Mitsugi Shimoda
Dokkyo Medical University, Second Department of Surgery, Faculty Member
Research Interests:
Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after surgery is frequent, and is an important factor adversely influencing the long-term survival of patients. This prospective study evaluated whether adjuvant chemotherapy with oral... more
Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after surgery is frequent, and is an important factor adversely influencing the long-term survival of patients. This prospective study evaluated whether adjuvant chemotherapy with oral tegafur/uracil (UFT) reduces the recurrence rate of HCC. In addition, expression of thymidylate synthase (TS) and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) were investigated in resected tumors and nontumorous tissues, and the relationship between their expression and the effectiveness of UFT was examined. A total of 117 patients who underwent curative hepatic resection for HCC were randomly allocated to UFT 400 mg/d (n = 24, UFT group) or surgery alone (n = 56, control group). The primary endpoint was the recurrence-free survival rate, and the secondary endpoint was the overall survival rate. Expression of the DPD and TS genes were quantified with TaqMan reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay using β-actin as an internal standard. The cut-off val...
The extraction of a liver from CT images is es-sential for oncologic surgery planning. This article presents an accurate and automatic approach to extract a liver from CT images. Our algorithm exploits three types of liver structure... more
The extraction of a liver from CT images is es-sential for oncologic surgery planning. This article presents an accurate and automatic approach to extract a liver from CT images. Our algorithm exploits three types of liver structure models: intensity model, shape model, and blood vessel model. First, the region including the liver is roughly extracted based on intensity histogram analysis. Second, the extracted regions are segmented using a shape feature called â ˘ AIJlocal thicknessâ ˘ A ˙ I based on the observation that the liver is thicker than other organs. Finally, the segmented regions including blood vessels in the liver are merged into a single liver region. Experimental results show that the average error of the volume extraction is 61.25 cc, and this result is much superior to the conventional one.
This article presents an automatic approach to estimate optimal resected-liver regions for oncologic surgery planning. Usually, resected liver regions are determined by selecting cut points on the portal vessels on 3D simulation software.... more
This article presents an automatic approach to estimate optimal resected-liver regions for oncologic surgery planning. Usually, resected liver regions are determined by selecting cut points on the portal vessels on 3D simulation software. Since the liver has complex vessel structure, it is difficult for human to find optimal resected liver regions. To solve this problem, a tumor domination ratio is proposed to find all portal vessels related to tumors. The tumor domination ratio allows us to compute the ideal resected region, that is, all the perfusion territories related to the tumor. Moreover, some types of conditions such as the size of vessels are considered for practical surgical use. The experimental results demonstrate that the resected liver regions of the proposed approach are much smaller than those of the conventional approach in most cases.
We investigated, for the first time, the protective effect of erythropoietin (EPO) against liver ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury in a pig model. Partial hepatic ischemia was maintained for 60 min in a pig. Pigs were allocated to 4... more
We investigated, for the first time, the protective effect of erythropoietin (EPO) against liver ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury in a pig model. Partial hepatic ischemia was maintained for 60 min in a pig. Pigs were allocated to 4 groups (n=5 each): (1) Control group with I-R injury (Vehicle); (2) EPO group with I-R injury, given three injections of EPO at 5000 IU/kg (EPO5000x3); (3) EPO group with I-R injury, given a single injection of EPO at 5000 IU/kg (EPO5000x1); and (4) EPO group with I-R injury, given three injections of EPO at 500 IU/kg (EPO500x3). Liver function tests (AST, ALT, LDH), and TUNEL assay were performed. Three hours after I-R injury, AST levels in the Vehicle, EPO5000x3, EPO5000x1, and EPO500 x3 groups were 1494.2 +/- 711.3 U/L, 307.3 +/- 127.6 UL, 296.5 +/- 9.2 U/L, and 474.6 +/- 242.0 UL, respectively (one-factor ANOVA, p = 0.020). At 3h the ALT and LDH levels in the Vehicle group were significantly higher than those in the EPO5000x3 and EPO5000x1 groups. Ap...
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A 54-year-old man who had undergone Miles' operation for rectal cancer in 1999 was found to have four brain metastases, which were treated by partial resection and gamma knife therapy in February 2003. During follow-up, ultrasound... more
A 54-year-old man who had undergone Miles' operation for rectal cancer in 1999 was found to have four brain metastases, which were treated by partial resection and gamma knife therapy in February 2003. During follow-up, ultrasound (US) showed a hypoechoic lesion in the head of the pancreas, and computed tomography (CT) demonstrated low-density tumors in the pancreatic head and left adrenal gland. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography revealed severe stenosis of the main pancreatic duct, and endoscopic ultrasonography showed a hypoechoic lesion in the pancreas head. This patient was also found to have a coin lesion in the middle of the right lung by chest CT. All lesions were considered resectable. The patient underwent pancreato-duodenectomy and left adrenectomy. Histologically, these tumors were diagnosed as metastases from the rectal cancer. Although the patient's postoperative course was uneventful, CT showed multiple metastases in the both lungs. These were not resectabl...
