[A Case of De Novo Stage Ⅳ Breast Cancer with Umbilical Metastasis and Peritoneal Dissemination]

The patient was a 48-year-old woman. At the time of consultation, a hard mass of 30 mm in size was palpated in area A of the right breast, and a firm mass of about 10 mm was seen in the umbilical region. Histological diagnosis of the breast mass was invasive ductal carcinoma. PET-CT scan showed accumulation in the right breast, as well as suspicion of umbilical metastasis and peritoneal dissemination, uterine mass, and left ovarian cancer. Since this is an atypical metastatic site for invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast, and the possibility of peritoneal dissemination due to gynecological cancer complications cannot be ruled out, resection of the umbilical mass and laparoscopy was performed. The review laparoscopy revealed no evidence of primary cancer in the uterine body or left ovary, and a white nodular lesion of suspected seeding in the peritoneum around the left ovary. The histology and immunostaining results of the umbilical mass and left peri-ovarian nodule both showed glandular luminal structures similar to those of the primary breast cancer, and the left peri-ovarian nodule was ER positive, GATA3 positive, and PAX8 negative, leading to the diagnosis of umbilical metastasis and peritoneal seeding derived from breast cancer. Umbilical metastasis is often referred to as Sister Mary Joseph's nodule in the case of visceral malignancies and is often associated with peritoneal dissemination and is often caused by invasive metastasis of peritoneal dissemination lesions on the dorsal side of the umbilical region. In this case, histological examination of the umbilical specimen showed no disseminated lesion on the peritoneal side, so it was not considered to be an invasive metastasis due to peritoneal dissemination.

[A Case of Rectal Cancer Suspectedly Recurred Seventeen Years after EMR]

We report a case of a 73-year-old man who underwent endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for early rectal cancer(i ntramucosal cancer)at other hospital 17 years ago. Ten years later, he underwent a total colonoscopy, which showed no recurrence of the tumor. Twelve years later, a mass with calcification was incidentally detected in front of the sacrum, which was diagnosed as a benign tumor at that time. Seventeen years later, he presented with constipation and diarrhea, and was detected of a sub-circumferential tumor in the rectum by a total colonoscopy. Biopsy revealed that the tumor was malignancy. CT showed a mass in the left lateral liver lobe. The mass was suspected of metastasis. Laparoscopic super lower anterior resection was performed for rectal cancer, and pathological examination showed that the tumor was pT4a, N3, M1(H), Stage Ⅳa. One month after surgery, laparoscopic hepatectomy was performed for liver metastasis. Six months after surgery, CT showed multiple lung metastases. He continues to undergo chemotherapy. Although this case was treated with EMR for intramucosal carcinoma, clinical history and pathological findings suggested local recurrence.

[A Case of Advanced Gastric Cancer with Simultaneous Liver Metastasis for Long-Term Survival with Multimodal Therapy]

We report a case of advanced gastric cancer with simultaneous liver metastasis in which long-term survival has been obtained by multimodal therapy. Case 75-year-old, male. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed advanced type 2 cancer in the greater curvature of the angular incisure. Computed tomography showed a single 20 mm mass was found in liver S2. Histopathological findings indicated that differentiated adenocarcinoma(tub1, HER2 3+). Diagnosis was gastric cancer, cT4aN0M1HEP, Stage Ⅳ. Tumor shrinkage was obtained after 2 courses of capecitabine/cisplatin/trastuzumab. Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and partial liver resection was performed. Histopathological findings indicated tub1, ypT4aN0M1HEP, ypStage Ⅳ, grade 1a. A single 10 mm recurrence was observed in liver S1/2 13 months after first surgery. After chemotherapy, rehepatic resection was performed. Three years have passed since the last hepatectomy, and the patient is currently undergoing recurrence-free follow-up.

[GEM plus CDDP Combination Therapy for Unresectable Biliary Tract Cancer-A Single Institution Experience]

BACKGROUND

Since a randomized phase Ⅲ trial conducted in the UK in 2009 showed the superiority of gemcitabine (GEM)plus cisplatin(CDDP)combination therapy over GEM monotherapy, GEM plus CDDP combination therapy has been first-line chemotherapy for unresectable biliary tract cancer.

