Port site metastases

Isolated abdominal wall metastasis 42 years after curative surgery for ovarian cancer: A case report

Despite the rarity of abdominal or chest wall metastases in ovarian cancer patients, reports have described instances of isolated late recurrence at surgical incision sites. We report the case of an 85-year-old woman who present with a massive metastatic tumor on the right anterior abdominal wall 42 years after undergoing a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for primary ovarian cancer. The abdominal wall tumor was resected en bloc, and abdominal wall reconstruction was performed using a mesh. Histology revealed a low-grade serous carcinoma. This report highlights the possibility of abdominal wall metastases after prolonged survival following the treatment of ovarian cancer. Surgical excision combined with mesh reconstruction represents an adequate treatment approach for such cases. Caution should be exercised during laparotomy to ensure complete removal of malignant tissue and to prevent parietal dissemination. Long-term follow-up is crucial for ovarian cancer patients, as late recurrences, although rare, can occur even decades after initial treatment.

Totally implantable venous access port metastasis in a patient with multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a hematologic malignancy characterized by the proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells within the bone marrow. Extramedullary plasmacytomas, a rare manifestation of multiple myeloma, occur in a small percentage of patients. These plasmacytomas can develop in the skin, often near venous catheter access sites, posing diagnostic challenges due to their rarity. We report a case of a 63-year-old man with multiple myeloma who presented with a mildly painful, swollen left chest port site. A whole-body FDG PET/CT scan revealed a hypermetabolic soft tissue mass surrounding the port site, suggestive of malignancy. Subsequent surgical excision and histopathological analysis confirmed the presence of a metastatic subcutaneous plasmacytoma, consistent with the patient's known multiple myeloma. Cutaneous extramedullary plasmacytomas at central venous catheter sites are rarely reported. Potential mechanisms for tumor development at trauma sites include local expression of chemokines that attract myeloma cells. This case underscores the importance of recognizing cutaneous plasmacytomas in patients with multiple myeloma and venous access ports to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions. It contributes to the broader understanding of extramedullary disease manifestations in multiple myeloma and emphasizes the need for thorough investigation and appropriate management in such cases.

Incidence, Timing, and Pattern of Atypical Recurrence after Minimally Invasive Surgery for Urothelial Carcinoma

The management of urothelial carcinoma has evolved with the introduction of minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic procedures, challenging the traditional approach of open surgery, and giving rise to atypical recurrences (ARs). ARs include port-site metastasis and peritoneal carcinomatosis, yet discrepancies persist among authors regarding their precise classification. Incidence rates of ARs vary widely across studies, ranging from less than 1% to over 10% in both muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and upper tract urothelial tumor (UTUC). Peritoneal metastases predominate as the most common ARs in patients with MIBC, while retroperitoneal metastases are prevalent in those with UTUC due to differing surgical approaches. The timing of AR presentation and survival outcomes closely mirror those of conventional recurrences, with which they are frequently associated. Pneumoperitoneum has progressively been regarded less as the cause of ARs, while surgical-related risk factors have gained prominence. Current major surgical-related causes include tumor spillage and urinary tract violation during surgery, avoidance of endo bag use for specimen extraction, and low surgical experience. Factors such as tumor stage, histological variants, and lympho-vascular invasion correlate with the risk of ARs, suggesting a close association with tumor biology. Further studies are required to better understand the incidence, risk factors, characteristics, and outcomes of ARs.

No Indication for Routine Resection of Surgical Scars during Cytoreductive Surgery and HIPEC

BACKGROUND

Careful macroscopic assessment of surgical scars is needed to avoid routine scar resection during cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for peritoneal metastases (PM). This study aimed to analyze the correlation between macroscopically suspected and microscopically confirmed scar metastases (SMs), and to analyze the prognostic impact of not undergoing routine scar resection.

METHOD

All patients with previous surgery, treated with CRS and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, for colorectal PM or pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), at Uppsala University Hospital in 2013-2021, were included. Macroscopic SMs in surgical reports were compared with histopathological analyses.

RESULTS

In total, 227 patients were included. Among colorectal PM patients (n = 156), SM was macroscopically suspected in 41 (26%) patients, and 63 (40%) underwent scar resection. SM was confirmed in 19 (30%). Among patients with macroscopic suspicion, 45% had confirmed SM (positive predictive value, PPV). A total of 1 of 23 (4%) patients with no macroscopic suspicion had SM (negative predictive value, NPV = 96%). Among the PMP patients (n = 71), SM was macroscopically suspected in 13 (18%), and 28 (39%) underwent scar resection, of whom 12 (43%) had SM. The PPV was 77%. Occult SM was found in 1 of 14 (NPV = 93%). Not undergoing routine scar resection did not affect recurrence-free survival (RFS, p = 0.2) or overall survival (OS, p = 0.1) in colorectal PM patients or PMP patients (RFS p = 0.7, OS p = 0.7).

CONCLUSION

Occult SM is uncommon and scar resection does not affect RFS or OS. Therefore, macroscopically benign-appearing scars can be left without resection, though resection should be performed upon suspicion or uncertainty.

