The Comprehensive Complication Index in Ulcerative Colitis: A Comparison with the Clavien-Dindo Classification

Introduction

The comprehensive complication index (CCI), which weights all postoperative complications according to severity and integrates them into a single formula, has been reported as a new evaluation system. We aimed to compare the CCI with the Clavien-Dindo Classification (CDC) to patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

Patients who underwent initial surgery for UC from April 2012 to March 2020 were included. The patients were classified into a length of stay (LOS) >30 days group or an LOS ≤30 days group. We performed a multivariate analysis of risk factors for LOS >30 days in the model with the factors identified in the univariate analysis plus the CCI (the CCI model) and plus CDC (the CDC model). An ROC curve was used to test the difference in the area under the curve (AUC) between the CCI model and the CDC model.

Results

The median LOS was 21 days (IQR: 16-29 days), and the rate of LOS >30 days was 119/588 (20.2%). In the CCI model, age at the time of surgery (odds ratio [OR] = 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.45, p = 0.01), ASA score ≥3 (OR = 1.94, 95% CI:1.00-3.76, p = 0.04), and CCI (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.05-1.09; p < 0.01) were identified as independent risk factors for LOS >30 days. The AUC value of the CCI model (0.86) was significantly better in relation to LOS >30 days than that of the CDC model (0.82) (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

The CCI was a better measure of LOS than was the CDC and was found to be a useful indicator in UC.

Feasibility of transanal minimally invasive surgery for total pelvic exenteration for advanced primary and recurrent pelvic malignancies

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to clarify the efficacy and safety of transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) for total pelvic exenteration (TPE) in advanced primary and recurrent pelvic malignancies.

METHODS

Using a prospectively collected database, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical, surgical, and pathological outcomes of TAMIS for TPE. Surgery was performed between September 2019 and April 2023. The median follow-up period was 22 months (2-45 months).

RESULTS

Fifteen consecutive patients were included in this analysis M:F = 14:1 and median (range) age was 63 (36-74). Their diagnoses were as follows: primary rectal cancer (n = 5; 33%), recurrent rectal cancer (n = 4; 27%), primary anorectal cancer (n = 5; 33%), and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (n = 1; 7%). Bladder-sparing TPE was selected for two patients (13%). In nine of 15 patients (60%) the anal sphincter could be successfully preserved, five patients (33%) required combined resection of the internal iliac vessels, and two (13%) required rectus muscle flap reconstruction. The median operative time was 723 min (561-1082), and the median intraoperative blood loss was 195 ml (30-1520). The Clavien-Dindo classifications of the postoperative complications were as follows: grade 0-2 (n = 11; 73%); 3a (n = 3; 20%); 3b (n = 1; 7%); and ≥ 4 (n = 0; 0%). No cases of conversion to laparotomy or mortality were observed. The pathological results demonstrated that R0 was achieved in 14 patients (93%).

CONCLUSIONS

The short-term outcomes of this initial experience proved that this novel approach is feasible for TPE, with low blood loss, acceptable postoperative complications, and a satisfactory R0 resection rate.

Associations between Pouchitis and Fecal Calprotectin after Restorative Proctocolectomy in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction

Recently, fecal calprotectin has been identified and used as an assessment tool for the confirmation of disease activity in ulcerative colitis. Although a meta-analysis suggested the usefulness of fecal calprotectin for the assessment of pouchitis, the number of participants was still insufficient. Therefore, we prospectively measured fecal calprotectin levels during pouchoscopy and analyzed their associations with pouchitis.

Methods

Patients who underwent pouchoscopy after total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis were included. Fecal samples were collected for the measurement of calprotectin during pouchoscopy. Patients either with or without suspicious pouchitis were included. Pouchitis was defined as a modified pouchitis disease activity index (m-PDAI) score of ≥5. The associations between the development of pouchitis and the m-PDAI score and fecal calprotectin and serum markers, including C-related protein, albumin, and white blood cells, were assessed.

Results

A total of 170 patients were included. Seventy-two patients were diagnosed with pouchitis with an m-PDAI score of 7.3 ± 1.5. The values of fecal calprotectin were 1,500 ± 1,544 μg/g in patients with pouchitis and 259 ± 402 μg/g in patients without pouchitis (p < 0.01). The correlation coefficient between calprotectin and the m-PDAI score was significant (r2 = 0.279, p < 0.001). The cutoff value of fecal calprotectin in receiver operating characteristic analysis was 246 μg/g (area under curve 0.85, sensitivity 83.9%, specificity 71.0%). Fecal samples were able to be collected from 6 patients. The levels of fecal calprotectin significantly decreased from 2,101.3 ± 880.3 μg/g to 284.2 ± 96.9 μg/g in response to the treatment.

Conclusions

Elevated fecal calprotectin appeared to be significantly correlated with pouchitis. We should consider the alteration of this marker during treatments in further studies.

Clinical features and surgical selection in colitis-associated colorectal cancer with ulcerative colitis

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients who underwent surgery for cancer/dysplasia with those who underwent surgery for refractory disease and to discuss the preoperative preparation for successful hand-sewn IPAA.

METHODS

Patients who underwent surgery for UC between January 2014 and December 2021 at Hyogo Medical University were included in the study. A total of 443 UC surgical cases were included in the study, which comprised 188 cancer/dysplasia patients and 255 refractory patients. Clinical records were compared retrospectively.

RESULTS

The proportion of surgical UC cases with cancer/dysplasia has been on the rise, accounting for approximately 40% in recent years. The duration of disease (months) was 186 (2-590) in the cancer/dysplasia group and 48 (1-580) in the refractory group (p = 0.02). UC severity (mild/moderate/severe) was 119/69/0 in the cancer/dysplasia group and 18/157/80 in the refractory group (p < 0.01). The four nutrition factors of weight (55.2 (32.7-99.6) kg: 49.9 (20.3-85.2) kg), body mass index (21.0 (13.9-32.5) kg/m2: 18.3 (11.4-34.1)kg/m2), serum albumin level (4.3 (2.7-5.0)g/dl: 3.4 (1.4-5.2)g/dl) and prognostic nutrition index (49.2 (33.2-61.2): 40.9 (17.4-61.1)) were significantly higher in the cancer/dysplasia group (p < 0.01). The degree of obesity was also significantly higher in the cancer/dysplasia group (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

UC patients with cancer/dysplasia were more likely than refractory patients to have mild inflammation; they also had a longer duration of UC disease and better nutritional status.

Risk factors for the postoperative recurrence of ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Although ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer (UC-CRC) has been described, there are few reports regarding recurrent cases of UC-CRC. In this study, we investigated the risk factors for UC-CRC recurrence.

