Novel mechanism of hepatobiliary system damage and immunoglobulin G4 elevation caused by Clonorchis sinensis infection

Clonorchis sinensis infection is still a major public health problem.It is estimated that more than 15 million people worldwide are infected,especially in Northeast China,Taiwan,South Korea,and North Vietnam.The detection of Clonorchis sinensis eggs in feces and bile is still the only gold standard for the diagnosis of Clonorchis sinensis infection,and new detection methods are needed to improve the detection rate.After Clonorchis sinensis invades the human body,it mainly parasitizes the hepatobiliary tract.Therefore,it is closely related to hepatobiliary diseases such as cholangitis,bile duct stones,liver fibrosis,and cholangiocarcinoma.The increase in immunoglobulin G4(IgG4)caused by Clonorchis sinensis infection is rare and there are few reports about the relevant mechanism.It may be related to the inflammatory factors interleukin(IL)-4,IL-10,and IL-13 produced by human phagocytes,T cells,B cells,and other immune cells in the process of resisting the invasion of Clonorchis sinensis.However,this finding still needs further clarification and confirmation.This article reviews the epidemiology,clinical manifestations,serology,imaging,pathogenic mechanism,and control measures of Clonorchis sinensis infection to help establish the diagnostic process for Clonorchis sinensis.We report novel mechanisms of IgG4 elevation due to Clonorchis sinensis infection to provide more experience and a theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment of this infection.

Determinants of Detection of Stones and Calcifications in the Hepatobiliary System on Virtual Nonenhanced Dual-energy CT

Objective To retrospectively determine the features of stones and calcifications in hepatobiliary system on virtual nonenhanced(VNE) dual-energy computed tomography(CT), and to evaluate the possibility of VNE images in diagnosis for those lesions. Methods A total of 128 gall stones and calcifications of the liver found in 110 patients were examined with triple phase abdominal CT scan from July 2007 to December 2011, in which true nonenhanced(TNE) phase and arterial phase were performed with single-energy CT(120 kVp) and portal venous phase was performed with dual-energy CT(100 kVp and 140 kVp). VNE images were generated from the portal venous phase dual-energy CT data sets by using commercially VNC software. The mean CT values for the stone, liver, bile and paraspinal muscle, mean lesion density and size in area dimension, contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR) of lesion to the liver or bile, and image noise were assessed and compared between VNE and TNE images. The effective dose and size-specific dose estimate(SSDE) were also calculated. Results The mean CT values of the lesions measured on VNE images declined significantly compared with those measured on TNE images(164.51±102.13 vs. 290.72±197.80 HU, P<0.001), so did the lesion-to-liver CNR(10.80±11.82 vs.18.81±17.06, P<0.001) and the lesion-to-bile CNR(17.24±14.41 vs. 21.32±17.31, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in size of lesions area between VNE and TNE images(0.69±0.88 vs. 0.72±0.85 cm2, P=0.062). Compared to the 128 lesions found in TNE images, VNE images showed the same density in 30(23.4%) lesions, lighter density in 88(68.8%) lesions, while failed to show 10(7.8%) lesions, and showed the same size in 61(47.7%) lesions and smaller size in 57(44.5%)lesions. The CT cutoff values of lesion and size were 229.21 HU and 0.15 cm2, respectively. The total effective dose for triple phase scan protocol with TNE images was 19.51±7.03 mS v, and the SSDE was 39.84±11.10 mGy. The effective dose for dual phase scan protocol with VNE images instead of TNE images was 13.29±4.89 m Sv, and the SSDE was 27.83±9.99 mGy. Compared with TNE images, the effective dose and SSDE of VNE images were down by 32.05%±3.69 % and 30.63%±2.34 %, respectively. Conclusions Although the CT values and CNR of the lesions decreased in VNE images, the lesions of which attenuation greater than 229.21 HU and size larger than 0.15 cm^2 could be detected with good reliability and obvious dose reduction. There was good consistency in the size of stones and calcifications in hepatobiliary system between VNE images and TNE images, which ensured the possibility of the clinical application of VNE images.

