[Late recurrence of gastric cancer diagnosed 10 years after curative gastrectomy: a review of 30 Japanese case reports].

A woman in her 50s was referred to our hospital with intestinal obstruction. Ten years prior, she had been treated for gastric cancer, pathologically confirmed as stage IIIA poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cell carcinoma. Intraoperatively, a 4-cm hard white tumor was found in the mesoileum and around the ileum. Pathological examination revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cell carcinoma and infiltration and fibrosis. Late peritoneal recurrence of gastric carcinoma was diagnosed. Recurrence of gastric carcinoma more than 10 years after curative gastrectomy is extremely rare. A review of 30 cases reported in Japan revealed recurrence was more frequent in females (60%) and the mean age was around 50 years at the time of primary surgery. Poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and/or signet-ring cell carcinoma was the primary gastric cancer in 82% of cases and bone metastasis was the most frequent site of recurrence.

Significance of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with an oxaliplatin-based regimen after simultaneous curative resection for colorectal cancer and synchronous colorectal liver metastasis: a propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Expansion of the indication for liver resection and new regimens for systemic chemotherapy have improved postoperative outcomes for synchronous colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). However, such cases can still have a high recurrence rate, even after curative resection. Therefore, there is a need for postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (POAC) after liver resection in patients with CRLM. There are few studies of the efficacy of POAC with an oxaliplatin-based regimen after simultaneous resection for colorectal cancer and CRLM with curative intent. The goal of the study was to compare POAC with oxaliplatin-based and fluoropyrimidine regimens using propensity score (PS) matching analysis. METHODS: The subjects were 94 patients who received POAC after simultaneous resection for colorectal cancer and synchronous CRLM, and were enrolled retrospectively. The patients were placed in a L-OHP (+) group (POAC with an oxaliplatin-based regimen, n = 47) and a L-OHP (-) group (POAC with a fluoropyrimidine regimen, n = 47). Recurrence-free (RFS), cancer-specific (CSS), unresectable recurrence-free (URRFS), remnant liver recurrence-free (RLRFS), and extrahepatic recurrence-free (EHRFS) survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Before PS matching, the L-OHP (+) and (-) groups had no significant differences in RFS, CSS, URRFS, RLRFS, and EHRFS. Univariate analysis indicated significant differences in age, preoperative serum CEA (≤ 30.0 ng/mL/ > 30.0 ng/mL), differentiation of primary tumor (differentiated/undifferentiated), T classification (T1-3/T4), number of hepatic lesions and maximum diameter of the hepatic lesion between the L-OHP (+) and (-) groups. After PS matching using these confounders, RFS was significantly better among patients in the L-OHP (+) group compared with the L-OHP (-) group (HR 0.40, 95% CI 0.17-0.96, p = 0.04). In addition, there was a trend towards better RLRFS among patients in the L-OHP (+) group compared with the L-OHP (-) group (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.17-1.02, p = 0.055). However, there were no significant differences in CSS, URRFS and EHRFS between the L-OHP (+) and (-) groups. CONCLUSIONS: PS matching analysis demonstrated the efficacy of POAC with an oxaliplatin-based regimen in RFS and RLRFS.

[Spindle cell type anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas: review of 27 Japanese case reports].

Spindle cell type anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas is extremely rare and has a very poor prognosis. A previously healthy 68-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to a large tumor in the body of the pancreas. Abdominal computed tomography revealed an irregular, well-enhanced 140-mm tumor containing a cystic component. The patient underwent distal pancreatectomy for a possible malignant tumor (e.g., mucinous cystic neoplasms). Histological examination showed that the tumor contained spindle-shaped cells and adenocarcinoma with nuclear atypia, and a definitive diagnosis of anaplastic carcinoma spindle cell type was made. A review of 27 cases reported in Japan revealed 43% of these lesions invaded other organs, and 26% were classified in Stage IV at the time of diagnosis. Postoperative recurrence rate was 78.2%, and mortality rate was 59.3%. Early diagnosis and sequential radial surgery would improve the poor prognosis.

Use of finger-piece method for indocyanine green clearance test.

