The effect of donor against recipient one-way HLA mismatch on liver transplantation outcomes from a multicenter registry analysis.

Donor against recipient one-way Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch (D → R one-way HLA MM) seemed strongly associated with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The aim of this study is to investigate the relevance of D → R one-way HLA MM in outcome of liver transplantation (LT). We retrospectively analyzed 2670 patients in Korean Organ Transplantation Registry database between April 2014 and December 2020. The patients were categorized into two groups whether D → R one-way HLA MM or not and evaluated the outcomes of LT between the two groups. 18 patients were found to be D → R one-way HLA MM. The incidence of GVHD (0.3% vs. 22.2%, p < 0.001) and mortality rate (11.6% vs. 38.9%, p = 0.003) was much higher in D → R one-way HLA MM group. D → R one-way HLA MM at 3 loci was seemed to be strongly associated with the incidence of GVHD (OR 163.3, p < 0.001), and found to be the strongest risk factor for patient death (HR 12.75, p < 0.001). Patients with D → R one-way HLA MM at 3 loci showed significantly lower overall survival (p < 0.001) but there were no significant differences in rejection-free survival and death-censored graft survival. D → R one-way HLA MM at 3 loci not only affects the overall survival of LT patients but also the incidence of GVHD.

Comparison between radiocephalic and brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula in octogenarians: A retrospective single center study.

PURPOSE: The number of older patients who need vascular access for end-stage renal disease is rapidly increasing. However, determining the optimal vascular access for older patients is difficult. We aimed to compare the outcomes of radiocephalic (RC) and brachiocephalic (BC) arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in patients aged >80 years. METHODS: This study included 94 patients undergoing hemodialysis who underwent the procedure for the first time between 2013 and 2019 in Korea University Guro Hospital. The primary outcomes were primary patency (PP) and cumulative patency (CP). The secondary outcome was maturation failure and death with functional vascular access. RESULTS: Of the 94 patients (mean age, 83.9 ± 2.97 years), 66 (70.2%) and 28 (29.8%) patients belonged to the RC and BC AVF groups, respectively. One-year PP was worse in the RC AVF group than in the BC AVF group (59.6% vs. 87.4%, p = 0.013). However, no significant difference was observed in 1-year CP between the groups (87.4% vs. 91.2%, p = 0.441). The unassisted maturation rate was higher in the BC AVF group than in the RC AVF group (74.2% vs. 96.4%, p = 0.011). During follow-up (649 ± 612 days), only 6 (6.4%) patients required secondary fistula placement. Eighteen patients (19.1%), all of whom had functional AVF, died. CONCLUSION: BC AVF showed better PP and a smaller number of interventions than RC AVF in octogenarians. Therefore, BC AVF could be a primary choice of vascular access in the octogenarian patient. However, further research is warranted to confirm these findings.

Prevalence and clinical significance of pancreatic cystic lesions in immunosuppressed patients following solid organ transplantation.

Background: Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are occasionally found in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. In such recipients, the risk of cancer is increased due to immunosuppressive therapy. This study investigated the prevalence of PCLs and described their clinical course in immunosuppressed patients following SOT. Methods: The presence of PCLs in a retrospective cohort of 805 consecutive SOT recipients from 2009 to 2019 was examined. The characteristics of PCLs were compared using initial and follow-up imaging, where available. These results were compared to an age- and sex-matched immunocompetent control group monitored for at least 12 months. Results: PCLs were present in 15 of 805 SOT patients (seven liver and eight kidney transplantations). The median diameter of the largest lesion was 20 mm (range, 0.2-60 mm) and 60% of lesions were benign. During follow-up imaging, the cyst size remained stable in 46.7%, increased in 13.3%, and decreased in 40.0% of the SOT group. Significantly more of the SOT patients showed PCL size reductions (P=0.007). Among SOT patients diagnosed with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (6/15), worrisome features were noted in one patient at the time of cyst diagnosis. Differences in the development of worrisome features between the study and control groups were not statistically significant. Conclusions: The malignant transformation of PCLs in SOT recipients is rare and most such PCLs can be managed conservatively. The presence of a PCL should therefore not affect transplant eligibility.