Risk factors of recurrence after robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for solitary localized renal cell carcinoma

To evaluate the recurrence rate and risk factors of recurrence after robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for solitary renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A total of 1265 cases of initial solitary localized RCC were analyzed. The baseline characteristics, complexity (REANL nephrometry score), intra- and peri-operative outcomes, and recurrence were evaluated. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the factors affecting recurrence after RAPN for solitary localized RCC. Recurrence after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) occurred in 29 patients (2.29%). The median follow-up was 36.0 months. The N domain (nearness to collecting system/sinus) (odd ratio (OR) 3.517, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.557-7.945, p = 0.002), operation time (OR 1.005, 95% CI 1.001-1.010, p = 0.013), and perioperative transfusion (OR 5.450, 95% CI 1.197-24.816, p = 0.028) affected recurrence. Distant metastasis among patients with recurrence was significantly associated with nearness to the collecting system/sinus (OR 2.982, 95% CI 1.162-7.656, p = 0.023) and distance between the mass and collecting system/sinus (OR 0.758, 95% CI 0.594-0.967, p = 0.026). Nearness to the collecting system/sinus, operation time, and perioperative transfusion affect recurrence after RAPN for solitary localized RCC. Moreover, the proximity to the collecting system/sinus and distance between the mass and collecting system/sinus were significantly related to distant metastasis after RAPN.

Successful resection of port site recurrence of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

There are many reports of port site recurrence after laparoscopic surgery for various types of cancer. However, only two cases of port site recurrence after laparoscopic pancreatectomy have been reported to date. We herein report a case of port site recurrence after laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 73-year-old woman was diagnosed with pancreatic tail cancer and underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. Histopathological examination revealed pancreatic ductal carcinoma (pT1N0M0 pStage I). The patient was discharged on postoperative day 14 with no complications. However, 5 months after surgery, computed tomography showed a small tumor at the right abdominal wall. No distant metastasis had appeared after 7 months of follow-up. Under the diagnosis of port site recurrence without any other metastases, we resected this abdominal tumor. Histopathological examination showed port site recurrence of pancreatic ductal carcinoma. No recurrence was observed 15 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the report of successful resection of port site recurrence of pancreatic cancer.

PSMA-PET Detection of Unusual Metastases in Castrate-Sensitive Prostate Carcinoma

ABSTRACT

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a multifaceted, heterogeneous disease (with 7 molecular subtypes), which can metastasize to common sites, such as bone, lymph nodes, liver, and lungs. However, with PSMA PET imaging, rare sites of metastasis are increasingly discovered. We report 5 cases of unusual metastases in patients with castrate-sensitive PCa: solitary right inguinal nodal metastasis, solitary abdominal wall metastasis, penile shaft metastases, solitary perineum metastasis, and pleural metastases. These cases further support the use of PSMA-PET imaging in PCa monitoring, with the ability to detect solitary, small volume, and rare sites of metastases, which may not be apparent on conventional imaging.

Outcomes for Atypical Tumor Recurrences Following Minimally Invasive Kidney Cancer Operations

Background

We managed a cohort of patients treated with minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for a kidney tumor presenting with atypical tumor recurrence (ATR) involving port sites, intraperitoneal carcinomatosis, and nephrectomy bed/perinephric tumor implants.

Objective

To determine the clinical characteristics, management, and oncologic outcomes for patients with localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who develop ATR following curative-intent MIS for partial or radical nephrectomy.

Design, setting, and participants

The study cohort comprised patients from 1999 to 2021 with localized RCC managed at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY, USA) after MIS for partial or radical nephrectomy who developed ATR. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: We collected data on clinicopathologic characteristics, treatments, time to ATR, and overall survival.

Results and limitations

The median age of the 58 RCC patients was 61 yr. Forty-one patients (71%) were male, 26 (45%) had robot-assisted operations, and 39 (67%) had clear cell RCC. Twenty-nine patients had stage pT1 disease (50%) and ten (17%) had positive surgical margins. The most common ATR site was perinephric/nephrectomy bed implants (n = 28, 48%). Management included: surgical resection alone (n = 11, 19%), systemic therapy alone (n = 12, 21%), surgical resection and systemic therapy (n = 17, 29%), and palliative care (n = 8, 14%). At median follow-up of 59 mo (interquartile range [IQR] 28–92), the median time to ATR was 12 mo (IQR 5–28). Overall survival at 5 yr was 69.0% (95% confidence interval 57.4–83.1%) with only nine patients alive with no evidence of disease. Limitations include the potential for referral, detection, and selection biases, as well as uncertainty regarding the true incidence of ATR.

Conclusions

ATR following MIS for partial or radical nephrectomy is an understudied, poor prognostic event which leads to a heavy treatment burden. Further investigation into its etiology and means of prevention is warranted.

Patient summary

Patients experiencing recurrence of kidney cancer in an atypical site require a heavy treatment burden and have a guarded overall prognosis. Continued research is needed to determine the precise incidence of these recurrences and identify methods for mitigating them.

Curative resection after chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy for postoperative recurrence of pancreatic tail cancer in the abdominal wall: a case report

BACKGROUND

Locoregional recurrence and metastasis to the liver, peritoneum, and lung are the most common recurrent patterns of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) after radical resection. Recurrence in the abdominal wall is extremely rare. Herein, we report our experience with a patient who had recurrent PDAC in the abdominal wall with long-term survival by means of multidisciplinary therapy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 76-year-old Japanese woman was diagnosed with resectable pancreatic tail cancer. She underwent distal pancreatectomy with regional lymphadenectomy after two cycles of gemcitabine plus S-1 as neoadjuvant therapy. She also received eight cycles of S-1 as adjuvant chemotherapy. Approximately 14 months after the initial surgery, imaging examinations identified a mass suggesting recurrence in the abdominal wall at the middle wound that involved the transverse colon. After two cycles of gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel, chemoradiotherapy (S-1 plus 45 Gy) and seven cycles of modified FOLFIRINOX (5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin) were administered. The patient did not develop any new recurrent lesions during chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy. Therefore, the recurrent lesion in the abdominal wall and the involved transverse colon were resected. We confirmed the lack of peritoneal dissemination during surgery. Pathological examination revealed that the resected lesion was metastasis of primary PDAC, and the surgical margin was 1 mm. However, re-recurrence localized in the abdominal wall was detected 9 months later. The re-recurrent lesion was diagnosed as local recurrence of the first recurrent lesion. We performed a second resection of the abdominal wall using a femoral myocutaneous flap to achieve sufficient surgical margin. The pathological findings of the resected specimen were the same as those of the previous specimens, and the resection margin was negative. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. Seven years after the initial surgery and 3 years and 7 months after the third surgery, the patient is alive with no signs of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term survival could be achieved by radical resection with sufficient surgical margins for recurrence of PDAC in the abdominal wall if new other recurrent lesions, including peritoneal dissemination, are prevented through chemotherapy.

