Extent of regional lymphadenectomy and number-based nodal classification for non-ampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the adequate extent of regional lymphadenectomy according to tumor location and the impact of number-based nodal classification on survival in patients with non-ampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma (NADAC).

METHODS

A total of 85 patients with NADAC who underwent surgery were enrolled. The frequency of metastasis was calculated for each node group in the respective tumor locations for 63 patients who underwent lymphadenectomy for pT2-pT4 tumor.

RESULTS

The frequency of metastasis in the pancreaticoduodenal (nos. 13 and 17) and superior mesenteric artery (no. 14) nodes was high (16.7 %-52.3 %) regardless of tumor location. Metastasis in the perigastric (nos. 3 and 4d) and right celiac artery (no. 9) nodes was not uncommon (14.3 %-22.2 %) for tumors in the first portion. The frequency of metastasis in the pyloric (nos. 5 and 6) and the other peripancreaticoduodenal (nos. 8 and 12) nodes varied depending on tumor location but could not be ignored for staging. When these nodes were classified as regional nodes, the 5-year survival in patients with pN0, pN1 (1-2 positive nodes), and pN2 (≥3 positive nodes) were 82.9 %, 51.7 %, and 19.2 %, respectively (p < 0.001). pN classification independently predicted survival (pN1, p = 0.022; pN2, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Nos. 5, 6, 8, 12, 13, 14, and 17 nodes in all advanced NADAC and nos. 3, 4d, and 9 nodes in advanced NADAC in the first portion should be considered as regional nodes for accurate staging. The number-based nodal classification allows good patients' prognostic stratification.

Two Cases of Gastric Varices with Left-sided Portal Hypertension Due to Essential Thrombocythemia Treated with Gastric Devascularization or Partial Splenic Embolization

Left-sided portal hypertension (LSPH) is a condition of extrahepatic portal hypertension that often results in bleeding from isolated gastric varices (GVs). LSPH is sometimes caused by myeloproliferative diseases, such as essential thrombocythemia (ET). We herein report two cases of GVs with LSPH due to ET that were successfully controlled by gastric devascularization (GDS) or partial splenic embolization (PSE). Since each patient with LSPH due to ET has a different pathology, optimal treatment should be performed depending on the patient's condition, such as platelet counts, hemodynamics, or the prognosis. We believe that these cases will serve as a reference for future cases.

Predictors of bioprosthetic valve dysfunction after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Background

Recently, the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-3 criteria redefined bioprosthetic valve dysfunction (BVD) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, the rate of BVD is scarcely reported in current practice.

Aims

We aimed to evaluate the rate and predictors of BVD after TAVI based on the VARC-3 criteria.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed patients who had undergone TAVI using single-centre data. BVD was reported as exposure-adjusted event rates with a patient-year unit (per 100 patient-years). Predictors of BVD after TAVI were analysed using Fine-Gray competing risk regression to account for the competing risk of death.

Results

Among 514 patients, the rate of BVD was 7.5 events per 100 patient-years (n=74) at a median follow-up of 1.9 years. The main cause of BVD was moderate or severe prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM; n=59). The Fine-Gray model demonstrated that predilatation was associated with a lower rate of BVD, mainly moderate or severe PPM (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [sub-HR] 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21-0.88). In a subgroup analysis, the patients with a small aortic annulus (area <400 mm² or perimeter <72 mm) tended to benefit from predilatation (p for interaction=0.03). The same regression model also demonstrated that a small balloon-expandable valve (BEV; ≤23 mm) was associated with a higher rate of BVD (adjusted sub-HR 2.46, 95% CI: 1.38-4.38).

Conclusions

Our study suggested that the rate of BVD in patients undergoing TAVI is relatively low at midterm follow-up. Predilatation, particularly in small annuli and small BEV might have an impact on BVD, mainly caused by moderate or severe PPM, after TAVI.

