Lesser omental hernias are rare; however, they should be considered in symptomatic bowel obstruction subsequent to a subtotal or total colectomy. This report describes two cases of recurrent bowel obstruction secondary to lesser omental hernias after laparoscopic total colectomies for ulcerative colitis. Initially, these patients had been treated conservatively; however, due to symptom recurrence, surgical intervention was decided on. In both cases, laparoscopic surgery revealed lesser omental hernias. The small bowel, which had entered from the dorsal aspect of the stomach, was returned to the original position, and the lesser omentum was closed. The patients were discharged uneventfully, with no recurrent bowel obstruction during the follow-up period. These cases highlight the importance of including internal hernias in the differential diagnosis relative to recurrent bowel obstruction, in patient subpopulations with a prior history of a subtotal or total colectomy. Confirmation by computed tomography is preferable.

Objective: To clarify the long-term oncological outcomes and postoperative anal, urinary, and sexual functions after laparoscopic surgery for clinical stage I very low rectal carcinoma located near the anal canal. Summary Background Data: Laparoscopic surgery is widely applied for rectal cancer; however, concerns remain, with some studies showing poorer outcomes compared to open surgery. Methods: This single-arm, phase II trial included patients registered preoperatively from 47 institutions in Japan. The planned sample size was 300. The primary endpoint was the 3-year local recurrence rate. Anal, urinary, and sexual functions were evaluated using a prospective questionnaire. Results: Three-hundred patients were registered between January 2014 and March 2017. Anus-preserving surgery was performed in 278 (93%), including 172 who underwent intersphincteric resection (58%) and 106 (36%) who underwent low anterior resection. The 3-year cumulative local recurrence rate was 6.3%. At 3 years postoperatively, 87% of patients used their own anus, and the median incontinence score improved from 12 at 3 months to 8 at 3 years. Only 5% of patients had severe incontinence (incontinence score of 16 points). Postoperative urinary function evaluation showed that International Prostate Symptom Score and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score decreased 1 week after surgery, but recovered to preoperative level 1 month after surgery. International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Sort Form remained almost stable after surgery. Sexual function evaluation using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 and International Index of Erectile Function-15 revealed that the patients had deteriorated 3 months after surgery but had recovered only slightly by 6 months. Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgery achieves feasible long-term oncological outcomes and a high rate of anus preservation with moderate anal function, and an acceptable incontinence score. While urinary function recovered rapidly, sexual function showed poor recovery.

PURPOSE: Recently, a new certification system called the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) has been launched in Japan to improve surgical safety. This study aimed to determine whether ESSQS-qualified surgeons affect the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. METHODS: A total of 187 colon cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy at Kindai University Hospital between January 2016 and December 2020 were enrolled. These patients were divided into two groups based on surgeries performed by ESSQS-qualified surgeons (QS group) and non-ESSQS-qualified surgeons (NQS group). The short- and long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups before and after propensity score matching (PSM). RESULTS: After PSM, 43 patients from each group were included in the matched cohort. In the short-term outcomes, the total operative time was significantly longer in the NQS group than in the QS group (229 vs. 174 min, p < 0.0001). However, there were no significant differences in the two groups regarding blood loss (0 vs. 0 ml, p = 0.7126), conversion (0.0% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.0779), Clavien-Dindo ≥ 2 complications (9.3% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.6933), mortality (2.3% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.3145), and postoperative hospital stay (9 vs. 9 days, p = 0.5357). In the long-term outcomes, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the 3-year overall survival (86.6% vs. 83.0%, p = 0.8361) and recurrence-free survival (61.7% vs. 72.0%, p = 0.3394). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy performed by ESSQS-qualified surgeons contributed to shorter operative time. Under the supervision of ESSQS-qualified surgeons, almost equivalent safety and oncological outcomes are expected even in surgeries performed by non-ESSQS-qualified surgeons.

