Prognostic significance of the number of examined lymph nodes in node-negative gastric adenocarcinoma.

AIM: In this study, we investigated the prognostic significance of the number of examined lymph nodes in node-negative gastric adenocarcinoma (GC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1194 node-positive and 1030 node-negative GC patients undergoing potentially curative gastrectomy was enrolled in this study. Patients were stratified into 3 groups according to the number of examined lymph nodes: group 1, ≤ 15; group 2, 16-25; group 3, >25. RESULTS: Patients with node-negative GC had significantly favorable survival compared with those with node-positive. Among patients with node-negative T2-T4 disease, the percentage of locoregional relapse was higher in those with <25 examined lymph nodes than in those with ≥ 25 examined lymph nodes. The number of examined lymph nodes affected the overall survival rates for patients with node-negative T2-T4 GC but not for patients with T1 lesions. Tumor size, tumor location, the number of examined lymph nodes, T status, and the presence of perineural invasion were significant prognostic factors as determined by multivariate analysis in node-negative GC. CONCLUSIONS: No survival benefit of examining ≥ 15 lymph nodes was noted for patients with node-negative T1 GC. Extensive lymphadenectomy in patients with node-negative T2-T4 lesions in whom the number of examined lymph nodes was >25 had favorable survival.

Clinicopathological analysis of colorectal cancer liver metastasis and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: are they just apples and oranges?

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and colorectal cancer liver metastasis are the most primary and secondary adenocarcinoma of the liver, respectively. A large-scale long-term comparative study of these two cohort patient is lacking. METHODS: A total of 166 colorectal cancer liver metastasis patients and 206 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients who had undergone curative liver resection were retrospectively analysed. Among 206 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, there were 47 intraductal growth type-intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and 159 non-intraductal growth type-intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The demographics, clinicopathological data, immunohistochemical study and survival were analysed. RESULTS: The intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients were more female-predominated, associated with hepatolithiasis, symptomatic, jaundiced, and with larger tumour size compared with those of colorectal cancer liver metastasis. Prognostic factors of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma were pathologic staging, histologic pattern and section margin; whereas prognostic factors of colorectal cancer liver metastasis were rectal origin, differentiation, section margin and bilobar distribution. CK7 and CK20 differentiated majority of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma from colorectal cancer liver metastasis, while CDX2 and MUC5AC helped to differentiate inconclusive cases. The 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year survival rates of colorectal cancer liver metastasis were 77%, 31%, 20% and 14%, compared to 53%, 21%, 13% and 7% of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (p=.0001). Furthermore, the survival of colorectal cancer liver metastasis was comparable to staged II intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (p=.8866) and intraductal growth type-intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (p=.1915). CONCLUSIONS: Demographics, precipitating factor, clinical manifestations, and prognostic factors of colorectal cancer liver metastasis and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma differed remarkably. High incidence of CDX2 and MUC2 expression in colorectal cancer liver metastasis and intraductal growth type-intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma might explain their similar cytoarchitecture and survival.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for early gallbladder carcinoma: long-term outcome in comparison with conventional open cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: The role of laparoscopic surgery for malignant gallbladder tumors remains uncertain. This study compared the surgical results of laparoscopic versus conventional open cholecystectomy for patients with early-stage gallbladder carcinoma and examined the role of laparoscopic surgery for early gallbladder carcinomas. METHODS: Data for the treatment of gallbladder carcinomas were gathered from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Linkou, Taiwan). A retrospective analysis of 40 patients with either stage 0 or stage 1 gallbladder carcinoma was performed. The patients were categorized into two groups on the basis of cholecystectomy procedures. The long-term outcomes for the two groups were compared. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, which ranged from 6.5 to 197.6 months, four patients in the conventional open cholecystectomy group encountered tumor recurrence, and one patient in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group experienced distant tumor recurrence (p = 0.216). No local port-site tumor recurrence was identified in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The overall 5-year survival rate in this series was 87.1%. A comparison of survival rates between the two groups demonstrated no significant difference (p = 0.340). CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure did not adversely influence the prognosis of patients with early-stage gallbladder carcinomas. Furthermore, meticulous removal of gallbladders during laparoscopic surgery, in which early gallbladder carcinoma can be managed successfully using laparoscopic cholecystectomy, achieved a satisfactory surgical result and a low port-site tumor recurrence rate.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for 58 end stage renal disease patients.

