Gastric cancer after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric cancer occurring after bariatric and metabolic surgeries is rare. We report a case of gastric cancer that developed at 14 years after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The patient was an obese 81-year-old woman who underwent LAGB at 14 years prior when her body mass index was 35.3 kg/m2. Anemia was noted during a visit to her family clinic. Subsequent esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a type 5 lesion (Macroscopic Classification of the Gastric Cancer in Japanese Classification of Gastric Carcinoma, The 15th Edition) near the greater curvature of the posterior wall of the gastric antrum. A biopsy indicated a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography showed no evidence of invasion of other organs, lymph node metastasis, or distant metastasis. The patient underwent laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy, banding removal, Roux-en-Y reconstruction. The histopathological diagnosis was pT3N2M0 and pStage IIIA. The patient exhibited an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged on postoperative day 8. The patient has remained recurrence-free up to 12 months postoperatively. DISCUSSION: While metabolic surgeries have been shown to reduce the risk of developing malignant diseases, including gastric cancer, the present patient developed gastric cancer at 14 years after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. The patient developed gastric cancer during a long-term course, indicating the importance of periodic examinations after metabolic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Previous studies showed metabolic surgeries for obesity reduce the risk of developing malignancies, including gastric cancer; however, the present case suggests that gastric cancer may develop over a long-term course.

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Encapsulated by a Tumor-Forming Type 1 Autoimmune Pancreatitis Located at the Pancreatic Tail: A Case Report.

Introduction: Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is recognized as a disease with a good prognosis that responds well to steroids, but the complication of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in AIP is a rare condition. We report a case of PDAC encapsulated by tumor-forming type 1 AIP. Case Presentation: The patient, a 65-year-old female, was found to have high CA19-9 levels and a pancreatic mass with a diameter of 30 mm on abdominal ultrasonography. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a 40-mm mass in the tail of the pancreas that had a 27-mm oligemic mass inside it. From these work-up examinations, this tumor was diagnosed as PDAC, with evidence of colonic invasion. As curative resection for PDAC, a distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and combined colon resection were performed. Histopathological examination showed invasive PDAC surrounded by IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration. Based on these findings, a diagnosis was made of PDAC located in the pancreatic tail capsulized by type 1 AIP. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 15. She underwent postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 for 6 months, and no recurrence was noted for 2 years after operation. Conclusion: Currently, there are two hypothetical mechanisms of PDAC induction by AIP: (1) carcinogenic stimulation due to chronic inflammation and (2) paraneoplastic syndrome caused by AIP. Further study of the relationship between AIP and pancreatic cancer is needed, and follow-up should be conducted while keeping in mind the possibility of complications.

Transthoracic transdiaphragmatic approach in laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in a patient with severe obesity and history of deceased donor liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The transthoracic transdiaphragmatic approach (TTA) for hepatic tumors in laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is not usually employed because the caudal approach via the abdominal cavity is the gold standard in LLRs. Here, we present a case of LLR via TTA for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a patient with severe obesity and a history of deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: The patient, a 64-year-old man with severe obesity and a history of DDLT, was referred to our hospital to undergo LLR for HCC located at the cranial side of segment IV. We decided to perform LLR via TTA because of concerns about the effect of severe adhesion, the difficulty of encircling the hepatoduodenal ligament, and the impact of severe obesity on the completion of LLR. Under general anesthesia with differential lung ventilation, we started to perform transthoracic ultrasonography to determine the diaphragmatic transection line. Then, we transected the diaphragm and revealed the tumor. We marked the parenchymal transection line with a 1-cm margin and then employed precoagulation of the hepatic parenchyma along the transection line. We performed parenchymal transection and clipped the responsible Glissonean pedicle at the bottom of the tumor. The diaphragm was closed using 3-0 nonabsorbable sutures with suture clips after the resected specimen was extracted. DISCUSSION: We successfully performed LLR via TTA without hepatic inflow control. However, further studies are warranted to define the indications and recommendations for TTA in LLRs in the near future.

Effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and TGF-ß signaling pathway.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) develops as a result of unhealthy lifestyle but improves with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß signaling pathway reportedly contributes to liver fibrosis, mainly in animal experiments. The aim of the present study was to evaluate changes in serum proteins before and after LSG by proteomic analysis and to investigate their association with NAFLD. This study enrolled 36 severely obese patients who underwent LSG at our hospital from January 2020 to April 2022. As a pilot study, proteomic analysis was conducted on six patients using serum collected before and at 6 months after LSG, and significantly fluctuating proteins were extracted. Subsequently, verification by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using collected serum was performed on the remaining 30 patients. The mean weight of enrolled patients was 118.5 kg. Proteomic analysis identified 1,912 proteins, many of which were related to the TGF-ß signaling pathway. Among these proteins, we focused on five TGF-ß-related proteins: asporin, EMILIN-1, platelet factor-4, serglycin, and thrombospondin-1. Verification by ELISA revealed that asporin (p = 0.006) and thrombospondin-1 (p = 0.043) levels significantly fluctuated before and after LSG. Univariate analysis with a linear regression model showed that aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.045), asporin (p = 0.011), and thrombospondin-1 (p = 0.022) levels were significantly associated with postoperative liver fibrosis. On multivariate analysis, asporin was an independent prognostic factor for postoperative liver fibrosis (95% confidence interval: 0.114-1.291, p = 0.002). TGF-ß-related proteins dramatically fluctuated before and after LSG and were correlated with NAFLD pathogenesis. Asporin may be a useful prognostic marker of liver fibrosis in NAFLD after LSG.

Relationship between the changes in hepatokine levels and metabolic effects after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in severely obese patients.

PURPOSE: To clarify the relationships between the changes in hepatokines and weight loss, and between these changes and the metabolic effects, and the roles played by these changes, after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). METHODS: We recruited 25 Japanese patients with severe obesity, who underwent LSG. We measured two hepatokines: selenoprotein P (SeP) and leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2), at the baseline, and then 6 months and 1 year after LSG. Finally, we compared the changes in the hepatokines with the parameters of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). RESULTS: Changes in LECT2 were correlated with the percentage of total weight loss (ρ = - 0.499, P = 0.024) and the decrease in total fat area (ρ = 0.559, P = 0.003). The changes in SeP were correlated with those in hemoglobin A1c (ρ = 0.526, P = 0.043) and the insulinogenic index (ρ = 0.638, P = 0.010) in T2D patients. In patients with NASH, the LECT2 levels were correlated with liver steatosis (ρ = 0.601). CONCLUSIONS: SeP levels decrease in association with HbA1c reduction, whereas LECT2 levels are associated with reductions in fat mass and NASH scores after LSG. Hepatokines may be involved in the pathology of obesity and its complications.

Comparison of olanexidine versus povidone-iodine as a preoperative antiseptic for reducing surgical site infection in both scheduled and emergency gastrointestinal surgeries: A single-center randomized clinical trial.

Aim: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common postoperative complications in gastrointestinal surgery. To clarify the superiority of 1.5% olanexidine, we conducted a randomized prospective clinical trial that enrolled patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery with operative wound classes II-IV. Methods: To evaluate the efficacy of 1.5% olanexidine in preventing SSIs relative to 10% povidone-iodine, we enrolled 298 patients in each group. The primary outcome was a 30-day SSI, and the secondary outcomes were incidences of superficial and deep incisional SSI and organ/space SSI. In addition, subgroup analyses were performed. Results: The primary outcome of the overall 30-day SSI occurred in 38 cases (12.8%) in the 1.5% olanexidine group and in 53 cases (18.0%) in the 10% povidone-iodine group (adjusted risk ratio: 0.716, 95% confidence interval: 0.495-1.057, p = 0.083). Organ/space SSI occurred in 18 cases (6.1%) in the 1.5% olanexidine group and in 31 cases (10.5%) in the 10% povidone-iodine group, with a significant difference (adjusted risk ratio: 0.587, 95% confidence interval: 0.336-0.992, p = 0.049). Subgroup analyses revealed that SSI incidences were comparable in scheduled surgery (relative risk: 0.809, 95% confidence interval: 0.522-1.254) and operative wound class II (relative risk: 0.756, 95% confidence interval: 0.494-1.449) in 1.5% olanexidine group. Conclusion: Our study revealed that 1.5% olanexidine reduced the 30-day overall SSI; however, the result was not significant. Organ/space SSI significantly decreased in the 1.5% olanexidine group. Our results indicate that 1.5% olanexidine has the potential to prevent SSI on behalf of povidone-iodine.

