Laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery for gastric tumors: Perspective for actual practice and oncological benefits

Laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery(LECS) is a surgical technique that combines laparoscopic partial gastrectomy and endoscopic submucosal dissection. LECS requires close collaboration between skilled laparoscopic surgeons and experienced endoscopists. For successful LECS, experience alone is not sufficient. Instead, familiarity with the characteristics of both laparoscopic surgery and endoscopic intervention is necessary to overcome various technical problems. LECS was developed mainly as a treatment for gastric submucosal tumors without epithelial lesions, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs). Local gastric wall dissection without lymphadenectomy is adequate for the treatment of gastric GISTs. Compared with conventional simple wedge resection with a linear stapler, LECS can provide both optimal surgical margins and oncological benefit that result in functional preservation of the residual stomach. As technical characteristics, however, classic LECS involves intentional opening of the gastric wall, resulting in a risk of tumor dissemination with contamination by gastric juice. Therefore, several modified LECS techniques have been developed to av-oid even subtle tumor exposure. Furthermore, LECS for early gastric cancer has been attempted according tothe concept of sentinel lymph node dissection. LECS is a prospective treatment for GISTs and might become a future therapeutic option even for early gastric cancer. Interventional endoscopists and laparoscopic surgeons collaboratively explore curative resection. Simultaneous intraluminal approach with endoscopy allows surgeons to optimizes the resection area. LECS, not simple wedge resection, achieves minimally invasive treatment and allows for oncologically precise resection. We herein present detailed tips and pitfalls of LECS and discuss various technical considerations.

Day-of-surgery rejection of donors in living donor liver transplantation

AIM: To study diagnostic laparoscopy as a tool for excluding donors on the day of surgery in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).METHODS: This study analyzed prospectively collected data from all potential donors for LDLT. All of the donors were subjected to a three-step donor evaluation protocol at our institution. Step one consisted of a clinical and social evaluation, including a liver profile, hepatitis markers, a renal profile, a complete blood count, and an abdominal ultrasound with Doppler. Step two involved tests to exclude liver diseases and to evaluate the donor’s serological status. This step also included a radiological evaluation of the biliary anatomy and liver vascular anatomy using magnetic resonance cholan-giopanc reatography and a computed tomography (CT) angiogram, respectively. A CT volumetric study was used to calculate the volume of the liver parenchyma. Step three included an ultrasound-guided liver biopsy. Between November 2002 and May 2009, sixty-nine potential living donors were assessed by open exploration prior to harvesting the planned part of the liver. Between the end of May 2009 and October 2010, 30 potential living donors were assessed laparoscopically to determine whether to proceed with the abdominal incision to harvest part of the liver for donation. RESULTS: Ninety-nine living donor liver transplants were attempted at our center between November 2002 and October 2010. Twelve of these procedures were aborted on the day of surgery (12.1%) due to donor findings, and eighty-seven were completed (87.9%). These 87 liver transplants were divided into the following groups: Group A, which included 65 transplants that were performed between November 2002 and May 2009, and Group B, which included 22 transplants that were performed between the end of May 2009 and October 2010. The demographic data for the two groups of donors were found to match; moreover, no significant difference was observed between the two groups of donors with respect to hospital stay, nar-cotic and non-narcotic analgesia requirements or the incidence of complications. Regarding the recipients, our study clearly revealed that there was no significant difference in either the incidence of different complications or the incidence of retransplantation between the two groups. Day-of-surgery donor assessment for LDLT procedures at our center has passed through two eras,open and laparoscopic. In the first era, sixty-nine LDLT procedures were attempted between November 2002 and May 2009. Upon open exploration of the donors on the day of surgery, sixty-five donors were found to have livers with a grossly normal appearance. Four donors out of 69 (5.7%) were rejected on the day of surgery because their livers were grossly fatty and pale. In the laparoscopic era, thirty LDLT procedures were attempted between the end of May 2009 and October 2010. After the laparoscopic assessment on the day of surgery, twenty-two transplantation procedures were completed (73.4%), and eight were aborted (26.6%). Our data showed that the levels of steatosis in the rejected donors were in the acceptable range. Moreover, the results of the liver biopsies of rejected donors were comparable between the group A and group B donors. The laparoscopic assessment of donors presents many advantages relative to the assessment of donors through open exploration; in particular, the laparo-scopic assessment causes less pain, requires a shorter hospital stay and leads to far superior cosmetic results. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic assessment of donors in LDLT is a safe and acceptable procedure that avoids unnecessary large abdominal incisions and increases the chance of achieving donor safety.

