Folfirinox chemotherapy prolongs stent patency in patients with malignant biliary obstruction due to unresectable pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Stent insertion for biliary decompression to relieve jaundice and subsequent biliary infection is necessary for patients with biliary obstruction caused by pancreatic cancer, and it is important to keep the stent patent as long as possible. However, few studies have compared stent patency in terms of chemotherapy in patients with pancreatic cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in stent patency in terms of recently evolving chemotherapy. METHODS: Between January 2015 and May 2017, 161 patients with pancreatic cancer who had undergone biliary stent insertion with a metal stent were retrospectively analyzed. The relationship between chemotherapy and stent patency was assessed. Additionally, overall survival according to the treatment, risk factors for stent patency, and long-term adverse events were evaluated. RESULTS: Median stent patency was 42 days for patients with the best supportive care and 217 days for patients with chemotherapy (conventional gemcitabine-based chemotherapy and folfirinox) (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the folfirinox group showed the longest median stent patency and overall survival, with 283 days and 466 days, respectively (P < 0.001) despite higher adverse events rate. Patients who underwent folfirinox chemotherapy after stent insertion had better stent patency in multivariate analysis (HR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.12-0.60; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with patients who received best supportive care only, patients who underwent chemotherapy after stent insertion had better stent patency. More prolonged stent patency can be expected for patients with folfirinox than conventional gemcitabine-based chemotherapy.

Prevalence of Toxocariasis and Its Risk Factors in Patients with Eosinophilia in Korea.

Eosinophilia occurs commonly in many diseases including allergic diseases and helminthic infections. Toxocariasis has been suggested as one cause of eosinophilia. The present study was undertaken to examine the prevalence of toxocariasis in patients with eosinophilia and to identify the risk factors for toxocariasis. This prospective cohort study recruited a total of 81 patients with eosinophilia (34 males and 47 females) who visited the outpatient clinic at Seoul National University Hospital from January 2017 to February 2018 and agreed to participate in this study. The prevalence of toxocariasis was examined by T. canis-specific ELISA, and the various risk factors for toxocariasis were evaluated by a questionnaire survey. Among 81 patients with eosinophilia, 18 were positive for anti-T. canis antibodies (22.2%); 88.9% were male (16/18) and 11.1% were female (2/18). Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that males (OR 21.876, 95% CI: 1.667-287.144) with a history of consuming the raw meat or livers of animals (OR 5.899, 95% CI: 1.004-34.669) and a heavy alcohol-drinking habit (OR 8.767, 95% CI: 1.018-75.497) were at higher risk of toxocariasis in patients with eosinophilia. Toxocariasis should be considered a potential cause of eosinophilia when the patient has a history of eating the raw meat or livers of animals in Korea. A single course of albendazole is recommended to reduce the migration of Toxocara larvae in serologically positive cases with eosinophilia.

Association between pathologic grade and multiphase computed tomography enhancement in pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs) are rare diseases but gradually increasing in prevalence with different prognosis. Multiphase contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) is known as widely used imaging modality for the diagnosis of pancreatic tumors. We aimed to investigate whether CT enhancement pattern is associated with the pathologic tumor grade and can predict that of PanNEN. METHODS: Ninety PanNEN patients who underwent multiphase enhanced CT before pathologic diagnosis were retrospectively reviewed. CT enhancement values at each phase were measured, and its relation with pathologic grade was assessed. RESULTS: Ninety PanNENs included 62 G1 (68.9%), 21 G2 (23.3%), and 7 G3 (7.8%). The enhancement values of the early arterial phase were significantly different among three groups (G1 119.4 HU, G2 94.7 HU, and G3 64.8 HU; G1 vs G2, P = 0.043; G1 vs G3, P = 0.001; and G2 vs G3, P = 0.027). In the late arterial phase, there was a difference between grade 1/2 and 3 but no significant difference between grade 1 and grade 2 (G1 164.3 HU, G2 142.9 HU, and G3 94.1 HU; G1 vs G2, P = 0.804; G1 vs G3, P = 0.016; and G2 vs G3, P = 0.022). The enhancement value of the portal phase did not differ significantly among the three groups. Diagnostic ability of the early arterial enhancement value for the differentiation of the G1 (cutoff 109.5 HU, sensitivity 73.3%, and specificity 62.5%) was comparable with that of the tumor size (cutoff 20.5 mm, sensitivity 68.9%, and specificity 66.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography enhancement value at early arterial phase and its changing pattern can be a useful predictor for the differentiation of pathologic grade of PanNENs.