METHODS

Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was determined for 144 stage I to III cancer patients among 210 UC-CRC patients from August 2002 to August 2019. The Kaplan‒Meier method was used to obtain the cumulative RFS rate, and the Cox proportional hazard model was used to extract recurrence risk factors. The interaction term between cancer stage and prognostic factors specific to UC-CRC was evaluated using the Cox model. The Kaplan‒Meier method was applied by cancer stage to the UC-CRC-specific prognostic factors for which interaction effects were indicated.

RESULTS

There were 18 cases of recurrence involving patients with stage I to III cancer, and the recurrence rate was 12.5%. The cumulative 5-year RFS rate was 87.5%. Multivariable analysis showed that age at surgery (hazard ratio (HR): 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91-0.99, p = 0.02), undifferentiated carcinoma (HR: 4.42, 95% CI: 1.13-17.24, p = 0.03), lymph node metastasis (HR: 4.11, 95% CI: 1.08-15.69, p = 0.03), and vascular invasion (HR: 8.01, 95% CI: 1.54-41.65, p = 0.01) were significant risk factors for recurrence. Patients with stage III CRC in the young adult (age < 50 years) group had a significantly worse prognosis than those in the adult (age ≥ 50 years) group (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Age at surgery was identified as a risk factor for UC-CRC recurrence. Young adult patients with stage III cancer may have a poor prognosis.

Being Elderly Is Associated with Infectious and Fatal Postoperative Complications in Ulcerative Colitis Patients

INTRODUCTION

It is well known that the infectious complications and mortality rates are increased among elderly individuals with ulcerative colitis (UC) during medical treatment. However, there have been few reports on surgery in elderly individuals with UC, and some cohort studies have reported surgical complication and mortality rates similar to those in nonelderly individuals.

METHODS

UC patients who underwent colectomy at the Hyogo College of Medicine between April 2012 and March 2020 were included in this study. The patients were classified as elderly (≥65) or nonelderly (<65). Characteristics and postoperative complications were analyzed and compared between the groups; possible risk factors for infectious and fatal complications were also analyzed.

RESULTS

In all, 136/599 (22.7%) elderly patients were included. The incidence of infectious and fatal complications was 177/599 (29.5%) and 18/599 (3%), respectively. These complication rates were significantly higher in the elderly than the nonelderly group (p < 0.01). Age ≥65 years at surgery (OR = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.87-4.57, p < 0.01) was identified as an independent risk factor for infectious complications. Age ≥65 years at surgery (OR = 8.03, 95% CI: 2.16-29.83, p < 0.01), American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥3 (OR = 6.00, 95% CI: 1.40-25.6 p = 0.02), and urgent/emergent surgery (OR = 16.24, 95% CI: 1.70-154.95, p = 0.02) were identified as independent risk factors for fatal complications.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Age ≥65 years was identified as a risk factor for infectious and fatal complications. It is important to avoid urgent/emergent surgery in elderly patients with an ASA score >3 by emphasizing surgical and medical collaboration and optimizing the timing of surgery.

Rectal carcinoma with dual differentiation toward enteroblastic and neuroendocrine features arising in a patient with ulcerative colitis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Colorectal carcinoma with enteroblastic differentiation is a rare subtype of colorectal carcinomas expressing at least one characteristic immunohistochemical marker among α-fetoprotein, glypican-3, and spalt-like transcription factor 4. On the other hand, colorectal carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation is also a unique subtype of colorectal carcinomas showing expression of at least one distinctive marker among chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and CD56.

CASE PRESENTATION

We experienced an extremely rare case of rectal carcinoma with dual differentiation toward enteroblastic and neuroendocrine features in a 53-year-old male patient with long-standing ulcerative colitis (UC). Most of the tumor cells were positive for enteroblastic differentiation markers and approximately a half of them for neuroendocrine differentiation markers. Some tumor cells showed only enteroblastic differentiation, and some did only neuroendocrine feature, but some showed both enteroblastic and neuroendocrine differentiation.

CONCLUSION

Colorectal carcinoma with dual differentiation toward enteroblastic and neuroendocrine features has not been reported yet. Neoplastic transformation from pluripotent stem cells in dysplastic epithelium of long-standing UC patients may be associated with such dual differentiation features.

Have advances in medical therapy for ulcerative colitis impacted surgical treatment?

Aim

The purpose of this study was to examine how the clinical characteristics, indications for surgery, and postoperative course of ulcerative colitis (UC) surgical patients changed before and after the introduction of biological agents.

Methods

Patients who underwent surgery for UC at Hyogo Medical University between 2000 and 2019 were included in the study; those who underwent surgery between 2000 and 2009 were included in the early group (n = 864), and those who underwent surgery between 2010 and 2019 were included in the late group (n = 834); each study factor was retrospectively compared.

Results

The mean ages at surgery (y) were 39.7 ± 15.1 y in the early group and 46.7 ± 17.8 y in the late group (P < .01). Antitumor necrosis factor agents were used (%) in 2 (0.2) patients in the early group and 317 (38.0) patients in the late group (P < .01). The number of cancer or dysplasia patients for whom surgery was indicated was significantly higher in the late group (11%/26%, P = .01). With regard to surgery in elderly individuals, the number of elderly patients (65 y and older) undergoing surgery was significantly higher in the late group (8.0%/18.6%, P < .01). For emergency surgery, the mortality rates were 16.7% (2/12) in the early surgery group and 15.7% (8/51) in the late surgery group (P = .61).

Conclusion

The characteristics of UC patients requiring surgery in Japan have changed. The distribution of surgical indications changed, and the number of patients with cancer and dysplasia requiring surgery increased. The prognosis of elderly patients who underwent emergency surgery was poor.

Clinical results following colonic resection for ulcerative colitis in elderly individuals (elderly-onset vs. nonelderly onset)

BACKGROUND

The incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasing, but there are few reports comparing elderly UC patients undergoing colectomy for elderly-onset UC (EO) and nonelderly-onset UC (NEO). The aim of this study was to analyze the differences between EO and NEO patients who underwent UC-related surgery.

METHODS

We identified 1973 patients with UC who underwent colectomy at Hyogo College of Medicine between January 1, 1984, and December 31, 2018. Only patients aged 65 years old and older who underwent colectomy were enrolled in this study (n = 221, 11.2%), and their clinical records were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to their age at disease onset: those with onset at younger than 60 years old (NEO) and at 60 years old or older (EO).