Case report of pure single-port robotic left lateral sectionectomy using the da Vinci SP system.

INTRODUCTION: Since its first appearance in the early 1990s, laparoscopic hepatic resection has become increasingly accepted and recognized as safe as laparotomy. The recent introduction of robotic surgery systems has brought new innovations to the field of minimally invasive surgery, such as laparoscopic surgery. The da Vinci line of surgical systems has recently released a true single-port platform called the da Vinci SP system, which has 3 fully wristed and elbowed instruments and a flexible camera in a single 2.5 cm cannula. We present the first case of robotic liver resection using the da Vinci SP system and demonstrate the technical feasibility of this platform. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSIS: A 63-year-old woman presented with elevated liver function test results and abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed multiple intrahepatic duct stones in the left lateral section and distal common bile duct stones near the ampulla of Vater. INTERVENTIONS: The docking time was 8 minute. The patient underwent successful da Vinci SP with a total operation time of 135 minute. The estimated blood loss was 50.0 ml. No significant intraoperative events were observed. OUTCOMES: The numerical pain intensity score was 3/10 in the immediate postoperative period and 1/10 on postoperative day 2. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5 after verifying that the CT scan did not show any surgical complications. CONCLUSION: We report a technique of left lateral sectionectomy, without the use of an additional port, via the da Vinci SP system. The present case suggests that minor hepatic resection is technically feasible and safe with the new da Vinci SP system in select patients. For the active application of the da Vinci SP system in hepatobiliary surgery, further device development and research are needed.

Effects of the proximity of metastasis to the central vessels of the liver on surgical outcomes and survival in colorectal cancer with liver metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Resectability of liver metastasis is important to establish a treatment strategy for patients with colorectal cancer. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the distance from metastasis to the centre of the liver on surgical outcomes and survival after hepatectomy. METHODS: The clinical data of a total of 155 patients who underwent hepatectomy for colorectal cancer with liver metastasis were retrospectively reviewed. We measured the minimal length from metastasis to the bifurcation of the portal vein at the primary branch of the Glissonean tree and defined it as 'centrality'. The postoperative outcomes and survival among the patients were then analysed. RESULTS: Anatomic resections were more frequently performed, and the operative time was longer in the patients with high centrality (≤1.5 cm) than in the patients with low centrality (>1.5 cm). A size of ≥5 cm for the largest lesion, a number of lesions of ≥3 and centrality of ≤1.5 cm were found to be the independent risk factors of a positive resection margin after hepatectomy. The patients with high centrality showed worse recurrence-free survival than those with low centrality; however, there was no significant difference found in the overall survival. In the multivariate analysis, high centrality was not found to be associated with worse recurrence-free and overall survival. CONCLUSION: Centrality significantly affected the surgical outcomes and treatment strategy for liver metastasis but did not influence the survival of the patients with colorectal cancer. Active efforts through surgical resections are important to treat liver metastasis of high centrality.

Safety and feasibility of pure laparoscopic extended cholecystectomy: comparison with the open technique in a propensity analysis at a single center.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to validate the safety and feasibility of pure laparoscopic extended cholecystectomy (LEC) by comparing the outcome with that of open extended cholecystectomy (OEC). Moreover, on the basis of our experience, we also aimed to investigate the learning curve of pure LEC. METHODS: This single-center study enrolled patients who were diagnosed primary gallbladder cancer with pathologically confirmed and underwent R0 resection with curative intent between January 2016 and December 2019. A total of 31 patients who underwent OEC and 17 patients who underwent LEC were selected. Propensity score matching analysis was performed in a 1:1 ratio using the nearest-neighbor matching method, and clinical information was retrospectively collected from medical records and analyzed. RESULTS: The postoperative hospital stay was statistically shorter in the LEC group (7 days) than in the OEC group (12 days). The overall surgical complication rate did not differ between the two groups. The 1- and 3-year disease-free survival rates were 82.4% and 82.4% in the OEC group and 94.2% and 71.5% in the LEC group, respectively (P = 0.94). Considering the correlation between the number of cumulative cases and the operation time and between the number of cumulative cases and the number of retrieved lymph nodes in the LEC group, as the cases were accumulated, both the operation time and the number of retrieved lymph nodes had a statistically significant correlation with the number of cases. CONCLUSIONS: LEC showed a significant advantage in terms of achieving shorter postoperative hospital stay and similar results to OEC with respect to overall complications and pathological outcomes. The present results confirm that laparoscopy can be considered a safe treatment for primary gallbladder cancer in selected patients.

