Perforated gastric carcinoma: a report of 10 cases and review of the literature

Short-and long-term outcomes of one-stage versus two-stage gastrectomy for perforated gastric cancer: a multicenter retrospective propensity score-matched study

OBJECTIVE

There is no scientific consensus about the treatment of perforated gastric cancer (PGC). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate which is the better treatment option for PGC between the single-stage and two-stage strategies.

METHODS

All 81 PGC patients from 13 medical institutions were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The PGC patients who underwent R0 gastrectomy were divided into one-stage surgery and two-stage surgery groups. The clinicopathological characteristics of the two groups were compared, and 415 regular gastric cancer patients without perforation were randomly selected as a control. The propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to find matched regular GC patients with similar clinicopathological parameters. The OS (overall survival) and the number harvested lymph nodes from PGC patients and regular GC patients were compared.

RESULTS

Compared with PGC patients who underwent one-stage surgery, those who underwent two-stage surgery harvested significantly more lymph nodes [31(27, 38) vs 17 (12, 24), P < 0.001], required less blood transfusion [0 (0, 100) vs 200 (0, 800), P = 0.034], had a shorter ICU stay [0 (0, 1.5) vs 3 (0, 3), P = 0.009], and had a significantly better OS (Median OS: 45 months vs 11 months, P = 0.007). Compared with propensity score-matched regular GC patients without perforation, PGC patients who underwent one-stage gastrectomy had a poorer quality of lymphadenectomy [17 (12, 24) vs 29 (21, 37), P < 0.001] and suffered a worse OS (Median OS: 18 months vs 30 months, P = 0.024). Conversely, two-stage gastrectomy can achieve a comparable quality of lymphadenectomy (P = 0.506) and a similar OS (P = 0.096) compared to propensity score-matched regular GC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

For PGC patients in poor condition, two-stage treatment is a better option when D2 radical gastrectomy cannot be achieved in emergency surgery, based on our findings that two-stage gastrectomy could provide PGC patients with a better quality of lymphadenectomy and a better OS.

Gastric emergencies in older adults: not always the same old story! A tertiary care emergency department observational cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To analyse and compare the clinical outcomes between patients ≥80 years and 65-79 years, who presented to our emergency department (ED) with the two most common gastric emergency (GE) clinical presentation, that is, gastric bleeding and gastric perforation.

DESIGN

Single-centre retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1011 patients were enrolled: 421 patients aged ≥80 years were compared with a group of 590 patients aged 65-79 years.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was to compare the overall mortality. Secondary outcomes included major complications, in-hospital length of stay (LOS) and need for surgical procedures.

RESULTS

Patients ≥80 years with GE had different presentations at ED compared with younger patients: they had higher gastrointestinal bleeding (24.9% vs 16.3%, p=0.001), anemisation (14.5% vs 8.8%, p=0.005) and shock (10.9% vs 5.1%, p=0.001) rates. Median LOS, cumulative major complications and mortality rates were similar among the two groups.Multivariate analysis identified shock, gastric malignancy and gastric fistula as independent predictors for survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients ≥80 years with GE did not have a higher mortality rate and cumulative major complications as compared to younger elderly patients. Invasive treatments were not associated with a different prognosis in this age group.

An unusual cause of peritonitis: Perforation of a gastric carcinoma

Gastric carcinoma perforation is an uncommon consequence that is often missed during the preoperative stage. Perforation may occur at any stage of cancer, but it is more common in late stages. It can also happen early in the illness. Because of the spilled stomach contents, it produces an acute abdominal syndrome. The goal of treatment should be to strike a balance between the emergency situation of peritonitis and oncological surgical techniques. A case of stomach cancer perforation with typical imaging findings is presented.

Omental patch repair of large perforated peptic ulcers ≥25 mm is associated with higher leak rate

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Omental patch repair is the present gold-standard technique for patients with perforated peptic ulcers (PPUs). Data are lacking regarding the safe ulcer size for omental patch repair leak (OPL). We analyze our experience in managing PPU to identify an ulcer size cut-off for predicting OPL.

METHODS

Patients who had undergone omental patch repair for PPU between Jan 2004 and Apr 2016 were included. Demographic data, the American Society of Anesthesiologists score, ulcer size, operative approach, post-operative complications, and length of stay were recorded. OPL, intra-abdominal collection, repeat surgery, and 30-day mortality were recorded. The relationship between ulcer size, pre-operative characteristics, and OPL were investigated with univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis derived the ulcer size cut-off to predict OPL. In addition, we analyzed if ulcer size predicted mortality or malignancy.

RESULTS

Six hundred and ninety patients with a mean age of 55.1 years (range 16-94) were managed for PPU during the study period. Free air on X-ray was evident in 417 (60.4%) patients. Mean ulcer size was 7.8 mm (range 1-50). OPL occurred in 15 patients (2.2%) and 30-day mortality was 7.4% (n=51). Multivariate analysis found ulcer size increase of 10 mm (OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.81-6.02, P<0.001) predicted increased risk of OPL. At 25 mm cut-off, sensitivity was 26.7%, specificity was 97.2%, positive likelihood ratio was 9.47, and negative likelihood ratio was 0.76 for OPL.

CONCLUSION

Ulcer size increase in 10 mm increases leak rate by 3.3 times. Ulcer size ≥25 mm predicts OPL.

RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS

Increased risk of OPL for ≥25 mm warrants need for close post-operative monitoring and lowers threshold for investigations in event of clinical deterioration. Decision for omental patch repair versus gastrectomy however should not be based on ulcer size alone.

Outcomes of omental patch repair in large or giant perforated peptic ulcer are comparable to gastrectomy

PURPOSE

Perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) complicates 2 to 10% of patients with peptic ulcer disease and has mortality risk of up to 20%. Omental patch repair is the mainstay of surgical management and gastric resectional procedures are advocated for a large/giant ulcer or suspected malignancy. Emergency gastrectomy is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of omental patch repair with gastrectomy in patients with large PPU (≥ 20 mm).