RESULTS

In the 221 UC patients who underwent colectomy at 65 years old or older, there were 155 cases of EO and 66 cases of NEO. The main surgical indication in NEO patients was colitis-associated cancer/dysplasia (32/66, 47%). In contrast, refractory to medical treatment was the leading cause of surgery in EO patients (80/155, 52%). The distributions of surgical indications were different between the two groups (p < 0.01). The preoperative daily dose of steroids was significantly higher in the EO group than in the NEOgroup (0 mg vs. 10 mg, p < 0.01). The rates of immunosuppressant, infliximab (IFX) and adalimumab use did not differ significantly between the groups. Significantly more patients underwent emergency surgery in the EO group than in the NEO group (14% vs. 35%, p < 0.01). The proportions of patients with postoperative morbidity (Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher) were 17.4% (27/155) in the EO group and 13.6% (9/66) in the NEO group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.48). The prognosis of the EO patients who underwent UC-related emergency surgery was worse than that of the NEO patients (p < 0.01). In the EO group, 8 (14.8%) of 54 patients died within 30 postoperative days, while there were no deaths in the NEO group.

CONCLUSION

Among elderly UC patients undergoing UC-related surgery, EO patients undergoing emergency surgery had very poor outcomes, and the mortality rate was 14.8%. In such cases, it is important for physicians and surgeons to begin communication at an early stage so that the optimal surgical timeframe is not missed.

Delivery Mode after Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis among Pregnant Women with Ulcerative Colitis

Objectives:

The appropriate and recommended delivery mode after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC) has not been sufficiently evaluated. This study was designed to compare the delivery outcomes associated with cesarean section (CS) and vaginal delivery (VD) after IPAA.

Methods:

We conducted a questionnaire-based survey of female patients who underwent IPAA for UC between July 1987 and May 2018. Additionally, we reviewed clinical data and collected information regarding pouch function and postpartum complications.

Results:

In total, 45 patients had 68 deliveries, including 64 CS deliveries and four VDs. Fecal incontinence worsened in seven patients, including six CS patients and one VD patient. The Wexner scores of these patients before and after delivery were 5.4 ± 0.4 and 14.8 ± 1.0, respectively (p = 0.005). Four patients in the CS group and one in the VD group (p = 0.32) had increased stool frequency. Bowel obstructions developed during 11/64 (17.2%) deliveries, and one patient required surgical intervention. One patient with four VDs (three before IPAA and one after IPAA) developed vaginal fistula 5 months after the final VD. Information on episiotomies could not be obtained.

Conclusions:

Pouch function can decline even after CS. Notably, bowel obstruction can develop after CS. However, we cannot recommend a particular delivery method after IPAA. Further analyses to elucidate the relationship between CS and postoperative complications or vaginal fistula and episiotomy in VDs should be conducted.

Clinical Features and Therapeutic Outcomes of Post-colectomy Enteritis with Ulcerative Colitis

Objectives

Few reports are available on post-colectomy enteritis (PCE) with ulcerative colitis (UC), which can be severe and sometimes fatal. The clinical characteristics are unclear, and treatment and diagnosis protocols have not been established. We aimed to investigate the incidence, clinical characteristics, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic outcomes of PCE in this study.

Methods

Patients with UC who underwent colectomy between April 2010 and December 2019 were included in this study. We retrospectively analyzed patients who developed PCE and excluded patients with other forms of enteritis.

Results

We performed 829 colectomies because of a preoperative diagnosis of UC. Eleven and four patients were diagnosed with Crohn's disease and indeterminate colitis after surgery, respectively; 22 patients developed enteritis in the perioperative period. We excluded six patients with backwash ileitis, five with prepouch ileitis, three with infectious enteritis, and one with ischemic enteritis. In total, 7/814 (0.8%) patients developed PCE. All patients with PCE had pancolitis. PCE was observed a median of 33 (12-248) days after surgery. Endoscopy showed friable and granular mucosa. The extent of disease included various types such as pan-enteritis with diffuse type, pan-enteritis and mild inflammation in the middle ileum, and only ileitis. Gastroduodenitis-associated UC developed in 6/7 cases. All patients improved with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) antagonists even if TNFα antagonists had not been effective for colitis.

Conclusions

PCE was rare. The mucosal endoscopic findings were similar to those of UC, and the extent of disease varied. TNFα antagonist administration for PCE was effective.

Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients after Restorative Proctocolectomy for Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND/AIM

Ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) has become the surgical procedure of choice for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). However, to date few studies have examined functional outcomes or quality of life (QOL) in elderly patients after pouch construction.

METHODS

In December 2017, we sent questionnaires to 224 patients aged 65 years and older at the time who underwent an IPAA at our hospital between June 1987 and May 2015 regarding issues related to QOL and functional outcomes. Responders aged 65-69 years old were defined as the elderly group (EG), while those 70 years old and over comprised the super-EG (SEG).

RESULTS

The response rate was 60.7% (136/224); 70 patients were classified as EG, and 66 were classified as SEG. The SEG were older at the time of the IPAA and during the follow-up period (p < 0.01). The stool frequency per day was 8 times in both groups (p = 0.21). There was no significant difference between the EG and SEG with regard to daytime (53 vs. 56%, p = 0.73) or nighttime (65.7 vs. 53%, p = 0.16) soiling. There was also no difference in the exacerbation of daytime or nighttime soiling compared to the first year after the operation (daytime 5.7 vs. 12.1%, p = 0.23; nighttime 7.1 vs. 9.1%, p = 0.76). QOL was evaluated using the modified fecal incontinence QOL (mFIQL) scale, with no significant difference between the EG and SEG (27 vs. 31 points). Since both groups had mFIQL scores <50, QOL was considered to be maintained.

CONCLUSION

In our analysis of elderly patients in the long-term period following surgery for UC, some noted fecal soiling, though QOL was largely maintained, and there were no serious effects on daily life.

Cap polyposis treated with laparoscopic-assisted total proctocolectomy and ileal J-pouch anal anastomosis: a case report

Background

Cap polyposis (CP) is extremely rare in Japan, and there is no established cure. We report a case in which CP was improved by surgical treatment.

Case presentation

A 48-year-old man was investigated at a local hospital because of diarrhea and bloody stools in 2018. The patient was treated with metronidazole for suspected amoebic dysentery, but his symptoms did not improve. Subsequent close examination revealed possible CP, but treatment with 5-aminosalicylic acid and a steroid enema had no effect. The patient was then referred to our hospital. The bloody stools, diarrhea, and abdominal pain worsened despite medical treatment, so laparoscopic-assisted total proctocolectomy and ileal J-pouch anal anastomosis with ileostomy were performed. CP has no known cause or established treatment, but Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection has been reported in many CP cases in Japan, and HP eradication is often successful. This patient was HP-negative and did not improve with antimicrobial treatment, but the symptoms improved after surgery.