AIM: The indocyanine green (ICG) finger-piece method (FPM), which allows measurement of the ICG concentration by mounting a light sensor onto a finger, is used to assess liver function. We compared the ICG FPM with the conventional ICG blood sampling method (BSM) in patients with liver disorders. METHODS: Ninety consecutive patients simultaneously underwent the ICG BSM and ICG FPM. After ICG administration, blood samples were collected at 5, 10, and 15 min for the ICG BSM. The ICG concentration was measured through the finger piece by an ICG clearance meter. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients (78.9%) had Child-Pugh class A liver disease, and 19 (21.1%) had class B or C. The FPM-measured ICG plasma disappearance rate was positively correlated with the BSM-measured values (r = 0.886, P < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement between the two methods (mean difference, 0.012 ± 0.018). The FPM-measured ICG plasma disappearance rate was positively correlated with the BSM-measured values both in patients with Child-Pugh class A liver disease (r = 0.821, P < 0.001) and class B or C liver disease (r = 0.859, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The ICG FPM may be an alternative to the ICG BSM for liver function assessment.

Hypertrophy of the Left Liver in Patients with Large Tumors in the Right Liver.

BACKGROUND: It has been speculated that, when right-sided major hepatectomy (RSMH) is planned for patients with large tumors in the right liver, it may not lead to a marked decrease in normally functional hepatic mass. METHODS: We collected data for patients who had undergone RSMH for tumors more than 8 cm in diameter (n=50) and compared them with control patients who had undergone RSMH for tumors less than 5 cm in diameter (n=21). RESULTS: The ratio of the remnant left liver volume to the nontumorous liver volume (left liver ratio) in the patients with large tumors was significantly greater than that in the control group (50.0±12.8% vs. 40.2±8.3%, p=0.002). Left liver ratio was significantly correlated with tumor volume (p<0.001). Preoperative portal vein embolization was performed in only four of the 50 patients with large tumors. None of the patients with large tumors developed postoperative liver failure. CONCLUSIONS: Left liver volume in patients with large tumors in the right liver was larger than usual, perhaps reducing the risk of postoperative liver insufficiency after RSMH.

Management of tacrolimus-associated food allergy after liver transplantation.

Increasingly, food allergy associated with tacrolimus after pediatric living-donor liver transplantation (LT) has been reported. Tacrolimus prevents the activation of T cells by blocking calcineurin, thus producing an immunosuppressive effect, but tacrolimus induces an imbalance in T-helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cells in the food allergy process. This report describes a case of tacrolimus-associated food allergy after pediatric living-donor LT. The patient was a 7-year-old Japanese girl who had undergone living-donor LT at 12 months of age, and whom we first saw in the clinic at age 18 months. She received immunosuppressive therapy by tacrolimus after transplantation. Atopic dermatitis developed in post-transplant month 18. Stridor, facial edema, lip swelling, and skin erythema after consuming tempura udon containing wheat occurred in post-transplant month 39, and she was subsequently diagnosed with anaphylactic shock. Eosinophilic leukocyte and serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E increased, and specific IgE was positive for some food allergens. Pharmacotherapy was therefore changed from tacrolimus to cyclosporine A, after which eosinophilic leukocyte and serum IgE decreased and atopic dermatitis improved.

Postoperative recurrence pattern and prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, with particular reference to the hepatitis viral infection status.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Various modalities have been employed effectively according to the tumour recurrence status in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing hepatectomy. Therefore, their overall prognosis depends largely on the pattern of recurrence/treatment. We investigated the patterns of recurrence and prognosis in HCC patients, especially in relation to the hepatitis virus infection status. METHODS: The study population comprised 244 patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy. Curative treatments, including repeated hepatectomies, were performed for recurrences, whenever possible. Detailed information on recurrences was collected until the recurrences exceeded Milan criteria. RESULTS: The 5-year disease-free survival, survival within the Milan criteria and overall survival were 38.4%, 56.3% and 74.5% respectively. In the comparison between patients with hepatitis C and B virus-related HCC (HC-HCC: n = 122; and HB-HCC: n = 45 respectively), the former showed lower disease-free (30.2% vs. 40.7% at 5 years, P = 0.061) and overall (65.7% vs. 89.7% at 5 years, P = 0.011) survivals; they also showed a higher incidence of multinodular (≥4) intrahepatic recurrences (19.4% vs. 5.3% at 3 years, P = 0.010). However, the incidences of recurrences exceeding the Milan criteria because of other components were comparable. Patients with HC-HCC showed a higher incidence of intrahepatic recurrences characterized by multiple lesions and the difference became increasingly more pronounced with time. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HC-HCC were associated with a higher carcinogenesis in the background liver than those with HB-HCC, and this difference was aggravated with time after hepatic resection.