Revision of bilateral self-expandable metallic stents placed using the stent-in-stent technique for malignant hilar biliary obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic biliary decompression using bilateral self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placed using the stent-in-stent (SIS) technique is considered favorable for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO). However, occlusion of the bilateral SIS placement is frequent and revision can be challenging. This study was performed to investigate the efficacy, the long-term patency and the appropriate approach for revision of occluded bilateral SIS placement in unresectable MHBO. METHODS: From January 2011 to July 2016, thirty-eight patients with unresectable MHBO underwent revision of occluded bilateral SIS placement. Clinical data including success rates and patency of revision, were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The technical success rate of revision was 76.3%. The clinical success rate of revision was 51.7% and mean patency of revision was 49.1 days. No significant predictive factor for clinical failure of revision was observed. The cell size of SEMS was not found to have significant effects on clinical success rates or revision patency. CONCLUSIONS: Revision of occluded bilateral SIS placement for MHBO showed fair patency and clinical success rate. Revision method and cell size of SEMS were not found to influence clinical outcomes.

Can enoxaparin reduce thromboembolism related events after primary TKA in Asian patients?

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of enoxaparin in preventing venous and arterial thromboembolism related events after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in Asian patients. Four hundred twenty nine patients (621 TKAs) did not receive thromboprophylaxis after TKA and 907 patients (1,336 TKAs) received enoxaparin after the procedure. We assessed clinically significant venous and arterial thromboembolism related events and bleeding complications. Total thromboembolism related events occurred in 13 patients (3.03%) without thromboprophylaxis and 17 patients (1.87%) with enoxaparin (P = 0.183). Our study showed that the incidence of clinically significant thromboembolism related events after TKA was very low in Asian patients. Enoxaparin had no benefits in reducing thromboembolism related events in Asian patients.

Association between sarcopenia level and metabolic syndrome.

AIMS: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases the risk of diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and mortality. Sarcopenia has been reported as a risk factor for MetS, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and CVD. To date, the association between sarcopenia and MetS has been investigated. However, there have been few studies on the dose-response relationship between sarcopenia and MetS. We investigated the association between sarcopenia and the prevalence of MetS. We also aimed to analyze the dose-response relationship between skeletal muscle mass and the prevalence of MetS. METHODS: We enrolled 13,620 participants from October 2014 to December 2019. Skeletal muscle mass was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was divided by body weight (kg) and was expressed as a percentage (ASM x 100/Weight, ASM%). The quartiles of ASM% were calculated for each gender, with Q1 and Q4 being the lowest and highest quartiles of ASM%, respectively. The quartiles of ASM% were calculated for each gender, with Q1 and Q4 being the lowest and highest quartiles of ASM%, respectively. Linear regression and logistic regression analyses were used to compare the clinical parameters according to ASM%, adjusted for age, sex, obesity, hypertension (HT), DM, dyslipidemia (DL), smoking, alcohol intake, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk of MetS in each group. RESULTS: A dose-response relationship was identified between ASM% and MetS. Sarcopenia was associated with an increased prevalence of MetS. After adjustment for age, sex, obesity, HT, DM, DL, smoking, alcohol intake, and CRP, sarcopenia remained significantly associated with MetS. For each 1 quartile increment in ASM%, the risk of MetS decreased by 56% (P< 0.001). After adjusting for age, sex, obesity, HT, DM, DL, smoking, alcohol intake, and CRP, the risk of MetS decreased by 25% per 1Q increment in ASM% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia by BIA is independently associated with the risk of MetS and has a dose-response relationship.

