Surgical treatment of liver cancer and pancreatic cancer under the China Healthcare Security Diagnosis Related Groups payment system

BACKGROUND Data from the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer reported that China had the highest prevalence of cancer and cancer deaths in 2022.Liver and pancreatic cancers accounted for the highest number of new cases.Real-world data(RWD)is now widely preferred to traditional clinical trials in various fields of medicine and healthcare,as the traditional research approach often involves highly selected populations and interventions and controls that are strictly regulated.Additionally,research results from the RWD match global reality better than those from traditional clinical trials.AIM To analyze the cost disparity between surgical treatments for liver and pancreatic cancer under various factors.METHODS This study analyzed RWD 1137 cases within the HB1 group(patients who underwent pancreatectomy,hepatectomy,and/or shunt surgery)in 2023.It distinguished different expenditure categories,including medical,nursing,technical,management,drug,and consumable costs.Additionally,it assessed the contribution of each expenditure category to total hospital costs and performed cross-group comparisons using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test.This study used the Steel–Dwass test for post-hoc multiple comparisons and the Spearman correlation coefficient to examine the relationships between variables.RESULTS The study found that in HB11 and HB13,the total hospitalization costs were significantly higher for pancreaticoduodenectomy than for pancreatectomy and hepatectomy.Although no significant difference was observed in the length of hospital stay between patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy and pancreatectomy,both were significantly longer than those who underwent liver resection.In HB15,no significant difference was observed in the total cost of hospitalization between pancreaticoduodenectomy and pancreatectomy;however,both were significantly higher than those in hepatectomy.Additionally,the length of hospital stay was significantly longer for patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy than for those who underwent pancreatectomy or liver resection.CONCLUSION China Healthcare Security Diagnosis Related Groups payment system positively impacts liver and pancreatic cancer surgeries by improving medical quality and controlling costs.Further research could refine this grouping system and ensure continuous effectiveness and sustainability.

Effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy in complex surgical treatment of necrotizing fasciitis of the upper limb

BACKGROUND Necrotizing fasciitis(NF)of the upper extremities is a severe surgical pathology,and the incidence of this disease has been steadily increasing in recent decades.Surgical treatment is accompanied by the formation of extensive wounds,which can be treated with significant difficulties.In recent years,negative pressure wound therapy(NPWT)has proven to be highly effective.It is also promising for the treatment of NF.AIM To explore the effectiveness of NPWT in the treatment of NF of the upper extremities.METHODS The results of the treatment of 36 patients with NF of the upper extremities in two groups(NPWT group and control group;2022−2023)were retrospectively analyzed.In the NPWT group,the NPWT method(120 mmHg;constant mode)was used after surgical treatment.The number of vacuum-assisted dressings in patients ranged from 1 to 3,depending on the dynamics of the wound process.The duration of fixation of one bandage was up to 2−3 d.In the control group,conventional methods of local wound treatment were used.The following indicators were analyzed:The treatment delay,the prevalence of inflammation,the microbial landscape,the number of debridements,the duration of wound preparation for surgical closure,and the nature of skin plastic surgery.RESULTS Most patients experienced a significant treatment delay[4 d,interquartile range(IQR):2–7 d],which led to the spread of the pathological process to the forearm and shoulder.The most common pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus(14;38.9%)and Streptococcus pyogenes(22;61.1%).The average number of debridements per patient was 5(IQR:3–7),with no difference between groups.The average time to prepare wounds for surgical closure was 11±4 d in the NPWT group and 29±10 d(P=0.00001)in the control group.In the NPWT group,the wounds were more often closed with local tissues(15;83.3%),and in the control group,split-thickness skin grafts were more often used(4;50%).CONCLUSION The predominant isolation of Staphylococcus aureus and/or Streptococcus pyogenes from the lesions allowed us to classify these patients as NF type II.Multiple debridement procedures have become a feature of this disease treatment.The use of NPWT has significantly reduced the time required to prepare wounds for surgical closure.Early closure of wounds allows for more frequent use of local tissue repair,which ensures better results.NPWT is a highly effective way to prepare wounds for early surgical closure in patients with upper extremity NF.