Factors influencing clinically significant delayed gastric emptying after subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (SSPPD), in which the pylorus ring is resected and most of the stomach is preserved, has been performed recently in Japan. This study was undertaken to clarify the incidence of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after SSPPD at a high-volume hospital and to determine the independent factors that influence the development of DGE after SSPPD. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2011, 201 consecutive patients underwent standardized SSPPD. After SSPPD, DGE (defined according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery) was analyzed, and associated variables were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses, retrospectively. RESULTS: Clinically significant DGE (grades B and C) occurred in 35 (17 %) of the 201 patients; 26 patients had other accompanying abdominal complications (secondary DGE), and pancreatic leakage was the sole risk factor for DGE (odds ratio 6.63, 95 % CI 2.86-15.74; p < 0.001). Only nine (4 % of all patients) of the 35 patients with clinically significant DGE were classified as having DGE that had arisen without any obvious etiology (primary DGE). CONCLUSIONS: DGE after SSPPD is strongly linked to the occurrence of other postoperative intra-abdominal complications such as pancreatic fistula. The incidence rate of primary DGE after SSPPD was 4 %. Although the ISGPS classification of DGE is clearly applicable, the grades do not explain why DGE occurs. Primary and secondary DGE should therefore be defined separately.

Evaluation of esophagogastric varices after adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation using a left lobe graft.

BACKGROUND: There is little information on whether living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) reduces the supply of blood to esophagogastric varices. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of LDLT on esophagogastric varices using both endoscopy and transendoscopic microvascular Doppler sonography (EMDS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 16 LDLT recipients were enrolled in the present study. Esophagogastric varices were assessed by endoscopy before and after LDLT. Direct measurement of variceal blood velocity was performed using EMDS in 12 of the 16 patients, and portal vein pressure before and after graft implantation was measured in 10 of them. RESULTS: The median interval between LDLT and endoscopic examination was 129 days (range 20-624). Endoscopy demonstrated improvement of esophageal varices in 15 patients and of gastric varices in 4 of 5 patients assessed. The mean blood flow velocity in esophageal varices after LDLT was significantly lower than that before LDLT (8.8 ± 3.6 vs. 0.9 ± 1.2 cm/s, p < 0.001). The mean portal vein pressure did not decrease significantly after LDLT in comparison with that before LDLT (from 25.2 ± 5.2 to 23.1 ± 3.6 mm Hg, p = 0.22). CONCLUSION: Although portal vein pressure does not decrease immediately after left lobe LDLT, esophagogastric varices are ameliorated after a few months, and variceal blood flow velocity is reduced in almost all patients.

Impact of Straight Stomach Reconstruction on Delayed Gastric Emptying and Nutritional Recovery After Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified reconstruction technique-anchored straight stomach reconstruction-in reducing the incidence of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and its impact on postoperative nutritional recovery. METHODS: A case series analysis of 125 consecutive PD patients was conducted: 104 of them had undergone anchored straight stomach reconstruction (SSR group) and the remaining 21 without (Non-SSR group). The incidence of DGE and the change in postoperative nutritional status (body weight and serum albumin level during 12 months post-surgery) were compared. RESULTS: The incidence of DGE in the SSR group (13%) was significantly lower than that in the Non-SSR group (33%) (P = .018); further the significant DGE (grade B or C) was only 5%. Comparison of nutritional status showed that SSR facilitated a prompt recovery of body weight and serum albumin level at 6 months after PD. At 12 months after surgery, body weight gain was significantly better in the SSR group than in the Non-SSR group (P = .006), and albumin level tended to be higher in the SSR group (P = .071). CONCLUSION: Straight stomach reconstruction is able to reduce DGE in patients after PD and also improves their postoperative nutritional recovery.