Fatty liver is an independent risk factor for gallbladder polyps.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder polyps (GBPs) are known to be associated with obesity and metabolic diseases. However, to date, the relationship between GBPs and abnormal body fat distribution, such as fatty liver, visceral obesity, or sarcopenia, has not yet been established. AIM: To evaluate whether GBPs are associated with fatty liver, visceral obesity, or sarcopenia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of subjects who underwent various laboratory tests, body composition measurement with a non-invasive body composition analyzer, and abdominal ultrasonography during health checkups. A total of 1405 subjects with GBPs were compared with 2810 age- and sex-matched controls. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 46.8 ± 11.7 years, and 63.8% were male. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, the presence of fatty liver [odds ratio (OR) 1.413; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.218-1.638; P < 0.001] was an independent risk factor for GBP, together with low levels of alanine aminotransferase (OR 0.993; 95%CI 0.989-0.996; P < 0.001). Additionally, fatty liver showed both independent (OR 1.629; 95%CI, 1.335-1.988; P < 0.001) and dose-dependent (moderate to severe fatty liver; OR 2.137; 95%CI, 1.662-2.749; P < 0.001) relationship with large GBPs (≥ 5 mm). The presence of sarcopenia and high visceral fat area were not significantly associated with GBPs. CONCLUSION: Fatty liver was found to be closely associated with GBPs irrespective of sarcopenia and visceral obesity.

Impact of balloon inflation on the insertion of endoscopic ultrasound: a prospective, randomized controlled trial.

Background and study aims During endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), patients may experience severe discomfort. The radial echoendoscope has a balloon around its tip. Balloon inflation prior to insertion may reduce contact injury and pharyngeal pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of balloon inflation on pharyngeal pain during insertion. Patients and methods Patients who underwent radial EUS for pancreatobiliary disease were randomized into standard insertion or balloon-inflated insertion. The primary outcome was the proportion of moderate-to-severe pharyngeal pain. Secondary outcomes were the degree of pharyngeal pain, risk factors for moderate pharyngeal pain, procedure-related adverse events, and pharyngeal pain depending on the experience of the endoscopist. Results A total of 481 patients were randomized into two groups: standard insertion (238) and balloon inflation (243). No statistically significant differences in proportion of moderate-to-severe pain were found (26.5 % vs. 20.2 %, P  = 0.107). Balloon inflation (HR 0.65; 95 % CI (0.42-0.98, P  = 0.041) was a protective factor against moderate pain. Balloon inflation reduced the proportion of patients with moderate-to-severe pain when performed by physicians with less than 3months of experience with EUS (44.7 % vs. 25.3 %, P  = 0.012). Conclusion Balloon inflation did not reduce the absolute degree of post-procedural pain with EUS, but it reduced the number of patients with moderate-to-severe pain when performed by physicians with less than 3 months of experience.

A High Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Poor Prognosis in Patients with Advanced Gallbladder Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been reported to be prognostic markers in various cancers. However, the prognostic value of these inflammatory biomarkers, particularly MLR, in gallbladder cancer remains to be determined. METHODS: From 2005 to 2016, 178 patients with histologically confirmed gallbladder adenocarcinoma who underwent palliative chemotherapy were queried in this study. The association between survival and various clinical and laboratory variables, including MLR, NLR, and PLR, was investigated. The optimal cutoff values for MLR, NLR, and PLR were determined using the maxstat package of R. RESULTS: Patients with high MLR (>0.24) were expected to have shorter progression-free survival [PFS; hazard ratio (HR), 2.100; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.397-3.157; P < 0.001] and overall survival (OS; HR, 2.533; 95% CI, 1.664-3.856; P < 0.001) compared with patients with low MLR (≤0.24). In multivariate Cox model, CA 19-9, stage, and MLR were independent factors for PFS. MLR was also an independent predictor of OS along with PLR, age, and CA 19-9, whereas NLR was not significantly associated with OS. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the area under the curve of MLR for predicting OS was greater than that of NLR and PLR at most time points. CONCLUSIONS: MLR independently predicts survival in gallbladder cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Future prospective studies are needed to validate its value as a prognostic biomarker. IMPACT: MLR is an inexpensive and easily available biomarker for predicting prognosis in patients with gallbladder cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