Conclusions

Even after surgery, CP recurrence reportedly occurs within a short period in many cases. However, our patient has had no signs of CP recurrence during 1 year of follow-up.

Does anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha prevent the recurrence of Crohn's disease? Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α agents are now well known to function as effective treatments for Crohn's disease (CD). Several meta-analyses have revealed the efficacy of anti-TNF therapy for preventing recurrence after surgery; however, the efficacies reported in some prospective studies differed according to the outcomes. Moreover, adverse events (AEs) were not well evaluated. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate both the efficacy of anti-TNF therapy after stratification by the outcome of interest and the AEs.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature review of studies investigating anti-TNF therapy, CD, and postoperative recurrence. Meta-analyses were performed for endoscopic and clinical recurrence and AEs.

RESULTS

A total of 570 participants, including 254 patients in the intervention group and 316 patients in the control group, in eight studies, were analyzed for recurrence. Based on the results of the meta-analysis, the efficacies of anti-TNF therapy at preventing endoscopic and clinical recurrence were as follows: relative risk (RR) 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22-0.53 and RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.36-1.02, respectively. The RR of AEs with anti-TNF therapy was 1.75 (95% CI 0.81-3.79).

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-TNF therapy after surgery for CD displays efficacy at preventing endoscopic recurrence for 1-2 years, without increasing the incidence of AEs. However, clinical recurrence was not significantly reduced. The efficacy of postoperative anti-TNF therapy may differ in terms of the outcomes, which include long-term prevention, the avoidance of further surgery, and cost-effectiveness.

Potential problems of partial resection for colitis-associated cancer in a patient with ulcerative colitis: case report

Total proctocolectomy and an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis are recommended as the standard procedure for ulcerative colitis (UC)-colitis-associated cancer (CAC). However, several studies have reported the partial colectomy and endoscopic resection of UC-CAC in recent years. We present a surgical case of UC-CAC that was detected at a site that had not been diagnosed preoperatively, and we report potential problems of partial colectomy and endoscopic resection through this case. Considerations of synchronous and metachronous cancer/dysplasia are important before partial resection is planned for CAC in UC. Moreover, it should be noted that endoscopic resection at the anal site can be a risk factor for pouch surgery failure due to fibrosis after resection.

Localization of recurrent lesions following ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease

Background

Crohn’s disease (CD) recurrence can occur not only at the site of anastomosis but also elsewhere in the bowel following an ileocolic resection (ICR) procedure. The aims of the present study were to assess long-term outcomes of a primary ICR procedure for CD in consecutive patients and examine the location of the reoperation causative lesion.

Methods

We examined cases of surgery with ICR initially performed at our institution. Those with simultaneous multiple bowel resection or bowel resection with strictureplasty were excluded.

Results

A total of 169 patients who underwent ICR due to CD were enrolled. The median follow-up period was 12.6 years (range 4–27 years). A reoperation was needed in 45 (26.6%), of whom 14 had lesions causative of the reoperation at other than the anastomotic site. The most common causative lesion location was in the colon rather than the oral side of the small intestine. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between presence of residual lesions following the initial surgery and lesions causative of reoperation. In the group without residual disease (n = 31), 29.0% (n = 9) had non-anastomotic lesions involved in indications for reoperation, while that was 35.7% (n = 5) in the group with residual disease (n = 14).

Conclusions

Anastomotic site lesion is not the only causative factor for reoperation following ICR. Regular examinations and applicable treatment with awareness that the cause of reoperation is not limited to the site of anastomosis are important in these cases.

Intestinal cancer in patients with Crohn's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Although surveillance colonoscopy is recommended by several guidelines for Crohn's disease (CD), the evidence is insufficient to support the validity of this recommendation. Moreover, the efficacy of surveillance colonoscopy for anorectal cancer remains unclear. Therefore, we performed a systematic review of cancer in patients with CD before considering the proper surveillance methods.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the incidence of intestinal cancer and a literature review to clarify the characteristic features of cancer in CD. We performed the systematic literature review of studies published up to May 2019.

RESULTS

Overall, 7344 patients were included in eight studies. The standardized incidence ratios (95% confidence intervals) of colorectal cancer (CRC) and small bowel cancer (SBC) were 2.08 (1.43-3.02) and 22.01 (9.10-53.25), respectively. The prevalence of CRC and SBC was 57/7344 (0.77%) and 17/7344 (0.23%), respectively, during a median follow-up of 12.55 years. Additionally, 54 studies reporting 208 anorectal cancer cases were identified. In patients with anorectal cancer, the prognosis for survival was 2.1 ± 2.3 years, and advanced cancer greater than stage T3 occurred in 46/74 patients (62.1%). Many more reports of anorectal cancer were published in Asia than in Western countries.

CONCLUSION

Although we were unable to state a recommendation for surveillance for SBC, we should perform cancer surveillance for CRC in patients with CD. However, the characteristics of cancer may differ according to geography or race. We must establish proper and effective surveillance methods that are independently suitable to detect these differences.

Incidence, Risk Factors and Outcomes of Cancer of the Anal Transitional Zone in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Performing a mucosectomy with a hand-sewn ileal pouch-anal anastomosis [IPAA] for ulcerative colitis [UC] theoretically reduces the risk of carcinoma arising from the anal transitional zone [ATZ]. Although current guidelines suggest a stapled anastomosis due to the low incidence of cancer after pouch surgery in UC patients, only a few small series have addressed the oncological advantage of mucosectomy. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the incidence of ATZ/pouch cancer.

METHODS

A total of 1970 UC patients who underwent surgery between April 1987 and December 2018 were included. We retrospectively analysed the incidences of primary ATZ cancer in the original operative specimen and de novo ATZ/pouch cancer after surgery. Possible risk factors for primary ATZ cancer and the pouch survival rate were assessed.

RESULTS

Fourteen [6.4%] primary ATZ cancers developed in 220 UC-colorectal cancer [CRC] cases. Multiple (odds ratio [OR] = 8.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.77-27.83, p < 0.01) and rectal [OR = 6.48, 95% CI 1.41-29.7, p = 0.01] cancers were identified as independent risk factors for primary ATZ cancer. Four of 1970 [0.2%] patients developed de novo ATZ/pouch cancer and dysplasia. The 10-year estimated cumulative pouch survival rate was not significantly different between stapled IPAA and hand-sewn IPAA cases [95.9% and 97.3%, p = 0.25].