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Randomized studies of adjuvant chemotherapy using gemcitabine suggest a survival benefit after resection of pancreatic cancer. S-1 has also been shown to prolong survival in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. This study... more
Randomized studies of adjuvant chemotherapy using gemcitabine suggest a survival benefit after resection of pancreatic cancer. S-1 has also been shown to prolong survival in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. This study compared the effects of adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 or gemcitabine after resection of pancreatic cancer in a randomized trial. Patients who had undergone resection of pancreatic cancer were registered in this randomized clinical trial. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS). Expression levels of thymidylate synthase (TS) and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) mRNAs in cancer tissues were measured as indicators of fluoropyrimidine sensitivity. Of 57 patients registered, 29 were allocated to the S-1 group and 28 to gemcitabine. DFS tended to be better with S-1 (median 14·6 (90 per cent c.i. 8·8 to 28·4) months versus 10·5 (7·0 to 28·4) months in the gemcitabine group; P = 0·188), with a similar pattern for overall survival: 21·5 (95 per c...
Surgical resection continues to be the current standard treatment for distal bile duct carcinoma (DBC), as no effective alternative treatment exists. However, even after resection, the long-term prognosis is poor. Simple biomarkers that... more
Surgical resection continues to be the current standard treatment for distal bile duct carcinoma (DBC), as no effective alternative treatment exists. However, even after resection, the long-term prognosis is poor. Simple biomarkers that can predict response or toxicity, and which are applicable to all community oncology settings worldwide, have not been identified. Differential white-cell counts, such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), as markers of inflammation, may be simple and readily available biomarkers. This study aimed to determine whether the NLR can be used as a predictor of surgical outcome in patients with DBC. We enrolled 91 DBC patients who had undergone pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) at a single institution between April 2000 and December 2013. Blood was sampled on admission for determination of NLR. An NLR of ≥5 was selected as the cut-off value for validation. Seventeen patients had an NLR of ≥5 (Group 1; 18.7%), while 74 had an NLR of <5 (Group 2; 81.3%). ...
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We report a case of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) that developed in a patient with primary sclerosing cholangitis. A 46-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with obstructive jaundice. The liver function... more
We report a case of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) that developed in a patient with primary sclerosing cholangitis. A 46-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with obstructive jaundice. The liver function tests demonstrated increased serum liver enzyme levels. Computed tomography showed dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a highly echoic protruding lesion in the posterior bile duct near the right lobe of the liver. The lesion was suspected to be IPNB, but we were unable to confirm whether it was a carcinoma. A right hepatectomy was performed, and this showed that the dilated bile duct was filled with mucin and contained several yellowish papillary tumors. Histologically, the neoplastic biliary epithelium showed papillary growth in the dilated lumen. The tumor was diagnosed as IPNB, high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia secreting abundant mucin. No recurrence has been detected 3 years after surgery.
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We evaluated the efficacy of TachoComb (TC) collagen fleece and Harmonic Focus (HF) shears in a pig liver resection model. Pigs were divided into 3 groups of 7, in which vessels were tied with silk and TC was applied to the cut surfaces... more
We evaluated the efficacy of TachoComb (TC) collagen fleece and Harmonic Focus (HF) shears in a pig liver resection model. Pigs were divided into 3 groups of 7, in which vessels were tied with silk and TC was applied to the cut surfaces (Silk+TC group), sealed and sheared with HF and TC (HF+TC group), or sealed using HF alone (HF-TC group). After 1 month, we conducted a histologic evaluation and recorded the incidence of bile leakage with infected collections at the liver cut surface. Six pigs were evaluated in each group. In the Silk+TC group, 4 of the 6 pigs had infected collections at the cut surface. Histologically, the silk had remained under the fibrotic tissue, which contained remnants of TC fragments. In the HF+TC group, 5 of the 6 pigs also had infected collections, and histologically, TC had remained in the hard fibrotic tissues. In the HF-TC group, none of the 6 pigs had infected collections, and the histologic findings were normal. Use of the HF alone may be an effective...
Research Interests: Surgery, Fibrinogen, Collagen, Animals, Male, and 4 moreBehavioral Animal Models, Clinical Sciences, Swine, and Bile
It is known that portal vein (PV) or superior mesenteric vein (SMV) is easily invaded by locally advanced pancreatic head cancer due to anatomical characteristics. Few studies have investigated the results of PD with PV or SMV resection... more
It is known that portal vein (PV) or superior mesenteric vein (SMV) is easily invaded by locally advanced pancreatic head cancer due to anatomical characteristics. Few studies have investigated the results of PD with PV or SMV resection (PVR) for pancreatic head cancer. We retrospectively reviewed a database of 83 patients who had undergone PD for pancreatic head cancer (PC). We divided them into two groups, a group with PD and PVR (PD +PVR G) and a group with PD and no PVR (PD -PVR G). The clinicopathological findings and mortality were analyzed. Twenty-nine of the 83 patients (34.9%) needed PD with PVR. Median survival and disease free survival were 20.4 months and 10.6 months, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rate was 8.1% in PD +PVR G and 7.4% in PD -PVR G, respectively. There was no difference between the two groups (p = 0.091, HR: 1.576; 95% CI: 0.9299-2.670). The 5-year disease free survival rate was 9.6% in PD +PVR G and 10.2% in PD -PVR G, respectively. Also, there...
