BACKGROUND Several studies have explored the long-term prognosis of patients with asymp-tomatic gallbladder stones.These reports were primarily conducted in facilities equipped with beds for addressing symptomatic cas...BACKGROUND Several studies have explored the long-term prognosis of patients with asymp-tomatic gallbladder stones.These reports were primarily conducted in facilities equipped with beds for addressing symptomatic cases.AIM To report the long-term prognosis of patients with asymptomatic gallbladder stones in clinics without bed facilities.METHODS We investigated the prognoses of 237 patients diagnosed with asymptomatic gallbladder stones in clinics without beds between March 2010 and October 2022.When symptoms developed,patients were transferred to hospitals where appropriate treatment was possible.We investigated the asymptomatic and survival periods during the follow-up.RESULTS Among the 237 patients,214(90.3%)remained asymptomatic,with a mean asymptomatic period of 3898.9279±46.871 d(50-4111 d,10.7 years on average).Biliary complications developed in 23 patients(9.7%),with a mean survival period of 4010.0285±31.2788 d(53-4112 d,10.9 years on average).No patient died of biliary complications.CONCLUSION The long-term prognosis of asymptomatic gallbladder stones in clinics without beds was favorable.When the condition became symptomatic,the patients were transferred to hospitals with beds that could address it;thus,no deaths related to biliary complications were reported.This finding suggests that follow-up care in clinics without beds is possible.展开更多
AIM: To study the regulatory mechanisms of sinusoidal regeneration after partial hepatectomy.METHODS: We investigated the expression of angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, Tie-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)...AIM: To study the regulatory mechanisms of sinusoidal regeneration after partial hepatectomy.METHODS: We investigated the expression of angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, Tie-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in regenerating liver tissue by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using a LightCycler (Roche Diagnostics) and also immunohistochemical staining after 70% hepatectomy in rats. In the next step, we isolated liver cells (hepatocytes,sinusoidal endothelial cell (SEC), Kupffer cell, and hepatic stellate cells (HSC)) from regenerating liver tissue by in situ collagenase perfusion and counterflow elutriation,to determine potential cellular sources of these angiogenic factors after hepatectomy. Proliferation and apoptosis of SECs were also evaluated by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase d-uridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, respectively.RESULTS: VEGF mRNA expression increased with a peak at 72 h after hepatectomy, decreasing thereafter.The expression of Ang-1 mRNA was present at detectable levels before hepatectomy and increased slowly with a peak at 96 h. Meanwhile, Ang-2 mRNA was hardly detected before hepatectomy, but was remarkably induced at 120 and 144 h. In isolated cells, VEGF mRNA expression was found mainly in the hepatocyte fraction.Meanwhile, mRNA for Ang-1 and Ang-2 was foundin the SEC and HSC fractions, but was more prominent in the latter. The PCNA labeling index of SECs increased slowly,reaching a peak at 72 h, whereas apoptotic SECs were detected between 120 h and 144 h.CONCLUSION: Ang-Tie system, together with VEGF,plays a critical role in regulating balance between SEC proliferation and apoptosis during sinusoidal regeneration after hepatectomy. However, the VEGF system plays a more important role in the early phase of sinusoidal regeneration than angiopoietin/Tie system.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of peripheral portal vein(PV)-oriented non-dilated bile duct(BD) puncture for percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD).METHODS: Thirty-five patients with non-dilated BDs underwent...AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of peripheral portal vein(PV)-oriented non-dilated bile duct(BD) puncture for percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD).METHODS: Thirty-five patients with non-dilated BDs underwent PTBD for the management of various biliary disorders, including benign bilioenteric anastomotic stricture(n = 24), BD stricture(n = 5) associated with iatrogenic BD injury, and postoperative biliary leakage(n = 6). Under ultrasonographic guidance, percutaneous transhepatic puncture using a 21-G needle was performed along the running course of the peripheral targeted non-dilated BD(preferably B6 for right-sided approach, and B3 for left-sided approach) or along the accompanying PV when the BD was not well visualized. This technique could provide an appropriate insertion angle of less than 30° between the puncture needle and BD running course. The puncture needle was then advanced