Adrenocortical Adenoma With Protrusion Into the Inferior Vena Cava Initially Suspected to Be Adrenocortical Carcinoma.

Adrenal tumors with invasion into the inferior vena cava (IVC) are typically malignant. Here, we present a case of adrenocortical adenoma with protrusion into the IVC. A 70-year-old man was referred to our hospital after his magnetic resonance imaging scan of the abdomen coincidently revealed a right adrenal tumor invading the IVC. We suspected an aggressive adrenal carcinoma and tumor resection was performed. However, all 3 existing pathological criteria (Weiss, modified Weiss, and Helsinki) suggested the tumor was benign. Immunohistochemistry for CD31 showed the tumor inside the central adrenal vein (CAV), right adrenal vein (RAV), and IVC was entirely covered with CD31-positive vascular endothelial cells. The CAV is known to sometimes lack smooth muscle in its walls and normal adrenocortical cells covered by endothelial cells sometimes protrude into the CAV from this gap. These findings suggest that this tumor likely protruded into the IVC by pushing against the CAV wall, rather than by invasion into the vascular wall. In the case with adrenal tumors protruding into the IVC, the fact that the tumor surface was covered by vascular endothelial cells was considered supportive of its benign nature.

Intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence imaging to predict early hepatic arterial complications after liver transplantation.

PURPOSE: In liver transplantation (LT) setting, to propose an innovative intraoperative criterion to judge arterial flow abnormality that may lead to early hepatic arterial occlusion, i.e. thrombosis or stenosis, when left untreated and to carry out re-anastomosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After liver graft implantation, and after ensuring that there is no abnormality on the Doppler ultrasound (qualitative and quantitative assessment), we intraoperatively injected indocyanine green dye (ICG, 0.01 mg/Kg) and we quantified the fluorescence signal at the graft pedicle using ImageJ software. From the obtained images of 89 adult patients transplanted in our center between September 2017 and April 2019, we constructed fluorescence intensity curves of the hepatic arterial signal, and examined their relationship with the occurrence of early hepatic arterial occlusion (thrombosis or stenosis). RESULTS: Early hepatic arterial occlusion occurred in seven patients (7.8%), including three thrombosis and four stenosis. Among various parameters of the flow intensity curve analyzed, the ratio of peak to plateau (RPP) fluorescence intensity and the jagged wave pattern at the plateau phase were closely associated with this dreaded event. By combining RPP at 0.275 and a jagged wave, we best predicted the occurrence of early hepatic arterial occlusion and thrombosis, with sensitivity/specificity of 0.86/0.98 and 1.00/0.94, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Through a simple composite parameter, indocyanine green fluorescence imaging system is an additional and promising intraoperative modality for identifying transplant recipients at high risk of developing early hepatic arterial occlusion. This tool could assist the surgeon in the decision to redo the anastomosis despite normal Doppler ultrasonography.

Preoperative Decision to Perform Portal Vein Resection Improves Survival in Patients With Resectable Pancreatic Head Cancer Adjacent to Portal Vein.

Objective: We hypothesized that preoperatively planned portal vein resection (PVR), which prevents from approaching tumors, improves survival in patients with resectable pancreatic head cancer adjacent to the portal vein (PhC-PV). Summary: The decision to perform PVR is difficult in patients with resectable PhC-PV. Methods: This is a retrospective, bi-institutional study of patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for resectable PhC-PV from 2009 to 2018. We compared clinical data of patients who underwent PD with preoperatively planned PVR (planned PVR group) and those who underwent conventional PD (cPD) in which decision to perform PVR was made intraoperatively (cPD group). Results: Among the study population of 176 patients, 53 patients (30.1%) underwent PD with planned PVR. The remaining 123 patients (69.9%) underwent cPD. Tumor characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. Operation time and major complication rates did not differ between the 2 groups. The local recurrence rate of patients in the planned PVR group (28.3%) was lower than that of the cPD group (44.7%; P = 0.041). Median overall survival (OS) was longer in the planned PVR group than in the cPD group (32 vs 27 months; P = 0.011). Multivariate analysis revealed that having undergone planned PVR was an independent factor for favorable OS (hazard ratio = 1.65; 95% confidence interval = 1.08-2.61; P = 0.021). Conclusions: The preoperative decision to perform PVR improves survival by enhancing local control of resectable PhC-PV.

Assessing the development status of intraoperative fluorescence imaging for perfusion assessments, using the IDEAL framework.