Incisional surgical site infections by subcutaneous soaking of wound with aqueous 0.05% chlorhexidine gluconate in gastroenterological surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chlorhexidine gluconate solution is superior to povidone-iodine for prevention of surgical site infection. However, the overall efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate for surgical site infection prevention in various types of gastroenterological surgery, as well as the optimal concentration of chlorhexidine gluconate, remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether subcutaneous wound soaking with chlorhexidine gluconate would reduce the incidence of surgical site infection associated with gastroenterological surgery in patients with wound classes Ⅱ to Ⅳ. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to either wound soaking with chlorhexidine gluconate (chlorhexidine gluconate group) or no chlorhexidine gluconate soaking (control group). After closure of the abdominal fascia, gentle subcutaneous soaking of the wound was performed using gauze fully soaked in aqueous 0.05% chlorhexidine gluconate before skin closure. Incisional surgical site infection was diagnosed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. The primary end point was the occurrence of incisional surgical site infection. RESULTS: Among 363 patients, 245 (67%) underwent laparoscopic surgery. All 363 patients were included-181 in the chlorhexidine gluconate group (49.9%) and 182 (50.1%) in the control group. There were no significant inter-group differences in patient background, the type of procedure, or wound classification. The incidence proportion of incisional surgical site infection was significantly lower in the chlorhexidine gluconate group than in the control group (9.4% vs 19.2%; P = .008). CONCLUSION: Subcutaneous wound soaking with chlorhexidine gluconate reduces the incidence of incisional surgical site infection in patients undergoing gastroenterological surgery.

Pattern of postoperative recurrence and hepatic and/or pulmonary resection for liver and/or lung metastases from esophageal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the benefit of hepatic and pulmonary resections in patients with liver and lung recurrences, respectively, after resection of esophageal carcinoma. METHODS: The study population consisted of 138 consecutive patients with recurrent esophageal carcinoma after esophagectomy conducted between 2003 and 2005. The pattern, timing of appearance, and the prognosis of these recurrences were investigated, paying particular attention to those undergoing hepatic and pulmonary resections. RESULTS: In total, 55 and 92 patients developed locoregional and distant-organ metastases 13 and 6 months (median) after surgery, respectively, including 9 patients with both types of recurrence. The distant-organ metastases were found in the liver (n = 26), lung (n = 27), bone (n = 21), and other organs (n = 29). Patients with pulmonary recurrences had a better overall prognosis (median survival after recurrence detection 13 months) than those with hepatic metastases (5 months) or nonhepatic nonpulmonary metastases. (3 months) Hepatic and pulmonary resections were carried out in patients with oligonodular (n = ≤ 2) isolated liver and lung metastases (n = 5, respectively). Although the survivals of patients with lung metastases who were treated/not treated by pulmonary resection were different (median survival: 48 vs. 10 months, p < 0.01), the difference in the survivals between patients with hepatic metastases who were treated/not treated by hepatic resection reached only borderline statistical significance (13 vs. 5 months, p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Resection of pulmonary metastases yields a survival benefit in properly selected patients. The benefit of resection for hepatic metastases remains controversial.

Mesh shrinkage after transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair.

Synthetic mesh is now used for inguinal hernia repair in most cases. It is well known that the indwelling mesh contracts after placement in the body, regardless of the material. The aim of this study was to develop a method for indirect measurement of the mesh area postoperatively that allows for easy comparison with the condition of the mesh immediately after surgery. X-ray-impermeable tackers were used to fix the mesh, and changes of the indwelling mesh after surgery were measured indirectly using two mesh materials. This study involved 26 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair with a polypropylene or polyester mesh (13 patients each). Polypropylene showed a stronger tendency to shrink, but there was no significant difference between the materials. For both materials, some patients showed relatively strong shrinkage and others showed relatively weak shrinkage. The group with the strong shrinkage had significantly higher body mass index. The results of the present study showed that mesh surly shrinked over time and there was no adverse effect of mesh shrinkage on the patients outcomes in this population. Mesh would shrink over time regardless of the sort of mesh but it did not affect the patients outcomes.

