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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Outcomes of lung metastasis from pancreatic cancer: A nationwide multicenter analysis

BACKGROUND

Although distant metastasis from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a dismal prognosis, some single center studies reported that lung metastasis has a favorable prognosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of site-specific metastasis after pancreatectomy for PDAC, with a focus on lung metastasis.

METHODS

Data from 117 cases of lung metastasis after pancreatectomy were collected retrospectively from 23 institutions in Japan. To compare the sites of metastasis we also collected the data of 134 patients with liver only metastasis, 67 patients with peritoneal only metastasis and 121 patients with locoregional recurrence alone.

RESULTS

In patients with lung only metastasis, the median time from recurrence to death (RTD) was 23.1 months, which was better in comparison to other sites of recurrence. In lung metastasis group, the patients who underwent pulmonary resection had better long-term outcomes in comparison to those who did not. (RTD: 29.2 vs 15.2, P < .001). In the multivariate analysis, solitary metastasis (HR 5.03; 95% CI 1.195-21.144, P = .022) and postoperative chemotherapy (HR 14.089; 95% CI 1.729-114.77, P = .023) were identified as significant prognostic factors after lung resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical resection is a favorable option for selected patients with a solitary lung metastasis and for whom adjuvant chemotherapy can be administrated.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

[A Case of Radical Resection after CapeOX Therapy for Locally Advanced Sigmoid Colon Cancer with Anemia and Abscess Formation in a Jehovah's Witness]

The patient-a Jehovah's Witness-was a woman in her 60s, with locally advanced sigmoid colon cancer. She had severe anemia, and a computed tomography scan of her abdomen showed a tumor with abscess formation and perforation that had invaded into the left urinary duct and the left ovary, without distant metastasis. It was difficult to perform curative resections without transfusion; therefore, CapeOX therapy was plannedas the neoadjuvant treatment. After 3 courses of CapeOX therapy, the patient's anemia improved, and the tumor and abscess had shrunk. Subsequently, a sigmoidectomy with D3 lymph node dissection, partial resection of the small intestine, and the left adnexectomy, as a radical surgery, were performed without blood transfusion. In cases of concomitant colon cancer with anemia that are treated with highly invasive surgery, it might be necessary to conduct systematic treatment in order to complete non-transfusion therapy.

Right-sided Bochdalek hernia in an elderly adult: a case report with a review of surgical management

Background

Bochdalek hernias are one of the most common types of diaphragmatic hernia, with most cases diagnosed during the neonatal period. In contrast, diagnosis of a Bochdalek hernia in an adult is rare and is typically observed on the left side of the diaphragm. Even more rare is the diagnosis of a right-sided Bochdalek hernia in an adult, where there is concurrent visceral malformation in most cases.

Case presentation

We describe a case of an 89-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed decreased intravenous contrast uptake and thickening of the wall of herniated small intestine through the right side of the diaphragm, which led to the diagnosis of a strangulated diaphragmatic hernia. The patient underwent emergent laparotomy and required a partial resection of the necrotic ileum and a hernia repair with direct closure. Interestingly, in this case, organ malformation was not observed. The patient was discharged approximately 2 weeks after surgery without complication.

Conclusions

Adult right-sided Bochdalek hernia with strangulation in the absence of hepatic atrophy is a rare entity. Considering the severity of this condition, accurate diagnosis and proper treatment are needed. A tailored operative approach is required on an individual case basis.

Totally laparoscopic anterior resection with transvaginal assistance and transvaginal specimen extraction: a technique for natural orifice surgery combined with reduced-port surgery

Background

Natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) has been developed as a means of decreasing the incidence of surgical wound complications. However, NOSE performed using a conventional multiport technique has been reported previously. The current authors performed totally laparoscopic anterior resection with transvaginal specimen extraction (TVSE) using the reduced-port surgery (RPS) technique. The Alexis wound retractor (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA) and Free Access (Top Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) were attached to the transvaginal route for transvaginal assistance and smooth specimen extraction. The authors documented this simple and safe technique and its short-term results.

