Short-Term Results of Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation Using a Multipolar System for Localized Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background And Aim: Multipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is feasible for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for which a large ablative area is planned, and it imposes a light physical burden on patients. Multipolar RFA via the percutaneous approach is performed in the majority of cases, but the efficacy of multipolar RFA with a laparoscopic approach has rarely been studied. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of multipolar laparoscopic RFA (LRA) for localized HCC over the short term.

A case of small hepatocellular carcinoma treated with laparoscopic multipolar radiofrequency ablation with a no-touch ablation procedure.

A 77-year-old man with hepatocellular carcinoma was admitted to our institution. Computed tomography revealed two nodules, one at the surface and one within the liver, ≤3 cm in diameter. We performed laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation using a bipolar system with a "no-touch ablation" procedure using multiple applicators for insertion, not into the tumor directly, but to the perimeter of the tumor.

Utility of a new reusable clip device for endoscopic treatment.

Background And Aim: Existing reusable endoscopic clip devices have some problems regarding opening the device and precise control of clip application. The aim of the present study was to evaluate reusable clip devices for endoscopic treatment.

Methods: Ability to close a large defect and grip force were evaluated using ex-vivo porcine colon.

Steroid treatment in patients with membranous nephropathy and hepatitis B virus surface antigenemia: a report of two cases.

Although the clinical benefits of antiviral treatment in the management of membranous nephropathy (MN) in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have been suggested, it should be evaluated more carefully. In this report, we present two cases with quiescent HBV who were administered lamivudine for either the initial treatment of MN or to control the reactivation of HBV during treatment with corticosteroids. No clinical benefit of lamivudine as an initial treatment was observed in one patient, which obliged us to commence administration of prednisolone (PSL).

A case of acute hepatitis C caused by interspousal transmission after 30 years of marriage.

We describe a case of interspousal transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after 30 years of marriage which was confirmed by gene analysis. A 60-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of severe hepatic dysfunction. Laboratory findings showed that HCV-Ab titer and qualitative Amplicor HCV were both positive in low levels.