Predictive Postoperative Inflammatory Response Indicators of Infectious Complications Following Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

Perioperative factors are useful for predicting postoperative infectious complications (PIC) in gastric cancer. Specifically, postoperative inflammatory response indicators (PIRI), [C-reactive protein (CRP) level, body temperature (BT), and white blood cell (WBC) count], are widely used in clinical practice. We investigated predictive factors for PIC, including PIRI, to establish a simple and practical indicator of postoperative complications after gastrectomy.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected clinical data from 200 patients with fStage I-III gastric cancer. Univariate/multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship of predictive factors [host factors, clinicopathological factors, and PIRI (BT, WBC count, and CRP level on postoperative day (POD) 1 and 3) ]. Cut-off values of the predictive factors were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve modulated by the presence/absence of PIC Grade II, III (Clavien-Dindo classification).

RESULTS

Age [Odds ratio (OR): 5.67], smoking history (OR: 3.51), and CRP level (OR: 5.65), WBC count (OR: 8.96), and BT (OR: 3.37) on POD3 were selected as independent factors from multivariate analysis. Cut-off values were 77 years, 14.8 mg/dL, 116.0×102/μL, and 37.4°C, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Predictive factors relative to PIC in gastric cancer were CRP level ≥ 14.8 mg/dL, WBC count ≥ 116.0×102/μL, and BT ≥ 37.4°C all on POD3. Age ≥ 77 years, and history of smoking were relative to PIC, suggesting a simple and practical indicator applicable in clinical practice.

[A Case of Resected Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Diagnosed with Liver Metastasis and Peritoneal Dissemination after Surgery for Sigmoid Colon Cancer]

We experienced a case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)that developed around the kidney about 1 year after surgery for sigmoid colon cancer. In this case, imaging findings suggestive of liver metastasis were also observed at the same time of diagnosis, therefore, diagnosis was difficult because the possibility of peritoneal dissemination could not be ruled out. The lesion was excised by surgery and a definitive diagnosis was obtained by tissue diagnosis, leading to appropriate treatment. However, one wrong step could lead to the wrong treatment policy. Therefore, when there is any doubt about the diagnosis, it is considered important to proactively perform tissue diagnosis.

Preoperative and Postoperative C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio (CAR) as a Prognostic Marker for Survival of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients After Surgery

BACKGROUND/AIM

Recent studies have reported that the C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin ratio (CAR) may be a useful prognostic biomarker in various types of cancer patients. However, the mechanism underlying this observation is unclear. The present study aimed to clarify why the CAR can predict post-esophagectomy prognosis, the relationship between pre- and postoperative CAR, and whether postoperative CAR can predict the prognosis of esophageal cancer patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We investigated 158 esophagectomy patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Hematological examinations were performed on postoperative days (POD) 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14.

RESULTS

Preoperative CAR was a significant independent prognostic factor of overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR)=2.247; p=0.0005], and there was a strong correlation between preoperative CAR and tumor depth. The preoperative high-CAR (pre-high-CAR) group had significantly higher CAR on all postoperative days (POD). We then divided the patients as follows: those with at least two low-CAR days on POD 5, 7, and 10 were assigned to the modified post-low-CAR (mPost-low-CAR) group, and others were assigned to the modified post-high-CAR (mPost-high-CAR) group. The 5-year OS rate was significantly higher in the mPost-low-CAR group than in the mPost-high-CAR group, which predicted a more accurate prognosis (p<0.0001, HR=2.769).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative CAR was associated with tumor depth and diameter, and patients in the pre-high-CAR group continued to have significantly higher CAR postoperatively. These factors were presumed to reflect disease prognosis. Furthermore, grouping by CAR on POD 5, 7, and 10 reflected patient prognosis more accurately than preoperative CAR.

[Evaluation of Bridge to Surgery(BTS) after Stenting for Malignant Colorectal Stenosis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the current status and postoperative course of nutritional management in bridge to surgery(BTS) after colorectal stenting for malignant colorectal stenosis.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study included 242 colorectal cancer cases, 27 cases with malignant colorectal stenosis who underwent BTS group, 24 cases with malignant colorectal stenosis who fasted until the day of surgery and consumed drinking water and Elenthal®(no oral intake group), and 191 cases with non-stenotic colorectal cancer (diet group). The study items selected were nutritional management methods before colorectal cancer resection, nutritional assessment, surgical factors, and postoperative course.

RESULTS

The BTS, no oral intake, and diet groups were compared in 27, 0, and 191 patients, respectively. In contrast, the intake of Elenthal® was compared in 4, 20, and 5 patients and total parenteral nutrition in 3, 15, and 1 patients, respectively. There were no differences in nutritional sufficiency during hospitalization. The Onodera Nutritional Index(PNI)was significantly lower in the BTS and no oral intake groups than the diet group at the first outpatient visit before surgery. The PNI was significantly lower in the no oral intake group than in the diet group immediately before surgery. Blood loss was higher in the BTS and no oral intake groups than in the diet group, but there was no difference in operative time. The postoperative course was poorer in the no oral intake group than in the diet group. However, there was no difference between the diet and BTS groups.

CONCLUSION

In patients with obstructive colorectal cancer in whom BTS could be performed, the results suggest that preoperative nutritional management with a high sufficiency rate using the intestinal tract may lead to a postoperative course comparable to that in non-stenotic cases.

Preoperative Subcutaneous Fat is an Useful Indicator for Learning Totally Extraperitoneal Repair

BACKGROUND

Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair is a recommended procedure for inguinal hernia repair in European hernia guidelines. However, technical challenges have limited its uptake in Japan, where transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair is more common. We evaluated the association of preoperative subcutaneous fat area (preSFA) with surgical outcomes and identified factors associated with the difficulty of TEP repair.

METHODS

Clinical data from 62 patients undergoing TEP repair were collected retrospectively. Using the median for the preoperative subcutaneous fat index (preSFI; 45.9 cm²/m²), we classified patients as having a high SFI (HSFI) (n=31) and low SFI (LSFI) (n=31). Surgical outcomes and perioperative complications were then compared between these groups. Additionally, TEP repair was divided into five phases (e.g., Phase 1: dissection of the caudal side of the preperitoneal space), and operative time was measured during each phase. Phase 1 was divided into two sub-phases (1A: insertion of the first port, 1B: reaching Cooper's ligament).

RESULTS

Operative time was longer (133 min vs 111 min, P = 0.028) and the peritoneal injury rate was higher (35.5% vs 9.7%, P = 0.015) for the HSFI patients. Furthermore, operative time for HSFI patients was significantly longer during Phase 1 (P = 0.014) and Phase 1A (P = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

preSFA was associated with a higher peritoneal injury rate and longer operative time in HSFI patients, suggesting that the presence of abundant subcutaneous fat increases the difficulty of TEP repair.