Results of Open Surgical Treatment of Humeral Paddle Fractures about 63 Cases

Fractures of the humeral paddle, common to young adults, are most often complex, linked to violence and an increase in road accidents. The objective of our work is to evaluate our functional results, in the medium term, correlated with a review of the literature. This is a retrospective study of 63 patients, carried out in the traumatology-orthopedics department 1 of the IBN EL JAZZAR hospital in KAIROUAN, over a period of 7 years from January 2015 to December 2021. The average age of patients was 39 years (17 - 68 years). Predominantly male. The etiologies are dominated by falls and accidents on public roads. Fractures are classified according to the Müller and Allgöwer classification where type C is found in 51% of cases. All our patients undergo an olecranon osteotomy in 71% of cases. Osteosynthesis using a Lecestre plate combined with screwing or plugging is used in 84% of cases. The evolution is marked by complications observed in eight patients (16%), including two cases of sepsis, four cases of elbow stiffness (8%), one case of joint callus and one case of pseudarthrosis. Our results are evaluated according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, they are excellent and good in 71% of cases, average in 18% of cases and poor in 11% of cases. Fractures of the humeral paddle are fractures with a satisfactory functional prognosis, requiring ad integrum anatomical restoration and solid osteosynthesis allowing early rehabilitation of the elbow. One case of joint callus and one case of pseudarthrosis.

Surgical Treatment of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Using Minimally Invasive Surgical Drilling and Cancellous Grafting at Brazzaville University Hospital

Introduction: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONTF) is a debilitating condition. Several treatments have been proposed with controversial results. The aim of our study was to evaluate treatment by surgical drilling coupled with in situ cancellous grafting. Materials and methods: Our study was a case-control study conducted at Brazzaville University Hospital from 1st January 2018 to 31 December 2023. It compared two groups of patients with ONTF: non-operated (13 patients, 20 hips) and operated (22 patients, 35 hips). We used the visual digital scale (VDS) for pain assessment, the Merle D’Aubigne-Postel (MDP) scoring system for clinical and functional assessment, and the evolution of necrosis. Results: The group of non-operated patients had a mean age of 35.69 ± 3.4 years, no improvement in pain with an EVN above seven at the last recoil and a mean global MDP score falling from 12.7 before offloading to 10.13 at one year. The group of patients operated on had a mean age of 37.86 ± 7.02 years, a significant reduction in pain (p = 0.00004) and a significantly increased MDP score (p = 0.0034). A comparison of the two groups of patients showed significant stabilization of the necrotic lesions in the operated patients (p = 0.00067), with better satisfaction in the same group. Conclusion: Surgical drilling combined with grafting in the treatment of early-stage ONTF has improved progress in our series. The technique is reproducible and less invasive. It has made it possible to delay unfavorable progression and, consequently, hip replacement surgery.

Surgical Treatment of Upper Urinary Tract Lithiasis in Conakry

Introduction: The management of urinary lithiasis in our settings has long been conventional surgery. The recent introduction of endoscopy of the upper urinary tract represents a major advance in our department. The aim was to contribute to the study of the treatment of lithiasis of the upper urinary tract in Conakry and to report on our initial experience of ureteroscopy in Conakry. Methodology: This is a prospective descriptive study lasting one year, from January 1 to December 31, 2022, carried out at the Urology Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital and at the PERCHIN Urological Clinic. The study included all patients treated surgically for lithiasis of the upper urinary tract who met the selection criteria. Results: The study included 57 patients. The mean age was 30 years, with extremes of 20 and 73 years;the most represented age group was 31 to 40 years, followed by 20 to 30 years with 29.9% and 26.3% respectively. Males predominated in 36 cases (63.15%), with a M/F sex ratio of 1.71. Left-sided renal colic was the most common, at 75.43% (n=43), and right-sided renal colic at 40.35%, associated with digestive signs at 43.85%. 77.19% had normal creatinine levels before surgery, versus 22.81% with elevated creatinine levels, i.e. 15.78% improvement in renal function after surgery. Urinary tract infection was found in 47.36%, and Escherichia coli in 31.57%, followed by staphylococcus aureus in 8.77%. Overall, 82.45% of patients had organic damage to the kidneys or ureters. Right ureterohydronephrosis was noted in 56.14%, followed by left hydronephrosis in 26.32%. Open surgery was predominant in 52.63% of cases, with endoscopic surgery (URS) accounting for a significant 47.36% during the study period. The endoscopic treatment used was laser ureteroscopy. In our study, 73.68% underwent drainage of the upper excretory tract, including 64.91% with a JJ catheter. The average length of stay was 07 days, with extremes of 02 and 28 days, and 81.4% of patients who underwent URS had a length of stay of less than 4 days. Conventional surgery had the highest complication rate (14.28%). The stone free rate for the two surgical treatment methods (open and endoscopic surgery) was 73% and 92.59%.

