Partial Splenic Embolization in a Patient with Hemophilia A and Severe Thrombocytopenia: A Case Report.

We report a patient with hemophilia A who underwent partial splenic embolization (PSE) for severe thrombocytopenia secondary to portal hypertension-induced splenomegaly, resulting in a stable long-term quality of life. The patient was diagnosed with hemophilia A and unfortunately contracted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) from blood products. He subsequently developed progressive splenomegaly due to portal hypertension from chronic HCV, resulting in severe thrombocytopenia. PSE was performed because he had occasional subcutaneous bleeding and needed to start interferon (IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) treatment for curing his HCV infection at that time. His platelet counts increased, and no serious adverse events were observed. Currently, he continues to receive outpatient treatment, regular factor VIII (FVIII) replacement therapy for hemophilia A, and antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection. Vascular embolization has been reported to be an effective and minimally invasive treatment for bleeding in hemophilia patients. PSE also provided him with a stable quality of life without the side effects of serious infections and thrombocytopenia relapses. We conclude that PSE is a promising therapeutic option for patients with hemophilia A.

Conversion Surgery After Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab for Primary and Peritoneal Metastasis After Hepatocellular Carcinoma Rupture.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Conversion surgery (CS) following atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atez+Bev) is a treatment strategy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (UR-HCC). Herein, we report a case of CS after transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) and Atez+Bev for primary HCC with peritoneal metastases and multiple liver metastasis after HCC rupture. CASE REPORT: A 75-year-old man with a suspected ruptured HCC in segment 4b was referred to the National Hospital Organization Kumamoto Medical Center. TAE was performed to stop the bleeding. Subsequently, 15 courses of Atez+Bev were administered for UR-HCC with primary tumor, peritoneal metastasis, and multiple liver metastases. Multiple liver metastases and peritoneal metastasis resolved 7 months after initiation of Atez+Bev. The primary HCC had shrunk, but the patient decided not to continue treatment because of severe numbness in his fingers. Six months after stopping Atez+Bev, CS was performed because no new lesions were observed, and the patient wished to become cancer-free by resection of the remaining tumor. HCC was successfully resected, and he was discharged without any complications. The pathological findings demonstrated that there was no remnant viable HCC. CONCLUSION: We herein present a case of CS following TAE and Atez+Bev for unresectable and ruptured HCC. The patient did not require chemotherapy after CS and is alive and recurrence-free for 7 months.

Self-expanding metal stent placement and pathological alterations among obstructive colorectal cancer cases.

BACKGROUND: Experimental studies suggest that self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) enhance the aggressive behavior of obstructive colorectal cancer. The influence of SEMS placement on pathological alterations remains to be elucidated. AIM: To determine whether SEMS placement is associated with molecular or pathological features of colorectal carcinoma tissues. METHODS: Using a nonbiased molecular pathological epidemiology database of patients with obstructive colorectal cancers, we examined the association of SEMS placement with molecular or pathological features, including tumor size, histological type, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)-pTNM stage, and mutation statuses in colorectal cancer tissues compared with the use of transanal tubes. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to adjust for potential confounders. RESULTS: SEMS placement was significantly associated with venous invasion (P < 0.01), but not with the other features examined, including tumor size, disease stage, mutation status, and lymphatic invasion. In both the univariable and multivariable models with adjustment for potential factors including tumor location, histological type, and AJCC-pT stage, SEMS placement was significantly associated with severe venous invasion (P < 0.01). For the outcome category of severe venous invasion, the multivariable odds ratio for SEMS placement relative to transanal tube placement was 19.4 (95% confidence interval: 5.24-96.2). No significant differences of disease-free survival and overall survival were observed between SEMS and transanal tube groups. CONCLUSION: SEMS placement might be associated with severe venous invasion in colorectal cancer tissue, providing an impetus for further investigations on the pathological alterations by SEMSs in colorectal cancer development.