[A Case of Multiple Lung Metastases of Pancreatic Cancer with 50 Months Survival by Sequential Chemotherapy]

We hereby report a case in which a patient with multiple lung metastases of pancreatic cancer continued chemotherapy and maintained good performance status(PS)for 48 months after recurrence. But her disease progressed rapidly after withdrawal of chemotherapy, resulting in her death in a short period of time. The patient was a 66-year-old woman who underwent a substomach preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head cancer at the age of 60 years. She was diagnosed as fT3N1M0, fStage ⅡB. During postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy S-1, multiple lung metastases were noted on CT scan 2 years after surgery. Thereafter, she was treated with gemcitabine(GEM)alone, GEM plus nab-paclitaxel(GnP), nal-CPT-11 plus 5-FU plus Leucovorin, and FOLFIRINOX for 48 months sequentially. Each of which achieved a best overall response SD or better. However, Trousseau syndrome developed following community-acquired pneumonia during chemotherapy withdrawal due to myelosuppression. The disease progressed rapidly and resulted in her death 50 months after relapse. The results suggest that chemotherapy may have contributed significantly to disease control in this case.

[A Case of Pathological Complete Response after Neoadjuvant Therapy for Resectable Pancreatic Cancer]

We report a case of resectable pancreas tail cancer treated with 2 courses of neoadjuvant therapy which is gemcitabine and S-1 therapy, and pathological diagnosis of the resected specimen revealed pathological complete response. A 56-year- old woman was referred to our hospital because she had back pain after eating for 5 months and her previous abdominal ultrasonography revealed an enlarged pancreatic tail. The tumor size was reduced from 30 mm to 12 mm, and the chemotherapy response was judged to be partial response. The patient underwent distal pancreatectomy, splenectomy, and D2 lymph node dissection. Intraoperative findings showed a pancreatic tail with a depression and surface erythema, thus we also diagnosed the patient as having pancreatic capsular invasion(S1). Postoperative histopathological examination revealed a 10×10 mm area of pancreatic parenchyma, which was replaced by fibrous tissue, with no evidence of active cancer cells. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 14th after surgery.

[The Effects of Bridge to Surgery(BTS)for Malignant Colorectal Stenosis on the Nutritional and Immunological Status]

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to clarify the effects of bridge to surgery(BTS)for malignant colorectal stenosis on the nutritional and immunological status.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 19 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent BTS were included. We examined the technical success of stenting, clinical improvement, treatment progress after BTS, and nutritional and immunological status changes before and after BTS.

RESULTS

There were 19 technically successful cases and 18 clinically improved cases. One patient(Score 0)had an obstruction after BTS, which improved after stent repositioning. The CROSS Score before and after stenting improved in all patients. Scores 0 to 4 improved in 12 patients, Scores 0 to 3 in 5 patients, and Scores 3 to 4 in 2 patients. The median time to resume eating was 3 days, and the median surgery time was 25 days. The final diet before operation for colorectal consisted of a rokubugayu(rice gruel: polished rice content 12%)in 1 case, zengayu(rice gruel: polished rice content 20%)in 8 cases, soft diet in 5 cases, and regular diet in 5 cases. Before and after BTS, the nutritional and immunological status decreased significantly(p<0.05)with albumin levels ranging from 3.9- 3.5 g/dL, BUN/Cr from 24.8-12.5, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio from 3.8-2.5; however, no significant fluctuations in the prognostic nutritional index were observed.

CONCLUSION

BTS enabled the nutritional management using the intestinal tract and improved the patient's immune status.

[A Case of Rectal Cancer Diagnosed Based on Brain Metastasis and Had a Long-Term Prognosis by Radical Resections]

The patient was a 57-year-old man who visited the department of neurosurgery for headache and lightheadedness. He was admitted with a diagnosis of brain tumor based on imaging findings. Severe brain dysfunction and mild ataxia were observed, and craniotomy tumor resection was performed 5 days after admission. He was diagnosed with brain metastasis of colorectal cancer based on histopathological examination and endoscopic findings, and was therefore referred to our department. No extracranial metastases were observed, laparoscopic-assisted low anterior resection was performed 1 month after the craniotomy. The final diagnosis was rectal cancer(Ra), pT3N0M1a(BRA), Stage Ⅳa. Three months after the craniotomy, subsequent MRI examination revealed a new metastatic lesion inferior to the tumor excision cavity, and gamma knife radiosurgery was performed. However, because an increasing tendency was noted, craniotomy was performed again 7 months after the first craniotomy. Following operative treatment, follow up has been performed without adjuvant chemotherapy or prophylactic irradiation, the patient has survived without recurrence at 34 months postoperatively. Here, we report a valuable rare case of solitary brain metastasis of colorectal cancer in which prognosis could be expected by radical resections.

[A Case of Rectosigmoid T1b Cancer Which Had Been Under Control by Combination of Loco-Regional Therapies]

According to the Japanese Colorectal ESD/EMR guidelines, radical surgery should be recommended for additional treatment of T1 colorectal cancer(CRC)if pathological findings of the lesion after endoscopic resection show unfavorable factors to be evaluated as curative resection, considering the probability of lymph node metastasis and general condition of patients. We report a case of a 74-year-old man with T1b rectosigmoid(RS)cancer, whose pulmonary metastasis(PM) was curatively resected during the postoperative period of ESD for primary lesions. The patient underwent ESD in November 2018 for Type 0-Isp CRC in the RS junction, revealed using colonoscopy, which was performed for the examination of blood stool in September 2018. The patient had suffered from pulmonary tuberculosis in his thirties and regularly visited our hospital for COPD. He was under close observation after ESD because the depth of the lesion, which was pathologically diagnosed as T1b, was the only factor evaluated as non-curative. In April 2020, chest CT and FDG-PET/CT findings revealed the occurrence of PM. Subsequently, video-assisted wedge resection of the lung was performed for the treatment of PM, which was pathologically confirmed with a size of 10 mm. The patient has survived relapse-free to date, for 30 months after the resection of the primary lesion.

[Significance of Transitions in Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio before and after Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolizaton for Hepatocellular Carcinoma]

We investigated the significance of transitions in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)before and after TACE for HCC could be a predictor of prognosis. The subjects were 108 patients with the first TACE performed from January 2010 to December 2019. NLR was calculated before and 1 month after TACE, and the relationship with therapeutic effect and prognosis was examined. When the transition of NLR before and after TACE was classified into 3 groups with a cut-off value of 5.0, group A(less than 5.0 after TACE): 52 cases(48.1%), group B(5.0 or more after TACE): 33 cases(30.6%)and C group(5.0 or more before and after TACE): 23 cases(21.3%). Median survival time were 25.0 months in group A, 18.5 months in group B, and 12.7 months in group C(p=0.0005). In multivariate analysis, treatment effect, NLR transition, AFP value, and serum albumin level were prognostic factors for HCC after TACE. Changes in NLR before and after TACE may help predict more detailed prognosis.

[Four Cases of Liver Resection for Liver Metastases from Renal Cell Carcinoma]

We report 4 cases of liver metastasis from renal cell carcinoma(RCC). Case 1: 72 years old, female. Pancreatic metastasis was resected 7 years after resection of left RCC, and hepatic posterior sectionectomy was performed for multiple liver metastases 2 years later. After that, multi-organ metastasis appeared and she died of the primary disease. Case 2: 72 years old, male. Liver metastasis and right RCC appeared 16 years after resection of left RCC, and hepatic posterior sectionectomy and partial resection of right kidney were performed. Nine months later, liver metastasis recurred and hepatic partial resection was performed. Case 3: 55 years old, male. After surgery for right RCC with tumor thrombus in the right atrium, multiple lung and liver metastases appeared, and hepatic central bisectionectomy was performed after chemotherapy. Case 4: 60 years old, male. Multiple pancreatic and lung metastases appeared 10 years after resection of left RCC, and most of them shrank or disappeared with chemotherapy. But increasing metastases appeared in the tail of pancreas and the right lobe of liver 16 months later, and hepatic subsegmentectomy and distal pancreatectomy were performed. Multidisciplinary treatment such as aggressive chemotherapy and excision is expected to improve the prognosis for liver metastasis from RCC.

