Recurrence after resection with curative intent for distal cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Few studies have been conducted on patterns of recurrence after resection for distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and pattern of recurrence after resection of DCC, and to evaluate prognostic factors for time to recurrence and recurrence-free survival (RFS).

METHODS

Patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy with curative intent for DCC between 2001 and 2010 at one of 30 hospitals in Japan were reviewed retrospectively, with special attention to recurrence patterns. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

In the study interval, 389 patients underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for DCC with R0/M0 status. Recurrence developed in 213 patients (54·8 per cent). The estimated cumulative probability of recurrence was 54·3 per cent at 5 years. An initial locoregional recurrence occurred in 55 patients (14·1 per cent) and initial distant recurrence in 168 (43·2 per cent), most commonly in the liver. Isolated initial locoregional recurrence occurred in 45 patients (11·6 per cent). Independent prognostic factors for time to recurrence and RFS were perineural invasion (P = 0·001 and P = 0·009 respectively), pancreatic invasion (both P < 0·001) and lymph node metastasis (both P < 0·001). RFS worsened as the number of risk factors increased: the 5-year RFS rate was 70·6 per cent for patients without any risk factors, 50·3 per cent for patients with one factor, 31·8 per cent for those with two factors, and 13·4 per cent when three factors were present.

CONCLUSION

More than half of patients with DCC experienced recurrence after R0 resection, usually within 5 years. Perineural invasion, pancreatic invasion and positive nodal involvement are risk factors for recurrence.

Embolization of the left portal vein to inferior vena cava shunts for chronic recurrent hepatic encephalopathy via the mesenteric vein

Diagnostic imaging and embolization therapy for very rare intrahepatic portal-systemic shunts with liver cirrhosis are reported. An 82-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital (Yachiyo Hospital) because of hepatic encephalopathy. Computed tomography with contrast enhancement demonstrated anomalous vessels between the portal vein and the inferior vena cava. Those shunts were suspected as the cause of her encephalopathy with hyperammonemia. Portography through McBurney's laparotomy demonstrated two portal-caval shunts; one was from the bifurcation of the portal vein and the other was from the left portal vein. They seemed to originate from the vascular system of the caudate lobe, and were obstructed with stainless coils. The patient is well with a normal serum ammonia level 40 months following the intervention.

Percutaneous bowel drainage for jaundice due to afferent loop obstruction following pancreatoduodenectomy: report of a case

A case of jaundice due to an obstruction of the afferent loop following a pancreatoduodenectomy is presented. The dilated loop of the jejunum was drained percutaneously with a 12-F gastrostomy tube. Localized peritonitis around the puncture site was managed conservatively and the obstructive jaundice improved. The treatment strategy for this type of jaundice is discussed.