Solitary port-site metastasis 42 months after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer

We report a case of solitary port-site recurrence after laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer. A 66-year-old man had previously undergone laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy with regional lymph-node dissection for advanced gastric cancer, which was a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma invading the subserosal layer with lymphatic infiltration and no lymph-node metastases. He experienced dull pain in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen 42 months after the surgery. On physical examination, erythematous induration of the skin around the scar of the port insertion was observed in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. Abdominal ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a subcutaneous lesion with a well-defined mass measuring 3.0 cm in diameter located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. A skin biopsy revealed a metastatic adenocarcinoma from gastric cancer. Since there was no evidence of further metastatic lesions in other organs, the patient underwent surgical resection of the metastatic tumor arising at the port site. The abdominal wall tumor was resected with a leaf-skin incision and an adequate safety margin, and the inferior border of the tumor reached the muscular layer, which was resected with the tumor. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma in the subcutaneous tissue with invasion of the muscle layer at the port site. The postoperative course was uneventful; chemotherapy using oxaliplatin plus S-1 was administered, and the patient was in good health with no evidence of the disease for 3 months postoperatively. Although port-site metastasis after laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer is a rare recurrence form, we should be aware of this issue, and further studies and assessments of additional cases are needed to establish a treatment strategy.

Metachronous port site, muscular and subcutaneous metastases from a gastric adenocarcinoma: a case report and review of articles

Background

Port site metastasis (PSM) after curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer and muscular metastasis from gastric cancer are rare manifestations. Similarly, subcutaneous metastasis from gastric cancer is rare, and muscular and subcutaneous metastases are associated with poor prognosis. We report a case of long-term survival in a patient who underwent curative resection of gastric cancer and repeated recurrence of port site, muscular and subcutaneous metastases from gastric cancer, treated by resection.

Case presentation

A 75-year-old man was diagnosed with gastric cancer and referred to our department. Upper endoscopy demonstrated a 5-cm circumferential ulcerated lesion at the cardia. Biopsy findings showed a poorly differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. He underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy with lymph node dissection, and pathologic examination revealed a moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma stage T4aN1M0 and IIIA according to the UICC (Union for International Cancer Control) classification. He refused adjuvant chemotherapy and was only carefully observed. Twenty-three months after the primary gastrectomy, computed tomography (CT) revealed an irregular mass near the port site wounds. Then the patient underwent mass resection, and the pathological diagnosis was consistent with metastatic adenocarcinoma, located in the subcutaneous tissue at the port site wounds. Thirteen months after the second surgery, CT revealed an enhanced mass in the abdominal wall. Positron emission tomography (PET) CT showed an elevated uptake in the rectus abdominis muscle and a standardized uptake value (SUV) of 3.1. The patient underwent another mass resection, and the pathological diagnosis was consistent with metastatic adenocarcinoma in the rectus abdominis muscle. Thirty-five months after the third surgery, CT revealed a mass in the left gluteal subcutaneous region. Furthermore, PET-CT revealed a 35-mm mass with an elevated SUV of 9.6. Another mass resection procedure was performed, and the pathological diagnosis was consistent with metastatic adenocarcinoma in the subcutaneous tissue. Since tumor cells were present at the resection margin, additional radiation therapy was performed. The patient has survived 78 months after primary gastrectomy.

Conclusion

The prognosis of muscular and subcutaneous metastases from gastric cancer is poor. However, if the metastatic tumor is solitary, surgical excision could be a feasible treatment option and might prolong survival.

Recurrence of thyroid carcinoma in cervical soft tissue following surgical implantation: Case report

INTRODUCTION

Thyroid cancer is the most common type of malignant endocrine cancer. Differentiated thyroid cancer, which includes papillary and follicular cancers, represents majority (90%) of all thyroid cancers and has a favorable prognosis. However, a minority of patients develops loco-regional recurrence.

CASE REPORT

We report here a rare case of a 63 years-old man who underwent total thyroidectomy in 2015 for multinodular goiter whose histopathological examination revealed a papillary thyroid carcinoma. He received 6 weeks later a 100 mCi of radioactive iodine therapy. In 2017, he was admitted for multiple cervical lymph nodes with high serum thyroglobulin level (234 ng/mL) which required a bilateral central and lateral neck dissection. He was readmitted in 2019 for multiple subcutaneous neck nodules with high serum thyroglobulin level (197 ng/mL). The histopathological examination of the excised nodules revealed a papillary thyroid carcinoma. The patient showed no sign of recurrence after 2 years follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Local soft tissue recurrence followed surgical implantation should be suspected when nodules are determined alongside the thyroid after previous thyroid surgery. Therapy for these soft tissue implants may be difficult; a comprehensive long-term postoperative evaluation should be completed to minimize the risk of recurrence in cervical soft tissue.