Feasibility of augmented rectangle technique in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy: comparison with hemi-double stapling technique in a single-center retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Augmented rectangle technique (ART) anastomosis is a totally intracorporeal anastomosis of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG), Billroth I (B1) reconstruction for gastric cancer, which secures a wide anastomotic stoma. Since the conventional extracorporeal hemi-double stapling technique (HD) may have a narrow anastomotic stoma, our aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of ART anastomosis by comparing the surgical outcomes with HD anastomosis.

METHODS

Clinical data of 89 patients undergoing LDG with B1 reconstruction were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into ART group (n = 40) and HD group (n = 49). Surgical outcomes including short-term outcomes, postoperative endoscopic findings, and nutritional factors 1 year after surgery were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. In terms of short-term outcomes, blood loss was less (11.5 mL vs 40 mL, P = 0.011) and postoperative hospital stay was shorter (10 days vs 12 days, P = 0.022) in the ART group. In terms of endoscopic findings, residual food was less (P = 0.032) in the ART group. In terms of nutritional factors, percent decrease of visceral fat area (- 27.6% vs - 40.5%, P = 0.049) and subcutaneous fat area (- 25.7% vs - 39.3%, P = 0.050) 1 year after surgery attenuated in the ART group.

CONCLUSIONS

ART anastomosis is superior in perioperative course such as postoperative hospital stay. Moreover, a better nutritional recovery is expected by securing a wide anastomotic stoma leading to a favorable food passage.

First successful case of percutaneous transabdominal thoracic duct embolization (PTTDE) for chylous ascites resulting from laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery

A 61-year-old woman underwent laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) with extragastric lymph node dissection (D2). Two months later, she was readmitted to hospital to be treated for chylous ascites. Oral intake was discontinued and total parenteral nutrition started, but increasing body weight and decreasing serum albumin concentration was not controllable. Percutaneous transabdominal thoracic duct embolization (PTTDE) was performed on the 8th day after the readmission. Five days after PTTDE, oral intake was resumed. Seventeen days after PTTDE, the patient was discharged without recurrence of ascites. She has remained asymptomatic. We describe here the first patient with chylous ascites two months after LADG with D2 dissection for early gastric cancer who was successfully treated by PTTDE.

Simultaneous Endoscopic Resection of Superficial Cancers of the Hypopharynx and Esophagus: A Case Report

Diagnosis and treatment of superficial laryngopharyngeal cancers has recently received considerable attention. Here, we present a case of superficial hypopharyngeal cancer and superficial esophageal cancer treated with simultaneous endoscopic laryngopharyngeal surgery (ELPS) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The patient was a 67-year-old man. During his follow-up for distal gastrectomy-performed earlier for stomach cancer-upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed three primary cancers: a superficial hypopharyngeal cancer, superficial esophageal cancer, and esophagogastric junction cancer. After total resection of the remnant stomach, combined hypopharyngeal ELPS with esophageal ESD was performed. He developed aspiration pneumonia after surgery but recovered and was discharged on the 16th day. Thus, safe and effective endoscopic therapy can be performed even for double superficial cancers of the laryngopharynx and esophagus.

[A Case of Advanced and Recurrent Colon Cancer with Long-Term Survival after Seven Repeated Surgical Resections]

We hereby report a case of advanced and recurrent colon cancer with long-term survival after 7 repeated surgical resections. A 73-year-old woman initially underwent right hemicolectomy and partial hepatectomy for an ascending colon cancer with synchronous liver metastasis. Pathological diagnosis of the tumors were moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma and metastasis to the liver compatibly. Final clinical stage was diagnosed as fT3N2M1(H1), fStage Ⅳ. But she was interrupted oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy after 6 courses of CAPOX because of adverse drug reaction. One year after first operation, partial resection of right lung was performed for lung metastasis. Two years after first operation, 2nd resection of liver was performed for 2 liver metastatic lesions. Three years after first operation, 3rd partial liver resection, 2nd and 3rd partial lung resections were performed for metachronous metastases during 1 year. After 3 years recurrence free period, she complained of an induration of right neck and diagnosed as neck and supra clavicular lymph nodes metastases. Lymph nodes resection was performed. After the last operation, she has no sign of cancer recurrence for 1 year and 7 months, eventually she has been alive for 7 years and 7 months after the initial operation.

[Assessment of Curative Resection in Patients with Multiple Relapses of Colorectal Cancer]

We assessed the therapeutic effect of curative resection in patients with multiple relapses of colorectal cancer using the time to surgical failure(TSF)as an index. We included 24 patients who experienced recurrence after curative resection of primary colorectal cancer at our department between 1993 and 2015. Curative resection for multiple relapses was possible in these patients. The sites of recurrence included the liver, lungs, peritoneum, lymph nodes, localized, and brain in 9, 8, 3, 3, 2, and 1 patients, respectively. The relapse occurred in 2 organs in 2 patients. The TSF after curative resection of recurrent lesions was 25.6 months, with a 5-year TSF-free rate of 40.2%. The clinicopathological factors associated with poor prognosis were age B65 years at the time of recurrence, absence of distal metastasis at primary onset, and only 2 curative resections for relapses. However, there was no difference in prognosis because of the number of twice recurrent lesions. Therefore, curative resection should be proactively performed as long as feasible in colorectal cancer patients with multiple lesions or multiple relapses.

[A Case of Unresectable Ascending Colon Cancer Treated with a Newly Devised Bypass Method]

A 74-year-old man underwent a medical examination for anemia and had a positive fecal occult blood test. Ascending colon cancer was detected by colonoscopy. Since it was unresectable, a bypass operation was performed to prevent digestive symptoms prior to chemotherapy. The bypass was performed by cutting the ileum and attaching the oral side to the transverse colon with side to side anastomosis. The other end of the terminal ileum was anastomosed to the transverse colon on the oral side of the prior anastomosis, making a pretzel shaped bypass. There were no postoperative complications and the patient was treated with chemotherapy from postoperative day 23.

[Relapse-Free Survival of over 54 Months after ESD Resection in an Elderly Patient Considered to Have Non-Curative Early Gastric Cancer]

According to the Japanese Gastric Cancer Treatment Guideline(GL), radical surgery is recommended as an additional treatment for early gastric cancer(EGC)patients with endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)evaluated as non-curative for fear of lymph node metastasis(LNM). However, the reported probability of LNM was approximately 10%. Therefore, the recommendation might be aggressive for elderly patients or those in poor physical conditions. Under this context, surveillance post non-curative ESD has emerged as an acceptable option. We reported a case of an elderly patient who survived EGC for over 54 months as relapse-free with ESD resection evaluated as non-curative. An 84-year-old woman underwent ESD in July 2014 for EGC, which was deemed as non-curative with negative surgical margins. The patient had pre-existing severe bronchial asthma. Given the age and the comorbidities, the patient preferred close surveillance to radical surgery. After 54 months of surveillance, no recurrence of the initial EGC was found. However, during the annual check-ups, 2 metachronous cancers were found in July 2016 and June 2018 respectively. Both metachronous cancers were curatively resected with ESD.