Shanghai fever, a fatal enteric illness, in an adult patient with neutropenia caused by treatment-related myelodysplastic syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Shanghai fever is a rare community-acquired enteric illness with sepsis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Cases of Shanghai fever in pediatric patients have been reported; however, to the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of adult cases. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old man visited the emergency department with sudden onset of abdominal pain. He was diagnosed as treatment-related myelodysplastic syndrome after treatment of follicular lymphoma. Moderate tenderness in the middle right abdominal quadrants was noted. Computed tomography showed abdominal free air with a small amount of effusion to the surrounding edematous small intestine, and we performed emergency exploration. During operation, we found multiple bowel perforations with patchy necrotic lesions. The patient was admitted to an intensive care unit postoperatively. Blood culture showed Pseudomonas aeruginosa. His condition improved; however, on the 8th postoperative day, the abdominal drain tube showed turbid drainage. We performed re-operation and found anastomotic leakage with two new bowel perforations. After the re-operation, the patient showed signs of septic shock and his general condition got worse, and the patient died due to multiple organ failure on the 12th postoperative day. CONCLUSION: Shanghai fever may occur in an adult patient with neutropenia.

Investigation of risk factors for postoperative seroma/hematoma after TAPP.

BACKGROUND: Seroma/hematoma formation is the most common postoperative complication after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. The occurrence of seroma/hematoma remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for seroma/hematoma formation after transabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty (TAPP). METHODS: The study enrolled 359 groin hernia patients treated by TAPP at Kumamoto Medical Center between 2014 and 2019. The primary outcome was risk factors for postoperative seroma/hematoma formation after TAPP. The secondary outcomes included recurrence of hernia, postoperative complications, and hospital stay. RESULTS: Among the 359 patients, the incidence rate of seroma/hematoma was 16% (n = 69 patients), and the recurrence rate was 0.3% (n = 1 patient, both sides). In total, there were 452 lesions. Japan Hernia Society (JHS) type II was present in 23% (n = 106) of the total cases but was significantly more common in the postoperative seroma/hematoma group (40%; P = 0.0082). Meanwhile, JHS type I-3 comprised 27% of the total JHS type I group but was significantly higher in the postoperative seroma/hematoma JHS type I group (40%; P = 0.016). Compared with JHS type I, the multivariable odds ratio for postoperative seroma/hematoma formation in JHS type II was 2.77 (95% CI 1.54-4.95). Compared with JHS grade 1/2, the multivariable odds ratio for postoperative seroma/hematoma formation in JHS grade 3 was 2.27 (95% CI 1.28-4.03). CONCLUSIONS: Internal inguinal hernia and hernia size ≥ 3 cm were considered risk factors for postoperative seroma/hematoma formation after TAPP.

Endometrial stromal sarcoma of the sigmoid colon: a case report and literature review.

Endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) is a rare mesenchymal tumor of the uterus that accounts for 7-25% of uterine sarcomas and < 1% of uterine tumors. Previously reported sites include the ovary, bowel wall, abdomen, peritoneum, pelvis, and vagina; however, ESS in the extrauterine area is rare. We report a rare case of endometrial stromal sarcoma that developed in the sigmoid colon along the gonadal vasculature, which was difficult to distinguish from colon cancer. A large polyp was found in the sigmoid colon of a 74-year-old woman during a routine medical examination and was diagnosed as tubular adenoma. On colonoscopy 7 months later, the tumor had grown and blocked the lumen, causing stenosis. She was referred to our hospital for surgery. Although detailed examination at our hospital did not yield a definitive diagnosis, bowel obstruction was considered likely and we performed laparoscopic low anterior resection under a preoperative diagnosis of sigmoid colon cancer. The tumor protruded into the sigmoid colon from the stump of the ovarian arteries and veins outside the intestinal tract. As the left ovarian artery and vein were involved in the tumor, we extracted them as a lump. The tumor was diagnosed as low-grade ESS (LG-ESS). She had a history of hysterectomy and left salpingo-oophorectomy for uterine myoma 25 years ago, and radiation therapy was performed after surgery for an unknown reason. The postoperative course was uneventful, and follow-up was continued at the request of the patient. We report a rare case of ESS infiltrating the sigmoid colon, which was probably a lesion derived from endometriosis of the ovarian arteriovenous stump remaining after surgery 25 years ago.