BACKGROUND: Since 1987, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been widely used as the favored treatment for gallbladder lesions throughout the world. Because hemorrhage, infection, and delayed wound healing are the main causes of death after surgery for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), laparoscopic surgery is risky for ESRD patients. However, no information has been reported on such patients, so this study aimed to assess the safety of LC in ESRD patients. METHOD: From January 1994 to December 2003, the medical records of 58 ESRD patients under regular hemodialysis (HD) with gallbladder lesions undergoing LC were reviewed (ESRD-LC). The clinical features and outcomes of 6,182 patients with gallbladder lesions without ESRD undergoing LC were also summarized for comparison. RESULTS: Of 6,240 patients with gallbladder lesions undergoing LC, 58 (0.93%) had ESRD with regular HD. The ESRD-LC group clearly exhibited older age, higher frequency of associated disease, lower hemoglobin and platelet count, and elevated alkaline phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine values. However, only a higher frequency of high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade and elevated creatinine value could differentiate ESRD-LC and LC patients by multivariate analysis. Similar blood loss, conversion rate, morbidity, mortality, and hospital stay were noted for the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: LC is safe for ESRD patients with gallbladder lesions. Only a higher frequency of high ASA grade and elevated creatinine value could differentiate ESRD-LC and LC patients. Similar blood loss, conversion rate, morbidity, mortality, and hospital stay were achieved by applying LC to treat ESRD patients. However, appropriate preoperative preparations and experienced operative techniques are still required to prevent mortality.

Laparoscopic treatment for Mirizzi syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Mirizzi syndrome is an uncommon complication of longstanding gallstone disease resulting in obstructive jaundice and remains surgically challenging. Mirizzi syndrome is generally considered a contraindication to laparoscopic surgery. We present the surgical experience of 11 consecutive patients with Mirizzi syndrome who were diagnosed correctly preoperatively and treated laparoscopically. METHODS: From January 1991 to December 2001, 4,560 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder lesions, 11 (0.24%) of whom were diagnosed with Mirizzi syndrome. RESULTS: The 11 patients diagnosed with Mirizzi syndrome included four men and seven women, with ages ranging from 21 to 72 years (median, 54). There were 10 patients with Mirizzi syndrome type I (one was caused by gallbladder cancer in the neck), and 1 patient with type II, according to McSherry's classification. Right upper quadrant abdominal pain was the most common symptom, occurring in all 11 patients. All 11 patients were diagnosed correctly preoperatively by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) with 100% sensitivity. Four of the 11 patients (36.4%) were converted to open procedure. The postoperative course was uneventful, except for one patient complicated with a residual common bile duct stone. Hospital stay ranged from 4 to 33 days (median, 7). CONCLUSIONS: Mirizzi syndrome is an uncommon disorder. Preoperative suspicion is crucial for correct preoperative diagnosis. ERCP is the most useful tool for correct preoperative diagnosis and consequent prevention of common bile duct injury during operation. Should Mirizzi syndrome be diagnosed, laparoscopic treatment is a feasible and safe procedure, especially for type I Mirizzi syndrome.

Decrease of deleted in malignant brain tumour-1 (DMBT-1) expression is a crucial late event in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

AIMS: To investigate the participation of DMBT-1, a candidate tumour suppressor gene, in the development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma via intraductal papillary neoplasm of the liver (IPN-L) arising in hepatolithiasis. DMBT-1 plays a role in mucosal immune defence. METHODS AND RESULTS: The expression of DMBT-1 was examined immunohistochemically in biliary epithelial cells in hepatolithiasis (n = 25), invasive and non-invasive cholangiocarcinoma associated with hepatolithiasis (n = 52), IPN-L with hepatolithiasis (n = 49), cholangiocarcinoma without hepatolithiasis (n = 32), and 10 normal control livers. DMBT-1 was expressed more frequently in the biliary epithelia of hepatolithiasis when compared with normal livers (P < 0.05). DMBT-1 expression was also frequent in IPN-L (57%) and non-invasive cholangiocarcinoma (79%). By contrast, DMBT-1 was decreased in invasive cholangiocarcinoma with and without hepatolithiasis (50% and 30%, respectively) (P < 0.05). The homozygous deletion of the DMBT-1 gene was recognized in four (20%) of 20 cholangiocarcinoma tissues and two (50%) of four cholangiocarcinoma cell lines, corresponding to the reduction of DMBT-1 expression. No deletion was detected in hepatolithiasis tissues. CONCLUSION: DMBT-1 expression is increased in IPN-L and non-invasive cholangiocarcinoma as well as in biliary epithelia in hepatolithiasis. Decreased expression of DMBT-1 and homozygous deletion of the DMBT-1 gene in invasive cholangiocarcinoma suggest that they occur in the late stage of cholangiocarcinogenesis.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder lymphangiomas.

