Colorectal cancer with liver metastases:Neoadjuvant chemotherapy,surgical resection first or palliation alone?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the commonest cancers with 1.2 million new cases diagnosed each year in the world. It remains the fourth most common cause of cancer-related mortality in the world and accounts for > 600000 cancer-related deaths each year. There have been significant advances in treatment of metastatic CRC in last decade or so, due to availability of new active targeted agents and more aggressive approach towards the management of CRC, particularly with liver-only-metastases; however, these drugs work best when combined with conventional chemotherapy agents. Despite these advances, there is a lack of biomarkers to inform us about the accurate management of the patients with metastatic CRC. It is therefore imperative to carefully select the patients with comprehensive multi-disciplinary team input in order to optimise the management of these patients. In this review we will discuss various treatment options available in management of colorectal liver metastases with potential guidance on how and when to choose these options along with consideration on future directions in management of this disease.

Clinical usefulness of ^(18) F-FDG PET/CT in the restaging of esophageal cancer after surgical resection and radiotherapy

AIM： To evaluate the clinical usefulness of lSF-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission and computed tomography QSF-FDG PET/CT） in restaging of esophageal cancer after surgical resection and radiotherapy. METHODS： Between January 2007 and Aug 2008, twenty histopathologically diagnosed esophageal cancer patients underwent 25 PET/CT scans （three patients had two scans and one patient had three scans） for restaging after surgical resection and radiotherapy. The standard reference for tumor recurrence was histopathologic confirmation or clinical follow-up for at least ten months after ^18F-FDG PET/CT examinations. RESULTS： Tumor recurrence was confirmed histopathologically in seven of the 20 patients （35%） and by clinical and radiological follow-up in 13 （65%）. ^18F-FDG PET/CT was positive in 14 patients （68.4%） and negative in six （31.6%）. ^18F-FDG PET/CT was true positive in 11 patients, false positive in three and true negative in six. Overall, the accuracy of ^18F-FDG PET/CT was 85%, negative predictive value （NPV） was 100%, and positive predictive value （PPV） was 78.6%.The three false positive PET/CT findings comprised chronic inflammation of mediastinal lymph nodes （n = 2） and anastomosis inflammation （n = 1）. PET/ CT demonstrated distant metastasis in 10 patients. ^18F-FDG PET/CT imaging-guided salvage treatment in nine patients was performed. Treatment regimens were changed in 12 （60%） patients after introducing ^18F-FDG PET/CT into their conventional post-treatment follow-up program. CONCLUSION： Whole body ^18F-FDG PET/CT is effective in detecting relapse of esophageal cancer after surgical resection and radiotherapy. It could also have important clinical impact on the management of esophageal cancer, influencing both clinical restaging and salvage treatment of patients.

Evaluation of intraoperative radiotherapy for gastric carcinoma with D2 and D3 surgical resection

AIM： TO study the proper sites and doses of intraoperative radiotherapy （IORT） for gastric carcinoma and the effects of this treatment. METHODS： A total of 106 patients with stage Ⅰ -Ⅳ gastric carcinoma who received D2 or D3 radical operation combined with IORT were analyzed. Sixty-seven patients with gastric cancer of the antrum and body underwent distal gastrectomy. The sites of irradiation were at the celiac artery and hepatoduodenal ligment area. Another 39 patients with carcinoma of the cardia and upper part of the gastric body and whole stomach underwent proximal gastrectomy or total gastrectomy. The sites of irradiation for this group were the upper margin of the pancreas and the regional para-aorta. The therapeutic effects （including survival and complications） of these 106 cases received operation combined with IORT （IORT group） were compared with 441 cases treated during the same time period by a radical operation alone （operation group）. RESULTS： The radiation dose below 30 Gy was safe. The therapeutic method of the operation combined with IORT did not prolong the survival of patients with stage Ⅰ and Ⅳ gastric cancer, but the 5-year survival rates of patients with stage Ⅱ and Ⅲ gastric cancers were significantly improved. The 5-year survival rates of the stages Ⅲ cancer patients receiving D2 resection combined with IORT were markedly improved, while for those receiving D3 radical resection, only the postoperative 3- or 4-year survival rates were improved （P 〈 0.005-0.001）. The 5-year survival rate for those patients was raised only by 4.7% （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： The 5-year survival rates of patients with stages Ⅱ and Ⅲ gastric carcinoma who received D2 lymphadenectomy combined with IORT were improved, and there was no influence on the postoperative complications and mortality.