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A 54-year-old man with chronic hepatitis C was admitted to our hospital because of a disturbance of consciousness and hyperammonemia. Abdominal angiography revealed a portosystemic shunt between the superior mesenteric vein and inferior... more
A 54-year-old man with chronic hepatitis C was admitted to our hospital because of a disturbance of consciousness and hyperammonemia. Abdominal angiography revealed a portosystemic shunt between the superior mesenteric vein and inferior vena cava. Endoscopic examination showed no varix. As interventional treatment was unsuccessful, surgical ligation of the shunt was performed. After surgery, portography revealed a huge shunt. Before ligation, the portal pressure, portal flow speed, and volume at the umbilical portion were 24 H(2)O. 5.6 cm/s and 203 ml/min, respectively. Finally the shunt was ligated. The portal flow speed and volume increased for 14 days following surgery and then stabilized. No varices were observed postoperatively. Doppler ultrasound, portography, and portal pressure monitoring can be used to reveal haemodynamic changes in the portal system and justify surgical ligation of portosystemic shunt.
Pancreatic fistula (PF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is still a severe complication and a challenging problem. The common risk factors are the soft pancreas and small pancreatic duct of the remnant pancreas. Those two risk factors... more
Pancreatic fistula (PF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is still a severe complication and a challenging problem. The common risk factors are the soft pancreas and small pancreatic duct of the remnant pancreas. Those two risk factors were recognized during surgery. On the other hand, a preoperatively determined risk factor of PF is unclarified. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 203 patients consecutively treated by PD from April 2000 to October 2010. PF was defined according to the criteria of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula. Clinical and pre- and intraoperative data were compared between PF and non-PF patients. The recommended cutoff value of body mass index (BMI) as 20 kg/m(2) was defined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. PF occurred in 53 (26.1%) of 203 patients. In univariate analysis, BMI and soft remnant pancreas were found to be risk factors of PF (P = 0.027, P = 0.005). In multivariate analysis, BMI and soft pancreas were also...
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Tumor thrombus in the portal vein is a common complication of hepatocellular carcinoma, but an extremely rare complication of common bile duct cancer. A 78-year-old woman was referred to our department because of jaundice. Laboratory data... more
Tumor thrombus in the portal vein is a common complication of hepatocellular carcinoma, but an extremely rare complication of common bile duct cancer. A 78-year-old woman was referred to our department because of jaundice. Laboratory data showed severe liver dysfunction with high serum levels of total bilirubin and CA19-9. Computed tomography showed lesions in the middle bile duct and main portal vein. FDG PET scan and 3D imaging showed hot spots in the same location as those revealed by CT. Under a diagnosis of middle bile duct cancer with portal vein tumor thrombus, the patient underwent surgery. At laparotomy, the main tumor was found to be located in the middle bile duct with a tumor thrombus, 2 cm in diameter, in the main portal vein. The patient underwent pancreatoduodenectomy with thrombectomy. Histological examination showed that this thrombus had the same histological features as those of the main bile duct cancer (poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma). The postoperative co...
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In the present study, we evaluated the safety and long-term outcome of liver resection for metastatic liver tumor in patients with liver dysfunction. Sixty-one patients, who underwent liver resection for metastatic liver tumor, were... more
In the present study, we evaluated the safety and long-term outcome of liver resection for metastatic liver tumor in patients with liver dysfunction. Sixty-one patients, who underwent liver resection for metastatic liver tumor, were retrospectively divided into two groups, based on the retention rate of indocyanine green at 15 minutes (ICGR15). Group 1: ICGR15 < 10% (n = 34), Group 2: ICG R15 > 10% (n = 27). Patient background, perioperative data (operation time, blood loss, duration of Pringle's maneuver, volume of resected liver), duration of postoperative hospital stay, and three-year survival rate were compared between the two groups. All data were expressed as median values. There were no differences in patient backgrounds between the two groups. No significant differences were observed betweens Group 1 and 2 for operation time (383.5 vs. 345.0 min), blood loss (390 vs. 296mL), duration of Pringle's maneuver (55 vs. 42 min), volume of resected liver (402.5 vs. 110...
