Kei Kuraoka

Radiofrequency ablation combined with transarterial chemoembolization for intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma

Radiofrequency ablation therapy (RFA) combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) (combination therapy) is effective for early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to compare the long‐term effects of combination therapy with supportive care alone for intermediate HCC.

Endoscopic bile duct and/or pancreatic duct cannulation technique for patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy

There are two major hurdles to carrying out endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy (Billroth II gastrectomy [B‐II], Roux‐en‐Y anastomosis [R‐Y] etc.), post‐pancreatoduodenectomy or post‐choledochojejunostomy. These are: (i) the endoscopic approach to the afferent loop, blind end, and the site of bilio‐pancreatic anastomosis; and (ii) bile duct and/or pancreatic duct cannulation. Balloon‐assisted enteroscopy (BAE) became available in recent years and is now being actively used to overcome the first hurdle and, at least, the success rate has improved. However, room for improvement still remains in regards to the second hurdle (i.e. the success rate of cannulation of the bile duct and/or pancreatic duct), and there has been a desire for the development of dedicated devices (ERCP catheters, hoods etc.) and for improvement in the functionality of the enteroscopes etc. In the present review, we explain the basic procedure for bile duct and/or pancreatic duct cannulation with conventional endoscopes and BAE, and modifications of the basic procedure.

Long-term outcome of elderly patients (75 years or older) with hepatocellular carcinoma.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term outcome of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) aged 75 years or older.