Radiofrequency ablation vs surgical resection in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in Milan criteria

BACKGROUND Surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation(RFA)represent two possible strategy in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in Milan criteria.AIM To evaluate short-and long-term outcome in elderly patients(>70 years)with HCC in Milan criteria,which underwent liver resection(LR)or RFA.METHODS The study included 594 patients with HCC in Milan criteria(429 in LR group and 165 in RFA group)managed in 10 European centers.Statistical analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method before and after propensity score matching(PSM)and Cox regression.RESULTS After PSM,we compared 136 patients in the LR group with 136 patients in the RFA group.Overall survival at 1,3,and 5 years was 91%,80%,and 76%in the LR group and 97%,67%,and 41%in the RFA group respectively(P=0.001).Diseasefree survival at 1,3,and 5 years was 84%,60%and 44%for the LR group,and 63%,36%,and 25%for the RFA group(P=0.001).Postoperative Clavien-Dindo IIIIV complications were lower in the RFA group(1%vs 11%,P=0.001)in association with a shorter length of stay(2 d vs 7 d,P=0.001).In multivariate analysis,Model for End-stage Liver Disease(MELD)score(>10)[odds ratio(OR)=1.89],increased value of international normalized ratio(>1.3)(OR=1.60),treatment with radiofrequency(OR=1.46),and multiple nodules(OR=1.19)were independent predictors of a poor overall survival while a high MELD score(>10)(OR=1.51)and radiofrequency(OR=1.37)were independent factors associated with a higher recurrence rate.CONCLUSION Despite a longer length of stay and a higher rate of severe postoperative complications,surgery provided better results in long-term oncological outcomes as compared to ablation in elderly patients(>70 years)with HCC in Milan criteria.

Efficacy of surgical resection in management of isolated extrahepatic metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To clarify the benefit of surgical excision for patients with extrahepatic metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 140 patients with pathologically proven extrahepatic metastases of HCC and evaluated the outcomes of those who had undergone surgical resection(SR)for extrahepatic metastatic lesions.Prognoses made on the basis of extrahepatic metastatic sites were also examined. RESULTS:The survival rates of patients who underwent SR of extrahepatic metastases were significantly better than those of patients who did not receive SR. For the SR group,1-and 3-year survival rates were 24%and 7%,respectively,while for the non-resection group,the survival rates were 8%and 0%,respec- tively(P<0.0001).Survival rates related to metastatic sites were also significantly superior after SR of extrahepatic metastases:median survivals were 32 mo with lung metastasis,10 mo with bone metastasis,6.1 mo with brain metastasis. CONCLUSION:SR can provide survival benefits forpatients with 1 or 2 isolated extrahepatic metastases and who concurrently exhibit good hepatic functional reserve and general performance status as well as successful treatment of intrahepatic HCC.

Surgical resection of a solitary para-aortic lymph node metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma

Lymph node (LN) metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are considered uncommon. We describe the surgical resection of a solitary para-aortic LN metastasis from HCC. A 65-year-old Japanese man with B-type liver cirrhosis was admitted for the evaluation of a liver tumor. He had already undergone radiofrequency ablation, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, and percutaneous ethanol injection therapy for HCC. Despite treatment, viable regions remained in segments 4 and 8. We performed a right paramedian sectionectomy with partial resection of the left paramedian section of the liver. Six months later, serum concentrations of alpha-fetoprotein (189 ng/mL) and PIVKA-2 (507 mAU/mL) increased. Enhanced com- puted tomography of the abdomen revealed a tumor (20 mm in diameter) on the right side of the abdominal aorta. Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography revealed an increased standard uptake value. There was no evidence of recurrence in other regions. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy revealed no malignant tumor in the gastrointestinal tract. Para-aortic LN metastasis from HCC was thus diagnosed. We performed lymphadenectomy. Histopathological examination revealed that the tumor was largely necrotic, with poorly differentiated HCC on its surface, which confirmed the suspected diagnosis. After 6 mo tumor marker levels were normal, with no evidence of recurrence. Our experience suggests that a solitary para-aortic LN metastasis from HCC can be treated surgically.