Cholangiocarcinoma after flow diversion surgery for congenital biliary dilatation: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Pancreaticobiliary maljunction(PBM)can be classified into two categories,PBM with congenital biliary dilatation(CBD)or PBM without biliary dilatation,and the management of PBM is often controversial.The treatment for PBM with CBD is prophylactic flow diversion surgery,and some authors have reported that the incidence of cancer after extrahepatic bile duct excision is less than 1%.A very rare case of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma 6 years after flow diversion surgery for PBM with CBD is reported.CASE SUMMARY A 30-year-old man was diagnosed as having PBM with CBD,Todani classification type IVA,because of abnormal liver enzyme profiles.He underwent flow diversion surgery and cholecystectomy,and the specimen showed adenocarcinoma foci,pT1,pStage IA.Five and a half years passed without any recurrence of bile duct cancer.However,6 years after his operation,computed tomography showed a gradually growing nodule in the bile duct.Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography showed high uptake,and magnetic resonance imaging showed restricted diffusion signals.On double balloon enteroscopy,the nodule at the posterior bile duct-jejunum anastomosis was directly visualized,and its biopsy specimen showed adenocarcinoma.The patient underwent right lobectomy and biliary reconstruction.The pathological diagnosis was intraductal papillary neoplasm with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia,pTis,pN0,pStage 0.The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful,and he has had no recurrence up to the present time.CONCLUSION This case suggests the necessity of careful observation after flow diversion surgery,especially when PBM with CBD is detected in adulthood.

Human leukocyte antigen compatibility and incidence of donorspecific antibodies in pediatric liver transplant recipients

BACKGROUND Antibody-mediated rejection following liver transplantation(LT)has been increasingly recognized,particularly with respect to the emergence of de novo donor-specific antibodies(DSAs)and their impact on graft longevity.While substantial evidence for adult populations exists,research focusing on pediatric LT outcomes remains limited.AIM To investigate the prevalence of human leukocyte antigen(HLA)mismatches and DSA and evaluate their association with rejection episodes after pediatric LT.METHODS A cohort of pediatric LT recipients underwent HLA testing at Santa Casa de Porto Alegre,Brazil,between December 2013 and December 2023.Only patients who survived for>30 days after LT with at least one DSA analysis were included.DSA classes I and II and cross-matches were analyzed.The presence of de novo DSA(dnDSA)was evaluated at least 3 months after LT using the Luminex®single antigen bead method,with a positive reaction threshold set at 1000 MFI.Rejection episodes were confirmed by liver biopsy.RESULTS Overall,67 transplanted children were analyzed;61 received grafts from living donors,85%of whom were related to recipients.Pre-transplant DSA(class I or II)was detected in 28.3%of patients,and dnDSA was detected in 48.4%.The median time to DSA detection after LT was 19.7[interquartile range(IQR):4.3-35.6]months.Biopsyproven rejection occurred in 13 patients at follow-up,with C4d positivity observed in 5/13 Liver biopsies.The median time to rejection was 7.8(IQR:5.7-12.8)months.The presence of dnDSA was significantly associated with rejection(36%vs 3%,P<0.001).The rejection-free survival rates at 12 and 24 months were 76%vs 100%and 58%vs 95%for patients with dnDSA anti-DQ vs those without,respectively.CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating DSA assessment into pre-and post-transplantation protocols for pediatric LT recipients.Future implications may include immunosuppression minimization strategies based on this analysis in pediatric LT recipients.