Extensively Invasive Gallbladder Cancer from Intracholecystic Papillary Neoplasm Treated with Pylorus-Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy and Extended Cholecystectomy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Background: Intracholecystic papillary neoplasm (ICPN) is a rare tumor first classified by the World Health Organization in 2010. ICPN is a counterpart of the intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas and intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct. Previous reports on ICPN are limited; thus, the diagnosis, surgical intervention, and prognosis are controversial. Here, we report an extensively invasive gallbladder cancer arising in ICPN treated with pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) and extended cholecystectomy. Case Presentation. A 75-year-old man presented to another hospital with jaundice for 1 month. Laboratory findings showed elevated total bilirubin, 10.6 mg/dL and carbohydrate antigen 19-9, 54.8 U/mL. Computed tomography showed a well-enhanced tumor located in the distal bile duct and dilated hepatic bile duct. The gallbladder wall was thickened and homogeneously enhanced. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed a filling defect in the distal common bile duct, and intraductal ultrasonography showed a papillary tumor in the common bile duct, indicating tumor invasion of the bile duct subserosa. Subsequent bile duct brush cytology revealed adenocarcinoma. The patient was referred to our hospital for surgical treatment and underwent an open PPPD. Intraoperative findings showed a thickened and indurated gallbladder wall, suggesting concurrent gallbladder cancer; thus, the patient subsequently underwent PPPD and extended cholecystectomy. Histopathological findings confirmed gallbladder carcinoma originating from ICPN, which extensively invaded the liver, common bile duct, and pancreas. The patient started adjuvant chemotherapy (tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil) 1 month after surgery and had no recurrence at follow-up after 1 year. Conclusions: Accurate preoperative diagnosis of ICPN, including the extent of tumor invasion is challenging. To ensure complete curability, the development of an optimal surgical strategy considering preoperative examinations and intraoperative findings is essential.

Standardization of pure laparoscopic extended cholecystectomy with en-bloc lymphadenectomy of the hepatoduodenal ligament for gallbladder cancers.

BACKGROUND: Application of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for gallbladder cancers (GBC) has been approved by the Japanese national health insurance system since 2022. However, there are few reports describing LLR techniques for GBCs. We herein report pure laparoscopic extended cholecystectomy with en-bloc lymphadenectomy of the hepatoduodenal ligament for clinical T2 GBC patients. MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: We performed this procedure for five clinical T2 GBC patients from September 2019 to September 2022. Under general anesthesia and usual set-up for LLR, the caudal line of the hepatoduodenal ligament is transected and the lesser omentum is opened. The right and left hepatic arteries are skeletonized and taped while dissected lymph nodes being dissected toward the hilar side. Then, the common bile duct is taped and the portal vein dissecting the lymph nodes toward the gallbladder. After completing skeletonization of the hepatoduodenal ligament, the cystic duct and the cystic artery are clipped and divided. Hepatic parenchymal transection is performed employing Pringle's maneuver and crush-clamp technique, the same as usual LLR. We perform gallbladder bed resection with surgical margin of 2-3 cm from the gallbladder bed. The mean operating time and blood loss were 151 minutes and 46.4 mL, respectively. There was one case of bile leakage requiring endoscopic stent placement. DISCUSSION: We successfully established pure laparoscopic extended cholecystectomy with en-bloc lymphadenectomy of the hepatoduodenal ligament for clinical T2 GBC.

Risk-Adjusted Assessment of the Learning Curve for Pure Laparoscopic Donor Hepatectomy for Adult Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Studies on pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy (PLDH) have been reported. However, only few studies have reported on the learning curve of PLDH. In this report, we aimed to determine the learning curve of PLDH in adult patients using cumulative sum (CUSUM) and risk-adjusted CUSUM (RA-CUSUM) analyses. METHODS: The data of donors who underwent PLDH at a single center between December 2012 and May 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The learning curve was evaluated using the CUSUM and RA-CUSUM methods based on surgery duration. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were finally included in the present study. The mean operation time was 393.6 ± 80.3 min. PLDH was converted to laparotomy in three cases (6.3%). According to the Clavien-Dindo classification, nine cases (18.8%) had higher-than-grade III postoperative complications and the most frequent complications were biliary complications. The CUSUM graph shows two peaks, at the 13th and 27th case. The multivariate analysis revealed that a body mass index ≥ 23 kg/m2 and intraoperative cholangiography were the only factors that were independently associated with longer operation time. Based on these results, an RA-CUSUM analysis was performed to assess the learning curve, which showed a decrease in the learning curve after 33 to 34 PLDH procedures. CONCLUSIONS: A learning curve effect was demonstrated in this study after 33 to 34 PLDH procedures. There are relatively many biliary complications, and it is necessary to further examine the method of bile duct transection.