slightly beyond the accompanying PV. The needle tip was moved slightly backward while injecting a small amount of contrast agent to obtain the BD image, followed by insertion of a 0.018-inch guide wire(GW). A drainage catheter was then placed usinga two-step GW method. RESULTS: PTBD was successful in 33(94.3%) of the 35 patients with non-dilated intrahepatic BDs. A rightsided approach was performed in 25 cases, while a left-sided approach was performed in 10 cases. In 31 patients, the first PTBD attempt proved successful. Four cases required a second attempt a few days later to place a drainage catheter. PTBD was successful in two cases, but the second attempt also failed in the other two cases, probably due to poor breath-holding ability. Although most patients(n = 26) had been experiencing cholangitis with fever(including septic condition in 8 cases) before PTBD, only 5(14.3%) patients encountered PTBD procedure-related complications, such as transient hemobilia and cholangitis. No major complications such as bilioarterial fistula or portal thrombosis were observed. There was no mortality in our series.CONCLUSION: Peripheral PV-oriented BD puncture for PTBD in patients with non-dilated BDs is a safe and effective procedure for BD stricture and postoperative bile leakage.展开更多
Bile duct epithelial tumours showing papillary neoplasm in the bile duct lumen are present in the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts.Clinicopathological images of these tumours are distinctive and diverse,includ...Bile duct epithelial tumours showing papillary neoplasm in the bile duct lumen are present in the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts.Clinicopathological images of these tumours are distinctive and diverse,including histological images with a low to high grade dysplasia,infiltrating and noninfiltrating characteristics,excessive mucus production,and similarity to intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm(IPMN)of the pancreas.The World Health Organization Classification of Tumours of the Digestive System in 2010 named these features,intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct(IPNB),as precancerous lesion of biliary carcinoma.IPNB is currently classified into type 1 that is similar to IPMN,and type 2 that is not similar to IPMN.Many of IPNB spreads superficially,and diagnosis with cholangioscopy is considered mandatory to identify accurate localization and progression.Prognosis of IPNB is said to be better than normal bile duct cancer.展开更多
To the Editor:Pancreaticobiliary maljunction(PBM)is a congenital anomaly in which the pancreatic and bile ducts join anatomically outside of the duodenal wall away from the Oddi’s sphincter.This condition causes the ...To the Editor:Pancreaticobiliary maljunction(PBM)is a congenital anomaly in which the pancreatic and bile ducts join anatomically outside of the duodenal wall away from the Oddi’s sphincter.This condition causes the reflux of pancreatic juice into the bile duct under high pressure,resulting in various pathologic changes.The features of PBM patients are common bile duct dilatation,long common channel,and high amylase levels in bile juice.Among them,one of the most significant problems is the development of biliary cancer,including extrahepatic bile duct and gallbladder cancers[1].A nationwide survey in Japan reported biliary cancer in 21.6%of adult patients with PBM concomitant with congenital biliary dilatation,32.1%and 62.3%extrahepatic bile duct and gallbladder cancers,respectively[2].展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Several studies have explored the long-term prognosis of patients with asymp-tomatic gallbladder stones.These reports were primarily conducted in facilities equipped with beds for addressing symptomatic cases.AIM To report the long-term prognosis of patients with asymptomatic gallbladder stones in clinics without bed facilities.METHODS We investigated the prognoses of 237 patients diagnosed with asymptomatic gallbladder stones in clinics without beds between March 2010 and October 2022.When symptoms developed,patients were transferred to hospitals where appropriate treatment was possible.We investigated the asymptomatic and survival periods during the follow-up.RESULTS Among the 237 patients,214(90.3%)remained asymptomatic,with a mean asymptomatic period of 3898.9279±46.871 d(50-4111 d,10.7 years on average).Biliary complications developed in 23 patients(9.7%),with a mean survival period of 4010.0285±31.2788 d(53-4112 d,10.9 years on average).No patient died of biliary complications.CONCLUSION The long-term prognosis of asymptomatic gallbladder stones in clinics without beds was favorable.When the condition became symptomatic,the patients were transferred to hospitals with beds that could address it;thus,no deaths related to biliary complications were reported.This finding suggests that follow-up care in clinics without beds is possible.