METHODS

GEM plus CDDP combination therapy was administered to 29 patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer from 2016 to 2021.

RESULTS

The mean age was 71.9 years, male/ female 19/10. The target of chemotherapy was below, local progression was 3 cases, first distant metastasis 7 cases, metastatic recurrence 19 cases. The type of cancer was below, intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma was 8 cases, hepatic hilar bile duct carcinoma 6 cases, gallbladder carcinoma 5 cases, cystic duct carcinoma 1 case, distal bile duct carcinoma 6 cases, and papilla Vater's cancer 3 cases. The dosing period was 23.1 weeks(range 2-52 weeks). The relative dose intensities of GEM and CDDP were 73.7% and 75.1%. The adverse events were below, the hematological toxicities of Grade 3 or higher were neutropenia(65.5%), leukopenia(3.4%), and thrombocytopenia(10.3%). Non-hematological toxicities of Grade 2 or higher were fatigue(13.7%)and skin rash(6.9%). There was no interstitial pneumonia. The disease control rate was 66.7 %(complete response, n=0; partial response, n=6; stable disease, n=10; progressive disease, n=8).

CONCLUSION

GEM plus CDDP combination therapy was safe to perform and was an effective treatment for unresectable biliary tract cancer.

[A Case of Rectal Cancer of Skin Metastasis Recurrence Near the Artificial Anus]

A 70s-year-old man visited the gastroenterologist with a complaint of bloody stool. Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a 50 mm type 0-Ⅰs+Ⅱa lesion in the center of the anterior wall of Rb in 4 cm from anal verge, and he was diagnosed with rectal cancer in cT1bcN0cM0, cStage Ⅰ. Endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed, but it was discontinued due to muscular traction, and was referred to our department at a later date for surgical purposes. Robot-assisted laparoscopic Hartmann's surgery(D2 dissection, sigmoid colon colostomy)was performed, and the pathological result was pT2pN0cM0, pStage Ⅰ with negative resection margins. Three months after the operation, a tumor was found on the left side of the stoma, and he visited us. Biopsy revealed the recurrence of skin metastasis of rectal cancer, and surgical procedure including colostomy and skin tumor resection, ileostomy, and colonic mucus fistula was performed. The patient was transferred to the hospital 3 months after the operation, but 2 months after the transfer, an increasing CEA was observed and CT revealed a local recurrence in the pelvis. Irradiation(45 Gy/15 times)was performed for the pain relief, but the general condition deteriorated thereafter and he died 8 months after the second operation.

[A Case of Obstructive Rectal Cancer with Huge Liver Metastases Resected by the Liver-First Approach after Chemotherapy]

The patient was a 68-year-old woman without history of surgery. She presented with abdominal pain and leg edema. Ultrasound scan revealed hepatic masses. Colonoscopy and abdominal CT scan revealed unresectable rectal carcinoma with massive multiple liver metastases suspected of invasion of the inferior vena cava. After a transverse colon bi-pore colostomy, 10 courses of FOLFOX plus panitumumab therapy were administered, and the liver tumor was markedly reduced in size and determined to be PR by CT. Considering the possibility of unresectability due to the liver metastases re-growth, surgery was planned with liver-first approach(LFA). First, open resection of the right caudate lobe of the liver, combined resection of the IVC, combined resection of the diaphragm, partial hepatic S2 resection(2 sites), and cholecystectomy were performed, followed by laparoscopic anterior resection(D3)1 month later(R0). Postoperatively, the colostomy was closed after 8 courses of CapeOX(capecitabine alone from the middle of the course). Now the patient is alive and recurrence-free 4 years after the initial diagnosis. Conversion surgery with LFA after chemotherapy can be an effective treatment strategy for colorectal cancer with advanced liver metastases.

[The Investigation about Cases Performed Laparoscopic Pancreas-Sparing Duodenectomy in Our Hospital]

INTRODUCTION

There are few reports of surgery which preserve the function of pancreas for benign or low malignant tumors. While we have introduced laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD), we have also performed laparoscopic pancreas-sparing duodenectomy (LPSD). In the present study, we investigated surgical techniques and results of LPSD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between October 2019 and January 2022, 3 patients were underwent LPSD. The procedure was performed after obtaining approval from the Ethics Review Committee of our hospital.