The Pathogenesis and Prevention of Port-Site Metastasis in Gynecologic Oncology

Port-site metastasis (PSM) is a specific and challenging complication of laparoscopic gynecologic oncologic procedures. Research has demonstrated that PSM is associated with significant morbidity and poor outcome. The exact pathogenesis of PSM in gynecologic patients is not clear. Several preventive measures of PSM have been addressed in the relevant literature, and novel approaches to prevent this uncommon complication keep emerging. In this review, we summarized the potential mechanisms of PSM and discuss the controversies and merits of proposed preventive measures of PSM in gynecologic oncology. We undertook a literature search using the Medline database to identify studies on the pathogenesis and prevention of laparoscopic PSM. Hypotheses of PSM pathogeneses center on the immune response, pneumoperitoneum, wound contamination, and surgical method. Cogent evidence of effective prevention of PSM after laparoscopic surgery is lacking. Traditional preventive actions such as irrigation and tumor manipulation should be taken individually. Insufflation of hyperthermic CO₂ and humidified CO₂ leads to a better outcome in patients with a malignant tumor who undergo a laparoscopic procedure compared with normal CO₂ pneumoperitoneum. Port-site resection shows no advantage in survival and results in more wound events. PSM prevention plays a crucial part in the overall care of patients with gynecologic malignancies who undergo laparoscopic procedures.

An autopsy case of primary jejunal pouch cancer which protruded from the abdominal wall 14 years after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Adenocarcinoma which develops in the jejunal pouch has rarely been reported, but most of such cases tend to be a recurrence of primary cancer due to the presence of residual or disseminated cancer cells. Primary jejunal pouch cancer is extremely rare. We experienced an autopsy case of primary jejunal pouch cancer which occurred 14 years after proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. A female in her late 60s was admitted because of hypoglycemia with liver dysfunction. She underwent total gastrectomy for fundic cancer and had been reconstructed by jejunal pouch interposition 14 years prior to this presentation. Hypoglycemia recovered by nutritional support. Computed tomography demonstrated severe fatty liver and liver biopsy proved non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which was supposed to have been induced by malnutrition. Screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed no tumorous lesions in the jejunal pouch at this time. However, her anorexia gradually progressed and the symptom of bowel obstruction appeared. EGD performed 5 months after the previous EGD revealed adenocarcinoma which extended from the anastomosis of the interposed jejunum. Then liver metastasis developed and jejunal pouch cancer invaded the abdominal wall and protruded with ulcer formation. Finally, the patient died of malnutrition. An autopsy revealed adenocarcinoma which had developed in the interposed jejunal pouch and protruded through the abdominal wall accompanied with lung and liver metastasis. We herein describe this rare case of primary interposed jejunal pouch cancer and discuss our findings including a review of the pertinent literature.

The risk of COVID-19 transmission by laparoscopic smoke may be lower than for laparotomy: a narrative review

Background

Surgical smoke is a well-recognized hazard in the operating room. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, surgical societies quickly published guidelines recommending avoiding laparoscopy or to consider open surgery because of the fear of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through surgical smoke or aerosol. This narrative review of the literature aimed to determine whether there are any differences in the creation of surgical smoke/aerosol between laparoscopy and laparotomy and if laparoscopy may be safer than laparotomy.

Methods

A literature search was performed using the Pubmed, Embase and Google scholar search engines, as well as manual search of the major journals with specific COVID-19 sections for ahead-of-print publications.

Results

Of 1098 identified articles, we critically appraised 50. Surgical smoke created by electrosurgical and ultrasonic devices has the same composition both in laparoscopy and laparotomy. SARS-CoV-2 has never been found in surgical smoke and there is currently no data to support its virulence if ever it could be transmitted through surgical smoke/aerosol.

Conclusion

If laparoscopy is performed in a closed cavity enabling containment of surgical smoke/aerosol, and proper evacuation of smoke with simple measures is respected, and as long as laparoscopy is not contraindicated, we believe that this surgical approach may be safer for the operating team while the patient has the benefits of minimally invasive surgery. Evidence-based research in this field is needed for definitive determination of safety.

Port site recurrence of esophageal adenocarcinoma after minimally invasive esophagectomy: a case report

BACKGROUND

Port site recurrence has been observed after a variety of oncologic resection procedures. However, few have reported port site recurrence of esophageal cancer.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 51-year-old man underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy for pT3(AD)N3M0 adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. One year after surgery, he presented with a rapidly growing tumor on the right thoracic wall. Contrast computed tomography demonstrated an enhancing tumor with uptake on positron emission tomography. We performed resection of the thoracic wall, including the skin and subcutis. The pathologic diagnosis was poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, consistent with metastasis of esophageal origin.

CONCLUSION

This was the first report on thoracic port site recurrence of esophageal adenocarcinoma. We recommend elimination of leakage around the thoracoscopic ports to prevent such recurrence. We should provide prudent postoperative clinical surveillance.

Surgical Treatment of Port-Site Metastases After Laparoscopic Radical Resection of Gastrointestinal Tumors

Aim: This study was performed to investigate the feasibility of surgical treatment of port-site metastasis after laparoscopic radical resection of gastrointestinal tumors. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and follow-up data of 8 patients with port-site metastases after gastrointestinal cancer resection in our hospital from January 2014 to January 2018. Results: Six of port-site metastases occurred within 6 months after gastrointestinal tumor resection, one of port-site metastases occurred in 10 months after the operation, and one of port-site metastases occurred in 30 months after the operation. Any metastasis to the abdominal cavity or distant metastasis was ruled out before the surgical treatment of the port-site metastases, and all patients recovered well after the extended operation. No incisional infection or incisional hernia occurred. By December 2019, 4 patients had died (they had survived for 12, 13, 18, and 24 months, respectively) and 5 patients had survived. The follow-up duration ranged from 19 to 28 months. Conclusions: Surgical resection of port-site metastases is not difficult because of their superficial location. Surgical treatment can improve the prognosis of patients without abdominal metastasis or distant metastasis/recurrence.

