Abstract: BACKGROUND: Intrahepatic biliary cystadenoma (IBC) is a rare liver tumour, which has strong tendency to recur and malignant potential as it can progress to cystadenocarcinoma (IBCa). METHODS: From June 2003 to December 2006, four patients diagnosed with hepatic cystadenoma were operated on our Liver Surgical Unit. All patients were females with median age of 51 years (range 45-63 years). Liver resections included three left and one right hepatectomies. In two patients, IBC was diagnosed by abdominal imaging and serum tumour markers but the rest of the patients were initially misdiagnosed as simple cysts, treated by laparoscopic fenestration and referred to our unit after cyst recurrence. RESULTS: In all cases, the pathology report was consistent with liver cystadenomas. The postoperative course was uneventful and the median hospital stay was 8 days (range 5-12 days). In a median 18-month follow-up (range 2-40 months), all patients are alive and free of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Liver cystadenomas can be easily misdiagnosed with other hepatic cystic lesions. An aggressive surgical approach is recommended, due to their malignant potential and high recurrence rate after fenestration.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is one of the most troublesome postoperative complications following pancreatic resection. Not only does it contribute considerably to prolonged hospitalization, but it is also associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We performed an electronic and manual search of the international literature for studies dealing with the treatment of DGE following pancreatic resection using the Medline database. The search items used were "delayed gastric emptying," "pancreaticoduodenectomy," "Whipple procedure," "pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy," and "complications following pancreatic resection" in various combinations. RESULTS: A number of studies were identified regarding possible therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of DGE. From the class of prokinetic regimens, most studies seem to support the use of erythromycin. However, its use has not gained wide acceptance. Regarding the operative technique, both standard Whipple and pylorus-preserving pancreatic resection carry similar rates of DGE. Billroth II type-like gastrointestinal reconstruction is the most widely accepted method and is associated with lower rates of DGE. Reoperations for managing severe DGE were very rarely reported. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of DGE in high-volume centers specialized in pancreatic surgery is well below 20%, thus following the improved rates that have been reported in the last decade regarding mortality and length of hospital stay after pancreatic surgery. DGE mandates a uniform definition and method of evaluation to achieve homogeneity among studies. Standardization of the operative technique, as well as "centralizing" pancreatic resections in high-volume centers, should aid to improve the occurrence of this bothersome postoperative complication.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In a very selected group of patients, resection of metachronous liver and lung metastases, prolongs survival despite the aggressive nature of these lesions. We present here our experience with metastasectomy in patients with metachronous liver and lung metastases in whom, an exclusive transthoracic approach was performed. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2005, five patients with metachronous colorectal liver and right-lung metastases, underwent an exclusive transthoracic approach. There were three men and two women, with a median age of 68 years (range, 55-76 years). Liver resections performed included segmentectomy of segments VII, VIII, or both. Previous operations include colon resection, adhesiolysis, or ventral hernia repair were performed in all patients. RESULTS: No mortality was documented. Morbidity included pleural effusion (n = 2) and post-operative pneumonia (n = 1) which responded to conservative management. Median hospital stay was 8 days (range 5-12 days). With a median follow-up of 26 months all patients are alive without recurrent disease. CONCLUSION: An aggressive surgical approach should be undertaken for CRC metastases. An exclusive transthoracic approach is feasible for combined lung and subdiaphragmatic liver metastasectomy in selected cases with previous abdominal surgery.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although the most common cause of liver failure (LF) in hematologic patients is viral hepatitis, several episodes of sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis (IHC) have been reported as rare but potentially causative of fulminant LF. Reviewing the literature, we have presented a single case of intrahepatic cholestasis after major liver resection, which was effectively treated by exchange transfusion. METHODS: Serial hemoglobin S, D levels and liver enzymes were monitored postoperatively. RESULTS: Although the patient's intra- and postoperative courses were uneventful, an increased serum bilirubin was identified to be due to intrahepatic sinusoid congestion and subsequent cholestasis. Exchange transfusion was required to maintain HbS below 20% and reverse bilirubin levels to normal values. CONCLUSION: Sickle cell anemia is a rare cause of cholestasis after major hepatic surgery. To our knowledge, this case is the only documented incidence of IHC following major hepatectomy that was effectively treated with exchange transfusion.