Effectiveness of surgical resection for complicated liver cancer and its influencing factors: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Surgical resection is the preferred method for patients with complex liver cancer.But the tumor is in a special position, the surgery is highly risky, postoperative complications can easily occur, and the prognosis is not ideal.AIM To investigate the effectiveness of surgical resection for complex liver cancer and its influencing factors.METHODS Fifty-seven patients who had complicated liver cancer and underwent surgical resection at our hospital from August 2015 to August 2016 were enrolled in this study. All patients were followed for three years, and their postoperative complications, survival, and factors that impacted their survival were analyzed.RESULTS The total incidence of postoperative complications was 45.61%, and the incidence of pleural effusion was the highest at 28.07%. There were no correlations between the 2-year and 3-year survival rates and sex, age, and Hbs Ag of the patients(P >0.05). In terms of pathological parameters, the 2-year and 3-year survival rates were significantly different according to the presence of a tumor capsule, degree of liver cirrhosis, satellite or focal lesions, hepatic vein thrombosis, portal vein tumor thrombus, and intraoperative blood loss(P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONThe effectiveness of surgical resection for complex hepatocellular carcinoma may be affected by factors such as the presence of a tumor capsule, cirrhosis degree,satellite or focal lesions, hepatic vein embolization, portal vein tumor thrombus,and intraoperative blood loss. Therefore, these factors should be controlled and prevented during surgery to help improve patient survival after surgery.

Surgical resection versus liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma within the Hangzhou criteria: a preoperative nomogram-guided treatment strategy

BACKGROUND: With the expansion of surgical criteria, the comparative efficacy between surgical resection (SR) and liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma is inconclusive. This study aimed to develop a prognostic nomogram for predicting recurrence-free survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients after resection and explored the possibility of using nomogram as treatment algorithm reference. METHODS: From 2003 to 2012, 310 hepatocellular carcinoma patients within Hangzhou criteria undergoing resection or liver transplantation were included. Total tumor volume, albumin level, HBV DNA copies and portal hypertension were included for constructing the nomogram. The resection patients were stratified into low- and high-risk groups by the median nomogram score of 116. Independent risk factors were identified and a visually orientated nomogram was constructed using a Cox proportional hazards model to predict the recurrence risk for SR patients. RESULTS: The low-risk SR group had better outcomes compared with the high-risk SR group (3-year recurrence-free survival rate, 71.1% vs 35.9%; 3-year overall survival rate, 89.8% vs 78.9%, both P<0.001). The high-risk SR group was associated with a worse recurrence-free survival rate but similar overall survival rate compared with the transplantation group (3-year recurrence-free survival rate, 35.9% vs 74.1%, P<0.001; 3-year overall survival rate, 78.9% vs 79.6%, P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This nomogram offers individualized recurrence risk evaluation for hepatocellular carcinoma patients within Hangzhou criteria receiving resection. Transplantation should be considered the first-line treatment for high risk patients.

Surgical resection of adrenal metastasis from primary liver tumors:a report of two cases

BACKGROUND:Although the treatment of extrahepatic metastases from primary liver tumors is essentially palliative,solitary metastasis from such tumors offers a possibility of cure by surgical resection.The adrenal gland is an uncommon site for metastasis from primary liver tumors. METHOD:We report two cases of adrenalectomy for solitary adrenal metastasis:one from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and the other from hepatocellular carcinoma. RESULTS:The patient with intrahepatic cholangiocar- cinoma had a synchronous adrenal metastasis and underwent simultaneous liver resection and adrenalectomy. However,he developed recurrent disease 17 months following surgery for which he is presently on palliative chemotherapy.The other patient underwent adrenalectomy for adrenal metastasis 3 months following liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma.He is presently alive and disease-free 27 months after adrenalectomy. CONCLUSION:Carefully selected patients with solitary metastasis from primary liver tumors may be considered for resection.