CONCLUSION

The risk of de novo ATZ/pouch cancer and dysplasia was rare. The decision to perform a hand-sewn or a stapled IAA should be made on a case-by-case basis. However, the relatively high incidence of primary ATZ cancer in UC patients with CRC suggests that mucosectomy should be recommended for this patient group.

Clinical Results of One-stage Restorative Proctocolectomy with J-pouch Anal Anastomosis in 300 Ulcerative Colitis Patients

Objectives:

Restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA), with diverting ileostomy, are established ulcerative colitis (UC) treatments. The routine use of diverting ileostomy is controversial because of the risk of stoma closure and stoma related complications. In our institution, proctocolectomy and IPAA, with mucosectomy and handsewn anastomosis without diversion (one-stage IPAA), were performed for select patients with UC. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of patients undergoing one-stage IPAA.

Methods:

Between April 1999 and July 2017, 300 patients underwent one-stage IPAA in our institution. The clinical notes and prognosis were reviewed retrospectively.

Results:

Postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification grade ≥III) occurred in 18 patients (6.0%). The most common complication was anastomotic leakage (n = 9, 3%). There were 15 patients (5.0%) who required a defunctioning ileostomy. However, 13 patients successfully underwent ileostomy closure and achieved acceptable pouch function. Finally, two patients (0.6%) required pouch excision in this series. The cumulative pouch functional rate was 99.6% / 5 years and 99.2% / 10 years.

Conclusions:

One-stage IPAA is a good strategy for carefully selected patients with UC.

Clear evidence for element partitioning effects in a Ti-6Al-4V alloy by the first-principles phase field method

Ti-6 wt% Al-4 wt% V (Ti64) is an α + β titanium alloy, in which the alloying components strongly affect the mechanical properties. In this report, element partitioning effects in Ti64 are investigated by using the first-principles phase field (FPPF) method, which has recently been proposed by our group. In the FPPF method, the local free energy is calculated using a cluster expansion method in combination with density functional theory and the temperature effect is incorporated using potential renormalization theory. We have succeeded in identifying enrichment of Al (V) in the α (β) phase, i.e., the clear evidence for the element partitioning effects of Al and V, without using any thermodynamical parameter. The transformation of the β phase and the α phase in microstructure is investigated by varying the V and Al concentrations by a small amount. Our results are in excellent agreement with the recent experimental results, showing the validity of the FPPF method for ternary alloys.

Associations between multiple immunosuppressive treatments before surgery and surgical morbidity in patients with ulcerative colitis during the era of biologics

PURPOSE

It is unclear whether immunomodulators or biologics, with the exception of corticosteroids, can be risk factors for postoperative infectious complications of ulcerative colitis (UC). Moreover, many immunosuppressive therapies including some biologics are used mainly to treat UC, and many patients are on multi-agent immunosuppressive therapy at the time of surgery. Therefore, we evaluated the influence of pre-operative multiple immunosuppressive agents on the occurrence of surgical site infection (SSI) in UC during the era of biologics.

METHODS

We reviewed surveillance data from 301 patients who underwent surgery between January 2015 and April 2018. The incidences of SSI and possible risk factors among patients receiving different immunosuppressive therapies were compared and analyzed.

RESULTS

The incidence of incisional SSI was 6.6%, and that of organ/space SSI was 7.0%. Doses of corticosteroids were significantly decreased because of the recent shift toward the use of biologics. The types and numbers of immunosuppressive agents did not significantly correlate with each incidence. Age ≥ 65 years (odds ratio (OR) 3.0), total prednisolone dose ≥ 9000 mg (OR 2.7), and perioperative blood transfusion (OR 3.6) were shown to be independent risk factors for incisional SSI, whereas duration of surgery ≥ 252 min (OR 3.8), urgent/emergent surgery (OR 2.9), and perioperative blood transfusion (OR 2.6) were identified as independent risk factors for organ/space SSI.

CONCLUSIONS

Although no correlation between pre-operative immunosuppressive therapies, except for corticosteroids, was found, selection bias may have occurred due to treatment before surgery. However, biologics, calcineurin inhibitors, and thiopurines did not affect surgical morbidity in UC.

[A Case of Sigmoid Colon Cancer with Distant Metastasis Successfully Treated with First-Line Cetuximab Monotherapy]

The patient was a 59-year-old woman with progressive sigmoid colon cancer with multiple metastasis(T3N2M1b[P2, H3, PUL2]Stage IV ). As the RAS gene in the patient was wild-type, we administered cetuximab monotherapy every week. One month after chemotherapy initiation, the tumor marker levels declined and the tumor size reduced. Patient's general condition was improved and mFOLFOX6 therapy was then continued in addition to cetuximab. As a side effect, acne-like rash is only grade 1 to 2, and there are no other serious side effects. Cetuximab monotherapy may contribute to the treatment of poor PS patients.

[Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Hemophilia B - A Case Report]

A 80s-year-old man with hemophilia B underwent operation for rectal cancer.Metastasis of the lymph nodes was revealed, so he was treated with adjuvant chemotherapy involving capecitabine and oxaliplatin(CapeOX).For safety, we measured tissue factor IX before every course of chemotherapy, and he completed 8 courses safely.

[A Case of Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Ileum Manifesting as Fecal Occult Blood]

A 42-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of a positive fecal occult blood test. Colonoscopy examination revealed an elevated lesion measuring 25mm in diameter at the terminal ileum. A histological diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor(NET)was made based on biopsy specimens taken from the lesion. Since no apparent distant metastasis other than the ileocolic lymph nodes was noted, laparoscopy-assisted ileocecal resection with regional lymph node dissection was performed. In the resected material, NET(G2)limited to the subserosa layer was present. The NET tested positive for synaptophysin, chromogranin A, and CD56. Metastases in the paraileal lymph nodes was detected. NET metastasis to the ileum is frequent, even if the tumor is small in diameter; therefore, it is necessary to resect the tumor entirely and to dissect the regional lymph nodes.

[Nab-Paclitaxel plus Gemcitabine Hydrochloride in Patients with Metastatic or Recurrent Pancreatic Cancer - A Single Institution Experience]

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in Japan.Albumin -bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel)plus gemcitabine hydrochloride(GEM)combination chemotherapy provided significant improvements in the overall and progression-free survival in a phase III trial in Europe and America and a phase II trial in Japan.As a result, this combination therapy was approved for use in Japan.

METHODS

We evaluated the efficacy of nab-paclitaxel plus GEM with metastatic or recurrent pancreatic cancer.Between December 2014 and March 2016, 11 patients received nab-paclitaxel plus GEM as follows: nab-paclitaxel(125mg/m2 of body-surface area)followed by GEM(1,000mg/m2)on days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 weeks.The treatment was continued until disease progression, unacceptable adverse events, discontinuation as decided by the investigators, or patient refusal.

