FOXM1 and CHD4 expression is associated with chemoresistance in hepatoblastoma

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common malignant liver tumor in childhood. Although pre-operative cisplatin (CDDP)-based chemotherapy is often used in cases of HB, about 20％ of HB patients exhibit resistance to CDDP. Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) and chromo-domain-helicase-DNA-binding protein 4 (CHD4) have been associated with CDDP resistance in various tumors. We here analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of FOXM1 and CHD4 in HB specimens of 33 patients (mean age: 20 months) post-chemotherapy. The differentiation of specimens was assessed using the digital pathology software QuPath®, and then the relation between the FOXM1 or CHD4 expression and the differentiation and various other clinicopathological parameters was investigated. The histological type was epithelial in 19 cases (57.6%) and mixed epithelial and mesenchymal in 14 cases (42.4%). Nine cases had only a fetal component, 1 case had only an embryonal component, 22 cases had both fetal and embryonal components, and 1 case had no viable tumor. Both the FOXM1 and CHD4 immunoexpressions were found significantly more frequently in the embryonal than fetal components (p<0.0001 and p<0.0001, respectively). Regarding chemotherapy efficacy, the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level after chemotherapy was correlated with both the imaging shrinkage rate (R=-0.52) and histological residual rate (the percentage of the viable tumors of HB after chemotherapy)(R=0.62). High FOXM1 score was correlated with a high-postoperative AFP value (p<0.01) and a low AFP attenuation rate (p<0.05), but the FOXM1 score was not correlated with the imaging shrinkage rate (p=0.4418) or histological residual rate (p=0.4418). High CHD4 score showed a nonsignificant trend toward correlation with high postoperative AFP value (p=0.0849) and was not significantly correlated with the other parameters. Collectively, our results showed that FOXM1 expression may be useful in evaluating the response to CDDP-based chemotherapeutic regimens. Accurate measurement of FOXM1 expression by our scoring system using QuPath® is important in cases with mixed HB components of various differentiation levels.

The Effectiveness of Deflux® Treatment for Vesicoureteral Reflux Following Pediatric Renal Transplantation: A Single-Institution Challenging Experience

PURPOSE

To validate the effectiveness of Deflux® treatment for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) following pediatric renal transplantation (RT), based on our single-institution experience.

METHOD

A retrospective study was conducted using the medical records of pediatric patients who underwent Deflux® treatment for VUR after RT from April 2008 to March 2022.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight pediatric patients underwent RT. VUR was subsequently detected in 22 (32 %) of these patients. Seven of the 22 patients (32 %) underwent Deflux® treatment to avoid renal dysfunction due to urinary infection (UTI). The median age at the time of RT was 4 years (range:2-12). All 7 patients had urinary UTIs before Deflux® treatment. The median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) before Deflux® treatment was 67 ml/min/1.73 m2 (range:42-138 ml/min/1.73 m2). After Deflux® treatment, VUR was downgraded in three cases (43 %). Four patients (57 %) experienced postoperative UTI, two of who underwent a second Deflux® treatment, one underwent submuscular tunnel reconstruction, and the other one experienced UTI without VUR after 1st Deflux® treatment but did not reoccur. All seven patients continued prophylactic medication after Deflux® treatment, without any history of recurrent UTIs during the observation period after treatment (median 37 months [range 7-86 months]). Furthermore, the eGFRs did not significantly decrease after Deflux® treatment (median eGFR 58 ml/min/1.73 m2 [range:33-99 ml/min/1.73 m2], p > 0.1).

