[Phase II study of gemcitabine (GEM) and docetaxel (TXT) combination chemotherapy for unresectable non small cell lung cancer].

A phase I study of gemcitabine (GEM) and docetaxel (TXT) combination chemotherapy had been performed for unresectable non-small-cell lung cancer, and the dose level of GEM (1,000 mg/m2) on days 1 and 8, and TXT (70 mg/m2) on day 8 every 21 days had been recommended. The combination chemotherapy was repeated> or =2 courses in this phase II study, and the efficacy and safety were evaluated. 31 patients were entered, and the mean number of courses was 3.

Clinical significance of portal venous metallic stent placement in recurrent periampullary cancers.

Background/aims: We evaluate the clinical significance of portal venous expandable metallic stent (EMS) placement for patients who have malignant portal hypertension caused by recurrent periampullary cancer.

Methodology: Four post-pancreatoduodenectomy patients underwent percutaneous transhepatic portal venous EMS placement because of symptoms of malignant portal hypertension: intractable ascites (2/4), growth of abnormal collateral vein (3/4), melena (2/4), gastroesophageal varix (3/4) and thrombocytopenia (2/4). They were diagnosed with having a recurrence by cytology of ascitis, computed tomography and/or tumor markers in serum.

A minimally invasive approach for postoperative pancreatic fistula.

Pancreas fistula is a well-known and severe complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy. It is difficult to control with conservative therapy, inducing further complications and severe morbidity. Until now, re-operation has been the only way to resolve pancreatic fistula causing complete dehiscence of the pancreatic-enteric anastomosis (complete pancreatic fistula).