Anastomotic leakage is one of the most dreaded complications of colorectal surgery and is strongly associated with tissue perfusion. Indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICG-FA) using indocyanine green and near-infrared systems is an innovative technique that allows the visualization of anastomotic perfusion. Based on this information on tissue perfusion status, surgeons will be able to clearly identify colorectal segments with good blood flow for safer colorectal anastomosis. The results of several clinical trials indicate that ICG-FA may reduce the risk of AL in colorectal resection; however, the level of evidence is not high, as several other studies have failed to demonstrate a reduction in the risk of AL. Several large-scale RCTs are currently underway, and their results will determine whether ICG-FA is, indeed, useful. The major limitation of the current ICG-FA evaluation method, however, is that it is subjective and based on visual assessment by the surgeon. To complement this, the utility of objective evaluation methods for fluorescence using quantitative parameters is being investigated. Promising results have been reported from several clinical trials, but all trials are preliminary owing to their small sample size and lack of standardized protocols for quantitative evaluation. Therefore, appropriately standardized, high-quality, large-scale studies are warranted.

AIM: In Japan, we have not been able to validate the results of laparoscopic surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer using the universal index "circumferential resection margin (CRM)." Previously, we established a semi-opened circular specimen processing method and validated its feasibility. In the PRODUCT trial, we aimed to assess CRM in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic rectal resection. METHODS: This was a multicenter, prospective, observational study. Eligible patients had histologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma located at or below 12 cm above the anal verge with clinical stage II or III and were scheduled for laparoscopic or robotic surgery. The primary endpoint was pathological CRM. CRM ≤1 mm was defined as positive. RESULTS: A total of 303 patients operated on between August 2018 and January 2020 were included in the primary analysis. The number of patients with clinical stage II and III was 139 and 164, respectively. Upfront surgery was performed for 213 patients and neoadjuvant therapy for 90 patients. The median CRM was 4.0 mm (IQR, 2.1-8.0 mm), and CRM was positive in 26 cases (8.6%). Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that a predicted CRM from the mesorectal fascia of ≤1 mm on MRI was the significant factor for positive CRM (P = .0012 and P = .0045, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study showed the quality of laparoscopic rectal resection based on the CRM in Japan. Preoperative MRI is recommended for locally advanced rectal cancer to prevent CRM positivity.

The use of temporary diverting stoma has become more common in low colorectal anastomosis to reduce anastomotic complications. Surgical site infection (SSI) at the stoma closure site has been one of the most frequent postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes between conventional primary suture closure and negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwelling (NPWTi-d) therapy following purse-string suturing, using propensity score matching analysis. We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 107 patients who underwent stoma closure between January 2016 and October 2020. The primary outcome was the proportion of SSI. The secondary outcome was the day of postoperative length of stay. Propensity score matching with one-to-one match was performed for reducing treatment selection bias. Of a total of 107 patients, 67 patients had been treated with conventional primary closure and 40 with NPWTi-d therapy. The propensity score matching derived 37 pairs. The respective SSI proportions were 0% and 16.2% in the groups with NPWTi-d and primary closure (P = 0.025). The respective median days of postoperative hospital stay were 9.0 and 10.0 in the groups with NPWTi-d and primary closure (P = 0.453). NPWTi-d therapy with purse-string suturing was effective in reducing SSI after stoma closure.

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumor, and some histological variants (oncocytic, myxoid, and sarcomatoid ACCs) have been reported in addition to the conventional ACC. Among these subtypes, oncocytic ACC is histologically characterized by the presence of abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm in the carcinoma cells owing to the accumulation of mitochondria, which generally yields high 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake on positron emission tomography (PET). Herein, we report the case of a 21-year-old woman with oncocytic ACC with low FDG uptake on PET scan. Her circulating levels of androgens were high, and androgen-synthesis enzymes were detected in carcinoma cells. The patient also had hypocholesterolemia. However, glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) was not detected in the tumor, which was considered to account for the low FDG uptake by the tumor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of low FDG uptake by oncocytic ACC without GLUT1 expression. Additionally, since hypocholesterolemia was reported in 3 previous reports of androgen-producing tumors, a possible correlation between androgenicity in adrenal tumors and the development of hypocholesterolemia could be postulated; however, further investigations are needed for clarification. This case highlights important information regarding the diversity of ACC and its impact on hypocholesterolemia.