CONCLUSION

Deflux® treatment for VUR after RT is technically challenging because the new ureteral orifice is ventrally anastomosed at the bladder. We believe our results indicate the possibility of reducing the frequency of UTIs and contributing to preservation of the renal function after RT.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective Study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

High-Titer Anti-ZSCAN1 Antibodies in a Toddler Clinically Diagnosed with Apparent Rapid-Onset Obesity with Hypothalamic Dysfunction, Hypoventilation, and Autonomic Dysregulation Syndrome

Severe obesity in young children prompts for a differential diagnosis that includes syndromic conditions. Rapid-Onset Obesity with Hypothalamic Dysfunction, Hypoventilation, and Autonomic Dysregulation (ROHHAD) syndrome is a potentially fatal disorder characterized by rapid-onset obesity associated with hypoventilation, neural crest tumors, and endocrine and behavioral abnormalities. The etiology of ROHHAD syndrome remains to be established, but recent research has been focusing on autoimmunity. We report on a 2-year-old girl with rapid-onset obesity during the first year of life who progressed to hypoventilation and encephalitis in less than four months since the start of accelerated weight gain. The patient had a high titer of anti-ZSCAN1 antibodies (348; reference range < 40), and the increased values did not decline after acute phase treatment. Other encephalitis-related antibodies, such as the anti-NDMA antibody, were not detected. The rapid progression from obesity onset to central hypoventilation with encephalitis warns about the severe consequences of early-onset ROHHAD syndrome. These data indicate that serial measurements of anti-ZSCAN1 antibodies might be useful for the diagnosis and estimation of disease severity. Further research is needed to determine whether it can predict the clinical course of ROHHAD syndrome and whether there is any difference in antibody production between patients with and without tumors.

The advantages of duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction in pediatric living donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Whether Roux-en-Y hepatic jejunectomy (HJ) or duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction (DD) is more useful in pediatric living donor liver transplantation has not yet been fully investigated. Therefore, to assess the feasibility and safety of DD, we compared the surgical outcomes of DD to HJ.

METHODS

We divided 45 patients, excluding those with biliary atresia, into the DD group (n = 20) and the HJ group (n = 25), according to the type of biliary reconstruction they received.

RESULTS

The 5-year survival rates (DD vs. HJ = 79.7% vs. 83.6%, p = 0.70) and the incidence of biliary complications, including bile leakage and stricture (DD vs. HJ = 1 [5.0%] vs. 1 [4.0%], p = 0.87) were not significantly different between the groups. However, intestinal complications, including bowel perforation or ileus, were significantly common in the HJ group (9/25 [36.0%]) than in the DD group (1/20 [5.0%]; p = 0.01). The three patients in the HJ group with intestinal perforation all suffered perforation at the anastomosed site in the Roux-en-Y procedure. The subgroup analysis showed the non-inferiority of DD to HJ for biliary or intestinal complications in patients weighting < 10 kg.

CONCLUSION

With a proper selection of cases, DD should be a safe method for biliary reconstruction in pediatric recipients with little risk of biliary complications equivalent to HJ and a reduced risk of intestinal complications.

Cutting-edge regenerative therapy for Hirschsprung disease and its allied disorders

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) and its associated disorders (AD-HSCR) often result in severe hypoperistalsis caused by enteric neuropathy, mesenchymopathy, and myopathy. Notably, HSCR involving the small intestine, isolated hypoganglionosis, chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, and megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome carry a poor prognosis. Ultimately, small-bowel transplantation (SBTx) is necessary for refractory cases, but it is highly invasive and outcomes are less than optimal, despite advances in surgical techniques and management. Thus, regenerative therapy has come to light as a potential form of treatment involving regeneration of the enteric nervous system, mesenchyme, and smooth muscle in affected areas. We review the cutting-edge regenerative therapeutic approaches for managing HSCR and AD-HSCR, including the use of enteric nervous system progenitor cells, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and mesenchymal stem cells as cell sources, the recipient intestine's microenvironment, and transplantation methods. Perspectives on the future of these treatments are also discussed.