METHODS

A retrospective review of all PPU patients who underwent surgery from January 2008 to December 2014 was done. Patients with PPU < 20 mm were excluded. Patient demographics and perioperative data were recorded. Length of hospital stay, post-operative complications, need for intensive care unit admission and all-cause mortality are reported.

RESULTS

110 patients with a median age of 69.1 (range 28-90) years had PPU ≥ 20 mm. 42 (38.2%) patients presented within 24 h from the onset of abdominal pain. The median American Society of Anaesthesiology score was 3 (range 1-4). 52 patients had omental patch repair and 58 patients had gastrectomy. The overall incidence of intra-abdominal collection, post-operative leakage, re-operation and all-cause mortality was 16.4%, 11.8%, 6.4% and 19.1%, respectively. No difference in post-operative outcomes between the two groups was detected: intra-abdominal collection (p = 0.793), post-operative leakage (p = 0.813), re-operation (p = 0.809) and all-cause mortality (p = 0.736).

CONCLUSION

Omental patch repair confers similar perioperative outcomes as compared to gastrectomy in patients with large PPU.

The role of laparoscopic management in perforated gastric cancer

Purpose

Perforated gastric cancer is an extremely rare condition and usually presents in advanced stage with poor prognosis. Surgical strategies are still controversial regarding the extent to which complete resection or primary repair is performed and the application of laparoscopic techniques. We aim to determine the role of laparoscopic 2-stage approach in perforated gastric cancer.

Methods

Among 2,318 gastric cancers in Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital from January 1990 to December 2017, 20 patients with perforated gastric cancer were enrolled, and 5 patients underwent 2-stage gastrectomy consisting of primary closure on perforation followed by curative gastrectomy. Clinicopathological features, surgical outcomes, and survival analysis were evaluated.

Results

Two-stage approach for perforated gastric cancer was all performed by laparoscopic approach except 1 patient who needed paraaortic lymph node dissection (LND). Those were first treated on peritonitis with laparoscopic primary closure with or without Foley gastrostomy. Compared to 1-stage gastrectomy, more D2 LND was performed (60.0% vs. 100.0%, P = 0.260) and retrieved lymph nodes were significantly higher (median [range]: 17.0 [12.0–27.0] vs. 33.0 [26.5–43.5], P = 0.019]. Two patients of stage II and 3 patients of stage III were included in the 2-stage gastrectomy group. During the 38 months of median follow-up period, there were 8 and 1 recurrence among 1-stage and 2-stage gastrectomies, respectively. Except for 1 patient, 4 other 2-stage patients survived around 5 years without recurrence (5-year disease-free survival, 80%).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic 2-stage surgery for perforated gastric cancer is safe and might increase the curability of gastrectomy with extended LND.

Optimal treatment and complications of patients with the perforated upper gastrointestinal tract

PURPOSE

The perforation of the upper gastrointestinal tract is still associated with a high risk of complications and mortality. We aimed to evaluate the optimal treatment and post-treatment complications for this condition.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, single-center study conducted between 2010 and 2019. We analyzed 50 patients with intraperitoneal free air caused by peptic ulcer (44 cases) or cancer (six cases).

RESULTS

All patients initially received either conservative therapy (n = 7) or surgery (n = 43). The nonsurgically cured patients were significantly younger and had mild peritonitis and also had a shorter hospital stay. Two patients were converted to surgery due to worsening symptoms, and one of them was elderly and had a long perforation-to-treatment time. Regarding postoperative complications, patients with Grade II-V (n = 21) were significantly older and had a poorer physical status, longer perforation-to-surgery time, and higher preoperative CRP and lactate than those with Grade 0-I (n = 24). Multivariable analyses identified elevated preoperative lactate as an independent risk factor for postoperative complications. The patients with noncurative surgery for perforated advanced gastric cancer all died within 1 year after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Consideration should be given to the nonsurgical indications in elderly and delayed treatment patients and the postoperative outcomes of patients with preoperatively elevated lactate levels.

A Perforated Gastric Carcinoma: A Single-Center Experience

Objective

In this study, we aimed to describe clinicopathologic characteristics of the patients with a perforated gastric carcinoma, and to assess surgical approaches and possible factors affecting mortality and morbidity.

Material and Method

We retrospectively reviewed data of 18 patients who underwent emergent surgery for a perforated gastric carcinoma between January 2002 and December 2012. Data including surgical procedure, pathologic findings, complications, morbidity and mortality rates, and outcomes were evaluated.

Results

The mean age was 58 years. The most common tumor localization was antrum (55%), and 11 patients (61.1%) had Stage IV disease. Nine patients (50%) had a comorbid disease. Of the patients, primary suture + omentopexy was performed in 11 (61.1%) whereas total gastrectomy with D0 or D1 lymph node dissection in 5 (27.7%), subtotal gastrectomy with D0 lymph node dissection in 2 (11.1%), and 2-stage total gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection in 2 (11.1%). The complication rate was 50% with a mortality rate of 50%. Overall survival was 79 ± 97.89 days. Sepsis and the presence of comorbidities were found to increase early mortality (P = 0.00 and P = 0.028)

Conclusion

Our study results show that postoperative morbidity and mortality rates are still high in patients with a perforated gastric carcinoma. In stable patients, 1-step radical gastrectomy should be performed, while palliative surgery or 2-stage radical gastrectomy can be performed in patients with poor overall status and diffuse peritonitis. Early diagnosis and perforation management before the onset of diffuse peritonitis can decrease high mortality and morbidity rates.