文摘AIM: To study the regulatory mechanisms of sinusoidal regeneration after partial hepatectomy.METHODS: We investigated the expression of angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, Tie-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in regenerating liver tissue by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using a LightCycler (Roche Diagnostics) and also immunohistochemical staining after 70% hepatectomy in rats. In the next step, we isolated liver cells (hepatocytes,sinusoidal endothelial cell (SEC), Kupffer cell, and hepatic stellate cells (HSC)) from regenerating liver tissue by in situ collagenase perfusion and counterflow elutriation,to determine potential cellular sources of these angiogenic factors after hepatectomy. Proliferation and apoptosis of SECs were also evaluated by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase d-uridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, respectively.RESULTS: VEGF mRNA expression increased with a peak at 72 h after hepatectomy, decreasing thereafter.The expression of Ang-1 mRNA was present at detectable levels before hepatectomy and increased slowly with a peak at 96 h. Meanwhile, Ang-2 mRNA was hardly detected before hepatectomy, but was remarkably induced at 120 and 144 h. In isolated cells, VEGF mRNA expression was found mainly in the hepatocyte fraction.Meanwhile, mRNA for Ang-1 and Ang-2 was foundin the SEC and HSC fractions, but was more prominent in the latter. The PCNA labeling index of SECs increased slowly,reaching a peak at 72 h, whereas apoptotic SECs were detected between 120 h and 144 h.CONCLUSION: Ang-Tie system, together with VEGF,plays a critical role in regulating balance between SEC proliferation and apoptosis during sinusoidal regeneration after hepatectomy. However, the VEGF system plays a more important role in the early phase of sinusoidal regeneration than angiopoietin/Tie system.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of peripheral portal vein(PV)-oriented non-dilated bile duct(BD) puncture for percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD).METHODS: Thirty-five patients with non-dilated BDs underwent PTBD for the management of various biliary disorders, including benign bilioenteric anastomotic stricture(n = 24), BD stricture(n = 5) associated with iatrogenic BD injury, and postoperative biliary leakage(n = 6). Under ultrasonographic guidance, percutaneous transhepatic puncture using a 21-G needle was performed along the running course of the peripheral targeted non-dilated BD(preferably B6 for right-sided approach, and B3 for left-sided approach) or along the accompanying PV when the BD was not well visualized. This technique could provide an appropriate insertion angle of less than 30° between the puncture needle and BD running course. The puncture needle was then advanced slightly beyond the accompanying PV. The needle tip was moved slightly backward while injecting a small amount of contrast agent to obtain the BD image, followed by insertion of a 0.018-inch guide wire(GW). A drainage catheter was then placed usinga two-step GW method. RESULTS: PTBD was successful in 33(94.3%) of the 35 patients with non-dilated intrahepatic BDs. A rightsided approach was performed in 25 cases, while a left-sided approach was performed in 10 cases. In 31 patients, the first PTBD attempt proved successful. Four cases required a second attempt a few days later to place a drainage catheter. PTBD was successful in two cases, but the second attempt also failed in the other two cases, probably due to poor breath-holding ability. Although most patients(n = 26) had been experiencing cholangitis with fever(including septic condition in 8 cases) before PTBD, only 5(14.3%) patients encountered PTBD procedure-related complications, such as transient hemobilia and cholangitis. No major complications such as bilioarterial fistula or portal thrombosis were observed. There was no mortality in our series.CONCLUSION: Peripheral PV-oriented BD puncture for PTBD in patients with non-dilated BDs is a safe and effective procedure for BD stricture and postoperative bile leakage.
文摘Bile duct epithelial tumours showing papillary neoplasm in the bile duct lumen are present in the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts.Clinicopathological images of these tumours are distinctive and diverse,including histological images with a low to high grade dysplasia,infiltrating and noninfiltrating characteristics,excessive mucus production,and similarity to intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm(IPMN)of the pancreas.The World Health Organization Classification of Tumours of the Digestive System in 2010 named these features,intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct(IPNB),as precancerous lesion of biliary carcinoma.IPNB is currently classified into type 1 that is similar to IPMN,and type 2 that is not similar to IPMN.Many of IPNB spreads superficially,and diagnosis with cholangioscopy is considered mandatory to identify accurate localization and progression.Prognosis of IPNB is said to be better than normal bile duct cancer.
文摘To the Editor:Pancreaticobiliary maljunction(PBM)is a congenital anomaly in which the pancreatic and bile ducts join anatomically outside of the duodenal wall away from the Oddi’s sphincter.This condition causes the reflux of pancreatic juice into the bile duct under high pressure,resulting in various pathologic changes.The features of PBM patients are common bile duct dilatation,long common channel,and high amylase levels in bile juice.Among them,one of the most significant problems is the development of biliary cancer,including extrahepatic bile duct and gallbladder cancers[1].A nationwide survey in Japan reported biliary cancer in 21.6%of adult patients with PBM concomitant with congenital biliary dilatation,32.1%and 62.3%extrahepatic bile duct and gallbladder cancers,respectively[2].
