Surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a single-centre's one decade of experience.

Background and aims: Liver cancer is the third leading cause of global cancer deaths, and hepatocellular carcinoma is its most common type. Liver resection is one of the treatment options for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to explore our hospital's more than a decade of experience in liver resection for HCC patients. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study on HCC patients undergoing resection from 2010 to 2021 in a tertiary-level hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. Mortality rates were explored as the primary outcome of this study. Statistical analysis was done on possible predictive factors using Pearson's χ2. Survival analysis was done using the Log-Rank test and Cox Regression. Results: Ninety-one patients were included in this study. The authors found that the postoperative mortality rates were 8.8% (in hospital), 11.5% (30 days), and 24.1% (90 days). Excluding postoperative mortalities, the long-term mortality rates were 44.4% (first year), 58.7% (3 years), and 69.7% (5 years). Cumulatively, the mortality rates were 46.4% (1 year), 68.9% (3 years), 77.8% (5 years), and 67.0% (all time). Significant predictive factors for cumulative 1-year mortality include large tumour diameter [odds ratio (OR) 14.06; 95% CI: 2.59-76.35; comparing <3 cm and >10 cm tumours; P<0.01], positive resection margin (OR 2.86; 1.17-77.0; P=0.02), and tumour differentiation (P=0.01). Multivariate analysis found hazard ratios of 6.35 (2.13-18.93; P<0.01) and 1.81 (1.04-3.14; P=0.04) for tumour diameter and resection margin, respectively. Conclusion: The mortality rate of HCC patients undergoing resection is still very high. Significant predictive factors for mortality found in this study benefit from earlier diagnosis and treatment; thus, highlighting the importance of HCC surveillance programs.

Caecopexy as management for caecal volvulus: An evidence-based case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The incidence of caecal volvulus (CV) reaches 2.8-7.1 per million per year. CV is a surgical emergency that must be treated immediately because the mortality rate can reach 30 %, and the recurrence rate is 40 %. This study showed a case illustration of caecal volvulus with evidence-based recommendations for indications and management of caecopexy based on postoperative outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION: 33-Year-old male came with chief complaints of persistent acute abdominal pain one day before hospital admission. Pain is felt suddenly throughout the abdomen. On physical examination, palpable pain in the entire abdomen is obtained, accompanied by the muscular defence with increased bowel sounds. The laboratory only showed increased white blood cells. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) with contrast showed closed-loop obstruction (CLO) signs. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Caecopexy technique use is supported in a case series because it can be done safely, quickly, and without the need to open intestinal segments. Based on previous researches, there were none to low rate of morbidity, mortality, and recurrence. In this patient, caecopexy was carried out and showed good output with no complications. CONCLUSION: Caecopexy is a safe, simple, and less invasive procedure. The advantages of the caecopexy technique are low morbidity, mortality, and recurrence. The patient's outcome in this illustration is consistent with other literature. Thus it can be used as evidence-based recommendations in the management of the next case of caecal volvulus.

Characteristics of living liver donors in a national referral hospital in Indonesia: a 13-year experience with living donor liver transplantation.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma and biliary atresia lead to end-stage liver disease, which requires liver transplantation and is linked to increased mortality. Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital is the national referral center in Indonesia and is the only center that routinely performs living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). This study presents the characteristics of living liver donors (LLDs) in Indonesia. Methods: Using the LDLT registry, we conducted a retrospective analysis of all approved donors from 2010 to 2022. The variables included clinical characteristics of the donors, graft types, and intraoperative and postoperative characteristics. Results: The LDLT rate has increased from 5.8 to 8.8 procedures/year in the last 8 years. The average age of the 76 LLDs was 31.8 years. They were predominantly female (59%) and lived within a family relationship (90%). Pediatric LDLT was more frequent than adult LDLT (88% vs. 12%, respectively). Most grafts (86%) were obtained by left lateral sectionectomy, with a median ratio of remnant liver volume to total liver volume of 79.5% (range, 47.7%-85.8%) and a mean graft-to-recipient weight ratio of 2.65%±1.21%. The median intensive care unit length of stay (LOS) was 2 days (range, 1-5 days) and the total hospital LOS was 7 days (range, 4-28 days). The complication rate was 23%. No donor mortality was reported. Conclusions: LDLT in Indonesia has increased over the years. The shortage of donors for adult-to-adult liver transplantation is due to cultural differences and challenges in finding eligible donors. This study aims to explain the eligibility criteria of LLDs and contribute to creating a national policy.

