Association Between Sense of Coherence, Disease-Specific Symptoms, and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Japanese Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

We examined the associations among disease-related symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and sense of coherence (SOC) in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey involved patients and physicians at 23 hospitals specializing in UC treatment in Japan (December 2019-December 2020). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed using scores on the Mental Health and General Health subscales of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey as outcomes and SOC as the main independent variable. Scores on the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQL) were used to measure the effect of disease-related symptoms. The moderating effect of symptoms on the association between HRQOL and SOC was also tested.

RESULTS

SOC was positively and independently associated with HRQOL (Mental Health: β = 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.24-0.61, P < 0.001; General Health: β = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.23-0.59, P < 0.001). The association of SOC with Mental Health scores did not differ by symptoms, whereas its association with General Health was attenuated by symptoms (interaction term of IBDQ by SOC: β = -0.0082, 95% CI = -0.017 to 0.00064, P = 0.07; that of FIQL by SOC: β = -0.0052, 95% CI = -0.011 to 0.0010, P = 0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

SOC affected mental health independently, and its protective association with general health perception was affected by symptoms. Further research is required to determine the most effective use of SOC in interventions to improve HRQOL in patients with UC.

Endoscopic Lesions of Postoperative Anastomotic Area in Patients With Crohn's Disease in the Biologic Era: A Japanese Multi-Centre Nationwide Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Many patients have endoscopic evidence of recurrent Crohn's disease [CD] at 1 year after intestinal resection. These lesions predict future clinical recurrence. We endoscopically evaluated postoperative anastomotic lesions in CD patients from a large cohort of postoperative CD patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled CD patients who underwent surgical resection between 2008 and 2013 at 19 inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]-specialist institutions. The initial analyses included patients who underwent ileocolonoscopy ~1 year after intestinal resection. Follow-up analyses assessed any changes in the endoscopic findings over time. We evaluated the postoperative endoscopic findings, which were classified into four categories [no lesion, mild, intermediate, severe] at the sites of the anastomotic line and peri-anastomosis.

RESULTS

In total, 267 CD patients underwent postoperative ileocolonoscopy. Postoperative anastomotic lesions were widely detected in index ileocolonoscopy [61.0%] and were more frequently detected in follow-up ileocolonoscopy [74.9%]. Endoscopic severity also increased. Patients with intermediate or severe peri-anastomotic or anastomotic line lesions at the index ileocolonoscopy required significantly more interventions, including endoscopic dilatation or surgery, than patients with mild lesions or no lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Frequent anastomotic lesions were observed at the postoperative index ileocolonoscopy. These gradually increased for subsequent ileocolonoscopy, even in the biologic era. Regarding lesions on the anastomotic line, intermediate lesions on the anastomotic line [e.g. irregular or deep ulcers] might be considered recurrent disease, and mild lesions [e.g. linear superficial ulcers] might be considered non-recurrent disease. Prospective studies are needed to resolve this issue, including treatment enhancement.

Crohn's Disease-Associated Anorectal Cancer Has a Poor Prognosis With High Local Recurrence: A Subanalysis of the Nationwide Japanese Study

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major life-threatening complications in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Previous studies of CD-associated CRC (CD-CRC) have involved only small numbers of patients, and no large series have been reported from Asia. The aim of this study was to clarify the prognosis and clinicopathological features of CD-CRC compared with sporadic CRC.

METHODS

A large nationwide database was used to identify patients with CD-CRC (n = 233) and sporadic CRC (n = 129,783) over a 40-year period, from 1980 to 2020. Five-year overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and clinicopathological characteristics were investigated. The prognosis of CD-CRC was further evaluated in groups divided by colon cancer and anorectal cancer (RC). Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to adjust for confounding by unbalanced covariables.

RESULTS

Compared with sporadic cases, patients with CD-CRC were younger; more often had RC, multiple lesions, and mucinous adenocarcinoma; and had lower R0 resection rates. Five-year OS was worse for CD-CRC than for sporadic CRC (53.99% vs 71.17%, P < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that CD was associated with significantly poorer survival (hazard ratio 2.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.54-3.62, P < 0.0001). Evaluation by tumor location showed significantly worse 5-year OS and RFS of CD-RC compared with sporadic RC. Recurrence was identified in 39.57% of CD-RC cases and was mostly local.

DISCUSSION

Poor prognosis of CD-CRC is attributable primarily to RC and high local recurrence. Local control is indispensable to improving prognosis.

Perioperative Venous Thromboembolism in Ulcerative Colitis: A Multicenter Prospective Study in Japan

Background

Recently, the prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in Asian patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is gradually increasing. IBD surgery is a well-recognized risk factor for VTE. However, there are no prospective studies about VTE after surgery for ulcerative colitis (UC) in Asia. This multicenter prospective study aimed to clarify the prevalence and risk factors for perioperative VTE in UC surgery in Japan.

Methods

A total of 134 patients with UC were included from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014. Preoperative screening was performed in all patients. In the perioperative period, standard VTE prophylaxis based on risk assessment was administered. The prevalence of pre- and postoperative VTE, its risk factors, and mortality rates were investigated.

Results

Perioperative deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were diagnosed in 15 (11.1%) and 1 patient (0.7%), respectively. All patients were asymptomatic. No surgery-related deaths were found (mortality rate 0%). Seven patients (5.2%) were diagnosed, and 8 (6.4%) during postoperative follow-up by ultrasonography or computed tomography. Forty-seven percent of VTE cases was developed preoperatively. A preoperative hospital length stay of over 5 days was a significant risk factor [P = 0.04; odds ratio: 8.26 (1.06-64.60)] for preoperative VTE. Postoperative deep vein thrombosis occurred in 8 of the 127 patients (6.4%). Six out of these 8 (75.0%) occurred after postoperative day 14. Perioperative blood transfusion was a significant risk factor [P = 0.04; odds ratio: 8.26 (1.06-64.60)] for postoperative VTE.

Conclusion

A VTE-conscious perioperative management is as necessary in Asia as in Western countries.