OBJECTIVES: Intraoperative fluorescence imaging is currently used in a variety of surgical fields for four main purposes: assessing tissue perfusion; identifying/localizing cancer; mapping lymphatic systems; and visualizing anatomy. To establish evidence-based guidance for research and practice, understanding the state of research on fluorescence imaging in different surgical fields is needed. We evaluated the evidence on fluorescence imaging for perfusion assessments using the Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long Term Study (IDEAL) framework, which was designed for describing the stages of innovation in surgery and other interventional procedures. DESIGN: Narrative literature review with analysis of IDEAL stage of each field of study. SETTING: All publications on intraoperative fluorescence imaging for perfusion assessments reported in PubMed through 2019 were identified for six surgical procedures: coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), upper gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, colorectal surgery, solid organ transplantation, reconstructive surgery, and cerebral aneurysm surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The IDEAL stage of research evidence was determined for each specialty field using a previously described approach. RESULTS: 196 articles (15 003 cases) were selected for analysis. Current status of research evidence was determined to be IDEAL Stage 2a for upper GI and transplantation surgery, IDEAL 2b for CABG, colorectal and cerebral aneurysm surgery, and IDEAL Stage 3 for reconstructive surgery. Using the technique resulted in a high (up to 50%) rate of revisions among surgical procedures, but its efficacy improving postoperative outcomes has not yet been demonstrated by randomized controlled trials in any discipline. Only one possible adverse reaction to intravenous indocyanine green was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Using fluorescence imaging intraoperatively to assess perfusion is feasible and appears useful for surgical decision making across a range of disciplines. Identifying the IDEAL stage of current research knowledge aids in planning further studies to establish the potential for patient benefit.

Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging to Predict Graft Survival After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: A Pilot Study.

The incidence of primary nonfunction (PNF) after liver transplantation (LT) remains a major concern with the increasing use of marginal grafts. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence is an imaging technique used in hepatobiliary surgery and LT. Because few early predictors are available, we aimed to quantify in real time the fluorescence of grafts during LT to predict 3-month survival. After graft revascularization, ICG was intravenously injected, and then the fluorescence of the graft was captured with a near infrared camera and postoperatively quantified. A multiparametric modeling of the parenchymal fluorescence intensity (FI) curve was proposed, and a predictive model of graft survival was tested. Between July 2017 and May 2019, 76 LTs were performed, among which 6 recipients underwent retransplantation. No adverse effects of ICG injection were observed. The parameter a150 (temporal course of FI) was significantly higher in the re-LT group (0.022 seconds-1 (0.0011-0.059) versus 0.012 seconds-1 (0.0001-0.054); P = 0.01). This parameter was the only independent predictive factor of graft survival at 3 months (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.05-5.50; P = 0.04). The best cutoff for the parameter a150 (0.0155 seconds-1 ) predicted the graft survival at 3 months with a sensitivity (Se) of 83.3% and a specificity (Spe) of 78.6% (area under the curve, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.67-0.98; P = 0.01). Quantitative assessment of intraoperative ICG fluorescence on the graft was feasible to predict graft survival at 3 months with a good Se and Spe. Further prospective studies should be undertaken to validate these results over larger cohorts and evaluate the clinical impact of this tool.

Sequential transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and portal vein embolization versus portal vein embolization alone before major hepatectomy for patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma: An intent-to-treat analysis.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the value of sequential transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and portal vein embolization compared with portal vein embolization alone before major hepatectomy for large hepatocellular carcinoma. We aimed to compare early and long-term outcomes of these two strategies. METHODS: We included all consecutive patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma (≥50 mm) scheduled for sequential transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and portal vein embolization or portal vein embolization alone before major hepatectomy from January 2005 to December 2015. Comparisons were made on an intent-to-treat basis. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients were included as follows: sequential transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and portal vein embolization (n = 27) and portal vein embolization alone (n = 28). Baseline patient and tumor characteristics were similar in the 2 groups. Downstaging after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization changed the initial strategy in 4 patients who finally underwent liver transplant (n = 1) and limited hepatectomy (n = 3). Overall survival and progression-free survival were better in the transcatheter arterial chemoembolization group compared with the portal vein embolization alone group (3-year overall survival of 60% vs 20%; P = .01 and 3-year progression-free survival of 35% vs 0%; P < .001). The proportion of patients who finally underwent hepatectomy after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization plus portal vein embolization was 91% vs 68% after portal vein embolization alone (P = .08). Hypertrophy of the future remnant liver after portal vein embolization was greater after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (43% vs 31%, P = 0.03). After resection, the group that received transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and portal vein embolization experienced better progression-free survival compared with portal vein embolization alone (3-year progression-free survival of 28% vs 0%; P = .03). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that transcatheter arterial chemoembolization before portal vein embolization increases the degree of hypertrophy of the future remnant liver after portal vein embolization and yields improved oncologic outcomes in patients with large hepatocellular carcinomas planned for major hepatectomy.