Intraabdominal lymphangiomas are rare benign tumors that can be difficult to diagnose preoperatively. The clinical presentation of these tumors is variable and potentially misleading. Therefore, complex imaging studies are required to evaluate this condition. Ultrasound and CT scan are important to make the correct preoperative diagnosis and also provide important information regarding location, size, and adjacent organ involvement. The treatment of choice is complete excision. This report describes two patients with cystic lymphangiomas originating in the gallbladder. The correct diagnosis was made preoperatively in one patient, and both patients were treated successfully by laparoscopy.

Characterisation of oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, trefoil factor 1, and epidermal growth factor and its receptor in pancreatic cystic neoplasms and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The pancreatic cystic neoplasms, including solid pseudopapillary tumour (SPT), mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN), and intraductal papillary mucin producing tumour (IPMT), have their characteristic clinicopathological features. A systematic investigation of oestrogen receptor (OR), progesterone receptor (PR), trefoil factor 1(TFF1), and epidermal growth factor and its receptor (EGF and EGFR) expressed in pancreatic cystic neoplasms and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was determined to elucidate their corresponding sex and age predilection, cell origin, and pathway of malignant transformation. METHODS: Surgical specimens of SPT (n=10), MCN (n=12), IPMT (n=10), and ductal adenocarcinoma (n=20) were studied. The expression of OR, PR, TFF1, EGF, and EGFR were each determined in each disease entity using monoclonal antibodies by immunohistochemical method. The results were correlated with the clinicopathological data. RESULTS: PR was expressed in all 10 SPT, whereas OR was expressed in none of 10 SPT. TFF1 was not or weakly expressed in SPT. Although EGF was strongly expressed in seven of 10 SPT, synchronous expression of EGF and its receptor was expressed in none of 10 SPT. Of the 12 MCN, six had PR expression in the stroma cells but not in the neoplastic epithelium, seven had a moderate or strong expression of TFF1, and 10 had no or weak EGFR expression, irrespective of their benigneity or malignancy. Synchronous expression of EGF and EGFR was observed in only one of 12 MCN. Among 10 IPMT, TFF1 and EGFR were moderately or strongly expressed in all six malignancies, whereas TFF1 and EGFR were not or weakly expressed in three of four benigneity. Of 20 ductal adenocarcinomas, TFF1 and EGFR were moderately or strongly expressed in 16 and 12, respectively. Synchronous expression of EGF and EGFR was observed in six of 10 IPMT and nine of 20 ductal adenocarcinoma, respectively. CONCLUSION: PR was uniquely expressed in SPT, and OR and PR were expressed in stroma of MCN, reflecting their sex and age predilection. TFF1 expression was related to EGFR such as in IPMT and ductal adenocarcinoma, not related to EGFR such as in MCN, and not related to hormonal receptors such as in SPT. EGF and its receptor might play a part in the malignant transformation of IPMT and ductal adenocarcinoma, but not of SPT and MCN.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 226 cirrhotic patients. Experience of a single center in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Since 1987, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been widely used as the favored treatment for gallbladder lesions. However, cirrhosis and portal hypertension have been considered relative or absolute contraindications to LC. This study aimed to assess the safety of LC in cirrhotic patients. METHOD: The medical records of 226 cirrhotic patients with gallbladder lesions who had undergone LC from 1991 to 2000 were reviewed, including demographics, severity of cirrhosis, laboratory data, operative morbidity, operative mortality, and hospital stay. Furthermore, the clinical features and outcomes of 4030 patients with gallbladder lesions without cirrhosis that had undergone LC were also summarized for comparison. RESULTS: Of 4256 patients with gallbladder lesions that had undergone LC, 226 (5.6%) had cirrhotic livers. The cirrhotic group patients clearly exhibited the trends of older age, worse liver function, higher blood loss, and higher mortality compared to the noncirrhotic group patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the clinical features and outcomes of 226 cirrhotic patients who underwent LC. LC, once considered contraindicated in patients with cirrhosis, is a feasible procedure for most Child's A and B patients with cholecystolithiasis. Minor morbidity, an acceptable conversion rate, and shorter hospital stay can be achieved by applying LC to treat cirrhotic patients. However, appropriate preoperative preparations and meticulous operative techniques are required to reduce blood loss during laparoscopy and even mortality.