[A Case of Cytomegalovirus Reactivation after Chemoradiotherapy for Esophageal Cancer]

An 80-year-old man visited our hospital because of abdominal distension and epigastralgia. He was diagnosed esophageal cancer(Mt, SCC, T3N0M0, Stage Ⅱ). Because he was elderly, he received chemoradiotherapy(CRT)with S-1. At 54 Gy/27 Fr, he was admitted to the hospital because of cough exacerbation, fever, and food intake loss. A chest and abdominal CT showed a pneumonia pattern. First, antibiotics were started for suspected bacterial pneumonia. Nevertheless, elevation of inflammatory reactions and continuous fever were observed. As interstitial pneumonia was suspected, we started to administer an injection of prednisolone 60 mg. His respiratory symptoms were improved. However, we observed that disseminated erythema of the trunk spread throughout the body and liver enzymes further increased. As blood examination revealed elevated CMV-IgG antibody and C7-HRP positive, we diagnosed cytomegalovirus(CMV)reactivation. Administration of ganciclovir improved liver damage and disseminated erythema. He discharged our hospital while the steroid dose was reduced and valganciclovir continued administrating. The therapeutic effect of esophageal cancer was partial response(PR). We are following his symptoms and CT scan while adjusting the steroid dose. This is a rare case of CMV reactivation due to immunosuppression caused by steroids therapy during CRT against esophageal cancer. We should be aware of CMV infection during CRT and steroid therapy.

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy using the transanal vacuum test for complete rectal prolapse

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy was performed in 84 patients with complete rectal prolapse from January 2016 to December 2019. In the initial 27 cases, three cases had recurrence, especially in cases of a long rectal prolapse measuring over 10 cm. In order to avoid recurrence, the transanal vacuum test was performed following the dissection of the rectovaginal septum towards the pelvic floor. The disappearance of rectal prolapse is confirmed by the intraoperative transanal vacuum test. When the posterior wall of the rectum showed the presence of prolapse according to the transanal vacuum test, then laparoscopic ventral rectopexy was converted to laparoscopic posterior rectopexy. In 94 cases in which laparoscopic ventral rectopexy was attempted, laparoscopic ventral rectopexy was completed in 57 cases, while the procedure was converted to laparoscopic posterior rectopexy in 37 cases. The recurrence rate following laparoscopic ventral rectopexy decreased from 11.1% (3/27) to 1.7% (1/57) after beginning to use the transanal vacuum test. Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy using the transanal vacuum test is therefore considered to be a useful technique to reduce postoperative recurrence.

Efficacy of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Followed by Delayed Primary Closure for Abdominal Wounds in Patients with Lower Gastrointestinal Perforations: Multicenter Prospective Study

Objectives:

The efficacy of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and its application to severely contaminated wounds sustained during surgery remain to be established. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of utilizing NPWT until delayed primary closure (DPC) by assessing the infection rates in patients with lower gastrointestinal perforations.

Methods:

This prospective multicenter cohort study included 56 patients that underwent abdominal surgery for lower gastrointestinal perforations in eight institutions, from February 2016 to May 2017. All patients received NPWT after surgery before attempting DPC. The extent of peritonitis was categorized according to Hinchey's classification. Patients in stages II-IV were included.

Results:

Five patients had surgical site infections (SSIs) during NPWT and did not receive a DPC (9%). Of the 51 patients that received DPCs, 44 had no infection (91%) and 7 developed SSIs after the DPC (13.7%). For stages II, III, and IV, the SSI rates were 0%, 22.6%, and 35.7%, respectively; the median (range) times to wound healing were 15 (10-36), 19 (11-99), and 19 (10-53) days, respectively. There were no significant differences between the stages.

Conclusions:

NPWT followed by DPC resulted in low infection rates in each peritonitis stage. This approach appears promising as an alternative to traditional DPC alone for treating lower gastrointestinal perforations.

Efficacy and safety of anticoagulant prophylaxis for prevention of postoperative venous thromboembolism in Japanese patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery

AIM

To investigate the efficacy and safety of anticoagulant prophylaxis to prevent postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) during laparoscopic colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery, which is unknown in Japanese patients.

METHODS

We conducted this randomized controlled trial at nine institutions in Japan from 2011 to 2015. It included 302 eligible patients aged 20 years or older who underwent elective laparoscopic surgery for CRC. Patients were randomly assigned to an intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) therapy group or to an IPC + anticoagulation therapy group. Anticoagulation therapy comprised fondaparinux or enoxaparin for postoperative VTE prophylaxis. Postoperative VTE was diagnosed based on enhanced multi-detector helical computed tomography. The primary endpoint was VTE incidence, including asymptomatic cases, the secondary endpoint was incidence of major bleeding, and we conducted an intention-to-treat analysis. This study is registered in UMINCTR (UMIN000008435).

RESULTS

Postoperative VTE incidence was 5.10% with IPC therapy (n = 157) and 2.76% with IPC + anticoagulant therapy (n = 145; P = .293). We identified no symptomatic VTE cases. The major bleeding rates were 1.27% with IPC alone and 1.38% with the combination (P = .936). The overall bleeding rates were 7.69% for enoxaparin and 13.6% for fondaparinux (P = .500), and there were no bleeding-related deaths.

CONCLUSION

Anticoagulant prophylaxis did not reduce the incidence of VTE and the incidence of major bleeding was comparable between the two groups. Usefulness of perioperative anticoagulation was not demonstrated in this study. Pharmacological prophylaxis must be restricted in Japanese patients with higher risk of VTE.

Survival outcomes of appendiceal mucinous neoplasms by histological type and stage: Analysis of 266 cases in a multicenter collaborative retrospective clinical study

AIM

Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms are rare, and thus the literature is sparse with regard to histological types, staging, and prognosis. In particular, it is unclear how long-term outcome may differ between mucinous adenocarcinomas and other adenocarcinomas. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the histological types and stages of appendiceal neoplasms, and to evaluate the prognostic impacts of these factors in patients with mucinous adenocarcinomas and non-mucinous adenocarcinomas.

METHODS

Patients with appendiceal tumors diagnosed between 2007 and 2016 were retrospectively identified from the databases of 19 institutions in the Clinical Study Group of Osaka University, Colorectal Group.