INTRODUCTION: Cirrhosis is a significant determinant of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Patients with severe liver cirrhosis are substantially contraindicated for surgical treatment of inguinal hernia because of the substantial recurrence rate and high postoperative morbidity and mortality. However, hernia with incarceration and strangulation, which could become life-threatening, should be repaired urgently even for patients with severe liver cirrhosis. No clear surgical guidelines have been established regarding the treatment strategy for inguinal hernia in patients with cirrhosis. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 62-year-old man with a history of chronic C-type liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh classification C) and hepatocellular carcinoma was referred to us for surgical treatment of an irreducible right inguinal hernia. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed that the small intestine had herniated into the scrotum and severe abdominal wall varicose veins due to liver cirrhosis. We performed a hybrid method that combines examination laparoscopy and Lichtenstein's technique to observe the abdominal cavity and to avoid the risks due to severe varicosis of the inferior epigastric vein. DISCUSSION: There have been some reports of inguinal hernia with cirrhosis and ascites, but no reports of incarcerated inguinal hernia with abdominal wall varicose veins. In the present case, we chose a laparoscopic approach to observe the abdominal cavity to confirm intestinal necrosis. Hybrid surgery using laparoscopy and Lichtenstein's technique for incarcerated inguinal hernia could be performed safely. CONCLUSION: Hybrid surgery using laparoscopy and Lichtenstein's technique may be an effective method for patients with incarcerated inguinal hernia with end-stage cirrhosis and severe abdominal varicosis.

Introduction and importance: Chylous ascites (CA) is an infrequent, intractable complication that may arise after abdominal surgery. Although various attempts at treatment have been adopted, to date, none of them have been consistently effective. We describe the successful treatment of CA using lymphangiography and embolization with lipiodol.Case presentation: A 79-year-old woman underwent laparoscopic surgery for rectum cancer at another hospital. She was discharged on postoperative day (POD) 9; however, she had to be treated and hospitalized for CA three times until POD 76. She visited our hospital to undergo treatment for CA on POD 90 because the previous conservative treatment had not improved her condition. The computed tomography (CT) scans revealed ascites effusion. We performed lymphangiography and embolization with lipiodol two times. Repeated CT on POD 134 showed that the ascites had not increased.Clinical discussion: Lymphangiography and embolization with lipiodol effectively resolved chylous leakage that occurred after abdominal surgery. Additionally, we compare the features of two groups of cases of CA: one group in which patients were treated by lymphatic intervention and the second in which patients were treated through surgical procedures.Conclusion: We were thus able to demonstrate the clinical effectiveness of lipiodol lymphangiography in treating CA.

Background Complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL) for colon cancer is an essential procedure for improved oncologic outcomes after surgery. Laparoscopic surgery for splenic flexure colon cancer was recently adopted due to a greater understanding of surgical anatomy and improvements in surgical techniques and innovative surgical devices. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with splenic flexure colon cancer who underwent laparoscopic CME with CVL at our institution between January 2005 and December 2017. Results Forty-five patients (4.8%) were enrolled in this study. Laparoscopic CME with CVL was successfully performed in all patients. The median operative time was 178 min, and the median estimated blood loss was 20 g. Perioperative complications developed in 6 patients (13.3%). The median postoperative hospital stay was 9 days. According to the pathological report, the median number of harvested lymph nodes was 15, and lymph node metastasis developed in 14 patients (31.1%). No metastasis was observed at the root of the middle colic artery or the inferior mesenteric artery. The median follow-up period was 49 months. The cumulative 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were 85.9% and 84.7%, respectively. The cancer-specific survival rate in stage I-III patients was 92.7%. Recurrence was observed in 5 patients (11.1%), including three patients with peritoneal dissemination and two patients with distant metastasis. Conclusions Laparoscopic CME with CVL for splenic flexure colon cancer appears to be oncologically safe and feasible based on the short- and long-term outcomes in our study. However, it is careful to introduce this procedure to necessitate the anatomical understandings and surgeon's skill. The appropriate indications must be established with more case registries because our experience is limited.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: We describe the case of a patients with a diaphragmatic hernia associated with radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma who was treated by laparoscopic repair. CASE PRESENTATION: An 82-years-old man with history of HCC with hepatitis C virus-related liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B). The patient was treated RFA to HCC for segment 4, 5, 6, 8. After 16 months from latest RFA for segment 8, the patient was admitted to our hospital because of mild dyspnea. Computed tomography revealed a diaphragmatic herniation of bowel loops into the right thoracic cavity. The patients electively underwent laparoscopic repair of the diaphragmatic hernia. The patient was discharged from hospital without any post-operative complications. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The only treatment to diaphragmatic hernia is surgery, but liver cirrhosis patients limits this possibility. For the surgical treatment of patients with severe cirrhosis, the operation should be carefully assessed. We believe that a laparoscopic approach should be used for repairing diaphragmatic hernia. In the present case, we considered that a laparoscopic approach was safer and more feasible than open laparotomy. CONCLUSION: Diaphragmatic hernia is a rare late-onset complication associated with RFA for HCC. And patients with HCC often have severe liver dysfunction and cirrhosis. A laparoscopic approach is safe and minimally invasive for sever cirrhosis patients.