Surgical resection of a large hypopharyngeal hemangioma in an adult using neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser: A case report

BACKGROUND Generally,hemangiomas do not require surgical intervention;however,cases of large hemangiomas,potentially involving the throat and trachea,necessitate surgical therapy.Here,we present a case of hypopharyngeal hemangioma in an adult that was successfully treated with neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet(Nd-YAG)laser.CASE SUMMARY Laryngoscopic examination of a 61-year-old man demonstrated the presence of a large,submucosal vascular lesion that extended into the epiglottis,left arytenoid cartilage,lateral to the aryepiglottic fold,and pyriform sinus.The lesion was resected and photocoagulated with limited hemorrhage using Nd:YAG laser.The hypopharyngeal hemangioma was completely excised.The patient showed no recurrence of hypopharyngeal hemangioma during the 1.5-year follow-up period.CONCLUSION Laser therapy is one of the effective tools for treating hemangiomas with rapid,uncontrolled growth or in functional areas,with few side effects and complications.The present case of a male patient with a large hypopharyngeal hemangioma,treated with YAG laser,demonstrates the efficacy of laser photocoagulation in treating cases of hemangiomas,without the risk of bleeding or airway obstruction.The favorable postoperative outcomes demonstrated by our patient with Nd:YAG laser therapy indicate its consideration in the therapy of similar cases.

Effect of Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation and Surgical Resection on Treating of Primary Small Liver Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Objective:To analyze the clinical effect of primary small liver cancer under radiofrequency ablation(RFA)and surgical resection(SR)treatment,and to explore the best application timing of the two treatment methods.Methods:Randomly controlled clinical trials(RCT)of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and surgical resection for the treatment of small liver cancer in various databases were searched according to the established search strategy,and Meta data was analyzed based on RevMan5.3 software provided by Cochrane collaborative organization.Results:A total of 10 articles were included in this study,including 1396 patients,699 in the RFA group and 697 in the SR group.Meta-analysis results showed that the two groups had no statistical difference in overall survival rate at 1 and 3 years,1-year disease-free survival rate,and 1-year recurrence rate(P>0.05).The 3-year disease-free survival rate of the RFA group was lower than that of the SR group,and the 3-year recurrence rate was higher than that of the SR group.The higher postoperative complication rate tended to the SR group,and the differences were statistically significant.(P<0.05).Conclusion:For short-term efficacy,radiofrequency ablation and surgical resection show consistency;for long-term efficacy,surgical resection is more effective.

Surgical resection of intradural extramedullary tumors in the atlantoaxial spine via a posterior approach

BACKGROUND The anatomical features of the atlantoaxial spine increase the difficulty of complete and safe removal of atlantoaxial intradural extramedullary(IDEM)tumors.Studies concerning surgical interventions via a posterior approach are limited.AIM To investigate the safety and efficacy of atlantoaxial IDEM tumor resection using a one-stage posterior approach.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed clinical databases for one-stage atlantoaxial IDEM tumor resection via a posterior approach between January 2008 and January 2018.The analyzed data included tumor position,histopathological type,pre-and postoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA)scores and Nurick grades,postoperative complication and recurrence status.RESULTS A total of 13 patients who underwent C1-C2 Laminectomy and/or unilateral facetectomy via the posterior approach were enrolled in the study.In all cases reviewed,total tumor resection and concomitant C1-C2 fusion were achieved.The average follow-up was 35.3±6.9 mo(range,26-49 mo).A statistically significant difference was noted between the preoperative JOA score(11.2±1.1)and the score at the last final follow-up(15.6±1.0)(P<0.05).A statistically significant difference was noted between the preoperative Nurick grade(2.3±0.9)and that at the last follow-up(1.2±0.4)(P<0.05).However,no statistically significant difference was noted between the preoperative and last follow-up C1-2 Cobb angle and C2-7 Cobb angle(P>0.05).No mortalities,severe complications or tumor recurrence were observed during the follow-up period.CONCLUSION Total resection of atlantoaxial IDEM tumors is feasible and effective via a posterior approach.Surgical reconstruction should be considered to avoid iatrogenic kyphosis and improve spinal stability and overall clinical outcomes.