RESULTS

A total of 266 patients with appendiceal tumors were identified, of whom 130 had pathologically diagnosed adenocarcinomas, including 57 with mucinous adenocarcinomas and 73 with non-mucinous adenocarcinomas. Five-year overall survival (OS) rates were 64.5% for mucinous adenocarcinomas, and 49.0% for non-mucinous adenocarcinomas. OS was significantly shorter among patients with non-mucinous adenocarcinomas compared to mucinous adenocarcinomas. Among patients with mucinous adenocarcinomas, 5-year OS rates were 53.6% for stage 0/I, 82.6% for II/III, and 48.4% for IV. Among patients with non-mucinous adenocarcinomas, 5-year OS rates were 90.9% for stage 0/I, 68.8% for II/III, and 7.1% for IV. Analysis of patients with stage IV disease revealed significantly shorter OS among patients with non-mucinous adenocarcinomas compared to mucinous adenocarcinomas.

CONCLUSION

Our present findings showed a better prognosis in patients with mucinous adenocarcinomas compared to non-mucinous adenocarcinomas. In this setting, Union for International Cancer Control staging was associated with prognosis for non-mucinous adenocarcinomas, but not for mucinous adenocarcinomas.

[Three Cases of Advanced Gastric Cancer with Peritoneal Dissemination Successfully Treated with S-1 and Docetaxel Combination Chemotherapy]

Case 1: A 74-year-old man underwent total gastrectomy for gastric cancer, but peritoneal dissemination(P1c)was con- firmed intraoperatively in July 2011. Postoperatively, S-1/docetaxel(DTX)combination chemotherapy was administered; after 32 courses of treatment, S-1 was continued as monotherapy. However, in November 2013, CT scan showed a portal vein tumor. We modified the chemotherapy regimen, but he died 3 years and 7 months after the operation. Case 2: A 77-year-old man underwent distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination(P1b)in September 2013. He was treated with S-1/DTX/trastuzumab(Tmab)combination chemotherapy. After 5 courses of treatment, S-1was continued as monotherapy until October 2015. He has since survived without recurrence. Case 3: A 75-year-old woman was diagnosed with gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination(P1c)by laparotomy in September 2014. She was treated with S-1/DTX combination chemotherapy. After 23 courses of treatment, chemotherapy was discontinued according to the patient's wish. She died 2 years and 6 months after the surgery. We suggest S-1/DTX combination chemotherapy as an option for advanced gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination.

[Experience of Perioperative Status for Super Elderly Colorectal Patients in Our Facility]

We examined the perioperative situation according to estimation of physiologic ability and surgical stress(E-PASS)score of 35 colon cancer patients aged 85 years or older who underwent operation in our facility. The incidence of Grade 2 and Grade 3 complications according to Clavien-Dindo classifications increased with age. The preoperative risk score(PRS)also increased with age; however, the surgical stress score(SSS)did not. The comprehensive risk score(CRS)also increased with age. Because the PRS was already high in these elderly patients, since 2016, we implemented methods to lower the SSS to reduce patient risk, including decreasing the operative time and increasing the laparoscope rate. Compared to before these efforts, the SSS decreased, resulting in a reduced incidence of Grade 3 complications.

Long-term outcomes following restorative proctocolectomy ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in pediatric ulcerative colitis patients: Multicenter national study in Japan

BACKGROUND

Few studies have investigated surgical outcomes following a colectomy in pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine long-term outcomes in a large cohort of pediatric patients who underwent proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for UC.

METHODS

Pediatric patients (<17 years old) who underwent surgery at 12 different hospitals in Japan between May 1979 and March 2015 were included in this study. Information was obtained by the use of a questionnaire survey.

RESULTS

There were 113 (53.3%) male and 99 (46.7%) female pediatric patients. The most common indication for elective surgery was failure of medical management, whereas emergency surgery was carried out for fulminant cases. A hand-sewn IPAA was used with a mucosectomy in 112 (52.8%), stapled anastomosis in 93 (43.9%), and not specified in 7 (3.3%) patients. Small bowel obstruction and surgical site infection were the most frequent early postoperative complications (POC), whereas pouchitis, small bowel obstruction, and perianal fistula were frequent late POC. The most common late POC was pouchitis, found in 38 (17.9%) of the patients, whereas pouch failure was noted in 11 patients at the latest follow-up examination. Cumulative pouch survival rate after 10 years was 91.7%. There were no significant differences regarding gender or anastomotic procedure in relation to cumulative pouch survival rate.

CONCLUSION

To avoid pouch failure following an IPAA procedure, it is important to recognize that pouchitis or an anal fistula may lead to this condition in pediatric UC patients.

Pouch functional outcomes after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal-pouch reconstruction in patients with ulcerative colitis: Japanese multi-center nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

Although several complications capable of causing pouch failure may develop after restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) for ulcerative colitis (UC), the incidences and causes are conflicting and vary according to country, race and institution. To avoid pouch failure, this study aimed to evaluate the rate of pouch failure and its risk factors in UC patients over the past decade via a nationwide cohort study.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, observational, multicenter study that included 13 institutions in Japan. Patients who underwent RPC between January 2005 and December 2014 were included. The characteristics and backgrounds of the patients before and during surgery and their postoperative courses and complications were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 2376 patients were evaluated over 6.7 ± 3.5 years of follow-up. Twenty-seven non-functional pouches were observed, and the functional pouch rate was 98.9% after RPC. Anastomotic leakage (odds ratio, 9.1) was selected as a risk factor for a non-functional pouch. The cumulative pouch failure rate was 4.2%/10 years. A change in diagnosis to Crohn's disease/indeterminate colitis (hazard ratio, 13.2) was identified as an independent risk factor for pouch failure.

CONCLUSION

The significant risk factor for a non-functional pouch was anastomotic leakage. The optimal staged surgical procedure should be selected according to a patient's condition to avoid anastomotic failure during RPC. Changes in diagnosis after RPC confer a substantial risk of pouch failure. Additional cohort studies are needed to obtain an understanding of the long-standing clinical course of and proper treatment for pouch failure.