RESULTS

The mean age was 65.6 years(range, 48-75 years), and 8 out of 11 patients were men.Ten patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group(ECOG)performance status(PS)of 0.Ten patients had metastatic disease.Only 4 patients had no prior therapy.The mean duration of treatment was 10.2 weeks(range, 2-41 weeks).The relative dose intensities of nab-paclitaxel and GEM were 90.6%(66.7-100%)and 87.5%(62.9-100%), respectively.The major Grade 3 or 4 hematological toxicities were leucopenia(54.5%), neutropenia(36.4%), anemia (27.3%), and thrombocytopenia(18.2%).The major grade 2 or 3 non-hematological toxicities were fatigue(45.6%), skin rash(27.3%), peripheral sensory neuropathy(9.1%), anorexia(9.1%), and stomatitis(9.1%).There were no treatmentrelated deaths.Interstitial lung disease was not observed.The 6 month progression-free and overall survival rate were 25.7% and 66.7%, respectively. The disease control rate was 90.9%(complete response, n=0; partial response, n=1; stable disease, n=9; progressive disease, n=1).

CONCLUSIONS

Nab-paclitaxel plus GEM is well tolerated and associated with efficacy and improved survival outcomes.Nab -paclitaxel plus GEM can be the standard treatment for patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

[A Case of Malignant Anorectal Melanoma with Laparoscopic Abdominoperineal Resection]

A 69-year-old man with anemia underwent colonoscopy. Colonoscopy showed a black tumor, 2 cm from the anal verge. The biopsy specimen revealed malignant melanoma, which was preoperatively diagnosed as T1(SM), N0, M0, Stage I . We performed laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection. The tissue type and diagnosis were malignant melanoma, pT1b(10 mm), pN0, pM0, ly0, v0, pDM0, pPM0, pRM0, pStage I b, according to the Colon Cancer Handling Terms, 8th edition). The patient did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. However, he survived postoperatively for 9 months, with no sign of recurrence.

[Multidisciplinary Treatment for High-Risk GIST of the Stomach]

A 59-year-old man underwent total gastrectomy(with D2 dissection)and cholecystectomy for gastric cancer and a submucosal tumor of the stomach. The specimen was immunohistochemically positive for c-kit, the Ki-67 label index was 10%, and the mitotic count was 20/HPF. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with high-risk gastrointestinal stromal cancer with normal type gastric cancer. After discharge from hospital, we started administration of TS-1 as adjuvant therapy for the gastric cancer. As multiple recurrences of the GIST in the abdomen developed, the patient underwent 3 radical local resections. Mutational analysis revealed a PDGFRA mutation in exon 18, which causes resistance to both imatinib and sunitinib. As he was refractory to imatinib, the patient received regorafenib. After a while, it caused liver failure, which required 7 rounds of plasmapheresis. The patient died from multiple organ failure resulting from multiple recurrences 4 years after the first surgery.

[A Case of Advanced Gastric Cancer with Multiple Liver Metastases Successfully Treated with Capecitabine, Cisplatin, and Trastuzumab]

A 70-year-old-man, whose chief complaint was epigastric pain, was referred to our hospital and diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer with multiple liver metastases. Gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a tumor on the anterior wall of the gastric lower body. Histologically, biopsy specimens indicated adenocarcinoma, and immunohistochemistry showed positive expression of HER2(3+). Chest and abdominal computed tomography showed multiple liver metastases and lymph node metastases. We started chemotherapy with capecitabine, cisplatin, and trastuzumab. Abdominal CT showed the primary tumor and metastases to be reduced after 3 courses, but a ringed enhanced space occupying lesion in the liver had appeared, which was diagnosed as a liver abscess. After administering antibiotics and performing percutaneous transhepatic abscess drainage (PTAD), we continued XPT chemotherapy. The patient received 6 courses of XPT, 15 courses of capecitabine and trastuzumab, and 6 courses of trastuzumab alone, and has remained progression free in the 1 year and 5 months after diagnosis. We experienced a case of advanced gastric cancer with multiple liver metastases successfully treated with capecitabine, cisplatin, and trastuzumab.

[A Case of Pure Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Breast in an Elderly Woman Diagnosed by Cytology]

A n 85-year-old woman presented with a mass in the left breast. A3 7mm lobulated mass including enhancement of a cyst of 37mm was detected by sonography. An axillary lymph node had increased to 16 mm. Atypical cells dyed by light green and orange G were identified by fine needle aspiration and cytology. She was diagnosed with left breast cancer(cT2N1M0, Stage II B), histologically suspected to be squamous cell carcinoma. She underwent a left-breast-conserving surgery and axillary lymph node dissection. On pathology, a cyst of 34×30mm was noted. The tumor grew from inside the cyst to the surround- ing tissue and it had a trend for keratinocytes. Lymph node metastases affected 1/11. By immunostaining, the tumor was found to be ER(+), PgR(-), HER2(-), CK5/6(+), p40(+), mammaglobin(-), and GCDFP15(-). There was no component of ductal carcinoma. She received radiotherapy to the left breast and tamoxifen as an adjuvant therapy. Squamous cell carcinoma of the breast is rare. We encountered a case of pure squamous cell carcinoma of the breast in an elderly woman. We report this case with a discussion of the relevant literature.

[Multiple Metachronal Liver Metastases from a Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumor Controlled by Repeated Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization]

A 60-year-old woman was diagnosed with a rectal neuroendocrine tumor(NET)with SM invasion.We performed laparoscopic low anterior resection with D3 lymph node dissection.Pathological findings were rectal NET, G1, pSM(9,000 mm), ly0, v0, pN0, PM0, DM0, pR0, pStage I .Four years and 6 months later, contrast enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CECT)and contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple liver metastases.The tumors were unresectable because they were bilobar; therefore, we performed transcatheter arterial chemoembolizaion(TACE).One month later, CECT showed the lesions had shrunk.The metastases were well controlled via repeated TACE.For unresectable liver metastases from rectal NET, TACE can be an effective treatment.

[A Case of Successful Multidisciplinary Therapy for Advanced Esophagogastric Junction Cancer with Multiple Lymph Node Metastase]

A 64-year-old man reporting dysphagia was examined. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a type 3 cancer at the esophagogastric junction. Enhanced CT scan showed several swollen mediastinal and abdominal lymph nodes. We diagnosed the patient with advanced adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction with multiple lymph node metastases(Siewert type II , cT3N2M1[LYM], Stage IV ). After 5 courses of chemotherapy(S-1 plus cisplatin), a significant reduction was observed in the size of the tumor and lymph nodes. Therefore, we performed conversion surgery. The patient underwent esophagectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection using a right thoracotomy approach. He has survived without recurrence in the 10 months since this radical surgery.