Applications of fusion-fluorescence imaging using indocyanine green in laparoscopic hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Indocyanine green (ICG)-fluorescence imaging has been developed for real-time identification of hepatic tumors and segmental boundaries during hepatectomy. Fusion ICG-fluorescence imaging (real-time visualization of pseudocolor-fluorescence signals on white-light color images) may serve as a reliable navigation tool especially in laparoscopic hepatectomy, in which gross inspection and palpation are limited. METHODS: The study population consisted of 41 patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy. Hepatic tumors were identified by fluorescence imaging following the preoperative intravenous administration of ICG (0.5 mg/kg body weight). To visualize hepatic perfusion and segmental boundaries, ICG (1.25 mg) was injected intravenously during surgery, following closure of the proximal portal pedicle. A laparoscopic imaging system, which enabled superimposition of the pseudocolor-fluorescence images on white color images, was used for the fusion ICG-fluorescence imaging. RESULTS: Among the 53 malignant tumors resected, fusion ICG-fluorescence imaging revealed 45 nodules (85%), including three nodules of colorectal liver metastasis unidentifiable by white-light color images or intraoperative ultrasonography. It also delineated the segmental boundaries on the hepatic raw surfaces as well as on the phrenic/visceral surfaces in all 12 patients evaluated using this technique. CONCLUSIONS: Fusion imaging enhances the feasibility of intraoperative ICG-fluorescence imaging in the identification of hepatic tumors and segmental boundaries. It may therefore help surgeons in the safe and accurate completion of laparoscopic hepatectomies.

Use of intercostal trocars for laparoscopic resection of subphrenic hepatic tumors.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the detailed surgical techniques of laparoscopic hepatectomy using intercostal transthoracic trocars for subcapsular tumors located in segment VII or VIII. METHODS: Intercostal transthoracic trocars were used in patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy for tumors located in segment VII or VIII. Following establishment of pneumoperitoneum and placement of abdominal trocars, balloon-tipped trocars were inserted into the abdominal cavity from the intercostal space and through the pleural space and diaphragm. Upon placement of the intercostal trocars, the lung edge was confirmed by ultrasonography and laparoscopic examination. Following minimal mobilization of the right liver, hemispherical wedge resection of segment VII or VIII was performed using the intercostal trocars as a camera port or for the forceps of the surgeon's left hand. After the hepatectomy, the holes in the diaphragm were sutured closed. RESULTS: Among the 79 patients who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy, intercostal trocars were used in 14 patients for resection of tumors located in segment VII (4 nodules) or VIII (10 nodules). The median (range) operation time and amount of blood loss for hepatectomy were 225 (109-477) min and 60 (20-310) mL, respectively. No postoperative complications associated with hepatectomy or the use of intercostal trocars occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Use of intercostal transthoracic trocars is safe and effective not only for complicated laparoscopic hepatectomy but also for hemispherical wedge resections of subcapsular hepatic tumors located in segment VII or VIII.

[Two cases of hyperammonemic patients treated by chemotherapy for colorectal cancer].

We report two patients having hyperammonemic encephalopathy while being treated with chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. The first patient was a 69-year-old man with sigmoid colon cancer, having a massive invasion to the urinary bladder. He received SOX therapy following a pelvic exenteration operation. After the third course of SOX therapy, he presented with general fatigue and repeated seizures, and blood examination showed a high level of serum ammonium. He was diagnosed as hyperammonemic encephalopathy. The second patients was a 60-year-old woman with ascending colon cancer and liver metastasis having portal vein tumor thrombosis, who was given a palliative resection of ascending colon, and then underwent modified FOLFOX6 therapy. At the second course, she fell into a deep coma, and blood examination revealed a high level of serum ammonium. In both patients, treatment with infusion of branched-chain amino acid solutions resolved the symptoms of encephalopathy. Acute neurotoxicity caused by hyperammonemic encephalopathy during chemotherapy for colorectal cancer is rare and not well recognized, but it is a clinically important complication. We should pay more attention to hyperammonemic encephalopathy of patients receiving chemotherapy for colorectal cancer.