[Indication of Palliative Gastrojejunostomy for Unresectable Advanced Gastric Cancer with Obstruction from the View Point of Preoperative Inflammatory Biomarkers]

Palliative surgery for advanced gastric cancer with serious symptoms such as hemorrhage or obstruction may be meaningful in the point of improving quality of life(QOL). However, the meaning of palliative gastrojejunostomy for unresectable gastric cancer with obstruction is controversial. We retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness of gastrojejunostomy for unresectable gastric cancer with obstruction using preoperative inflammatory biomarkers. Blood lymphocyte monocyte ratio(LMR), neu- trophill ymphocyte ratio(NLR)and C-reactive protein/albumin ratio(CAR)were analyzed as inflammatory biomarkers in this study. The percentage of improvement in food intake, discharge from the hospitaland performance of chemotherapy were significantly higher in the patients without any preoperative inflammatory reaction compared to those with any inflammation. Moreover, the survival of the patients without any inflammatory change was significantly longer compared to those with any inflammation. In conclusion, preoperative status of inflammation may be a useful marker to predict the effect and outcome of palliative gastrojejunostomy for unresectable gastric cancer with obstruction. Especially when there is any inflammation, the surgical indication should be carefully judged.

[A Case of Surgical Treatment of Pulmonary Metastasis from Gastric Cancer]

An 87-year-old woman was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer and primary lung cancer in November 2012. She underwent distal gastrectomy for the gastric cancer in December 2012, and right upper wedge resection for the primary lung cancer in February 2013. After surgery, the patient received S-1 chemotherapy. However, she subsequently experienced adverse effects, and so S-1 chemotherapy was stopped. In February 2016, a computed tomographic scan of the chest showed a nodular shadow at S8 in the left lung. Because the nodular shadow gradually increased in size, we suspected that the diagnosis would be either primary lung cancer or metastatic lung cancer arising from gastric cancer. In July 2016, we performed left lower wedge resection. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen resulted in a diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer arising from gastric cancer. After pulmonary resection, the patient had no recurrent tumor. It is thought that surgery is an effective treatment for solitary pulmonary metastasis arising from gastric cancer.

[A Difficult Case of Invagination of the Protruding Colon Cancer]

A 88-year-old female suffered of ileus due to advanced transverse colon cancer. Pneumonia was observed and nutrient condition was bad. Operation was found to be difficult because of the bad condition with complication on this present time. Self-expandable metallic stent(SEMS)was inserted to extend obstruction. But SEMS dropped out next day and SEMS, thicker than previous one, was reinserted. Main tumor was huge protruding tumor and the reason of ileus was invagination of the cancer. The fixation of SEMS was not so good, but the generalcondition was improved while a week after reinsertion of SEMS. Laparoscopic colon partial resection was performed safely. Bridge to surgery with SEMS for the case of invagination of protruding colon cancer was thought to be useful.

[Subtotal Esophagectomy for Mediastinal Lymph Node Oligo-Recurrence of ALK-Positive Lung Adenocarcinoma - A Case Report]

The patient was a 54-year-old woman with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive stage III B lung cancer. She received 4 courses of carboplatin(CBDCA)plus paclitaxel(PTX)plus bevacizumab(Bev)chemotherapy and crizotinib. Chemotherapy reduced the size of the primary site and mediastinal lymphadenopathy; however, the right supraclavicular and subcarinal lymph nodes were enlarged again during crizotinib treatment. Because it was an oligo-recurrence, we performed radiotherapy for these lymph nodes and changed systemic chemotherapy to alectinib. After 16 months, the patient exhibited esophageal stenosis due to subcarinal lymphadenopathy. We performed a subtotal esophagectomy, which improved the quality of life, and she was continued on an oral treatment of alectinib. Therefore, we suggest that an invasive surgical treatment is useful for oligo-recurrence cases.

Risk factors of small bowel obstruction following total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis with diverting loop-ileostomy for ulcerative colitis

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) often occurs after total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis with diverting loop‐ileostomy for ulcerative colitis. Little is known about the association between SBO and surgical procedures for diverting loop‐ileostomy. We conducted a multicenter, retrospective questionnaire survey. Unlinkable anonymized data on ileostomy procedures and ileostomy‐related complications including SBO were collected from institutions specializing in surgery for inflammatory bowel disease. In total, 515 patients undergoing total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis with loop‐ileostomy among 1022 patients with ulcerative colitis undergoing surgery during a 3‐year period between 2012 and 2014 were analyzed. Twenty‐nine patients without information on complications were excluded. Incidence of ileostomy‐related complications and factors associated with the development of small bowel obstruction were determined in 486 patients. The most common complications were parastomal dermatitis (n=169, 34.8%), SBO (n=111, 22.8%), mucocutaneous dehiscence (n=59, 12.1%), stoma prolapse (n=21, 4.3%), parastomal hernia (n=12, 2.5%), and stoma retraction (n=11, 2.3%). Incidence of small bowel obstruction was significantly higher in patients with distance from the ileal pouch to the ileostomy of less than 30 cm and in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Procedures for diverting loop‐ileostomy after surgery for ulcerative colitis varied among institutions. Incidence of small bowel obstruction was high after total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis with diverting loop‐ileostomy. Shorter distance between the pouch and the stoma and the laparoscopic surgery were risk factors for SBO in univariate analysis.

Detection of Anorectal Cancer among Patients with Crohn's Disease Undergoing Surveillance with Various Biopsy Methods

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease. The risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increased in patients with CD. In Japan, anorectal cancer accounted for >60% of CRCs associated with CD. These anorectal cancers are typically diagnosed in advanced stages, because a surveillance protocol remains to be established. This study aimed to assess various biopsy methods for detecting CRC.

METHODS

This study included 72 patients (113 examinations) with CD who underwent cancer surveillance between August 2008 and October 2015. Surveillances were performed with a core needle biopsy in perianal regions (54 cases), endoscopic biopsy (90 cases), and excisional biopsy (34 cases). When it was difficult to perform colonoscopy in an outpatient setting, due to perianal pain or stricture, we employed examinations under anesthesia for surveillance.

RESULTS

The total CRC detection rate was 6.19% (7 examinations). CRC detection rates were 1.85% (1 case) with core needle biopsy, 5.56% (5 cases) with endoscopic biopsy, and 5.88% (2 cases) with excisional biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that it was important to employ various biopsy methods in cancer surveillance to detect CRC among patients with CD.