Clinical significance of surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein invasion:a nationwide cohort study

Background:Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)with portal vein invasion(PVI)is considered an advanced stage with a poor prognosis.Although current guidelines recommend systemic treatment for HCC with PVI,surgical resection could produce acceptable outcomes in selected patients.This study aimed to identify the clinical significance of surgical resection for HCC with PVI patients using a large-scale nationwide registry.Methods:This retrospective,multicenter,observational cohort analyzed data from the Korean Primary Liver Cancer Registry.A total of 16,781 patients who were newly diagnosed with HCC between 2008 and 2018 were enrolled in this study.Patients with worse Child-Turcotte-Pugh scores(≥7)or performance status(≥2)were excluded.Among them,998 patients who received treatment for HCC with PVI were included in the analysis and were divided into two groups:resection group of 151(15.1%)and palliative group of 847(84.9%)who received transarterial and systemic therapy according to the treatment intent.After matching the number and size of the tumors and model for end-stage liver disease(MELD)score between the groups,the final study cohort for analysis comprised 151(26.6%)patients in the resection group and 417(73.4%)in the palliative group.The primary endpoints were overall survival(OS)and cancer-specific survival(CSS).Results:The number and maximum size of HCC did not differ between the resection and palliative groups after matching[1(range,1-5)vs.1(range,1-6),P=0.11 and 5.5(range,1.2-20.6)vs.6.0(range,1.0-20.5)cm,P=0.24,respectively].Tumor markers,including alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II(PIVKA-II),also did not differ between the groups(P=0.29 and P=0.36,respectively).The 5-year OS and CSS rates of the resection and palliative groups were 44.8%and 17.4%(P<0.001)and 47.7%and 18.6%(P<0.001),respectively.Multivariate analysis showed that palliative treatment intent was the most significant risk factor for OS and CSS[odds ratio(OR)=2.24;95%confidence interval(CI):1.66-3.02;P<0.001 and OR=2.29;95%CI:1.68-3.12;P<0.001,respectively].Conclusions:Surgical resection could significantly improve OS and CSS in selected HCC with PVI patients who have preserved liver function and performance status.

Surgical resection of isolated pancreatic metastatic malignant melanoma

Pancreatic metastasis from a nonpancreatic primary tumor is rare(<2%)(1,2)and has a potentially poor prognosis(3).Melanoma is an aggressive skin malignancy that commonly exhibits distant metastasis and poor overall prognosis(4).Isolated pancreatic metastasis from melanoma is even less common and poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.A retrospective study demonstrated that surgical resection increased the survival of patients with abdominal visceral melanoma metastases(5).However,pancreatic resection of metastatic melanoma is potentially associated with high mortality as experience with this type of surgery is limited(6).Here,we describe a rare case of isolated pancreatic metastatic melanoma treated with pancreatic resection at our hospital,including clinical features,treatment,and follow-up.A review of the related literature is also provided.