Emerging Spectrum of Perforation Peritonitis in Developing World

Background: Gastrointestinal perforations constitute a major cause of patients with acute abdomen pain coming to the surgery emergency room. Incidence, site of perforation, and age is different in the developing world and is showing new trends. The etiological spectrum in the developing world is different from the western world. This study was conducted to find out the latest trends in perforation peritonitis in India. Methods: This study was conducted in a single surgical unit of Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, India. A total of 350 consecutive patients with perforation peritonitis were studied in terms of age, sex, seasonal variation, biochemical parameters, clinical presentation, radiological and intraoperative findings, surgical intervention, and postoperative outcome. Results: The most common cause of perforation peritonitis in our study was a duodenal ulcer (~50%) followed by typhoid (20%), traumatic (14.5%), appendicular (7.4%), and tubercular (3.1%) cases. Males were three times more commonly affected than females. Peak incidence was noted in the 2^nd and 3^rd decades of life. Peptic ulcer perforations were common in autumn and winter and typhoid perforations were common during the summer and rainy seasons. Conclusion: Spectrum of perforation peritonitis cases in this part of world is different from developed western countries. It is different in respect of younger age at presentation, site of perforation, and etiological factors. Infective pathology makes up to a quarter of total cases in the developing world. The developing world has more perforation peritonitis cases involving the upper gastrointestinal tract, while the western world has a predominance of lower gastrointestinal tract perforations.

Emergency Radical Gastrectomy with Pancreatico-duodenectomy for a Recent Onset Perforation of Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer with Pancreatic Head Involvement-Exceptional but a Definite Option

Gastric cancer perforations are rare events with management options ranging from lavage and perforation closure, to resection. Usual aim is to perform a damage control procedure, and very few patients are suitable for a curative resection. We report the first case of emergency gastrectomy with pancreatico-duodenectomy performed in emergency for a perforated stomach cancer with pancreatic head invasion. The patient was a 32-year-old gentleman who presented with a perforated antro-pyloric cancer with infiltration of pancreatic head. Emergency radical gastrectomy with en-bloc pancreatico-duodenectomy was performed with due considerations to the patient and disease factors. He had an uneventful postoperative recovery and remains disease free at 18 months of follow-up after having received adjuvant chemotherapy. Curative resections should be selectively offered in advanced (T4b) gastric cancers in patients without multiple adverse factors. In an emergency situation with perforation peritonitis, if the magnitude of resection is deemed unlikely to add to significant morbidity of the surgery, taking multiple factors into consideration, an R0 resection can offer a large survival benefit in such settings.

Outcomes of laparoscopic primary gastrectomy with curative intent for gastric perforation: experience from a single surgeon

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer perforation is rare and difficult to distinguish from gastric ulcer perforation before surgery. Peritonitis caused by gastric perforation requires emergency surgery. The optimal surgical strategy for gastric perforation has not been established.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data from 43 patients who underwent primary gastrectomy with curative intent for gastric perforation between June 2010 and November 2019 were reviewed. Patients were classified into gastric ulcer and gastric cancer groups. Early surgical outcomes and overall survival were assessed.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the two groups except regarding preoperative shock. Laparoscopic gastrectomy was performed in 35 of 43 patients. There were no conversions to open surgery. The surgical findings demonstrated that the gastric cancer group had larger mass lesions with significantly larger perforations than did the gastric ulcer group. There were no significant differences in early surgical outcomes. Severe postoperative complications occurred in nine patients, five of whom died within one month of surgery. The majority of patients (90%) had stage III or IV gastric cancer. The 5-year survival rate was 19.5%.

CONCLUSION

We found no definitive differences in clinical characteristics distinguishing gastric cancer from ulcers. Considering our surgical outcomes, laparoscopic primary gastrectomy performed by an expert is a useful technique for emergency gastric perforation. However, unless an expert is available, caution should be used when selecting laparoscopic primary gastrectomy with curative intent as a surgical method.

Chemotherapy-induced necrotising tumour lysis and perforation of a huge gastric cancer simulating emphysematous pancreatitis

A 56-year-old man was diagnosed to have a huge gastric cancer extending from the lesser curvature of the stomach to the pancreas with multiple hepatic and peritoneal metastases. Two days after completing chemotherapy with cisplatin plus high dose leucovorin and fluorouracil, drastic necrotising tumour lysis led to gastric perforation and septic shock most likely due to bacterial peritonitis. The image of tumour lysis looked like an emphysematous pancreatitis. Afterwards, immunohistochemical study of the tumour specimen confirmed moderate positivity of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase and absence of Bcl-2 expression. The incomplete expression of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase and total deficiency of Bcl-2 are considered to be the main underlying causes of such extraordinary chemosensitivity and so severe a tumour lysis phenomenon. Pre-emptive intensive survey of possible biomarkers of chemosensitivity is thus highly recommended upon treating a massive gastric cancer.

CT diagnosis of non-traumatic gastrointestinal perforation: an emphasis on the causes

Gastrointestinal tract (GI) perforations can occur due to various causes such as trauma, iatrogenic factor, infectious condition, peptic ulcer, inflammatory disease, or a neoplasm. Because GI perforations represent an emergency and life-threatening condition, prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment are required in most cases. However, according to the underlying causes of GI perforations, additional treatment strategies may be needed. Adjuvant chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be required in various GI neoplasms such as adenocarcinoma, lymphoma or gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic disease repeating cycle of intermittent, thus appropriate medical treatment and periodic follow-up are also required. Moreover, vascular intervention may have a role in some cases of mesenteric ischemia associated with mesenteric artery occlusion. Recently, computed tomography (CT) has been the first choice for patients with suspected GI perforations, because CT plays an important role in the accurate assessment of the perforation site, the pathology causing the perforation and the ensuing complications. This review will illustrate characteristic CT findings that differentiate underlying pathologies causing GI perforations to help clinicians decision-making regarding an optimal treatment plan.