Successful management of pyriform sinus cyst and fistula using endoscopic electrocauterization

OBJECTIVES

Pyriform sinus cyst (PSC) and pyriform sinus fistula (PSF) is a rare congenital malformation that arises from the third or fourth branchial structure. In our study, we describe the safety and the utility of endoscopic electrocauterization against PSC/PSF.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent endoscopic electrocauterization for PSC/PSF at our hospital. The internal opening of the fistula was identified under general anesthesia using a flexible endoscope (XQ-260 or H-290; Olympus, Tokyo, Japan), and the DualKnifeJ (KD-655L; Olympus) was used to ablate the internal opening.

RESULTS

We experienced three PSF and three PSC patients. The postoperative course was uneventful in all cases. The patients declared no pain in the neck, and there were no cases showing recurrent nerve paralysis. Five in six cases (83%), the closure of fistula was archived in the first cauterization. One case (16.6%) required repeated cauterization. No recurrence was found during the follow-up period ( median: 1 year) in any cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Owing to its rarity in neonates, the diagnosis and treatment of PSC remains complicated and not clearly described. Complete removal of the fistula and the cyst with or without affected thyroid tissue was previously the most commonly used treatment. From our experience, we believe that endoscopic electrocauterization can be the first choice not only for PSF but also for neonatal PSC. In conclusion, endoscopic electrocauterization is feasible even for neonatal PSC. Further investigations including multicenter analyses are needed.

The Factors Associated with the Selection of Early Excision Surgery for Congenital Biliary Dilatation with a Prenatal Diagnosis

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to clarify the appropriate management after birth for congenital biliary dilatation (CBD, choledochal cyst) patients with a prenatal diagnosis.

METHOD

Thirteen patients with a prenatal diagnosis of CBD who underwent liver biopsy during excision surgery were divided into two groups and retrospectively analyzed: group A, with liver fibrosis above F1 and group B, without liver fibrosis.

RESULTS

Excision surgery was performed earlier in group A (F1-F2), at a median of 106 days old (p = 0.04). There were significant differences between the two groups in the presence symptoms and sludge, the cyst size, and the level of serum bilirubin and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) before excision surgery (p < 0.05). Especially, in group A, prolonged serum GGT elevation and larger cysts were consistently observed from birth. The cut-off values of predictions for the presence of liver fibrosis in serum GGT and cyst size were 319 U/l and 45 mm. No significant differences were observed in the postoperative liver function or complications during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

In patients with prenatally diagnosed CBD, the postnatal serial changes of serum GGT values and cyst size, in addition to symptoms, could help to prevent progressive liver fibrosis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Ⅲ.

TYPE OF STUDY

Treatment Study.

The Volume of Intestinal Decompression can Predict the Necessity of Surgical Intervention for Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction

BACKGROUND

There is no standard timing for switching to surgical management for children with adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) who initially receive conservative treatment. We hypothesized that an increased gastrointestinal drainage volume may indicate the need for surgical intervention.

METHODS

The study population included 150 episodes in the patients less than 20 years of age who received treatment for ASBO in our department from January 2008 to August 2019. Patients were divided into two groups: the successful conservative treatment group (CT) and the eventual surgical treatment group (ST). Following the analysis of all episodes (Study 1), we limited our analysis to only first ASBO episodes (Study 2). We retrospectively reviewed their medical records.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences in the volume on the 2nd day in both Study 1 (9.1 ml/kg vs. 18.7 ml/kg; p < 0.01) and study 2 (8.1 ml/kg vs. 19.7 ml/kg; p < 0.01). The cut-off value was the same for both Study 1 and Study 2 (11.7 ml/kg).

CONCLUSIONS

The gastrointestinal drainage volume on the 2nd day in ST was significantly larger than that in CT. Accordingly, we considered that the drainage volume may predict eventual surgical intervention for children with ASBO who initially receive conservative treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Surgical outcome and prognosis of pediatric solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to clarify the characteristics and outcomes of pediatric patients with solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) who underwent pancreatectomy.

METHODS

Pediatric patients with SPNs who underwent pancreatectomy at our institution between 1995 and 2020 were included in the study.