Impairment of Activities of Daily Living is an Independent Risk Factor for Recurrence and Mortality Following Curative Resection of Stage I-III Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: With aging of the population, the number of colorectal cancer patients with impairment of activities of daily living (ADLs) has increased. The Barthel index is a validated tool for assessing functional levels of ADLs. In this retrospective study, we aimed to examine associations of Barthel index scores with recurrence and mortality after curative resection of colorectal cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data of 815 consecutive patients who had undergone curative resection of stage I-III colorectal adenocarcinoma between January 2009 and December 2017. Preoperative functional levels of ADLs were assessed prospectively using the Barthel index (range, 0 to 100; higher scores indicate greater independence). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared according to Barthel index scores. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs), controlling for potential confounders. RESULTS: Of the 815 patients, Barthel index scores were 40 or lower in 129 (16%), 41-85 in 110 (13%), and 86 or more in 576 (71%). In multivariable analyses adjusting for potential confounders including age and disease stage, scores of 85 or lower on the Barthel index were independently associated with shorter RFS (multivariable HR: 1.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.28-2.37, P<0.001) and OS (multivariable HR: 2.10, 95% confidence interval: 1.45-3.04, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Lower scores on the Barthel index are associated with shorter RFS and OS following resection of nonmetastatic colorectal cancer. Further studies are needed to establish treatment strategies for colorectal cancer patients with poor functional capacity.

Surgical resection of a ruptured transverse pancreatic artery aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Visceral artery aneurysms are rare, but they may cause heavy bleeding and high mortality. In addition, aneurysms originating from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) account for only 1% of visceral artery aneurysms. We report the rare case of a ruptured transverse pancreatic artery aneurysm originating from the SMA that required urgent surgical treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old woman presented with acute back pain after lunch, and she was transported by ambulance. She had upper quadrant spontaneous pain and moderate tenderness, but no guarding or rebound pain. She had rheumatoid arthritis, and was taking 10 mg of steroids per day. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated a retroperitoneal hematoma spreading to the ventral side of the left kidney and extravasation of contrast agent from a branch of the SMA. We diagnosed rupture of aneurysm. We conferred with our IVR team on treatment strategy for the ruptured aneurysm. In addition, we finally selected operation, since the branch of the SMA to the aneurysm was too thin and complex to conduct IVR. For this reason, we performed emergency simple aneurysmectomy of the transverse pancreatic artery. The postoperative course was relatively smooth. CONCLUSION: Rupture of a transverse pancreatic artery aneurysm originating from the SMA is rare. However, when diagnosing patients with acute abdomen or back pain, we should consider rupture of a visceral artery aneurysm. Endovascular treatment may currently be common for ruptured visceral artery aneurysms, but we should flexibly treat them according to the patient's condition and facility considerations.

The efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy for resected high-risk stage II and stage III colorectal cancer in frail patients.

BACKGROUND: The number of frail patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) has increased. Despite evidence-based treatment guidelines, a large proportion of patients with resected CRC do not receive adjuvant chemotherapy in daily practice. This retrospective study aimed to examine the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy for CRC according to frailty. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 507 consecutive patients with curatively resected high-risk stage II or stage III CRC between 2009 and 2016. Frailty was assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS): 1 (very fit) to 9 (terminally ill), and frailty was defined as CFS ≥ 4. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between surgery alone and adjuvant chemotherapy in frail and non-frail patients. A cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs), controlling for potential confounders. RESULTS: Of the 507 patients, 194 (38%) were frail. There were no significant interactions between frailty and adjuvant chemotherapy regarding RFS (Pinteraction = 0.59) and OS (Pinteraction = 0.81). In multivariable analyses, associations of adjuvant chemotherapy with longer RFS and OS in frail patients (RFS, HR: 0.33, 95% CI 0.15-0.63; OS, HR: 0.23, 95% CI 0.08-0.54) were comparable to non-frail patients (RFS, HR: 0.36, 95% CI 0.22-0.58; OS, HR: 0.34, 95% CI 0.15-0.69). Frail patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy were younger and had better nutritional status than those undergoing surgery alone (all P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Selected frail patients with CRC may experience a similar survival benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy as non-frail patients. Clinical trials are needed to establish adjuvant chemotherapy for CRC in frail patients.

Patient Age and Long-term Survival in Colorectal Cancer Patients Who Undergo Emergency Surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Emergency surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) is a high-risk procedure with high morbidity and mortality rates, especially for older patients. The relationship between patient age status and long-term outcomes is unclear. We hypothesize that patient age might be associated with long-term outcomes in patients with CRC who undergo emergency surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Utilizing a database of CRC patients who received emergency surgery, we examined the prognostic association of patient age. RESULTS: The ≥80-years group was significantly associated with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status, bowel obstruction, N stage, shorter operating time, and less adjuvant chemotherapy (all p<0.03); and also, with shorter recurrence-free survival [multivariable hazard ratio, 2.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-7.21; p=0.026]. ASA status and adjuvant chemotherapy were significantly associated with recurrence-free survival (all p<0.03). CONCLUSION: Advanced age is associated with shorter recurrence-free survival in CRC patients who undergo emergency surgery.