RESULTS

Three patients conducted LPSD were all males with a median age of 74 years, and diagnoses were adenomas of duodenum in 2 cases and gastrointestinal stromal tumor of duodenum in 1 case. The median blood loss was small amount. The median operative time was 430 minutes, and the median postoperative hospital stay was 13 days. One of the cases was performed with conversion to HALS. In LPSD, an intraoperative ultrasonography and an intraoperative radiographic contrast study were performed to confirm that the ampulla of Vater was preserved. There were no postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

We experienced cases performed LPSD in our hospital. We need further research for feasibility and safety of the procedure.

[A Case of Laparoscopic Surgery for Sigmoid Colon Cancer after Cystectomy and Ileal Conduit Construction]

We report a case of laparoscopic sigmoid colon resection for sigmoid colon cancer after cystectomy for bladder cancer and ileal conduit surgery for urinary tract reconstruction. The patient was a male in his 70s. The patient presented to the Department of Gastroenterology with the complaint of nausea and loss of appetite, and findings that were suspicious of intestinal obstruction. The diagnosis was obstructive sigmoid colon cancer. The patient had a history of bladder cancer and had undergone cystectomy and ileal conduit surgery. Intraoperatively, we considered placing a ureteral stent to identify the left ureter through the dorsal mesentery of the sigmoid colon, but we decided that stent placement would be difficult because of a history of conduit stenosis during a previous close examination of a patient with pyelonephritis. On the 21st day, a laparoscopic- assisted sigmoid colon resection was performed. The surgery was completed without any problems such as intraoperative ureteral injury. The patient was discharged home on the 23rd postoperative day. Ten months after the surgery, the patient is alive without recurrence.

[A Case of GIST of Stomach with Peritoneal Dissemination-Long-Term Survival with Imatinib and Surgical Resection]

A 63-year-old female patient underwent resection of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST)at the age of 48 years. After surgery, she had adjuvant chemotherapy. She had been recurrence-free for 10 years. Two years after completion of medical therapy, local peritoneal recurrence of GIST was observed, and medical therapy with imatinib was restarted. The response was good, but 1 year after resumption of medical therapy, progression was observed, and imatinib resistance was suspected, and recurrent tumor resection was performed. After the reoperation, the patient continued medical treatment with imatinib. Two years after the reoperation, a tumor suspected to be recurrent was found in the abdominal cavity. Tumor resection was performed. Histopathological examination revealed c-kit and CD34 positivity, leading to a diagnosis of recurrence of GIST. Imatinib is the mainstay of treatment in patients with recurrent GISTs, and sunitinib may be considered if the patient becomes resistant to imatinib, or surgical treatment may be considered if the lesion can be resected. In this study, we report a case of GIST with peritoneal dissemination in which imatinib therapy was continued after surgery, but the disease recurred twice. We investigate the prognostic value of continued imatinib therapy after surgical resection of locally recurrent GIST.

[Techniques and Short-Term Outcomes of Robotic Pancreaticoduodenectomy]

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD)has been covered by insurance since 2016 in Japan. Advance LPD and robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy(RPD)has been also covered by insurance since 2020 in Japan. We report our technique and the short-term outcome of RPD performed in our institution.

SURGICAL PROCEDURES

As a first step, the resection phase was performed laparoscopically. Pancreato-jejunostomy and choledocho-jejunostomy were performed robotically (hybrid-RPD). As a second step, Kocher maneuver and jejunal transection were performed laparoscopically. Other procedures were performed robotically(modified-RPD). As a final step, all procedures were performed robotically(pure-RPD).

SURGICAL TECHNIQUES

RPD is performed in reverse Trendelenburg supine position. An extended Kocher maneuver is performed. The common bile duct is then identified and transected after proximal aspect is secured with a surgical bulldog clamp. IPDA is divided by using an energy device after clip placement. The pancreatic neck is then divided with the use of scissors. Pancreato-jejunostomy was performed by modified Blumgart and pancreatic duct to jejunal mucosa method. Choledocho- jejunostomy was performed with continuous and interrupted suturing.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Between 2020 and 2022, 45 patients underwent RPD at our institution. Cases were divided into hybrid-RPD(n=20), modified-RPD(n=9) and pure-RPD(n=16).