Total pancreatoduodenectomy for multiple pancreatic cysts in von Hippel-Lindau disease presenting as obstructive jaundice: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease can be known as a rare autosomal dominant syndrome that affects some organ systems and is characterized by the growth of both benign and malignant tumors. Diagnosis and management of VHL were needed to have better outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION: A 39-year-old male with a history of VHL disease and positive family history presented with jaundice and pruritus. He had a history of craniotomy thrice. Laboratory workup revealed elevated total bilirubin level with conjugated bilirubin predominant. The contrast-enhanced MRI showed dilatation of biliary tree with suspicion of partial obstruction by multiple cysts in the pancreas, with ±0.5-5 cm in diameter. A PET/CT scan showed multiple lesions corresponding to VHL disease. The patient underwent total pancreatoduodenectomy. The histopathology finding was multicystic pancreatic hamartoma with neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Multiple pancreatic cysts without prior pancreatic inflammatory episodes should suggest VHL disease and prompt a genetic test, according to clinical presentation. As soon as the diagnosis is made, all potential family members must be screened, and those who are affected must receive genetic counseling and strict follow-up care to treat the disease's potentially fatal CNS and visceral manifestations. Total pancreatoduodenectomy was performed according to jaundice, risk of pancreas malignancy, and the existence of endocrine pancreatic insufficiency. CONCLUSION: Total pancreatoduodenectomy could be performed to relieve the symptom severity and avoid the possibility of malignant changes in VHL.

Pedunculated hepatocellular carcinoma masquerading as a giant GIST: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies in Indonesia and is well-known as a silent killer disease due to its mortality rate among males. Furthermore, a pedunculated HCC (P-HCC) is a rare subtype challenging to diagnose when presented as an extrahepatic mass. CASE PRESENTATION: A 61-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to abdominal pain with a palpable mass in the left upper abdomen after being referred from secondary health care. The laboratory results revealed values within normal ranges, except for reactive anti-HCV and anemia, with no evidence of liver abnormalities. CT scan detected a solid mass with a necrotic center and calcified component in the upper left hemiabdomen originating from the submucosa of the greater curvature of the stomach, which were suggestive of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). It was approximately 12.9 × 10.9 × 18.6 cm sized, multilobulated, well-defined, and infiltrating the splenic vein. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: We did a laparotomy and resections consist of distal gastrectomy, liver metastasectomy (segment 2-3), distal pancreatectomy, and splenectomy. Our operative findings were still suggestive of neoplasm of the stomach, most likely a GIST. However, our histological examination revealed a moderate-poorly differentiated liver cell carcinoma, confirmed with immunohistochemical analysis. He was discharged on the seventh day after the operation without any complications. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates challenges in diagnosing and treating a rare pedunculated hepatocellular carcinoma.