Outcomes of liver resection in hepatitis C virus-related intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary liver malignancy.Its incidence and mortality rates have been increasing in recent years.Hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection is a risk factor for development of cirrhosis and cholan-giocarcinoma.Currently,surgical resection remains the only curative treatment option for cholangiocarcinoma.We aim to study the impact of HCV infection on outcomes of liver resection(LR)in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC).AIM To study the outcomes of curative resection of ICC in patients with HCV(i.e.,HCV+)compared to patients without HCV(i.e.,HCV-).METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and observational studies to assess the outcomes of LR in ICC in HCV+patients compared to HCV-patients in tertiary care hospitals.PubMed,EMBASE,The Cochrane Library and Scopus were systematically searched from inception till August 2023.Included studies were RCTs and non-RCTs on patients≥18 years old with a diagnosis of ICC who underwent LR,and compared outcomes between patients with HCV+vs HCV-.The primary outcomes were overall survival(OS)and recurrence-free survival.Secondary outcomes include perioperative mortality,operation duration,blood loss,intrahepatic and extrahepatic recurrence.RESULTS Seven articles,published between 2004 and 2021,fulfilled the selection criteria.All of the studies were retrospective studies.Age,incidence of male patients,albumin,bilirubin,platelets,tumor size,incidence of multiple tumors,vascular invasion,bile duct invasion,lymph node metastases,and stage 4 disease were comparable between HCV+and HCV-group.Alanine transaminase[MD 22.20,95%confidence interval(CI):13.75,30.65,P<0.00001]and aspartate transaminase levels(MD 27.27,95%CI:20.20,34.34,P<0.00001)were significantly higher in HCV+group compared to HCV-group.Incidence of cirrhosis was significantly higher in HCV+group[odds ratio(OR)5.78,95%CI:1.38,24.14,P=0.02]compared to HCV-group.Incidence of poorly differentiated disease was significantly higher in HCV+group(OR 2.55,95%CI:1.34,4.82,P=0.004)compared to HCV-group.Incidence of simultaneous hepatocellular carcinoma lesions was significantly higher in HCV+group(OR 8.31,95%CI:2.36,29.26,P=0.001)compared to HCV-group.OS was significantly worse in the HCV+group(hazard ratio 2.05,95%CI:1.46,2.88,P<0.0001)compared to HCV-group.CONCLUSION This meta-analysis demonstrated significantly worse OS in HCV+patients with ICC who underwent curative resection compared to HCV-patients.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization followed by surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a focus on its controversies and screening of patients most likely to benefit

Surgical resection(SR)is recommended as a radical procedure in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,postoperative recurrence negatively affects the long-term efficacy of SR,and preoperative adjuvant therapy has therefore become a research hotspot.Some clinicians adopt transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)as a preoperative adjuvant therapy in patients undergoing SR to increase the resection rate,reduce tumor recurrence,and improve the prognosis.However,the findings of the most relevant studies remain controversial.Some studies have confirmed that preoperative TACE cannot improve the long-term survival rate of patients with HCC and might even negatively affect the resection rate.Which factors influence the efficacy of preoperative TACE combined with SR is a topic worthy of investigation.In this review,existing clinical studies were analyzed with a particular focus on several topics:screening of the subgroups of patients most likely to benefit from preoperative TACE,exploration of the optimal treatment regimen of preoperative TACE,and determination of the extent of tumor necrosis as the deciding prognostic factor.

Clinical strategies for differentiating IgG4-related cholecystitis from gallbladder carcinoma to avoid unnecessary surgical resection

Immunoglobulin G4(IgG4)-related cholecystitis(IgG4-C)is often difficult to distinguish from gallbladder carcinoma(GBC).This study aimed to determine a practical strategy for differentiating between IgG4-C and GBC to avoid unnecessary surgical resection.The expression of IgG4 in the gallbladder was detected by immunohistochemistry.The clinicopathological and radiological characteristics of IgG4-C patients and GBC patients were analyzed retrospectively.Immunohistochemistry revealed that IgG4 was upregulated in the plasma cells of IgG4-C tissues.The median serum total bilirubin levels were significantly higher in the patients with IgG4-C than in those with GBC(45.8μmol L^-1 vs.29.9μmol L^-1).The serumγ-GGT levels were higher in IgG4-C patients than in GBC patients,whereas the serum levels of CA125 were significantly higher in GBC patients than in IgG4-C patients.The imaging scans were helpful for differentiating IgG4-C from GBC based on the presence of a layered pattern and Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses in the gallbladder wall.There were no statistically significant differences in age,presence of abdominal pain,level of emaciation between the two groups.Our study demonstrated that the combination of imaging with serum total bilirubin,γ-GGTand CA125 levels can offer added preoperative diagnostic value and reduce the rate of IgG4-C misdiagnosis.