BackgroundTemporary stomas have been widely used to avoid the risk of complications such as anastomotic leakage after colorectal resection. Stoma closure is relatively easy; however, postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) may be a problem. Various methods have been used to reduce the incidence of SSI. We aimed to evaluate a new technique for stoma wound closure.MethodsWe enrolled patients who underwent stoma closure at our hospital between September 2019 and May 2020. We selected patients who lived far from our hospital and had difficulty visiting the hospital regularly and who agreed to undergo this surgical technique. We used negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwelling (NPWTi-d) and delayed primary closure for these patients.ResultsFour patients underwent NPWTi-d and delayed primary closure without the occurrence of SSI. The median postoperative hospital stay was 9 days (range: 7-14 days), and the median number of days to confirmation of epithelialization was 11.5 days (range: 10-16 days).ConclusionThe combined use of NPWTi-d and delayed primary closure for the stoma wound was very effective. This method may be a valuable new technique for wound management after stoma closure.

Characterization of adrenocortical disorders is challenging because of varying origins, laterality, the presence or absence of hormone production, and unclarity about the benign or malignant nature of the lesion. Histopathological examination in conjunction with immunohistochemistry is generally considered mandatory in this characterization. We report a rare case of bilateral adrenocortical adenomas associated with unilateral adrenal endothelial cysts in a 65-year-old woman whose condition was not diagnosed before surgery. Detailed histological examination of the resected adrenal glands revealed hyperplasia in the zona glomerulosa. Despite hyperplasia, the patient had normal serum aldosterone levels and renin activity without clinical evidence of hypertension. The patient was treated with a sodium-glucose cotransporter protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. This may have stimulated the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in which both relatively large bilateral adrenocortical adenomas and unilateral adrenal endothelial cysts were detected. This case also highlights the complexity and difficulty of preoperative diagnosis. Furthermore, this case reports the first detailed histopathological examination of adrenal lesions with SGLT2 treatment and the possibility of SGLT2 inhibitor treatment resulting in histological hyperplasia in the zona glomerulosa; however, it is difficult to prove a causative relationship between SGLT2 inhibitors and hyperplasia of the zona glomerulosa based on the data of this case. It can be confirmed only under limited conditions; therefore, further studies on adrenal gland histology employing SGLT2 inhibition are warranted.

Intraoperative visualization of lymphatic flow could guide surgeons performing laparoscopic colon cancer surgery on the extent of intestinal resection required. The purpose of this study was to investigate indocyanine green fluorescence imaging for intraoperative detection of lymphatic flow and nodes in such patients. All patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer from October 2016 to July 2017 were included in this study. Indocyanine green was injected submucosally around the tumors via a colonoscope and lymphatic flow assessed with a laparoscopic near-infrared camera system intraoperatively. Lymphatic flow was visualized perioperatively in 43 of 57 patients (75.4%). The rate of visualized lymphatic flow was significantly higher in patients with a lower clinical stage than in those with a higher clinical stage (p=0.0103). Among the 14 patients in whom lymphatic flow was not visualized, 10 (71.4%) had cStage III or IV cancer. Our results indicate the potential role of intraoperative navigation in colon cancer surgery in early-stage colon cancers. This method allows the surgeon to clearly identify lymphatic flow during surgery and allows the determination and individualization of the lymph node dissection range.