RESULTS

No significant differences were noted between hybrid-RPD, modified-RPD and pure-RPD groups with respect to patient age(73.6, 68.7, 70.6 years old), gender(male/female 15/5, 6/3, 8/8), respectively. The operation time was longer(667, 770, 746 minutes)and the resection time was longer(286, 399, 380 minutes)in modified- RPD and pure-RPD than hybrid-RPD group. In the pure-RPD group, the resection time was decreasing(y=-12.0×+ 481.5)as a learning curve. No significant differences were noted between hybrid-RPD, modified-RPD and pure-RPD groups with respect to reconstruction time(388, 371, 367 minutes)and the estimated blood(261, 199, 293 mL), respectively. All postoperative pancreatic fistula was under Grade B.

CONCLUSION

Although further studies are still needed to confirm the benefit of RPD, RPD is safe, minimally invasive, and effective approach to the management of pancreatic tumor.

[A Case of Combined Single Incisional Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Approaches to Neoplasia with Non-Exposure Technique(CLEAN-NET)for Gastric GIST]

An 80-year-old female patient visited our hospital with scrutinizing acid reflex after meals. Esophagogastroendoscopy (EGD)and computed tomography(CT)showed a 25 mm submucosal tumor of the stomach in the lesser curvature of the middle stomach. A pathological examination using endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration(EUS-FNA) revealed gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST). The combination of laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches to neoplasia with the non-exposure technique(CLEAN-NET)was undertaken via a 2.5 cm single umbilical incision. The tumor was identified by EGD, and the scheduled dissected line was confirmed both from the mucosal and serosa side with an endoscope and laparoscope, respectively. The serosal and muscular layers were incised with an electric knife from outside the gastric wall; hypertonic saline solution was locally injected to swell the submucosal layer; partial gastric resection was performed with an automatic suture device without capsule damage. The operation time was 61 minutes, and there was blood less. The patient was discharged 6 days after the operation without complications. Histopathological findings showed GIST, 16× 14 mm, c-kit(+), CD34(+). The tumor was very low risk, as per the modified-Fletcher classification. Currently, 5 months after the operation, follow-up is underway without recurrence.

[A Case of Locally Advanced Breast Cancer That Responded to Paclitaxel plus Bevacizumab and Underwent Radical Surgery]

The patient is a 69-year-old female. She was aware of a right breast mass about a year ago, but left it alone. In March 2021, she visited our hospital with a 11 cm mass occupying the right breast and self-destruction due to skin invasion. The diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast(ER-positive, PgR-positive, HER2-negative), cT4bN1M0, Stage ⅢB was made, and preoperative chemotherapy was decided. We expected a high response rate for bevacizumab(Bv)because it was predicted that the skin defect would increase at surgical resection if a response to chemotherapy was not achieved, and in April 2021, paclitaxel(PTX)plus Bv therapy was initiated. After 4 courses, the mass had shrunk to 5 cm and a marked response had been achieved. However, she was unable to continue the treatment due to peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, considering the period of delayed wound healing due to Bv, we decided on AC therapy followed by surgery. In December 2021, Bt plus Ax was performed and the wound could be closed without skin grafting. Since PTX plus Bv therapy is expected to have a high response rate, we considered it to be one of the effective treatment options for locally advanced breast cancer.

[Conversion Surgery for Stage Ⅳ Gastric Cancer with Liver Metastases after Second-Line Chemotherapy(Ramucirumab/Paclitaxel)-A Case Report]

A 78-year-old man was diagnosed with a liver tumor on follow-up CT after thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a type 2 tumor in the gastric antrum, a biopsy showed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, and CT revealed multiple liver metastases, resulting in a diagnosis of clinical Stage ⅣB(cT4aN0M1[HEP]). S-1/oxaliplatin (SOX)chemotherapy was started. However, after 9 courses of chemotherapy, the primary tumor continued to increase in size. Ramucirumab/paclitaxel(RAM/PTX)was started; after 3 courses, CT revealed shrinkage of the primary tumor and disappearance of multiple liver metastases. PET-CT showed no abnormal FDG accumulation in the stomach, surrounding lymph nodes, and liver. Therefore, the patient was considered to have a PR in efficacy, and a decision to perform conversion surgery was made based on the assumption that curative resection was possible. The patient underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy D2 lymph node dissection and Billroth Ⅰ reconstruction. The pathological result was M, Ant, type 2, por, ypT2N0M0, ypStage ⅠB, while the histological effect of the chemotherapy was Grade 0. The patient was treated with paclitaxel as adjuvant chemotherapy, which was discontinued 1 year after surgery owing to no recurrence. No recurrence has been noted during 2 years of follow-up.