Clinical Application Value of Combined Detection of CG and TBA in Differential Diagnosis of Hepatobiliary System Diseases

Objective: To understand the clinical value of combined detection of cholyglycine CG and TBA in differential diagnosis of hepatobiliary diseases. Methods: Serum samples from 50 healthy people were collected as healthy control group. According to the latest disease diagnosis and treatment plan, 58 cases of HBV asymptomatic carrier group, 17 cases of viral hepatitis group, 49 cases of cirrhosis group, 50 cases of primary liver cancer group and 50 cases of other hepatobiliary diseases groups were collected respectively. The concentration levels of cholyglycine and total bile acid in each group were detected, and the differences among each group were compared. Results: By statistical analysis, serum CG concentration in viral hepatitis group, cirrhosis group, primary liver cancer group and other hepatobiliary diseases group was significantly higher than that in asymptomatic HEPATITIS B carriers and healthy control group, the differences were statistically significant (p 0.05). There was no significant difference in CG concentration among viral hepatitis group, liver cirrhosis group, primary liver cancer group and other hepatobiliary diseases group (p > 0.05). The serum TBA levels of asymptomatic carriers, viral hepatitis group, cirrhosis group, primary liver cancer group and other hepatobiliary system diseases group were significantly higher than those of healthy control group, the difference was statistically significant, p 0.05. Conclusion: Serum CG expression can not only detect liver lesions, but also distinguish different liver lesions. The positive rate of CG combined with TBA detection in patients with hepatobiliary diseases is significantly higher than that of single CG index detection. CG combined with TBA detection can significantly improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the diagnosis of hepatobiliary diseases, which is worthy of popularization and application.

Hepatobiliary&Pancreatic Diseases International

Copyright 2024,Hepatobiliary&Pancreatic Diseases International.All rights reserved.www.hbpdint.com.Aims and Scope.Hepatobiliary&Pancreatic Diseases International publishes peerreviewed original papers,reviews(meta-analysis,systematic review)and editorials concerned with clinical practice and research in the fields of hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases.

From strength to precision: A systematic review exploring the clinical utility of 7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging in abdominal imaging

BACKGROUND After approval for clinical use in 2017 early investigations of ultra-high-field abdominal magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)have demonstrated the feasibility as well as diagnostic capabilities of liver,kidney,and prostate MRI at 7-Tesla.However,the elevation of the field strength to 7-Tesla not only brought advantages to abdominal MRI but also presented considerable challenges and drawbacks,primarily stemming from heightened artifacts and limitations in Specific Absorption Rate,etc.Furthermore,evidence in the literature is relatively scarce concerning human studies in comparison to phantom/animal studies which necessitates an investigation into the evidence so far in humans and summarizing all relevant evidence.AIM To offer a comprehensive overview of current literature on clinical abdominal 7T MRI that emphasizes current trends,details relevant challenges,and provides a concise set of potential solutions.METHODS This systematic review adheres to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.A PubMed search,utilizing Medical Subject Headings terms such as"7-Tesla"and organ-specific terms,was conducted for articles published between January 1,1985,and July 25,2023.Eligibility criteria included studies exploring 7T MRI for imaging human abdominal organs,encompassing various study types(in-vivo/ex-vivo,method development,reviews/meta-analyses).Exclusion criteria involved animal studies and those lacking extractable data.Study selection involved initial identification via title/abstract,followed by a full-text review by two researchers,with discrepancies resolved through discussion.Data extraction covered publication details,study design,population,sample size,7T MRI protocol,image characteristics,endpoints,and conclusions.RESULTS The systematic review included a total of 21 studies.The distribution of clinical 7T abdominal imaging studies revealed a predominant focus on the prostate(n=8),followed by the kidney(n=6)and the hepatobiliary system(n=5).Studies on these organs,and in the pancreas,demonstrated clear advantages at 7T.However,small bowel studies showed no significant improvements compared to traditional MRI at 1.5T.The majority of studies evaluated originated from Germany(n=10),followed by the Netherlands(n=5),the United States(n=5),Austria(n=2),the United Kingdom(n=1),and Italy(n=1).CONCLUSION Further increase of abdominal clinical MRI field strength to 7T demonstrated high imaging potential,yet also limitations mainly due to the inhomogeneous radiofrequency(RF)excitation field relative to lower field strengths.Hence,further optimization of dedicated RF coil elements and pulse sequences are expected to better optimize clinical imaging at high magnetic field strength.

