The incidence of complications after liver resection is closely related to functional future liver remnant (FLR). The standard approach to augment FLR is surgical or radiological occlusion of the artery or portal vein on the tumor side. Associated liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALLPS) has been introduced as an alternative method to augment FLR. It offers rapid and effective hypertrophy for resecting liver metastases. However, data regarding its application in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a background of chronic liver disease are limited. Here we describe the use of ALPPS procedure to manage a large solitary HCC with a background of chronic liver disease. The rising incidence of HCC has increased the number of surgical resections in patients with advanced stage liver disease not considered for liver transplantation. We reviewed reported experience of ALPPS in established chronic liver disease and current therapeutic modalities for HCC on a background of chronic liver disease in patients with potential liver insufficiency where tumor burden is beyond liver transplant criteria.
Arteries ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* ; Hepatectomy* ; Hepatic Insufficiency ; Humans ; Hypertrophy ; Incidence ; Ligation* ; Liver Cirrhosis ; Liver Diseases* ; Liver Transplantation ; Liver* ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Portal Vein* ; Tumor Burden

A hepatic lymphangioma is a rare benign neoplasm that is usually associated with systemic lymphangiomatosis. A solitary hepatic lymphangioma is extremely rare. Therefore, we present a rare case of a female patient who underwent right hepatectomy for solitary giant hepatic lymphangioma. A 42-year-old female presented to the emergency department with complaint of severe abdominal pain of the right upper quadrant. Abdominal computed tomography showed an approximately 23×30-cm sized, giant, relatively well-defined, homogenous cystic mass with few septa in the right liver (segments VII and VIII). The preoperative diagnosis was a giant hepatic cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma. We performed right hepatectomy. The permanent histopathological report revealed cystic lymphangioma of the liver. Although the prognosis of solitary hepatic lymphangioma after surgical resection is favorable, recurrence has been reported in literature.
Abdominal Pain ; Adult ; Cystadenocarcinoma ; Cystadenoma ; Diagnosis ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Female ; Hepatectomy ; Humans ; Liver ; Lymphangioma* ; Lymphangioma, Cystic ; Prognosis ; Recurrence

Secure reconstruction of multiple hepatic ducts that are severely damaged by tumor invasion or iatrogenic injury is a challenge. Failure of percutaneous or endoscopic biliary stenting requires lifelong placement of one or more percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) tubes. For such difficult situations, we devised a surgical technique termed cluster hepaticojejunostomy (HJ), which can be coupled with palliative bile duct resection. The cluster HJ technique consisted of applying multiple internal biliary stents and a single wide porto-enterostomy to the surrounding connective tissues. The technique is described in detail in the present case report. Performing cluster HJ benefits from three technical tips as follows: making the multiple bile duct openings wide and parallel after sequential side-to-side unification; radially anchoring and traction of the suture materials at the anterior anastomotic suture line; and making multiple segmented continuous sutures at the posterior anastomotic suture line. Thus, cluster HJ with radial spreading anchoring traction technique is a useful surgical method for secure reconstruction of severely damaged hilar bile ducts.
Bile Ducts* ; Bile* ; Connective Tissue ; Drainage ; Hepatic Duct, Common ; Stents ; Sutures ; Traction*

Anomalous portal vein (PV) branching of the donor liver is uncommon and usually makes two, or rarely, more separate PV branches at the right liver graft. Autologous PV Y-graft interposition has long been regarded as the standard procedure, but is currently replaced with the newly developed technique of conjoined unification venoplasty (CUV) due to its superior results. Herein, we presented a case of CUV application to three PV openings of a right liver graft. The recipient was a 32-year-old male patient with hepatitis B virus-associated liver cirrhosis. The living liver donor was his 33-year-old sister who had a type III PV anomaly, but the right posterior PV branch was bifurcated early into separate branches of the segments VI and VII, thus three right liver PV branches were cut separately. We used the CUV technique consisting of placement of a small vein unification patch between three PV orifices, followed by overlying coverage with a crotch-opened autologous portal Y-graft. The portal Y-graft was excised and its crotches were incised to make a wide common orifice. Three bidirectional running sutures were required to attach the crotch-opened autologous portal Y-graft. After portal reperfusion, the conjoined PV portion bulged like a tennis ball, providing a wide range of alignment tolerance. The patient recovered uneventfully from the liver transplantation operation. The CUV technique enabled uneventful reconstruction of triple donor PV orifices. Thus, CUV can be a useful and effective technical option for reconstruction of right liver grafts with various anomalous PVs.
Adult ; Hepatitis B ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; Liver Transplantation ; Liver* ; Male ; Portal Vein* ; Reperfusion ; Running ; Siblings ; Sutures ; Tennis ; Tissue Donors ; Transplants* ; Veins

