Selection of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma for liver transplantation: Past and future.

The aim of liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is to ensure a rate of disease-free survival similar to that of patients transplanted due to benign disease. Therefore, we are forced to adopt strict criteria when selecting candidates for LT and prioritizing patients on the waiting list (WL), to have clarified indications for bridging therapy for groups at risk for progression or recurrence, and to establish certain limits for downstaging therapies. Although the Milan criteria (MC) remain the standard and most employed criteria for indication of HCC patients for LT by far, in the coming years, criteria will be consolidated that take into account not only data regarding the size/volume and number of tumors but also their biology.

Outcome of operation in patients with adrenocortical cancer invading the inferior vena cava--a European Society of Endocrine Surgeons (ESES) survey.

Background: Most patients with adrenocortical cancer (ACC) continue to present with advanced disease. Invasion into the inferior vena cava (IVC) defines stage III disease and the management of such patients raises additional difficulties.

Method: A multicentre survey was organized by emailing a standardized proforma to members of the European Society of Endocrine Surgery (ESES).

[Colorectal laparoscopy in the Canary Islands. A multicenter study of 144 patients].

Introduction: To analyze the short-term results of laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCRS) in the Canary Islands.

Material And Methods: A questionnaire was sent to hospitals performing laparoscopy and retrospective data on demographic, perioperative and pathological variables in 144 patients who underwent LCRS between May 1993 and May 2003 were obtained.

Results: Sixty-five men and 79 women underwent colon (n=126) and rectal (n=18) surgery in the last 16 months of the study period.