TRIANGLE operation,combined with adequate adjuvant chemotherapy,can improve the prognosis of pancreatic head cancer:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND The TRIANGLE operation involves the removal of all tissues within the triangle bounded by the portal vein-superior mesenteric vein,celiac axis-common hepatic artery,and superior mesenteric artery to improve patient prognosis.Although previously promising in patients with locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC),data are limited regarding the long-term oncological outcomes of the TRIANGLE operation among resectable PDAC patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD).AIM To evaluate the safety of the TRIANGLE operation during PD and the prognosis in patients with resectable PDAC.METHODS This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent PD for pancreatic head cancer between January 2017 and April 2023,with or without the TRIANGLE operation.Patients were divided into the PD_(TRIANGLE)and PD_(non-TRIANGLE)groups.Surgical and survival outcomes were compared between the two groups.Adequate adjuvant chemotherapy was defined as adjuvant chemotherapy≥6 months.RESULTS The PD_(TRIANGLE)and PD_(non-TRIANGLE) groups included 52 and 55 patients,respectively.There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics or perioperative indexes between the two groups.Furthermore,the recurrence rate was lower in the PD_(TRIANGLE) group than in the PD_(non-TRIANGLE) group(48.1%vs 81.8%,P<0.001),and the local recurrence rate of PDAC decreased from 37.8%to 16.0%.Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that PD_(TRIANGLE)(HR=0.424;95%CI:0.256-0.702;P=0.001),adequate adjuvant chemotherapy≥6 months(HR=0.370;95%CI:0.222-0.618;P<0.001)and margin status(HR=2.255;95%CI:1.252-4.064;P=0.007)were found to be independent factors for the recurrence rate.CONCLUSION The TRIANGLE operation is safe for PDAC patients undergoing PD.Moreover,it reduces the local recurrence rate of PDAC and may improve survival in patients who receive adequate adjuvant chemotherapy.

Primary liver transplantation vs transplant after Kasai portoenterostomy in children with biliary atresia: A retrospective Brazilian single-center cohort

BACKGROUND Biliary atresia(BA)is the most common indication for pediatric liver transplantation,although portoenterostomy is usually performed first.However,due to the high failure rate of portoenterostomy,liver transplantation has been advocated as the primary procedure for patients with BA.It is still unclear if a previous portoenterostomy has a negative impact on liver transplantation outcomes.AIM To investigate the effect of prior portoenterostomy in infants un-dergoing liver transplantation for BA.METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of 42 pediatric patients with BA who underwent primary liver transplantation from 2013 to 2023 at a single tertiary center in Brazil.Patients with BA were divided into two groups:Those undergoing primary liver transplantation without portoenterostomy and those undergoing liver transplantation with prior portoenterostomy.Continuous variables were compared using the Student’s t-test or the Kruskal-Wallis test,and categorical variables were compared using theχ2 or Fisher’s exact test,as appropriate.Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors for portal vein thrombosis.Patient and graft survival analyses were conducted with the Kaplan–Meier product-limit estimator,and patient subgroups were compared using the two-sided log-rank test.RESULTS Forty-two patients were included in the study(25[60%]girls),23 undergoing liver transplantation without prior portoenterostomy,and 19 undergoing liver transplantation with prior portoenterostomy.Patients with prior portoenterostomy were older(12 vs 8 months;P=0.02)at the time of liver transplantation and had lower Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease scores(13.2 vs 21.4;P=0.01).The majority of the patients(35/42,83%)underwent livingdonor liver transplantation.The group of patients without prior portoenterostomy appeared to have a higher incidence of portal vein thrombosis(39 vs 11%),but this result did not reach statistical significance.Prior portoenterostomy was not a protective factor against portal vein thrombosis in the multivariable analysis after adjusting for age at liver transplantation,graft-to-recipient weight ratio,and use of vascular grafts.Finally,the groups did not significantly differ in terms of post-transplant survival.CONCLUSION In our study,prior portoenterostomy did not significantly affect the outcomes of liver transplantation.

Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma accompanied by portal vein tumor thrombus

The prognosis of patients with hepatocellular cardnorna （HCC） accompanied by portal vein tumor thrombus （PVTT） is generally poor if leo untreated： a median survival time of 2.7-4.0 mo has been reported. Furthermore, while transcatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE） has been shown to be safe in selected patients, the median survival time with this treatment is still only 3.8-9.5 mo. Systemic single-agent chemotherapy for HCC with PVTT has failed to improve the prognosis, and the response rates have been less than 20%. While regional chemotherapy with low-dose cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil or interferon and 5-fluorouracil via hepatic arterial infusion has increased the response rate, the median survival time has not exceeded 12 （range 4.5-11.8） mo. Combined treatment consisting of radiation for PVTT and TACE for liver tumor has achieved a high response rate, but the median survival rates have still been only 3.8-10.7 mo. With hepatic resection as monotherapy, the 5-year survival rate and median survival time were reportedly 4%-28.5% and 6-14 mo. The most promising results were reported for combined treatments consisting of hepatectomy and TACE, chemotherapy, or internal radiation. The reported 5-year survival rates and median survival times were 42% and 31 mo for TACE followed by hepatectomy; 36.3% and 22.1 mo for hepatectomy followed by hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy; and 56% for chemotherapy or internal radiation followed by hepatectomy.