Micrometastasis volume in stage II colorectal cancer: A prospective study by Clinical Study Group of Osaka University (CSGO)

597

Background: We reported in a retrospective study that the presence of micrometastasis in lymph nodes (LNs), when assessed by CEA-specific RT-PCR, is a significant prognostic factor in stage II colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical value of micrometastasis in a prospective multicenter trial. Methods: From November 2001 to December 2005, a total of 419 CRC cases were preoperatively registered at a central data center. Of them, 315 node-negative stage II CRC were enrolled. After RNA quality check, 304 CRC cases were analyzed for CEA mRNA in LNs by both conventional RT-PCR (a band method) and quantitative RT-PCR. Long-term prognosis of the patients was determined by each method. Results: A positive band for CEA mRNA was detected in 73 (24.0%) of 304 patients. Post-operative adjuvant chemotherapy was applied in 31 CEA band-positive cases with an oral 5-FU derivative HCFU (1-hexylcarbamoyl-5-fluorouracil) for one year, while chemotherapy was not administered to CEA band-negative group. Multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that a high micrometastasis volume (High-MMV, n = 95) was an independent poor prognostic factor for 5-year DFS ( P= 0.001) and 5-year OS ( P= 0.016). Conclusions: This prospective clinical trial demonstrates that micrometastasis volume is a useful marker in identifying patients who are at high or low risk for recurrence of stage II CRC.

[A Case of Successful Treatment of Liver Metastases from Gastric Cancer with Chemotherapy]

A 69-year-old man was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer accompanied by multiple liver metastases in April 2009. Because of worsening anemia due to bleeding from the primary tumor, we performed a distal gastrectomy. After gastrecto- my, he underwent S-1/CDDP combination chemotherapy. After 5 courses of chemotherapy, the size of the liver metastases was reduced. S-1/irinotecan combination chemotherapy was administered as second-line chemotherapy, but he developed grade 3 diarrhea, and the S-1/irinotecan combination chemotherapy was immediately stopped.Weekly paclitaxel chemother- apy was administered as third-line chemotherapy, and S-1/docetaxel combination chemotherapy was administered as fourth-line chemotherapy. After 11 courses of S-1/docetaxel combination chemotherapy, the liver metastases could not be detected by CT and PET-CT in October 2012, and it was concluded that a complete response(CR)had been obtained. He receive maintenance therapy with S-1 chemotherapy for 10 months. Now, he is alive without chemotherapy and has maintained a CR for 4 years 8 months after achieving a CR.

[Liver Metastases from Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor(P-NET)Treated with Surgery and Chemotherapy]

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor(P-NET)often involve liver metastases. We report a 52-year-old woman who underwent distal pancreatectomy for a pancreatic body tumor with a diameter of 8 cm. The pathological findings were P-NETG2 . After 1 year 6 months, a liver metastasis was detected. We performed partial hepatectomy. The pathological findings showed a Ki-67 index of 23%. After surgery, CPT-11 plus CDDP therapy and AMR therapy were administered.

CONCLUSION

Multimodal therapies should be considered for P-NETliver metastases based on the Ki-67 index.

[Three Cases of Gastric Cancer with Rare Presentation of Oncologic Emergency]

We report 3 cases of gastric cancer with rare presentations of oncologic emergency. Case 1 involved cardiac tamponade caused by mediastinitis-induced pericarditis. Metastatic lymph nodes became enlarged after total gastrectomy and invaded the esophagojejunal anastomotic region. Then, a fistula to the mediastinum occurred, resulting in mediastinitis. The drainage was efficacious, but the patient died of cancer 1 month after admission. Case 2 involved cardiac tamponade caused by invasion of metastatic peritoneal tumor into the pericardium. The drainage was successful, but the patient died of cancer 2 weeks after drainage. Case 3 involved perforation of the stomach during the third course of chemotherapy. A total gastrectomy was urgently performed. Thereafter, chemotherapy was continued. However, the patient died of cancer 6 months later. These oncologic emergencies should be considered, although they are rare.

Safety and efficacy of an "enhanced recovery after surgery" protocol for patients undergoing colon cancer surgery: a multi-institutional controlled study

PURPOSE

The aim of this multi-institutional study was to prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol for colonic surgery.

METHODS

The subjects of this study were 320 patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade I or II physical status. Patients underwent elective open or laparoscopic colonic resection or high anterior resection between April 2011 and January 2014 at one of six institutions. Three hospitals implemented an ERAS protocol (n = 159), and three administered conventional care (n = 161). The primary outcome measure was the surgical complication rate.

RESULTS

Most operations, irrespective of group, were performed laparoscopically. The incidence of a surgical complication was 17.0 % in the ERAS group vs. 16.1 % in the conventional group (P = 0.842), in which several non-surgical complications also arose. Oral food intake was implemented earlier for the ERAS group vs. the conventional group, after a median (range) of 1 (1-31) vs. 3 (1-9) days for the ERAS vs. conventional care groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The median length of postoperative hospital stay was reduced by 5.5 days for the ERAS group, being 8.5 (5-41) vs. 14 (7-56) days for the ERAS vs. conventional care groups, respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This multi-institutional controlled study clearly demonstrated that an ERAS protocol was efficient, without increasing the complication risk.

The Dipeptide Alanyl-Glutamine Prevents Intestinal Mucosal Atrophy in Parenterally Fed Rats

This study was performed to determine whether the addition of alanyl-glutamine (Ala-Gln) can prevent intestinal mucosal atrophy induced by standard solution of total parenteral nutrition (S-TPN). Forty-one male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250 g were randomly divided into four groups: group I was killed after overnight fasting; group II received S-TPN. The other groups received S-TPN supplemented with amino acids other than glutamine (group III) or supplemented with Ala-Gln 2 g/100 mL (group IV); both solutions were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. After 1 week of TPN the rats were killed, and the duodenum, proximal jejunum, mid-small bowel, and distal ileum were obtained for morphologic and functional analysis. Weight gain did not differ significantly among these four groups, and there was no difference in nitrogen balance between groups III and IV. Serum glutamine in group IV (102.8 +/- 13.3 mumol/dL) was significantly increased (p less than .05) compared with groups I, II, and III (66.2 +/- 3.9, 55.7 +/- 7.8, and 61.3 +/- 10.8 mumol/dL, respectively). Mucosal wet weight, protein, RNA, sucrase, and maltase of group IV were significantly increased (p less than .05) compared with groups II and III. Villus height was significantly increased (p less than .05) in the jejunum of group IV rats compared with groups II and III, but not in any other segments of the intestine. No significant changes were observed in crypt depth among all groups. Diamine oxidase in groups II, III, and IV was significantly decreased (p less than .05) compared with group I in all segments except for the ileum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Current State of and Problems Related to Cancer of the Intestinal Tract Associated with Crohn's Disease in Japan