Perforated Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review

Background: Although gastric carcinoma is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer, optimal treatment of perforated cancer remains debated. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted according to the guidelines from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. An electronic systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science) by matching the terms "perforated gastric cancer," "gastric cancer perforated," "perforation AND gastric cancer," and "perforated gastric tumor." Results: Fifteen studies published between 1995 and 2018 and including 964 patients matched the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. There were 4 publications from Japan, 3 from Turkey, and 1 from China, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Nepal, Serbia, South Korea, and Taiwan, respectively. The sample size of the individual studies ranged from 8 to 514 patients. Perforated gastric carcinoma was rare and more prevalent in elderly males, preoperative diagnosis was uncommon, and the distal stomach was most frequently involved. Mortality was 11.4% and 1.9%, respectively, in one-stage versus two-stage gastrectomy (P = .010). Curative treatment by omental patch repair and staged gastrectomy yielded acceptable 5-year survival rates. There were no significant differences in the recurrence rate and pattern between perforated and nonperforated gastric cancer if a curative operation was performed. Use of laparoscopy was mentioned only in one study. Conclusions: Future studies should evaluate the role of laparoscopic surgery and clarify the indications for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and extensive peritoneal lavage protocols to decrease gastric cancer cell shed in the surgical field and increase long-term survival.

Drainage of a Subphrenic Abscess Followed by Two-Stage Gastrectomy and Adjuvant Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) for Perforated Gastric Carcinoma: A Case Report

Patient: Male, 65

Final Diagnosis: Gastric carcinoma

Symptoms: Abdominal and/or epigastric pain

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Surgery

Gastric cancer with lesion extending to spleen and perforation into free peritoneum

Perforated gastric carcinoma is a rare condition that is hard to diagnose preoperatively. It is associated with advanced cancer stages and has a high mortality, particularly in cases presenting preoperative shock. Few studies have investigated the presentation and adequate management of these carcinomas. In addition, there are no reports in the literature on perforations extending to the spleen, as described in this case, making the management of these lesions challenging. Our article reports a case of gastric tumor perforation extending to the spleen, which presented as a perforated acute abdomen. The patient was treated with total gastrectomy and D2 lymph node resection with splenectomy and progressed well with current survival of one year at disease stage IV.

Gastric hepatoid adenocarcinoma resulting in a spontaneous gastric perforation: a case report and review of the literature

Background

Gastric hepatoid adenocarcinoma (GHAC) is an atypical form of gastric cancer (GC) that has similar tissue morphology to hepatocellular carcinoma and frequently produces alpha-fetoprotein. We present an exceedingly rare case of GHAC resulting in a spontaneous gastric perforation.

Case presentation

A 61-year-old man presented at our institution complaining of abdominal and back pain. A computed tomography scan revealed a spontaneous gastric perforation with a solitary liver tumor and lymph node swelling. Following a diagnosis of advanced-stage GC with a gastric perforation, perforative peritonitis, multiple lymph node metastases, and a solitary metastasis of the lateral segment of the liver, the patient underwent distal gastrectomy. Histopathology of the resected specimen revealed that the tumor cells were arranged in a hepatoid pattern. On immunohistochemical staining, the tumor cells were positive for alpha-fetoprotein and Sal-like protein 4. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with GHAC. Hepatic resection of the solitary liver metastasis was performed. However, recurrence occurred and the patient achieved complete response following tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil-based chemotherapy.

Conclusions

GHAC is a highly malignant histological subtype of GC. We reported on an extremely rare case of GHAC resulting in a spontaneous gastric perforation and reviewed the literature, including epidemiological data, treatment regimens, and the association between GHAC and alpha-fetoprotein-producing GC.

Perforated Carcinoma in the Gastric Remnant: A Case of Conservative Treatment Prior to Successful Curative R0 Resection

An 80-year-old man who had undergone distal gastrectomy and Billroth-II gastrojejunostomy 38 years previously, for a benign gastric ulcer, was diagnosed with remnant gastric cancer based on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings. He presented at our emergency department with acute-onset epigastric pain due to perforated remnant gastric cancer. Conservative medical management was selected, including nasogastric tube insertion, antibiotics, and proton pump inhibitors, because his peritonitis was limited to his epigastrium and his general condition was stable. Twenty-one days after the perforation occurred, curative total remnant gastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy were performed. Adhesion between the lateral segment of the liver and the dissected lesser curvature of the gastric remnant may have contributed to the peritonitis in this case, which was limited to the epigastrium. This is the first report of perforated remnant gastric cancer in which conservative treatment was effective prior to curative resection. The protocol reported here may be of use to other clinicians who may encounter this clinical entity in their practices.

From esophagus to rectum: a comprehensive review of alimentary tract perforations at computed tomography

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract perforation is a life-threatening condition that can occur at any site along the alimentary tract. Early perforation detection and intervention significantly improves patient outcome. With a high sensitivity for pneumoperitoneum, computed tomography (CT) is widely accepted as the diagnostic modality of choice when a perforated hollow viscus is suspected. While confirming the presence of a perforation is critical, clinical management and surgical technique also depend on localizing the perforation site. CT is accurate in detecting the site of perforation, with segmental bowel wall thickening, focal bowel wall defect, or bubbles of extraluminal gas concentrated in close proximity to the bowel wall shown to be the most specific findings. In this article, we will present the causes for perforation at each site throughout the GI tract and review the patterns that can lead to prospective diagnosis and perforation site localization utilizing CT images of surgically proven cases.

Complex histopathological and surgical aspects in a case of giant malignant gastric perforation

We present the case of a 52-year-old male patient, hospitalized on an emergency basis in the University Emergency Hospital in Bucharest, after being diagnosed with pneumoperitoneum acute abdomen, for which emergency surgery was mandatory. A 3,5-4 cm malignant gastric perforation, ascitis and peritoneal carcinomatosis were found. The histopathological exam revealed infiltrative mucinous gastric carcinoma with epiploic metastasis. Due to the lack of available gastric material, an atypical surgical solution was performed: gastric packing with epiploic material by means of transgastric traction. The solution proved to be successful for short-term recovery. The underlying condition was not focused on, the patient being directed to the Oncology Department. Acute gastric perforation is a rare complication of gastric cancer, and the association with gastric linitis is uncommon. This specific histopathological condition made the classical surgical repair techniques unsuitable for the presented case and an atypical solution had to be performed.