Hepatobiliary manifestations following two-stages elective laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy for patients with ulcerative colitis:A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND Hepatobiliary manifestations occur in ulcerative colitis(UC)patients.The effect of laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy(LRP)with ileal pouch anal anastomosis(IPAA)on hepatobiliary manifestations is debated.AIM To evaluate hepatobiliary changes after two-stages elective laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy for patients with UC.METHODS Between June 2013 and June 2018,167 patients with hepatobiliary symptoms underwent two-stage elective LRP for UC in a prospective observational study.Patients with UC and having at least one hepatobiliary manifestation who underwent LRP with IPAA were included in the study.The patients were followed up for four years to assess the outcomes of hepatobiliary manifestations.RESULTS The patients'mean age was 36±8 years,and males predominated(67.1%).The most common hepatobiliary diagnostic method was liver biopsy(85.6%),followed by Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography(63.5%),Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies(62.5%),abdominal ultrasonography(35.9%),and Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(6%).The most common hepatobiliary symptom was Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)(62.3%),followed by fatty liver(16.8%)and gallbladder stone(10.2%).66.4%of patients showed a stable course after surgery.Progressive or regressive courses occurred in 16.8%of each.Mortality was 6%,and recurrence or progression of symptoms required surgery for 15%.Most PSC patients(87.5%)had a stable course,and only 12.5%became worse.Two-thirds(64.3%)of fatty liver patients showed a regressive course,while one-third(35.7%)showed a stable course.Survival rates were 98.8%,97%,95.8%,and 94%at 12 mo,24 mo,36 mo,and at the end of the follow-up.CONCLUSION In patients with UC who had LRP,there is a positive impact on hepatobiliary disease.It caused an improvement in PSC and fatty liver disease.The most prevalent unchanged course was PSC,while the most common improvement was fatty liver disease.

Effect of magnetic resonance imaging in liver metastases

This letter to the editor is a commentary on a study titled"Liver metastases:The role of magnetic resonance imaging."Exploring a noninvasive imaging evaluation system for the biological behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the key to achieving precise diagnosis and treatment and improving prognosis.This review summarizes the role of magnetic resonance imaging in the detection and evaluation of liver metastases,describes its main imaging features,and focuses on the added value of the latest imaging tools(such as T1 weighted in phase imaging,T1 weighted out of phase imaging;diffusion-weighted imaging,T2 weighted imaging).In this study,I investigated the necessity and benefits of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid for HCC diagnostic testing and prognostic evaluation.

Pre-operative enhanced magnetic resonance imaging combined with clinical features predict early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after radical resection

BACKGROUND Indentifying predictive factors for postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)has great significance for patient prognosis.AIM To explore the value of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid(Gd-EOB-DTPA)enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)combined with clinical features in predicting early recurrence of HCC after resection.METHODS A total of 161 patients with pathologically confirmed HCC were enrolled.The patients were divided into early recurrence and non-early recurrence group based on the follow-up results.The clinical,laboratory,pathological results and Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI imaging features were analyzed.RESULTS Of 161 patients,73 had early recurrence and 88 were had non-early recurrence.Univariate analysis showed that patient age,gender,serum alpha-fetoprotein level,the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage,China liver cancer(CNLC)stage,microvascular invasion(MVI),pathological satellite focus,tumor size,tumor number,tumor boundary,tumor capsule,intratumoral necrosis,portal vein tumor thrombus,large vessel invasion,nonperipheral washout,peritumoral enhancement,hepatobiliary phase(HBP)/tumor signal intensity(SI)/peritumoral SI,HBP peritumoral low signal and peritumoral delay enhancement were significantly associated with early recurrence of HCC after operation.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patient age,MVI,CNLC stage,tumor boundary and large vessel invasion were independent predictive factors.External data validation indicated that the area under the curve of the combined predictors was 0.861,suggesting that multivariate logistic regression was a reasonable predictive model for early recurrence of HCC.CONCLUSION Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI combined with clinical features would help predicting the early recurrence of HCC after operation.