Axillary metastases after port site recurrences of gallbladder carcinoma: a case report

Background

Incidental gallbladder carcinoma is often discovered after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholecystitis or cholecystolithiasis. Port site recurrences may occur. Patients with port site metastases of gallbladder carcinoma have a poor prognosis.

Case presentation

A 61-year-old man underwent an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy because of cholecystitis and gallstones. Pathology revealed a gallbladder carcinoma. After referral to a tertiary center, radical re-resection followed.

Three years later, an epigastric port site recurrence emerged, partially fixed to the xiphoid process. A wide abdominal wall resection was performed, including part of the xiphoid process. Follow-up was continued with periodical imaging and standard blood work.

Three years after resection of this port site metastasis, the patient presented with an occasionally painful mass in the left axilla. Pathology revealed the presence of an adenocarcinoma, most likely arising from the prior gallbladder carcinoma.

Given the extensive dissemination and limited symptoms in the axillary node, we decided against a surgical intervention, instead of adopting a wait-and-see policy. Disease progression occurred within 1 year, and the patient was treated with palliative radiotherapy, followed by palliative chemotherapy.

The patient died of metastatic disease approximately 6.5 years after the initial cholecystectomy.

Conclusions

Port site recurrences of (incidental) gallbladder carcinoma occur after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, despite preventive perioperative measures. Patients with port site recurrences can develop axillary lymph node metastases, similar to other truncal malignancies. Surgical interventions should be limited.

Efficacy of povidone-iodine against accidental tumor incision during nephron-sparing surgery: experimental study in patients with renal cell carcinoma

Purpose

Accidental tumor incision (ATI) can occur during nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) and correlates with recurrence and metastasis. This study investigated risk factors of intraoperative ATI in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients after NSS and the efficacy of povidone-iodine for ATI.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 150 consecutive stage I (pT1N0M0) RCC patients who underwent NSS at The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University between May 2010 and October 2015 for the causes of ATI. Furthermore, in vitro experiments investigated whether tumor cells remained on the surface of scissors and the effect of treatment with povidone-iodine on the number of remaining 786-O cells.

Results

Among the 150 cases, 15 showed ATI, of which three suffered local recurrence during a median follow-up of 56 months. Pseudocapsules, satellite nodules, and renal cystic tumors were observed in ATI cases. In vitro experiments showed that tumor cells remained on the surface of scissors after ATI during NSS and that 0.5% povidone-iodine effectively killed tumor cells in 30 minutes.

Conclusions

The probability of ATI is high in patients with complex-type RCC during NSS. ATI potentially increases the chance of metastasis and local recurrence, and 0.5% povidone-iodine kills tumor cells more effectively than distilled water.

Incidence of Port Site Metastasis in Laparoscopic Radical Nephroureterectomy: Single-institution Experience

OBJECTIVE

To address the incidence and potential risk factors of port site metastasis (PSM) in patients who underwent laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2013 and December 2018 laparoscopic RNU were performed in 240 patients at our institution, including 145 with renal pelvic tumor and 135 with ureteral tumor (40 patients have both tumor). Laparoscopies were performed through the transperitoneal approach in 28 patients, and retroperitoneal in 212 patients. Clinical data are retrospectively collected.

RESULTS

Perioperative and pathologic data are available in all 240 cases. After a mean follow-up of 12.6 months (range 3-45 months), 4 patients (1.7%) developed PSM following retroperitoneal RNU at an average of 4.3 months. Tumor stage is T2N0M0 in one, T3N0M0 in two, and T3N1M0 in one, respectively. Tumor grade are high-grade urothelial carcinoma in all. The incidence of PSM is 2.8% (4/145) and 0.7% (1/135) in renal pelvic and ureteral tumor, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We report a 1.7% incidence of PSM in upper tract urothelial carcinoma after laparoscopic RNU. We suggest that air leakage during retroperitoneal approach, high tumor stage (pT3) and grade, and advanced renal pelvic tumor with micrometastases could increase the potential risks of PSM.

Oligometastatic recurrence of an oesophageal adenocarcinoma at a chest drain site following radical treatment: palliative treatment or resection?

A 62-year-old female patient diagnosed with oesophageal adenocarcinoma underwent radical treatment consisting of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and oesophagectomy with no major complications. Eleven months later, she re-presented with a mass at one of the chest drain sites. A PET-CT scan and biopsy demonstrated this to be a single recurrence of the oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Excision of the metastatic lesion was considered as per metachronous single site metastasis. However, the operation was postponed due to acute kidney injury. Restaging after 6 weeks revealed progressive metastatic disease. The patient underwent palliative therapy and passed away soon after. Oesophageal cancer recurrence has a very poor prognosis, and factors such as the disease-free interval, site of recurrence and tumour pathological factors must be considered when stratifying for suitability for metastasectomy. A period of watchful waiting followed by restaging is essential to rule out patients with indolent metastatic disease.

Cell dynamics in tumour environment after treatments

Most cancer treatments cause necrotic cell deaths in the tumour microenvironment. Necrotic cells send signals to immune cells to start the wound healing process in the tissue. Therefore, we assume after stopping treatments there is a wound that needs to be healed. We develop a simple computational model to investigate cell dynamics during the wound healing process after treatments. The model predicts that the involvement of high-fitness cancer cells in the wound healing leads to fast relapse, and cancer cells outside of the wound can cause a slow recurrence of the tumour. Therefore, the absence of relapse after treatments may imply a slow-developing tumour that might not reach an observable size in the patients' lifetime. Additionally, the model indicates that the location of remaining cancer cells after treatments is an important factor in the recurrence time. The fastest recurrence happens when high-fitness cancer cells remain inside of the wound. However, the longest time to recurrence corresponds to cancer cells located outside of the wound. Note that this model is the first attempt to study cell dynamics in the wound healing process after cancer treatments, and it has some limitations that might influence the results. Experiments are needed to validate the results.