RESULTS

During the period under review, 12 patients underwent pancreatectomy for SPNs (median age: 10 years; range: 6-15 years). The surgical procedures included pancreatoduodenectomy (n = 2; 16.6%), distal pancreatectomy (n = 3; 25%), and enucleation (n = 7; 58.3%). The most common postoperative complication was postoperative pancreatic fistula (n = 6; 50%). Patients who underwent enucleation tended to have higher postoperative complication rates compared with those who underwent other procedures. All patients were alive without recurrence at the end of the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

SPN is associated with a good prognosis, regardless of the surgical procedure. If surgeons select enucleation for pediatric SPNs, they should bear in mind that it is associated with a higher complication rate.

Effects of changes in skeletal muscle mass on the prognosis of pediatric malignant solid tumors

PURPOSE

This study aims to clarify the relationship between changes in skeletal muscle mass during treatment and prognosis of pediatric malignant solid tumors.

METHODS

Patients with pediatric malignant solid tumors who were treated at Kyushu University Hospital from 2007 to 2017 were divided into two groups: the progression-free survival (PFS) group and the relapse/death (R/D) group; the psoas major muscle volume (PMV) was then compared. We also measured the PMV and psoas muscle area (PMA) of pediatric patients with no complications who underwent surgery for acute appendicitis (control) and compared the values with those of patients with malignant tumors.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in the PMV and PMA between patients with appendicitis and those with malignant tumors. Significant differences were found in the rate of change in PMV between the PFS (1.424) and R/D groups (1.071) (P = 0.0024). When the cut-off value of the rate of change in the PMV was 1.20, patients whose rate of change in PMV was ≥ 1.20 had longer PFS (P = 0.0231) and overall survival (P = 0.0229) than those whose rate of change was < 1.20.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric patients with malignant solid tumors and increased skeletal muscle mass during treatment have a good prognosis.

"A salvage technique using a fibrous sheath to avoid the loss of the central veins in cases of pediatric intestinal failure"

PURPOSE

The number of accessible central veins (CVs) affects the prognosis of patients with intestinal failure (IF). The loss of residual CVs should be avoided. We, therefore, evaluated the efficacy of a new CV catheter-exchange technique using a subcutaneous fibrous sheath (FS) in pediatric IF patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected the CV catheter (CVC) data of pediatric IF patients managed from January 2009 to December 2019. The data were divided into two groups; Groups 1 (CVCs placed with the FS method) and Group 2 (CVCs placed by the primary or another insertion). The main outcome was the CVC indwelling time.

RESULTS

Eighty-five CVCs were analyzed. The FS method was attempted in 47 cases and succeeded in 40 (85%). No significant difference was observed between the groups regarding characteristics. A log-rank test revealed an equivalent CVC indwelling time between the two groups (Group 1: 268 [126-588] days vs. Group 2: 229 [126-387] days, p = 0.256).

CONCLUSIONS

The FS method is highly recommended for pediatric IF patients, as its attempt showed a high success rate with an indwelling time equivalent to primary insertion. The FS method leads to the prolonged use of a single CV and thereby contributes to improving the outcomes of pediatric IF patients.

Surgical Treatment for Pneumothorax and Tumor-bronchial Fistula Secondary to Pulmonary Metastasis of Osteosarcoma in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients

BACKGROUND

Pneumothorax and tumor-bronchial fistula are rare complications of pulmonary metastasis of osteosarcoma.

OBSERVATIONS

We herein report the cases of 3 pediatric and adolescent patients who developed pneumothorax or tumor-bronchial fistula during treatment of pulmonary metastasis of osteosarcoma with chemotherapeutics or antiangiogenic agents. Two patients developed pneumothorax, and the other patient developed tumor-bronchial fistula. All of the patients finally underwent the surgery to treat their complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Although it is not a curative surgery, surgery for pneumothorax and tumor-bronchial fistula is acceptable. The operative procedure should be considered on the basis of the predicted prognosis of the patient.

