Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Makuuchi

Publications and source records attributed to M Makuuchi.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Predictive value of gross classification of hepatocellular carcinoma on recurrence and survival after hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: A new gross classification of hepatocellular carcinoma in which Eggel's nodular type is subclassified into type 1 (single nodular type), type 2 (single nodular type with extranodular growth), and type 3 (contiguous multinodular type) has been widely used in Japan. The aim of the study was to determine whether this classification is correlated with patient outcome. METHODS: Sixty-five resected hepatocellular carcinoma nodules (< or = 5 cm) were classified using this new classification. RESULTS: The 65 tumors were classified into 30 type 1 (46%), 20 type 2 (31%), and 15 type 3 (23%) hepatocellular carcinomas. The rate of microscopic vascular invasion significantly increased from type 1 to type 2, and to type 3 tumors (p=0.03). Kaplan-Meier estimates showed that type 1 was significantly associated with lower recurrence rate (type 1 vs. type 2, p=0.01; type 1 vs. type 3, p=0.004; log-rank test), and higher disease-specific survival (type 1 vs. type 2, p=0.02; type 1 vs. type 3, p=0.002). Cox's proportional-hazards model demonstrated that type 1 was an independent factor for low risk of recurrence (p=0.002) and low risk of disease-specific death (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: The gross classification of hepatocellular carcinoma is of clinical value in predicting patient outcome.

Aged↗

Induction of type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor in human liver ischemia and reperfusion.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The detailed role of type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) in liver with ischemia reperfusion injury remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine this mechanism, focusing on inflammatory cytokines. METHODS: Eighteen patients who underwent partial hepatectomy (PH) for metastatic liver tumors using only Pringle's maneuver were enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood was taken perioperatively and PAI-1, tissue type plasminogen activator (tPA), plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and cytokine levels were measured. Two liver specimens were taken from each patient, one before ischemia and the other after PH, for detection of mRNA of PAI-1, tPA, tumor growth factor (TGF)-beta1, interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-a. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were performed to detect PAI-1 protein in the liver. RESULTS: The average plasma PAI-1 antigen level reached a maximum after the final clamp (121.6+/-5.9 ng/ml). The average PAI-1 level in hepatic veins (140.4+/-6.3 ng/ml) after the last Pringle's maneuver was higher than that in peripheral veins (p<0.0001). A correlation was observed between the ratio of the corrected fluorescent activity of PAI-1 before and after ischemia and TGF-beta1 mRNA levels in the liver after PH (p=0.003). PAI-1 protein could be detected in parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells of the liver obtained after ischemia reperfusion injury. CONCLUSIONS: PAI-1 was produced in human livers after ischemia reperfusion injury provoked by Pringle's maneuver, giving valuable information regarding the degree of warm ischemic damage.

Adult↗

Objective evaluation of liver consistency to estimate hepatic fibrosis and functional reserve for hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: The empiric evaluation of liver consistency is currently used to plan the surgical strategy. The aim of this study was to verify the feasibility of the objective measurement of liver consistency and to check its correlation with liver fibrosis and liver functional reserve. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-two consecutive patients who underwent hepatic resections in our department were enrolled. The indications for liver resection were hepatocellular carcinoma in 36 patients, metastatic liver tumors in 12 patients, and other conditions in 4 patients. Liver consistency was measured with a new tactile sensor. A fibrosis index was calculated as an expression of the percentage of fibrotic tissue. Liver consistency was compared with the degree of liver fibrosis observed in histologic specimens (fibrosis index) and with liver function parameters. RESULTS: Liver stiffness showed a significant positive correlation with fibrosis index (r = 0.887, p < 0.0001). Liver stiffness also showed significant positive correlation with the indocyanine green test (r = 0.631, p < 0.0001) by a univariate analysis. The indocyanine green test and platelet count were independently and significantly associated with liver stiffness by a multiple regression analysis. In five patients, the liver stiffness values measured intraoperatively differed markedly from those expected from the indocyanine green test values. In these patients, the operative procedures were finally selected based on the liver stiffness measured with the tactile sensor and good clinical outcomes were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: These results show for the first time that liver stiffness can be clinically assessed quantitatively by means of the tactile sensor. The tactile sensor adequately estimates liver stiffness and this estimation is well correlated with liver fibrosis and functional reserve. Liver consistency determined objectively in this manner may be useful for optimizing surgical decision making.

Adult↗

Surgical results for hepatocellular carcinoma with macroscopic portal vein tumor thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: The longterm results after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma with macroscopic tumor thrombus of the portal vein are unclear. STUDY DESIGN: The records of 47 HCC patients with tumor thrombus in the segmental portal branch (n = 33) and the first portal branch or portal vein trunk (n = 14) were reviewed in this study. Survival rates of the patients were calculated with regard to 14 dinicopathologic variables. A log-rank analysis was performed to identify which variables predicted the prognosis. RESULTS: Overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 53.9%, 33.2%, and 23.9%, respectively. The indicators of a favorable prognosis included curative liver resection, tumor size less than 10 cm in diameter, and absence of intrahepatic metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Liver resection should be considered a therapeutic option for hepatocellular carcinoma with macroscopic portal vein tumor thrombus when the tumor is small and curative liver resection can be expected.

Adult↗

Splenectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and hypersplenism.

BACKGROUND: Hypersplenism secondary to portal hypertension is common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but surgeons still face the unresolved problem of how to manage HCC patients with hypersplenism. STUDY DESIGN: The records of 48 patients with HCC and hypersplenism were retrospectively examined and postoperative changes in platelet counts, serum total bilirubin levels, and dinical staging scores were analyzed to evaluate the clinical value of combined splenectomy and liver resection. Hepatectomy and splenectomy were performed as a two-stage operation in 13 patients and synchronously in 35. RESULTS: Postoperative platelet counts were significantly increased, and serum total bilirubin levels were significantly decreased. Clinical staging scores were also reduced after splenectomy in patients who underwent splenectomy before hepatectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Synchronous or metachronous splenectomy can increase the safety of hepatectomy in selected patients with HCC by reducing both the likelihood of bleeding complications and bilirubin overload.

Aged↗