Frailty is an independent risk factor for recurrence and mortality following curative resection of stage I-III colorectal cancer.

AIM: With population aging, the number of frail patients with colorectal cancer has increased. The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is a validated tool for assessing frailty, and higher scores indicate worse clinical outcomes following cardiovascular procedures. This retrospective study aimed to examine preoperative frailty in relation to recurrence and mortality following curative resection of colorectal cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data for 729 consecutive patients undergoing curative resection of stage I-stage III colon and rectal adenocarcinoma between January 2009 and December 2016. Frailty was assessed using the CFS: 1 (very fit) to 9 (terminally ill), and frailty was defined as CFS ≥ 4. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between frail and nonfrail patients. Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs), controlling for potential confounders. RESULTS: CFS score was negatively correlated with the Barthel index of activities of daily living (Spearman's ρ = -0.83). Of the 729 patients, 253 (35%) were frail. In multivariable analyses adjusting for potential confounders including age and disease stage, frailty was independently associated with shorter RFS (multivariable HR: 1.70, 95% confidence interval: 1.25-2.31, P < .001) and OS (multivariable HR: 2.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.40-2.99, P < .001). There were no significant interactions of frailty with age and disease stage regarding RFS and OS (P interaction > .72). CONCLUSION: Preoperative frailty was independently associated with shorter RFS and OS following resection of nonmetastatic colorectal cancer, regardless of age and disease stage. Further trials are needed to establish treatment strategies for frail patients with colorectal cancer.

Advanced Age Is a Risk Factor for Recurrence After Resection in Stage II Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The number of older patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing. Stage II CRC is a heterogeneous group of cancers with different prognoses. We aimed to examine older patients in relation to clinical outcome following curative resection in stage II CRC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed data for 329 consecutive patients with stage II CRC following curative resection. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between older patients ≥75 years of age and those <75 years. Cox proportional hazards model was used to compute hazard ratios (HRs) controlling for potential confounders. RESULTS: In the multivariable analyses, patients ≥75 years were independently associated with shorter RFS (multivariable HR=2.56, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.55-4.31, p<0.001) and OS (multivariable HR=4.36, 95%CI=2.08-9.97, p<0.001) in stage II CRC. CONCLUSION: Older patients were independently associated with shorter RFS and OS following curative resection in stage II CRC.

Interval laparoscopic appendectomy after antibiotic therapy for appendiceal abscess in elderly patients.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of interval laparoscopic appendectomy after antibiotic therapy in elderly patients with appendiceal abscess. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data for 50 patients with appendiceal abscess aged ≥18 years who had initially planned to undergo interval laparoscopic appendectomy after antibiotic therapy and 50 patients with appendicitis aged ≥70 years who had undergone early laparoscopic appendectomy. All patients were treated at the National Hospital Organization Kumamoto Medical Center between 2012 and 2018. We compared perioperative outcomes after interval appendectomy between patients aged <70 years and ≥70 years. RESULTS: Clinical progression of appendicitis during antibiotic therapy developed in one patient (2.0%), and recurrent appendicitis after antibiotic therapy for appendiceal abscess occurred in two patients (4.0%). Pathological findings confirmed appendiceal neoplasms in four patients (8.0%). Postoperative infectious complications occurred in 1 of 47 patients (2.1%) who had undergone successful interval laparoscopic appendectomy, and the median length of postoperative hospital stay was 4 days (interquartile range, 3-5 days). There were no significant differences in outcomes after interval appendectomy between patients aged <70 years and ≥70 years. In the secondary analysis, the median length of postoperative hospital stay after interval laparoscopic appendectomy for appendiceal abscess (4 days) was significantly shorter than that after early laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis (7 days; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Interval laparoscopic appendectomy for appendiceal abscess may be safe and effective in elderly patients without severe comorbidities. Interval appendectomy may be necessary for determining the underlying cause of appendiceal abscess in adults.