Nanvuranlat, an L-type amino acid transporter (LAT1) inhibitor for patients with pretreated advanced refractory biliary tract cancer (BTC): Primary endpoint results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study

494

Background: LAT1 is a transporter ( SLC7A5) of L-type amino acid. Overexpression in cancer cells supports aggressive proliferation. High expression of LAT1 in tumor specimens has been identified as a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with various cancer types, including BTC. The efficacy and safety of nanvuranlat (JPH203), a first-in-class, single agent that selectively inhibits LAT1, was evaluated in patients with pretreated, advanced, refractory BTC in a placebo-controlled randomized trial. Methods: Patients with four different subtypes of advanced BTC were enrolled: intrahepatic (IHC), extrahepatic (EHC), gallbladder (GBC) and ampulla of Vater (AVC). All were refractory to or intolerant of standard chemotherapy and other investigational medicines. Patients were pre-classified as non-rapid acetylators via N-acetyltransferase 2 ( NAT2), to maximize efficacy/safety by minimizing the metabolism of nanvuranlat. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), assessed by blinded independent center review (BICR), using RECIST 1.1. Results: At data cut-off (February 28, 2022), 211 BTC patients were consented at 14 centers in Japan. Using NAT2 testing for classification, a total of 106 patients were randomized (2:1) to nanvuranlat (n = 70) or placebo (n = 36). Nanvuranlat met its primary endpoint and demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in PFS by BICR in comparison with the placebo group (Hazard Ratio = 0.557; 95% CI, 0.3435 – 0.9029; one-sided p = 0.0164). The disease control rate (DCR) in the nanvuranlat group was approximately 25% (average = 24.6%) across all BTC subtypes, while it was 11.4% in the placebo group. Grade 3 adverse events were reported in 30.0% for nanvuranlat vs 22.9% for placebo. Treatment-related adverse event rates were respectively 41.4% and 57.1% in the nanvuranlat and placebo groups. No patient had adverse events leading to nanvuranlat treatment discontinuation, dose reduction, or death. Conclusions: The study met the primary endpoint. LAT1 inhibitor monotherapy with nanvuranlat demonstrated useful clinical efficacy in patients with four different subtypes of pre-treated, advanced, refractory BTC. Safe and highly tolerated profile was also documented. Clinical trial information: UMIN000034080 .

Learning curve for the surgical time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed by surgical trainees using the three-port method: how many cases are needed for stabilization?

BACKGROUND

The assessment of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) skills using operating times has not been well reported. We examined the total and partial operating times for LC procedures performed by surgical trainees to determine the required number of surgeries until the surgical time stabilizes.

METHODS

We reviewed the video records of 514 consecutive LCs using the three-port method, performed by 16 surgical trainees. The total and partial surgical times were calculated and correlated to the surgeons' experience.

RESULTS

The median total surgical time for a trainee's first LC was 112 (range 71-226) minutes. It reduced rapidly after the first 20 LCs and plateaued to its minimum after approximately 60 cases. A statistically significant time decrease was observed between the first 10 (median, range 112, 46-252 min) and the next 50-59 cases (64, 34-198 min), but not between the 50-59 and the subsequent 100-109 cases (71, 33-127 min). The total times taken by trainees who had performed > 50 operations were not significantly different from those taken by instructors during the study period. Surgery for 125 patients with acute cholecystitis took a significantly longer time (median 99 vs. 74 min with non-acute cholecystitis); however, the abovementioned time reduction findings showed similar results regardless of the patient's acute inflammation status. The partial operating times around the cervical/cystic duct and gallbladder bed reduced uniformly between the first 10 and the following 50-59 cases. Although time variations in total and cervical/cystic duct operating times were not correlated to the surgical experience, time fluctuation of gallbladder bed procedures reduced after 60 cases.

CONCLUSION

The time required to perform an LC was inversely correlated with the experience of surgical trainees and halved after the first 60 cases. The surgical experience required for LC time stabilization is approximately 60 cases.

An international, stepped wedge, cluster-randomized trial investigating the 0/1-h algorithm in suspected acute coronary syndrome in Asia: the rational of the DROP-Asian ACS study

BACKGROUND

More than half of the world's population lives in Asia. With current life expectancies in Asian countries, the burden of cardiovascular disease is increasing exponentially. Overcrowding in the emergency departments (ED) has become a public health problem. Since 2015, the European Society of Cardiology recommends the use of a 0/1-h algorithm based on high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) for rapid triage of patients with suspected non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). However, these algorithms are currently not recommended by Asian guidelines due to the lack of suitable data.