Multidetector CT diagnosis of non-traumatic gastroduodenal perforation

INTRODUCTION

To identify reliable CT features and assess the diagnostic performance of 64-multidetector CT (MDCT) in diagnosing non-traumatic gastroduodenal perforation (GDP).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 136 CT scans of patients with surgically proven non-traumatic gastrointestinal perforation during 7 years. 92 patients had GDP and 44 patients had other sites of perforation. CT features of perforation were evaluated and the sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios of each CT feature were estimated.

RESULTS

The cause of GDP was peptic ulcer in 90 patients, gastric cancer in one patient, and foreign body of duodenal diverticulum in one patient. Extraluminal gas (97%) was most common CT feature of GDP, following by fluid or fat strand along gastroduodenum (89%), ascites (89%), wall defect and/or ulcer (84%), and wall thickening (72%). Of CT features, wall defect and/or ulcer showed the best positive likelihood ratios for GDP (36.83). Wall thickening also showed high positive likelihood ratios (10.52). Combined, these CT features showed 95% sensitivity and 93% specificity for localization of perforation site of GDP.

CONCLUSION

MDCT is useful in diagnosis of presence and site of GDP. Wall defect and/or ulcer and wall thickening have a high positive predictive value for localization of perforation site.

Gastric Perforation in a Patient Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy

Perioperative chemoradiotherapy is considered to be one of the standards of care for early-stage gastric cancer, especially when it involves the esophagogastric junction or greater curvature. To date, there are no reported cases of gastrointestinal perforation in the literature, including many major clinical trials of adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for gastric cancer. It is important to recognize and manage this rare, but fatal complication in a timely manner. We report one case of gastrointestinal perforation in a gastric cancer patient undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. A 75-year-old man was diagnosed with stage IV gastric cancer (T4N1M0). We started neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. After he finished the first cycle, the patient presented to emergency room with severe abdominal pain of sudden onset. Computed tomography showed moderate pneumoperitoneum and perihepatic fluid. The patient expired 6 hours after he presented to emergency room.

The best surgical approach for perforated gastric cancer: one-stage vs. two-stage gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Surgery for perforated gastric cancer has a dual purpose: treating life-threatening peritonitis and curing gastric cancer. An emergent one-stage gastrectomy may place an undue burden on patients with a poor general status and could impair long-term survival even if the gastric malignancy is curable. A two-stage gastrectomy, in which the initial treatment of peritonitis is followed by elective gastrectomy, can accomplish both desired purposes.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 514 Japanese cases of perforated gastric cancer. 376 patients underwent a one-stage gastrectomy and 54 patients underwent a two-stage gastrectomy. We evaluated patient characteristics, surgical outcomes, postoperative complications, and survival rates in both groups.

RESULTS

The two-stage gastrectomy group saw a 78.4% rate of curative R0 resection and 1.9% hospital mortality rate, while corresponding rates in the one-stage gastrectomy group were 50 and 11.4%, respectively. Among cases in which curative R0 resection was performed, there was no significant difference in overall survival between 136 one-stage gastrostomies and 40 two-stage gastrostomies. In a multivariate analysis, curative R0 resection [hazard ratio (HR) 2.937, p = 0.001] and depth of tumor invasion (HR 1.179, p = 0.016) were identified as independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of whether patients underwent a one-stage or two-stage gastrectomy, curative R0 resection improved survival in patients with perforated gastric cancer. When curative R0 resection cannot be performed in the initial treatment phase due to diffuse peritonitis, non-curative and palliative gastrectomy should be avoided, and a two-stage gastrectomy should be planned following peritonitis recovery and detailed examinations.

Perforation peritonitis and the developing world

Background. Perforation peritonitis is the one of the commonest emergency encountered by surgeons. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the spectrum of perforation peritonitis managed in a single unit of a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. Methods. A retrospective study was carried out between May 2010 and June 2013 in a single unit of the department of Surgery, Lok Nayak Hospital, Delhi. It included 400 patients of perforation peritonitis (diffuse or localized) who were studied retrospectively in terms of cause, site of perforation, surgical treatment, complications, and mortality. Only those patients who underwent exploratory laparotomy for management of perforation peritonitis were included. Results. The commonest cause of perforation peritonitis included 179 cases of peptic ulcer disease (150 duodenal ulcers and 29 gastric ulcers) followed by appendicitis (74 cases), typhoid fever (48 cases), tuberculosis (40 cases), and trauma (31). The overall mortality was 7%. Conclusions. Perforation peritonitis in India has a different spectrum as compared to the western countries. Peptic ulcer perforation, perforating appendicitis, typhoid, and tubercular perforations are the major causes of gastrointestinal perforations. Early surgical intervention under the cover of broad spectrum antibiotics preceded by adequate aggressive resuscitation and correction of electrolyte imbalances is imperative for good outcomes minimizing morbidity and mortality.

Perforated early gastric cancer: uncommon and easily missed a case report and review of literature

Gastric carcinoma rarely presents as a perforation, but when it does, is perceived as advanced disease. The majority of such perforations are Stage III/IV disease. A T1 gastric carcinoma has never been reported to perforate spontaneously in English literature. We present a 56 year-old Chinese male who presented with a perforated gastric ulcer. Intra-operatively, there was no suspicion of malignancy. At operation, an open omental patch repair was performed. Post-operative endoscopy revealed a macroscopic Type 0~III tumour and from the ulcer edge biopsy was reported as adenocarcinoma. Subsequently, the patient underwent open subtotal gastrectomy and formal D2 lymphadenectomy. The final histopathology report confirms T1b N0 disease. The occurrence of a perforated early gastric cancer re-emphasises the need for vigilance, including intra-operative frozen section and/or biopsy, as well as routine post-operative endoscopy for all patients.

The management of perforated gastric ulcers

INTRODUCTION

Perforated gastric ulcers are potentially complicated surgical emergencies and appropriate early management is essential in order to avoid subsequent problems including unnecessary gastrectomy. The aim of this study was to examine the management and outcome of patients with gastric ulcer perforation undergoing emergency laparotomy for peritonitis.