Analysis of the Clinical Value of Surgical Treatment and Postoperative Anti-Infection Treatment of Acute Suppurative Appendicitis

Objective: To explore the clinical value of surgical treatment and postoperative anti-infection treatment for acute suppurative appendicitis. Methods: A total of 116 patients with acute suppurative appendicitis were enrolled in this study. The collection period was from December 2021 to December 2023. The patients were randomly grouped into a control group (surgical treatment) and an observation group (surgical treatment and postoperative anti-infection treatment), of 58 patients each. At the end of the treatment, the results of each index of the two groups were compared. Results: The length of hospitalization time, exhaust time, and incidence of complications in the observation group were shorter than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It is crucial to perform anti-infective treatment promptly after surgical treatment in patients with acute suppurative appendicitis. It can effectively prevent the occurrence of complications and improve the clinical efficacy. Hence, it is worthy of research and promotion.

Surgical treatment and prognosis of octogenarians with non-small cell lung cancer

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics,surgical treatment and prognosis of nonsmall cell lung cancer(NSCLC) among elderly patients over 80 years.Methods:The clinical data,surgical methods,perioperative management,postoperative complications and prognosis of 52 NSCLC patients aged over 80 years were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Out of 52 cases, 27 had a long-term smoking history(51.9%) and 44 were with other diseases(84.6%).Lobectomy was done in 32 cases(65.4%),sub-lobectomy in 20 cases(38.5%),including pulmonary wedge resection in 16 cases(30.8%) and lung segment resection in 4 cases(7.7%).The postoperative complication rate was 44.2%(23/52);the complication rate after lobectomy was 62.5%(20/32) and that after sub-lobectomy was 25%(5/20),with significant difference between lobectomy and sublobectomy (P【0.05).Postoperative mortality was 3.8%(2/52).Pathological TNM staging:Ⅰa 27 cases(51.9%),Ⅰb 12 cases(23.1%),Ⅱa 8 cases(15.4%),Ⅱb 3 cases(5.8%) andⅢ2 cases(3.8%). The 1-,3- and 5-year survival rate after operation was 87.1%,59.8%,19.1%.The 1-,3- and 5-year survival rate was 86.0%,61.8%,21.5%in the patients after lobectomy,that was 89.0%,58.3%, 18.7%in the patients after sub-lobectomy,with no significant difference between two surgical methods(P】0.05).Conclusions:Octogenarians with NSCLC are often afflicted with comorbidity, so perioperative management is more complex.Strictly adhering to indications,surgery is still an important treatment of NSCLC patients over 80.

Advances in diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of Bell's palsy

Bell’s palsy is a commonly seen cranial nerve disease and can result in compromised facial appearance and functions. Its etiology, prognosis and treatment are still being debated. This paper is a review of recent development in the understanding of etiology, diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of Bell’s palsy.