Preoperative biliary drainage in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma undergoing major hepatectomy

AIM:To investigate the effect of preoperative biliary drainage(PBD)in jaundiced patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma(HCCA)undergoing major liver resections.METHODS:An observational study was carried out by reviewing a prospectively maintained database of HCCA patients who underwent major liver resection for curative therapy from January 2002 to December 2012.Patients were divided into two groups based on whether PBD was performed:a drained group and an undrained group.Patient baseline characteristics,preoperative factors,perioperative and short-term postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.Risk factors for postoperative complications were also analyzed by logistic regression test with calculating OR and 95%CI.RESULTS:In total,78 jaundiced patients with HCCA underwent major liver resection:32 had PBD prior to operation while 46 did not have PBD.The two groups were comparable with respect to age,sex,body mass index and co-morbidities.Furthermore,there was no significant difference in the total bilirubin(TBIL)levels between the drained group and the undrained group at admission(294.2±135.7 vs 254.0±63.5,P=0.126).PBD significantly improved liver function,reducing not only the bilirubin levels but also other liver enzymes.The preoperative TBIL level was significantly lower in the drained group as compared to the undrained group(108.1±60.6 vs 265.7±69.1,P=0.000).The rate of overall postoperative complications(53.1%vs 58.7%,P=0.626),reoperation rate(6.3%vs 6.5%,P=1.000),postoperative hospital stay(16.5 vs 15.0,P=0.221)and mortality(9.4%vs 4.3%,P=0.673)were similar between the two groups.In addition,there was no significant difference in infectious complications(40.6%vs 23.9%,P=0.116)and noninfectious complications(31.3%vs 47.8%,P=0.143)between the two groups.Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that preoperative TBIL>170μmol/L(OR=13.690,95%CI:1.275-147.028,P=0.031),Bismuth-Corlette classification(OR=0.013,95%CI:0.001-0.166,P=0.001)and extended liver resection(OR=14.010,95%CI:1.130-173.646,P=0.040)were independent risk factors for postoperative complications.CONCLUSION:Overall postoperative morbidity and mortality rates after major liver resection are not improved by PBD in HCCA patients with jaundice.Preoperative TBIL>170μmol/L,Bismuth-Corlette classification and extended liver resection are independent risk factors linked to postoperative complications.

Management of hepatitis B virus infection during treatment for hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Although liver resection is considered the most effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), treatment outcomes are unsatisfactory because of the high rate of HCC recurrence. Since we reported hepatitis B e-antigen positivity and high serum hepatitis B virus(HBV) DNA concentrations are strong risk factors for HCC recurrence after curative resection of HBV-related HCC in the early 2000 s, many investigators have demonstrated the effects of viral status on HCC recurrence and post-treatment outcomes. These findings suggest controlling viral status is important to prevent HCC recurrence and improve survival after curative treatment for HBV-related HCC. Antiviral therapy after curative treatment aims to improve prognosis by preventing HCC recurrence and maintaining liver function. Therapy with interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogs may be useful for preventing HCC recurrence and improving overall survival in patients who have undergone curative resection for HBV-related HCC. In addition, reactivation of viral replication can occur after liver resection for HBV-related HCC. Antiviral therapy can be recommended for patients to prevent HBV reactivation. Nevertheless, further studies are required to establish treatment guidelines for patients with HBVrelated HCC.

Roux-en-Y versus BillrothⅠreconstruction after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer:A meta-analysis

AIM: To conduct a meta-analysis to compare Roux-en-Y (R-Y) gastrojejunostomy with gastroduodenal Billroth?I?(B-I) anastomosis after distal gastrectomy (DG) for gastric cancer.METHODS: A literature search was performed to identify studies comparing R-Y with B-I?after DG for gastric cancer from January 1990 to November 2012 in Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in The Cochrane Library. Pooled odds ratios (OR) or weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95%CI were calculated using either ?xed or random effects model. Operative outcomes such as operation time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative outcomes such as anastomotic leakage and stricture, bile re?ux, remnant gastritis, re?ux esophagitis, dumping symptoms, delayed gastric emptying and hospital stay were the main outcomes assessed. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.0 software (Cochrane library).RESULTS: Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 9 non-randomized observational clinical studies (OCS) involving 478 and 1402 patients respectively were included. Meta-analysis of RCTs revealed that R-Y reconstruction was associated with a reduced bile re?ux (OR 0.04, 95%CI: 0.01, 0.14; P < 0.00?001) and remnant gastritis (OR 0.43, 95%CI: 0.28, 0.66; P = 0.0001), however needing a longer operation time (WMD 40.02, 95%CI: 13.93, 66.11; P = 0.003). Meta-analysis of OCS also revealed R-Y reconstruction had a lower incidence of bile re?ux (OR 0.21, 95%CI: 0.08, 0.54; P = 0.001), remnant gastritis (OR 0.18, 95%CI: 0.11, 0.29; P < 0.00?001) and re?ux esophagitis (OR 0.48, 95%CI: 0.26, 0.89; P = 0.02). However, this reconstruction method was found to be associated with a longer operation time (WMD 31.30, 95%CI: 12.99, 49.60; P = 0.0008).CONCLUSION: This systematic review point towards some clinical advantages that are rendered by R-Y compared to B-I?reconstruction post DG. However there is a need for further adequately powered, well-designed RCTs comparing the same.