Efficacy and safety of a switch from twice-daily tacrolimus to once-daily generic tacrolimus in stable liver transplant patients.

Background: Once-daily tacrolimus reduces non-compliance relative to twice-daily tacrolimus. However, little is known about the safety and efficacy of conversion from twice-daily tacrolimus to generic once-daily tacrolimus in liver transplantation (LT). Herein, we investigated the efficacy and safety of a switch from twice-daily tacrolimus to generic once-daily tacrolimus in patients with stable liver graft function. Methods: This prospective, multicenter, open-label, single-arm study was conducted in 17 medical centers for 1 year from July 2019 to July 2020 (NCT04069065). Primary endpoint was the incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) for 24 weeks after conversion. Secondary endpoints were graft failure, patient death, and adverse events (AEs). Results: Of 151 screened LT patients, 144 patients were enrolled. BPAR, graft failure, and patient death did not occur in this patient population. There were no statistical differences in blood tests, liver function tests, or biochemical tests between visits in any of the patients. Median tacrolimus trough level decreased abruptly from 4.7 ng/mL to 3.2 ng/mL after generic once-daily tacrolimus conversion, but median tacrolimus dose increased due to low tacrolimus trough level. Ninety-two adverse events occurred in 54 patients. Liver enzyme levels increased in seven patients (4.9%) after the switch to generic once-daily tacrolimus, but the liver function tests of these patients normalized thereafter. There were three cases of severe AEs not related to investigational drug. Conclusions: Present study suggests that conversion from twice-daily tacrolimus to generic once-daily tacrolimus is effective and safe in stable LT patients.

Adding iliopubic tract repair to high ligation reduces recurrence risk in pediatric laparoscopic transabdominal inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Many laparoscopic methods are available for treating pediatric inguinal hernias. Recurrence after laparoscopic pediatric inguinal hernia repair (LPIHR) is one of the greatest concerns for surgeons. The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of iliopubic tract repair in LPIHR with respect to the recurrence rate, surgical outcomes, and complications. METHODS: LPIHR was performed in 3386 pediatric patients aged < 10 years from January 2016 to June 2018. The patients were categorized into two groups according to the operative techniques: high ligation alone (1736 patients) and additional iliopubic tract repair (1650 patients). In high ligation surgery, the hernia sac was removed and the peritoneum was closed. In iliopubic tract repair surgery, iliopubic tract and transversalis fascia arch sutures were added. RESULTS: Recurrence only occurred in the high ligation group; no patients in the iliopubic tract repair group developed recurrence [0.35% (6/1736) vs. 0.00% (0/1650), respectively; p = 0.014]. Other surgical outcomes and complications did not differ between the two groups. Six patients in the high ligation group developed recurrence: four infants aged < 1 year and two children aged > 1 year. The mean duration from the first operation to reoperation in these six patients was 11.8 months; five patients developed recurrence within 1 year after the initial operation. All patients had a recurrent indirect hernia, and the location of the hernial defects was on the medial side of the previous stitch. The logistic regression indicated that the difference between the two groups affected the recurrence rate. This finding predicted that iliopubic tract repair is associated with a lower recurrence rate than high ligation (odds ratio 0.996, 95% confidence interval 0.994-0.999, p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: This study of transabdominal LPIHR indicates that iliopubic tract repair results in a small but significant decrease in the risk of recurrence.

Clinicopathological Differences in T2 Gallbladder Cancer According to Tumor Location.