Comparative evaluation of intragastric bile acids and hepatobiliary scintigraphy in the diagnosis of duodenogastric reflux

AIM:To assess the diagnostic value of a combination of intragastric bile acids and hepatobiliary scintigraphy in the detection of duodenogastric reflux(DGR).METHODS:The study contained 99 patients with DGR and 70 healthy volunteers who made up the control group.The diagnosis was based on the combination of several objective arguments:a long history of gastric symptoms(i.e.,nausea,epigastric pain,and/or bilious vomiting) poorly responsive to medical treatment,gastroesophageal reflux symptoms unresponsive to protonpump inhibitors,gastritis on upper gastrointestinal(GI) endoscopy and/or at histology,presence of a bilious gastric lake at > 1 upper GI endoscopy,pathologic 24-h intragastric bile monitoring with the Bilitec device.Gas-tric juice was aspirated in the GI endoscopy and total bile acid(TBA),total bilirubin(TBIL) and direct bilirubin(DBIL) were tested in the clinical laboratory.Continuous data of gastric juice were compared between each group using the independent-samples Mann-Whitney U-test and their relationship was analysed by Spearman's rank correlation test and Fisher's linear discriminant analysis.Histopathology of DGR patients and 23 patients with chronic atrophic gastritis was compared by clinical pathologists.Using the Independent-samples Mann-Whitney U-test,DGR index(DGRi) was calculated in 28 patients of DGR group and 19 persons of control group who were subjected to hepatobiliary scintigraphy.Receiver operating characteristic curve was made to determine the sensitivity and specificity of these two methods in the diagnosis of DGR.RESULTS:The group of patients with DGR showed a statistically higher prevalence of epigastric pain in comparison with control group.There was no significant difference between the histology of gastric mucosa with atrophic gastritis and duodenogastric reflux.The bile acid levels of DGR patients were significantly higher than the control values(Z:TBA:-8.916,DBIL:-3.914,TBIL:-6.197,all P < 0.001).Two of three in the DGR group have a significantly associated with each other(r:TBA/DBIL:0.362,TBA/TBIL:0.470,DBIL/TBIL:0.737,all P < 0.001).The Fisher's discriminant function is followed:Con:Y = 0.002TBA + 0.048DBIL + 0.032TBIL 0.986;Reflux:Y = 0.012TBA + 0.076DBIL + 0.089TBIL-2.614.Eighty-four point zero five percent of original grouped cases were correctly classified by this method.With respect to the DGR group,DGRi were higher than those in the control group with statistically significant differences(Z =-5.224,P < 0.001).Twenty eight patients(59.6%) were deemed to be duodenogastric reflux positive by endoscopy,as compared to 37 patients(78.7%) by hepatobiliary scintigraphy.CONCLUSION:The integrated use of intragastric bile acid examination and scintigraphy can greatly improve the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis of DGR.

Hepatobiliary manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease: The gut,the drugs and the liver

Abnormal liver biochemical tests are present in up to30%of patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),and therefore become a diagnostic challenge.Liver and biliary tract diseases are common extraintestinal manifestations for both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis(UC),and typically do not correlate with intestinal activity.Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)is the most common hepatobiliary manifestation of IBD,and is more prevalent in UC.Approximately 5%of patients with UC develop PSC,with the prevalence reaching up to 90%.Cholangiocarcinoma and colon cancer risks are increased in these patients.Less common disorders include autoimmune hepatitis/PSC overlap syndrome,IgG4-associated cholangiopathy,primary biliary cirrhosis,hepatic amyloidosis,granulomatous hepatitis,cholelithiasis,portal vein thrombosis,liver abscess,and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.Hepatitis B reactivation during immunosuppressive therapy is a major concern,with screening and vaccination being recommended in serologically negative cases for patients with IBD.Reactivation prophylaxis with entecavir or tenofovir for 6to 12 mo after the end of immunosuppressive therapy is mandatory in patients showing as hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)positive,independently from viral load.HBsAg negative and anti-HBc positive patients,with or without anti-HBs,should be closely monitored,measuring alanine aminotransferase and hepatitis B virus DNA within 12 mo after the end of therapy,and should be treated if the viral load increases.On the other hand,immunosuppressive therapy does not seem to promote reactivation of hepatitis C,and hepatitis C antiviral treatment does not influence IBD natural history either.Most of the drugs used for IBD treatment may induce hepatotoxicity,although the incidence of serious adverse events is low.Abnormalities in liver biochemical tests associated with aminosalicylates are uncommon and are usually not clinically relevant.Methotrexaterelated hepatotoxicity has been described in 14%of patients with IBD,in a dose-dependent manner.Liver biopsy is not routinely recommended.Biologics-related hepatotoxicity is rare,but has been shown most frequently in patients treated with infliximab.Thiopurines have been associated with veno-occlusive disease,regenerative nodular hyperplasia,and liver peliosis.Routine liver biochemical tests are recommended,especially during the first month of treatment.All these conditions should be considered in IBD patients with clinical or biochemical features suggestive of hepatobiliary involvement.Diagnosis and management of these disorders usually involve hepatologists and gastroenterologists due to its complexity.