Introduction: Mesenteric cysts are rare intra-abdominal masses. They do not show classic clinical findings and are detected incidentally during imaging because of their absent or nonspecific clinical presentation. We herein report 2 cases of mesenteric cysts that were successfully diagnosed and resected through a laparoscopic approach.Case presentation: In a 35-year-old man underwent a comprehensive medical checkup at another hospital, during which ultrasound incidentally revealed a cystic mass in his right retroperitoneum. The patient was referred to our hospital for surgical treatment. He was asymptomatic and his medical history was unremarkable. Physical examination revealed no palpable abdominal mass, and all laboratory test results were within normal ranges. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a 7.2-cm-diameter smooth-surfaced, well-demarcated mass behind the right colon without a contrast effect (Fig. 1). We considered the cyst to be benign and localized in the mesentery of the ascending colon. In one patient, the cyst was located in the mesentery of the ascending colon and removed via a right hemicolectomy; in the other patient, the cyst was located in the sigmoid mesentery, which was completely resected through the operative wound under an open procedure after laparoscopic mobilization of the sigmoid mesentery. We chose the laparoscopic approach in both cases because the cysts were considered benign, noninfectious, and nonhemorrhagic. Histologic examination revealed cystic lymphangioma in both cases.Conclusion: For mesenteric cysts, laparoscopy could be a preferred approach in properly selected patients.

We report a relatively rare case of cecal cancer with dermatomyositis. An 81-year-old man was diagnosed with dermatomyositis associated with the symptoms of eruption, limb muscle weakness, and difficulty swallowing. Colonoscopy revealed a type 2 tumor in the cecum. The patient underwent laparoscopic ileocecal resection. Although it was impossible for the patient to stand before the surgery, he could stand 10 days after the surgery and walk without assistance 14 days after the surgery. In addition, the eruption disappeared, and the preoperatively high creatine kinase(CK)value normalized. Dermatomyositis with malignant tumor has been reported to be associated with poor prognosis. Symptoms related to dermatomyositis may be improved by the resection of the associated tumor. Therefore, it is important to treat the malignant tumor when the patient's condition permits.

Background: We report a rare case of a juxta-adrenal schwannoma that could not be discriminated from an adrenal tumor before surgical resection and was complicated by bilateral hyperaldosteronism. To the best of our knowledge, this is first case in which both a juxta-adrenal schwannoma and hyperaldosteronism co-existed.Case presentation: A 69-year-old male treated for hypertension was found to have a left supra-renal mass (5.8 x 5.2 cm) by abdominal computed tomography. His laboratory data showed that his plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) was within the normal range, but his plasma renin activity (PRA) was reduced, resulting in an increased aldosterone/renin ratio (ARR). Load tests of captopril or furosemide in the standing position demonstrated autonomous aldosterone secretion and renin suppression. Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) with ACTH stimulation indicated bilateral hypersecretion of aldosterone. A left supra-renal tumor was resected because of the possibility of malignancy and was found to be a benign schwannoma arising from the juxta-adrenal region together with an adrenal gland. The dissected left adrenal gland was morphologically hyperplastic in the zona glomerulosa, but was immunohistochemically negative for CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase). Multiple CYP11B2positive adrenocortical micronodules were detected in the adrenal gland, indicating micronodular hyperplasia. Although bilateral aldosteronism was indicated by AVS before the operation, the PRA, PAC and ARR values were within their respective reference ranges after resection of the unilateral tumor, suggesting that the slight increase in hormone secretion from the remaining right-sided lesion could not be detected after resection.Conclusion: A clinical and morphologic diagnosis of juxta-adrenal schwannoma is difficult, particularly in a case of hyperaldosteronism, as shown in this case. These data suggest the complexity and difficulty diagnosing adrenal incidentaloma.

A 67-year-old woman presented with bloody stools and constipation. A rectal digital examination revealed a smooth and elastic hard tumor in the posterior wall of the rectum. We diagnosed the tumor as rectal GIST measuring 5 cm in diameter. Because the patient desired anal preservation, neoadjuvant imatinib mesylate(IM)(400mg/day)treatment was administered. Although the diameter of the tumor reduced to 2 cm in the third week of administration, the patient experienced erythema-type drug eruption(Grade 3). We discontinued the IM treatment and initiated steroid therapy. After the eruption had disappeared, IM treatment was resumed, initially with half doses. Local transanal resection was performed 36days after the neoadjuvant IM treatment. Currently, the indication and the administration period of IM for preoperative treatment is not clear. It may be necessary to accumulate cases to evaluate neoadjuvant IM therapy.