METHODS

Patients undergoing laparotomy at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for perforated gastric ulcers were identified from the prospectively maintained Lothian Surgical Audit (LSA) database over the five-year period 2007-2011. Additional data were obtained by review of electronic records and review of case notes.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients (25 male, 19 female) were identified. Procedures performed were: 41 omental patch repairs (91%), 2 simple closures (4.5%) and 2 distal gastrectomies (4.5%; both for large perforations). Four perforated gastric tumours were identified (8.8%), 2 of which were suspected intra-operatively and confirmed histologically, 1 had unexpected positive histology and 1 had negative intra-operative histology, but follow-up endoscopy confirmed the presence of carcinoma (1 positive biopsy in 21 follow-up endoscopies); all 4 were managed without initial resection. Median length of stay was 10 days (range 4-68). Overall 7 patients died in hospital (15.9%) and there were 21 morbidities (54.5%). Registrars performed the majority of the procedures (16 alone, 21 supervised) with no significant difference in post-operative morbidity (P = 0.098) or mortality (P = 0.855), compared to consultants.

CONCLUSION

Almost all perforated gastric ulcers can be effectively managed by laparotomy and omental patch repair. Initial biopsy and follow-up endoscopy with repeat biopsy is essential to avoid missing an underlying malignancy.

2013 WSES guidelines for management of intra-abdominal infections

Despite advances in diagnosis, surgery, and antimicrobial therapy, mortality rates associated with complicated intra-abdominal infections remain exceedingly high.The 2013 update of the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) guidelines for the management of intra-abdominal infections contains evidence-based recommendations for management of patients with intra-abdominal infections.

History, pathogenesis, and management of familial gastric cancer: original study of John XXIII's family

BACKGROUND

Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer is associated with the E-cadherin germline mutations, but genetic determinants have not been identified for familial intestinal gastric carcinoma. The guidelines for hereditary diffuse gastric cancer are clearly established; however, there are no defined recommendations for the management of familial intestinal gastric carcinoma.

METHODS

In this study we describe Pope John XXIII's pedigree that harboured gastric cancer as well as six other family members. Family history was analysed according to the International Gastric Cancer Linkage Consortium criteria, and gastric tumours were classified in accord with the last Japanese guidelines.

RESULTS

Seven out of 109 members in this pedigree harboured gastric cancer, affecting two consecutive generations. John XXIII's clinical tumour (cTN) was classified as cT4bN3a (IV stage). In two other cases, gastric carcinomas were classified as intestinal histotype and staged as pT1bN0 and pT2N2, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Pope John XXIII's family presents a strong aggregation for gastric cancer affecting almost seven members; it spreads through two consecutive generations. In absence of defined genetic causes and considering the increased risk of gastric cancer's development in these families, as well as the high mortality rates and advanced stages, we propose an intensive surveillance protocol for asymptomatic members.

Phase I study of imatinib, cisplatin and 5-fluoruracil or capecitabine in advanced esophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma

Background

Despite all benefit provided by established therapies prognosis of gastric cancer remains poor. Targeted inhibition of platelet derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) by imatinib may influence tumor growth and amplify chemotherapeutic effects.

Methods

This phase I study evaluated dose limiting toxicity (DLT) of imatinib combinated with chemotherapy according to a 3-patient cohort dose-escalating design. Thirty-five patients received cisplatin (60 mg/m² d1 q 3w)/ capecitabine (1250 mg/m² bid d1-14 q 21) or cisplatin (50 mg/m² d1 q 2w)/ 5-fluoruracil (2 g/m² d1, q 1w). Imatinib was started d - 4 with dose escalation from 300 to 700 mg QD in 100 mg steps.

Results

At imatinib dose level 1 (300mg) one DLT was observed, three more patients were enrolled without further DLT. At dose level 5 (700 mg) two gastric perforations occurred, so 600 mg imatinib emerged as the maximum tolerated dose. Major grade 3/4 toxicities were nausea (6%), anemia (6%) and fatigue (3%). Response evaluation revealed partial response in 27% and stable disease in 43% of the assessable patients.

Conclusions

Combination of imatinib and chemotherapy is well tolerated. Response rates were not superior to those of standard therapy. Further investigations of a larger group of patients are required to confirm the amplification of chemotherapy effects by imatinib.

Trial registration

European Clinical Trials Database: Eudra-CT2006-005792-17 and Clinical Trials Database: NCT00601510

Emergency presentation of the gastric cancer; prognosis and implications for service planning

Aims

To compare emergency and elective presentation of gastric cancer by mode of clinical presentation, initial stage, intervention and prognosis.

Methods

Data were collected prospectively for all cases of gastric cancer presenting to a tertiary referral centre between 2003 and 2010. This was stratified by emergency and elective presentation and was analysed for mode of presentation, initial stage and outcome. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired t-test and Chi² test.

Results

A total of 291 patients presented: Forty-two (14.43%) were emergencies and 249 (85.57%) elective presentations. Analysis of the emergency cohort showed 25 patients presented with obstruction (59.52%), 15 presented with haematemesis (35.71%) and 2 with perforation (4.76%).

Eighteen of the emergency patients (45%) presented with stage 4 disease compared to 60 (25.42%) in the elective group (p < 0.005). Fourteen of the emergency patients were treated with curative intent (33.3%) compared with 130 (55.56%) in the elective group (p < 0.01). Over 6 years only 2 patients needed operation within 24 hours of presentation.

Overall survival at one year for emergency patients was 48.3% compared to 63.4% in elective patients (p < 0.05). There were no survivors from the emergency group after 3 years but 32.46% of the elective patients survived (p < 0.02). Elective presentation with disease stage 1A-3B had a two year survival rate of 54.95% compared to only 20% in the emergency group (p < 0.05). Of patients who underwent operative intervention 67.44% of patients who presented electively survived to 2 years. This compared to just 25% presenting as emergencies (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Emergency presentation of gastric cancer is rare; is associated with higher stage of disease at presentation and lower rates of operability. The necessity to perform emergency operation within 24 hours is exceedingly rare. Emergency presentation is a marker of poor long term outcome for equivalent cancer stage in non-advanced (stages 1A-3B) disease.