The utility of core-needle tumor biopsy for pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

Core-needle biopsy (CNB) is used less frequently for the diagnosis of tumors in pediatric patients. In this report, the utility and safety of CNB for pediatric patients are described.

METHODS

The medical records of patients who underwent CNB at the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kyushu University Hospital from April 2020 to November 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. A 14 G or 16 G BARDMISSION Disposable Needle Instrument was used. For the diagnosis of neuroblastoma, a 14 G needle was selected; for the diagnosis of other tumors a 16 G needle was selected.

RESULTS

During the above period 17 CNBs were performed in 17 patients, and the median patient age was 8 years (range, 15 days-19 years). The pathological diagnoses of the tumors were as follows: neuroblastoma, n = 6; lymphoma, n = 3; hepatoblastoma, n = 2; and others, n = 6. The quantity and quality of all tumor samples obtained by CNB was sufficient to make a diagnosis. The postoperative course after CNB was uneventful in most cases, with the exception of one case of hepatoblastoma (pseudoaneurysm).

CONCLUSIONS

Core-needle biopsy is useful for pediatric patients. Sufficient tumor specimens were able to be obtained in all cases, irrespective of the type of tumor, and an accurate diagnosis could be made.

Endoscopic Surgical Approach for Pediatric Solid Tumors That Permits Complete Curability and Exhibits Cosmetic Advantages

Background: We actively use novel endoscopic surgical approaches with complete curability and good cosmetic outcomes to facilitate the removal of resected tumors from the body via a small incision. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent endoscopic surgery for treating solid tumors in the abdominal, thoracic, and urogenital regions between April 2013 and March 2020. Results: At our institution, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is performed for malignant tumors with a maximum diameter of ≤5 cm and nonmalignant tumors without diameter restrictions, although both need to have no vascular encasement. In total, 135 pediatric solid tumor resections were performed at our institution during the aforementioned period, among whom 37 patients satisfied the MIS criteria. Among them, 28 patients underwent endoscopic surgeries, whereas 9 underwent open surgeries. The median surgical durations were 192 and 138 minutes in the MIS and open groups, respectively (P = .096). The median volume of blood loss was 1 and 8 mL in the MIS and open groups, respectively (P = .086). The median lengths of hospital stay were 8 and 7 days in the MIS and open groups, respectively (P = .178). One patient in each group had Clavien-Dindo grade ≥Ⅲ complications. However, there was no surgery-related death. All patients receiving MIS had satisfactory operative scarring, early recovery, and good cosmetic outcomes. Conclusion: MIS can be used for pediatric solid tumors, considering the patient's quality of life while allowing complete curability and providing endoscopic surgical advantages.

Successful management of Wilms tumor accompanied by traumatic renal injury: a case report

When a tumor and trauma coexist, the treatment strategy must be established while considering their interaction. We herein report a 5-month-old girl with Wilms tumor complicated by blunt renal trauma. She was involved in a traffic accident and had hemorrhagic shock due to renal bleeding. We performed hemostasis by transcatheter arterial embolization. Ten days later, we extirpated the potential malignant tumor and left kidney. We were able to complete the surgery without rupture or major bleeding. Postoperative histopathology confirmed Wilms tumor. In the year since she received postoperative chemotherapy, there has been no recurrence. When we were deciding the treatment strategy, we first had to determine how much the renal trauma had affected the tumor staging. The second issue was when to extirpate the tumor after managing the trauma. There are no standard criteria for such situations at present, so we referred to the criteria concerning the bed rest period in cases of traumatic kidney injury and previous case reports and decided to wait over a week from the injury treatment to perform surgery. As a result, we were able to remove the tumor completely without any rupture or major bleeding.