Combination of intraoperative embolization with surgical resection for treatment of giant cerebral arteriovenous malformation

Objective To reduce the risk of surgical resection of giant arteriovenous malformation (AVM) (>6.0 cm) and prevent normal perfusion pressure breakthrough (NPPB) for lowering the postoperative mortality. Methods During the operation under barbiturate anesthesia, the proximal end of the feeding arteries were ligated at first, and 0.5 ml isobutyl 12 cyanoacrylate (IBCA) with 0.5 ml 5% glucose was injected into the vessels towards the AVM, then the malformed vessels were resected totally. Postoperative digital subtraction angiography of the four vessels was performed in all patients. Results 50 patients with giant AVM survived after operation, only 6 (12.0%) had transient neurological dysfunction and 44 (88.0%) recovered after a follow up of 6-36 months. No patient suffered from normal perfusion pressure breakthrough (NPPB). Conclusions The embolization could block the arteriovenous shunts sufficiently to decrease the blood flow away from the normal areas of the brain so as to prevent the incidence of intra and postoperative rebleeding, especially in NPPB. Therefore, the combination of intraoperative embolization with surgical resection is an effective strategy in the treatment of giant cerebral AVMs, which make it operable for those used to be regarded as inoperable cases.

Surgical resection for pulmonary recurrence of esophageal cancer after curative esophagectomy

Aim:To clarify the significance of surgical resection for pulmonary recurrence after curative esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.Methods:Clinical details,such as the recurrence site,timing,and contents of therapies for recurrence,and the prognosis,were examined in 14 patients who underwent surgical resection for pulmonary recurrence that developed after curative esophagectomy.Results:The median disease-free interval after esophagectomy was 17.2 months.Two patients underwent pulmonary resection two times,and in one patient,three times.All pulmonary resections were performed when other extra-pulmonary recurrences had been controlled,and R0 resection was achieved.Chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy were additionally performed for pulmonary metastasis in 13 patients.The median survival time after initial pulmonary resection was 45.5 months,and the 1-,3-,and 5-year overall survival rates were 93%,68%,and 43%,respectively.The 5-year overall survival rate after initial pulmonary resection was 13%in patients with Stage III or IV esophageal cancer and 100%in those with Stage I or II disease(P=0.010).The rate was 56%in patients with tumors<20 mm in size,while all 5 patients with lesions≥20 mm in size died within 3 years(P=0.005).Conclusion:Surgical resection along with systemic therapy is a promising treatment strategy for pulmonary recurrence after curative esophagectomy when it is solitary and localized.Clinical factors,such as the esophageal cancer stage and the size of the pulmonary metastasis,are useful for deciding on the surgical indication.

Malignant melanoma resection and reconstruction with the first manifestation of lumbar metastasis:A case report

BACKGROUND Malignant melanoma(MM)has shown an increasing incidence worldwide,and a potential to metastasize to almost any part of the body.Clinically,MM with bone metastasis as the initial manifestation is extremely rare.Spinal metastatic MM can cause spinal cord or nerve root compression,resulting in severe pain and paralysis.Currently,the primary clinical treatments for MM are surgical resection in conjunction with chemotherapy,radiotherapy,and immunotherapy.CASE SUMMARY Here,we report the case of a 52-year-old male who presented to the clinic with progressive low back pain and limited nerve function.No primary lesion or spinal cord compression was detected from computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar vertebrae and positron emission tomography scan.A lumbar puncture biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of lumbar spine metastatic MM.Following surgical resection,the patient’s quality of life improved,symptoms were relieved,and comprehensive treatment was initiated,which prevented recurrence.CONCLUSION Spinal metastatic MM is clinically rare,and may cause neurological symptoms,including paraplegia.Currently,the clinical treatment plan consists of surgical resection in combination with chemotherapy,radiotherapy,and immunotherapy.