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To investigate the safety and outcome of gastrectomy for patients with gastric cancer and non-uremic renal failure (NURF). One hundred forty-seven patients who underwent gastrectomy for carcinoma were retrospectively divided into two... more
To investigate the safety and outcome of gastrectomy for patients with gastric cancer and non-uremic renal failure (NURF). One hundred forty-seven patients who underwent gastrectomy for carcinoma were retrospectively divided into two groups: a group with Ccr values of > or = 50 mL/min (Group 1; n = 110), and one with Ccr values of > or = 20 to < 50 mL/min (Group 2; n = 37). Preoperative patient characteristics, intraoperative parameters (including operation time and blood loss), and postoperative management and complications were evaluated. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in operation time (297.9 min vs 272.6 min, P = 0.137) or blood loss (435 mL vs 428 mL, P = 0.078). The differences in postoperative complications and hospital stay between the groups were not statistically significant. None of the patients in Group 2 required dialysis therapy, and no patients died due to gastrectomy or gastrectomy-related causes. The overall 4-yea...
Research Interests: Chronic kidney disease, Treatment Outcome, Humans, Female, Gastric Cancer, and 14 moreRenal failure, Male, Statistical Significance, Follow-up studies, Renal Function, Clinical Sciences, Aged, Middle Aged, Time Factors, Survival Rate, Retrospective Studies, Group, Postoperative Complication, and Blood Loss
Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is rare malignant tumors composed of cells that resemble those of the biliary tract. It is notoriously difficult to diagnose, and is associated with a high mortality. Traditionally, CC is divided into intrahepatic... more
Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is rare malignant tumors composed of cells that resemble those of the biliary tract. It is notoriously difficult to diagnose, and is associated with a high mortality. Traditionally, CC is divided into intrahepatic and extrahepatic disease according to its location within the biliary tree. Intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma (IH-CCC) or peripheral cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC) appears within the second bifurcation of hepatic bile duct, and is the second most common primary liver cancer following hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), IH-CCC or peripheral CCC often presents with advanced clinical features, and the cause for this cancer rise is still unclear. MRI, CT and PET provide useful diagnostic information in those patients. Surgical resection is the only chance for cure, with results depending on selected patients and careful surgical technique. Liver transplantation could offer long-term survival in selected patients when combined with chemotherapy. Ch...
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The differential diagnosis between autoimmune pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer is sometimes difficult, especially for those patients in whom laboratory and radiological criteria are lacking. A 72-year-old woman was found to have a tumor... more
The differential diagnosis between autoimmune pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer is sometimes difficult, especially for those patients in whom laboratory and radiological criteria are lacking. A 72-year-old woman was found to have a tumor in the head of the pancreas. Laboratory data showed no abnormal values, including gammaglobulins or autoantibodies. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed extrinsic stenosis of the main pancreatic and lower common bile ducts. Computed tomography showed a lesion in the head of the pancreas. With a tentative diagnosis of head of the pancreas cancer, the patient underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Macroscopically, a tumor 2 cm in diameter not having clear margins was evident in the head of the pancreas. Histological examination showed the infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils with lymphoid follicles around the main pancreatic duct. Immunohistological examination demonstrated that the main pancreatic duct was surround...
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A 61-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. The patient had anemia and elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (9630ng/mL) and PIVKA-II (91mAU/mL) levels. Roentgenographic examination... more
A 61-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. The patient had anemia and elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (9630ng/mL) and PIVKA-II (91mAU/mL) levels. Roentgenographic examination revealed an extra-gastric tumor in the upper abdomen, and gastroscopy revealed Bormann type 2 gastric cancer in the lower portion of the stomach. The preoperative diagnosis was synchronous gastric cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and surgery was performed. The extra-gastric tumor appeared to be an extra-hepatically growing HCC because the tumor was fed by vessels ramifying from the umbilical portion of the liver. Distal gastrectomy with resection of the extra-gastric tumor was performed, and histological examination of the resected specimen revealed that the gastric cancer was an AFP-producing hepatoid gastric adenocarcinoma and that the extra-gastric tumor was a lymph node metastasis. AFP-producing hepatoid gastric adenocarcinoma tends to me...
Research Interests: Immunohistochemistry, Treatment Outcome, Risk assessment, Humans, Male, and 13 moreHepatocellular Carcinoma, Follow-up studies, Clinical Sciences, Angiography, Middle Aged, Neoplasm Invasiveness, Biological markers, Internal medicine Doppler ultrasonography, Risk Assessment, Abdominal Pain, Prothrombin, Adenocarcinoma, and Lymph nodes
We report a rare case of biliary papillomatosis arising in a congenital choledochal cyst, with an anomalous junction of the pancreatobiliary ductal system (AJPBDS). A 50-year-old woman was admitted to our department with epigastralgia,... more
We report a rare case of biliary papillomatosis arising in a congenital choledochal cyst, with an anomalous junction of the pancreatobiliary ductal system (AJPBDS). A 50-year-old woman was admitted to our department with epigastralgia, and imaging studies showed two masses in the cystic common bile duct and an AJPBDS. We made a preoperative diagnosis of biliary tract cancer, considering the size of the masses and the presence of the AJPBDS, and performed a pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. The resected specimen contained two papillary tumors, which were subsequently diagnosed as benign papillomas. Histopathological and oncological examinations indicated that the lesions were involved in the development and progression of carcinogenesis because a point mutation of the K- ras gene and overexpression of p53 protein were detected. These findings suggest that biliary papillomatosis is a precancerous lesion induced by an AJPBDS.