METHODS

The DROP-Asian ACS is a prospective, stepped wedge, cluster-randomized trial enrolling 4260 participants presenting with chest pain to the ED of 12 acute care hospitals in five Asian countries (UMIN; 000042461). Consecutive patients presenting with suspected acute coronary syndrome between July 2022 and Apr 2024 were included. Initially, all clusters will apply "usual care" according to local standard operating procedures including hs-cTnT but not the 0/1-h algorithm. The primary outcome is the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or unplanned revascularization within 30 days. The difference in MACE (with one-sided 95% CI) was estimated to evaluate non-inferiority. The non-inferiority margin was prespecified at 1.5%. Secondary efficacy outcomes include costs for healthcare resources and duration of stay in ED.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides important evidence concerning the safety and efficacy of the 0/1-h algorithm in Asian countries and may help to reduce congestion of the ED as well as medical costs.

[A Case of Suspected Lynch Syndrome Due to Radical Resection for Descending Colon Cancer and Renal Pelvic Cancer]

A 60-year-old woman was admitted on account of presenting with bloody stools. She had a history of endometrial cancer surgery. Family history revealed 3 colorectal cancer cases among the first or second relatives. Colonoscopy and contrast- enhanced computed tomography revealed descending colon cancer and left renal pelvic cancer. We performed partial resection of the descending/transverse colon with D3 lymph node dissection and total resection of the left kidney and ureter with curative intent. Postoperative pathological diagnosis revealed descending colon cancer(pT4bN0M1c, pStage Ⅳc)and left renal pelvic cancer (T1N0M0, Stage Ⅰ). In this case, Lynch syndrome was suspected based on the family history and medical history. The clinical findings were consistent with Amsterdam Criteria Ⅱ. The microsatellite instability(MSI)test result was MSI-H and the BRAF genetic test result showed a wild type. Immunohistochemical staining of descending colon cancer tissue showed loss of expression of MSH2 and MSH6 proteins. Genetic counseling was provided because Lynch syndrome was strongly suspected. Capecitabine plus oxaliplatin therapy was performed for 6 months for descending colon cancer. Nine months postoperatively, the patient remained recurrence-free for both colon cancer and renal pelvic cancer. We report a case of suspected Lynch syndrome triggered by double cancer of the descending colon and renal pelvis.

Treatment for Appendicitis With Appendicolith by the Stone Size and Serum C-Reactive Protein Level

INTRODUCTION

Appendicolith causes acute appendicitis. However, surgical indications for appendicolith-related acute appendicitis have not been established. We aimed to clarify the clinical features of appendicolith-associated appendicitis and determine an appropriate treatment strategy based on the initial presentation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 479 consecutive patients with acute appendicitis and verified the therapeutic strategy as per the appendicolith and clinical status.

RESULTS

Appendicoliths were identified in 214 of 479 patients (44.6%) using computed tomography. Surgery was more frequently required in patients with appendicolith than in patients without appendicolith (82.7 versus 64.9%; P < 0.001). The stones were smaller and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration was lower among patients with appendicoliths treated with medication alone than among those surgically treated (both P < 0.001). An appendicolith measuring ≤5 mm in diameter and CRP concentration ≤5.36 mg/dL were predictive of completion of nonsurgical therapy. CRP concentration >10 mg/dL and stone diameter of 10 mm were significantly associated with appendiceal perforation.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonsurgical therapy could be considered for patients with appendicoliths measuring ≤5 mm in diameter and in cases where the serum CRP concentration is ≤5 mg/dL. An appendicolith measuring >10 mm in diameter or CRP concentration >10 mg/dL is an indication for surgery.

Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasty for bilateral obturator hernias and left inguinal hernia with emaciation caused by anorexia nervosa: A case report

A 55-year-old woman receiving treatment for anorexia nervosa presented with abdominal pain and right thigh pain. Her body mass index was 12.9 kg/m² . Computed tomography showed fluid storage in the distal side of the right obturator foramen and revealed a dilated small bowel without a starting point of obstruction. We diagnosed a naturally reduced incarcerated right obturator hernia and performed elective surgery with a laparoscopic approach for hernia repair the next day. Intraperitoneal observation revealed bilateral obturator hernias and a left direct-type inguinal hernia. Transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasty was performed using two self-gripping polyester meshes for bilateral obturator hernia repair and a lightweight 3D-shaped mesh for left inguinal hernia repair. Women with emaciation caused by anorexia nervosa may be more likely to have complex hernias, including obturator hernia, and laparoscopic approaches may be useful for preoperatively diagnosed nonstrangulated obturator hernias.