123I metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) uptake predicts early relapse of neuroblastoma using semi-quantitative SPECT/CT analysis

Objective

¹²³I metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy is a useful tool for the diagnosis of neuroblastoma (NB). MIBG uptake is correlated with norepinephrine transporter expression; hence, it is expected that high-MIBG tumors would be more highly differentiated and have a better prognosis than those with lower expression. We have introduced a method of assessing MIBG accumulation semi-quantitatively using SPECT/CT fusion images. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of ¹²³I MIBG uptake measured by semi-quantitative values of SPECT/CT and early relapse of NB.

Methods

We studied the cases of 11 patients (5 males and 6 females, age 5–65 months, median age 20 months) with histopathologically proven NB between April 2010 and March 2015. The early-relapse group was defined as patients who had relapsed within 3 years after the first ¹²³I MIBG SPECT/CT exam. Other patients were classified as the delay-relapse group. Uptake of MIBG was evaluated using the count ratio of tumor and muscles. T/Mmax and T/Mmean were defined as follows: T/Mmax = max count of tumor/max count of muscle, T/Mmean = mean count of tumor/mean count of muscle.

Results

The average T/Mmean values of the early-relapse group and delay-relapse group were 2.65 ± 0.58 and 7.66 ± 2.68, respectively. The T/Mmean values of the early-relapse group were significantly lower than those of delay-relapse group (p < 0.05). The average T/Mmax of the early-relapse group and delay-relapse group were 8.86 ± 3.22 and 16.20 ± 1.97, respectively. There was no significant difference in T/Mmax values between the two groups.

Conclusions

Low ¹²³I MIBG uptake using semi-quantitative SPECT/CT analysis was correlated with early relapse of NB.

Vaginal Transmission of Cancer from Mothers with Cervical Cancer to Infants

Two cases of pediatric lung cancer (in 23-month-old and 6-year-old boys) resulting from mother-to-infant transmission of uterine cervical tumors were incidentally detected during routine next-generation sequencing of paired samples of tumor and normal tissue. Spontaneous regression of some lesions in the first child and slow growth of the tumor mass in the second child suggested the existence of alloimmune responses against the transmitted tumors. Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy with nivolumab led to a strong regression of all remaining tumors in the first child. (Funded by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development and others; TOP-GEAR UMIN Clinical Trials Registry number, UMIN000011141.).

Congenital intestinal atresia associated with a mesenteric cystic lymphangioma in a low birth weight neonate: A case report

•

Reperfusion injury or disturbed blood flow may cause congenital intestinal atresia.

•

Premature baby had congenital intestinal atresia/mesenteric cystic lymphangioma.

•

Small bowel atresia and stenosis may be due to accidentally disturbed blood flow.

Introduction

Congenital intestinal atresia requires emergency surgery soon after birth. Lymphangioma, a benign tumor, is caused by an anomalous lymphatic system. We report a case of congenital intestinal atresia associated with a mesenteric cystic lymphangioma in a low birth weight neonate.

Presentation of case

At 21 weeks of pregnancy, ultrasonography revealed a cystic lesion in the fetal abdominal cavity. At 31 weeks, magnetic resonance imaging showed dilatation of the small intestine. This low birth weight (1752 g) male infant was born by vaginal delivery at 32 weeks 3 days’ gestation. Laparotomy on day 2 of life revealed jejunal atresia and a mesenteric cyst. The cyst was removed and intestinal anastomosis was performed. Histologically, the cyst proved to be a mesenteric lymphangioma.

Discussion

The most popular theories regarding the mechanism of congenital intestinal atresia include reperfusion injury and intestinal tract blood flow disturbance. In this fetus, intestinal torsion had occurred around the mesenteric cystic lymphangioma, which apparently disturbed the mesenteric blood flow and caused intestinal atresia.

Conclusion

There have been few reports of the combination of a mesenteric cystic lymphangioma and congenital intestinal atresia. This case supports the theory that small bowel atresia and stenosis are caused by accidental blood flow disturbance.