[Laparoscopic Liver Resection for the Elderly Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients-A Single Institutional Experience]

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic liver resection(LLR)has been reported as a safe, minimally invasive, and effective approach to the management of liver tumor. The aim of this study was to analyze the perioperative results and outcomes of LLR for the elderly hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients and to compare to the non-elderly HCC patients.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Between May 2010 and November 2021, 725 patients(HCC 407, CRC Mets 171, others 147)patients underwent LLR at Kansai Rosai Hospital. 407 patients who underwent LLR for HCC were divided into 2 groups those who were over 80 years old(n=67)and under 79 years old(n=340). The patient age was 82.7 and 68.8 years, while the male to female ratio was 41/26 and 238/102 in the elderly and non-elderly groups, respectively. According to the liver cancer study group of Japan, the pathological Stage 0/Ⅰ/Ⅱ/Ⅲ/Ⅳ was 23/34/8/2 and 117/146/57/20 patients(p=0.1086)in the elderly and non- elderly groups, respectively. This study was approved by the Human Ethics Review Committee of Kansai Rosai Hospital(Certificate Number: 2101006).

RESULTS

The elderly group had an average operation time of 316.1 minutes, an estimated blood loss of 277.3 g, and a hospital stay of 14.3 days. The non-elderly group had an average operation time of 347.2 minutes, an estimated blood loss of 233.7 g, and a hospital stay of 12.9 days. No significant differences were noted between the elderly patients and the non-elderly patients with respect to the rate of procedure, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, morbidity, and postoperative laboratory data.

CONCLUSION

The LLR was undergone in safety, even for the over 80 years old patients. The results of LLR for HCC over 80 years old were comparable both in short-term results with under 79 years old group. It was considered that the minimally invasiveness of LLR allows comparable surgical treatment for the elderly with non-eldery.

[A Case of Sigmoid Colon Cancer with Bladder Invasion That Could Be Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy to Preserve the Bladder]

The patient was male, 50s. He visited his local doctor with complaints of hematochezia and hematuria. He underwent colonoscopy, which revealed a circumferential lesion in the sigmoid colon, and he was referred to our department for further examination and treatment. A urinalysis at the time of admission revealed leukocytes(3+)and bacteria(2+), suggesting that the sigmoid colon cancer was invading the bladder. The urologist performed cystoscopy, which showed internal invasion of the bladder, and at this point, including the CT findings, it was needed that a combined bladder resection was necessary. We decided to undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC)with the possibility of bladder preservation. FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab was selected as the regimen, and a total of 6 courses were performed. After NAC, the effect was judged PR. The patient underwent laparoscopy-assisted resection of the sigmoid colon and partial resection of the bladder wall. The pathological diagnosis was ypStage Ⅱc. Postoperatively, the patient received 6 courses of FOLFOX as adjuvant chemotherapy. Currently, about 8 months after surgery, no recurrence has been observed.

[A Case of De Novo Stage Ⅳ Her2-Positive Breast Cancer with Cardiac Tamponade Caused by Cancerous Pericarditis]

The patient was a 58-year-old woman. She was diagnosed with cT4b, cN3c, cM1, cStage Ⅳ, Her2 positive breast cancer with liver, lung and bone metastases. Seven days after the first visit, she came to our hospital for dyspnea. Chest X-ray, chest CT, and echocardiography showed a decrease in EF to 50.6% due to a large amount of pericardial effusion, and she was diagnosed with cardiac tamponade. On the same day, pericardial drainage was performed urgently. The cytopathology of pericardial fluid was malignant, that is to say, she was diagnosed with cancerous pericarditis. Pericardial drainage relieved respiratory distress, and echocardiography showed disappearance of pericardial fluid and improvement of EF up to 80.4%. Docetaxel plus trastuzumab plus pertuzumab therapy was started 10 days after pericardial drainage as first-line treatment. After starting chemotherapy, the response has continued for 6 months without re-accumulation of pericardial fluid.