BACKGROUND/AIM

Cancer of the intestinal tract (small and large intestine) associated with Crohn's disease has a low incidence but can be fatal if it develops. Thus, the key question is how to deal with this type of cancer. The current study surveyed major medical facilities that treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surgically in Japan in order to examine the clinical features of cancer of the intestinal tract associated with Crohn's disease and explore ways to deal with this cancer in the future.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixteen major medical facilities that treat IBD surgically were surveyed regarding cancer of the intestinal tract associated with Crohn's disease. The medical facilities had treated 3,454 patients with Crohn's disease, 122 of whom had developed intestinal cancer. The medical facilities were surveyed regarding those 122 patients.

RESULTS

The incidence of intestinal cancer associated with Crohn's disease has increased yearly. Cancer most often developed in the left side of the colon and, particularly, in the rectum and anal canal. Seventy-six percent of cases were diagnosed preoperatively, 4% were diagnosed intraoperatively, while the remaining 20% were diagnosed pathologically after surgery. The most prevalent histological type of cancer was mucinous carcinoma (50%). Forty-two percent of cancers were differentiated, with 4% being poorly differentiated. The surgical procedure performed most often (67%) was abdominoperineal resection. The 5-year survival rate by stage was 88% for Stage I, 68% for Stage II, 71% for Stage IIIa, 25% for Stage IIIb and 0% for Stage IV. Overall, the 5-year survival rate was 52%.

CONCLUSION

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer associated with Crohn's disease had an incidence of 3.5%, but also involved a poor prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of 52%. Early detection through surveillance is crucial to improving the prognosis for patients. However, surveillance of the intestinal tract with endoscopy or contrast studies is technically and diagnostically hampered by Crohn's disease and intestinal strictures. A biopsy of the anal canal, a common site of cancer, can readily be performed and constitutes the first step in surveillance.

Comparison of bleeding risks related to venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in laparoscopic vs open colorectal cancer surgery: a multicenter study in Japanese patients

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism is the most common preventable cause of hospital death. The objective of this study was to clarify risk factors for postoperative bleeding related to thromboprophylaxis after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.

METHODS

The study was conducted at 23 Japanese institutions and included patients with colorectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic or open surgery followed by fondaparinux treatment. We performed a retrospective analysis from a prospectively maintained database. We used multivariate analyses to evaluate clinical risk factors for prophylaxis-related bleeding events.

RESULTS

After multivariate analysis, male gender, intraoperative blood loss of less than 25 mL, and a preoperative platelet count below 15 × 10⁴/μL were found to be independent risk factors in the laparoscopic surgery group. Only the preoperative platelet count was an independent risk factor in the open surgery group.

CONCLUSIONS

Different prophylactic treatments for postoperative venous thromboembolism may be necessary in laparoscopic vs open surgery for colorectal cancer.

[Two Cases of Bowel Perforation during Chemotherapy with Bevacizumab to Metastatic Rectal Cancer]

Case 1: A male patient in his 60's who had rectal cancer and liver metastases underwent Hartmann's operation in January 2009. In April 2009, he received chemotherapy with modified FOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab as second-line treatment. Thirteen days later, he complained of abdominal pain and visited the emergency department. Computed tomography(CT)revealed gastrointestinal tract perforation. He underwent emergency surgery. However, dirty brownish ascites was observed, and the perforation point of the gastrointestinal tract could not be found. We suspected perforation of the colon and created an artificial anus in the terminal ileum. After the surgery, his condition improved. Case 2: A male patient in his 60's who had rectal cancer underwent Miles' operation in March 2005. In February 2010, CT revealed local recurrence in the presacral region. After radiotherapy, he received chemotherapy with CapeOX plus bevacizumab. During the course of the chemotherapy, he was admitted for upper abdominal pain and fever. He was diagnosed with a perforation of the transverse colon and underwent emergency surgery. After the surgery, drainage was needed for peritonitis, for about 1 month. At 93 days after the surgery, he was discharged. Gastrointestinal tract perforation is one of the most serious adverse events associated with bevacizumab. To avoid death caused by serious adverse events, medical staff and patient orientation or education on the possible serious adverse event is very important.

[The Current Status of Palliative Care for Patients with Advanced Cancer in Nishinomiya City]

It is very important for advanced cancer patients who receive palliative care to select appropriate places to stay during the end-of-life period. We reviewed the cases of 147 patients who were referred to palliative care services from our hospital. Forty-four patients(30%)were referred to palliative care facilities, and 103 patients(70%)received palliative care in their homes. Fifty-two patients(47%)died at a palliative care facility, 41(37%)died at home, and 18(16%)died at our hospital. The proportion of patients who died at home was three times the number of people who wanted to die at home, according to a Japan National questionnaire. To increase cooperation between regional hospitals and home palliative care services, we attended meetings and conferences conducted by the Nishinomiya City Medical Association. As a result of these activities, we think that the number of patients who die at home has increased.

[A Case of Successful Treatment of Metachronous Liver Metastasis from Gastric Cancer with Hepatectomy]

A 77-year-old man was found to have advanced gastric cancer and underwent total gastrectomy (pT4aN2H0P0M0, Stage ⅢB). Two years after gastrectomy, we found an elevated tumor marker level, and a liver metastasis appeared in segment 5 (20 mm in diameter). He was treated with S-1/CDDP combination chemotherapy. After 2 courses of chemotherapy, the tumor marker level kept rising and a CT scan detected a progressive tumor. S-1/irinotecan combination chemotherapy was administered as second-line chemotherapy. After 6 courses of chemotherapy, the size of the liver metastasis was reduced and the tumor marker level normalized. Because lymph node metastasis or peritoneal recurrence was observed, a partial resection of the liver (S5) was performed. After the operation, he was treated with S-1 chemotherapy again for 1 year and has had no recurrence.