Comprehensive and innovative techniques for laparoscopic choledocholithotomy:A surgical guide to successfully accomplish this advanced manipulation

Surgeries for benign diseases of the extrahepatic bile duct(EHBD) are classified as lithotomy(i.e., choledocholithotomy) or diversion(i.e.,choledochojejunostomy). Because of technical challenges, laparoscopic approaches for these surgeries have not gained worldwide popularity. The right upper quadrant of the abdomen is advantageous for laparoscopic procedures,and laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy is safe and feasible. Herein, we summarize tips and pitfalls in the actual procedures of choledocholithotomy.Laparoscopic choledocholithotomy with primary closure of the transductal incision and transcystic C-tube drainage has excellent clinical outcomes;however, emergent biliary drainage without endoscopic sphincterotomy and preoperative removal of anesthetic risk factors are required. Elastic suture should never be ligated directly on the cystic duct. Interrupted suture placement is the first choice for hemostasis near the EHBD. To prevent progressive laceration of the EHBD, full-layer interrupted sutures are placed at the upper and lower edges of the transductal incision. Cholangioscopy has only two-way operation; using dedicated forceps to atraumatically grasp the cholangioscope is important for smart maneuvering. The duration of intraoperative stone clearance accounts for most of the operative time. Moreover, dedicated forceps are an important instrument for atraumatic grasping of the cholangioscope. Damage to the cholangioscope requires expensive repair. Laparoscopic approach for choledocholithotomy involves technical difficulties. I hope this document with the visual explanation and literature review will be informative for skillful surgeons.

Meta-analysis of laparoscopic vs open liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To conduct a meta-analysis to determine the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic liver resection(LLR) and open liver resection(OLR) for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS:PubMed(Medline),EMBASE and Science Citation Index Expanded and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library were searched systematically to identify relevant comparative studies reporting outcomes for both LLR and OLR for HCC between January 1992 and February 2012.Two authors independently assessed the trials for inclusion and extracted the data.Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager Version 5.0 software(The Cochrane Collaboration,Oxford,United Kingdom).Pooled odds ratios(OR) or weighted mean differences(WMD) with 95%CI were calculated using either fixed effects(Mantel-Haenszel method) or random effects models(DerSimonian and Laird method).Evaluated endpoints were operative outcomes(operation time,intraoperative blood loss,blood transfusion requirement),postoperative outcomes(liver failure,cirrhotic decompensation/ascites,bile leakage,postoperative bleeding,pulmonary complications,intraabdominal abscess,mortality,hospital stay and oncologic outcomes(positive resection margins and tumor recurrence).RESULTS:Fifteen eligible non-randomized studies were identified,out of which,9 high-quality studies involving 550 patients were included,with 234 patients in the LLR group and 316 patients in the OLR group.LLR was associated with significantly lower intraoperative blood loss,based on six studies with 333 patients [WMD:-129.48 mL;95%CI:-224.76-(-34.21) mL;P = 0.008].Seven studies involving 416 patients were included to assess blood transfusion requirement between the two groups.The LLR group had lower blood transfusion requirement(OR:0.49;95%CI:0.26-0.91;P = 0.02).While analyzing hospital stay,six studies with 333 patients were included.Patients in the LLR group were found to have shorter hospital stay [WMD:-3.19 d;95%CI:-4.09-(-2.28) d;P < 0.00001] than their OLR counterpart.Seven studies including 416 patients were pooled together to estimate the odds of developing postoperative ascites in the patient groups.The LLR group appeared to have a lower incidence of postoperative ascites(OR:0.32;95%CI:0.16-0.61;P = 0.0006) as compared with OLR patients.Similarly,fewer patients had liver failure in the LLR group than in the OLR group(OR:0.15;95%CI:0.02-0.95;P =0.04).However,no significant differences were found between the two approaches with regards to operation time [WMD:4.69 min;95%CI:-22.62-32 min;P = 0.74],bile leakage(OR:0.55;95%CI:0.10-3.12;P = 0.50),postoperative bleeding(OR:0.54;95%CI:0.20-1.45;P = 0.22),pulmonary complications(OR:0.43;95%CI:0.18-1.04;P = 0.06),intra-abdominal abscesses(OR:0.21;95%CI:0.01-4.53;P = 0.32),mortality(OR:0.46;95%CI:0.14-1.51;P = 0.20),presence of positive resection margins(OR:0.59;95%CI:0.21-1.62;P = 0.31) and tumor recurrence(OR:0.95;95%CI:0.62-1.46;P = 0.81).CONCLUSION:LLR appears to be a safe and feasible option for resection of HCC in selected patients based on current evidence.However,further appropriately designed randomized controlled trials should be undertaken to ascertain these findings.