Cervical soft tissue recurrence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma after thyroidectomy indicates a poor prognosis

BACKGROUND

We investigated cervical soft tissue recurrence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) after thyroidectomy, and these lesions exhibited no evidence that they were lymph nodes (LNs).

METHODS

Between January 2012 and April 2016, consecutive 6308 patients underwent thyroid surgery for DTC at our center. Among them, we encountered 21 patients with recurrent cervical soft tissue lesions, none of whom had previously undergone fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB).

RESULTS

The 21 patients accounted for 0.33% of all 6308 patients, including twenty cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma and one case of follicular thyroid cancer. Approximately half (52.3%) of the recurrence were first detected by ultrasound (US). Eighteen lesions underwent complete preoperative US, but 6 lesions were misdiagnosed as metastatic LNs by US. Therefore, 54 age- and gender-matched recurrent or persistent LNs derived from DTC were randomly selected from the same database. The soft tissue lesions (mean size, 2.30 cm) were larger than the LNs. Fewer hyperechogenic hila and punctuations were found in the group of soft tissue recurrence (P < 0.05). During follow-up, distant metastasis was detected in 38.1% of patients in the soft tissue recurrence group. The distant metastasis rates showed that local soft tissue recurrence led to a poorer prognosis than cervical LN persistence or recurrence (P = 0.00).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the incidence of DTC recurrence in cervical soft tissue was low, it may be a predictor for distant recurrence. To minimize the risk, a long-term postoperative evaluation, preferably with US, should be performed.

Colorectal Cancer Cells Adhere to Traumatized Peritoneal Tissue in Clusters, An Experimental Study

Purpose/Aim: Colorectal malignity is one of the most common forms of cancer. The finding of free intraperitoneal colorectal cancer cells during surgery has been shown to be associated with poor outcome. The aim of this study was to develop an experimental model designed to investigate adhesion of colorectal cancer cells to the peritoneal surface.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two human experimental models were developed, the first using cultured mesothelial cells and the second consisting of an ex vivo model of peritoneal tissue. Both models were subjected to standardized trauma, following which labeled colorectal cancer cells (Colo205) were introduced. Adhesion of tumor cells was monitored using microscopy and detection of fluorochromes.

RESULTS

The mesothelial cell layers and peritoneal membranes remained viable in culture medium for several weeks. In our experimental model, the tumor cells added were seen to adhere to the edges of the traumatized area in cluster formations.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of human peritoneal tissue in an ex vivo model would appear to be a potentially useful tool for the study of interaction between human peritoneal membrane and free tumor cells. Experimental surgical trauma increases the ability of tumor cells to adhere to the peritoneal membrane. This ex vivo model should be useful in future studies on biological interactions between peritoneum and tumor cells in the search for novel forms of peritoneal cancer therapy.

Incidence of abdominal wall metastases following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement in patients with head and neck cancer

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes are an effective modality for enteral nutrition in patients with head and neck cancer; however, there have been documented case reports of "seeding" of the abdominal wall by the theoretic risk of dragging the tube along the tumor during PEG placement. The objective of this study is to determine the incidence and contributing risk factors leading to metastasis to the abdominal wall following PEG placement in patients with head and neck cancer.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients diagnosed with head and neck malignancy who underwent PEG placement between 1/5/2009 and 12/22/2014. Variables collected included development of abdominal wall metastases, type of malignancy and tumor characteristics, smoking history, PEG placement technique, and survival following recurrence. Data were then analyzed for overall trends.

RESULTS

Out of 777 patients analyzed, a total of five patients with head and neck malignancy were identified with abdominal wall metastasis following PEG tube placement with an overall incidence of 0.64% over an average follow-up of 27.55 months. All of these patients underwent PEG tube insertion via a Pull technique. One patient was found to have a clinically evident and symptomatic stomal metastasis, while the other four patients had radiologically detected metastases either on CT or PET scan. All of the identified patients were found to have stage IV oral cancer at time of initial diagnosis of their head and neck malignancy, followed by widespread distant metastatic disease at time of presentation with their PEG site stomal metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Abdominal wall metastases following PEG placement are a rare but serious complication in patients with head and neck malignancy.

Hürthle Cells Adenoma of the Thyroid with Post-surgical Implants in the Neck: Clinical, Morphological, and Molecular Analysis of Three Cases

Thyroid implants in the soft tissue of the neck are very rare findings of traumatic, iatrogenic, or neoplastic origins. We describe the clinico-pathological and molecular analysis of three cases with an initial diagnosis of follicular adenoma, Hürthle cell variant (FA-HCT), which developed cervical thyroid implants at 60, 59, and 36 months after thyroid surgery, followed by further neck recurrences, and, eventually, by distant metastases. A systematic review of all histopathological samples of both the primary lesions and the neck implants was performed. Molecular study included the analysis of pan-RAS and BRAF mutations and RET/PTC1, RET/PTC3, and PAX8/PPARγ rearrangements. The review of the original slides and of additional re-cuts of each block of the thyroid lesions did not show any sign of capsular and/or vascular invasion; thus, the original diagnoses of FA-HCT were confirmed. When sampling adequacy was considered, it turned out that the capsule was completely evaluable in case #3, whereas 85 % was evaluable for case #1 and less than 50 % for case #2. We cannot exclude that cases #1 and #2 were carcinomas that had not been completely sampled. The first occurring neck implants showed neither histological signs of malignancy nor the presence of lymphoid tissue. However, further neck recurrences had different histological aspects, with a clear infiltrative growth. Moreover, a mesenchymal reaction forming a sort of capsule was observed around oncocytic cells along with signs of vascular invasion. Molecular analysis revealed no alterations in the genes and rearrangements studied. Oncocytic thyroid implants in the neck soft tissue should be regarded as metastasis, even in the absence of clear-cut signs of malignancy and in the case of a bona fide diagnosis of Hürthle cells adenoma of the thyroid.