Non-Surgical Treatment with Chemical Peeling and Subsequent Vitamin C Iontophoresis for Rolling Scars in Acne Vulgaris

A 19-year-old man had atrophic scars on bilateral temple for several years. The atrophic scars were composed of rolling scars (three depressions, 8 × 4 mm in diameter), ice pick scars and boxcar scar. The patient was treated with chemical peeling (CP) using 20% glycolic acid (GA) (pH 3.2) and subsequent iontophoresis with vitamin C derivative at one month’s interval twice. Remarkable improvement was observed;the rolling scars almost disappeared with traces of hypopigmented macule. However, the ice pick scars and boxcar scar did not improve. CP and subsequent vitamin C iontophoresis can be an alternative non-surgical and non-invasive treatment for rolling scar in acne.

Non-Surgical Orthodontic Treatment of Class III Adult with Posterior Crossbite, Anterior Open Bite and Asymmetric Occlusion, Using TADs and Auxiliary Wires: A Case Report

Class III malocclusion associated with posterior crossbite, anterior open bite pattern with asymmetric occlusion in adults can be a challenging orthodontic problem, especially for the nonsurgical treatment. Skeletal Class III anteroposterior discrepancies in adult patients are generally managed either by surgical-orthodontic treatment or by orthodontic camouflage through dentoalveolar compensation. Although correction with surgery may be the most effective and stable way, many patients refuse surgical treatment plan because of the costs and traumas it may bring. This case report describes the successful use of TADs with expansion auxiliary wire to treat a 24-year-old man with skeletal class III malocclusion, posterior crossbite, anterior open-bite and asymmetric occlusion, mild upper and lower dental spacing and a chief manifestation of anterior crossbite. The patient refused surgery. A treatment plan was formulated consisting of using auxiliary expansion wire to expand the maxillary arch, 8 mm mini-screws between the roots of the mandibular canines and first premolars, preadjusted edgewise brackets to align the teeth, Class III and asymmetric elastics to correct the canines, premolars, and molars relationship and midline deviation, reverse curve of the nickel-titanium wire combined with anterior vertical elastics to intrude molars and correct the anterior open-bite. In this case, without going through surgery, the posterior cross-bite was corrected, and ideal overjet and overbite relationships, midline coincidence and functional occlusion were all achieved. Satisfactory occlusal, functional, esthetic and stable results were obtained.

Multiple methods of surgical treatment combined with primary IOL implantation on traumatic lens subluxation/dislocation in patients with secondary glaucoma

AIM:To describe clinical findings and complications from cases of traumatic lens subluxation/dislocation in patients with secondary glaucoma,and discuss the multiple treating methods of operation combined with primary intraocular lens(IOL)implantation.METHODS:Non-comparativeretrospectiveobservational case series.Participants:30 cases(30 eyes)of lens subluxation/dislocation in patients with secondary glaucoma were investigated which accepted the surgical treatment by author in the Ophthalmology of Xi’an No.4Hospital from 2007 to 2011.According to the different situations of lens subluxation/dislocation,various surgical procedures were performed such as crystalline lens phacoemulsification,crystalline lens phacoemulsification combined anterior vitrectomy,intracapsular cataract extraction combined anterior vitrectomy,lensectomy combined anterior vitrectomy though peripheral transparent cornea incision,pars plana lensectomy combined pars plana vitrectomy,and intravitreal cavity crystalline lens phacofragmentation combined pars plana vitrectomy.And whether to implement trabeculectomy depended on the different situations of secondary glaucoma.The posterior chamber intraocular lenses(PC-IOLs)were implanted in the capsular-bag or trassclerally sutured in the sulus decided by whether the capsular were present.Main outcome measures:visual acuity,intraocular pressure,the situation of intraocular lens and complications after the operations.RESULTS:The follow-up time was 11-36mo(21.4±7.13).Postoperative visual acuity of all eyes were improved;28 cases maintained IOP below 21 mm Hg;2cases had slightly IOL subluxation,4 cases had slightlytilted lens optical area;1 case had postoperative choroidal detachment;4 cases had postoperative corneal edema more than 1wk,but eventually recovered transparent;2 cases had mild postoperative vitreous hemorrhage,and absorbed 4wk later.There was no postoperative retinal detachment,IOL dislocation,and endophthalmitis.CONCLUSION:To take early treatment of traumatic lens subluxation/dislocation in patients with secondary glaucoma by individual surgical plan based on the different eye conditions would be safe and effective,which can effectively control the intraocular pressure and restore some vision.