Laparoscopic vs open total gastrectomy for gastric cancer:A meta-analysis

AIM:To conduct a meta-analysis comparing laparoscopic total gastrectomy(LTG)with open total gastrectomy(OTG)for the treatment of gastric cancer.METHODS:Major databases such as Medline(PubMed),Embase,Academic Search Premier(EBSCO),Science Citation Index Expanded and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials(CENTRAL)in The Cochrane Library were searched for studies comparing LTG and OTG from January 1994 to May 2013.Evaluated endpoints were operative,postoperative and oncological outcomes.Operative outcomes included operative time and intraoperative blood loss.Postoperative recovery included time to first fatus,time to first oral intake,hospital stay and analgesics use.Postoperative complications comprised morbidity,anastomotic leakage,anastomotic stenosis,ileus,bleeding,abdominal abscess,wound problems and mortality.Oncological outcomes included positive resection margins,number of retrieved lymph nodes,and proximal and distal resection margins.The pooled effect was calculated using either a fixed effects or a random effects model.RESULTS:Fifteen non-randomized comparative studies with 2022 patients were included(LTG-811,OTG-1211).Both groups had similar short-term oncological outcomes,analgesic use(WMD-0.09;95%CI:-2.39-2.20;P=0.94)and mortality(OR=0.74;95%CI:0.24-2.31;P=0.61).However,LTG was associated with a lower intraoperative blood loss(WMD-201.19 mL;95%CI:-296.50--105.87 mL;P<0.0001)and overall complication rate(OR=0.73;95%CI:0.57-0.92;P=0.009);fewer wound-related complications(OR=0.39;95%CI:0.21-0.72;P=0.002);a quicker recovery of gastrointestinal motility with shorter time to frst fatus(WMD-0.82;95%CI:-1.18--0.45;P<0.0001)and oral intake(WMD-1.30;95%CI:-1.84--0.75;P<0.00001);and a shorter hospital stay(WMD-3.55;95%CI:-5.13--1.96;P<0.0001),albeit with a longer operation time(WMD 48.25 min;95%CI:31.15-65.35;P<0.00001),as compared with OTG.CONCLUSION:LTG is safe and effective,and may offer some advantages over OTG in the treatment of gastric cancer.

Surgical strategy for bile duct cancer:Advances and current limitations

The aim of this review is to describe recent advances and topics in the surgical management of bile duct cancer.Radical resection with a microscopically negative margin(R0)is the only way to cure cholangiocarcinoma and is associated with marked survival advantages compared to margin-positive resections.Complete resection of the tumor is the surgeon’s ultimate aim,and several advances in the surgical treatment for bile duct cancer have been made within the last two decades.Multidetector row computed tomography has emerged as an indispensable diagnostic modality for the precise preoperative evaluation of bile duct cancer,in terms of both longitudinal and vertical tumor invasion.Many meticulous operative procedures have been established,especially extended hepatectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma,to achieve a negative resection margin,which is the only prognostic factor under the control of the surgeon.A complete caudate lobectomy and resection of the inferior part of Couinaud’s segmentⅣcoupled with right or left hemihepatectomy has become the standard surgical procedure for hilar cholangiocarcinoma,and pyloruspreserving pancreaticoduodenectomy is the first choice for distal bile duct cancer.Limited resection for middle bile duct cancer is indicated for only strictly selected cases.Preoperative treatments including biliary drainage and portal vein embolization are also indicated for only selected patients,especially jaundiced patients anticipating major hepatectomy.Liver transplantation seems ideal for complete resection of bile duct cancer,but the high recurrence rate and decreased patient survival after liver transplant preclude it from being considered standard treatment.Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy have a potentially crucial role in prolonging survival and controlling local recurrence,but no definite regimen has been established to date.Further evidence is needed to fully define the role of liver transplantation and adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy.