Port-site metastasis as a primary complication following retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical resection of renal pelvis carcinoma or nephron-sparing surgery: A report of three cases and review of the literature

The present study reports the clinical data of two patients with renal pelvis carcinoma and one patient with renal carcinoma who developed port-site metastasis following retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery. The current study aimed to identify the cause and prognosis of the occurrence of port-site metastasis subsequent to laparoscopic radical resection of renal pelvis carcinoma and nephron-sparing surgery. Post-operative pathology confirmed the presence of high-grade urothelial cell carcinoma in two patients and Fuhrman grade 3 renal clear cell carcinoma in one patient. Port-site metastasis was initially detected 1–7 months post-surgery. The two patients with renal pelvis carcinoma succumbed to the disease 2 and 4 months following the identification of the port-site metastasis, respectively, whereas the patient with renal carcinoma survived with no disease progression during the targeted therapy period. The occurrence of port-site metastasis may be attributed to systemic and local factors. Measures to reduce the development of this complication include strict compliance with the operating guidelines for tumor surgery, avoidance of air leakage at the port-site, complete removal of the specimen with an impermeable bag, irrigation of the laparoscopic instruments and incisional wound with povidone-iodine when necessary, and enhancement of the body's immunity. Close post-operative follow-up observation for signs of recurrence or metastasis is essential, and systemic chemotherapy may be required in patients with high-grade renal pelvis carcinoma and renal carcinoma in order to prolong life expectancy.

Delayed and clinically isolated port site carcinosarcoma recurrence as an early indicator of disseminated disease

A 71-year-old woman with suspected endometrial cancer underwent robotic-assisted hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection, and infracolic omentectomy revealing a stage II uterine carcinosarcoma with components of serous adenocarcinoma and undifferentiated spindle cell sarcoma. There was no evidence of distant metastasis at the time of surgery. However pelvic washings were positive for malignant cells. She received adjuvant chemotherapy and vaginal cuff brachytherapy. Forty months later she developed a subcutaneous mass at the location of previous port site which was confirmed to be recurrence of the uterine primary. She subsequently developed additional distant metastases to the abdominal wall, lungs, and bone. Port site metastasis (PSM) was the earliest indicator of disseminated metastatic disease in this patient. We review challenges in the management of patients with PSM and propose that PSM be considered as a sign of systemic disease even when presenting as an apparently isolated recurrence.

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Unusual case of isolated PSM after a long 40 month disease free interval.

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Ten months after PSM, the patient developed disseminated disease.

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Apparently isolated PSM portended later development of disseminated disease.

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Apparently isolated PSM indicates high risk for progression of disease.

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We propose treatment with systemic chemotherapy in addition to radiation therapy.

Impact of Accidental Tumor Incision During Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy on the Oncologic and Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

To investigate the impact of accidental tumor incision (ATI) during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) on the treatment outcome of LPN and to determine the predictive factors for ATI.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive 156 patients with renal tumors suspicious of renal cell carcinoma cT1N0M0 undergoing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy at Yokohama City University between May 2003 and November 2014 were retrospectively evaluated. The analyzed clinical factors included maximum tumor diameter, the R.E.N.A.L. Nephrometry Score, occurrence of ATI during surgery, and the postoperative pathological findings including the presence of a pseudocapsule. Port site metastasis, tumor seeding, and local recurrence were investigated by routine follow-up computed tomography during the postoperative period.

RESULTS

Among enrolled 156 procedures, 12 (7.7%) showed ATI during surgery. Positive surgical margin and local tumor recurrence were observed in 5 and 1 cases in the non-ATI group, respectively, as compared with in no cases in the ATI group. Port site metastasis or tumor seeding was not observed in either group. Multivariate analysis indicated that pseudocapsule formation significantly correlated with ATI (P = .022) and that maximum tumor diameter was a possible predictor of ATI (P = .054).

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, there are no previous studies to evaluate the impact of ATI, and we here, for the first time, report that the risk of ATI is influenced by the presence of a pseudocapsule, and, to some degree, by the tumor size. Moreover, we also show that ATI during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is not necessarily associated with poor outcomes such as local tumor recurrence.

Small Bowel Melanoma Metastasing to Inguinal Lymph Node - a Rare Case

Malignant Melanoma is one of the commonest cutaneous malignancies affecting human beings. The gastrointestinal tract is a common site for melanoma, both as primary and metastases. However it is rare for gastrointestinal melanoma to metastase oustide of the abdominal cavity. In the literature, there is no evidence about inguinal lymph node metastases from small bowel melanoma. Here we present a case report of an old lady who underwent laparoscopic resection of small bowel for melanoma and presented 4 years later with metastatic lymph node in inguinal lymph node. Though it could not be verified, we hypothesise that the tumour disseminated to the lymph node through a port-site metastases. Literature review shows several mechanisms which were put forward to explain the mechanism of port-site metastases.