Hepatobiliary complications of alveolar echinococcosis: A long-term follow-up study

AIM:To determine the long-term hepatobiliary complications of alveolar echinococcosis(AE) and treatment options using interventional methods.METHODS:Included in the study were 35 patients with AE enrolled in the Echinococcus Multilocularis Data Bank of the University Hospital of Ulm.Patients underwent endoscopic intervention for treatment of hepatobiliary complications between 1979 and 2012.Patients' epidemiologic data, clinical symptoms, and indications for the intervention, the type of intervention and any additional procedures, hepatic laboratory parameters(pre- and post-intervention), medication and surgical treatment(pre- and post-intervention), as well as complications associated with the intervention and patients‘ subsequent clinical courses were analyzed.In order to compare patients with AE with and without history of intervention, data from an additional 322 patients with AE who had not experienced hepatobiliary complications and had not undergone endoscopic intervention were retrieved and analyzed.RESULTS:Included in the study were 22 male and 13 female patients whose average age at first diagnosis was 48.1 years and 52.7 years at the time of intervention.The average time elapsed between first diagnosis and onset of hepatobiliary complications was 3.7 years.The most common symptoms were jaundice, abdominal pains, and weight loss.Thenumber of interventions per patient ranged from one to ten.Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)was most frequently performed in combination with stent placement(82.9%),followed by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage(31.4%)and ERCP without stent placement(22.9%).In 14.3%of cases,magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was performed.A total of eight patients received a biliary stent.A comparison of biochemical hepatic function parameters at first diagnosis between patients who had or had not undergone intervention revealed that these were significantly elevated in six patients who had undergone intervention.Complications(cholangitis,pancreatitis)occurred in six patients during and in 12patients following the intervention.The average survival following onset of hepatobiliary complications was 8.8years.CONCLUSION:Hepatobiliary complications occur in about 10%of patients.A significant increase in hepatic transaminase concentrations facilitates the diagnosis.Interventional methods represent viable management options.

Optimization of hepatobiliary phase delay time of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for identification of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis of different degrees of severity

AIM To optimize the hepatobiliary phase delay time(HBPDT) of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(GED-MRI) for more efficient identification of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) occurring in different degrees of cirrhosis assessed by Child-Pugh(CP) score.METHODS The liver parenchyma signal intensity(LPSI), the liver parenchyma(LP)/HCC signal ratios, and the visibility of HCC at HBP-DT of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 min(i.e., DT-5, DT-10, DT-15, DT-20, and DT-25) after injection of GdEOB-DTPA were collected and analyzed in 73 patients with cirrhosis of different degrees of severity(including 42 patients suffering from HCC) and 18 healthy adult controls.RESULTS The LPSI increased with HBP-DT more significantly in the healthy group than in the cirrhosis group(F = 17.361, P < 0.001). The LP/HCC signal ratios had a significant difference(F = 12.453, P < 0.001) among various HBP-DT points, as well as between CP-A and CP-B/C subgroups(F = 9.761, P < 0.001). The constituent ratios of HCC foci identified as obvious hypointensity(+++), moderate hypointensity(++), and mild hypointensity or isointensity(+/-) kept stable from DT-10 to DT-25: 90.6%, 9.4%, and 0.0% in the CP-A subgroup; 50.0%, 50.0%, and 0.0% in the CP-B subgroup; and 0.0%, 0.0%, and 100.0% in the CP-C subgroup, respectively.CONCLUSION The severity of liver cirrhosis has significant negative influence on the HCC visualization by GED-MRI. DT-10 is more efficient and practical than other HBP-DT points to identify most of HCC foci emerging in CP-A cirrhosis, as well as in CP-B cirrhosis; but an HBP-DT of 15 min or longer seems more appropriate than DT-10 for visualization of HCC in patients with CP-C cirrhosis.

