conventional transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) may add an effect of tumor shrink. We present a successful radical hepatectomy for a large HCC located in segment 1 accompanied with the preoperative Lenvatinib (LEN)-TACE sequential treatment. We present a woman patient without any complaints who had a 7 cm-in-size of solitary HCC compressing vena cava and right portal pedicle. To achieve radical hepatectomy by tumor shrinking, LEN-TACE for 2 months. After confirming downsizing or devascularization of the HCC, we scheduled radical posterior sectionectomy combined with caudate lobectomy according to tumor location and expected future remnant liver volume from three-dimensional computed tomography simulation before surgery. Under the thoraco-abdominal incision laparotomy, we safely achieved scheduled radical hepatectomy without any vascular injuries. The postoperative course was uneventful and no tumor recurrence were observed for 1 year. Histological findings showed the Japan TNM stage III HCC with 70% necrosis. The multi-modal strategy of LEN-TACE followed by radical hepatectomy by confirming downsizing or devascularization in tumor is supposed to be useful and would be a preoperative chemotherapy option, and promising for curative treatment in HCC patients with progressive or large HCC, which may lead to safety by prevention surrounding major vascular injury.

The crucial role of SETDB1 in structural and functional transformation of epithelial cells during regeneration after intestinal ischemia reperfusion injury.

Su (var) 3-9, enhancer of seste, trithorax (SET)-domain bifurcated histone lysine methyltransferase (SETDB1) plays a crucial role in maintaining intestinal stem cell homeostasis; however, its physiological function in epithelial injury is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of SETDB1 in epithelial regeneration using an intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) mouse model. Jejunum tissues were sampled after 75 min of ischemia followed by 3, 24, and 48 h of reperfusion. Morphological evaluations were performed using light microscopy and electron microscopy, and the involvement of SETDB1 in epithelial remodeling was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Expression of SETDB1 was increased following 24 h of reperfusion and localized in not only the crypt bottom but also in the transit amplifying zone and part of the villi. Changes in cell lineage, repression of cell adhesion molecule expression, and decreased histone H3 methylation status were detected in the crypts at the same time. Electron microscopy also revealed aberrant alignment of crypt nuclei and fusion of adjacent villi. Furthermore, increased SETDB1 expression and epithelial remodeling were confirmed with loss of stem cells, suggesting SETDB1 affects epithelial cell plasticity. In addition, crypt elongation and increased numbers of Ki-67 positive cells indicated active cell proliferation after IRI; however, the expression of PCNA was decreased compared to sham mouse jejunum. These morphological changes and the aberrant expression of proliferation markers were prevented by sinefungin, a histone methyltransferase inhibitor. In summary, SETDB1 plays a crucial role in changes in the epithelial structure after IRI-induced stem cell loss.

Clinical Impact of the Charlson Comorbidity Index on the Efficacy of Salvage Photodynamic Therapy Using Talaporfin Sodium for Esophageal Cancer.

Introduction Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a salvage treatment for local failure after chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer. Salvage PDT is the treatment available for vulnerable patients with various comorbidities at risk of salvage esophagectomy. This study assessed the impact of the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) on the outcomes of salvage PDT using talaporfin sodium (TS) for esophageal cancer. Metohds Consecutive patients with esophageal cancer who underwent salvage TS-PDT from 2016 to 2022 were included in this retrospective study. We investigated the local complete response (L-CR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) and evaluated the relationship between the CCI and therapeutic efficacy. Results In total, 25 patients were enrolled in this study. Overall, 12 patients (48%) achieved an L-CR, and the 2-year PFS and OS rates were 24.9% and 59.4%, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, a CCI ≥1 (p=0.041) and deeper invasion (p=0.048) were found to be significant independent risk factors for not achieving an L-CR. To evaluate the efficacy associated with comorbidities, we divided the patients into the CCI=0 group (n=11) and the CCI ≥1 group (n=14). The rate of an L-CR (p=0.035) and the 2-year PFS (p=0.029) and OS (p=0.018) rates in the CCI ≥1 group were significantly lower than those in the CCI=0 group. Conclusion This study found that the CCI was negatively associated with the efficacy of salvage TS-PDT for esophageal cancer.

A case of multifocal sclerosis angiomatoid nodular transformations of the spleen occurring after partial splenic infarction with transcatheter arterial embolization for splenic artery aneurysm.