© Springer Japan 2016. The most common disease for right-sided colectomy is right-sided colon cancer. Although transverse colon cancer has been excluded from most of the major prospective randomized controlled trials due to technical concerns, laparoscopic surgery for right-sided colon cancer has been well established. The procedure of right-sided colectomy is divided into four parts: (1) mobilization of the right colon and its mesentery; (2) division of the vascular pedicles; (3) division of the lateral attachments, hepatic flexure, and omental attachments; and (4) specimen extraction and anastomosis. There are four commonly used approaches to a laparoscopic right-sided colectomy, namely, the medial, inferior, lateral, and superior approaches. The most important thing in all approaches is to create and maintain proper tension during the procedure by corporation between both hands of the assistant and the surgeon’s one hand. We will present a safe and steady procedure for right-sided colectomy with the regional lymph node dissection along the superior mesenteric vein.

Patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) have increased risks of brain metastases (BMs), which are associated with poor clinical outcomes. In a study of 25 patients with multiple brain lesions, we identified prognostic factors relevant to local treatment for BMs. After BMs onset, continued systemic chemotherapy might improve survival in cases of advanced CRC.Background: Increased rates of long-term survival after CRC diagnosis are accompanied by increases in the incidence of BMs. Here, we retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of patients with BMs from CRC. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of 1364 patients with CRC treated between January 1999 and December 2010 at Kinki University Hospital in Japan. Twenty-five of these patients developed BMs. Log-rank tests and Cox regression analyses were used to assess potential prognostic factors for survival. Results: Among the patients with BMs, BMs developed a median of 25.3 (range, 11.4-111) months after primary CRC surgery. There was a median of 2 BMs per patient. Eleven patients had solitary BMs. Concomitant extracerebral metastases, particularly lung metastases, were found in 23 patients. Twenty-three patients were receiving systemic chemotherapy at the time of diagnosis with BMs. After the development of BMs, the median survival time (MST) was 2.8 months. The MST was 4.8 months among patients who underwent neurosurgical resection (n = 6) or stereotactic surgery (n = 9, including combined therapy in 2 patients) and 1.5 months among patients who underwent whole-brain radiotherapy only or best supportive care (n = 12). In multivariate analysis, single BMs and additional systemic chemotherapy after BMs diagnosis were significantly associated with overall survival (P = .022 and .023, respectively). Conclusion: Our results suggest that advancements in continuing systemic chemotherapy prolong survival among patients with BMs from CRC. Clinicians should be especially aware of BMs in patients with lung metastases.

Background: Intersphincteric resection (ISR) has been used to avoid permanent colostomy in very low rectal cancer patients. This study aimed to assess the surgical safety and oncologic and functional outcomes of ISR.Methods: The records of 30 consecutive very low rectal cancer patients who underwent ISR without neoadjuvant therapy were retrospectively analyzed; survival and locoregional recurrence rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Incontinence was assessed by a functionality questionnaire and the Wexner score.Results: The median distance between the distal margin of the dentate line was 10 mm. A total of 12, 4, and 14 patients underwent partial ISR, subtotal ISR, and total ISR, respectively. The mean distal resection margin was negative in all cases, and circumferential resection margin was positive in two cases. Morbidity was 33.3%: anastomotic stricture in seven patients, colonic J-pouch prolapse in two patients, and an anovaginal fistula in one patient. During the median, 56.2-month follow-up period, local, distant, and combined recurrences occurred in four, three, and two patients, respectively. The 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 76.5% and 68.4%, respectively. Local recurrence rates were 5.2% for the patients with Tis-T2 tumors as compared with 45.5% for those with T3 tumors (P = 0.008). The mean Wexner scores and stool frequencies, 12 months after stoma closure in 19 patients, were 11.5 and 6.6 per 24 h, respectively. Significant differences were not seen in the Wexner scores between partial ISR and subtotal/total ISR (11.8 +/- 2.6 and 9.1 +/- 5.6). Stool frequency (P = 0.02), urgency (P = 0.04), and fragmentation (P = 0.015) were worse in patients with anastomotic stricture than in those without; there was no symptom improvement in patients with anastomotic stricture.Conclusions: The anastomotic strictures in patients undergoing ISR may have negatively affected anal function. For total ISR patients, at least, informed consent stating the possibility of a permanent colostomy is necessary.