Efficacy and Safety of Near-Infrared Florescence Cholangiography Using Indocyanine Green in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Achieving critical view of safety is a key for a successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) procedure. Near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography using indocyanine green (NIF-ICG) in LC has been extensively used and accepted as beneficial auxiliary tool to visualize extrahepatic biliary structures intraoperatively. This study aimed to analyze its safety and efficacy. Materials and Methods: Searching for potential articles up to March 25, 2022 were conducted on PubMed, Europe PMC, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Articles on the near infrared fluorescence during laparoscopy cholecystectomy were collected. Review Manager 5.4 software was utilized to perform the statistical analysis. Results: Twenty-two studies with a total of 3457 patients undergo LC for the analysis. Our meta-analysis revealed that NIF-ICG technique during LC was associated with shorter operative time (Std. Mean Difference -0.86 [95% confidence interval (CI) -1.49 to -0.23], P = .007, I2 = 97%), lower conversion rate (risk ratio [RR] 0.28 [95% CI 0.16-0.50], P < .0001, I2 = 0%), higher success in identification of cystic duct (CD) (RR 1.24 [95% CI 1.07-1.43], P = .003, I2 = 94%), higher success in identification of common bile duct (CBD) (RR 1.31 [95% CI 1.07-1.60], P = .009, I2 = 90%), and shorter time to identify biliary structures (Std. Mean Difference -0.52 [95% CI -0.78 to -0.26], P < .0001, I2 = 0%) compared with not using NIF-ICG. Conclusions: NIF-ICG technique beneficial for early real-time visualization of biliary structure, shorter operative time, and lower risk of conversion during LC. Larger randomized clinical trials are still needed to confirm the results of our study.

Utility of botulinum toxin injection for post-operative pain management after conventional hemorrhoidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum Toxin (BTX) has been found to have anti-spasm and analgesic effects. The utility of BTX after conventional hemorrhoidectomy remains unclear. Thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis are required to find out its utility after conventional hemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: Using specific keywords, we comprehensively go through the potential articles on PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Europe PMC sources until March 27th, 2022. All published studies on botulinum toxin anal sphincter injection after conventional hemorrhoidectomy were collected. We were using Review Manager 5.4 software to conduct statistical analysis. RESULTS: Five clinical trial studies with a total of 260 patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy were included in the analysis Our pooled analysis revealed that BTX injection after hemorrhoidectomy was associated with lower VAS at 24 h post-operative [Mean Difference -1.35 (95% CI -1.90, -0.80), p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%] and shorter time to return work [Mean Difference -8.94 days (95% CI -12.57, -5.30), p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%]. However, BTX injection did not differ significantly from placebo in terms of time to first defecation (p = 0.22), fecal incontinence (p = 0.91) and urinary retention incidence (p = 0.18). CONCLUSION: BTX sphincter injection may offer some benefit after conventional hemorrhoidectomy in reducing pain from the first day after the procedure and promoting wound healing without complication. Further randomized clinical trials are still needed to confirm the results of our study.

Assessment of Circulating Tumor Cells in Colorectal Cancer as an Adjunctive Non-invasive Diagnostic Method.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant contributor to cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Biopsy remains the gold standard for CRC diagnosis, but invasive testing may not be preferred as an initial diagnostic procedure. Therefore, alternative non-invasive approaches are needed. Circulating tumor cells (CTC) present in the bloodstream have great potential as a non-invasive diagnostic marker for CRC patients. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic potential of CTC in CRC as an adjunctive diagnostic method using a subjective manual identification method and laser capture microdissection at 40x magnification. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on adult patients suspected to have CRC at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, between November 2020 and March 2021. CTC analysis was performed using the negative selection immunomagnetic method with Easysep™ and the CD44 mesenchymal tumor marker. The identification and quantification of CTC were conducted manually and subjectively, with three repetitions of cell counting per field of view at 40x magnification. RESULTS: Of 80 subjects, 77.5% were diagnosed with CRC, while 7.5% and 15% exhibited adenomatous polyps and inflammatory/hyperplastic polyps, respectively. The diagnostic analysis of CTC for detecting CRC (compared to polyps) using a CTC cutoff point of >1.5 cells/mL suggested sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of 50%, 88.89%, and 93.94%. Additionally, the negative predictive value (NPV), as well as the positive and negative likelihood ratio (PLR and NLR) were 34.04%, 4.5, and 0.56, respectively. The subjective manual identification and quantification of CTC were performed at 40x magnification using laser capture microdissection. CONCLUSION: This study assessed the diagnostic potential of CTC examination in CRC as an adjunctive diagnostic method using the subjective manual identification method and laser capture microdissection at 40x magnification. Despite the limitations associated with subjective cell counting, the results showed 50% sensitivity and 88.89% specificity in diagnosing CRC. Further studies are needed to optimize the manual identification process and validate the clinical utility of CTC analysis in CRC patients.