[A Case of a Patient with Metastatic Rectal-Uterine Cancer from the Ascending Colon Who Underwent NOSE]

An 80-year-old woman had undergone a right hemicolectomy for ascending colon cancer 9 months prior to the current presentation. CT and PET-CT showed a solitary tumor measuring 55mm in diameter at the uterus and rectum. Three 5mm ports and two 12mm two ports were placed. The sigmoid colon was mobilized using a medial approach as usual in laparoscopic surgery. The rectum and uterus were mobilized and were resected. We inserted the End-catchTM in from the vagina and removed the specimen. The patient had no abdominal pain and was discharged from the hospital 9 days after the operation.

[A Case of Schwannoma Originating from the Sciatic Nerve]

A 75-year-old man was admitted with abdominal pain and taken to our hospital. CT and MRI showed a tumor measuring 60mm in diameter in the pelvic cavity. Based on the imaging findings, we suspected a schwannoma and decided to perform surgery. As the tumor was found to be benign in intraoperative frozen section diagnosis, the tumor was enucleated. Histopathological findings showed no nuclear atypia, and the patient was diagnosed with a schwannoma. He complained of paresthesia in his right leg after surgery, and underwent walking training. Six months after surgery, no recurrence was found.

Single-site laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for acute cecal volvulus: a case report

BACKGROUND

Cecal volvulus is an uncommon cause of acute abdomen in patients. Cecal volvulus is currently treated mostly with right hemicolectomy with laparotomy, which is an invasive surgical procedure. Less invasive techniques, such as endoscopic decompression, have a poor success rate.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of cecal volvulus in a 35-year-old male patient. He was successfully treated with single-site laparoscopic decompression by inserting a catheter through the amputated appendix, detorsion, and hemicolectomy. This approach was less invasive than the traditional approach and resulted in satisfactory outcomes and cosmesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of single-site laparoscopic colectomy to acute cecal volvulus is feasible using decompression of the dilated colon by inserting a catheter through the amputated appendix. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of this treatment.

[A Case of Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Gallbladder]

A 58-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a huge hepatic mass. A CT scan showed an enhanced mass lesion on the fundus of the gallbladder and an enhanced mass ring on the gallbladder bed. Since FDG-PET showed no evidence of metastasis, we performed cholecystectomy, hepatectomy of S4a/5, and regional lymph node dissection. The immunohistochemical study of the specimen was positive for CK7, CK20, chromogranin A, and synaptophysin. The Ki-67 labeling index was 50%, and the SSTR2 score was 2+. The patient was diagnosed with neuroendocrine carcinoma. Since she was in poor condition and on hemodialysis, we started administration of somatostatin analog at the time of recurrence, and soon her diarrhea improved but the tumor increased in size.

[FOLFIRINOX Combination Chemotherapy in Patients with Metastatic or Recurrent Pancreatic Cancer--A Single Institution Experience]

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in Japan. oxaliplatin: L-OHP, irinotecan: CPT-11, fluorouracil: 5-FU, and Leucovorin: l-LV (FOLFIRINOX) combination chemotherapy provided significant improvements in overall and progression-free survival in a phase Ⅲ trial in France and in a phase Ⅱ trial in Japan. As a result, this combination therapy was approved for use in Japan. We evaluated the efficacy of FOLFIRINOX in metastatic or recurrent pancreatic cancer. Between October 2014 and July 2015, 10 patients received mFOLFIRINOX as follows: 2-hour infusion of LOHP at 85 mg/m2, 2-hour infusion of l-LV at 200 mg/m2 and infusion of CPT-11 over 90 min at 150 mg/m2, followed by continuous infusion of 5-FU over 46 hours at 2,400mg/m2. Prior to the treatment, a 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonist, aprepitant, and dexamethasone were given. The treatment was repeated every 2 weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, discontinuation as decided by the investigators, or patient refusal. The mean age of the patients was 65.0 years (range, 59-75 years), and 4 out of 10 patients were men. Only 2 patients had no prior therapy. Nine patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) of 0. Eight patients had metastasis and 2 had locally recurrent disease. The median number of treatment cycles was 5 (range, 1-14). The relative dose intensities of 5-FU, L-OHP and CPT-11 were 93.3% (range, 58.3-100%), 84.0% (range, 63.2-100%), and 76.0% (range, 44.4-83.3%), respectively. The major Grade 3 and 4 hematological toxicities were neutropenia (40%), leucopenia (30%), and thrombocytopenia(10%). The major Grade 2 and 3 non-hematological toxicities were diarrhea (30%), nausea (60%), and vomiting (10%). Serious adverse events occurred in 2 patients. Severe biliary tract infection causing sepsis was observed in 1 patient with a biliary stent. Overwhelming post-splenectomy infection was observed in 1 patient after distal pancreatectomy. No cases of interstitial lung disease were observed. The 6-month progression-free and overall survival rates were 59.3% and 61.7%, respectively. The overall response rate was 10%, and the disease control rate was 90%(complete response [CR], n=0; partial response [PR], n=1; stable disease [SD], n=8; progressive disease [PD], n=1). Although FOLFIRINOX is associated with increased treatment efficacy and survival outcomes, because of its severe toxicity it cannot be administered to all patients. FOLFIRINOX can be used as the standard treatment for patients with a good performance status.

[Laparoscopic Liver Resection for HCC Recurrence]

Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive and provides better cosmetic outcomes than conventional surgery. Laparoscopic liver resection has been covered by insurance since April 2010 and is increasingly performed in many hospitals. However, laparoscopic hepatectomy is sometimes difficult to perform safely in the case of HCC recurrence because adhesions restrict vision and manipulation of forceps. We report the results of laparoscopic hepatectomy for cases of HCC recurrence. From June 2010 through December 2014, 180 laparoscopic hepatectomy procedures for HCC were performed in our hospital; 33 were in patients with HCC recurrence. Of the 33 patients, 26 underwent pure laparoscopic partial hepatectomy. The median operative time was 242 min, the median bleeding amount was less than 5 g, and the median hospital stay after surgery was 12.0 days. In the group that underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy after open liver resection (12 patients), the median operative time was 303.5 min, the median bleeding amount was less than 5 g, and the median hospital stay after surgery was 9.0 days. Among the 21 patients that underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy after laparoscopic liver resection, the median operative time was 248 min (p=0.382), the median bleeding amount was less than 5 g (p=0.112), and the median hospital stay after surgery was 11.0 days (p=0.236). We could perform laparoscopic hepatectomy for cases of HCC recurrence. This procedure can be suitable for HCC recurrence, which sometimes requires poly-surgery.