A 48-year-old woman underwent transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for a splenic artery aneurysm, which resulted in a partial splenic infarction in the middle lobe. Five years after TAE, a 20-mm diameter mass in the noninfarcted area of the spleen was detected on imaging, which grew to 25 mm in diameter after 6 months. MRI after gadolinium administration showed a 35 × 34 mm mass within the superior pole and 15 × 12 mm mass within the inferior pole. The patient underwent laparoscopic splenectomy and had an uneventful postoperative recovery. No evidence of recurrence was observed during the 2-year follow-up period after surgery. The mass was pathologically confirmed to be sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation (SANT) of the spleen. While some studies hypothesize that SANT is a response to vascular injury or trauma, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of SANT occurring after procedures directly affecting splenic blood flow. Additionally, multifocal SANTs are reported to be very rare, accounting for only 4.7% of all reported SANTs of the spleen. We highlight a rare course of SANT of the spleen and discuss the possible relationship between blood flow abnormalities and the appearance of SANT.

Clinical outcome and neurological development of patients with biliary atresia associated with a bleeding tendency: a single institution experience.

PURPOSE: We compared the clinical features of patients with biliary atresia (BA) associated with a bleeding tendency (BT) at the time of the diagnosis with those of patients without a bleeding tendency (NBT). METHODS: The patients' background characteristics, age in days at the first visit, Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE), and postoperative course were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Nine of the 93 BA patients (9.7%) showed a BT, including 7 with intracranial hemorrhaging (ICH), 1 with gastrointestinal bleeding, and 1 with a prothrombin time (PT) of 0%. The age at the first visit was 62 ± 12 days old for BT patients and 53 ± 27 days old for NBT patients (p = 0.4); the age at KPE was 77 ± 9 days old for BT patients and 65 ± 24 days old for NBT patients (p = 0.2); the time from the first visit to surgery was 13 ± 7 days for BT patients and 11 ± 10 days for NBT patients (p = 0.5); and the native liver survival rate was 56% for BT patients and 58% for NBT patients (p = 1), with no significant difference in any of the parameters. The neurological outcomes of survivors of ICH were favorable. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate BT correction allowed early KPE even after ICH, resulting in native liver survival rates comparable to those of NBT patients without significant neurological complications.

An unusual presentation of a rare formation of the common hepatic duct and right hepatic artery in a case of pediatric congenital biliary dilatation.

A 15-year-old girl with recurrent upper abdominal pain was diagnosed with congenital biliary dilatation. Abdominal enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed the anterior segmental branch of the right hepatic artery (RHA) running across the ventral aspect of the dilated common hepatic duct (CHD). Laparoscopic extrahepatic dilated biliary duct excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy were planned. Intraoperatively, the dilated CHD was observed to bifurcate into the ventral and dorsal ducts, between which the anterior segmental branch of the RHA crossed through the CHD. The CHD rejoined on the distal side as one duct. We transected the CHD just above the cystic duct. The patency of the ventral and dorsal sides of the bifurcated CHD was confirmed. Laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy was performed at the distal side of the rejoined CHD, without sacrificing the anterior segmental branch of the RHA. There was no postoperative blood flow impairment in the right hepatic lobe or anastomotic stenosis.

Measuring intraoperative anesthetic parameters during hepatectomy with inferior vena cava clamping.

PURPOSE: Uncontrollable bleeding remained problematic in anatomical hepatectomy exposing hepatic veins. Based on the inferior vena cava (IVC) anatomy, we attempted to analyze the hemodynamic and surgical effects of the combined IVC-partial clamp (PC) accompanied with the Trendelenburg position (TP). METHODS: We prospectively assessed 26 consecutive patients who underwent anatomical hepatectomies exposing HV trunks between 2020 and 2023. Patients were divided into three groups: use of IVC-PC (group 1), no use of IVC-PC (group 2), and use of IVC-PC accompanied with TP (group 3). In 10 of 26 patients (38%), hepatic venous pressure was examined using transhepatic catheter insertion. RESULTS: IVC-PC was performed in 15 patients (58%). Operating time and procedures did not significantly differ between groups. A direct hemostatic effect on hepatic veins was evaluated in 60% and 70% of patients in groups 1 and 3, respectively. Group 1 showed significantly more unstable vital status and vasopressor use (p < 0.01). Blood or fluid transfusion and urinary output were similar between groups. Group 2 had a significantly lower baseline central venous pressure (CVP), while group 3 showed a significant increase in CVP in TP. CVP under IVC-PC seemed lower than under TP; however, not significantly. Hepatic venous pressure did not significantly differ between groups. Systolic arterial blood pressure significantly decreased via IVC-PC in group 1 and to a similar extent in group 3. Heart rate significantly increased during IVC-PC (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: IVC-PC combined with the TP may be an alternative procedure to control intrahepatic venous bleeding during anatomical hepatectomy exposing hepatic venous trunks.