Step-wise endoscopic approach to palliative bilateral biliary drainage for unresectable advanced malignant hilar obstruction.

The ideal type of stent utilized at index endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in management of malignant hilar obstruction (MHO) remains unclear. We aimed to determine the ideal stent choice in patients with MHO. In this retrospective study, patients with unresectable MHO were separated into the plastic stent (PS) group and the self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) group. The primary outcome was the risk and rate of rescue percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). The secondary outcomes were the progression-free survival, the overall survival and the PTBD-free period (days). Thirty-six patients in the PS group and 38 patients in the SEMS group were enrolled. The risk for PTBD was higher in SEMS group (HR = 2.205, 95% C.I. 0.977-4.977, P = 0.057). The rate of PTBD was significantly lower in the PS group. (22.2% vs 50.0%, P = 0.017) There were no differences in overall survival and progression-free survival (410 and 269 in the PS group, 395 and 266 in the SEMS group, P = 0.663 and P = 0.757). The PTBD-free period was significantly longer in the PS group. (836.43 vs 586.40, P = 0.039) Although comparable in clinical efficacy, utilization of PS at index ERCP may reduce patient's discomfort by avoiding PTBD and prolonging PTBD-free period in patients with MHO.

Natural Course and Risk of Cholangiocarcinoma in Patients with Recurrent Pyogenic Cholangitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background/Aims: Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis (RPC) is a chronic progressive disease frequently accompanied by cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). This study aimed to investigate the natural course of RPC and identify factors associated with CCA. Methods: From January 2005 to December 2016, 310 patients diagnosed with RPC at Seoul National University Hospital were included. Complications and management during follow-up were recorded. CCA-free probability was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method, and risk factors associated with CCA were analyzed using log-rank test and Cox’s proportional hazard regression model. Results: Mean age at diagnosis was 59.1±10.9 years and mean follow-up duration was 84.0±64.1 months. An intrahepatic duct stone was found in 253 patients (81.6%). Liver atrophy was identified in 185 patients (59.7%) and most commonly located at the left lobe (65.4%). Acute cholangitis, liver abscesses, cirrhotic complications, and CCA developed in 41.3%, 19.4%, 9.7%, and 7.4%, respectively. During follow-up, complete resolution rate after hepatectomy, biliary bypass surgery, and choledocholithotomy with T-tube insertion reached 82.3%, 55.2%, and 42.1%, respectively. None of the patients who maintained complete resolution by the last follow-up day developed CCA. In univariate analysis, female, both-sided intrahepatic duct stones, and liver atrophy at any location were associated with increased risk of CCA. Multivariate analysis revealed that both-sided atrophy significantly increased risk of CCA (hazard ratio, 4.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.48 to 14.09; p=0.008). In 21 patients who developed intrahepatic CCA, tumor was located mostly in the atrophied lobe (p=0.023). Conclusions: In RPC patients, acute cholangitis, liver abscess, cirrhotic complications, and CCA frequently developed. Both-sided liver atrophy was a significant risk factor for developing CCA.

Where Is the Ulnar Styloid Process? Identification of the Absolute Location of the Ulnar Styloid Process Based on CT and Verification of Neutral Forearm Rotation on Lateral Radiographs of the Wrist.