Laser hemorrhoidoplasty for hemorrhoidal disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) is known as a new minimally invasive and painless procedure for symptomatic hemorrhoids. However, Milligan-Morgan (MM) may offer the best result of long-term cure rates. In this study, we aim to compare the efficacy between LHP and MM for hemorrhoidal disease treatment. Using specific keywords, we comprehensively go through the potential articles on PubMed, Europe PMC, and Google Scholar sources until April 19, 2022. All published studies on LHP and MM hemorrhoidectomy were collected. Statistical analysis was done by using Review Manager 5.4 software. Twelve studies with a total of 1756 patients with hemorrhoid grades II-IV were included for the analysis. Our pooled analysis revealed that LHP was associated with shorter operative time (p < 0.00001), shorter length of hospital stay (p = 0.0005), lower risk of urinary retention (p = 0.005) and anal stenosis (p = 0.0004), and lower VAS 24-h post-operative (p < 0.00001) when compared with MM. However, LHP and MM did not differ in terms of recurrence rate (p = 0.70). LHP was superior to MM procedure in terms of shortening the recovery time and minimizing post-operative complications for patients with hemorrhoidal disease.

Analysing 11 years of incidence trends, clinicopathological characteristics, and forecasts of colorectal cancer in young and old patients: a retrospective cross-sectional study in an Indonesian national referral hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain annual incidence trends, understand clinicopathological characteristics, and forecast the future burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Indonesia. DESIGN: 11-year retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: A national referral hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. PARTICIPANTS: Data from 1584 eligible cases were recorded for trends and forecasting analyses; 433 samples were analysed to determine clinicopathological differences between young (<50 years) and old (≥50 years) patients. METHODS: Trend analyses were done using Joinpoint software, expressed in annual percentage change (APC), and a regression analysis was executed to generate a forecasting model. Patients' characteristics were compared using χ2 or non-parametric tests. MAIN OUTCOMES: Analysis of trends, forecasting model, and clinicopathological features between the age groups. RESULTS: A significant increase in APC was observed among old patients (+2.38%) for CRC cases. Colon cancer increased remarkably (+9.24%) among young patients; rectal cancer trends were either stable or declining. The trend for right-sided CRC increased in the general population (+6.52%) and old patients (+6.57%), while the trend for left-sided CRC was stable. These cases are expected to be a significant health burden within the next 10 years. Patients had a mean age of 53.17±13.94, 38.1% were young, and the sex ratio was 1.21. Prominent characteristics were left-sided CRC, tumour size ≥5 cm, exophytic growth, adenocarcinoma, histologically low grade, pT3, pN0, inadequately dissected lymph nodes (LNs), LN ratio <0.05, no distant metastasis, early-stage cancer, no lymphovascular invasion, and no perineural invasion (PNI). Distinct features between young and old patients were found in the histological subtype, number of dissected LN, and PNI of the tumour. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemiological trends and forecasting analyses of CRC cases in Indonesian patients showed an enormous increase in colon cancer in young patients, a particularly concerning trend. Additionally, young patients exhibited particular clinicopathological characteristics that contributed to disease severity.

Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) secretomes-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition on HT-29 colorectal carcinoma cells associated with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signalling.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) secretomes on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) cells and its association with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signalling focussing on the HGF receptor, c-Mesenchymal epithelial transition (c-Met), and the EMT markers, vimentin and e-cadherin, in CRC cells. METHODS: Conditioned mediums (CM) containing secretomes from colorectal CAFs and their counterpart normal fibroblasts (NFs) of three CRC patients were collected and supplemented to the HT-29 CRC cells. The mRNA levels of a-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA) and HGF in both fibroblasts, as well as c-Met, vimentin, and e-cadherin in HT-29 cells after supplemented with CAF- and NF-CM were determined using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). HGF protein level in the CM of CAFs and NFs was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Vimentin and e-cadherin protein expressions were observed in HT-29 cells using immunofluorescent (IF) staining. RESULTS: Compared to the non-cancerous colon, fibroblasts from cancerous area of CRC substantially expressed higher mRNA levels of a-SMA, a CAF marker. The HGF mRNA expressions in CAFs and NFs were in line with the HGF protein level in the secretomes of both cells. CAF-CM increased c-Met and vimentin mRNA levels in HT-29 cells. Surprisingly, e-cadherin mRNA level in HT-29 cells was increased following CAF-CM supplementation. We also demonstrated the co-localization of e-cadherin and vimentin in the HT-29 cell cytoplasm. CONCLUSIONS: CAF secretomes of CRC promote a hybrid type of EMT associated with HGF signalling.

Incidence, clearance, persistence and factors related with high-risk anal HPV persistence in South-East Asian MSM and transgender women.

OBJECTIVES: Persistent anal high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection is a major risk factor for anal cancer among MSM and transgender women (TGW). We aimed to estimate incidence, clearance, and persistence of anal HR-HPV in HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM and TGW, and to assess factors for HR-HPV persistence. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: MSM and TGW aged at least 18 years, were enrolled from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, then followed up 6-monthly for 12 months. Anal swabs were collected at every visit for HR-HPV genotypes to define anal HR-HPV incidence, clearance, and persistence. Logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with HR-HPV persistence. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-five MSM and TGW were included in this study, of whom 72.3% were HIV-positive. The incidence of anal HR-HPV persistence was higher in HIV-positive than HIV-negative MSM participants (28.4/1000 vs. 13.9/1000 person-months). HIV-positive participants had HR-HPV lower clearance rate than HIV-negative participants (OR 0.3; 95% CI 0.1-0.7). The overall persistence of HR-HPV was 39.9% in HIV-positive and 22.8% HIV-negative participants. HPV-16 was the most persistent HR-HPV in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative participants. HIV infection (aOR 2.87; 95% CI 1.47-5.61), living in Kuala Lumpur (aOR 4.99; 95% CI 2.22-11.19) and Bali (aOR 3.39; 95% CI 1.07-10.75), being employed/freelance (aOR 3.99; 95% CI 1.48-10.77), and not being circumcised (aOR 2.29; 95% CI 1.07-4.88) were independently associated with anal HR-HPV persistence. CONCLUSION: HIV-positive MSM and TGW had higher risk of persistent anal HR-HPV infection. Prevention program should be made available and prioritized for HIV-positive MSM and TGW where resources are limited.

Methylene Blue Effectiveness as Local Analgesic after Anorectal Surgery: A Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Methylene blue (MB) has been found to have unique analgesic property through temporary disruption of sensory nerve conduction. In anorectal surgery, MB is widely used as a biologic stain but the analgesic effect has never been studied. Thus, a literature review completed with critical appraisal is required to find out its efficacy. METHODS: A review has been run to find out its efficacy. Literature search proceeded in database sites, namely, PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane, Wiley, and ProQuest using the following keywords: "anorectal" OR "hemorrhoid" OR "anal fistula" OR "anal fissure" OR "anal abscess" OR "anal pruritus" AND "methylene blue" AND "analgesic"; then the critical appraisal and its implication were discussed. RESULT: There were 491 articles in full text found, and four studies met the inclusion criteria. Two studies were focused on the evaluation of VAS in hemorrhoid surgery whereas the rest were focused on the evaluation of symptom score in anal pruritus. CONCLUSIONS: A study with level of evidence 2 on VAS showed the efficacy. The rest showed insufficient evidence due to variations of anorectal surgery and the methods and techniques of MB application. A further prospective clinical study is required.