Assessment of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair using the classification for single port laparoscopy in adolescents and young adults.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common operations performed worldwide. No consensus currently exists regarding the most appropriate operation for inguinal hernia in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes in AYA patients undergoing high ligation or mesh repair under laparoscopy by examining the location and size of the hernia orifice defect. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients aged 15 to 40 years old who underwent laparoscopic hernia repair. Under single port laparoscopy, we classified the anatomic location (lateral, medial, or femoral) and size of the hernia orifice according to the classification by the European Hernia Society (EHS). A laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) was performed on the patients with a lateral hernia with a hernia orifice defect size of ≤1.5 cm (L1). Transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair was performed on the patients with a lateral hernia with a hernia orifice defect size of >1.5 cm (L2 or 3). RESULTS: Overall, 40 patients underwent the mentioned surgical procedures. We performed LPEC on 22 patients, and TAPP on 18 patients. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications and recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report that evaluated the outcomes of AYA patients who underwent high ligation or mesh repair under laparoscopy by examining the location and size of the hernia orifice defect. Our data indicated that LPEC were effective and safe for AYA patients with small hernia orifice defect.

A Case of a Grade 3 Gallbladder Neuroendocrine Tumor With Rapid Recurrence After Curative Resection.

Primary gallbladder neuroendocrine tumor (GB-NET) is extremely rare. Therefore, tumor behavior and adequate treatment in GB-NETs are still unclear. A 74-year-old man without any specific complaints was referred to our hospital cause of gallbladder tumor. Abdominal ultrasonography examination revealed a 22-mm non-pedunculated tumor in the gallbladder body. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a polyp that was enhanced in the arterial phase. The patient underwent gallbladder bed resection and radical lymphadenectomy with a diagnosis of gallbladder carcinoma. Macroscopically, the resected specimen showed a nodular expanding tumor measuring 32×15 mm in the gallbladder body. From the pathological findings, a grade 3 GB-NET was diagnosed. Only cystic lymph node metastasis was observed. The patient was discharged uneventfully, but bone and lymph node metastasis were detected eight months after surgery. We conclude that grade 3 GB-NET shows occasionally malignant biological behavior although NET G3 is distinguished from neuroendocrine carcinoma in the current WHO 2019 classification of NET.

Mixed neuroendocrine carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma in the liver.

BACKGROUND: Mixed neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is extremely rare, thus radiological features have not been fully clarified. CASE: A male patient (age: 70 years) visited our hospital due to a tumor in the liver. Examination using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a tumor (diameter: 5.0 cm) in hepatic segment 5, with early enhancement of the peripheral area and slight internal heterogeneous enhancement in the arterial and delayed phases, respectively. F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET)/CT revealed intratumoral heterogeneity, characterized by increased uptake (standardized uptake value, 12.10) in the corresponding low-density area detected using enhanced CT relative to the surrounding areas of the tumor. On magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging also showed high intensity in the corresponding low-density area detected using CT. Preoperatively, the patient was diagnosed with HCC and underwent anterior sectionectomy. Pathological findings revealed both HCC and NEC components, and the patient was diagnosed with mixed NEC and HCC. Comparison of component distribution with FDG-PET/CT revealed an increased uptake area was congruent with the NEC component in the tumor. CONCLUSION: In this case, the difference in tumor components affected the uptake in FDG-PET/CT. Such heterogeneous uptake with an enhanced spot may be useful for suspecting the presence of mixed NEC and HCC in patients with atypical HCC.

Left lobe adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation: Should portal inflow modulation be added?