[A Case of Rectal Obstruction Due to Gastric Cancer Dissemination for Which Rectal Stenting Was Performed Twice]

Malignant colorectal obstruction results in a worse quality of life and makes it difficult for patients to continue chemotherapy. In this paper, we present a case of rectal obstruction caused by gastric cancer dissemination for which rectal stent insertions were performed twice. The patient was a 72-year-old woman. She underwent gastrectomy for Stage Ⅳ gastric cancer (ypT3, N1, M1, P0, H0, CY+). Twenty-eight months after gastrectomy, she experienced rectal obstruction due to peritoneal dissemination. A rectal stent was placed at the stenosis site. She was administered chemotherapy after stenting. Seven months later, she developed rectal obstruction due to tumor in-growth. Rectal stenting was performed again. Subsequently, the patient had no abdominal symptoms until she died, 2 months after the second stenting.

[Impact of Postoperative Inflammatory Status on Colorectal Cancer Prognosis]

To clarify the prognostic impact of postoperative inflammatory status, serum CRP levels on POD3 after radical resection (POD3 CRP)were evaluated as an indicator of inflammatory response after surgery in patients with colorectal cancer. Of the colorectal cancer patients who underwent radical resection at our department between 2000 and 2015, 916 patients with Stage Ⅰto Ⅳdisease were included in the analyses. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to high and low POD3 CRP levels. The POD3 CRP levels of the patients were analyzed for the 75th percentile that was 12.16mg/dL(range, 0.06- 33.78). The cancer-specific 5-year survival rate was 80.6%in patients in the high group and 90.5%in those in the low group, indicating poor prognosis in patients with high values. POD3 CRP levels were an independent prognostic factor in the multivariate analysis. It was suggested that the degree of inflammation after surgery influences the postoperative prognosis after radical resection for colorectal cancer.

[A Case of Low-Grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm with Cecum Cancer]

The case was a 76-year-old man. He visited our hospital for a positive fecal occult blood test finding at a medical examination. A colonoscopy revealed a macroscopic, 30 mm, type-1 lesion in the cecum. We performed laparoscope-assisted ileocolic resection and D3 dissection, with a diagnosis of cecum cancer. In postoperative histopathological examination, the tumor in the cecum was diagnosed as a well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. In addition, a low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm(LAMN)was observed on the distal side of the appendix. The patient has survived for 9 months after surgery without recurrence. We report this case with a review of the literature.

Postoperative Pneumonia After Esophagectomy and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

BACKGROUND/AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the association between post-esophagectomy pneumonia and the presence of pathogenic organisms in the sputum or pharynx and postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 98 patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer who had undergone esophagectomy.

RESULTS

Postoperative pneumonia was observed in 24 patients (24.5%). Of the total 98 patients, 45 (45.9%) were tested positive for pathogenic organisms preoperatively, and 16 of those (35.6%) developed postoperative pneumonia; postoperative pneumonia occurred at a higher rate in these patients compared to pathogenic organism-negative patients (p=0.019). Postoperative SIRS was observed in 62 patients (63.3%), and 21 of these (33.9%) developed postoperative pneumonia, a significantly higher rate compared to patients without SIRS (p=0.007).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative pneumonia was significantly associated with the presence of pathogenic organisms in the sputum or pharynx and postoperative SIRS.

[Assessment of Less Invasiveness Based on Serum CRP Level on Postoperative Day Three in Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer]

To evaluate the less invasiveness of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer, we compared open and laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid or recto-sigmoid cancer operations undergoing the same procedures. One hundred forty-three patients curatively resected with D3 dissection were enrolled. All cases underwent the following procedure; high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery(IMA)with median approach and double stapling technique(DST)for anastomosis. The clinicopathological factors were examined in 70 cases of open surgery(OC)and 73 cases of laparoscopic surgery(LAC). The mean age of all cases was 66(38-88)years, including 83 men and 60 women. The mean operation time was 189(82-413)minutes and the mean blood loss was 45(5-1,025)mL. Postoperative complications were reported in 45 cases including 10 cases with surgical site infection(SSI)and 10 cases with remote infection(RI). There was no difference in sex, BMI, PS, and ASA between the 2 groups; however, the patients were significantly older and the tumor maximum diameter significantly larger in the OC group. There was no significant difference in operation time but the blood loss was significantly lower in the LAC group. There were no differences in postoperative complications, first gait, WBC, and body temperature on postoperative day(POD)3, but the first flatus was earlier and the CRP level was significantly lower on POD 3 in the LAC group. There was no difference in the CRP level on POD 3 in the age, tumor diameter, and blood loss which showed a difference in the both group. Laparoscopic surgery was considered less invasive than open surgery because the serum CRP level was lower in the LAC group.

[A Case of Ascending Colon Cancer with Hepatic Metastases Showing Remarkable Efficacy of CapeOX plus Bevacizumab]

We report a case of ascending colon cancer with hepatic metastases that was treated by CapeOX plus bevacizumab with remarkable efficacy. A 40-year-old female patient presented with a medical history of surgery for resection of right breast cancer4 years ago, left-sided transverse colon 2 years ago, and right ovarian cancer 6 months ago. Follow-up computed tomography(CT)found wall thickening from the ascending colon to cecum. She was diagnosed with an ascending colon cancer by colonoscopy, and underwent right hemicolectomy. One month after the surgery, her serum marker carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)and carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9)levels were high. She was diagnosed with unresectable multiple hepatic metastases by CT 2 months after the surgery. Her tumor was epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)- positive and wild-type for RAS; she received 4 courses of CapeOX plus bevacizumab. Thereafter, liver metastases were remarkably decreased in size, and she could undergo central bisegmentectomy. Pathology examination revealed no tumor and that the center of the tumor was changed to necrotic tissue and the surrounding area was changed to fibrous tissue and lymphocyte infiltration. The patient is disease-free since the last operation.

[A Case of Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Head Cancer Treated by Curative Resection after Chemotherapy]

A 77-year-old woman with back and epigastric pains was diagnosed with pancreatic head cancer according to the result of contrast computed tomography, which showed a 25mm irregular low-density area at the pancreatic head infiltrating nearly half of the superior mesenteric plexus. There were no findings of lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis. The pretreatment diagnosis was borderline resectable(BR)pancreatic head cancer, cT3, N0, M0, cStage ⅡA. The patient was treated with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel therapy. She developed Grade 3 neutropenia, and the dose was adjusted in order to continue chemotherapy. The size of the tumor had reduced to 15mm after 6 courses of the therapy, and the infiltration into the superior mesenteric plexus had also reduced. Therefore, the patient underwent subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy and D2 lymph node dissection. The histopathological findings were invasive ductal carcinoma with R0 radical resection. The efficacy of preoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for BR pancreatic cancer has not been established yet, but improving the R0 resection rate with preoperative chemotherapy may contribute to an improvement in the outcome of pancreatic cancer.