Initial experience of reduced port surgery using a two-surgeon technique for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

With the decreasing number of surgeons on surgical teams, reduced port surgery (RPS) operations have become popular. We herein present our initial experience with RPS, which was successfully performed using a two-surgeon technique. A retrospective analysis was performed to compare the two-surgeon technique with conventional laparoscopic colectomy and evaluate its efficacy.

METHODS

A total of 535 patients were eligible among 749 registered patients. Conventional multiport laparoscopic colectomy with three surgeons and RPS using the two-surgeon technique with a surgeon and surgeon's assistant were performed in 429 and 106 cases, respectively. The patient characteristics, short-term outcomes (including intraoperative and postoperative findings) and pathological results were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

The two groups were similar with respect to age, gender, BMI, history of abdominal surgery, depth of tumor invasion and TNM classification. Reconstruction via extracorporeal functional end-to-end anastomosis was performed in a significantly higher number of patients in the two-surgeon technique group (74 %) than in the conventional laparoscopic colectomy group (57 %). Furthermore, the mean operative time in the two-surgeon technique group (117.9 min) was significantly shorter than that observed in the conventional laparoscopic colectomy group (170 min), and the median postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the two-surgeon technique group (6 days) than in the conventional laparoscopic colectomy group (7 days). There were no major postoperative complications. The final TNM stage was similar in both procedures.

CONCLUSION

RPS using the two-surgeon technique compares favorably with conventional laparoscopic colectomy and is considered to be a safe and successful procedure.

Dextromethorphan for neuropathic pain with Churg-Strauss syndrome

Abstract A 48-year old man who had been treated with prednisolone, aminophylline, and pranlukast, a leukotriene-receptor antagonist, was diagnosed with Churg-Strauss syndrome based on the findings of asthma, eosinophilia, mononeuropathy, and extravascular eosinophils. Intractable neuropathic pain of the legs was successfully controlled with an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist, dextromethorphan. We suggest that dextromethorphan receptor antagonists may be a useful treatment for the pain of neuropathy caused by vasculitis syndrome.

Rapid detection of blaIMP-6 by amplification refractory mutation system

Klebsiella pneumoniae resistant to almost all ß-lactams except imipenem designated as ISMRK (imipenem-susceptible meropenem-resistant Klebsiella) is emerging in Japan. All ISMRK carries bla(IMP-6) which differs from bla(IMP-1) by only a single nucleotide at position 640. We devised a rapid detection system of bla(IMP-6) by using ARMS PCR.

DISC1 regulates cell-cell adhesion, cell-matrix adhesion and neurite outgrowth

Disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) is a promising susceptibility gene for major mental illness. Recent studies have implicated DISC1 in key neurodevelopmental processes, including neurite outgrowth, neuronal migration and proliferation. Here, we report that DISC1 regulates cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion and neurite outgrowth. DISC1 overexpression increased expression of the adherence junction protein N-cadherin and enhanced cell-cell adhesion. The increased N-cadherin accumulated in the areas of cell-cell contact. DISC1 overexpression also enhanced cell-matrix adhesion by inducing expression of beta1-integrin protein. In the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF), DISC1 overexpression increased beta1-integrin expression at the cell membrane and growth cone. NGF-induced neurite extension was enhanced by DISC1, and anti-beta1-integrin antibody reduced the neurite outgrowth of DISC1-overexpressing cells to the control level. Furthermore, DISC1 also regulated N-cadherin and beta1-integrin expression at the cell membrane in primary neurons. We conclude that DISC1 regulates cell-cell adhesion and cell-matrix adhesion by regulating the expression of adhesion molecules.

First isolation of blaIMP-7 in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Japan

We report here the first isolation in Japan of a carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain that carries the metallo-beta-lactamase gene bla(IMP-7). This isolate revealed high-level resistance to all of the tested antibiotics except for piperacillin, showing a multidrug-resistant phenotype.

Transfer of spermatogenesis-related cDNAs into eel testis germ-somatic cell coculture pellets by electroporation: Methods for analysis of gene function

Genes encoding spermatogenesis-related substance (eSRSs) show unique expression patterns during spermatogenesis. To analyze their function, we developed a new assay system using gene transfer techniques combined with coculture of the eel germ-somatic cells. First, we investigated the efficacy of in vitro electroporation transfer of gene into germ-somatic cell pellets using green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene. Second, in order to define the function of the eSRSs, we electrophoretically transferred eel spermatogonial stem cell renewal factor (eSRS34) and eel spermatogenesis-preventing substance (eSRS21) genes into germ-somatic cell pellets. Presence of the transferred cDNA was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, proliferating cells were detected histologically, after labeling with BrdU. Transfer of the eSRS34 gene induced spermatogonial stem cell renewal in the pellets. Moreover, 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) treatment stimulated the proliferation of spermatogonia, which resulted in the appearance of late type B spermatogonia in the pellets. The proliferation of spermatogonia by 11-KT stimulation was suppressed by transfer of the eSRS21 gene. These results indicate that the transferred eSRS34 and 21genes were functional in the pellets. Thus, an efficient in vitro gene transfer technique for coculture system of germ and somatic cell of Japanese eel was established.

Treatment of lentigo maligna with topical imiquimod

A published case report and anecdotal experience suggested that topical imiquimod is an effective treatment for stage 0 melanoma (lentigo maligna). To gauge the efficacy of this therapy, we undertook a trial of topical imiquimod in 30 subjects with histologically confirmed lentigo maligna. Thirty subjects with lentigo maligna were recruited for an open-labelled efficacy trial with daily topical application of imiquimod 5% cream for 3 months. Study subjects were enrolled from the Dermatology service of the University of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma City Veteran's Administration Hospital Dermatology service and from referrals for the study from other practitioners. In order to determine an initial response rate, a four-quadrant biopsy was carried out on all patients 1 month after cessation of treatment, targeting the most clinically and dermatoscopically suspicious areas. Of 28 evaluable subjects who have completed the 3-month treatment phase, 26 (93%) were complete responders and two were treatment failures at the time of the 4-quadrant biopsy. Over 80% of the 28 subjects that completed treatment have been followed for more than 1 year with no relapses. The results of this study demonstrate that topical imiquimod produces a high complete response rate in lentigo maligna when applied daily for 3 months.