Laparoscopic surgery for a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck with an ovarian tumor: An extremely rare clinical finding

This clinical image presents an unusual report of simultaneous laparoscopic resection of a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck and an ovarian tumor. Laparoscopic treatment with a proper approach is a useful technique in some cases.

Surgical approach for right-sided colonic diverticular bleeding: A single-center review of 43 consecutive cases

INTRODUCTION

While Asian populations develop colonic diverticular disease predominantly in the right colon, Western populations mainly present with left-sided disease. The present study aimed to clarify the outcomes of surgical treatment for right-sided colonic diverticular bleeding.

METHODS

Medical records of 43 patients who underwent surgery for right-sided colonic diverticular bleeding between 2010 and 2019 were reviewed. Those whose general condition became unstable underwent open surgery at our institution. Patients were then divided into two groups, the open surgery group (n = 17) and laparoscopic surgery group (n = 26), after which operative outcomes between both groups were compared.

RESULTS

This study included 36 men and seven women with a median age of 76 (range: 37-91) years. Laparoscopic surgery had a significantly longer operative time (183.5 minutes vs 110 minutes; P < .001) and significantly lower intraoperative blood transfusion rate (19.2% vs 82.4%; P < .001) than open surgery. The laparoscopic surgery group had earlier resumption of postoperative meals than open surgery group (postoperative day 3 vs postoperative day 4; P = .010). No significant difference in postoperative complications was observed between both groups. With regard to long-term outcomes, none of the cases exhibited rebleeding from the right-sided colon.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that laparoscopic surgery promoted lower intraoperative blood transfusion rates and earlier resumption of postoperative meals compared to open surgery for right-sided colonic diverticular bleeding. Hence, laparoscopic surgery can be feasible for right-sided colonic diverticular bleeding provided that the patient's general condition is stable.

Effect of oral tolvaptan for 1 year in patients with functional mitral regurgitation

The effect of the oral selective vasopressin V2-receptor antagonist tolvaptan for chronic phase therapy on patients with FMR remains unclear. We aimed to determine the efficacy of oral tolvaptan in patients with significant functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) to reduce the mortality and rehospitalization due to worsening heart failure (HF). We enrolled 219 patients (mean age 76 ± 9 years, 59.4% men) who were admitted at our hospital due to congestive HF during different two 1-year periods. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those who had significant FMR (MR ≥ grade 2 [n = 76]) and those who did not (MR < grade 2 [n = 143]) at discharge. The patients were further divided into a study group that received tolvaptan during follow-up and a control group that did not receive tolvaptan. We used an inverse probability of treatment weighting method with the primary end point defined as overall all-cause mortality and rehospitalization due to worsening HF within 1 year. Of the 76 patients with significant FMR at discharge, 2 of 20 (10%) who were administered tolvaptan died and 8 (40%) were readmitted to a hospital. Of the 56 patients who did not receive tolvaptan, 2 (3.5%) died and 18 (27.5%) required rehospitalization. After multiple adjustments, there were no significant differences for overall survival and rehospitalization between the groups (log-rank p = 0.700 and 0.510, respectively). Our results suggest that oral tolvaptan administration in addition to conventional diuretics had less impact on outcomes in patients with significant FMR.

Oncological outcomes of surgery for recurrent biliary tract cancer: who are the best candidates?

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the impact of surgery on outcomes in patients with recurrent biliary tract cancer (BTC) and elucidate factors affecting survival after surgery for this disease.

METHODS

A single-center study was undertaken in 178 patients with recurrent BTC, of whom 24 underwent surgery for recurrence, 85 received chemotherapy, and 69 received best supportive care. Then, we carried out a multicenter study in 52 patients undergoing surgery for recurrent BTC (gallbladder cancer, 39%; distal cholangiocarcinoma, 27%; perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, 21%; intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, 13%).