Intraductal papillary neoplasia of the liver associated with hepatolithiasis.

Intraductal papillary growth of neoplastic biliary epithelia with a fine fibrovascular stalk (intraductal papillary neoplasia of liver [IPN-L]) resembling intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of pancreas is occasionally associated with hepatolithiasis. In this study, 136 cases of hepatolithiasis in Taiwan, between January 1998 and March 2000, and an additional 21 cases of IPN-L before December 1998, were examined histologically. IPN-L was found in 41 of 136 hepatolithiasis cases (30.1%). Sixty-two IPN-L cases (42 women and 20 men; age range, 59.8 +/- 10 years) were divided into 4 types (type 1, IPN-L with low-grade dysplasia, 23 cases; type 2, IPN-L with high grade dysplasia, 11 cases; type 3, IPN-L with in situ and microinvasive carcinoma, 13 cases; and type 4, IPN-L of types 2 and 3 with distinct invasive carcinoma, 15 cases). Intraductal spreading and glandular involvement were commonly observed in all types. About half of types 3 and 4 cases had mucobilia, and mucinous carcinoma was variably found in two thirds of group 4 patients. IPN-L frequently showed variable gastroenteric differentiation such as goblet cells and foveolar and colon-like metaplasia. IPN-L with goblet cells and colon-like metaplasia was frequently associated with overproduction of mucin and mucobilia (P <.01). In Japan, IPN-L was not frequent in hepatolithiasis (12 of 135 cases). In conclusion, IPN-L forms a spectrum of biliary neoplasm in hepatolithiasis. It often displays variable gastroenteric metaplasia and significant intraductal spread. IPN-L tends to progress to mucinous carcinoma. Formerly reported "mucin-producing intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma" with a favorable prognosis is included in IPN-L.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for polypoid lesions of the gallbladder: a clinicopathologic study.

The size and number of gallbladder polyps are used to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions before surgery and to determine whether surgery is necessary for the lesion. Since 1987, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been widely used as the management method of choice for gallbladder lesions. The results of a clinicopathologic study of polypoid lesions of the gallbladder, based completely on laparoscopically resected gallbladder tissue, have not yet been evaluated fully. Data from 123 patients with polypoid lesions of the gallbladder treated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy were reviewed retrospectively. The gallbladders were classified into four histologic groups. Clinical features, maximal diameter, and the number of lesions were compared among the groups. The mean age of patients with adenoma and cancer was significantly greater than that of patients with cholesterol polyps and other lesions. More women than men had a neoplasm (adenoma and cancer). Patients in the neoplasm group tended to have a single lesion. The mean maximal diameter of neoplasms was significantly larger than that of lesions in the nonneoplasm group. All seven malignant lesions that were detected measured at least 1.5 cm. Univariate analysis showed that polypoid lesions of the gallbladder with neoplastic lesions correlated significantly with age, sex, size, and number of the lesions. Univariate analysis also showed that malignancy in polypoid lesions of the gallbladder correlated significantly with age, size, and number of the lesions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the age of the patient and the size of the lesion (> or = 1.0 cm) are two independent factors in predicting neoplastic lesions in polypoid lesions of the gallbladder. The size of the lesion (> or = 1.5 cm) is the only independent factor in predicting malignancy in the polypoid lesions of the gallbladder as shown by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and feasible method for gallbladder polypoid lesions. Neoplastic change in polypoid lesions of the gallbladder should be considered when a patient older than 50 years of age has a polypoid lesion larger than 1.0 cm. Cancer should be suspected when a polypoid lesion of the gallbladder is larger than 1.5 cm, and an aggressive surgical approach is warranted so that early gallbladder cancer can be detected and patients can have an increased chance of cure.

Human REG I gene is up-regulated in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and its precursor lesions.