Inferior vena cava obstruction and collateral circulation as unusual manifestations of hepatobiliary cystadenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: Hepatobiliary cystadenocarcinoma represents a rare epithelial malignant tumor derived from the intrahepatic bile duct. METHODS: A 71-year-old woman, who had undergone laparoscopic drainage of a cystic lesion of the right hepatic lobe, was misdiagnosed as having hepatic echinococcal disease, and received intracystic infusion of 95% ethanol four years ago. She was admitted to our hospital for further treatment. RESULTS: Physical examination revealed dilated superficial veins across the right abdominal wall. After mapping the direction of blood flow in these vessels, we assumed that this was a sign of inferior vena cava obstruction. Abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging combined with magnetic resonance angiography showed a large cystic mass in the right upper quadrant and epigastrium, displacing the adjacent structures, adherent to the inferior vena cava, which was not patent, resulting in dilation of superficial epigastric veins. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy. Total excision of the huge mass measuring 16×15 cm was possible under selective vascular exclusion of the liver. Removal of the tumor resulted in immediate restoration of flow in the inferior vena cava. On the basis of the pathology and findings of immunohistochemical analysis, a hepatobiliary cystadenocarcinoma was diagnosed.CONCLUSIONS: In the present case, hepatobiliary cystadenocar-cinoma was accompanied by dilated superficial venous collaterals due to inferior vena cava obstruction. Selective vascular exclusion of the liver allowed a safe oncological resection of the tumor.

Costs of laparoscopic and open liver and pancreatic resection:A systematic review

AIM:To study costs of laparoscopic and open liver and pancreatic resections,all the compiled data from available observational studies were systematically reviewed.METHODS:A systematic review of the literature was performed using the Medline,Embase,Pub Med,and Cochrane databases to identify all studies published up to 2013 that compared laparoscopic and open liver[laparoscopic hepatic resection(LLR)vs open liver resection(OLR)]and pancreatic[laparoscopic pancreatic resection(LPR)vs open pancreatic resection]resection.The last search was conducted on October 30,2013.RESULTS:Four studies reported that LLR was associated with lower ward stay cost than OLR(2972 USD vs 5291 USD).The costs related to equipment(3345USD vs 2207 USD)and theatre(14538 vs 11406)were reported higher for LLR.The total cost was lower in patients managed by LLR(19269 USD)compared to OLR(23419 USD).Four studies reported that LPR was associated with lower ward stay cost than OLR(6755vs 9826 USD).The costs related to equipment(2496USD vs 1630 USD)and theatre(5563 vs 4444)were reported higher for LPR.The total cost was lower in the LPR(8825 USD)compared to OLR(13380 USD).CONCLUSION:This systematic review support the economic advantage of laparoscopic over open approach to liver and pancreatic resection.

Current trends in three-dimensional visualization and real-time navigation as well as robot-assisted technologies in hepatobiliary surgery

With the continuous development of digital medicine,minimally invasive precision and safety have become the primary development trends in hepatobiliary surgery.Due to the specificity and complexity of hepatobiliary surgery,traditional preoperative imaging techniques such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging cannot meet the need for identification of fine anatomical regions.Imaging-based three-dimensional(3D)reconstruction,virtual simulation of surgery and 3D printing optimize the surgical plan through preoperative assessment,improving the controllability and safety of intraoperative operations,and in difficult-to-reach areas of the posterior and superior liver,assistive robots reproduce the surgeon’s natural movements with stable cameras,reducing natural vibrations.Electromagnetic navigation in abdominal surgery solves the problem of conventional surgery still relying on direct visual observation or preoperative image assessment.We summarize and compare these recent trends in digital medical solutions for the future development and refinement of digital medicine in hepatobiliary surgery.

Multiorgan chronic inflammatory hepatobiliary pancreatic murine model deficient in tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 and 2