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Among various preoperative evaluations of liver function, accurate assessment of liver cirrhosis (LC) is especially important in patients undergoing surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To explore the most significant laboratory... more
Among various preoperative evaluations of liver function, accurate assessment of liver cirrhosis (LC) is especially important in patients undergoing surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To explore the most significant laboratory parameter associated with LC in patients undergoing surgery for HCC. From among 588 HCC patients in our collected database who underwent liver surgery, 371 for whom sufficient laboratory data were evaluable, including direct serum fibrosis markers such as hyaluronic acid and type 3 procollagen peptide (P-3-P), were enrolled. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to define the ideal cutoff values of laboratory parameters, and the area under the ROC curve for LC was measured. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to clarify the laboratory parameter most significantly associated with LC. Multivariate analysis of 13 laboratory parameters that had been selected by univariate analysis showed that the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) (≤0.8/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;0.8) (odds ratio, 2.687; 95% confidence interval 1.215-5.940; P = 0.015) was associated with LC, along with the aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio, the indocyanine green retention ratio at 15 min (ICG R15), and the level of hyaluronic acid. Among these four parameters associated with LC, ROC curve analysis revealed that APRI (0.757) had the largest area under the ROC (aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase 0.505, ICG R15 0.714, and hyaluronic acid 0.743). APRI is closely associated with LC in patients undergoing surgery for HCC.
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The patient was a 33-year-old man. He had severe upper abdominal pain after a rugby game and he was diagnosed with traumatic pancreatic injury. Since intra-abdominal bleeding became severe, laparotomy was performed for haemostasis. On... more
The patient was a 33-year-old man. He had severe upper abdominal pain after a rugby game and he was diagnosed with traumatic pancreatic injury. Since intra-abdominal bleeding became severe, laparotomy was performed for haemostasis. On operation, venous bleeding from the upper edge of the head of the pancreas was found and the haemorrhage was stopped. The whole pancreas had severe inflammation with oedematous tissue spreading into the meso-colon and meso-jejunum. On the same day, the patient was transferred to our hospital for further treatment of acute pancreatitis. On admission, the amylase level in the drainage fluid was high and, thus, we started continuous arterial infusion treatment via the superior mesenteric artery, in addition to subcutaneous administration of octreotide. Enteral nutrition was started on postoperative day 6, oral intake was started on postoperative day 15. The patient recovered successfully and was discharged on postoperative day 30.
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The aim of the present study was to assess the safety and outcome of surgical resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma in the elderly. Thirty-one patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=8), less than... more
The aim of the present study was to assess the safety and outcome of surgical resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma in the elderly. Thirty-one patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=8), less than 65, and; Group 2 (n=23), 65 years of age and older. Patient characteristics, peri-operative data, 5-year survival rates and 5-year disease-free survival rates were compared between the two groups. There were no differences in patient characteristics except that the AST level at admission was higher in Group 2 than in Group 1. There were no differences in peri-operative data. Postoperative morbidity rates in Groups 1 and 2 were 12.5% and 33.3%, respectively (p=0.23). Median periods of postoperative hospitalization in Groups 1 and 2 were 32.5 days and 66 days, respectively (p=0.03). Overall 5-year survival rates in Groups 1 and 2 were 37.5% and 44.7%, respectively (p=0.57), and the respective 5-year disease-free survival rates were 25.0% and 28.6% (p=...
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We evaluated the usefulness of intraoperative exploration of the biliary anatomy using fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) in experimental and clinical cholecystectomies. The experimental study was done using two 40-kg pigs... more
We evaluated the usefulness of intraoperative exploration of the biliary anatomy using fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) in experimental and clinical cholecystectomies. The experimental study was done using two 40-kg pigs and the clinical study was done in 12 patients for whom cholecystectomy was planned from January 2009 to June 2009. Initially we used a laparoscopic approach for the evaluation of fluorescence imaging of the biliary system in the two pigs. Then the clinical study was started on the basis of these experimental results. ICG (1.0 ml/body of 2.5 mg/ml ICG) was infused 1-2 h before surgery. With the subjects under general anesthesia we observed in real time the condition of the biliary tract under the guidance of fluorescence imaging employing an infrared camera or a prototype laparoscope. ICG was added intravenously to observe the location or flow condition of the cystic artery. We obtained a clear view of the biliary tract and the location of the cysti...
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The aim of this study was to compare postoperative survival between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with and without viral infection. From among 398 HCC patients in our collected database, 377 who underwent surgery were enrolled.... more
The aim of this study was to compare postoperative survival between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with and without viral infection. From among 398 HCC patients in our collected database, 377 who underwent surgery were enrolled. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1, those who had no hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus infection, and group 2, those who had hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus infection. Univariate analysis was performed to compare clinical factors, including viral infection, with overall survival. Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test were used to evaluate the overall and disease-free survival curves for the 2 groups. Univariate analysis showed that viral infection showed no such association. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test revealed no significant intergroup differences in either overall or disease-free survival. The presence or absence of viral infection shows no significant association with the postoperative sur...