We aimed to identify clinicopathological differences and factors affecting survival outcomes of stage T2a and T2b gallbladder cancer (GBC) and validate the oncological benefits of regional lymphadenectomy and hepatic resection in these patients. This single-center study enrolled patients who were diagnosed with pathologically confirmed T2 GBC and underwent curative resection between January 1995 and December 2017. Eighty-two patients with T2a and 50 with T2b GBCs were identified, and clinical information was retrospectively collected from medical records and analyzed. Five-year overall survival rates were 96.8% and 80.7% in T2a and T2b groups, respectively (P = .007). Three- and 5-year survival rates among all patients with T2 GBC without and with lymph node metastasis were 97.2% and 94.4% and 81.3% and 81.3%, respectively (P = .029). There was no difference in survival rates between the 2 groups according to whether hepatic resection was performed (P = .320). However, in the T2b group, those who underwent hepatic resection demonstrated a better survival rate than those who did not (P = .029). The T2b group had more multiple recurrence patterns than the T2a group, and the lymph nodes were the most common site in both groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, and tumor location were significant independent prognostic factors. Hepatic resection was not always necessary in patients with peritoneal-side GBC. Considering clinicopathological features and recurrence patterns, a systematic treatment plan, including radical resection and adjuvant treatment, should be established for hepatic-side GBC.

Incidence of Cord Hydrocele After Laparoscopic Intracorporeal Inguinal Hernia Repair in Male Pediatric Patients: A Comparative Study Between Removing and Leaving the Hernial Sac.

Purpose: Many laparoscopic repair techniques are available for treating pediatric inguinal hernias. The development of a cord hydrocele (CH) after laparoscopic pediatric inguinal hernia repair (LPIHR) in male patients can lead to reoperation. We performed the present study to evaluate the effects of hernial sac removal on the occurrence of CH after laparoscopic transabdominal inguinal hernia repair in male patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 3145 male pediatric patients aged <10 years who underwent LPIHR from January 2014 to March 2017. We categorized patients into two groups according to the operative technique: Group 1 (high ligation without hernial sac removal, 1592 patients) and Group 2 (high ligation with hernial sac removal, 1553 patients). We removed the hernial sacs in the first half of the study period and not in the second half of the study period. We analyzed the surgical outcomes in both groups after the same follow-up period of ≥2.5 years. Results: We found no significant differences in demographic or clinical parameters between the treatment groups. CH occurred in 6 patients in Group 1 only; no patients in Group 2 developed CH (0.38% [6/1592] versus 0.00% [0/1553], respectively; P = .044). The interval from the initial hernia repair to the hydrocelectomy in 6 patients was 20.8 months. The recurrence rate was higher in Group 1 (0.4%, 7/1592) versus Group 2 (0.0%, 0/1553) (P = .025). In the logistic regression test, Group 2 predicted a lower CH occurrence rate than Group 1 (odds ratio = 1.004, 95% confidence interval = 1.001-1.007; P = .016). Conclusion: Our findings indicated that hernial sac removal resulted in a small but significant decrease in the risk of postoperative CH.

Development and validation of novel scoring system for the prediction of disease recurrence following resection of colorectal liver metastasis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify predictive factors for the recurrence of colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) and then to develop a corresponding novel scoring system that should improve the sensitivity of predicting recurrence in patients with CRLM. METHODS: A total of 295 consecutive CRLM patients were enrolled in our institution between January 2002 and December 2015. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify the variables associated with disease recurrence and established the novel scoring system based on it. RESULTS: The scoring system considered seven variables: synchronosity, CA19-9 level, number of liver metastasis, largest size of liver metastasis, resection margin of hepatic lesion, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and prognostic nutritional index. The area under the curve of ROC was 0.824 (95% confidence interval 0.767-0.882); the sensitivity of our scoring system was 87.9%, specificity was 66.7%, positive predictive value was 20.6%, and negative predictive value was 20.9%. CONCLUSION: For patients with CRLM undergoing curative hepatic resection, our novel scoring system would improve the sensitivity for prediction of disease recurrence in Case of CRLM patients.

Influence of Postoperative Finasteride Therapy on Recurrence of Gynecomastia After Mastectomy in Men Taking Finasteride for Alopecia.