The Reg I gene (regenerating gene) and its product (Reg protein) are a regenerating and/or proliferating factor(s) of pancreatic islet cells. The ectopic expression of REG Ialpha was shown in colorectal carcinomas, suggesting that REG Ialpha is related to their carcinogenesis. In this study, we examined the expression of REG I in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and its precursor lesion (biliary dysplasia). By polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization (ISH) studies using a total of 16 fresh liver specimens, REG Ialpha mRNA was demonstrated in 6 of 11 (55%) ICC cases, but in 0 of 5 (0%) normal livers. Immunohistochemistry for REG I protein was performed in 100 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections obtained from the 18 cases of ICC alone, 45 hepatolithiasis with ICC (n = 19) or biliary dysplasia (n = 26), 21 hepatolithiasis alone (all with hyperplasia), and 16 normal livers. In ICC, the expression of REG I protein was significantly dependent on the histologic differentiation; 12 of 13 (92%) cases in papillary and well-differentiated, 6 of 16 (38%) cases in moderately differentiated, and 0 of 8 (0%) cases in poorly differentiated types. Moreover, in the lesions of hyperplasia, low-grade dysplasia, and high-grade dysplasia in hepatolithiasis, REG I protein was expressed in 4 of 21 (19%), 7 of 12 (58%), and 13 of 14 (93%) cases, respectively. In normal liver, intrahepatic bile ducts were constantly negative for REG I protein. These findings suggest that neoexpression of REG I is a good marker for biliary mucosa at risk for development of ICC, and also that REG I plays a role in the early stages of biliary carcinogenesis, probably via a cell-proliferative effect.

Mitomycin C with weekly 24-h infusion of high-dose 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in patients with biliary tract and periampullar carcinomas.

We have reported a 33% partial response rate with acceptable toxicity using weekly 24-h infusion of high-dose 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV) in patients with far advanced biliary tract cancers (BTC). In this study, we added mitomycin (MMC) to 5-FU and LV in an attempt to improve the response rate and survival. From July 1997 to September 1999, 25 chemotherapy-naive patients with pathology-proven far advanced BTC and periampullar cancers were enrolled. The regimen consisted of MMC 10 mg/m(2) every 8 weeks combined with 5-FU 2600 mg/m(2) and LV 150 mg at a schedule of 24-h infusion weekly for 6 weeks followed by a 2 week break. There were 10 males and 15 females with a median age of 57 years (range 40-76). The sites of primary tumor were 15 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (CC), one perihilar CCs, three distal BTC, three gallbladder cancers (GB) and three periampullar cancers. A total of 148 sessions of chemotherapy were given with a mean of 8 (range 2-18). Nineteen patients were evaluable for response. The response rate was: 26% (five of 19) partial response, 42% (eight of 19) stable disease and 32% (six of 19) progressive disease. All of the patients were evaluable for toxicity. Toxicities more than grade III-IV were thrombocytopenia 16% (four of 25), leukopenia 12% (three of 25) and vomiting 4% (one of 25). There were four treatment-related deaths. The median time to disease progression was 3 months. The median survival was 6 months. A combination of MMC with weekly high-dose 5-FU and LV in patients with BTC did not improve the response rate, but produced more toxicity than weekly high-dose 5-FU and LV alone.

Chronic pancreatitis with pancreas divisum treated with pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy: a case report.

Pancreas divisum, the most common congenital variant of pancreatic ductal anatomy, occurs when the ventral and dorsal pancreatic-buds fail to fuse. Herein, we report on a 42-year-old male suffering from chronic pancreatitis with pancreas divisum. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography confirmed this diagnosis. A pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy was then performed. Pathological examination of the pancreas demonstrated chronic pancreatitis without malignancy. The postoperative clinical course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged 10 days after surgery.

Prospective and randomized study of gabexate mesilate for the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis with organ dysfunction.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Exaggerated production of various proteases may account for the late presence of organ dysfunction in acute pancreatitis. This study examined the effects of early administration of gabexate mesilate on the condition of patients with severe acute pancreatitis and organ dysfunctions. METHODOLOGY: Fifty-two patients with acute pancreatitis and organ dysfunction were enrolled. The treatment group included 26 patients receiving intravenous gabexate mesilate infusion at a dose of 100 mg/hr for 7 days. APACHE-II score, clinical and biochemical parameters were monitored intensively. RESULTS: Coagulopathy ileus, and abdominal pain was significantly improved with gabexate mesilate. Gabexate mesilate reduced the necessity for surgical intervention and peritoneal lavage. The 7-day-mortality and 90-day-mortality rates were also significantly reduced with gabexate mesilate therapy. CONCLUSIONS: There are strong indications from this study that early intravenous gabexate mesilate infusion results in improved survival in acute pancreatitis with organ dysfunctions.