BACKGROUND: The location of the ulnar styloid process can be confusing because the radius and the hand rotate around the ulna. The purpose of this study was to identify the absolute location of the ulnar styloid process, which is independent of forearm pronation or supination, to use it as a reference for neutral forearm rotation on lateral radiographs of the wrist. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) images of 23 forearms taken with elbow flexion of 70° to 90° were analyzed. The axial CT images were reconstructed to be perpendicular to the distal ulnar shaft. The absolute location of the ulnar styloid process in this study was defined as the position of the ulnar styloid process on the axial plane of the ulnar head relative to the long axis of the humeral shaft with the elbow set in the position for standard lateral radiographs of the wrist. To identify in which direction the ulnar styloid is located on the axial plane of the ulnar head, the angle between "the line of humeral long axis projected on the axial plane of the ulna" and "the line passing the center of the ulnar head and the center of the ulnar styloid" was measured (ulnar styloid direction angle). To identify how volarly or dorsally the ulnar styloid should appear on the true lateral view of the wrist, the ratio of "the volar-dorsal diameter of the ulnar head" and "the distance between the volar-most aspect of the ulnar head and the center of the ulnar styloid" was calculated (ulnar styloid location ratio). RESULTS: The mean ulnar styloid direction angle was 12° dorsally. The mean ulnar styloid location ratio was 1:0.55. CONCLUSIONS: The ulnar styloid is located at nearly the ulnar-most (the opposite side of the humerus with the elbow flexed) and slightly dorsal aspects of the ulnar head on the axial plane. It should appear almost midway (55% dorsally) from the ulnar head on the standard lateral view of the wrist in neutral forearm rotation. These location references could help clinicians determine whether the forearm is in neutral or rotated position on an axial CT/magnetic resonance imaging scan or a lateral radiograph of the wrist.

Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) Using Multiple Foam Pieces for Hidden Space Drainage through Less Exposure in Musculoskeletal Infections.

BACKGROUND: Purulent musculoskeletal infections often require surgical debridement and drainage. However, when the infection is extensive or involving multiple layers of tissues, maintaining drainage of the involved spaces can be difficult, even with the application of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy. Wide exposure and aggressive debridement is often required for such cases, which in turn may complicate wound coverage. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for 16 patients with musculoskeletal infections treated surgically. The diagnosis for the patients consisted of necrotizing fasciitis, large soft tissue abscess, peri-hardware abscess, infected compartment syndrome, emphysematous osteomyelitis, and gas gangrene of diabetic foot. We minimized the incision and resection for debridement and drainage, and instead we placed multiple foam pieces between the tissues involved with VAC, to maintain drainage of the hidden spaces with negative pressure. RESULTS: Infection was successfully controlled in all cases. The mean duration of VAC treatment was 16.1 days (range, 5-36) and the mean number of VAC changes was 5.1 (range, 1-13). Primary wound closure was achieved in 11 cases, while skin grafts were used to cover the remaining five cases, which consisted of necrotizing fasciitis, infected compartment syndrome, and diabetic foot gas gangrene. No complications specifically associated with VAC therapy were observed. CONCLUSIONS: VAC using multiple foam pieces for hidden space drainage appears to be effective for infection control. It is helpful for minimizing exposure and resection for drainage and debridement, although subsequent reduction of the necessity or the level of wound coverage should further be investigated.

Tips Under the Skin: A Simple Modification of Extension Block Pinning for Mallet Fractures.

Pins exposed out of the skin after surgery for mallet fractures keep patients from washing their hands. The authors buried the tips of all pins under the skin while performing extension block pinning for 14 patients with mallet fractures. The patients were allowed to wash their hands 4 to 5 days postoperatively, without any dressing or splinting. The pins were removed at a mean of 8 weeks postoperatively. Solid union was achieved in all 14 fractures. No pull-out or subsidence of the pin was observed. No patient developed infection or other pin-related complications. Mean extension lag at final follow-up was 4°. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(2):e299-e302.].

