Fiona G. Court

Segmental nature of the porcine liver and its potential as a model for experimental partial hepatectomy

In‐depth knowledge of pig liver anatomy allows potential research into segmental liver resections and hepatic regeneration, as well as liver transplantation techniques. The segmental anatomy, however, remains largely unknown. This study aimed to delineate the segmental anatomy of the porcine liver in comparison with that of the human.

Electrolytic liver ablation is not associated with evidence of a systemic inflammatory response syndrome

Local ablation has been proposed for treatment of liver tumours. Cryoshock, a variant of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), is a potentially fatal complication of cryoablation caused by systemic release of necrotic breakdown products from ablated liver. The proinflammatory cytokines tissue necrosis factor (TNF) α and interleukin (IL) 1 are important mediators of this response. This study assessed the risk of SIRS complicating electrolytic liver ablation by measuring circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines, other inflammatory markers and clinical markers of organ function.

Bioartificial liver support devices : Historical perspectives

Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is an important cause of death worldwide. Despite significant improvements in critical care therapy there has been little impact on survival with mortality rates approaching 80%. In many patients the cause of the liver failure is reversible and if short‐term hepatic support is provided, the liver may regenerate. Survivors recover full liver function and a normal life expectancy 1 . For many years the only curative treatment for this condition has been liver transplantation, subjecting many patients to replacement of a potentially self‐regenerating organ, with the lifetime danger of immunosuppression and its attendant complications, such as malignancy 2 . Because of the shortage of livers available for transplantation, many patients die before a transplant can be performed, or are too ill for operation by the time a liver becomes available. Many patients with hepatic failure do not qualify for liver transplantation because of concomitant infection, metastatic cancer, active alcoholism or concurrent medical problems. The survival of patients excluded from liver transplantation or those with potentially reversible acute hepatitis might be improved with temporary artificial liver support.

Role of FDG-PET in surgical management of patients with colorectal liver metastases.

Background:   [ 18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) is reported to change the management in 20−56% of patients with recurrent or metastatic colorectal cancer. It is not clear if FDG‐PET has a role in all such patients or only a subgroup. The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of FDG‐PET on the surgical management of patients with known or suspected colorectal liver metastases.

Endoscopic perductal electrolytic ablation of the pancreas: Experimental studies of morbidity and mortality

Background: Palliation of pancreatic cancer remains the only option for the majority of patients. Palliative techniques such as surgical bypass and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with stenting are not ideal. The ‘ideal’ palliative technique would combine the efficacy of surgery with the minimal complications of an endoscopic procedure. Endoscopically delivered perductal electrolytic ablation of pancreatic lesions has the potential to meet these criteria. Methods: Fifteen pigs were used. The pancreatic duct was cannulated with an electrolysis catheter. Animals were randomised to either: controls, treatment 2-week survivor or treatment 8-week survivor. An electrolytic dose was administered to the treatment animals. Post-operatively, serum amylase and leucocyte count were assessed. Pancreata were histologically examined to detect evidence of acute pancreatitis. Results: Electrolysis was well tolerated. There was no difference in post-operative hyperamylasaemia and leucocyte count between the groups. Histological examination showed inflammation at the ablation site at 2 weeks, by 8 weeks this was replaced by scarring. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that endoscopic perductal electrolytic ablation of the pancreas is feasible and safe. Biochemical and histological findings indicate self-limiting localised inflammation of the pancreas. This technique may have a role in the palliation of pancreatic cancer and warrants further investigation.

Perductal electrolytic ablation of the porcine pancreas: A minimally invasive option-studies of morbidity and mortality

BackgroundPancreatic cancer has a dismal prognosis. Few patients are suitable for surgical resection, leaving the majority requiring symptom palliation. Current palliative techniques such as surgical bypass and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are imperfect. A novel palliative therapy combining the symptom control of surgical bypass with the minimally invasive nature of ERCP is required.MethodsPerductal electrolytic ablation of pancreatic tissue, in a porcine model, was performed. There were two survival groups of 2 weeks (n = 4) and 8 weeks (n = 4). Postoperatively, serum biochemistry, amylase and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed. Histological examination of the pancreas, lungs, and kidneys was performed to determine the presence of acute pancreatitis or systemic inflammatory response.ResultsAn immediate transient increase in both amylase and CRP was seen. Although pancreatic histology demonstrated localised necrosis at the electrolytic site at 2 weeks, there was no evidence of generalized pancreatitis or a systemic inflammatory response at either 2 or 8 weeks.ConclusionsThis study suggests that, although there is localized pancreatic necrosis and transient hyperamylasemia, perductal pancreatic electrolytic ablation is safe, with neither generalized pancreatitis nor a systemic inflammatory response, in the medium and long term. Although performed in normal porcine pancreas, because of the absence of a large-animal model of pancreatic cancer, this study suggests that electrolytic pancreatic ablation is safe. This technique may have a role in the palliation of pancreatic cancer, especially if delivered via a minimally, invasive approach, and warrants further investigation.

Unusual case of Morgagni hernia associated with malrotation.

Morgagni herniae are rare congenital diaphragmatic hernia, which normally present late in adult life with minimal symptoms. They are always associated with a peritoneal hernial sac, and often contain transverse colon or stomach. We present an unusual case of a Morgagni hernia containing caecum in an 81‐year‐old woman, post ruptured aortic aneurysm repair.