Evaluation of endoscopic cytological diagnosis of unresectable pancreatic cancer prior to and after the introduction of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration.

With the advances in the multidisciplinary treatment of pancreatic cancer (PC) over the last few years, it is crucial to obtain a histopathological diagnosis prior to treatment. Histopathological diagnosis for unresectable PC is currently performed with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in combination with endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). We retrospectively assessed the results of these two methods and investigated diagnostic performance according to the location of the lesion and the complications.

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.

Evaluation of endoscopic transpapillary brushing cytology for the diagnosis of bile duct cancer based on the histopathologic findings.

Background And Aim: Diagnosis of the bile duct cancer still needs more accuracy. Studies on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-guided brushing cytology were carried to evaluate the role of the endoscopic transpapillary brushing cytology for the diagnosis of bile duct cancer.

Patients And Method: The study involved 76 consecutive patients who underwent ERCP-guided bile duct cytology for the diagnosis of bile duct cancer from 2008 to August 2012.

A case of acute pancreatitis following endoscopic biopsy of the ampulla of Vater.

Ampullary tumors are diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy of the ampulla of Vater. We encountered a rare case of acute pancreatitis following endoscopic biopsy of the ampulla. A 53-year-old man referred to our hospital for detailed examination of a suspected tumor of the ampulla of Vater.

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

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

Methods: The study included 422 patients with HCC, who were divided into two age groups: 75 years or older (n = 140) and younger than 75 (n = 282). Outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Radiofrequency ablation combined with transarterial chemoembolization for intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma.

Aim: 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.

Methods: The study included 58 patients with intermediate HCC who received combination therapy (n = 34) or supportive care alone (n = 24).