Safety and Feasibility of Laparoscopic Parenchymal-Sparing Hepatectomy for Lesions with Proximity to Major Vessels in Posterosuperior Liver Segments 7 and 8.

Laparoscopic parenchymal-sparing hepatectomy (PSH) for lesions with proximity to major vessels (PMV) in posterosuperior segments (PSS) has not yet been sufficiently examined. The aim of this study is to examine the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic PSH for lesions with PMV in PSS 7 and 8. We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) and open liver resection (OLR) for PSS lesions and focused on patients who underwent laparoscopic PSH for lesions with PMV in PSS. Blood loss was lower in the LLR group (n = 110) than the OLR group (n = 16) (p = 0.009), and no other short-term outcomes were significantly different. Compared to the pure LLR group (n = 93), there were no positive surgical margins or complications in hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) (n = 17), despite more tumors with PMV (p = 0.009). Regarding pure LLR for one tumor lesion, any short-term outcomes in addition to the operative time were not significantly different between the PMV (n = 23) and no-PMV (n = 48) groups. The present findings indicate that laparoscopic PSH for lesions with PMV in PSS is safe and feasible in a matured team, and the HALS technique still plays an important role.

Pure laparoscopic left lateral graft procurement with removing segment 3 employing Glissonean approach, indocyanine green fluorescence imaging and in situ splitting for a small infant.

We report on a pure laparoscopic left lateral graft procurement with removing segment 3 that employs the Glissonean approach, indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging and in situ splitting. We first mobilised the liver and confirmed the root of the left hepatic vein (LHV). We then encircled the left Glissonean pedicle, and the segment 3 Glissonean pedicle (G3) was also individually encircled. We performed parenchymal transection of the left lateral segmentectomy using Pringle's manoeuvre. We clipped G3 and confirmed the demarcation line using ICG fluorescence imaging. The inflow in the S2 area was confirmed via intraoperative sonography, and we split segment 3 (S3) from the left lateral sector graft in situ. The left hepatic artery, left portal vein and left hepatic duct were also encircled and divided. The LHV was transected using a linear stapler, and the S2 monosegment liver graft and removed S3 were procured. Our technique reasonably prevents graft-related complications.

Identification of a Fatty Acid for Diagnosing Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis in Patients with Severe Obesity Undergoing Metabolic Surgery.

The prevalence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in severely obese Japanese patients is extremely high. However, there are currently no methods other than liver biopsy to assess hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively analyze changes in fatty acid (FA) and serum-free fatty acid (FFA) metabolism in severely obese Japanese patients to determine whether these could be surrogate markers. In this study, we enrolled 20 Japanese patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) for severe obesity and intraoperative liver biopsy. Serum FFAs were analyzed with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and FAs in liver tissue were assessed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-imaging mass spectrometry to determine FAs that may be indicative of a positive NASH diagnosis. All patients showed significant weight loss and metabolic improvement following LSG. Regarding weight loss and metabolic improvement indices, 23 FFAs showed significant correlations with the baseline data. Narrowing down the phospholipids to commonly detected FAs detected in liver tissue, PC(18:1e_20:4) was significantly changed in the NASH group, suggesting that it could be used as a surrogate marker for NASH diagnosis. The results suggest that specific postoperative changes in blood phospholipids could be used as surrogate markers for NASH treatment.

Is Laparoscopic Hepatectomy Safe for Giant Liver Tumors? Proposal from a Single Institution for Totally Laparoscopic Hemihepatectomy Using an Anterior Approach for Giant Liver Tumors Larger Than 10 cm in Diameter.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of laparoscopic liver resections for liver tumors that are larger than 10 cm remain unclear. We developed a safe laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy for giant liver tumors using an anterior approach. METHODS: Eighty patients who underwent laparoscopic hemihepatectomy between January 2011 and December 2021 were divided into a nongiant tumor group (n = 65) and a giant tumor group (n = 15) for comparison. RESULTS: The median operating time, amount of blood loss, and length of postoperative hospital stay did not differ significantly between the nongiant and giant tumor groups. The sizes of the tumors and weights of the resected liver were significantly larger in the giant tumor group. A comparison between a nongiant group (n = 23) and a giant group (n = 12) treated with laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic hemihepatectomy, especially that performed on the right side, for giant tumors larger than 10 cm can be performed safely. Surgical techniques for giant liver tumors have been standardized, and their application is expected to spread widely in the future.