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ABO-incompatible living-donor liver transplantation (ABO-LDLT) is generally more difficult to perform than ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation. Despite introduction of rituximab, ABO-LDLT in non-responders is a still difficult issue.... more
ABO-incompatible living-donor liver transplantation (ABO-LDLT) is generally more difficult to perform than ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation. Despite introduction of rituximab, ABO-LDLT in non-responders is a still difficult issue. A 23-year-old woman with primary sclerosing cholangitis underwent LDLT. The recipient's blood type was 0(+) and the donor's was B(+). Rituximab was infused twice on preoperative day (POD) 14 and 7. Plasma exchange (PE) was performed on PODs 5, 3, 2, and 1. However, repeated PE failed to decrease the anti-B antibody titer. On the other hand, preoperative esophagogastroscopy revealed esophageal varices with red color sign. Therefore, simultaneous liver transplantation and Hassab operation were performed. The donor left lobe of the liver was orthotopically transplanted into the recipient following Hassab operation. Flow cytometry on the day of surgery showed that the frequencies of B cells (CD20+) and memory B cells (CD20+/CD27+) in the periphe...
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An inflammation-based prognostic score, the modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), has been reported to be useful for predicting postoperative survival in patients with various types of cancer. However, no studies have investigated... more
An inflammation-based prognostic score, the modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), has been reported to be useful for predicting postoperative survival in patients with various types of cancer. However, no studies have investigated whether the mGPS can predict biliary stent (BS) patency in patients undergoing BS placement for unresectable malignant biliary obstruction (UMBO). To evaluate the usefulness of the mGPS for predicting BS patency in patients undergoing intraoperative placement of uncovered expandable metallic stents (EMSs) for UMBO. The mGPS was calculated as follows: patients with both an elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level (>1.0 mg/dl) and hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dl) were allocated a score of 2. Patients with only an elevated CRP level were allocated a score of 1, and patients without an elevated CRP level were allocated a score of 0. EMS patency was compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test between the two groups (mGPS 0 vs. mGPS 1 or 2). The sign...
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Among various preoperative evaluations of liver function, accurate assessment of liver cirrhosis (LC) is especially important in patients undergoing surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To explore the most significant laboratory... more
Among various preoperative evaluations of liver function, accurate assessment of liver cirrhosis (LC) is especially important in patients undergoing surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To explore the most significant laboratory parameter associated with LC in patients undergoing surgery for HCC. From among 588 HCC patients in our collected database who underwent liver surgery, 371 for whom sufficient laboratory data were evaluable, including direct serum fibrosis markers such as hyaluronic acid and type 3 procollagen peptide (P-3-P), were enrolled. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to define the ideal cutoff values of laboratory parameters, and the area under the ROC curve for LC was measured. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to clarify the laboratory parameter most significantly associated with LC. Multivariate analysis of 13 laboratory parameters that had been selected by univariate analysis showed that the aspartate aminotr...
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The aim of this study was to investigate whether menatetrenone (MNT) suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence in patients undergoing hepatectomy. Between January 2005 and September 2009, 101 patients who underwent curative... more
The aim of this study was to investigate whether menatetrenone (MNT) suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence in patients undergoing hepatectomy. Between January 2005 and September 2009, 101 patients who underwent curative hepatectomy for primary HCC were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: a non-MNT group (n=51), and an MNT group (n=50) that was administered 45 mg of MNT daily. During the observation period, recurrence was observed in 33 patients in the non-MNT group and in 28 patients of the MNT group (p=0.545). In patients with a preoperative Des-γ-carboxy-prothrombin (DCP) level lower than 40 AU/l (n=38), the cumulative disease-free survival rates at 12, 36, and 60 months in the non-MNT group, were 81.3%, 0.0%, and 0.0%, respectively, while those in the MNT group were 78.3%, 58.1%, and 31.0%, respectively (p=0.060). MNT has a moderately suppressive effect on HCC recurrence after hepatectomy, especially in patients with a normal preoperative ...