AIM: To provoke persistent/chronic multiorgan inflammatory response and to contribute to stones formation followed by fibrosis in hepatobiliary and pancreatic tissues. METHODS: Tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 and 2(TNFR1/R2) deficient mice reared in-house were given dibutyltin dichloride(DBTC) twice within 10 d by oral gavage delivery. Sham control animals received vehicle treatment and na?ve animals remained untreated throughout the study. Animals were monitored daily for symptoms of pain and discomfort. The abdominal and hindpaw hypersensitivity were assessed with von Frey microfilaments. Exploratory behaviors were recorded at the baseline, after initiation of treatment, and before study termination. Histopathological changes were examined postmortem in tissues. Collagen accumulation and fibrosis were confirmed with Sirius Red staining. RESULTS: Animals lost weight after oral administration of DBTC and developed persistent inflammatory abdominal and hindpaw hypersensitivity compared to sham-treated controls(P < 0.0001). These pain related secondary mechanical hypersensitivity responses increased more than 2-fold in DBTC-treated animals. The drastically diminished rearing and grooming rates persisted after DBTC administration throughout the study. Gross as well as micropathology at one month confirmed that animals treated with DBTC developed chronic hepatobiliary injuries evidenced with activation of stellate cells, multifocal necrosis, fatty degeneration of hepatocytes, periportal infiltration of inflammatory cells, and prominent biliary ductal dilation. The severity of hepatitis was scored 3.7 ± 0.2(severe) in DBTC-treated animals vs score 0(normal) in shamtreated animals. Fibrotic thickening was extensive around portal ducts, in hepatic parenchyma as well as in lobular pancreatic structures and confirmed with Sirius Red histopathology. In addition, pancreatic microarchitecture was presented with distortion of islets, and parenchyma, infiltration of inflammatory cells, degeneration, vacuolization, and necrosis of acinar cells and distention of pancreatic ducts. Extent of pancreatic damage and pancreatitis were scored 3.6 ± 0.4(severe) for DBTC-treated in contrast to score 0(normal) in sham-treated animals. The gall bladder became expanded with ductal distention, and occasional bile stones were detected along with microscopic hepatic lesions. DBTC-treated animals developed splenic hypertrophy with increased weight and length(P < 0.01) along with thymic atrophy(P < 0.001). Finally, colitic lesions and colitis were prominent in DBTC-treated animals and scored 3.4 ± 0.3(moderately severe) vs 0(normal) for the sham-treated animals. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of chronic inflammatory multiorgan hepatobiliary pancreatitis, along with fibrosis and calculi formation induced reliably utilizing oral DBTC administration in TNFR1/R2 deficient mice.

Added value of hepatobiliary phase gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma in high-risk patients

AIM:To determine the added value of hepatobiliary phase(HBP)gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)in evaluating hepatic nodules in high-risk patients.METHODS:The institutional review board approved this retrospective study and waived the requirement for informed consent.This study included 100 patients at high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and 105hepatic nodules that were larger than 1 cm.A blind review of two MR image sets was performed in a random order:set 1,unenhanced(T1-and T2-weighted)and dynamic images;and set 2,unenhanced,dynamic20-min and HBP images.The diagnostic accuracy,sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value(PPV),and negative predictive value(NPV)were compared for the two image sets.Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on the MR characteristics utilized to diagnose HCC.RESULTS:A total of 105 hepatic nodules were identified in 100 patients.Fifty-nine nodules were confirmed to be HCC.The diameter of the 59 HCCs ranged from1 to 12 cm(mean:1.9 cm).The remaining 46 nodules were benign(28 were of hepatocyte origin,nine were hepatic cysts,seven were hemangiomas,one was chronic inflammation,and one was focal fat infiltration).The diagnostic accuracy significantly increased with the addition of HBP images,from 88.7%in set 1to 95.5%in set 2(P=0.002).In set 1 vs set 2,the sensitivity and NPV increased from 79.7%to 93.2%and from 78.9%to 91.8%,respectively,whereas the specificity and PPV were not significantly different.The hypointensity on the HBP images was the most sensitive(93.2%),and typical arterial enhancement followed by washout was the most specific(97.8%).The multivariate analysis revealed that typical arterial enhancement followed by washout,hyperintensity on T2-weighted images,and hypointensity on HBP images were statistically significant MRI findings that could diagnose HCC(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The addition of HBP gadoxetic acidenhanced MRI statistically improved the diagnostic accuracy in HCCs larger than 1 cm.Typical arterial enhancement followed by washout and hypointensity on HBP images are useful for diagnosing HCC.