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation for pancreatic cystic lesions compared with the natural course: a propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation (EUS-EA) is a recently introduced treatment for pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). However, clinical benefits such as survival gain and maintenance of quality of life (QOL) have not been fully established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical benefits of EUS-EA compared with the natural course (NC) of PCLs. METHODS: This retrospective comparative study of patients with PCLs investigated an EUS-EA group (n = 118) and an NC group (n = 428). Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was applied to minimize the effects of selection bias. The overall survival as the primary outcome and the surgical resection rate and complete remission (CR) rate as the secondary outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Between 84 matched pairs of both groups, there were no significant differences in the baseline clinical characteristics and the mean follow-up duration (78.88 ± 38.86, 75.90 ± 57.46 months, p = 0.694). Overall survival did not differ significantly (194.12 ± 5.60, 247.54 ± 12.70 months, p = 0.235). The surgical resection rate (4.8% versus 26.2%, p < 0.001) was significantly lower in the EUS-EA group. CR was observed only in the EUS-EA group and the CR rate was 32.1%. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-EA for PCLs with low risk of malignancy might not be able to obtain a survival benefit, but showed maintenance of QOL by avoidance of unnecessary surgery, and a certain level of CR when compared to the NC. EUS-EA could be considered a useful treatment option for these, but careful application is needed because of the limited effects in some types of PCLs.

Body mass index and weight change during initial period of chemotherapy affect survival outcome in advanced biliary tract cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The impact of obesity on survival is known to vary in different cancers. Advanced biliary tract cancer was rarely analyzed about the relationship between obesity and prognosis. We performed this study to evaluate the BMI and body weight change as prognostic factors for advanced biliary tract cancer patients with palliative chemotherapy. METHODS: Between January 2005 and December 2016, two hundred and seventy-six patients who underwent chemotherapy for biliary tract cancer were retrospectively analyzed. The relationship between BMI (kg/m2) and clinical outcomes including overall and progression-free survival was assessed. Additionally the relationship between change in body composition and overall survival was evaluated. RESULTS: Median overall survival was 9.7 months for underweight patients, 10.1 months for normal patients, 15.8 months for overweight group, 13.1 months for obese patients, respectively. (p = 0.047) Univariate analysis showed that BMI, stage III, age less than 64 year-old, gallbladder cancer, operation, radiotherapy and ECOG performance were significantly associated with better survival. Compared with normal patients, overweight patients (BMI 23-24.9kg/m2) had a reduced risk of mortality in multivariate analysis (HR 0.632; 95% CI 0.436-0.918, p = 0.016). In the additional analysis for the effect of changes in body weight and BMI to the overall survival, decrease in body weight and BMI (HR 1.410, 95% CI 1.168-1.986, p = 0.046) was associated with a shorter in overall survival. CONCLUSION: Overweight status and the maintenance of body weight during the initial period of chemotherapy are important and independent predictors of better overall survival in advanced biliary tract cancer patients.

Utility of serum phosphate as a marker for predicting the severity of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: To date, no reliable marker for predicting the severity of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis exists. A previous animal study reported a correlation between serum phosphate level and the severity of acute pancreatitis. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of serum phosphate as a marker for predicting the severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis in humans. METHODS: A cohort of patients that were diagnosed with post-ERCP pancreatitis between January 2005 and December 2016 was queried. In addition to serum phosphate levels measured between 12 and 24 hours after ERCP, several candidates deemed suitable for accurately predicting the severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis were also explored. RESULTS: A total of 191 patients with severe (n = 42, 22.0%) and mild-to-moderate (n = 149, 78.0%) post-ERCP pancreatitis were included. Several factors for predicting severe post-ERCP pancreatitis were identified in the multivariate analysis: malignancy as the primary indication for ERCP (odds ratio (OR) 2.65, P = 0.038), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (OR 4.49, P = 0.016) and serum phosphate level (OR 1.97, P = 0.040). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve of serum phosphate level for severe post-ERCP pancreatitis was 0.65 (95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.75). The optimal cut-off value of serum phosphate level for prediction of severe post-ERCP pancreatitis was 3.35 mg/dL (sensitivity, 0.62; specificity, 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: Serum phosphate level after ERCP can be used as a reliable prognostic marker in predicting the severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Future prospective studies would be the cogent next step in validating its value.