[Laparoscopic Liver Resection for Liver Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer]

The laparoscopic surgery is less invasive and better cosmetic. The laparoscopic liver resection(LLR)has been accepted for the insurance in April 2010, and increasingly performed in many hospitals, and also expected in metastasis of colorectal cancer. We retrospectively examined the results of LLR for liver metastasis of colorectal cancer. From June 2010 to July 2021, 174 cases of LLR for liver metastasis of colorectal cancer were performed in our hospital. The operation time was 384.5 minutes, the blood loss was small amount, and the postoperative hospital stay was 8 days. The complications were post-bleeding in 1 case, bile leakage in 7 cases, SSI in 16 cases, and no surgery-related deaths were observed. The 3-year disease-free survival rate was 22.8%, and the 5-year overall survival rate was 53.3%. In the comparison between single LLR and multiple LLR, the operation time and the blood loss increased, but there was no significant difference in the length of postoperative hospital stay. In initial LLR and repeat LLR, there were no significant differences in the operation time, blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay. In the primary lesion and simultaneous LLR and heterochronous LLR, the operation time and blood loss were not significantly different, but postoperative intra-abdominal abscess and SSI were more happened, and the postoperative hospital stay was significantly extended. LLR for liver metastasis of colorectal cancer can be safely performed at multiple sites or multiple times, and good treatment results have been obtained, so it was considered to be an effective treatment method.

[A Case of Long-Term Survival after Conversion Surgery following Systemic Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Dissemination-Positive Gastric Cancer]

A 60-year-old man was referred to our hospital after he was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer. When he visited our hospital, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a type 3 tumor on the posterior wall of the middle greater curvature of the stomach, and histopathological examination revealed a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma(tub1). CT scan showed wall thickening with contrast effect in the middle part of the stomach. In the operation, the peritoneal lavage cytology was negative(CY0), but white nodules were found in the Douglas pouch, the great omentum, and mesentery, and the pathological examination showed adenocarcinoma(P1c). The patient was diagnosed as cT4aN0M1P1cCY0, Stage ⅣB and received S-1 plus CDDP therapy. After 4 courses of chemotherapy, the tumor was reduced. Staging laparoscopy showed no obvious peritoneal dissemination, and the peritoneal lavage cytology and scar nodules in the great omentum and Douglas pouch showed no evidence of malignancy(P0CY0). Therefore, the patient was able to have a conversion surgery, and underwent total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction and cholecystectomy. Pathological examination revealed type 3 tub1, ypT1bN0M0, pStage ⅠA, and the pathological effect of chemotherapy was Grade 1b. The patient was treated with S- 1 for 2 years as adjuvant chemotherapy, and the chemotherapy was terminated because no recurrence was observed by the CT and the laparoscopy. The patient has remained recurrence-free for a total of 10 years since then.

[Usefulness of Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy for Remnant Gastric Cancer]

Total gastrectomy for remnant gastric cancer is one of the most difficult procedures in gastric cancer surgery. In our hospital, we have performed laparotomy so far, but in recent years we have shifted to laparoscopic surgery. We verified the safety and usefulness of laparoscopic surgery from the surgical cases in our hospital. We compared the surgical outcomes of 26 patients who underwent laparotomy or laparoscopic total gastrectomy for remnant gastric cancer after 2010. 19 patients had undergone gastrectomy for gastric cancer, and 7 patients had done for benign diseases. In the gastrectomy of remnant gastric cancer, laparotomy was performed in 19 patients and laparoscopic surgery was performed in 7 patients. The laparoscopic group had a long operation time(274 vs 402 min), less bleeding(434 vs 124 mL), more lymph node dissection(11 vs 20 lymph nodes). The rate of postoperative complications(Clavien-Dindo classification more than Grade 2)was low(42.1 vs 28.6%), and the length of hospital stay after surgery was short(14 vs 10 days). No postoperative death was observed in all patients. Conclusion: It was considered that laparoscopic surgery can be safety performed and is a useful surgical procedure for remnant gastric cancer.