[Esophageal Cancer Surgery in Elderly Patients Aged 80 Years or Older]

As the population ages, the elderly are increasingly affected by esophageal cancer. We reviewed the data of elderly patients, 80 years old or older, who underwent surgery for esophageal cancer to evaluate the safety of surgery in this particular patient population. Twenty-two patients aged 80 or above underwent surgery for esophageal cancer in our department. We analyzed their preoperative assessment, concurrent disorders, surgical techniques used, postoperative course, and complications. Median age of the patients was 83 years. Eleven patients had concurrent hypertension, 5 patients had undergone a malignant tumor operation, and 5 patients had concurrent diabetes. Fifteen patients underwent esophagectomy with right thoracotomy and two-field lymph node dissection(LD), 1 patient underwent esophagectomy with right thoracotomy and three-field LD, 2 patients underwent esophagectomy with left thoracoabdominal incision and two-field LD, 2 patients underwent lower esophagectomy and proximal gastrectomy, and 2 patients underwent transhiatal esophagectomy. Postoperative complications occurred in 14 patients(63%); however, no severe pneumonia was noted. Anastomotic leakage was only observed in 1 patient. All patients were discharged with improved conditions. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 39 days. Esophageal cancer surgery can be performed safely in the oldest of elderly patients with appropriate preoperative assessment, selection of the optimal surgical technique, and perioperative care.

[Evaluation of Eligibility Criteria for Elderly Patients of Pancreaticoduodenectomy]

BACKGROUND/AIM

Pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD)treatment outcomes in elderly patients have been reported to be acceptable, but the eligibility criteria are not clear. To elucidate the importance of PD in octogenarians, we set beforehand the eligibility criteria in the elderly and evaluated whether the validity of the patient selection was adaptable.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study population consisted of 244 patients aged >70 years who hadpancreaticobiliary cancer. The patients were divided into 2 groups as follows: 32 patients in the octogenarian group and 212 patients in the septuagenarian group. The eligibility criteria were as follows: (1)cardiac function as ejection fraction of at least 40%, measured using Doppler echocardiography; (2)pulmonary function as forcedexpiratory volume in 1 second(FEV1.0%)of at least 50%on spirography; (3) nutritional status as serum albumin level of at least 3.0 g/dL; (4)daily activity status as Karnofsky performance status of at least 80%; and(5)psychological independence status as the capability of self-determination with respect to surgery. Postoperative morbidity and long-term outcome were comparedbetween the 2 groups, andprognostic factors relating to survival time were identified.

RESULTS

The patients in the octogenarian group showed a significantly higher incidence rates of 2 or more comorbidities(p<0.0001)andd elirium(p=0.024). The difference in mortality rate between the 2 groups was not significant. No significant difference in overall survival rate was found between the 2 groups(p=0.197). The independent prognostic factors relating to survival duration were intraoperative blood loss(p=0.0008)andd uration of surgery(p= 0.0091).

CONCLUSION

The eligibility criteria for PD in elderly patients are also satisfactorily applicable to octogenarian patients. These criteria may be helpful when uncertainties arise regarding the selection of PD.

[Prognostic Relevance of Palliative Tumor Resection and Chemotherapy in Stage ⅣUnresectable Colorectal Cancer]

This study was conducted to evaluate the prognostic factors in patients with unresectable Stage Ⅳ colorectal cancer. One hundred and twenty-five patients who underwent either primary resection or chemotherapy for unresectable Stage Ⅳ colorectal cancer and were treated at our hospital between April 2004 and March 2014 were enrolled this study. In multiple univariate analysis, the overall survival(OS)was significantly longer in the palliative resection and chemotherapy groups. Upon dividing the 125 patients in 3 groups(the intensive chemotherapy group[L-OHP or CPT-11 regimen], extensive chemotherapy group[other regimen], and non-chemotherapy group), the intensive chemotherapy group showed significantly longer OS. Next, upon comparing the patients based on the treatment they received(surgery plus chemotherapy, surgery alone, and chemotherapy alone), the surgery plus chemotherapy group showed longer OS. With both studies combined as 5 groups, only the surgery plus intensive chemotherapy group showed longer OS. This is shown in unresectable Stage Ⅳ cancer patients, wherein resection of the primary lesion in addition to intensive chemotherapy contributes to longer OS.

[A Case of Sigmoid Colon Cancer Identified by Gastric Perforation]

We report a case of sigmoid colon cancer that was incidentally found using CT that was performed for upper abdominal pain. An 83-year-old man with a long history of lung tuberculosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis presented with upper abdominal pain. CT findings revealed free gas around the stomach. He was diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal perforation and his condition improved after undergoing conservative treatment. Upper endoscopy revealed an irregular ulcer at the angular incisure of the stomach with thickened folds, but biopsy resulted in a Group 1 classification. CT findings also incidentally revealed sigmoid colonic wall thickness, and colonoscopy showed a type Ⅰ lesion in the sigmoid colon, which biopsy resulted in Group 5, and we performed sigmoidectomy for sigmoid colon cancer under a combination of spine-subarachnoid and epidural anesthesia because of his respiratory dysfunction.

[A Case of Advanced Gastric Cancer Who Peritoneal Dissemination but Survived over 40 Months with Locoregional Therapies]

Several recent case reports have demonstrated long survival cases of advanced gastric cancer(AGC)patients suffering from peritoneal dissemination(PD)treatedwith effective chemotherapy; however, these AGC patients have poor prognosis in general. We report a case of AGC who hadsurvivedPD over 40 months with locoregional therapies. A 58-year-oldmale underwent distal gastrectomy for AGC with localized PD. Although we recommended postoperative chemotherapy, he chose surveillance as his will. Eighteen months postoperatively, CT scan revealedrecurrence of PD, andPET -CT showedonly one site of recurrent nodule. The patient chose locoregional therapy, ie, resection of the recurrent nodule instead of chemotherapy. Pathological exam confirmedthe recurrence of AGC, andabd ominal lavage cytology was classifiedas V. Even after these pathological findings, the patient refused to receive chemotherapy. At 39 months postoperatively, he developed subileus due to multiple recurrence of PD. At 40 months postoperatively, we performedchemotherapy because locoregional therapy was not supposedto be appropriate for these multiple lesions. However, the patient movedto another hospital after 1 course of chemotherapy because of his continuedrefusal to receive chemotherapy.

[Treatment Outcomes of Curative Resection for Colorectal Cancer with Synchronous Liver Metastasis]

The aim of this study was to clarify prognosis for curative resection performed for cases of colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastasis and to use the findings as future treatment indices. Subjects comprised 61 patients who underwent curative resection at our hospital for colorectal cancer accompanied by synchronous liver metastasis between 1996 and 2014. The degree of liver metastasis was H1 for 47 cases and H2 for 14 cases. The Grade of liver metastasis was A for 29 cases, B for 18 cases, and C for 14 cases. Liver resection was performed simultaneously with that of the primary lesion for 33 cases, and after that of the primary lesion for 28 cases. The post-curative resection survival period was 58.0 months, and the 5-year survival rate was 49.9%. In terms of the relationship between prognosis and clinicopathological factors, prognosis was found to be poor when the wall depth of the primary lesion was pT4 and when the liver metastasis Grade was B or C. Meanwhile, prognosis did not differ depending on the timing of liver metastasis resection, whether chemotherapy was performed after liver resection, and whether curative resection was performed for initial occurrence only or recurrence resection was performed. The results indicated that for cases of colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastasis, primary lesion wall depth and liver metastasis Grade were prognostic factors, and that the treatment strategy did not necessarily have to consider resection timing.