Finasteride is commonly used for treatment of alopecia. Because finasteride is a cause of gynecomastia, there is concern regarding the continuation of finasteride therapy after mastectomy. No studies have been performed to determine whether finasteride should be continued after mastectomy when gynecomastia occurs in patients taking finasteride for the treatment of alopecia. The researchers studied the effects of finasteride on gynecomastia recurrence after mastectomy in men with gynecomastia taking finasteride for alopecia. The researchers retrospectively evaluated 1,673 patients with gynecomastia who underwent subcutaneous mastectomy with liposuction at Damsoyu Hospital from January 2014 to December 2016. In total, 52 of the patients were taking finasteride for alopecia before surgery and continued to use it in the same manner after mastectomy. Ultrasonography was performed 1 year after mastectomy. The patients' median age was 26.5 (24.75-30) years. All 52 patients had bilateral gynecomastia. The median duration of finasteride therapy before and after surgery was 12 (5-25.75) and 33 (27.5-40.5) months, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with and without the use of finasteride in relation to postoperative complications and recurrence rates. Taking finasteride seems to have little effect on recurrence in patients with alopecia who have undergone surgical treatment of gynecomastia. Surgeons may recommend continuous finasteride therapy in patients with alopecia who wish to take finasteride after mastectomy.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus screening is important for surgeons.

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Perioperative surgical site infection (SSI) remains a morbid complication even in successful surgical procedures. We encountered an unusual experience of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-related SSI outbreak in our hospital; therefore, we conducted an epidemiologic analysis to determine the origin of SSIs due to MRSA. METHODS: Among 102 consecutive patients who underwent hepatobiliopancreatic operations, SSIs occurred in eight cases. Infection surveillance regarding the operative environment was carried out. We analyzed the possible risk factors for this infectious outbreak in our institution. RESULTS: Patients with SSI tended to be older (p=0.293), had variable operation fields (p=0.020), more cancer-related operation (p=0.003), less laparoscopic surgery (p=0.007), performed in operation room 1 (p=0.004), prolonged operation time (p<0.001) and had longer hospital stays (p=0.002). After propensity score (PS) matching, there was the only significant difference in the participation of surgeon D as a second assistant (p=0.001) between the SSI and non-SSI group. After PS matching, surgeon D as a second assistant was the only significant risk factor for MRSA SSI in the univariate (p=0.001) and multivariate analysis (p=0.004, hazard ratio=25.088, 95% confidence interval=2.759-228.149). CONCLUSIONS: Outbreak of SSIs occurred due to transmission of MRSA from a surgeon to patients despite the standard regulation of infection control. These SSIs were associated with an excessive incidence of surgeon's nasal and hand carriage of the MRSA strain identified in the surgeon via cultures. We recommend the preoperative regular nasal and hand screening for MRSA among surgeons.

Prognostic markers affecting the early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma with liver cirrhosis after curative resection.

BACKGROUND: Early recurrence is associated with poor prognosis after curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, we studied which factors, including this inflammation-based scoring system, affect disease recurrence in single hepatocellular carcinoma patients with liver cirrhosis. METHODS: A total of 430 consecutive hepatocellular carcinoma patients were enrolled in our institution between January 2002 and December 2015. Survival rate, univariate, and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the variables associated with recurrence and early recurrence especially. RESULTS: The overall survival rate was significantly lower in the early recurrence group than in the non-early recurrence group (P<0.001). According to the multivariate analysis, protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist (PIVKA) greater than 200 (P=0.035), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio greater than 2.0 (P<0.001), elevated Glasgow prognostic score (P=0.003), tumor size greater than 5 cm (P=0.002), and the presence of lymphovascular invasion (P=0.002) were significantly different among the groups and affected the early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. The patients were categorized into five levels of risk for early recurrence according to the number of independent risk factors, and patients with no risk factors were set as the reference group. CONCLUSION: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, Glasgow prognostic score, and serum level of PIVKA offer significant prognostic information associated with early recurrence following single lesion hepatocellular carcinoma patients with liver cirrhosis after curative resection.