Giant myxoid liposarcoma of the stomach: Report of a case.

INTRODUCTION: Liposarcoma is one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas in adults, but liposarcoma arising primarily from the stomach is very rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 56-year-old man was referred to our hospital with abdominal distension and discomfort. A computed tomography scan showed a huge mass located between the stomach and transverse colon. The preliminary differential diagnoses were sarcoma with a mucinous component, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, lymphangioma, and mesenteric cyst. Upper and lower endoscopy was not performed because the patient declined. The patient underwent surgical resection, and the tumor was completely removed. Macroscopic examination revealed a 39-×26-×20-cm tumor weighing 13,000g. On histological examination, the tumor was diagnosed as a myxoid liposarcoma in the gastric submucosa. The patient was still doing well 2 years postoperatively. DISCUSSION: Preoperative diagnosis of liposarcoma of the stomach is difficult. In the present case, the tumor was very large but was able to be resected completely. CONCLUSION: Even in patients with very large myxoid liposarcoma, curative resection can provide a good prognosis.

Laparoscopic removal of an ingested fish bone that penetrated the stomach and was embedded in the pancreas: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The gastrointestinal tract can occasionally be perforated or penetrated by an ingested foreign body, such as a fish bone. However, there are very few reported cases in which an ingested fish bone penetrated the gastrointestinal tract and was embedded in the pancreas. CASE PRESENTATION: An 80-year-old male presented with epigastric pain. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed a linear, hyperdense, foreign body that penetrated through the posterior wall of the gastric antrum. There was no evidence of free air, abscess formation, migration of the foreign body into the pancreas, or pancreatitis. As the patient had a history of fish bone ingestion, we made a diagnosis of localized peritonitis caused by fish bone penetration of the posterior wall of the gastric antrum. We first attempted to remove the foreign body endoscopically, but failed because it was not detected. Hence, an emergency laparoscopic surgery was performed. A linear, hard, foreign body penetrated through the posterior wall of the gastric antrum and was embedded in the pancreas. The foreign body was safely removed laparoscopically and was identified as a 2.5-cm-long fish bone. Intraperitoneal lavage was performed, and a drain was placed in the lesser sac. The patient recovered without complications and was discharged on the 7th postoperative day. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery could be performed safely for the removal of an ingested fish bone embedded in the pancreas.

A fascia lata free flap in pelvic exenteration for Fournier gangrene due to advanced rectal cancer: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Fournier gangrene due to advanced rectal cancer is a rapidly progressive gangrene of the perineum and buttocks. Emergency surgical debridement of necrotic tissue is crucial, and secondary surgery to resect tumors is necessary for wound healing. However, pelvic exenteration damages the pelvic floor, increasing the likelihood of herniation of internal organs into the infectious wound. The management of pelvic exenteration for rectal cancer with Fournier gangrene has not yet been established. We herein describe the use of a fascia lata free flap in pelvic exenteration for rectal cancer with Fournier gangrene. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old male who had undergone colostomy for large bowel obstruction due to advanced rectal cancer and continued chemotherapy was referred to our hospital for Fournier gangrene resulting from chemotherapy. Emergency surgical debridement was performed, and the infectious wound around the rectal cancer was treated with intravenous antibiotic agents postoperatively. However, the tumor was exposed by the wound, and exudate persisted. Pelvic exenteration was performed due to tumor infiltration into the bladder and prostate. Tumor resection resulted in a defect in the pelvic floor. A fascia lata free flap (15 × 9 cm) obtained from the left thigh was fixed to the edge of the peritoneum and ileal conduit to close the defect in the pelvic floor and prevent small bowel herniation into the resected space. There was no intraabdominal inflammation or bowel obstruction postoperatively, and outpatient chemotherapy was continued. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical repair with a fascia lata free flap to close the defect in the pelvic floor led to a good clinical outcome for pelvic exenteration in a patient with Fournier gangrene due to advanced rectal cancer.