Common postoperative findings unique to laparoscopic surgery

The interpretation of images obtained in patients who have recently undergone abdominal or pelvic surgery is challenging, in part because procedures that were previously performed with open surgical techniques are increasingly being performed with minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques. Thus, it is important to be familiar with the normal approach used for laparoscopic surgeries. The authors describe the indications for various laparoscopic surgical procedures (eg, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair) as well as normal postoperative findings. For example, port site hernias are more commonly encountered in patients with trocar sites greater than 10 mm and occur at classic entry sites (eg, the periumbilical region). Similarly, preperitoneal air can be encountered postoperatively, often secondary to trocar dislodgement during difficult entry or positioning. In addition, intraperitoneal placement of mesh during commonly performed ventral or incisional hernia repairs typically leads to postoperative seroma formation. Familiarity with normal findings after commonly performed laparoscopic surgical procedures in the abdomen and pelvis allows accurate diagnosis of common complications and avoidance of diagnostic pitfalls.

Surgical treatment of potentially primary malignant adrenal tumors: an unresolved issue

Although the great majority of incidentalomas are adrenocortical adenomas, a number of them, depending on the size and radiological characteristics of the lesions, will turn out to be carcinomas. These tumors may present as suspicious on initial evaluation and potentially malignant or malignant on histology. Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy with evolving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Laparoscopic surgery has become the gold standard for surgery of benign adrenal tumors. Despite the extensive experience gained in laparoscopic adrenalectomy, controversy still remains in the management of adrenal tumors with high suspicion or evidence of malignancy. The aim of this review is to update the existing information regarding the diagnostic approach and surgical management of suspicious and potentially malignant primary adrenal tumors.The interpretation of radiologic characteristics is a cornerstone in pre-operative assessment of large adrenal masses, since open surgery remains the preferred procedure when malignancy is suspected in large tumors with possible local invasion. Despite the improvement of imaging techniques, they lack sufficient accuracy to exclude primary malignancy in tumors from 4 cm to 10 cm in size. An initial laparoscopic approach can be used in this group of patients, but early conversion to open technique is mandatory if curative resection cannot be performed. Adrenal tumors >10 cm of malignant potential should be treated by the open approach from the start. Solitary adrenal metastasis from another primary malignancy is usually amenable to laparoscopic surgery. Patients with suspected adrenal cancer should be referred to tertiary centers that perform laparoscopic and open adrenal surgery with minimal morbidity and mortality.

Extrathyroidal implantation of thyroid hyperplastic/neoplastic cells after endoscopic thyroid surgery

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of the implantation of thyroid hyperplastic or neoplastic tissue after endoscopic thyroidectomy and discuss this complication in aspects of prevalence, pathogenesis, protection, and therapies.

METHODS

A systematic search of literature from the PubMed database was conducted for identifying eligible studies on implantation of thyroid hyperplastic or neoplastic cells after endoscopic thyroid surgery.

RESULTS

Overall, 5 reported cases on patients suffering from endoscopic thyroid surgery with implantation of thyroid hyperplastic or neoplastic cells were included in the systematic review.

CONCLUSIONS

Unskilled surgeons, rough intraoperative surgical treatment, scarification or rupture of tumor, contamination of instruments, chimney effect, aerosolization of tumor cells may be associated with the implantation after endoscopic thyroidectomy. To minimize the risk of such complication, we should be more meticulous and strict the endoscopic surgery indications.

Imaging of complications associated with port access of abdominal laparoscopic surgery

Advanced techniques and equipment in laparoscopic surgery offer advantages over open surgery, expanding the application of this minimally invasive procedure to a wide range of abdominal operations that used to be performed as an open procedure. Laparoscopic surgery is performed in the closed abdominal cavity in which the space is limited. To create a working space in the abdominal cavity, an artificial pneumoperitoneum is established and multiple ports are placed for the introduction of various laparoscopic instruments. Unlike open surgery in which the incision is made just above the target organ, laparoscopic access is made away from the area of dissection, with the instruments triangulated around the target organ within the abdomen. This fundamental difference in approach between the open and laparoscopic procedures may lead to peculiar postoperative complications after laparoscopic surgery, which may be present away from the target organ or in the abdominal wall, and be easily missed on postoperative imaging studies. These complications include port-related direct organ injuries, such as abdominal organ or vascular injury; abdominal wall complications related to laparoscopic port insertion such as vascular injury, infection, and hernia; abdominal wall complications related to specimen removal, such as port site tumor seeding and endometriosis; and complications related to gas insufflation. The radiologist plays an important role in the diagnosis of complications after laparoscopic surgery, and therefore should be familiar with the features of such complications on imaging scans in the era of laparoscopic surgeries.

Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) has been established as a procedure for the treatment of gastric cancer. However, there have been few reports on the long-term outcomes of LG for gastric cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the long-term outcomes of LG for gastric cancer.

METHODS

A total of 278 consecutive patients who underwent LG in our unit between January 1999 and December 2006 were included in this study. Survival, recurrence, and late gastrointestinal complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 73.7 mo (6-165 mo). Distal gastrectomy was performed in 229 patients, total gastrectomy in 23 patients, proximal gastrectomy in 15 patients, and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy in 11 patients. Five-year overall and disease-specific survival rates were 91% and 99% for stage IA, 75% and 91% for stage IB, 72% and 88% for stage II, and 40% and 50% for stage III, respectively. Recurrences were detected in 15 (5.4%) patients, including 5 distant lymph node, 5 peritoneal, 4 hematogenous, and 1 locoregional recurrences. Bowel obstruction occurred in 4 (1.4%) patients, and gallstones developed in 37 (15%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This follow-up investigation suggested that LG for gastric cancer is a feasible procedure from the standpoint of long-term oncological outcome and postoperative complications.