Has widespread use of biologic and immunosuppressant therapy for ulcerative colitis affected surgical trends? Results of a questionnaire survey of surgical institutions in Japan

PURPOSE

The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between the introduction of biologic and immunosuppressant therapy and the number of patients undergoing surgery for ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

A questionnaire survey about patients undergoing surgery for UC was sent to 26 teaching hospitals throughout Japan. The questionnaire period spanned from 2008 to 2013, to account for the introduction of tacrolimus (2009) and infliximab (2010).

RESULTS

The total number of patients who underwent surgery was 297, 291, 273, 255, 300, and 305 in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 2012, and 2013, respectively. The emergency surgery rate remained stable at 32-34 % each year. The proportion of patients who underwent surgery for cancer increased from 13.8 % in 2008 to 20 % in 2013. In 2013, 41, 38, and 6 % of patients who underwent surgery had received treatment with a biologic, tacrolimus, and cyclosporine, respectively. No institution reported an increase in postoperative complications among patients treated with immunosuppressive drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of patients undergoing surgery decreased temporarily soon after infliximab and tacrolimus first became widely available, but subsequently increased again. The emergency surgery rate remained unchanged throughout the study period. These data show that immunosuppressive drugs have had little effect on the risk of postoperative complications.

Influence of nutritional status on the therapeutic effect of infliximab in patients with Crohn's disease

PURPOSE

Crohn's disease (CD) is a refractory inflammatory bowel disease of unknown etiology, frequently complicated by malnutrition. It is thought that the delayed wound healing associated with this malnutrition in CD patients might adversely affect the therapeutic benefits of infliximab (IFX). Therefore, we investigated the effects of nutritional status on IFX treatment.

METHODS

We assessed nutritional status and CD activity when IFX therapy was initiated and following the third dose, 6 weeks later. Nutritional status was assessed using the body mass index (BMI) and nutritional risk index (NRI), whereas CD activity was assessed using the CD activity index (CDAI).

RESULTS

All patients with a BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m(2) at the time of IFX therapy met the effective criteria for the CDAI, and IFX treatment was considered responsive in these patients. Furthermore, IFX treatment was responsive, with a high level of effectiveness, in all five subjects (31.3 %) with NRI scores of 97.5 and above with no risk of malnutrition (p = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that nutritional status does influence the therapeutic effect of IFX in CD patients. The response rate to IFX treatment thus could be improved by optimizing the nutritional status. We recommend comprehensive nutritional assessment and intervention prior to IFX treatment schedules.

Serum fucosylated haptoglobin in chronic liver diseases as a potential biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma development

BACKGROUND

Fucosylation is one of the most important glycosylation events involved in cancer and inflammation. We previously developed a lectin antibody ELISA kit to measure fucosylated haptoglobin (Fuc-Hpt), which we identified as a novel cancer biomarker. In this study, we investigated Fuc-Hpt as a biomarker in chronic liver diseases, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

We measured serum Fuc-Hpt levels using our ELISA kit in 318 patients with chronic liver diseases, including 145 chronic hepatitis (CH) patients, 81 liver cirrhosis (LC) patients, and 92 HCC patients. During a long-term follow-up period of 7 years (1996-2003), Fuc-Hpt levels were measured at three different time points in 19 HCC patients. Serum Fuc-Hpt levels were also examined with a short-term follow-up period of 3 years (2009-2012) in 13 HCC patients.

RESULTS

Fuc-Hpt levels increased with liver disease progression. Patients with LC and HCC showed significantly increased Fuc-Hpt levels in comparison to CH patients or healthy volunteers. Fuc-Hpt levels tended to be higher in HCC patients than in LC patients. Fuc-Hpt was better than α-fetoprotein (AFP) and AFP-L3 for predicting HCC [diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound] in LC patients with long-term follow-up. More than 80% of LC patients with long-term follow-up showed increased Fuc-Hpt during hepatocarcinogenesis, and 38% of early-stage HCC patients with short-term follow-up showed a gradual increase in Fuc-Hpt before imaging diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that Fuc-Hpt is a novel and potentially useful biomarker for predicting liver disease progression and HCC development.

Randomized phase II study of S-1 dosing schedule for resected colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with stage III Colorectal cancer (CRC) is now internationally accepted as standard care for improving patient outcomes. The Adjuvant Chemotherapy Trial of S-1 for Colorectal Cancer (ACTS-CC) confirmed the non-inferiority of S-1 to tegafur/urcail/leucovorin in terms of overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with stage III CRC after curative surgery. However, the 6-month completion rate of S-1 treatment was 76.5% in the ACTS-CC. Therefore, treatment completion remains an unresolved problem.

METHODS/DESIGN

A randomized phase II trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral daily administration and alternate-day administration of S-1 as adjuvant chemotherapy in curatively resected stage III CRC. Enrolled patients were assigned to either S-1 daily administration (Arm A) or alternate-day S-1 administration (Arm B). Assigned treatment will start within 8 weeks after surgery. In both arms, S-1 dosing (oral) will be based on body surface area (80 mg/day for body surface area<1.25 m2, 100 mg/day for 1.25-1.5 m2, or 60 mg/day for >1.5 m2). In Arm A, S-1 will be administered orally for 28 days, followed by a 14-day rest. Administration will be conducted for 24 weeks from the date of therapy start. In Arm B, S-1 will be administered orally on alternate days for 28 weeks from the date of the start of therapy. After treatment, all patients will be observed without additional therapy unless recurrent lesions or other cancer lesions occur. The primary endpoint is treatment completion rate. Secondary endpoints include 3-year disease-free survival, compliance, and adverse events.

DISCUSSION

Previously, S-1 alternate-day intake maintained the efficacy of chemotherapy while reducing adverse effects for patients with R0-resected stage II/III gastric cancer. Improvement of chemotherapy completion rate for patients with colorectal cancer will lead to an improved patient prognosis. Therefore, a randomized phase II trial has been designed to examine the efficacy of alternate-day versus current standard daily S-1 administration as adjuvant chemotherapy for R0-resected stage III colorectal cancer.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered on 18 February 2014 with University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry: UMIN000013185.