Surgical treatment of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis:experience in 33 cases

BACKGROUND: Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is a rare presentation of chronic cholecystitis, characterized by xanthogranuloma, severe fibrosis and foam cells, and can be a cause of difficulty in cholecystectomy. Patients with XGC are frequently misdiagnosed intraoperatively as having carcinoma of the gallbladder and are treated with extensive excision. This study aimed at providing proper surgical treatment for patients with XGC. METHODS: The clinical data of 33 patients with XGC definitely diagnosed by pathological examination over a period of 10 years were analyzed retrospectively (mean age of onset, 60 years; male/female ratio, 1.5: 1). RESULTS: Preoperatively, the 33 patients were examined by abdominal B-ultrasonography while 20 of them were further examined by computed tomography (CT). Intraoperatively, XGC associated with cholecystolithiasis was found in 97.0% of the patients, thickening of the gallbladder wall in 90.9%, xanthogranulomatous tissue invading into other tissues in 87.9%, XGC associated with choledocholithiasis in 15.2%, and Mirizzi syndrome in 9.1%. In addition, a gallbladder fistula was observed in 4 patients. Open cholecystectomy was performed on 15 patients, partial cholecystectomy on 7, cholecystectomy and partial liver wedge resection on 5, and gallbladder cancer radical correction on 6. The intraoperative misdiagnosis rate was 24.2%. Frozen-section examination was carried out in 9 patients. Postoperative complications were observed in 5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: XGC is difficult to diagnose either preoperatively or intraoperatively and definite diagnosis depends exclusively on pathological examination. Firm adhesions of the gallbladder to neighboring organs and tissues are common and lead to difficulty in surgical treatments. The mode of operation depends on specific conditions in varying cases, and since frozen-section examination plays an important role in determining the nature of the lesions, intraoperative frozen-section examination should be carried out to differentiate XGC from carcinoma of the gallbladder.

Application of cystoscope in surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus

Development of portal vein tumor thrombus deteriorates the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, while surgical treatment can offer a promising prognosis for selected patients. However, the possibility of residual lesions in portal vein after conventional thrombectomy is a main risk factor leading to postoperative recurrence. Therefore, ensuring the complete removal of tumor thrombus during operation is critical to improve prognosis. For the first time, we report here one case of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus in which cystoscope was successfully applied as a substitute of intravascular endoscope to visualize the cavity of the portal vein. The patient was a 61-year-old man with a 7-cm tumor in the right lobe of the liver, with tumor thrombus invading the right branch and adjacent to the conjunction of the portal vein. After removal of the tumor, the Olympus CYF-VA2 cystoscope was used to check the portal vein from the opening stump of the right branch of the portal vein. In this case, residual thrombus tissue was found near the opening stump and the conjunction of the portal vein. The residual lesion was carefully retrieved from the stump after retraction of the cystoscope. The procedure was repeated until no residual lesion was found. The whole duration time of thrombectomy was 22.5(15 + 7.5) min. The patient was free from recurrence at 8 months after the procedure. Our work indicated that the cystoscope is a suitable substitute, with a proper size and function to check the portal vein system and ensure the curability of thrombectomy. Although welldesigned clinic trails are still needed, this procedure may further improve the postoperative prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus.

Surgical treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis: Dilemmas and current recommendations

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant inherited syndrome characterized by multiple adenomatous polyps (predisposing to colorectal cancer development) and numerous extracolonic manifestations. The underlying genetic burden generates variable clinical features that may influence operative management. As a precancerous hereditary condition, the rationale of performing a prophylactic surgery is a mainstay of FAP management. The purpose of the present paper is to bring up many controversial aspects regarding surgical treatment for FAP, and to discuss the results and perspectives of the operative choices and approaches. Preferably, the decision-making process should not be limited to the conventional confrontation of pros and cons of ileorectal anastomosis or restorative proctocolectomy. A wide discussion with the patient may evaluate issues such as age, genotype, family history, sphincter function, the presence or risk of desmoid disease, potential complications of each procedure and chances of postoperative surveillance. Therefore, the definition of the best moment and the choice of appropriate procedure constitute an individual decision that must take into consideration patient&#x02019;s preferences and full information about the complex nature of the disease. All these facts reinforce the idea that FAP patients should be managed by experienced surgeons working in specialized centers to achieve the best immediate and long-term results.