Lifetime Follow-Up of a Patient with Metastatic Prostate Cancer Undergoing Multiple Surgical Resections: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PC) often metastasizes after primary resection, and long-term survival following surgical removal of multiple pulmonary metastases is rare. We present a case of a surgeon who demonstrated long-term survival after overcoming repeated surgical challenges for multiple pulmonary metastases from PC. CASE REPORT Twenty-six years ago, a 62-year-old man initially reported discomfort during urination. A prostate examination revealed mildly elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Six months later, PC was diagnosed, and a radical prostatectomy was performed, revealing moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma but no vessel infiltration. At 9 years after the operation, three 10-mm nodules were detected in the right lung. Then, surgical biopsy by wedge pulmonary resection revealed metastatic PC, and therefore, right lower lobectomy including all nodules was planned. Although postoperative maintenance with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists kept the low PSA levels for 3 years, other newly limited metastases were observed in the opposite left lung, necessitating more surgeries of partial left lung resection. Six years later, a third lung metastasis was detected, as well as mild increases in the tumor size and PSA level, and the patient died 26 years after the initial PC intervention because of malnutrition for 1 year after sustaining bone compression fractures due to a fall, and not due to PC progression. CONCLUSIONS Repeated surgical resections for slow-growing metastatic pulmonary PC was an alternative treatment that facilitated favorable survival and a good quality of life for 26 years in the present case.

Morbidity after left trisectionectomy for hepato-biliary malignancies: An analysis of the National Clinical Database of Japan.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the nationwide surgical outcome of a left trisectionectomy (LT) and to identify the perioperative risk factors associated with its morbidity. METHODS: Cases of LT for hepato-biliary malignancies registered at the Japanese National Clinical Database between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical analyses were performed to identify the perioperative risk factors associated with a morbidity of Clavien-Dindo classification (CD) ≥III. RESULTS: Left trisectionectomy was performed on 473 and 238 cases of biliary and nonbiliary cancers, respectively. Morbidity of CD ≥III and V occurred in 45% and 5% of cases with biliary cancer, respectively, compared with 26% and 2% of cases with nonbiliary cancer, respectively. In multivariable analyses, biliary cancer was significantly associated with a morbidity of CD ≥III (odds ratio, 1.87; p = .018). In subgroup analyses for biliary cancer, classification of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA-PS) 2, portal vein resection (PVR), and intraoperative blood loss ≥30 mL/kg were significantly associated with a morbidity of CD ≥III. CONCLUSIONS: Biliary cancer induces severe morbidity after LT. The ASA-PS classification, PVR, and intraoperative blood loss indicate severe morbidity after LT for biliary cancer.

Proctoring System of Pediatric Laparoscopic Surgery for Choledochal Cyst.

Background: Endoscopic surgery also has been becoming widespread in the field of pediatric surgery. However, most disease treated by pediatric surgery in a single institution are small number of cases. Besides, the variety of operative procedures that need to be performed in this field is quite wide. For these reasons, pediatric surgeons have limited opportunities to perform endoscopic surgery. Therefore, it is difficult to introduce advanced endoscopic surgery at a single local hospital. To educate pediatric surgeons in local hospitals, for widespread advanced pediatric endoscopic surgery safely, and to eliminate the need for patient centralization, we have introduced a proctoring system. We compared the surgical results of our institution, a center hospital, with other local institutions, to investigate the feasibility of our proctoring system. Methods: The experienced pediatric surgeon of our institution visits local hospitals to provide onsite coaching and supervises pediatric surgeons on the learning curve. All patients who underwent laparoscopic cyst excision and hepaticojejunostomy for choledochal cysts, one of the advanced pediatric endoscopic surgeries was retrospectively reviewed. Results: Thirty-four cases were evaluated (14 cases in our institution, 20 cases in 9 other institutions). The procedures of all 34 cases were performed by surgeons with 0-2 cases of experience in the procedure. There were no open conversion cases. There was no significant difference in the operative date. There was 1 case (6.7%) of postoperative complications during hospitalization at our institution and 3 cases (14.3%) at other institutions (P = .47). Two cases of late complications (13.3%) occurred at our institution, whereas 6 cases (28.6%) occurred at other institutions (P = .28). Conclusion: With the proctoring system, the performance and completion of advanced pediatric endoscopic surgery at local institutions was feasible. This has important implications given the ever-growing demand for pediatric endoscopic surgery and the increasing need for competent pediatric endoscopic surgeons.