Prognostic impact of the combination of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 in patients with pancreas head cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of the combination of a traditional prognostic factor with a systemic inflammation-based prognostic factor in patients undergoing curative resection for pancreas head cancer diagnosed as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. METHODS: From January 2005 to December 2015, 198 patients were enrolled. Various clinicopathological factors potentially associated with survival and recurrence were evaluated in this study. RESULTS: The selected cut-off values for the test prognostic factors with sufficient sensitivity and specificity were 2.8 for the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and 70 U/mL for serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that the 5-year survival rate in patients with a high NLR and CA19-9 was 21.8% compared with 79.8% for patients with a low NLR and CA19-9. The 5-year disease-free survival rate in patients with a high NLR and CA19-9 was 0% compared with 33.9% for patients with a low NLR and CA19-9. Patients with high NLRs and high CA19-9 were more likely to have an early recurrence and multiple relapse patterns. CONCLUSION: Preoperative NLR and serum CA19-9 offer significant prognostic information for survival following curative resection of pancreas head cancer diagnosed as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Novel Transabdominal Preperitoneal Hernioplasty Technique for Recurrent Inguinal Hernia: Overlapping of Whole Posterior Wall with Newly Added Mesh and Pre-Existing Mesh by Closing Hernia Defect.

Purpose: In some patients with recurrent inguinal hernias who have undergone previous laparoscopic herniorrhaphy, dissecting the entire posterior wall is difficult due to mesh adhesion. We applied a novel transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) hernioplasty technique that involves closing of the hernia defect and implantation of a newly added mesh while preserving the pre-existing mesh for inguinal hernia recurrence after laparoscopic herniorrhaphy. This study was performed to evaluate this novel technique for treatment of recurrent inguinal hernias. Methods: We evaluated 24 adult patients (23 male, 1 female; mean age, 55.8 ± 14.0 years; range, 26-77 years) with recurring inguinal hernias. A modified TAPP (mTAPP) procedure involving closing of the defect and implantation of an 8 × 6-cm2 newly added mesh was performed. The new technique covered the whole posterior wall with pre-existing mesh. Results: Among the 24 patients, there were 12 direct hernias and 12 indirect hernias. The mean postoperative pain scores after 1 week were 2.5 and 2.0 in patients with direct and indirect hernias, respectively, and the mean duration until return to normal activities was 8.5 and 7.5 days in patients with direct and indirect hernias, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 21.0 ± 17.0 (range, 2-56) months. No chronic inguinodynia or rerecurrence was observed. Conclusions: In this novel mTAPP procedure for recurring inguinal hernias, closing sutures prevented mesh migration, and complete posterior wall overlap was possible using the pre-existing mesh and newly added mesh. The mTAPP procedure was an effective operation with few recurrences and complications.

Pregnancy-Associated Risk Factors of Postpartum Breast Cancer in Korea: A Nationwide Health Insurance Database Study.

Patients with postpartum breast cancer have been reported to have a poor prognosis. The present study aimed to evaluate the pregnancy-related risk factors of postpartum breast cancer in Korea. We collected patient data from the Korea National Health Insurance (KNHI) Claims Database of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) for the 2009-2013 period. We evaluated the pregnancy-related risk factors for postpartum breast cancer in two population groups. For Group 1 (women who had given birth during the 2010-2012 period), data on those who were diagnosed with breast cancer from childbirth to 1-year postpartum were extracted. For Group 2, we extracted the data of women who gave birth in 2010 and traced them until December 31, 2013. In Group 1, 1,384,551 deliveries and 317 postpartum breast cancer patients were recorded in Korea between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2012. Women aged ≥35 years (Odds Ratio [OR], 2.003; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.567-2.560) and those who gave birth via cesarean delivery (OR, 1.237; 95% CI, 0.986-1.553) were considered to be at a higher risk for breast cancer. Lower risk was noted in primiparous women (OR, 0.737; 95% CI, 0.585-0.928). In Group 2, the data of 457,924 women who gave birth in 2010 were traced until December 31, 2013. Among them, 655 patients were diagnosed with breast cancer, and age ≥35 years and cesarean delivery were associated with an higher risk of breast cancer, whereas primiparous status was associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. In conclusion, older age (≥35 years) and cesarean delivery are significant risk factors for postpartum breast cancer, and primiparous women have a lower risk of developing postpartum breast cancer.