Relationship between different surgical methods,hemorrhage position,hemorrhage volume,surgical timing,and treatment outcome of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND:The present study aimed to explore the relationship between surgical methods,hemorrhage position,hemorrhage volume,surgical timing and treatment outcome of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage(HICH).METHODS:A total of 1 310 patients,who had been admitted to six hospitals from January 2004 to January 2008,were divided into six groups according to different surgical methods:craniotomy through bone fl ap(group A),craniotomy through a small bone window(group B),stereotactic drilling drainage(group C1 and group C2),neuron-endoscopy operation(group D) and external ventricular drainage(group E) in consideration of hemorrhage position,hemorrhage volume and clinical practice. A retrospective analysis was made of surgical timing and curative effect of the surgical methods.RESULTS:The effectiveness rate of the methods was 74.12% for 1 310 patients after onemonth follow-up. In this series,the disability rate was 44.82% 3–6 months after the operation. Among the 1 310 patients,241(18.40%) patients died after the operation. If hematoma volume was >80 mL and the operation was performed within 3 hours,the mortality rate of group A was signifi cantly lower than that of groups B,C,D,and E(P<0.05). If hematoma volume was 50–80 mL and the operation was performed within 6–12 hours,the mortality rate of groups B and D was lower than that of groups A,C and E(P<0.05). If hematoma volume was 20–50 mL and the operation was performed within 6–24 hours,the mortality rate of group C was lower than that of groups A,B and D(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS:Craniotomy through a bone f lap is suitable for patients with a large hematoma and hernia of the brain. Stereotactic drilling drainage is suggested for patients with hematoma volume less than 80 mL. The curative effect of HICH individualized treatment would be improved via the suitable selection of operation time and surgical method according to the position and volume of hemorrhage.

Recent advances in the surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy. The treatment of HCC is complex and complicated by the severity of associated chronic liver disease, the stage of HCC, and the clinical condition of the patient. Liver resection(LR) is one of the most efficient treatments for patients with HCC, with an expected 5-year survival of 38%-61% depending on the stage of the disease. Improved liver function assessment, increased understanding of segmental liver anatomy from advanced imaging studies, and surgical technical progress are important factors that have led to reduced mortality in patients with HCC. The indication for LR may be expanded due to emerging evidences from laparoscopic hepatectomies and combined treatments with newly developed chemotherapies. Liver transplantation(LT) is considered as an ideal treatment for removal of existing tumors and the injured/preneoplastic underlying liver tissue with impaired liver function and the risk of multicentric carcinogenesis that results from chronically injured liver. However, LT is restricted to patients with minimal risk of tumor recurrence under immunosuppression. The expansion of criteria for LT in HCC patients is still under trial and discussion. Limited availability of grafts, as well as the risk and the cost of transplantation have led to considerable interest in expansion of the donor pool, living donor-related transplantation, and combined treatment involving LR and LT. This highlight presents evidence concerning recent studies evaluating LR and LT in HCC patients. In addition, alternative therapies for the treatment of early stage tumors and the management of patients on transplant waiting lists are discussed.