Definitive Tumor Resection after Myeloablative High Dose Chemotherapy Is a Feasible and Effective Option in the Multimodal Treatment of High-Risk Neuroblastoma: A Single Institution Experience

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The delayed local treatment approach (DL) in high-risk neuroblastoma (HR-NB) refers to the process in which tumor resection is performed after the completion of all the courses of chemotherapy, including myeloablative high-dose chemotherapy (HDC). Alternatively, in the conventional local treatment approach (CL), tumor resection is performed during induction chemotherapy. In this study, we compared the surgical outcomes in HR-NB patients treated by CL and DL.

METHOD

Forty-seven patients with abdominal HR-NB underwent primary tumor resection from 2002 to 2018. The timing of surgery was generally determined by following the trials and guidelines available at the time. The outcomes and surgical complications between the two strategies were compared.

RESULT

Operation time, blood loss, and postoperative WBC counts were lower in the DL group (n = 25) when compared to the CL group (n = 22), statistical significance notwithstanding. Major vascular structures were less frequently encased in the DL group tumors, while immediate surgical complications were significantly more frequent in the CL group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the 3-year EFSs were 50.0% and 53.9% in the DL and CL groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

DL appears to be a feasible and effective treatment option for HR-NB. Nonetheless, further verifications using larger cohorts are warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Treatment study, Level III.

Navigation surgery using indocyanine green fluorescent imaging for hepatoblastoma patients

BACKGROUND

Technology for detecting liver tumors and identifying the bile ducts using indocyanine green (ICG) has recently been developed. However, the usefulness and limitations of ICG navigation surgery for hepatoblastoma (HB) have not been fully clarified. We herein report our experiences with surgical navigation using ICG for in HB patients.

METHODS

In 5 HB patients, 10 ICG navigation surgeries were performed using a 10-mm infrared fluorescence imaging scope after the injection of 0.5 mg/kg ICG intravenously. The surgical and clinical features were collected retrospectively.

RESULTS

Navigation surgery using ICG was performed for primary liver tumors in 4 cases, and the timing of ICG injection was 90.5 ± 33.7 h before the operation. All tumors exhibited intense fluorescence from the liver surface. ICG navigation for the primary liver tumor was useful for detecting the residual tumor at the stump and invasion to the diaphragm during surgery. Six lung surgeries using ICG navigation were performed. The timing of ICG injection was 21.8 ± 3.4 h before the operation. The size of the metastatic tumor was 7.4 ± 4.1 mm (1.2-15 mm). Of 11 metastatic tumors detected by computed tomography (CT), 10-including the smallest tumor (1.2 mm)-were able to be detected by ICG from the lung surface. The depth of the 10 ICG-positive tumors from the lung surface was 0.9 ± 1.9 mm (0-6 mm), and the depth of the single ICG-negative tumor was 12 mm. One lesion not detected by CT showed ICG false positivity.

CONCLUSION

Navigation surgery using ICG for patients with HB was useful for identifying tumors and confirming complete resection. However, in ICG navigation surgery, we must be aware of the limitations with regard to the tumor size and the depth from the surface.

Natural antibody against neuroblastoma of TH-MYCN transgenic mice does not correlate with spontaneous regression

The mechanism underlying the spontaneous regression of neuroblastoma is unclear. Although it was hypothesized that this regression occurs via an immunological mechanism, there is no clinical evidence, and no animal models have been developed to investigate the involvement of immune systems, especially natural antibodies, against neuroblastoma. We performed an immunological analysis of homo- and heterozygous TH-MYCN transgenic mice as a model of aggressive neuroblastoma. Mice with no or small (<5 mm) tumors showed higher antibody titers in plasma than mice with large (>5 mm) tumors. A significant negative correlation was observed between the tumor diameter and the titer of antitumor antibody. This antibody had complement-dependent cytotoxicity but not antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against neuroblastoma cells. Moreover, B-cell depletion had no effect on the tumor incidence in vivo. We revealed that TH-MYCN transgenic mice have a natural antibody against neuroblastoma that correlate with tumor size. However, this antibody does not correlate with the spontaneous regression of neuroblastoma. Thus, the function of the natural antibody is limited.