Modified Collard technique is more effective than circular stapled for cervical esophagogastric anastomosis in prevention of anastomotic stricture: a propensity score-matched study

The anastomotic technique after esophagectomy is of great interest in the prevention of anastomotic complications that adversely affect postoperative recovery. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of modified Collard (MC) and circular stapled (CS) anastomoses after esophagectomy. A total of 504 consecutive patients with thoracic esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy and cervical esophagogastric CS or MC anastomosis from January 2013 to December 2019 were enrolled. Out of 504 patients, 134 and 370 underwent CS and MC anastomoses. The frequency of anastomotic leakage and stricture was significantly lesser in the MC group than in the CS group (3.0 vs. 10.5%, P = 0.0014 and 11.1 vs. 34.3%, P < 0.001, respectively). CS anastomosis was an independent risk factor for anastomotic stricture (odds ratio, 4.89; P < 0.001). Oral intake was significantly higher in the group without anastomotic stricture than in the group with anastomotic stricture at 2, 3, and 6 months postoperatively (P < 0.001, P = 0.013, and P < 0.001, respectively). The percentage body weight loss (%BWL) was −12.2% in the group with anastomotic stricture and −7.5% in the group without anastomotic stricture at 3 months postoperatively (P = 0.0012). Anastomotic stricture was an independent factor associated with %BWL (odds ratio, 4.86; P = 0.010). Propensity score-matched analysis, which included 88 pairs of patients, confirmed a significantly lower anastomotic stricture rate in the MC group than in the CS group (10.2 vs. 35.2%, P < 0.001). MC anastomosis is better than CS anastomosis for reducing the frequency of anastomotic stricture, which may be useful for maintaining early postoperative nutritional status.

Recurrence Pattern Comparing Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy and Preoperative Chemotherapy with Docetaxel plus 5-Fluorouracil and Cisplatin for Advanced Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Preoperative chemoradiation therapy (CRT) or chemotherapy (CT) followed by surgery is currently being administered for advanced esophageal cancer. However, few studies have directly compared CRT and CT for treating locally advanced esophageal carcinoma. This study aimed to assess postoperative recurrence patterns and post-recurrence outcomes in patients with radical esophagectomy after CRT or triplet CT regimen with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF).

METHODS

This study included 325 consecutive patients with thoracic esophageal cancer who received preoperative CRT or DCF followed by curative esophagectomy between January 2010 and December 2019. We compared recurrence patterns after surgery and post-recurrence treatments between CRT and DCF. Locoregional recurrence was defined as recurrences at the primary tumor site or regional lymph nodes. Distant recurrence was defined as non-regional lymph node recurrences, systemic metastases, malignant pleural effusions, or peritoneal metastases.

RESULTS

Among 325 patients, 74 received preoperative CF+RT and 251 received preoperative DCF. A propensity score-matched cohort of 53 with CRT and 53 with DCF was included. CRT patients had tumors located in the upper esophagus and had more advanced cancer than DCF patients; however, no differences in patient characteristics were observed in the matched cohort. CRT patients had better histopathological responses and control of locoregional recurrence than DCF patients. On the other hand, distant recurrence, especially in non-regional lymph node, lung, and pleural dissemination, significantly developed more frequently in CRT patients. Furthermore, CRT patients may have received insufficient post-recurrence treatment owing to fewer treatment options. Therefore, although there was no difference in recurrence rate in the two groups, CRT patients had significantly poorer post-recurrence survival than DCF patients Conclusions. Preoperative DCF could reduce distant recurrence after surgery compared to preoperative CRT. The differences in recurrence patterns can be related to the selection of post-recurrence treatment and their prognosis after recurrence.