Common bile duct and pancreatic injury after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for renal stone.

Common bile duct and pancreatic injury are rare complications following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. We reported a case of peripancreatic abscess with inflammation change of common bile duct and pancreatic head following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for right renal stone. Its anatomical location and subsequent clinical course suggest it was related to trauma caused by the shock wave. It should be considered a relative contraindication to apply extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in cases of right renal stone associated with large gall stones.

Video-assisted endoscopic thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Several experimental and clinical reports concerning endoscopic parathyroid surgery have appeared. However, reports concerning minimally invasive surgery for thyroid remains rare. Herein we present a new method, called video-assisted endoscopic thyroidectomy (VAET), for the management of various benign thyroid diseases. METHODS: In all, 16 consecutive patients who underwent VAET for benign thyroid diseases were retrospectively studied. The study group included nodular hyperplasia in 8 patients, follicular adenoma in 6, and Hurthle's tumor and simple cyst in 1 each. A 2 to 3 cm transverse incision was made on the suprasternal notch. The wound was deepened to expose the underlying trachea from which the plane of the thyroid fascia was accessed directly, and the working space was established with lifting method using conventional instrument. All surgical procedures could be manipulated and monitored under laparoscopy without gas insufflation. The ultrasonically activated scalpel was the principal instrument used for VAET. RESULTS: All 16 patients underwent VAET successfully without conversion to open thyroidectomy. The surgical procedures included lobectomy in 13 and extirpation in 3. The operation time ranged from 28 minutes to 5 hours (mean 1 hour, 42 minutes). For the 5 most recent cases, lobectomy took an average of 2 hours, whereas extirpation less than 40 minutes. The tumor size ranged from 3.5 cm to 8.0 cm (mean 5.8 cm). There were no surgical complications. All patients but 1 were discharged on postoperative day 2. During follow-up, all patients demonstrated euthyroid function and satisfactory cosmetic results. CONCLUSIONS: VAET emerges as a promising minimally invasive surgical technique replacing conventional thyroidectomy for benign thyroid diseases in selected cases, with the advantage of satisfactory cosmetic results.

Malignancy in choledochal cysts.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Malignancy in choledochal cysts is a rare condition. This study presents our experience with this condition, with emphasis on the clinical presentation, management and outcome. METHODOLOGY: Subjects included 80 adults with choledochal cysts treated from January 1979 to December 1995. Of these patients, 8 were found to have malignancy in the cyst and formed the basis of this study. RESULTS: Four patients had synchronous and 4 had metachronous carcinoma lesions arising in the choledochal cyst. The clinical presentation was: biliary tract infection in 5 patients, gastric outlet obstruction in 2 and right upper quadrant pain and body weight loss in 1. Operations for bile duct malignancy included total excision in 2 patients, choledochotomy with T-tube drainage in 2 patients, gastrojejunostomy in 2 patients, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and gastrojejunostomy in 1 patient and metastatic lymph node biopsy only in 1. One patient died due to septic shock within 30 days of the operation (operative mortality). Postoperative survival time ranged from 4-13 months with a mean of 6.2 months. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of malignancy in the choledochal cysts was 10% in the present series. Malignancy in the choledochal cyst should be highly suspected in patients with cholangitis symptoms, body weight loss and anemia. Prognosis in this disease entity is poor.

Biliary cutaneous stent insertion via T-tube tract by choledochoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative biliary ductal dilation and stent insertion are mandatory for managing complicated residual hepatolithiasis with intrahepatic strictures. Usually this procedure is performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Choledochoscopic examination is a routine procedure for residual hepatolithiasis. This is the first report of choledochoscopic biliary cutaneous stent insertion. METHODS: Fifty-three patients underwent biliary cutaneous stent insertion under postoperative choledochoscopic guidance. Of the 53 patients, 35 had strictured intrahepatic ducts, 6 a stenotic hilum, 9 a tortuous fistula tract and 3 a choledochoduodenocutaneous fistula. RESULTS: A total of 120 procedures have been performed in the 53 patients. Two thirds necessitated a repeated procedure. No major complication was found except 2 patients experienced mild abdominal pain after the procedure. Neither fluoroscopy nor contrast medium was used. CONCLUSIONS: Choledochoscopic guidance is effective for postoperative biliary cutaneous stent insertion. It has the advantage of being technically easy and is relatively safe.