Methods

Data were prospectively collected for five patients who underwent totally laparoscopic anterior resection with TVSE for colorectal cancer between June 2012 and December 2012. A multiport access device (GelPOINT advanced-access platform; Applied Medical) was inserted into the navel, and a 5-mm port was inserted into the right lower quadrant to be used as a drain site. Transverse transvaginal posterior colpotomy then was performed. One ring of an Alexis ring pair was inserted into the peritoneal cavity through the vagina. The other white ring was placed outside of the vagina and then covered with a Free Access to maintain the pneumoperitoneum for insertion of a 12-mm port. Lymph node dissection and transection of the distal colon were performed with transvaginal assistance. The specimen then was extracted transvaginally. After the Alexis had been removed, the vaginal incision was closed transvaginally. End-to-end colorectal anastomosis was performed using the double-stapling technique.

Results

Transvaginal extraction was completed in all five cases. The median operation time was 235 min. One case was complicated by chyloperitoneum. The median hospital stay was 6 days. Only one patient required intravenous analgesics once on postoperative day 1. All the patients remained disease free.

Conclusion

Totally laparoscopic anterior resection using TVSE with RPS appears to be feasible, safe, and oncologically acceptable for selected cases.

[A case of hyperammonemic encephalopathy related to 5-FU in an aged patient with recurrent colon cancer treated with FOLFIRI therapy]

We report a case of hyperammonemic encephalopathy related to 5-FU in an aged patient with recurrent colon cancer treated with FOLFIRI therapy. An 80-year-old man underwent right hemicolectomy for cecal cancer. After 10 months, surgical resection was performed for its local recurrence. He was then treated with FOLFIRI therapy, and during the fifth course, he presented with a sudden onset of congestive disturbances. Through radiographic examination and laboratory data, only hyperammonemia was found; he was therefore diagnosed with hyperammonemic encephalopathy. By starting branchedamino acid solutions for its treatment, his consciousness and serum ammonia were promptly improved. Hyperammonemic encephalopathy related 5-FU is caused by increasing ammonia production and its metabolic inhibition, and is worsened by renal dysfunction, dehydration, constipation, infections, or body weight loss. On account of the potential decrease of metabolic function of liver and kidney, an aged person tends to have hyperammonnemia more than a youth. Clinicians should be aware of the adverse events associated with hyperammonemia when then administer a large amount of 5-FU to elderly patients.

Video-assisted living donor hemihepatectomy through a 12-cm incision for adult-to-adult liver transplantation

OBJECTIVES

There has been remarkable progress in recent technical innovations for laparoscopic hepatectomy. However, a laparoscopic procedure rarely has been indicated for donation of the liver in living-related liver transplantation (LRLT). Here, we described the technique and the outcome of video-assisted donor hepatectomy (VADH) for adult-to-adult LRLT.

METHODS

For 13 donors in adult-to-adult LRLT, 3 types of major hepatectomy--right hemihepatectomy (3), and left hemihepatectomy, with or without the caudate lobe (10)--were performed through video-assisted procedures; surgical manipulation via ports or via a 12-cm incision and viewing through a laparoscope or through incision were combined and used.

RESULTS

VADH was completed in 13 donors, with a median operation time of 363 +/- 33 minutes and a median blood loss of 302 +/- 191 mL. No complications specific to video-assisted procedures, postoperative bile leak, or bleeding were observed. The restoration of the liver function was smooth, and the use of an analgesic (median: 1.2 times) was reduced, compared with the historical control (median: 3.8 times) that underwent a standard donation of the liver. Currently, all donors are healthy and have returned to their previous activities. The grafts have been functioning well, excluding 3 recipients who succumbed to serious complications unrelated to the video-assisted procedure.

CONCLUSION

We have shown a new method of VADH through a 12-cm laparotomy for adult-to-adult LRLT. This technique is as feasible as standard open donor hepatectomy, with less pain and with improved postoperative symptoms.

[A case of multiple liver metastases of colon cancer with PyNPase-positive successfully treated with 5'-DFUR]

A 75-year-old man was diagnosed with transverse colon cancer. We therefore performed a transverse colectomy. Diagnosis of multiple liver metastases was made by intraoperative palpation, core needle biopsy and postoperative abdominal CT scan. 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR) 800 mg/day was administered orally after the surgery. After 2 months of administration, an abdominal CT scan showed the metastatic lesions of liver were reduced. After 8 months, an abdominal CT scan showed no evidence of liver metastases. Pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PyNPase), an enzyme that converts 5'-DFUR to 5-FU, has an important role in the expression of the anti-tumor activity of 5'-DFUR. Primary specimens of this case were regarded as PyNPase-positive. We think that administration of 5'-DFUR may be a useful treatment for advanced colon cancer that is PyNPase-positive.