Research Interests: Prospective studies, Humans, Female, Male, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, and 2 moreAnticancer and Aged(Anticancer and Aged)
(Anticancer and Aged)
Hepcidin, a key regulator of iron homeostasis, is also a marker of acute inflammation. In the present study we investigated the changes in the serum hepcidin level and correlations between hepcidin and other markers of acute inflammation... more
Hepcidin, a key regulator of iron homeostasis, is also a marker of acute inflammation. In the present study we investigated the changes in the serum hepcidin level and correlations between hepcidin and other markers of acute inflammation during the perioperative period in patients after abdominal surgery. Serum hepcidin, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), white blood cell (WBC) count, frequency of neutrophils, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured preoperatively (Pre), and on postoperative days (POD) 1, 3, 7, and 14. In patients undergoing gastrectomy, the median levels of hepcidin preoperatively and on POD 1, 3, 7, and 14 were 6.5, 53.1, 31.7, 15.6, and 4.0 ng/dl, respectively (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.0001). The corresponding levels in colectomy patients were 8.5, 78.3, 60.1, 49.7, and 8.4 ng/dl, respectively (p = 0.0002); those in hepatectomy patients were 6.6, 16.3, 3.5, 13.4, and 3.4 ng/dl, respectively (p = 0.0022); and those in patients undergoing surgery for diffuse peritonitis were 24.8, 50.1, 43.1, 31.2, and 31.7 ng/dl, respectively (p = 0.4933). There were no significant decreases in Hb and Ht in the patients undergoing gastrectomy, colectomy, or surgery for diffuse peritonitis. The level of hepcidin was significantly correlated with the WBC count, frequency of neutrophils, and CRP level during the perioperative period for all four types of operation. Like other inflammatory markers, an increase in the level of hepcidin (i.e., a hepcidin storm) occurs in the acute phase after gastrectomy, colectomy, hepatectomy, and surgery for diffuse peritonitis.
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An inflammation-based prognostic score, the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS), has been established as a useful tool for predicting postoperative outcome in patients with cancer. However, no studies have investigated the usefulness... more
An inflammation-based prognostic score, the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS), has been established as a useful tool for predicting postoperative outcome in patients with cancer. However, no studies have investigated the usefulness of the mGPS for prognostication in patients undergoing palliative surgery for unresectable malignant biliary obstruction (UMBO). The present study was conducted to investigate whether the mGPS is useful for predicting the postoperative survival of patients undergoing intraoperative placement of an expandable metal stent for UMBO, or not. The mGPS was calculated as follows: patients with both an elevated level of C-reactive protein (CRP) (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;1.0 mg/dL) and hypoalbuminemia (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;3.5 g/dL) were allocated a score of 2. Patients with only an elevated CRP level were allocated a score of 1, and patients without an elevated CRP level (≤1.0 mg/dL) were allocated a score of 0. Postoperative survival was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and log rank test. The significance of risk factors for postoperative survival was evaluated with the Cox proportional hazards model. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with mGPS 0 (n = 36) and 1 (n = 7) had better postoperative survival (p = 0.017) than patients with mGPS 2 (n = 17). The 6-month and 1-year survival rates of patients with mGPS 0 and 1 were 58.1 and 27.3 %, and those for patients with mGPS 2 were 25.0 and 6.2 %, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that mGPS (0, 1/2) was a significant risk factor for postoperative survival (hazard ratio 3.271; 95 % CI 1.109-9.649; p = 0.032). The mGPS is not only one of the most significant predictors of postoperative survival for UMBO patients receiving intraoperative biliary stenting but also a useful indicator capable of dividing such patients into two independent groups before surgery.
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The duodenum is a central organ for iron absorption. This study was performed to evaluate changes in body iron concentration and other iron-related molecules sequentially, in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Twenty-one... more
The duodenum is a central organ for iron absorption. This study was performed to evaluate changes in body iron concentration and other iron-related molecules sequentially, in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Twenty-one patients who had undergone PD at our department were enrolled in the study. Measurements of serum iron (sFe), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), serum ferritin (sFer), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), and serum hepcidin (sHep) were performed before surgery (Pre), and on postoperative days 3 (D3), 7 (D7), and 14 (D14). The median values of sFe on Pre, D3, D7, and D14 were 73.0, 30.0, 33.0, and 41.0 microg/ dL, respectively (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05), and those of TIBC were 276.0, 160.0, 176.0, and 165.0 microg/ dL, respectively (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05). CRP and IL-6 became maximal on D3. The median values of sHep on Pre, D3, D7, and D14 were 18.9, 42.9, 25.7, and 21.2 mg/dL, respectively (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05). Hb and Ht reached minimum values on D3 and remained low until D14. The median values of sFer on Pre, D3, D7, and D14 were 135, 301, 267, and 233 ng/ dL, respectively. Hepcidin production is increased after pancreatoduodenectomy. Because hepcidin is known to divert iron to storage-type ferritin rather than to erythropoiesis, iron administration intended for erythropoiesis during this period may be ineffective.
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The treatment strategy for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs)≤2 cm (HCC2-) is still controversial. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed clinicopathological data for HCC2- and... more
The treatment strategy for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs)≤2 cm (HCC2-) is still controversial. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed clinicopathological data for HCC2- and HCCs&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;2 cm (HCC2+) to establish the treatment strategy for HCC2-. Between April 2000 and December 2008, 206 patients with single HCC, who underwent hepatectomy for the first time, and whose outcomes could be tracked, were included in the study. There were 46 HCC2- and 160 HCC2+ patients. Survival and disease-free survival rates were compared between the two groups, in relation to various clinicopathological data. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 100%, 92.6%, and 72.8% for HCC2- and 93.3%, 72.4%, and 57% for HCC2+, respectively (P=0.0098). The 1, 3, and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 86%, 42.6%, and 31% for HCC2-, and 64.7%, 35.9%, and 12.5% for HCC2+, respectively (P=0.0642). Survival rates were better for HCC2- than for HCC2+ in terms of abnormal serum des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin, Child-Pugh Class A, single infection with HBV or HCV, and operative method used for anatomical resection, irrespective of ICG R15. Disease-free survival rates were better for HCC2- than for HCC2+ in terms of Child-Pugh Class A, and operative method used for anatomical resection. HCC2- has a better clinical outcome than HCC2+ after hepatic resection. Especially, HCC2- with an abnormal DCP value, Child-Pugh Class A, single infection with HBV or HCV, and anatomical resection, yields better outcomes. Even for HCC2- in patients with good liver function, anatomical resection is recommended.