Recurrent lithiasis after surgical treatment of elderly patients with choledocholithiasis

BACKGROUND: The recurrence rates of choledocholithiasis depend on the type of the disease. This study was undertaken to examine recurrent lithiasis after surgical treatment of elderly patients with choledocholithiasis, especially with primary common bile duct stones, and thereby to determine the best treatment modality for choledocholithiasis in the elderly. METHODS: The recurrence rates of choledocholithiasis were calculated from the records of 193 outpatients who had been treated from January 1993 to January 2005 and monitored for periods ranging from I to 12 years (mean 6.7 years). The patients were divided into 3 groups: 81 who had undergone choledocholithotomy and T-tube drainage, 41 who had had choledochoduodenostomy. and 71 patients who had received choledochojejunostomy. RESULTS: Since the 41 choledochoduodenostomy cases had only one recurrence of choledocholithiasis, the recurrence rate was analyzed for the remaining 152 cases, which were divided into two groups: group A with recurrent lithiasis (13 cases), and group B without recurrence (139 cases). The recurrence was found in 7 patients after choledocholithotomy and T-tube drainage (7/81, 8.6%), and in 6 patients after choledochojejunostomy (6/71, 8.5%). The recurrence rates for these procedures were higher than for choledochoduodenostomy (1/41, 2.4%, P<0.05). Moreover, stones recurred in 4 of the 11 patients with primary bile duct stones who underwent choledocholithotomy an T-tube drainage (4/11, 36.4%), and in 5 of the 34 patients who had choledochojejunostomy (5/34, 14.7%). The recurrence rates for these procedures were higher than for choledochoduodenostomy (1/39, 2.6%, P<0.05). The diameter of the common bile duct was more dilated in group A (14.6 +/- 3.9 mm) than in group B (10.8 +/- 4.5 turn, P<0.05). Primary bile duct stones were found in 9 cases of group A (69.2%), and in 36 cases of group B (25.9%, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Choledochoduodenostomy should be recommended for elderly patients with primary bile duct stones to prevent postoperative recurrent lithiasis.

Surgical treatment for rectal cancer:An international perspective on what the medical gastroenterologist needs to know

Rectal cancer accounts for one third of all colorectal cancers.The age adjusted death rates from colorectal cancer have declined over recent decades due to a combination of colorectal cancer screening,improved diagnostic tests,improved standardized surgical technique,improved medical support,neoadjuvant chemotherapies and radiation treatment or combinations of these.Because of complex treatment algorithms,use of multidisciplinary teams in the management of rectal cancer patients has also been popularized.Medical gastroenterologists performing colonoscopies are frequently the first health care provider to raise the suspicion of a rectal cancer.Although the diagnosis depends on histological confirmation,the endoscopic presentation is almost diagnostic in many cases.In order to meet the patient's immediate needs for information,it is important that the endoscopist has knowledge about the investigations and treatment options that will be required for their patient.The aim of this paper is to describe the modern preoperative investigations and operative procedures commonly offered to rectal cancer patients taking into account perspectives of three colorectal surgeons,practicing in the USA,Europe and Asia.

Prognostic analysis of surgical treatment of peripheral cholangiocarcinoma: Two decades of experience at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

AIM: To analyze the prognostic factors influencing the overall survival of peripheral cholangiocarcinoma (PCC) patients undergoing surgical treatment during 25 years at a single institution. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed prospectively collecting data about 373 patients with historically proven PCC who underwent surgical treatment between 1977 and 2001. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventy-three PCC patients (159 men and 214 women) underwent surgical treatment from 1977 to 2001. Among them, 187 PCC patients underwent hepatectomy and 135 had curative resection (curative resectability rate: 36.2%). The follow-up duration ranged from 1.05 to 167.6 mo (mean/median = 14.1/7.2 mo). Overall cumulative survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 32.5%, 9.2%, and 4.1%, respectively. Univariate log-rank analysis identified the following as adverse influences on overall survival: presence of symptoms, absence of mucobilia, elevated CEA and CA 19-9 levels, non-papillary tumor type, receiving non-hepatectomy, advanced tumor staging, lack of post-operative chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Meanwhile, multivariate Cox's proportional hazard analysis demonstrated that absence of mucobilia, non-papillary tumor type, advanced tumor staging, non-hepatectomy, and lack of post-operative chemotherapy were the five independent prognostic factors that adversely affected overall survival. CONCLUSION: Favorable overall survival of PCC patients undergoing surgical treatment depends on early tumor stage, presence of mucobilia, papillary tumor type, hepatic resection, and post-operative chemotherapy.