Use of health-related quality of life tools in hepatobiliary surgery

BACKGROUND: The objective of this article is to review the literature and discuss the various tools used in hepatobiliary surgery for the measurement of health related quality of life (HR-QOL) and highlight various outcome variables that affect the HR-QOL among patients with common hepatobiliary disorders. DATA SOURCES: We reviewed HR-QOL articles published in the last 20 years on different hepatobiliary curative or palliative procedures in all languages. RESULTS: HR-QOL is a questionnaire tool which is utilized to assess the changes in the health status of patients after a hepatobiliary intervention. These surveys are of increasingly importance, as health care providers are challenged to justify treatment approaches and rationale for any surgical intervention. These HR-QOL tools are very helpful for the evaluation of subjective outcome of common hepatobiliary procedures like gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) for cholecystectomy, functional assessment in cancer therapy (FACT) for liver resection, short form 36 (SF-36) for liver transplantation, and quality of life questionnaire for patients with pancreatic cancer (QLQ-PAN). CONCLUSIONS: Use of validated and reliable health instruments in hepatobiliary surgery is directed at measuring the impact in a reproducible and valid fashion. Curative or palliative procedures should be offered to the patients of hepatobiliary disorders after the assessment by HR-QOL tools. Because the impairments of function that may occur after different operations vary considerably, an operation-specific assessment of HR-QOL for each type of surgical procedure is becoming an essential principle to follow in a successful healthcare system.

Role of baicalin as a potential therapeutic agent in hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal disorders:A review

Baicalin is a natural bioactive compound derived from Scutellaria baicalensis,which is extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine.A literature survey demonstrated the broad spectrum of health benefits of baicalin such as antioxidant,anticancer,anti-inflammatory,antimicrobial,cardio-protective,hepatoprotective,renal protective,and neuroprotective properties.Baicalin is hydrolyzed to its metabolite baicalein by the action of gut microbiota,which is further reconverted to baicalin via phase 2 metabolism in the liver.Many studies have suggested that baicalin exhibits therapeutic potential against several types of hepatic disorders including hepatic fibrosis,xenobiotic-induced liver injury,fatty liver disease,viral hepatitis,cholestasis,ulcerative colitis,hepatocellular and colorectal cancer.During in vitro and in vivo examinations,it has been observed that baicalin showed a protective role against liver and gut-associated abnormalities by modifying several signaling pathways such as nuclear factor-kappa B,transforming growth factor beta 1/SMAD3,sirtuin 1,p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase/Janus kinase,and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinaseβ/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase pathways.Furthermore,baicalin also regulates the expression of fibrotic genes such as smooth muscle actin,connective tissue growth factor,β-catenin,and inflammatory cytokines such as interferon gamma,interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-alpha,and IL-1β,and attenuates the production of apoptotic proteins such as caspase-3,caspase-9 and B-cell lymphoma 2.However,due to its low solubility and poor bioavailability,widespread therapeutic applications of baicalin still remain a challenge.This review summarized the hepatic and gastrointestinal protective attributes of baicalin with an emphasis on the molecular mechanisms that regulate the interaction of baicalin with the gut microbiota.

Intraoperative ultrasonography in hepatobiliary surgery

Objective: To assess the value of intraoperative ultra- sonography in hepatobiliary surgery. Methods: Aloka-650 and Aloka-500 with a 3.5 MHz probe were used in preoperative uitrasonography and those with 5 MHz or 7.5 MHz probes in intraopera- tive ultrasonography. All patients with carcinoma were confirmed pathologically. Results: In 44 patients with liver cancer (76 tumors), the diagnostic rate of intraoperative ultra- sonography was 97% (74/76), which was markedly higher than 84% (64/76) of preoperative ultra- sonography (P<0.05). The diagnostic rate (92%; 22/24) of intraoperative ultrasonography for tumors ≤2 cm in diameter was markedly higher than that (54%; 13/24) of preoperative ultrasonography (P< 0.01). The diagnostic rate (94%; 16/17) of intra- operative ultrasonography for tumor embulus of the vein was also markedly higher than that (53%; 9/ 17) of preoperative ultrasonography (P<0.01). The diagnostic rates of intraoperative and preoperative ultrasonography for cholelithiasis were 99% (108/ 109) and 97% (106/109) respectively (P>0.05). Yet the diagnostic rate (100%; 12/12) of intraopera- tive ultrasonography for gallbladder carcinoma was markedly higher than that (66.7%; 8/12) of pre- operative ultrasonography (P<0.05). The diagnos- tic rates of intraoperative ultrasonography for chole- docholith and biliary tract cancer were all 100%, markedly higher than those (83%; 20/24 and 75%; 12/16) of preoperative ultrasonography (P<0.05). Conclusions: Intraoperative ultrasonography can raise the detective rate of the liver occupying lesions comparing with that of preoperative untrasonogra- phy. It is of valuable in selecting operative scheme and locating small lesions.