A case of pathological complete response with liposomal irinotecan + 5-FU/LV for unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer has one of the worst prognoses of any all cancers. 5-FU/leucovorin + irinotecan + oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX), gemcitabine (GEM) plus nab-paclitaxel regimens have been recognized as global-standard, first-line treatments for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The liposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI) + 5-FU/LV regimen is now included in treatment guidelines as a recommended and approved option for use in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer that has progressed after GEM-based therapy and who have a suitable performance status and comorbidity profile. There is no report that nal-IRI + 5-FU/LV regimen was significantly effective, and we will report it because we experienced this time. CASE PRESENTATION: A 69-year-old man presented with epigastric pain, and a contrast computed tomography (CT) revealed an enhanced mass lesion measuring 33 × 27 mm on the pancreatic body with encasement of the common hepatic artery (CHA) and the splenic vein. An endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration was performed and demonstrated cytology consistent with adenocarcinoma. Therefore, we diagnosed the patient with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The patient received the GEM and S-1 regimen; however, the adverse event was relatively severe. Then, 11 cycles of nal-IRI + 5-FU/LV regimen were administered. A CT scan revealed that the tumor had shrunk to 18 × 7 mm in diameter with encasement of the CHA. The encasement of the splenic vein had disappeared, without any distant metastases. From this post-chemotherapy evaluation and intraoperative frozen section of around the celiac artery, gastroduodenal artery and pancreas stump confirmed absence of tumor cells, we performed distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection. A histological examination of the surgical specimen revealed no evidence of residual adenocarcinoma, consistent with a pathological complete response to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We present the first case of a pathological complete response with nal-IRI + 5-FU/LV for unresectable, locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In the future, nal-IRI may become a key drug for pancreatic cancer treatment.

Pure Laparoscopic Left Hepatectomy for Regrowth of Mucinous Cystic Neoplasm of the Liver after Laparoscopic Deroofing.

Background: Hepatic cystic lesions are common entities, most of which are simple hepatic cysts (SHCs). Mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver (MCN-L) is a rare tumor characterized by ovarian-like stroma and accounts for <5% of all hepatic cysts. Distinguishing between SHCs and MCN-L is challenging because of the similarity in their imaging findings. Herein, we report a rare regrowth case of MCN-L after laparoscopic deroofing, treated with pure laparoscopic left hepatectomy. Case Presentation. A 63-year-old woman with a large hepatic cystic lesion and abdominal pain was referred to our hospital for surgical treatment. Computed tomography (CT) showed cystic lesions with septations arising from macrolobulations in the left medial segment. She underwent laparoscopic deroofing based on the diagnosis of SHCs; however, the final histopathological diagnosis was MCN-L. She chose observational follow-up, and MCN-L regrowth was detected on follow-up CT 6 months after the laparoscopic deroofing. We performed pure laparoscopic left hepatectomy for complete resection of the MCN-L. She had an uneventful postoperative course and no recurrence at the 5-year follow-up after the radical resection of the MCN-L. Conclusion: MCN-L is a rare entity, and accurate diagnosis with imaging modalities is greatly challenging. Laparoscopic hepatectomy for MCN-L should be considered as a strong alternative to secure safety and curability.