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Laparoscopic treatment of patients with choledocholithiasis and cholangitis is challenging due to mandatory recovery of the biliary drainage and clearance of the common bile duct (CBD). The aim of our study was to assess postoperative course of cholangitis and biliary sepsis after laparoscopic clearance of the CBD in emergently admitted patients with choledocholithiasis and cholangitis. METHODS: Emergently admitted patients who underwent laparoscopic clearance of the CBD were included prospectively and stratified in 2 groups i.e., cholangitis positive (CH+) or negative (CH-) group. Patient demographics, comorbidities, preoperative imaging data, inflammatory response, surgical intervention, complication rate and outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS: Ninety-nine of a total 320 patients underwent laparoscopic clearance of the CBD, of which, 60 belonged to the acute cholangitis group (CH+) and 39 to the cholangitis negative group (CH-). Interventions were done on average 4 days after admission, operation duration was 95-105 min, and the conversion rate was 3-7% without differences in the groups. Preoperative inflammatory response was markedly higher in the CH+ group. Inflammation signs on intraoperative choledochoscopy were more evident in patients with cholangitis. Postoperative inflammatory response did not differ between the groups. The overall complication rate was 8.3% and 5.1%, respectively. Laparoscopic clearance of the CBD resulted in 1 lethal case (CH+ group), resulting in 1% mortality rate and a similar 12-month readmission rate. CONCLUSIONS: Single-stage laparoscopic intraoperative US and choledochoscopy-assisted clearance of the CBD is feasible in emergently admitted patients with choledocholithiasis and cholangitis.
Cholangitis* ; Choledocholithiasis* ; Common Bile Duct* ; Comorbidity ; Demography ; Drainage ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Laparoscopy ; Mortality ; Prospective Studies ; Sepsis ; Ultrasonography

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare but serious postoperative complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). We reported a case of late-onset postoperative PVT with hemorrhage from the common hepatic artery (CHA) in a 73-year-old man who underwent pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) for duodenum papilla cancer, followed by reconstruction using the modified Child's technique. The pancreaticojejunostomy was achieved by end-to-side, 2-layer invagination anastomosis without pancreatic duct stenting. Drain removal and hospital discharge were scheduled on postoperative day (POD) 18, but blood-stained fluid in the drain and sudden hematemesis were noted. Emergency surgery was performed because PVT and imaging findings were suggestive of necrosis of the lifted jejunum. Although no jejunal necrosis was identified during surgery, bleeding from the side of the CHA was detected and the bleeding point was suture-closed to achieve hemostasis. We suspected late-onset postoperative arterial hemorrhage and subsequent hematoma formation, which caused portal vein compression and PVT formation. We chose a conservative treatment strategy for PVT, taking into account the operation time, intraoperative vital signs and blood flow in the portal vein. Despite the complicated postoperative course, he was discharged home in a fully ambulatory state on POD 167.
Aged ; Duodenum ; Emergencies ; Hematemesis ; Hematoma ; Hemorrhage* ; Hemostasis ; Hepatic Artery* ; Humans ; Jejunum ; Necrosis ; Pancreatic Ducts ; Pancreaticoduodenectomy* ; Pancreaticojejunostomy ; Portal Vein* ; Postoperative Complications ; Postoperative Hemorrhage ; Stents ; Venous Thrombosis* ; Vital Signs

Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following liver transplantation is a rare but fatal complication. The correct diagnosis and management of GVHD after liver transplantation are still major challenges. Herein, we reported successful salvage treatment of acute GVHD by withdrawal of immunosuppression in a patient who presented with fever, skin rashes, and decreased blood cell counts after liver transplantation. This case highlights the need for awareness of drug-induced liver injury if liver function tests are elevated during treatment, especially in patients taking multiple potentially hepatotoxic drugs, such as broad-spectrum antibiotics. When occurs, an artificial liver support system is a useful tool to provide temporary support of liver function for the patient in the event of drug-induced liver injury.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Blood Cell Count ; Diagnosis ; Drug-Induced Liver Injury ; Exanthema ; Fever ; Graft vs Host Disease* ; Humans ; Immunosuppression* ; Liver Function Tests ; Liver Transplantation* ; Liver* ; Liver, Artificial