C65 POST–DISCHARGE ARRHYTHMIC RISK STRATIFICATION OF PATIENTS WITH ACUTE MYOCARDITIS AND LIFE–THREATENING VENTRICULAR TACHYARRHYTHMIAS

Aims

The outcomes of patients presenting with acute myocarditis and life–threatening ventricular arrhythmias (LT–VA) are unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and predictors of recurrent major arrhythmic events (MAEs) after hospital discharge in this patient population.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively analysed 156 patients (median age 44 years; 77% male) discharged with a diagnosis of acute myocarditis and LT–VA from 16 hospitals worldwide. Diagnosis of myocarditis was based on histology or the combination of increased markers of cardiac injury and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) Lake Louise criteria. MAEs were defined as the relapse, after discharge, of sudden cardiac death or successfully defibrillated ventricular fibrillation, or sustained ventricular tachycardia (sVT) requiring implantable cardioverter–defibrillator therapy or synchronized external cardioversion. Median follow–up was 23months [first to third quartile (Q1–Q3) 7–60]. Fifty–eight (37.2%) patients experienced MAEs after discharge, at a median of 8 months (Q1–Q3 2.5–24.0 months; 60.3% of MAEs within the first year). At multivariable Cox analysis, variables independently associated with MAEs were presentation with sVT [hazard ratio (HR) 2.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38–6.11]; late gadolinium enhancement involving ≥2 myocardial segments (HR 4.51, 95% CI 2.39–8.53), and absence of positive short–tau inversion recovery (STIR) (HR 2.59, 95% CI 1.40–4.79) at first CMR.

Conclusions

In this international multicentre study, patients discharged free from HTx or LVAD after an acute myocarditis complicated by LT–VA had a recurrence of MAEs during follow–up of 37.2%, after a median time of 8 months. Initial CMR pattern and sVT at presentation stratify the risk of arrhythmia recurrence.

Salvage Surgery for Recurrent Disease after Definitive Chemoradiotherapy for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Outcomes of salvage surgery after failed definitive chemoradiation (CRT) for esophageal cancer have been well defined. However, only a few studies have focused on salvage esophagectomy for recurrent disease after CRT.

METHODS

In 227 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent salvage esophagectomy after definitive CRT, consisting of 116 patients who underwent esophagectomy for persistent disease (the persistent group) and 111 patients who underwent esophagectomy for recurrent disease (the recurrent group), the short- and long-term outcomes were investigated.

RESULTS

The rates of any postoperative complication were similar between the groups (49.1% in the persistent group vs. 49.5% in the recurrent group, p = 0.951), although there was a higher rate of anastomotic leakage in the recurrent group (p = 0.027). Thirty-day mortality was also similar between the groups (1.7% in the persistent group vs. 0.9% in the recurrent group, p = 0.587). The 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 33.7% and 28.0% in the persistent group and 48.7% and 41.7% in the recurrent group, respectively (p = 0.0175). In the recurrent group, clinically nodal status before CRT as well as pathologically nodal status and time to relapse were identified as independent prognostic factors. In the persistent group, pT and resection margin were identified as independent factors associated with survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that salvage surgery for recurrent disease can provide acceptable short- and long-term outcomes. Considering clinically and pathologically nodal status and time to relapse, adjuvant therapy might be offered for patients who underwent salvage esophagectomy for recurrent disease after definitive CRT.

Long-term survival of HER2 positive gastric cancer patient with multiple liver metastases who obtained pathological complete response after systemic chemotherapy: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Advanced gastric cancer with liver metastasis is classified as stage IV disease and is generally treated with systemic chemotherapy. Despite recent advances in chemotherapy regimens, the prognosis for gastric cancer with liver metastasis is poor. Recent studies reported the effectiveness of upfront chemotherapy followed by conversion surgery for gastric cancer with liver metastasis. Here, we report a case of an advanced stage IV gastric cancer with liver metastasis treated with upfront systemic chemotherapy followed by conversion surgery, which resulted in pathological complete response and good prognosis.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 79-year-old man diagnosed with human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2)-positive gastric cancer with multiple liver metastases. He underwent systemic chemotherapy with capecitabine, cisplatin, and trastuzumab. After 14 courses of chemotherapy, the primary tumor and liver metastases shrank, suggesting a partial response. We performed distal gastrectomy with D2 dissection plus lateral hepatic segment resection. Pathological examination revealed no residual tumor cells in the primary or metastatic sites, which indicated a pathological complete response. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 8. Adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy was started on postoperative day 46 and given for 1 year. The patient has been alive and recurrence-free for approximately 5 years after surgery.

CONCLUSION

This case shows the possibility of conversion surgery after systemic chemotherapy for stage IV advanced gastric cancer with liver metastasis.