The Utility of Muscle-Sparing Axillar Skin Crease Incision with Thoracoscopic Surgery in Children

BACKGROUND

Thoracoscopic surgery for pediatric benign tumors is a common procedure. However, a large incision is needed to remove large tumors from the thoracic cavity. And, for intrapulmonary sequestration in lower lobe, it sometimes needs a large incision to ligate the aberrant vessels. A muscle-sparing axillar skin crease incision (MSASCI) has been introduced for thoracic open surgery, resulting in excellent aesthetic outcomes compared with a standard incision. We herein report the utility of this MSASCI technique in thoracoscopic surgery to remove large tumors from the thoracic cavity and to ligate the aberrant vessels in intrapulmonary sequestration in lower lobe.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2014 April to 2016 March, we performed the MSASCI technique in thoracoscopic surgeries for 5 children.

RESULT

Five cases were diagnosed as mediastinal masses (mature teratoma for 1 case, ganglioneuroblastoma for 2 cases, and extrapulmonary sequestration and intrapulmonary sequestration for 1 case each). The age at surgery was 32.0 ± 25.0 months (range 5-58 months). The size of the mediastinal mass was 9 × 5 × 5 cm, 4 × 3 × 3 cm, 5 × 5 × 2.5 cm, and 3 × 2.5 × 2 cm. For 4 other cases, except for the intrapulmonary sequestration case, the mass was resected under thoracoscopic surgery using only three or four 5-mm trocars and the mass was removed from the thoracic cavity using the MSASCI technique. For the intrapulmonary sequestration case, the aberrant vessels were resected under thoracoscopic surgery using only two 5-mm and one 12-mm trocars and the left lower lobectomy was performed using the MSASCI technique. All lesions were resected completely. No cases had surgical complications, none showed recurrence, and all cases demonstrated good cosmetic outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Performing thoracoscopic surgery using a MSASCI technique is associated with good cosmetic outcome.

Preoperative surgical simulation of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for neuroblastoma using a three-dimensional printed model based on preoperative CT images

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional (3D) printed models based on computed tomography (CT) images facilitate the visualization of complex structures and are useful for understanding the surgical anatomy preoperatively. We developed a preoperative surgical simulation method using a 3D printed model based on CT images obtained prior to laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal neuroblastomas (NBs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The multi-detector CT images were transferred to a 3D workstation, and 3D volume data were obtained by reconstructing the sections. A model was made with a 3D printer using acrylic ultraviolet curable resin. The adrenal tumor, kidney, renal vein and artery, inferior vena cava, aorta, and outer body were fabricated. The pneumoperitoneum, insertion of trocars, and laparoscopic view were all attainable in this model. We used this model for three cases with adrenal NB.

RESULTS

We used this model to discuss the port layout before the operation and to simulate the laparoscopic view and range of forceps movement. All three cases with NB were completely resected without any surgical complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical simulation using 3D printed models based on preoperative CT images for adrenal NB was very useful for understanding the patient's surgical anatomy and for planning the surgical procedures, especially for determining the optimal port layout.

Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome associated with breast cancer metastasis to both ovaries: Report of a case

A 50-year-old woman was admitted because of abdominal fullness due to bilateral ovarian tumors, pleural effusion, and ascites associated with breast cancer. Although chemotherapy and the removal of ascites were performed periodically, the ascites did not disappear. The cytology of the ascites did not indicate malignancy. Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome caused by metastasis to both ovarian tumors was suspected. The patient underwent a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and the pathological diagnosis was bilateral metastatic ovarian tumors from breast cancer. The ascites and pleural effusion resolved after the surgery, with the consequent improvement of the patient's quality of life; however, she unfortunately died 4 months later due to hepatic failure caused by multiple metastases.