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Intrahepatic cholangiocacinoma (IHCC) can result in spread of tumor cells to the lymph nodes (LNs) around the gastric lesser curvature. Extensive dissection of the gastric lesser curvature can induce injury to the extragastric vagus nerve branches that control motility of the pyloric sphincter and result in intractable gastric stasis. Herein, we presented our experience of preventive pyloroplasty added to resection of IHCC to address dissection-induced gastric stasis in 6 patients during 15-years. METHODS: We analyzed the survival outcomes of 54 IHCC patients presenting left-sided LN metastasis. Nine study patients who underwent extended left-sided LN dissection including lesser curvature LN dissection were selected and divided into 2 groups according to performance of preventive pyloroplasty and the incidence of gastric stasis was analyzed. RESULTS: All 54 patients were classified as stage IV due to T1-3N1M0 stage. The tumor recurrence rate were 56.4% at 1 year, 84.3% at 3 years and 84.3% at 5 years; and the overall patient survival rate were 51.9% at 1 year, 13.6% at 3 years and 6.8% at 5 years. In all 3 study patients who did not receive pyloroplasty, overt postoperative gastric stasis persisted for >10 days leading to prolonged hospital stay. In contrast, none of the 6 study patients who underwent pyloroplasty suffered from gastric stasis. CONCLUSIONS: Pyloroplasty is a useful surgical option to prevent gastric stasis when extensive left-sided LN dissection is required in IHCC patients with LN metastasis who have very poor post-resection prognosis.
Cholangiocarcinoma* ; Gastroparesis* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Length of Stay ; Lymph Node Excision* ; Lymph Nodes* ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Prognosis ; Pylorus ; Recurrence ; Survival Rate ; Vagus Nerve

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: The aim of this study was to describe clinical and biological changes in a group of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) without any complication during the postoperative period. These changes reflect the "natural history" of PD, and a deviation should be considered as a warning sign. METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2009, 131 patients underwent PD. We prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed demographic data, pathological variables, associated pathological conditions, and preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables. Postoperative variables were validated using an external prospective database of 158 patients. RESULTS: The mean postoperative length of hospital stay was 20.3+/-4 days. The mean number of days until removal of nasogastric tube was 6.3+/-1.6 days. The maximal fall in hemoglobin level occurred on day 3 and began to increase after postoperative day (POD) 5, in patients with or without transfusions. The white blood cell count increased on POD 1 and persisted until POD 7. There was a marked rise in aminotransferase levels at POD 3. The peak was significantly higher in patients with hepatic pedicle occlusion (866+/-236 IU/L versus 146+/-48 IU/L; p<0.001). For both gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and alkaline phosphatase, there was a fall on POD1, which persisted until POD 5, followed with a stabilization. Bilirubin decreased progressively from POD 1 onwards. CONCLUSIONS: This study facilitates a standardized biological and clinical pathway of follow-up. Patients who do not follow this recovery indicator could be at risk of complications and additional exams should be made to prevent consequences of such complications.
Alkaline Phosphatase ; Bilirubin ; Critical Pathways ; Follow-Up Studies ; gamma-Glutamyltransferase ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Leukocyte Count ; Natural History ; Pancreaticoduodenectomy* ; Postoperative Period ; Prospective Studies ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Mirizzi's syndrome (MS) poses great diagnostic and management challenge to the treating physician. We presented our experience of MS cases with respect to clinical presentation, diagnostic difficulties, surgical procedures and outcome. METHODS: Prospectively maintained data of all surgically treated MS patients were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 169 MS patients were surgically managed between 1989 and 2011. Presenting symptoms were jaundice (84%), pain (75%) and cholangitis (56%). Median symptom duration s was 8 months (range, <1 to 240 months). Preoperative diagnosis was possible only in 32% (54/169) of patients based on imaging study. Csendes Type II was the most common diagnosis (57%). Fistulization to the surrounding organs (bilio-enteric fistulization) were found in 14% of patients (24/169) during surgery. Gall bladder histopathology revealed xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis in 33% of patients (55/169). No significant difference in perioperative morbidity was found between choledochoplasty (use of gallbladder patch) (15/89, 17%) and bilio-enteric anastomosis (4/28, 14%) (p=0.748). Bile leak was more common with choledochoplasty (5/89, 5.6%) than bilio-enteric anastomosis (1/28, 3.5%), without statistical significance (p=0.669). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative diagnosis of MS was possible in only one-third of patients in our series. Significant number of patients had associated fistulae to the surrounding organs, making the surgical procedure more complicated. Awareness of this entity is important for intraoperative diagnosis and consequently, for optimal surgical strategy and good outcome.
Bile ; Bile Duct Diseases ; Cholangitis ; Cholecystitis ; Cholestasis ; Diagnosis ; Fistula ; Gallbladder ; Humans ; Jaundice ; Mirizzi Syndrome* ; Prospective Studies ; Urinary Bladder