Efficacy of laparoscopic liver resection for small hepatocellular carcinoma located in the posterosuperior segments: A multi-institutional study using propensity score matching by the Kyushu Study Group of Liver Surgery.

AIM: Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) located in the posterosuperior segments (PS) have generally been considered more difficult than those for HCC in anterolateral segments (AL), but may be safe and feasible for selected patients with accumulated experience. In the present study, we investigated the effectiveness of LLR for single nodular HCCs ≤3 cm located in PS. METHODS: In total, 473 patients who underwent partial liver resection for single nodular HCCs ≤3 cm at the 18 institutions belonging to the Kyusyu Study Group of Liver Surgery from January 2010 to December 2018 were enrolled. The short-term outcomes of laparoscopic partial liver resection and open liver resection (OLR) for HCCs ≤3 cm, with subgroup analysis of PS and AL, were compared using propensity score-matching analysis. Furthermore, results were also compared between LLR-PS and LLR-AL. RESULTS: The original cohort of patients with HCC ≤3 cm included 328 patients with LLR and 145 with OLR. After matching, 140 patients with LLR and 140 with OLR were analyzed. Significant differences were found between groups in terms of volume of blood loss (median, 55 vs. 287 ml, p < 0.001), postoperative complications (0.71 vs. 8.57%, p = 0.003), and postoperative hospital stay (median, 9 vs. 14 days, p < 0.001). The results of subgroup analysis of PS were similar. Short-term outcomes did not differ significantly between LLR-PS and LLR-AL after matching. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic partial resection could be the preferred option for single nodular HCCs ≤3 cm located in PS.

Feasibility of Laparoscopic Fundoplication Without Removing the Preceding Gastrostomy in Severely Neurologically Impaired Patients: A Multicenter Evaluation of the Traction Technique.

Purpose: Severely neurologically impaired patients sometimes require anti-reflux surgery with preceding gastrostomy. We apply a traction technique for laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) without gastrostomy takedown (GTD) in such cases. We conducted a multicenter review to assess the feasibility of our approach. Materials and Methods: In brief, the traction technique involves left-lateral-traction of the stomach body, right-lateral-traction of the round ligament of the liver, and elevation of the left liver lobe to create a sufficient field for manipulating the forceps. Patients who underwent LF with Nissen's procedures in 2010-2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Data were analyzed by a one-way analysis of variance. Results: The operative approaches included the traction technique (n = 16; Group 1), GTD and reconstruction (n = 5; Group 2), and LF followed by gastrostomy (n = 92; Group 3). In comparison with Group 1, significant differences were only found in pneumoperitoneum time (Group 1 versus Group 2 versus Group 3: 174.4 minutes versus 250.4 minutes versus 179.5 minutes; P = .0179). Operating time (222.7 minutes versus 303.0 minutes versus 239.7 minutes; P = .0743), duration to full-strength enteral nutrition (10.4 days versus 17.2 days versus 11.0 days; P = .0806), and length of hospital stay (17.2 days versus 31.0 days versus 18.5 days; P = .3247) were equivalent. No re-fundoplication was required in Group 1. Conclusion: The traction technique secures the operative quality and outcome of LF without GTD.

An alternative option of the retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach for limited hepatectomy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma at the transected edge after previous hepatectomy.

Laparoscopic hepatectomy is safely performed with minimal invasiveness on patients with recurrent liver tumors after previous hepatectomy. However, it is still difficult to dissect and expose the operative field at the transected edge or plane after open right hepatectomy, even for limited resection by a laparoscopic approach, due to severe adhesion to the surrounding peritoneum or organs. We herein applied the retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach to limited resection of the dorsal surface at the transected edge of Couinaud's segment 6 after previous repeated hepatectomies in a patient with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by avoiding severe intra-abdominal adhesion. We safely resected recurrent HCC via the retroperitoneal space. This approach is a useful and alternative option for laparoscopy which minimizes the dissecting time and avoids organ injury on the right side of the transected area of the liver after hepatectomy in patients with liver malignancies.