RESULTS

In the single-center study, 3-year survival after recurrence was 53% in patients who underwent surgery, 4% in those who received chemotherapy, and 0% in those who received best supportive care (p < 0.001). Surgery was an independently prognostic factor (p < 0.001). In the multicenter series, the respective 3-year and 5-year survival after surgery for recurrence was 50% and 29% in the 52 patients. Initial site of recurrence was the only independent prognostic factor (p = 0.019). Five-year survival after surgery for recurrence in patients with single distant, multifocal distant, and locoregional recurrence was 51%, 0%, and 0%, respectively (p = 0.002). Sites of single distant recurrence included the liver (n = 13, 54%), distant lymph nodes (all from gallbladder cancer, n = 7, 29%), lung (n = 2, 9%), peritoneum (n = 1, 4%), and abdominal wall (n = 1, 4%).

CONCLUSION

Surgery may be an effective option for patients with less aggressive tumor biology characterized by single distant recurrence in recurrent BTC.

Blood Coagulation Changes With or Without Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapy Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Thromboembolic events remain clinically unresolved after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The use of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) to reduce thrombosis associated with TAVI remains controversial. This study aimed at investigating the periprocedural change in blood coagulation and thrombolysis parameters in 199 patients undergoing transfemoral TAVI. Prothrombin activation fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2), thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), soluble fibrin monomer complex (SFMC), and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) levels were measured before and 1 hour after TAVI and 1, 2, and 7 days postoperatively. Of the 199 patients, 49 were treated with DOAC (apixaban in 32, edoxaban in 10, and rivaroxaban in 7). The F1 + 2 and TAT levels immediately increased 1 hour after TAVI and then gradually decreased in both groups. The SFMC level also significantly increased with a peak on day 1. The FDP level gradually increased, peaking on day 2. The values of F1 + 2, TAT, SFMC, and FDP in patients who used DOAC were significantly lower than those who did not use DOAC at 1 hour after TAVI in F1 + 2 (600 [452 to 765] vs 1055 [812 to 1340] pmol/L; p < 0.001), TAT (21.4 [16.2 to 37.0] vs 38.7 [26.4 to 58.7] μg/mL; p < 0.001) and on day 1 in SFMC (18.2 [9.4 to 57.9] vs 113.4 [70.9 to 157.3] μg/mL; p < 0.001) and day 2 in FDP (6.0 [4.7 to 10.0] vs 12.6 [8.2 to 17.4] μg/mL; p < 0.001). Ischemic stroke within 30 days after TAVI occurred in 3 patients (1.5%), who were not treated with DOAC. Coagulation cascade activation was observed after TAVI. DOAC could reduce transient hypercoagulation following TAVI.

Influence of Suture Materials on Incisional Hernia Rate after Laparoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Propensity Score Analysis

Objectives

Incisional hernia is a common problem after colorectal surgery, and a laparoscopic approach does not reduce the incisional hernia rate. Previous reports have described the risk factors for incisional hernia; however, the impact of suture materials remains unclear. As such, this study compared the incisional hernia rate using different suture materials for abdominal wall closure after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.

Methods

Patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery between January 2014 and December 2016 were included in this study. We separated patients into the following two groups based on the suture materials used for abdominal wall closure: (1.) fast-absorbable group and (2.) non-absorbable group. The primary outcome was incisional hernia rate that was diagnosed using computed tomography. We compared outcomes between these two groups using propensity score matching.

Results

Before matching, 394 patients were included (168 in the fast-absorbable group and 226 in the non-absorbable group). After one-to-one matching, patients were stratified into the fast-absorbable group (n = 158) and the non-absorbable group (n = 158). The incisional hernia rate was higher in the fast-absorbable group than in the non-absorbable group (13.9% vs. 6.3%; P = 0.04). The median time to develop an incisional hernia was significantly shorter in the fast-absorbable group (6.7 months vs. 12.3 months; P < 0.01). The incidence of surgical site infection was not different between the two groups, but the incidence of suture sinus was lower in the fast-absorbable group (0% vs. 5.1%; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The use of fast-absorbable sutures may increase the risk of incisional hernia after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.

Blood coagulation status after transcatheter aortic valve implantation between the patients with vitamin k antagonist and direct oral anticoagulants

Background

Ischemic stroke after transchatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was recognized. Previous study showed that the median time of a stroke was 2.0 days (IQR, 1.0–5.0) after TAVI. One of the main mechanisms for ischemic stroke after TAVI was hyper-coagulation activity associated with TAVI procedure. However, the change of coagulation status in patients with oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy was not investigated fully.