[A Case of Stage IV Rectal Cancer Achieving Long-Term Stable Disease Treated with Chemotherapy and Residual Tumor Resection]

We herein report a Stage IV case ofrectal cancer in a patient who achieved stable disease and was treated monthly with fluorouracil(FU)monotherapy plus bevacizumab(Bmab)against relapse after residual tumor resection and withdrawal because ofref usal to continue chemotherapy, even though a marked response was obtained with standard chemotherapy. A 73-year-old woman visited a former hospital in 2014, and was diagnosed with rectal cancer with liver and lung metastases (diagnosed with Rb, T3, M1b[liver, lung]cStage IV). Chemotherapy(mFOLFOX6 plus Bmab)was initiated with a consideration of conversion. After 5 courses, she moved to our hospital. Since she was not aggressive to chemotherapy from the beginning, an imaging examination was performed after 9 courses. The primary lesion and lung metastases had disappeared, and there was only one liver metastasis. Partial hepatic resection was performed to attempt chemotherapy withdrawal following informed consent. Six months after surgery with no therapy, since relapse in the rectum and lungs was confirmed, laparoscopic rectal amputation was performed to control the primary tumor. Chemotherapy containing FU monotherapy plus Bmab was reinitiated after 15 months of withdrawal because liver and lung metastases increased 5 months after rectal amputation. Two months after resuming chemotherapy, the metastatic lesion decreased in size, and the tumor marker level normalized. The same regimen is continued monthly, and the response has been maintained for 17 months(infusions of 5-FU/LV plus Bmab, 18 courses).

[Analyses of Relapsed Cases after Oxaliplatin-Based Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer with Cur A Resection]

INTRODUCTION

There are few reports on the outcome of relapsed cases after curative resection for colorectal cancer(CRC) with adjuvant oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. Thus, we analyzed such cases.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

In total, 48 patients with CRC who received oxaliplatin-based postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy from 2012 were analyzed. The clinical course was examined in 9 cases ofrecurrence.

RESULTS

Stages II, III a, and III b(1, 3, and 5 cases, respectively)were judged as recurrence in 9 cases. Metastatic sites were the lungs, local sites, liver, and peritoneum(3, 3, 3, and 1 case[s], respectively). The median time to relapse was 390 days. There were 2 cases ofwild -type RAS and 7 cases ofmutant RAS. Although R0 resection was performed in 1 case, re-relapse was recognized. Another 8 cases involved induced chemotherapy. An oxaliplatin-based regimen was administered as first-line treatment in 4 of8 cases. At present, 5 patients died, and 3 of8 cases could not progress to second-line treatment. The overall survival(OS)after relapse was 475 days, and survival more than 3 years was not observed.

CONCLUSION

Recurrent cases after Cur A resection for CRC with oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy were examined. Although the 3-year RFS and 5-year OS were relatively good, the prognosis after relapse was quite poor.

Innovations for Cervical Esophagogastrostomy in Thoracic Esophageal Cancer Operations

Three-field lymph node dissection is now performed in operations for advanced thoracic esophageal cancer, with an associated improvement in outcomes. However, reconstructive surgery following resection of the esophagus is frequently associated with the occurrence of anastomotic leakage. Once it occurs, major problems can arise such as decreased quality of life, protracted hospitalization, or even death. This is why there has been a large number of innovations in and modifications to reconstructive surgery. The standard procedures in our Department for advanced thoracic esophageal cancer are subtotal esophagectomy and three-field lymph node dissection. The thin gastric tube along the greater curvature is used as the reconstructed organ in reconstructive surgery, performing a cervical esophagogastrostomy. Innovations have been made to reconstructive surgery in order to prevent anastomotic leakage. This procedure markedly reduces anastomotic leakage, and also reduces anastomotic stricture, which likely makes it an extremely useful procedure that any surgeon can perform.

[A Case of Thoracic Esophageal Cancer That Caused Necrosis of a Reconstructed Colon Ten Years after Esophagectomy]

Necrosis of a reconstructed organ after esophageal cancer surgery is a very serious complication that often occurs soon after the surgery. We report a case of emergency surgery that was performed to treat necrosis of a reconstructed colon 10 years after esophagectomy. A 73-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with complaints of chest pain. His history included a proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. His present illness includes endoscopic mucosal resection for superficial esophageal cancer in 1995. Subtotal esophagectomy and right colon interposition through the retrosternal route were performed due to a recurrence in the same lesion in 2005. The patient was immediately hospitalized due to chest pain in 2015. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed extensive necrosis in the colon. He underwent an emergency operation. The surgical operations included reconstructed colonic resection by longitudinal sternotomy, esophagostomy, gastrostomy, and drainage procedure. The patient is currently under rehabilitation at a referral hospital. There has been no report on the occurrence of necrosis in the reconstructed colon 10 years after esophagectomy.

[Significance of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for BCLC Stage B Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Mal-Nutrition]

Background and Aim: The recommendedind ication of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC)stage B HCC. But there are some cases in which we do not perform TACE because of liver damage with malnutrition in stage B. So we examined whether branched-chain amino acid (BCAA)improve nutritional status and perform TACE to contribute the prolongation of HCC survival.

METHODS

This study included8 8 patients treatedfor liver cirrhosis with HCC. All patients initially receivedBCAA granules. In patients with unchangedor decreasedAlb levels, BCAA granules were discontinuedandBCAA enrichednutrient was started. TACE for HCC were performedin those with an improvedChild -Pugh score.

RESULTS

TACE were performedfollowing the aggressive intervention with BCAA nutritional education in 66 of 88(75%)patients. Finally, overall survival time was significantly extended in TACE group(p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Timely aggressive nutritional intervention in BCLC stage B HCC, early partial replacement with BCAA enrichednutrient before TACE may consequently contribute to improvement of the treatment outcome of HCC.

[Surgery for Lower Intestinal Perforation Due to Peritoneal Dissemination]

INTRODUCTION

we examined the cases in which surgery was performed for the lower intestinal perforation due to peritoneal dissemination in our hospital.

SUBJECTS

Four cases of lower intestinal perforation of patients with peritoneal dissemination who underwent emergency operation in our hospital were enrolled.

RESULTS

Two males and 2 females patients with median age of 65.5 year old(63-71)were included. The perforated sites were 3 cases of small intestine and 1 case of ascending colon, and the APACHE II score at the visit was 14.5(10-16)points. The surgical procedure was performed in 3 cases of resection of the perforated site and 3 cases of stoma creation. In 2 out of 4 cases, it became difficult to control bacterial peritonitis and died on the 16th postoperative day. One case could discharge hospital and continued BSC, survived 4 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Although long-term prognosis could not be expected, there were cases in which it was possible to restart the oral intake after surgery or discharge. Surgical treatment might be selected for the lower intestinal perforation due to peritoneal dissemination.