cDNA microarray technology has been used to identify HLA-A24-restricted epitope peptides as potential targets for cancer vaccination in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. We conducted a clinical trial of two novel cancer-specific peptides( RNF43, TOMM34) with UFT/LV for the treatment of recurrent colorectal cancer. Among 23 patients, 21 patients had completed the protocol. All patients were well tolerated with no severe toxicities. The median survival time was 24.4 months. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between CTL response to both antigens and overall survival. The best long-term survival was observed in the group with CTL responses against both antigens, followed by the group showing CTL responses against only RNF43 or TOMM34. The patients with no response had the lowest survival. Based on the results, we started a randomized trial of the current protocol, as adjuvant immunochemotherapy in following curative resection of Stage III colorectal cancer patients.

To test the safety and immune responses of a novel peptide vaccine derived from RNF43 (ring finger protein 43) and TOMM34 (34-kDa translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane) administered in combination with chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, a phase I clinical trial with 21 HLA-A2402-positive metastatic colorectal cancer patients was conducted. Patients received a weekly peptide vaccine (1 mg of each peptide in incomplete Freund's adjuvant) in combination with oral UFT (300 mg/m(2)/day) and UZEL (75 mg/day) for 4 weeks, followed by 1 week of rest. The protocol consisted of at least two cycles of this regimen. After the 2nd cycle, vaccinations were given biweekly or monthly, depending on the condition of the patient. Clinical responses were judged 10 weeks after the 2nd cycle by performing computed tomography (CT) scans and assessing the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses against RNF43 and TOMM34 in peripheral lymphocytes. The vaccinations were well tolerated without any serious adverse events. CTL responses were induced against both antigens in 8 patients and against one antigen in 12 patients, while 1 patient had no CTL response. The rate of stable disease was 83%. The group with CTL responses against both antigens had the most long-term survivors, followed by the group showing CTL responses against one antigen (p=0.0079). The patients with no CTL responses had the lowest survival. The safety and immunological responsiveness of the present combination therapy suggests that it is clinically beneficial for metastatic colorectal cancer. Further clinical trials are warranted.

The patient was a 55-year-old female who had multiple liver metastases of rectal cancer. This patient underwent hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. Hepatic arterial infusion was discontinued due to severe diarrhea, and the administration of UFT (300 mg/day) and LV(75 mg/day) was then begun. The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level was normalized immediately after the start of this administration. One year later, liver metastases disappeared on computed tomography (CT) and a complete response (CR) was achieved. No adverse events were noted, and CR was maintained for 2 years. This therapy can serve as one of the chemotherapies for advanced colorectal cancer.

Epidermoid cysts are the most common type of cutaneous cyst. However, their occurrence in the deep abdominal wall has not yet been reported. Here, we present the case of a 60-year-old woman who developed an epidermoid cyst in the deep abdominal wall, which was resected laparoscopically. The patient presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain on admission to our hospital. Computed tomography revealed cholecystolithiasis and an incidentally identified well-defined hypoattenuating mass (62 x 47 x 65 mm) in the deep abdominal wall on the left side of the navel. We performed laparoscopic complete resection of the abdominal wall tumor followed by cholecystectomy. The excised specimen was a cyst covered with a smooth thin membrane and contained sludge. Histopathologic examination revealed an epidermoid cyst. This is a very rare case with no previous reports on a similar type of epidermoid cyst.