A novel second-stage surgical strategy for severely obese patient with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Severely obese patients can have other diseases requiring surgical treatment. In such patients, bariatric surgeries are considered a precursor to operations targeting the original disease for the purpose of reducing severe perioperative complications. Pancreatic ectopic fat deposition increases pancreas volume (PV) and thickness, which can worsen insulin resistance and islet ß cell function. To address this problem, we present a novel two-stage surgical strategy performed on a severely obese patient with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) consisting of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as a metabolic surgery followed by laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP). CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old man was referred to our hospital for further investigation of a pancreatic tumor. His initial body weight and body mass index (BMI) were 94.0 kg and 37.2 kg/m2, respectively. Contrast computed tomography revealed an enhanced tumor measuring 15 mm on the pancreatic body. The pancreas thickness and PV were 32 mm and 148 mL, respectively. An endoscopic ultrasonographic fine needle aspiration identified the tumor as PNET-G1. We first performed LSG, the patient's body weight and BMI had decreased dramatically to 64.0 kg and 25.3 kg/m2 at 6 months after LSG. The pancreas thickness and PV had also decreased to 17 mm and 99 mL, respectively, with no tumor growth. Since LSG has been shown to reduce the perioperative risk factors of LSPDP, and to improve insulin resistance and recovery of islet ß cell function, we performed LSPDP for PNET-G1 as a second-stage surgery. The postoperative course was unremarkable, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 14 without symptomatic postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). He was followed without recurrence or type 2 diabetes (T2D) onset for 6 months after LSPDP. CONCLUSIONS: We present a novel two-stage surgical strategy for a severely obese patient with PNET, consisting of LSG as a metabolic surgery for severe obesity, followed by LSPDP after confirmation of good weight loss and metabolic effects. LSG before pancreatectomy may have a potential to reduce pancreas thickness and recovery of islet ß cell function in severely obese patients, thereby reducing the risk of clinically relevant POPF and post-pancreatectomy T2D onset.

Single-Port Laparoscopic Duodenojejunostomy Employing Semi-Kocherization for a Young Female with Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome.

Single-port laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy employing semi-Kocherization performed for a patient with superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is presented in this report. A 24-year-old woman missed meals due to work pressure, and her body weight decreased from 42 kg to 27 kg within 6 months. After this severe weight loss, she suffered from postprandial abdominal pain. An enhanced computed tomography revealed that the aortomesenteric angle was 11° (narrow), and the distance was short at 4.5 mm. Duodenography also revealed dilatation of the proximal duodenum. These findings led to a diagnosis of SMA syndrome, and we performed single-port laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy. We first dissected the fusion between the duodenum and transverse mesocolon, such as Kocherization, enough to mobilize the duodenum; this procedure was termed semi-Kocherization. A gauze was placed in the dissected space for a landmark from the transverse mesocolon side. We confirmed the gauze at the duodenum's lateral side, then opened the transverse mesocolon, and pulled the duodenum out. We performed side-to-side duodenojejunostomy. The postoperative course was unremarkable, and she gained 4 kg within 2 months of discharge. Semi-Kocherization is shown to be an effective technique to increase duodenal mobility for performing anastomosis, and single-port laparoscopic surgery can reduce wounds and increase cosmesis.

Improvements of lung volumes and respiratory symptoms after weight loss through laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the improvement of respiratory function and airway volumes using spirometry and computed tomography (CT) in severely obese Japanese patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). We also evaluated the quality of life (QOL) of enrolled patients using questionnaires. METHODS: A total of 71 patients who underwent LSG at Iwate Medical University Hospital between October 2013 and September 2020 were enrolled. The changes and relationships between respiratory parameters including CT volumetry and weight-loss effects were evaluated. Improvements to QOL and bronchial asthma (BA) were also assessed before LSG and 1 year after LSG. RESULTS: The mean excess weight loss percentage (%EWL) and total weight loss percentage (%TWL) were measured at 55.1% and 26.1%, respectively. The attack frequency of BA significantly decreased (6.1/month vs. 1.5/month; P < 0.001), and the disease severity decreased according to severity classification (P = 0.032). Almost spirometric parameters, lung volume (LV) (4905.0 mL vs. 5490.3 mL; P < 0.001), and airway volume (AV) (108.6 mL vs. 119.3 mL; P = 0.022) significantly improved. The change of functional residual capacity (FRC) was correlated with both %EWL (ρ = 0.69, P < 0.001) and %TWL (ρ = 0.62, P < 0.001). The increase of LV (ρ = 0.79, P < 0.001) and AV (ρ = 0.69, P < 0.001) were correlated with the increase of FRC. Scores of QOL questionnaires dramatically became better owing to improvements in dyspnea. CONCLUSION: Weight loss effects and the reduction of body fat mass correlated significantly with increase in LV and AV. Improvements of respiratory functions after LSG contributes to QOL and BA symptoms.