The role of CT and staging laparoscopy in the staging of gastric cancer

AIM

To assess the relative roles of computed tomography (CT) and diagnostic laparoscopy in the staging process of patients with potentially curable gastric cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-two patients underwent laparoscopy and CT as part of staging; 36 patients underwent surgery without laparoscopy. Pathological findings at laparoscopy or surgery were compared with initial CT reports, and analysis of the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) was performed.

RESULTS

Of the patients who underwent laparoscopy and CT, six were staged as positive for peritoneal disease (PD), of which five (83%) were positive for PD at laparoscopy. Forty-six patients were reported at CT as negative for PD, of which 40 (87%) were negative at laparoscopy. Of 36 patients with no advanced disease at CT, who had surgery without diagnostic laparoscopy, nine (25%) were positive at surgery for PD. The overall sensitivity of CT for PD was therefore 25%, the specificity was 99%, the PPV was 86%, and the NPV was 83%.

CONCLUSION

CT is not sufficiently sensitive to detect or exclude PD in patients with gastric cancer, although is highly specific. Staging laparoscopy is an essential adjunct to imaging in all patients being considered for curative surgery for gastric cancer.

Surgical management of gastric perforation in the setting of gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric perforation is a rare presentation of gastric cancer and is thought to be a predictor of advanced disease and, thus, poor prognosis. Guidelines do not exist for the optimal management strategy. We aimed to identify, review, and summarize the literature pertaining to perforation in the setting of gastric cancer.

METHODS

A qualitative, systematic review of the literature was performed from January 1, 1985, to January 1, 2010. Searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were performed using search terms related to gastric cancer surgery. Abstracts were examined by two independent reviewers and a standardized data collection tool was used to extract relevant data points. Summary tables were created.

RESULTS

Nine articles were included. Perforation was reported to occur in fewer than 5% of gastric cancer patients. Preoperative diagnosis of a gastric cancer was rated and occurred in 14-57% of patients in the papers reviewed. Mortality rates for emergency gastrectomy ranged from 0 to 50% and for simple closure procedures the rates ranged from 8 to 100%. Patients able to receive an R0 gastrectomy demonstrated better long-term survival (median 75 months, 50% 5-year) compared with patients who had simple closure procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastric cancer patients presenting with a gastric perforation demonstrate improved overall survival with an R0 resection; however, implementation of this management technique is complicated by infrequent preoperative gastric cancer diagnosis, and inability to perform an oncologic resection due to patient instability and intra-abdominal contamination.

Emergency surgery for perforated gastric malignancy: An institution's experience and review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to evaluate the outcome of patients who underwent surgery for perforated gastric malignancies.

METHODS

A review of all patients who underwent surgery for perforated gastric malignancy was performed.

RESULTS

Twelve patients (nine gastric adenocarcinoma and three B-cell lymphoma) formed the study group. Ten (83.3%) had subtotal gastrectomy performed, while two (16.7%) underwent total gastrectomy. All eight patients with adenocarcinoma who survived the initial operation fared poorly. The two patients with lymphoma who survived the surgery underwent subsequent chemotherapy has no disease recurrence currently.

CONCLUSION

Surgery in perforated gastric malignancy is fraught with numerous challenges.

Spectrum of perforation peritonitis in delhi: 77 cases experience

Perforation peritonitis is the most common surgical emergency encountered by surgeons all over the world as well in India. The spectrum of etiology of perforation peritonitis in tropical countries continues to differ from its western counterpart. This study was conducted at Hindu Rao Hospital, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi, India, designed to highlight the spectrum of perforation peritonitis in the eastern countries and to improve its outcome. This prospective study included 77 consecutive patients of perforation peritonitis studied in terms of clinical presentations, causes, site of perforation, surgical treatment, postoperative complications, and mortality at Hindu Rao Hospital, Delhi, from March 1, 2011 to December 1, 2011, over a period of 8 months. All patients were resuscitated and underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy. On laparotomy cause of perforation peritonitis was found and controlled. The most common cause of perforation peritonitis noticed in our series was perforated duodenal ulcer (26.4 %) and ileal typhoid perforation (26.4 %), each followed by small bowel tuberculosis (10.3 %) and stomach perforation (9.2 %), perforation due to acute appendicitis (5 %). The highest number of perforations was seen in ileum (39.1 %), duodenum (26.4 %), stomach (11.5 %), appendix (3.5 %), jejunum (4.6 %), and colon (3.5 %). Overall mortality was 13 %. The spectrum of perforation peritonitis in India continuously differs from western countries. The highest number of perforations was noticed in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract as compared to the western countries where the perforations seen mostly in the distal part. The most common cause of perforation peritonitis was perforated duodenal ulcer and small bowel typhoid perforation followed by typhoid perforation. Large bowel perforations and malignant perforations were least common in our setup.

Direct liver invasion from a gastric adenocarcinoma as an initial presentation of extranodal tumor spread

Gastric cancer often carries a poor prognosis, with an estimated 740,000 deaths from the malignancy occurring yearly worldwide (Dicken et al., 2005). The mortality of disease is largely dependent on the extent of tumor spread, as gastric cancer has a predilection to metastasize to other visceral secondaries via hematogenous and lymphatic dissemination. Direct invasion of a gastric adenocarcinoma to adjacent organs secondary to gastric wall perforation does occur; however, it is often present in the setting of advanced disease. Rarely does direct tumor invasion to adjacent organs from a gastric adenocarcinoma present as the initial manifestation of extranodal tumor spread. We present a case of a 40-year-old male with direct tumor extension to the liver as an initial presentation of extranodal tumor spread from a gastric adenocarcinoma. Clinicians should be aware of such an occurrence, as treatment modalities in direct liver extension from a gastric adenocarcinoma vary and may be directed towards palliation rather than curative intent.