[Multiple Resections for Metastases from Colorectal Cancer]

PURPOSE

We analyzed to clarify an outcome of multiple resections of metastases from colorectal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Total 7 cases who underwent several resections for metastases from colorectal cancer in Saiseikai Kurihashi Hospital after 2010 were enrolled for analysis.

RESULT

Age of patients at the time of the primary site resection was 67(45-78)year-old, including 4males and 3 females. Patients located at cecum/ascending/sigmoid/rectosigmoid/upper rectum were 1/1/2/2/1 respectively. Metachronous metastases were found in 5 patients. There were 1 patient for Stage I , 2 patients for Stage III a and III b each and all Stage III patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. The resected organs were 9 in lung, 8 in liver, 1 case in lymph node, local site and peritoneum and the median resected sites were 3(2-4)lesions. In 17 months median observation periods after latest resection, 5 cases have not been prolapsed including 3 cases with chemotherapy. Two cases were relapsed with unresectble status. One case died for 24 months and one case is under the chemotherapy for 12 months. Five year survival rate was 75% and 2 year prolapse free rate was 66.7%, since the relatively good prognosis was obtained by multiple resections.

CONCLUSION

The cases that multiple resections with R0 were able to perform for the metastases were analyzed. Although cases which become finally to be unresectable exist, it is suggested that the relatively good prognosis might be obtained by multiple resections for metastases.

Lymphangiography Was Useful in Postoperative Intractable Chylothorax after Surgery for Esophageal Cancer: A Case Report

Postoperative chylothorax after surgery for esophageal cancer is a rare but serious complication. Treatment initially consists of conservative therapy and, if it fails to provide improvement, it is important to perform surgical treatment without delay. We report on a recent case of intractable chylothorax. This report describes a 72-year-old man with Stage III esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Subtotal esophagectomy, through a right thoracoabdominal approach with two-field lymphadenectomy, and cervical esophagogastric anastomosis via the retrosternal route, were performed. On the 12th postoperative day, a diagnosis of chylothorax was made. Conservative treatment was initiated, but it proved to be ineffective. Therefore, ligation of the thoracic duct via a thoracotomy was performed, but this was not effective, either. Lymphangiography undertaken to identify the site of the leak in the thoracic duct enabled a diagnosis of an extremely rare double thoracic duct and identification of the site of the leak in the thoracic duct, thereby allowing curative direct ligation of the site. This case underscores the remarkable usefulness of lymphangiography in dealing with intractable postoperative chylothorax.

[A Case of Recurrent Jejunal Stenosis after Total Gastrectomy Treated with Self-Expandable Metallic Stent]

Case is a 66-year-old male. He was inserted covered self expandable metallic stent(SEMS)for jejunal stenosis due to gastric cancer recurrence. Migration was occurred after 4 days from stent replacement. We had removed SEMS by endoscopy, and re-inserted non-covered SEMS. Two months later, stent stenosis was occurred by tumor ingrowth. We tried to insert another stent in the stenotic stent. The patient was able to maintain oral intake without complication for 3 months. SEMS placement would improve a quality of life for selected patients with recurrent jejunal stenosis.

[A Prognostic Factor Based on Inflammation, Nutrition, and Immune Status for fStage II/III Colorectal Cancer]

INTRODUCTION

We investigated whether the prognostic nutritional index(PNI), controlling nutritional status(CONUT), modified Glasgow prognostic score(mGPS), and the neutrophil count/lymphocyte number ratio(NLR)could be prognostic factors for fStage II/III colorectal cancer.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The subjects were 115 patients with fStage II/III colorectal cancer who underwent curative resection. We studied the relationship with 3-year disease-free survival(DFS)and 5-year survival rate(OS).

RESULTS

DFS and OS were 75.6% and 84.4%, respectively, and 81.3% and 69.6% for DFS and 82.4% and 84.4% for OS were in fStage II and III, respectively. Univariate analysis of DFS showed significant differences for sex, age, PNI, and NLR, but there was no difference in PS, location, adjuvant chemotherapy, CONUT, or mGPS. In multivariate analysis, sex(male)and NLR(>2)were independent prognostic factors(p=0.006 and p=0.01, respectively). As for OS, although significant differences were recognized for sex, age, PS, PNI, NLR, and CONUT, there was no difference in location, adjuvant chemotherapy, or mGPS. In multivariate analysis, PS(≥1)and NLR(>2)were independent prognostic factors(p=0.009 and p=0.006, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

NLR(>2)was an independent prognostic factor for DFS and OS among prognos- tic factors based on inflammation, nutrition, and immunity in fStage II/III colorectal cancer patients.

[Standard Chemotherapy with Bevacizumab as First-Line Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer with RAS Mutation]

AIM

We examined the outcome of treatment with first-line chemotherapy with bevacizumab(Bmab)formetastatic colorectal cancer in our hospital to clarify the outcome for RAS mutant patients.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

From January 2013 to April 2016, 28 patients who initiated standard chemotherapy(2 chemotherapeutic agents)with Bmab as the first-line regimen for metastatic colorectal cancer were enrolled in this retrospective study. Time to treatment failure(TTF)and overall survival(OS)were analyzed.

RESULTS

The median age was 66.5(46-81)years old, including 16 men and 12 women, 11 cases with RAS wild type, and 17 cases with mutant type. The response rate was 30.8% in 2 cases of CR, 6 cases of PR, 14 cases of SD, 4 cases of PD, and 4 cases with conversion surgery after chemotherapy. TTF was 6.5 months and OS was 32.1 months. Among those with RAS mutations, 3 cases received conversion surgery. TTF of the mutant and wild type were 6.3 and 5.6 months, respectively, and OS was 35.8 and 32.1 months, respectively, without any significant difference. In addition, excluding conversion cases, the OS of mutant and wild type patients was 22.7 and 29.5 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The outcome of treatment using first-line chemotherapy with Bmab for metastatic colorectal cancer with RAS mutations was retrospectively analyzed. There was no difference in therapeutic effect between RAS mutated and not, and it seems that an OS of more than 20 months can be expected for those with RAS mutations with this choice of treatment.

Impact of Branched-Chain Amino Acid-Enriched Nutrient on liver Cirrhosis with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage B: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

In decompensated liver cirrhosis, hypoalbuminemia still persists even after they have been treated with branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) granules. We prospectively evaluated whether BCAA enriched nutrient switched from BCAA granules would increase the serum albumin level, and consequently extend the survival time after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment.

METHODS

This study included 77 patients treated for liver cirrhosis with HCC. After the nutritional assessment, all patients initially received BCAA granules. In patients with unchanged or decreased serum albumin levels, BCAA granules were discontinued and BCAA enriched nutrient was started. Transcatheter arterial chemembolization (TACE) for HCC were performed in those with an improved Child-Pugh score.

RESULTS

TACE were performed following the aggressive intervention with BCAA nutritional education in 54 of 77 (70.1%) patients. Finally, survival time was significantly extended in the TACE group (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Timely aggressive nutritional intervention in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B HCC, namely, early partial replacement with BCAA enriched nutrient may consequently improve the treatment outcome of HCC.

[Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Ampulla of Vater and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Duodenum in a Patient with Von Recklinghausen's Disease]

A 57-year-old woman with von Recklinghausen's disease presented with epigastralgia. Gastroduodenoscopy revealed swelling of the ampulla of Vater in the ventral and caudal direction, forming a hard, elastic mass. She was diagnosed with a tumor of the ampulla of Vater, and a subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy and D2 lymph node dissection were performed. The isolated specimen showed an intra-ampullary tumor of the ampulla of Vater and a submucosal tumor in the descending duodenum, which were diagnosed as a somatostatin-producing neuroendocrine tumor and gastrointestinal stromal tumor, respectively, on pathological examination. We believe that the neuroendocrine tumor of the ampulla of Vater and gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the duodenum are common gastrointestinal lesions in von Recklinghausen's disease.

[Prediction of Treatment Effect of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Computed Tomography(CT)-Attenuation Value]

AIM

In general, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)can obtain a high therapeutic effect on hypervascular tumors, but the definition of"hypervascular"is unclear. In this study, stainedtumor images on enhancedcomputedtomography( CT)were assessedaccord ing to CT-attenuation value. We investigatedwhether it is possible to estimate the treatment effect(TE)of TACE for hepatocellular carcinomas(HCCs).

STUDY POPULATION AND METHODS

We studied 50 patients with unresectable HCCs who underwent TACE. A total of 141 tumors were diagnosed as HCC on enhanced CT. We measured andcalculatedthe ratios of CT-attenuation values of HCCs in the arterial phase to normal enhancedliver parenchyma in the portal phase(CT value ratio). We then evaluatedTE on each target nodule by enhancedCT, to examine the correlation between TE andthe CT value ratio.

RESULTS

The CT-attenuation values were 119(range 61-180)hounsfieldunits(HU)for HCC and8 3(49-141)HU for liver parenchyma, andthe CT value ratio was 1.47(0.7-2.6). TE was positively correlatedwith the CT value ratio(p=0.0005). The cut-off value that suggestedfavorable results for TACE was 1.7 by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis.

CONCLUSION

The CT value ratio is useful for recognition of hypervascular tumors. We obtained favorable results in cases with a CT value ratio of 1.7 or more.

[A Case of Malignant Colonic Obstruction Bearing Another Synchronous Obstructive Lesion in the Anal Side of the Colon]

There are several reasons for failure in the insertion of a self-expandable metallic stent(SEMS)into a malignant colonic obstruction(MCO)including difficulty in insertion of the catheter or guidewire through the stenotic lumen into the oral side or perforation relatedto the technique. Herein, we report a case of MCO bearing another synchronous obstructive lesion in the anal side of the colon that couldhave explainedthe difficulty in the insertion of the SEMS into the stenosis locatedin the oral side, which might have indicated the need for an emergency operation for relieving the obstruction. A 76-year-oldman with epigastralgia andmelena was admittedto our hospital andhe was diagnosedwith a MCO in the ascending colon. A series of examinations performedafter admission revealedthat the patient hadanother synchronous obstructive lesion in the descending colon, which made colonoscope insertion at the oral side difficult. The next day after admission, we observed that fasting relievedthe patient from abdominal pain causedby obstruction; therefore, we performedSEMS insertion into the MCO of the descending colon followed by SEMS insertion into the ascending colon after 6 days. These serial SEMS insertions facilitated the oral administration of the diet and the patient was discharged 15 days after admission. The patient was readmittedto our hospital andhe underwent a radical operation for both lesions in June 2015.

[Preoperative Prognostic Nutritional Index in Elderly Patients Over 80 Years Old Who Underwent Curative Resection for Colorectal Cancer]

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 2001, cases of 76 patients who underwent Cur A resection for colorectal cancer and preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) assessment were analyzed in terms of clinicopathological factors, surgical outcomes, and prognosis.

RESULTS

Median age of the 36 men and 40 women included in the study was 83 years. Median PNI was 42.1. Twenty-four patients had a PNI below 40. There were 36 patients with pulmonary dysfunction, and 60 patients with D2 or wider LN dissection. Median operating time was 177 minutes. Postoperative complications were reported in 48 patients and SSI in 15 patients. Postoperative hospital stay was 16 days. During a median 30 month follow-up period, there were 16 deaths, including 8 from cancer-related causes and 8 from other disease-related causes. Patients with a PNI below 40 often had fewerD2 LN dissections(p=0.082)and significantly shorter operating times(p=0.015). First gait and first flatus were observed significantly later(p=0.0051, 0.0307). There were no significant differences in postoperative complication rates, SSI, postoperative hospital stay, cause of death, or survival.

CONCLUSIONS

In the elderly aged over 80-years-old, because those with a PNI below 40 underwent resection with fewer LN dissections and shorter operating time, there were no significant differences in postoperative complications, cause of death, or prognosis. These results suggest that PNI could be a selection factor for surgical procedure in elderly patients aged over 80 years.

The Influence of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Docetaxel, Nedaplatin and 5-Fluorouracil After Esophagectomy

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with docetaxel, nedaplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in esophageal cancer may adversely affect the postoperative clinical course following esophagectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We investigated the perioperative white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum albumin, body temperature (BT), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), water balance, partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO₂)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂) ratio, postoperative complications and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in patients who underwent NAC or surgery alone (SA group).

RESULTS

In the NAC group, the preoperative WBC (p=0.015) and postoperative day (POD) 3 BT (p=0.049), as well as RR (p=0.037) were lower, whereas the POD 2 PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio was higher (p=0.047), compared to the SA group. No differences in the incidence of postoperative complications and SIRS were observed between the groups.

CONCLUSION

NAC using docetaxel, nedaplatin and 5-fluorouracil was tolerated and feasible in esophageal cancer.

[A Case of Early Anal Canal Cancer with Pagetoid Spread with Different Antitumor Effects of Chemotherapy on Different Metastatic Sites]

A 78-year-old man visited our hospital with a prolapsed hemorrhoid. He was referred to the dermatology unit due to the thickness and redness of the perianal skin. He was diagnosed as having extra mammary Paget's disease by skin biopsy. After a biopsy of the anal polyp was performed to investigate the primary site, he was diagnosed with early anal canal cancer with Pagetoid spread and underwent a radical operation. Abdominoperineal resection with skin(D2 prx D3 lymphadenectomy) was performed with perineal reconstruction using a gracilis muscle graft. Postoperative surveillance without adjuvant therapy was performed because the pathological stage was stage I. Two years and 2 months after surgery, multiple liver metastases were found, and the patient was diagnosed with multiple liver, bone, and lymph node metastases(K-ras and UGT1A1 wild type)on PET. XELOX plus bevacizumab was used as first-line treatment and the liver metastases showed remarkable shrinkage; however, disease progression occurred in the bone. IRIS plus bevacizumab was started as second-line therapy but grade 3 hematotoxicity was observed during the first course. After 4 courses, it was difficult to maintain the therapy due to toxicity and cancer-related pain. The liver metastases had almost disappeared but the patient died 11 months after the initiation of chemotherapy.