[A case of sigmoid colon cancer liver metastasis accompanied by multiple liver abscesses]

We describe the case of a patient with sigmoid colon cancer liver metastasis accompanied by multiple liver abscesses. The 59-year-old female patient presented with a fever at a body temperature of 39.0°C. On abdominal computed tomography (CT), multiple liver abscesses were detected, and percutaneous transhepatic abscess drainage (PTAD) was performed. The day after the PTAD, the patient's fever subsided and her inflammatory response abated. A lower gastrointestinal examination, performed to identify the origin of her symptoms, revealed a type 1 tumor in the sigmoid colon. A biopsy indicated a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. Prior to surgery, a second abdominal CT scan was performed, and a single liver metastasis was detected. Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy and partial liver resection were simultaneously performed. The histopathological diagnosis of the colon cancer was tub2, pN1, pH1, P0, ly1, v1, stage IV. To date, the patient remains free from hepatic abscess and colon cancer recurrence. Gastrointestinal examinations should be performed as early as possible to identify the cause of hepatic abscesses. Moreover, therapeutic decisions should only be made after imaging and examinations have been performed, which will be sufficient to identify the presence of liver metastases.

[Advanced lung cancer with recurrence of liver and tracheal metastases responsive to multimodality therapy - a case report]

We report a case of advanced lung cancer with recurrence of liver and tracheal metastases that were responsive to multimodality therapy. The patient was a 77-year-old man who suffered from advanced lung cancer with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis. The primary lung cancer was surgically resected. Eight months after resection of the primary lung cancer, a solitary liver tumor appeared and hepatic resection was performed. Histological findings showed that both the primary lung tumor and the solitary liver tumor were squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Subsequently, he developed a recurrence in his trachea 8 months after hepatic resection. Radiotherapy, endobronchial argon plasma coagulation (APC), and systemic chemotherapy were administered. The tracheal tumor remained stable without any liver metastasis for 25 months.

[A case of locoregional recurrence after gastric cancer surgery, which was treated with XPT regimen chemotherapy]

Based on the results of the trastuzumab for gastric cancer (ToGA) trial, the regimen of Xeloda/5-FU+CDDP+trastuzu- mab (XPT/FPT) has become the standard of care for treatment of HER2-positive unresectable or recurrent gastric cancers. In our hospital, the percentage of HER2-positive gastric cancer patients is 16.7%; we present a case of recurrence 26 months after gastric cancer surgery. A 67-year-old man presented with locoregional lymph node recurrence, with swelling in a paraaortic lymph node. ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxy glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) examination revealed abnormal accumulation in these lymph nodes. He was treated with a regimen of XPT chemotherapy because of the HER2-positive status of his gastric cancer. After 8 courses, the lymph nodes had shrunk and FDG-PET examination revealed no abnormal accumulation. Imaging revealed the presence of interstitial pneumonia, and the adverse events of venous thromboembolism, and grade 3 hand-foot syndrome were detected; as a result, chemotherapy was suspended. The XPT regimen may be an effective treatment for HER2-positive unresectable or recurrent gastric cancers. HER2 status should be the key determinant in the strategy for the treatment of unresectable and recurrent gastric cancers in the future.

[A case of surgery for stenosis of the colon from recurrent gastric cancer]

In June 2010, a 67-year-old man presented with advanced gastric cancer. He underwent 2 courses of combination chemo- therapy with S-1/CDDP. After chemotherapy, total gastrectomy was performed (pT4aN3aM0, Stage IIIC). Although he underwent S-1 chemotherapy, colon tumors recurred 22 months after the operation. Colonoscopy revealed the presence of type 2 advanced cancer in the ascending colon, and type IIa early cancer in the transverse colon, which were diagnosed as either primary colon cancers or recurrent gastric cancers upon pathological examination. In October 2012, resection of the right side of the colon was performed in order to prevent malignant bowel obstruction. Pathological examination of the resected specimen identified recurrent gastric cancers. After the surgery, he is currently undergoing S-1 chemotherapy and has no sign of recurrent tumors.

[A case of gastric cancer with portal vein tumor thrombosis]

We present a case of gastric cancer with portal vein tumor thrombosis. A 77-year-old man visited our hospital because of epigastric pain. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and computed tomography (CT) revealed advanced gastric cancer. Total gastrectomy was performed. During surgery, peritoneal dissemination was found. Histopathological diagnosis was Stage IV gastric cancer (por2, T4aN3M1) with massive vascular invasion. He was treated with a chemotherapy regimen of S-1 plus docetaxel for approximately 2 years after which the regimen was changed to S-1 monotherapy. Six months later, CT revealed portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) without progression of peritoneal dissemination. The metastatic route of PVTT was believed to be hematogenous because neither liver nor lymph node metastasis was detected. The regimen was shifted to CPT- 11 plus cisplatin therapy since the effects of the treatment was evaluated as progressive. The patient was alive with stable disease after 5 courses of chemotherapy. PVTT should be taken into consideration as a possible type of recurrence when the tumor is associated with massive vascular invasion, although gastric cancer with PVTT is rare.

Safety of fondaparinux to prevent venous thromboembolism in Japanese patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery: a multicenter study

PURPOSE

To investigate the safety and efficacy of fondaparinux (FPX) for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in Japanese patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.

METHODS

The subjects of this multicenter, open-label, prospective observational study were patients undergoing resection of the colon/rectum for colorectal cancer. All patients were given FPX 2.5 or 1.5 mg by subcutaneous injection, once daily for 4-8 days, starting 24 h after surgery. The primary endpoint was any major bleeding event and the secondary endpoint was any symptomatic VTE event.

RESULTS

Between February 2009 and December 2010, 619 patients from 23 institutions were enrolled in this study. The median duration of FPX prophylaxis was 4 days. The incidence of major bleeding was 0.81 % [5/619, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.3-1.9] and the incidence of minor bleeding was 9.5 % (59/619, 95 % CI 7.3-12.1). There was no fatal bleeding or symptomatic VTE. Multivariable analysis revealed the following to be risk factors for bleeding events: preoperative platelet count <15 × 10(4)/µl [odds ratio (OR) 4.521], male sex (OR 2.078), and blood loss during surgery <50 ml (OR 2.019).

CONCLUSION

The administration of 2.5/1.5 mg FPX 24 h after colorectal cancer surgery is safe and effective.