Surgical vs percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma in dangerous locations

AIM:To compare the long-term outcome of percutaneous vs surgical radiofrequency ablation(RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in dangerous locations.METHODS:One hundred and sixty-two patients with HCC in dangerous locations treated with percutaneous or surgical RFA were enrolled in this study.The patients were divided into percutaneous RFA group and surgical RFA group.After the patients were regularly followed up for a long time,their curative rate,hospital stay time,postoperative complications and 5-year local tumor progression were compared and analyzed.RESULTS:No significant difference was observed in curative rate between the two groups(91.3% vs 96.8%,P = 0.841).The hospital stay time was longer and more analgesics were required while the incidence of bile duct injury and RFA-related hemorrhage was lower in surgical RFA group than in percutaneous RFA group(P < 0.05).The local progression rate of HCC in dangerous locations was significantly lower in surgical RFA group than in percutaneous RFA group(P = 0.05).The relative risk of local tumor progression was 14.315 in percutaneous RFA group.CONCLUSION:The incidence of severe postoperative complications and local tumor progression is lower after surgical RFA than after percutaneous RFA.

Successful liver resection in a giant hemangioma with intestinal obstruction after embolization

Hepatic hemangiomas are the most common benign tumor of the liver.Most hepatic hemangiomas remain asymptomatic and require no treatment.Giant hepatic hemangiomas with established complications,diagnostic uncertainty and incapacitating symptoms,however,are generally considered an absolute indication for surgical resection.We present a case of a giant hemangioma with intestinal obstruction following transcatheter arterial embolization,by which the volume of the hemangioma was significantly reduced,and it was completely resected by a left hepatectomy.A 21-yearold Asian man visited our hospital for left upper quadrant pain.Examinations at the first visit revealed a left liver hemangioma occupying the abdominal cavity,with a maximum diameter of 31.5 cm.Embolization of the left hepatic artery was performed and confirmed a decrease in its size.However,the patient was readmitted to our hospital one month after embolization for intestinal obstruction.A left hepatectomy was completed through a herringbone incision,and safely removed a giant hemangioma of 26.5 cm × 19.5 cm × 12.0 cm in size and 3690 g in weight.Pre-operative arterial embolization is effective for reducing tumor size,but a close follow-up to decide the time for hepatectomy is important.

Prediction of the severity of acute pancreatitis on admission by urinary trypsinogen activation peptide: A meta-analysis

AIM: To undertake a meta-analysis on the value of urinary trypsinogen activation peptide (uTAP) in predicting severity of acute pancreatitis on admission.METHODS: Major databases including Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library were searched to identify all relevant studies from January 1990 to January 2013. Pooled sensitivity, specificity and the diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) with 95%CI were calculated for each study and were compared to other systems/biomarkers if mentioned within the same study. Summary receiver-operating curves were conducted and the area under the curve (AUC) was evaluated.RESULTS: In total, six studies of uTAP with a cut-off value of 35 nmol/L were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of uTAP for predicting severity of acute pancreatitis, at time of admission, was 71% and 75%, respectively (AUC = 0.83, DOR = 8.67, 95%CI: 3.70-20.33). When uTAP was compared with plasma C-reactive protein, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, AUC and DOR were 0.64 vs 0.67, 0.77 vs 0.75, 0.82 vs 0.79 and 6.27 vs 6.32, respectively. Similarly, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, AUC and DOR of uTAP vs Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II within the first 48 h of admission were found to be 0.64 vs 0.69, 0.77 vs 0.61, 0.82 vs 0.73 and 6.27 vs 4.61, respectively.CONCLUSION: uTAP has the potential to act as a stratification marker on admission for differentiating disease severity of acute pancreatitis.