Purpose

We investigated the difference of blood coagulation parameters between the patients with vitamin K antagonist (VKA) and those with direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC).

Methods

We enrolled 253 patients underwent transfemoral TAVI between February 2017 and March 2019 in our hospital. Of 253 patients, 71 patients (age: 85, male: 20%) took OAC therapy (VKA: 21 patients, DOAC: 50 patients). Patients who took apixaban was 32 patients, rivaroxaban was 7, edoxaban was 11. Prothrombin activation fragment 1+2 (F1+2) as a molecular marker of thrombin generation, thrombin-anti-thrombin complex (TAT) as a marker of thrombin neutralization, soluble fibrin monomer complex (SFMC) as a marker of thrombophilia and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) as a marker of fibrinolysis were measured before and immediately after TAVI, and on 1 and 2 day postoperatively. We also assessed ischemic stroke after TAVI between 2 groups according to BARC-2 criteria.

Results

In patients with VKA, the value of PT-INR the day before TVAI was 1.2 (1.1–1.4). The level of F1+2 in patients with VKA was significantly greater on day 0 postoperatively than those with DOAC [855 pmol/l (595–1135) vs 614 pmol/l (452–774) P=0.003]. The level of SFMC in patients with VKA was significantly greater on day 0 postoperatively than those with DOAC [37.4 μg/ml (17.3–64.5) vs. 15.7 μg/ml (8.8–27.3) P=0.002]. The level of FDP in patients with VKA was significantly greater on day 0 postoperatively than those with DOAC [VKA: 5.8 μg/ml (3.8–7.9), DOAC: 4.0 μg/ml (3.1–5.3) P=0.023]. There were no patients with ischemic stroke among 2 groups.

Conclusion

This study revealed that coagulation activity was increased after TAVI. Furthermore, the coagulation activity in patients with VKA was significantly higher than that with DOAC at especially immediately after TAVI. Careful attention should be paid to hyper-coagulation status after TAVI in patients with VKA.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Internal hernia beneath the obturator nerve after robot-assisted lateral lymph node dissection for rectal cancer: A case report and literature review

A 63-year-old man who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic low anterior resection and right lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) for rectal cancer presented with right thigh pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain on postoperative day 17. CT revealed dilated small bowel in the pelvis, and a small bowel loop was detected outside the internal iliac artery branch. Emergent laparoscopic surgery revealed the migration of the small bowel into the space beneath the right obturator nerve. The herniated bowel was reduced, and the obturator nerve was sharply dissected from the herniated bowel and preserved. The hernial orifice was left unrepaired. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the right thigh pain disappeared. It is important to consider the possibility of internal herniation beneath the obturator nerve after minimally invasive lateral lymph node dissection for rectal cancer.

Prevalence and Predictors of Atherosclerotic Peripheral Arterial Obstructive Disease in Severe Heart Valve Diseases

Despite witnessing an upsurge in heart valve diseases (HVDs), the correlation between HVDs and atherosclerotic peripheral arterial obstructive disease (PAOD) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and predictors of PAOD in HVDs.In this study, a total of 245 consecutive patients were examined: 153 with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS), 66 with severe primary mitral valve regurgitation (MR), and 26 with severe pure native aortic valve regurgitation (AR). All patients underwent ultrasound scan of the carotid artery to ascertain the presence of internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS). ICAS was defined as a peak systolic velocity ≥ 125 cm/second and/or ≥ 50% reduction in diameter. In addition, we measured the ankle-brachial index in each leg using a volume plethysmograph. A result of ≤ 0.9 was considered lower extremity artery disease (LEAD).The presence of ICAS was statistically more frequent in patients with severe AS than in patients with severe MR and AR (11.1% versus 1.5% versus 3.8%; P = 0.038). LEAD was present in patients with severe AS (17.6%) and MR (10.6%) but not in patients with severe AR (P = 0.037). The multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of severe AS (OR, 5.6 [1.3-24.9]; P = 0.023) was an independent predictor for ICAS, while history of coronary artery disease (OR, 4.8 [2.2-10.5]; P < 0.001) was an independent predictor for LEAD.The prevalence of PAOD varies depending on each valvular disease. Individual screening should be considered on the basis of atherosclerotic risk factors, especially for patients with severe AS.