Perforated tumours in the gastrointestinal tract: CT findings and clinical implications

Perforation usually requires emergency surgery and may affect the prognosis of patients with gastrointestinal tumours. Accurate pre-operative diagnosis of these conditions is important because proper management such as curative surgical treatment may be needed. The aims of this article are to illustrate CT appearances of perforated tumours of the gastrointestinal tract and to discuss their impact on clinical management.

WSES consensus conference: Guidelines for first-line management of intra-abdominal infections

Intra-abdominal infections are still associated with high rate of morbidity and mortality.A multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients with intra-abdominal infections may be an important factor in the quality of care. The presence of a team of health professionals from various disciplines, working in concert, may improve efficiency, outcome, and the cost of care.A World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) Consensus Conference was held in Bologna on July 2010, during the 1st congress of the WSES, involving surgeons, infectious disease specialists, pharmacologists, radiologists and intensivists with the goal of defining recommendations for the early management of intra-abdominal infections.This document represents the executive summary of the final guidelines approved by the consensus conference.

Outcome after emergency surgery in patients with a free perforation caused by gastric cancer

Perforation of gastric cancer is rare and it accounts for less than 1% of the incidences of an acute abdomen. In this study, we reviewed cases of benign or malignant gastric perforation in terms of the accuracy of diagnosis and investigated the clinical outcome after emergency surgery in patients with a free perforation caused by gastric cancer. On the basis of pathological examination, gastric cancer was diagnosed in 8 patients and benign ulcer perforation in 32 patients. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of intraoperative diagnosis by pathological examination were 50, 93.8 and 85%, respectively. Except for age, there were no differences in the other demographic characteristics between patients with gastric cancer and benign ulcer perforation. The median survival time of patients with perforated gastric cancer was 195 days after surgery. Patients with gastric cancer perforation had a poorer overall survival rate than those who had T3 tumors without perforation. In addition, in patients with perforation, recurrence of peritoneum occurred more frequently. In conclusion, to improve the survival rate of patients with perforated gastric cancer and to improve the accuracy of intraoperative diagnosis, endoscopic examination and/or pathological examination of the frozen section should be performed, if possible. A balanced surgical strategy using laparoscopic local repair as the first-step of surgery, followed by radical open gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy may be considered.

Spectrum of perforation peritonitis in Pakistan: 300 cases Eastern experience

Background

Perforation peritonitis is the most common surgical emergency encountered by the surgeons all over the world as well in Pakistan. The spectrum of etiology of perforation peritonitis in tropical countries continues to differ from its western counter part. This study was conducted at Dow University of health sciences and Civil Hospital Karachi (DUHS & CHK) Pakistan, designed to highlight the spectrum of perforation peritonitis in the East and to improve its outcome.

Methods

A prospective study includes three hundred consecutive patients of perforation peritonitis studied in terms of clinical presentations, Causes, site of perforation, surgical treatment, post operative complications and mortality, at (DUHS&CHK) Pakistan, from 1st September 2005 – 1st March 2008, over a period of two and half years. All patients were resuscitated underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy. On laparotomy cause of perforation peritonitis was found and controlled.

Results

The most common cause of perforation peritonitis noticed in our series was acid peptic disease 45%, perforated duodenal ulcer (43.6%) and gastric ulcer 1.3%. followed by small bowel tuberculosis (21%) and typhoid (17%). large bowel perforation due to tuberculosis 5%, malignancy 2.6% and volvulus 0.3%. Perforation due to acute appendicitis (5%). Highest number of perforations has seen in the duodenum 43.6%, ileum37.6%, and colon 8%, appendix 5%, jejunum 3.3%, and stomach 2.3%. Overall mortality was (10.6%).

Conclusion

The spectrum of perforation peritonitis in Pakistan continuously differs from western country. Highest number of perforations noticed in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract as compared to the western countries where the perforations seen mostly in the distal part. Most common cause of perforation peritonitis is perforated duodenal ulcer, followed by small bowel tuberculosis and typhoid perforation. Majority of the large bowel perforations are also tubercular. Malignant perforations are least common in our setup.

An analysis of 13 patients with perforated gastric carcinoma: A surgeon's nightmare?

Background and Objectives

Perforation is a rare complication of gastric carcinoma and generally not diagnosed preoperatively. To clarify the clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with this condition we reviewed 13 cases of gastric cancer perforation who required emergency surgery.

Methods

A total of 13 patients with gastric cancer perforation were retrospectively reviewed. The clinicopathological features including tumor stage and survival and also the type of treatment were analyzed and compared to literature data.

Results

There were 13 patients (10 males and 3 females) with a mean age of 59.0 ± 9.56 years. The incidence of perforated gastric cancer was 9.6% among gastric carcinoma and 4.2% of all gastric perforation cases. The perforation was more frequently in stage III–IV (2–10), but one case of stage II (T3N0M0) gastric cancer was also observed. None of the patients had curative resection or radical lymph-node dissection. Six (46%) patients were treated by palliative, local surgery. Emergency gastrectomy were performed in 7 (54%) patients. Overall 30-day mortality rate was % 46. The overall survival time was 128.2 ± 184.8 days for all patients, it was 52.8 ± 52.9 days for locally treated group, and 192.9 ± 235.4 days for patients who underwent resectional surgery. The difference between the treatment groups was not significant

Conclusion

Perforation usually occurs in advanced stages of gastric cancer. These patients had a poor prognosis because of the presence of advanced cancer.

Gastrointestinal perforation and the acute abdomen

The acute abdomen accounts for up to 40% of all emergency-surgical hospital admissions and is considered in the differential in the more than 7 million visits to the emergency department annually for abdominal pain in the United States. A large percentage of these cases are secondary to perforation or impending gastrointestinal perforation. Gastrointestinal perforation causes considerable mortality and usually requires emergency surgery.Rapid diagnosis and treatment of these conditions is essential to reduce the high morbidity and mortality of late-stage presentation. Successful treatment requires a thorough understanding of the anatomy, microbiology, and pathophysiology of this disease process and in-depth knowledge of the therapy, including resuscitation,antibiotics, source control, and physiologic support.