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Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a rare complication that occurs after living-related liver transplantation (LRLT). This condition usually occurs early after transplantation and is fatal. Although one-way matching between a human... more
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a rare complication that occurs after living-related liver transplantation (LRLT). This condition usually occurs early after transplantation and is fatal. Although one-way matching between a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-homozygous donor and a haploidentical recipient has been shown to be a significant risk factor for the development of acute GVHD, chronic GVHD has not been clarified. A 50-year-old woman underwent LRLT for primary biliary cirrhosis with her 32-year-old HLA-homozygous son as the donor. The patient developed chronic GVHD 114 days posttransplant, presenting with a skin rash only. Her atypical onset included neither fever nor gastrointestinal symptoms. The patient responded to corticosteroid therapy and is now doing well at home. Careful donor selection and HLA matching before LRLT should be performed to prevent GVHD. However, the risks associated with grafts from homozygous donors may be unavoidable at present because of the shortage of cadaveric donors in Japan.
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We investigated whether a preoperative scoring system (the &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;CRP-AFP Score... more
We investigated whether a preoperative scoring system (the &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;CRP-AFP Score [CAS]&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;) based on the serum levels of C-reactive protein and alpha-fetoprotein would predict outcome in patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma. The CAS was defined as follows: patients with an elevated level of both C-reactive protein (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.3 mg/dL) and alpha-fetoprotein (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;20 ng/mL) were assigned a score of 2, and patients showing one or none of these abnormalities were assigned a score of 1 or 0, respectively. A total of 349 patients were identified. Pathologic findings, in terms of tumor size, histologic grade, vascular invasion, intrahepatic metastasis, and recurrence rate, worsened as the CAS increased. CAS 2 patients had a poorer 5-year overall survival than CAS 0 or 1 patients (32.2% vs 59.7% vs 49.2%, respectively; P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .001). The CAS is an informative scoring system that can predict outcome in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy.
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Few studies have investigated the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study compared the prognostic value of the GPS and Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) score in patients... more
Few studies have investigated the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study compared the prognostic value of the GPS and Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) score in patients undergoing surgery for HCC. A total of 398 patients were evaluated retrospectively. Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed that GPS (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .001) and CLIP score (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .001) were associated with overall survival. GPS could classify patients with low CLIP score (0 or 1) into 3 independent groups (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .001). Univariate analyses selected GPS (P = .006) and CLIP score (P = .002) as the predictive factors associated with overall survival. Multivariate analysis using these 2 scoring systems disclosed that both GPS (P = .025) and CLIP score (P = .010) were associated with overall survival. GPS is not only an important predictor of overall survival after surgical treatment of HCC as well as CLIP score, but also is able to clearly divide patients with low CLIP score into 3 independent groups.
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The current study was conducted to evaluate the safety and utility of intraoperative transhepatic biliary stenting (ITBS) in patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction (UMBO) diagnosed intraoperatively. In this study, 50... more
The current study was conducted to evaluate the safety and utility of intraoperative transhepatic biliary stenting (ITBS) in patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction (UMBO) diagnosed intraoperatively. In this study, 50 patients who underwent ITBS for UMBO between April 2001 and May 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. For 26 patients who underwent preoperative percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD), the expandable metallic stent (EMS) was inserted intraoperatively by the PTBD route in a single stage. For 24 patients, the intrahepatic bile ducts were intentionally dilated by injection of saline via the endoscopic nasobiliary drainage or the percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage route, and the puncture was performed under intraoperative ultrasound guidance followed by guidewire and catheter insertion. Thereafter, the EMS was placed in the same manner. The initial postoperative complications and long-term results of ITBS were evaluated. In all cases, ITBS was technically successful. Stenting alone was performed in 22 patients and stenting combined with other procedures in 28 patients. Hospital mortality occurred for three patients (6 %), and complication-related mortality occurred in two cases (4 %). There were nine cases (18 %) of postoperative complications. The median survival time was 179 days, and the EMS patency time was 137 days. During the follow-up period, EMS occlusion occurred in 23 cases (46 %). Best supportive care was a significant independent risk factor for early mortality within 100 days after ITBS (p = 0.020, odds ratio, 9.398). Single-stage ITBS is feasible for palliation of UMBO and seems to have a low complication rate.