A case of an omphalomesenteric duct remnant in an adult treated with laparoscopic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of an omphalomesenteric duct (OMD) remnant is a rare condition that typically affects the pediatric population. This report describes an extremely rare case of an OMD remnant that was diagnosed and resected by laparoscopic surgery in an adult. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 52-year-old man underwent a medical examination at our hospital for right lower quadrant pain. Laboratory findings showed slight leukocytosis and an elevated C-reactive protein level. A luminal structure connected to the umbilicus was detected in the right pelvic wall by abdominal computed tomography, and an OMD remnant was suspected. Laparoscopic surgery was performed by inserting three trocars into the left side of the abdomen; no trocars were inserted near the umbilicus. This procedure provided both a good field of view around the umbilicus and adequate working space. We definitively diagnosed the structure as an OMD remnant and resected it with minimal invasion. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 7 without complications. Pathologic analysis found the lumen is covered by ileum-like mucosa, and a microabscess is formed in the surrounding fat tissue. DISCUSSION: OMD remnants are uncommon, and their diagnosis is difficult. Most reports advocate for prompt surgical resection in symptomatic patients. CONCLUSION: In the present case, definitive diagnosis and treatment were accomplished with minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.

Prognosis assessment of patients with refractory ascites treated with a peritoneovenous shunt.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We investigated the postoperative outcome and risk factors for DIC and mortality in cases of implanted PVS. METHODOLOGY: We reviewed the cases of 65 patients implanted with PVS from 2000 to 2010. Of these patients, 32 were diagnosed with peritonitis carcinomatosa, 21 had liver cirrhosis with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and 12 had liver cirrhosis without HCC. RESULTS: The postoperative morbidity rate was 18.8%, 76.2%, and 58.3% in cases of peritonitis carcinomatosa, liver cirrhosis with HCC, and liver cirrhosis without HCC, respectively. Early death (within 7 days of surgery) was 7.7% (5/65), and the cause of death in all cases was DIC. Underlying disease, low platelet count, prolongation of prothrombin time (PT), and hyperbilirubinemia were the risk factors for development of DIC, whereas underlying disease, prolongation of PT, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperbilirubinemia were risk factors for early death. Multivariate analysis showed that liver cirrhosis with HCC and prolonged PT were the risk factors for DIC. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis with HCC and those with prolonged PT should not be considered for PVS.

Hybrid ablation using percutaneous and endoscopic approach for multi-nodular hepatocellular carcinomas.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate the efficacy and the safety of a hybrid ablation combining a percutaneous and endoscopic approach for multi-nodular hepatocellular carcinomas. METHODOLOGY: Hybrid ablation consists of a percutaneous approach for deep-sited tumors and an endoscopic approach for superficial ones. Between January 1991 and December 2007, forty eight patients with 139 nodules were treated with hybrid ablation. The perioperative clinical data and prognosis of the hybrid approach group were compared with 15 patients with superficial and deep-sited multinodular HCCs treated by the pure endoscopic ablation. RESULTS: With regard to the deep-site of the liver tumors, the complete disappearance of tumor enhancement was observed in 76 of 77 tumors (98.7%) in the hybrid ablation group and 15 of 18 tumors (83.3%) in the pure endoscopic ablation group (p=0.02). The mean operation time (236.5min), the mean amount of intraoperative bleeding (20.3g), the median days of postoperative hospital stay (14 days), major complication rates (10.4%) and the 5-year overall survival (42%) in the hybrid ablation group were similar to the pure endoscopic group. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid ablation is a clinically useful treatment for multi-nodular hepatocellular carcinomas located in both the superficial and deep-site of the liver.

[Reduction of vascular pain due to drop-infusion of oxaliplatin (L-OHP) in peripheral vein with heated infusion route].

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the possibility of reducting vascular pain with peripheral vein administration of oxaliplatin (L-OHP)by heating infusion routes during XELOX therapy. METHODS: (1) EXPERIMENT: The temperature of the 5%glucose injection solution was measured at the leading edge of the infusion route when it was heated to 36°Cor 40°C. (2) CASES: Among five patients receving XELOX therapy for colorectal cancer, we examined the occurrence of vascular pain by heating the L-OHP solution to 40°C. RESULTS: (1) EXPERIMENT: The injection temperatures were reduced to 25°C and 31°C while passing through the infusion route when L-OHP solution was heated to 36°C and 40°C, respectively. (2) CASE: vascular pain did not occur in all five patients treated with XELOX therapy completely by heating the L-OHP solution at 40°C, including two patients who could not continue treatment caused by vascular pain without the heating method. CONCLUSION: The method using the heat infusion route of L-OHP at 40°C is useful for reducing vascular pain from L-OHP administered intravenously.