Effect of submucosal injection in endoscopic papillectomy of ampullary tumor: Propensity-score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: The role of submucosal injection (SI) in endoscopic papillectomy (EP) is controversial. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of SI before EP of ampullary tumors. METHODS: All patients who underwent initial curative EP at our institution between March 2006 and March 2014 were retrospectively recruited. The presence of residual tumor after three months, recurrence-free survival and post-procedural adverse events were compared between the SI group and non-injection (NI) group. Propensity-score matching was performed between the two groups to reduce potential selection bias and confounding. RESULTS: A total of 122 patients were included (SI: 26, NI: 96). Following propensity-score matching, 25 paired patients were selected. Residual tumor was not shown in the NI group, whereas seven (28.0%) patients in the SI group had residual tumor (p = 0.010). The recurrence-free survival of the NI group was significantly longer than that of the SI group (p = 0.036). Upon multivariate analysis, pathologic grade (p = 0.026) and SI (p = 0.033) were significantly related to recurrence-free survival. Post-procedural adverse events were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: SI before EP of ampullary tumor was related to more frequent residual tumor and shorter recurrence-free survival and did not reduce post-procedural adverse events.

Natural History of Small Pancreatic Lesions Suspected to Be Nonfunctioning Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors.

OBJECTIVES: Nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PNETs) are a rare disease but have been diagnosed more frequently than before. The aim of this study was to evaluate the natural course of small NF-PNETs. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with incidentally found small NF-PNETs (<20 mm) from 1999 to 2015. The patients who were recommended surveillance were included. RESULTS: There were 69 patients with small NF-PNETs with a mean size of 10.9 (standard deviation [SD], 3.1) mm. The average follow-up period was 52.2 (SD, 38.7) months. The changes in tumor size were as follows: increased (13.0%), sustained (84.1%), and decreased (2.9%). Eighteen were evaluated with grade 1 NF-PNETs and 1 with grade 2 among the obtained tissues. Thirteen patients underwent surgery after an average 32.9 (SD, 42.6) months later. There were 7 patients of Ia, 1 of Ib, 2 of IIa, and 1 of IIb according to the pathologic stages. Two patients received reoperation for recurrent tumors, and 2 patients showed distant metastasis after surgery, but no disease-related death occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the small NF-PNETs did not increase in size and seldom showed metastasis. The wait-and-see strategy can be used for NF-PNETs less than 2 cm.

Feasibility and Advantages of Full Thickness Skin Graft from the Anterolateral Thigh.

BACKGROUND: Full thickness skin graft (FTSG) gives better outcomes than split thickness skin graft (STSG), but it has the drawback of limited donor sites. Anterolateral thigh (ALT), a popular donor site of STSG, is also a popular donor site of perforator flaps. This area has the advantage of large flap size available with primary closure. Based on this we harvested FTSG instead of STSG from the ALT. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 10 cases of FTSG from the ALT, with the recipient site of foot in 3, ankle in 2, lower leg in 2, forearm in 2, and wrist in 1 patient. In all cases elliptical full thickness skin was harvested from the ALT, and the donor site was closed primarily. The skin was defatted and placed onto the defect with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC). The skin size ranged 7-30 cm in length and 3-12 cm in width. Mean follow up period was 7 months (range, 3-13). RESULTS: FTSG from the ALT provided durable wound coverage, with excellent color and texture matching. Partial (< 20%) graft failure was observed in 1 case, but no additional surgery was necessary. No patient reported donor site pain at postoperative 2 weeks. No donor site complications were encountered. No patient complained a feeling of tension in the thigh at final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: FTSG from the ALT is feasible with the aid of VAC. Considering the skin quality, large skin size available, early pain relief, and little donor site morbidity, the ALT should be revisited as a donor site of FTSG.