Background : Dvl is a cytoplasmic protein to regulate the stability of β β β β -catenin in the Wnt signalling pathway. However, the molecular mechanism by which Dvl regulates the Wnt signalling pathway is not fully understood.

Hepatectomy for elderly patients with resectable HCC is safe and feasible. Selected elderly patients with HCC might benefit from hepatectomy.

Background: Splenectomy is gaining increasing importance for cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism. However, its safety and efficacy for patients with chronic liver disease remain unclear. Methods: We retrospectively examined the medical records of 38 consecutive cirrhotic patients who underwent splenectomy or simultaneous hepatectomy and splenectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Results: White blood cell and platelet counts significantly increased 3 months after splenectomy. Serum levels of total bilirubin and prothrombin time significantly improved 1 year after splenectomy. Interferon therapy was administered to 25 patients after splenectomy. A sustained viral response was achieved in 8 patients (42%). The total incidence of portal or splenic vein thrombosis (PSVT) detected by postoperative dynamic computed tomography was 13/38 (34.2%). Multivariate analysis revealed preoperative spleen volume (SV) to be the sole independent predictor of postoperative PSVT. Receiver-operator characteristic curve analysis showed that a cut-off SV of 450 ml corresponded to a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 56%. Conclusions: Splenectomy improved the liver function and facilitated effective interferon therapy in cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism, although preoperative SV was frequently associated with postoperative PSVT.

Perioperative blood transfusion did not influence the overall and disease-free survival rate in the HCC patients studied. Perioperative blood transfusion may not be considered a poor prognostic factor for patients with HCC.

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