Disease recurrence patterns and analysis of clinicopathological prognostic factors for recurrence after resection for distal bile duct cancer.

Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for bile duct cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate disease recurrence patterns and prognostic factors for recurrence of distal bile duct cancers after surgical resection. A retrospective study was performed on 122 patients with distal bile duct cancers who underwent R0 or R1 surgical resection at Korea University Guro Hospital from 1991 to 2010. Sites of initial disease recurrence were classified as locoregional or distant. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the factors affecting recurrence. Of the 122 patients, 80 patients developed recurrence. The disease-free survival rate was 63.1 per cent at one year and 36.4 per cent at three years. The patterns of recurrence at diagnosis were locoregional in 25 patients, locoregional and distant metastasis in 14 patients, and distant metastasis in 41 patients. Multivariate analyses revealed that recurrence pattern, lymph node metastasis, and differentiation are independent prognostic factors affecting disease-free survival. R status (marginal significance) and tumor differentiation were independent prognostic factors associated with locoregional recurrence. Differentiation and lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic factors associated with distant metastasis. The prognosis after recurrence was poor with a 1-year survival rate after recurrence of 26.1 per cent. Adjuvant chemo- or radiation therapy, delivered in patients mainly with R1 resection or with presence of lymph node metastasis, did not demonstrate the survival benefit. Significant factors for recurrence were tumor differentiation and lymph node metastasis. Therefore, close follow-up and adjuvant therapy will be necessary in patients with lymph node metastasis or poorly differentiated tumor.

Intraoperative contrast-enhanced sonographic portography combined with indigo carmine dye injection for anatomic liver resection in hepatocellular carcinoma: a new technique.

We present a method of intraoperative contrast-enhanced sonographic portography combined with indigo carmine dye injection for anatomic liver resection in hepatocellular carcinoma. During surgery, before dye infusion into the feeding portal vein, the targeted portal vein branch was directly punctured, and a microbubble contrast agent was administered under sonographic guidance. Simultaneous enhancement of the resected hepatic parenchyma with a microbubble contrast agent and blue dye improved estimation of the segmental border in the cutting plane and the tumor resection margin during liver surgery.

Clinicopathological analysis and survival outcome of duodenal adenocarcinoma.

Duodenal adenocarcinoma is a rare cancer, contributing <10 % of periampullary carcinoma. This study reviews the single center experience of duodenal adenocarcinoma and analyzes the clinical and pathological factors to predict survival and recurrence. The records of 50 patients with duodenal adenocarcinoma who underwent surgical exploration or resection from 1995 to 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the clinicopathological factors associated with survival and recurrence. There were 35 men and 15 women, with a mean age of 61 years. In multivariate analysis of 50 patients, R0 resection [p = 0.041, hazard ratio (HR) = 3.569, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.057-12.054] and symptom at initial admission (p = 0.025, HR = 11.210, 95% CI = 1.354-92.812) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Thirty-six patients underwent curative resection (resectability 72%). The 5-year survival rates for curative and noncurative resections were 46.4% and 0%, respectively. Univariate analysis of 36 patients who underwent R0 resection revealed that symptoms at initial admission (p = 0.023), presence of lymph node metastasis (p = 0.034), and perineural invasion (p = 0.025) were significant prognostic factors after curative resection. There was no significant factor for overall survival in the multivariate analysis. There was recurrence in 15 patients, mainly as liver metastasis. Multivariate analysis revealed that presence of symptom (p = 0.047, HR = 5.362, 95% CI = 1.021-28.149) and ulcerative tumor (p = 0.036, HR = 5.668, 95% CI = 1.123-28.619) were independent factors for disease free survival. An aggressive surgical approach to achieve R0 resection was important to enhance survival. Most of the recurrence occurred within 1 year after surgery. Close follow-up is necessary after surgical resection.