Recently, the successful application of portal inflow modulation has led to renewed interest in the use of left lobe grafts in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). However, data on the hepatic hemodynamics supporting portal inflow modulation are limited, and the optimal portal circulation for a liver graft is still unclear. We analyzed 42 consecutive adult-to-adult left lobe LDLT cases without splenectomy or a portocaval shunt. The mean actual graft volume (GV)/recipient standard liver volume (SLV) ratio was 39.8% ± 5.7% (median = 38.9%, range = 26.1%-54.0%). The actual GV/SLV ratio was less than 40% in 24 of the 42 cases, and the actual graft-to-recipient weight ratio was less than 0.8% in 17 of the 42 recipients. The mean portal vein pressure (PVP) was 23.9 ± 7.6 mm Hg (median = 23.5 mm Hg, range = 9-38 mm Hg) before transplantation and 21.5 ± 3.6 mm Hg (median = 22 mm Hg, range = 14-27 mm Hg) after graft implantation. The mean portal pressure gradient (PVP - central venous pressure) was 14.5 ± 6.8 mm Hg (median = 13.5 mm Hg, range = 3-26 mm Hg) before transplantation and 12.4 ± 4.4 mm Hg (median = 13 mm Hg, range = 1-21 mm Hg) after graft implantation. The mean posttransplant portal vein flow was 301 ± 167 mL/minute/100 g of liver in the 38 recipients for whom it was measured. None of the recipients developed small-for-size syndrome, and all were discharged from the hospital despite portal hyperperfusion. The overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year patient and graft survival rates were 100%, 97%, and 91%, respectively. In conclusion, LDLT with a left liver graft without splenectomy or a portocaval shunt yields good long-term results for adult patients with a minimal donor burden.

Salvage hepatectomy for local recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after ablation therapy.

BACKGROUND: The results of salvage hepatectomy for local recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after incomplete percutaneous ablation therapy are still unclear. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 197 consecutive patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent either salvage hepatectomy after prior incomplete percutaneous ablation therapy (salvage group; n=23) or primary hepatectomy as the initial treatment (primary group; n=174). The two groups were compared with respect to intraoperative data, operative mortality and morbidity, and long-term survival. RESULTS: The salvage group showed a significantly longer operation time (385 vs. 300 min; P=0.006) and a significantly greater intraoperative blood loss volume (402 vs. 265 ml; P=0.024). The postoperative mortality rate was zero in both groups, and the morbidity rates were similar. Although the 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival rates after hepatectomy were significantly worse in the salvage group than in the primary group (65%, 41%, and 33% vs. 81%, 51%, and 45%, respectively; P=0.031), the overall survival rates after hepatectomy did not differ significantly (91%, 91%, and 67% vs. 96%, 79%, and 65%, respectively; P=0.790). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates after percutaneous ablation therapy were also not different from those in the primary group (100, 96, and 83%, P=0.115; and 96, 60, and 45%, P=0.524, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The short-term and long-term results of salvage hepatectomy after incomplete percutaneous ablation therapy are equivalent to those of primary hepatectomy. Salvage hepatectomy is an acceptable treatment for patients with local recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after ablation therapy.

Enteral versus parental nutrition after pancreaticoduodenectomy under enhanced recovery after surgery protocol: study protocol for a multicenter, open-label randomized controlled trial (ENE-PAN trial).

BACKGROUND: Infectious complications are the main causes of morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Early enteral nutrition (EN) is a reasonable form of nutritional support that aims to mitigate the occurrence and severity of infectious complications by maintaining gut immunity. However, it remains unclear whether EN is beneficial for patients who underwent PD and are under enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. METHODS: A multicenter (six hospitals), open-label, randomized controlled trial will be started in July 2022. A total of 320 patients undergoing open PD will be randomly assigned to an EN group or a peripheral parental nutrition (PPN) group in a 1:1 ratio. The stratification factors will be the hospital, age (≥ 70 or not), and preoperative diagnosis (pancreatic cancer or not). In the EN group, enteral nutrition will start on postoperative day (POD) 1 at 200-300 ml/day via the percutaneous tube placed operatively. The volume of the diet will be increased to 400-600 ml/day on POD 2 and depend on the surgeon's decision from POD 3. In the PPN group, PPN will be delivered after surgery. In both groups, oral feeding will start on POD 3. Each treatment will be finished when patients' oral food intake reaches 60% of the nutritional requirement (25-30 kcal/day). The primary endpoint will be the occurrence of postoperative infectious complications within 90 days of surgery. The secondary endpoints will be all complications, including major ones such as Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or more and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula. Data will be analyzed per the intention to treat. DISCUSSION: This will be the first, large, and well-designed RCT that aims to determine whether EN is beneficial for patients who underwent PD under the ERAS protocol. According to the results of this study, either EN or PPN would be adopted as the standard nutritional support for patients undergoing PD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: jRCT1030210691. Registered on March 23, 2022.