Transforming growth factor-β and peripheral regulatory cells are negatively correlated with the overall survival of hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM To understand the cellular and molecular changes inperipheral blood that can lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and provide new methods for its diagnosis and treatment.METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from the peripheral blood of HCC patients and normal controls and then analyzed by flow cytometry. The percentage of transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)+ regulatory cells(Tregs) in the peripheral blood was measured, and the expression of TGF-β was also determined. Then, the relationship between the changes and the 5-year survival of patients was analyzed. In addition, recombinant human TGF-β(rh TGF-β) and recombinant human interleukin-6 were added to stimulate the cultured cells, and their effects on HCC were evaluated.RESULTS The expression of TGF-β and the percentage of TGF-β+ Tregs in the peripheral blood of HCC patients increased significantly compared with normal controls. Compared with the low TGF-β expression group, the high TGF-β expression group had a significantly lower 5-year survival rate, and the same result was found in the two TGF-β+ Treg groups, suggesting that TGF-β and TGF-β+ Tregs were negatively correlated with the overall survival of the patients. In addition, rh TGF-β promoted the growth of tumor cells and induced high expression levels of IL-6, which further promoted tumor proliferation.CONCLUSION The results showed that TGF-β may promote tumor growth and proliferation by inducing the production of IL-6, and TGF-β and TGF-β+ Tregs may serve as new markers for predicting a poor prognosis in HCC.

Transvaginal cholecystectomy vs conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder disease:A meta-analysis

AIM:To compare the results of transvaginal cholecystectomy(TVC) and conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy(CLC) for gallbladder disease.METHODS:We performed a literature search of Pub Med,EMBASE,Ovid,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Google Scholar,Meta Register of Controlled Trials,Chinese Medical Journal database and Wanfang Data for trials comparing outcomes between TVC and CLC.Data were extracted by two authors.Mean difference (MD), standardized mean difference(SMD),odds ratios and risk rate with 95%CIs were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models.Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated with the χ2 test.The fixed-effects model was used in the absence of statistically significant heterogeneity.The randomeffects model was chosen when heterogeneity was found.RESULTS:There were 730 patients in nine controlled clinical trials.No significant difference was found regarding demographic characteristics(P > 0.5),including anesthetic risk score,age,body mass index,and abdominal surgical history between the TVC and CLC groups.Both groups had similar mortality,morbidity,and return to work after surgery.Patients in the TVC group had a lower pain score on postoperative day 1(SMD:-0.957,95%CI:-1.488 to-0.426,P < 0.001),needed less postoperative analgesic medication(SMD:-0.574,95%CI:-0.807 to-0.341,P < 0.001) and stayed for a shorter time in hospital(MD:-1.004 d,95%CI:-1.779 to 0.228,P = 0.011),but had longer operative time(MD:17.307 min,95%CI:6.789 to 27.826,P = 0.001).TVC had no significant influence on postoperative sexual function and quality of life.Better cosmetic results and satisfaction were achieved in the TVC group.CONCLUSION:TVC is safe and effective for gallbladder disease.However,vaginal injury might occur,and further trials are needed to compare TVC with CLC.

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 deficiency prevents development of acute pancreatitis by attenuating leukocyte infiltration

BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis(AP) is rapid-onset pancreatic inflammation that causes local and systemic inflammatory response syndrome(SIRS) with high morbidity and mortality, but no approved therapies are currently available. P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1(PSGL-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein to initiate inflammatory responses. We hypothesized that PSGL-1 may be involved in the development of AP and would be a new target for the treatment of AP.AIM To investigate the role and mechanism of PSGL-1 in the development of AP.METHODS The PSGL-1 expression on leukocytes was detected in peripheral blood of AP patients and volunteers. Pancreatic injury, inflammatory cytokines expression, and inflammatory cell infiltration was measured in AP mouse models induced with PSGL-1 knockout(PSGL-1-/-) and wild-type(PSGL-1+/+) mice. Leukocyteendothelial cell adhesion was measured in a peripheral blood mononuclear cell(PBMC)-endothelial cell coculture system.RESULTS The expression of PSGL-1 on monocytes and neutrophils was significantly increased in AP patients. Compared with PSGL-1+/+ mice, PSGL-1-/-AP mice induced by caerulein exhibited lower serum amylase, less Interleukin-1 beta(IL-1 beta) and Interleukin-6(IL-6) expression, less neutrophil and macrophage infiltration, and reduced peripheral neutrophil and monocyte accounts. PSGL-1 deficiency alleviated leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion via IL-6 but not IL-1 beta.CONCLUSION PSGL-1 deficiency effectively inhibits the development of AP by preventing leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion via IL-6 stimulation and may become a potential therapeutic target for treating AP.