Background/Aims: To investigate mesorectal fat invasion as a prognostic factor for T3N0 low rectal adenocarcinoma following sharp mesorectal excision. Methodology: Subjects consisted of 26 patients who had a potential curative excision of a T3N0 low rectal adenocarcinoma without neoadjuvant therapy between August 1988 and April 2003. Histological preparations were used to measure depth of mesorectal invasion, which was analyzed for associations with disease-free survival and recurrence. Results: Five-year overall survival and disease-free survival were 64.8% and 57.1%, respectively. Ten patients developed recurrent disease; 3 had local recurrence, 3 had distant metastasis, and 4 had both local and distant recurrence. Rectal cancers were stratified by depth of mesorectal invasion using 4 cutoff values (2, 3, 4, 5 mm), and examined by Cox proportional hazard model. At a cutoff of 3 mm, multivariate analyses confirmed depth of mesorectal invasion to be an independent prognostic factor for 5-year disease-free survival (< 3mm, 90.9%; >= 3mm, 32.0%; p=0.023). Distant metastasis differed significantly (< 3mm, 0%; >= 3mm, 46.7%; p=0.01), but local recurrence did not (< 3 mm, 9.1%; >= 3mm, 40%; p=0.17). Conclusions: Patients with advanced low T3N0 rectal cancer are at high risk of distant metastases. Depth of mesorectal invasion may be valuable in decisions regarding intensive adjuvant therapy.

BACKGROUND: Esophagogastric fistula following an esophagectomy for cancer is very common. One of the most important factors that leads to its development is gastric ischemia. We hypothesize that laparoscopic gastric devascularization and partial transection is a safe operation that will enhance the vascular flow of the fundus of the stomach. METHOD: Our study included eight pigs. Each animal had two operations. In the first one, a laparoscopic gastric devascularization and mobilization took place. Vascular flow was measured previous to the procedure and immediately after it with a laser doppler (endoscopic probe). After three weeks, a second operation took place. We re-measured the vascular flow and sent a sample of gastric fundus for histopathologic evaluation. RESULTS: The gastric fundus showed signs of neovascularization after both macroscopic and microscopic evaluation. These findings correlated with laser doppler measurements. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic gastric devascularization and partial transection is a safe procedure that increases the vascular flow of the stomach in a three week period. This finding can have a positive impact in terms of decreasing fistula formation.

Background: The safety and efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy followed by biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch for morbid obesity has been well established. We previously recommended 2-stage laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch for super-super obese patients. In the 2-stage version, these patients undergo laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a first-stage procedure, followed by laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch as the second stage for more definitive treatment of their obesity. However, short-term weight regain may occur owing to gastric dilation after initial laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The aim of this study was to prevent gastric dilation after sleeve gastrectomy. We designed a sleeve gastrectomy with wrapping using polytetrafluoroethylene dual mesh.Methods: Eleven Yorkshire pigs weighing 20-25 kg underwent sleeve gastrectomy with wrapping using polytetrafluoroethylene dual mesh (wrapping group) or sleeve gastrectomy only (control group) to compare the weight loss. The animals were weighed weekly postoperatively. Necropsy was performed 8 weeks postoperatively to confirm the wrapping by pathologic report.Results: Four pigs died because of staple line failure or strangulation no perioperative complications occurred in the other pigs. The operative time for the control group was 198 +/- 60 minutes and for the wrapping group was 181 +/- 86 minutes (P = NS). The average weight of the removed stomach was 123.3 +/- 5.8 g in the control group and 140.3 +/- 69.9 g in the wrapping group (P = NS). The postoperative weight gain at 8 weeks was significantly slower in the wrapping group than in the control group (P <.0001). The pathologic necropsy report noted that the mesh was well attached to the stomach wall at 9 days postoperatively, with no unexpected deaths.Conclusion: Sleeve gastrectomy with wrapping using polytetrafluoroethylene dual mesh is feasible., and weight gain was reduced in the porcine model. (Surg Obes Relat Dis 2008;4:84-90.) (C) 2008 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. All rights reserved.

We prospectively compared changes in function between colonic J-pouch and straight anastomoses from 1 to 5 years after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. At 1, 3, and 5 years after surgery, functional outcome was compared between 48 patients with J-pouch reconstruction (J group) and 51 with straight anastomosis (S group), using a 17-item questionnaire (overall best, 0; overall worst, 26). At 5 years, patients with ultralow anastomoses (less than 4 cm from anal verge), had fewer bowel movements during day or night, and less urgency and soiling in the J than S group. At that time, patients with low anastomoses (5 to 8 cm above the verge) had fewer bowel movements at night and less urgency in the J than S group. Functional scores improved significantly over time for both anastomotic levels, especially in the S group. Mean scores with ultralow anastomoses were J-group, 5.6 at 1 year vs. 5.3 at 3 years (P=0.0304) vs. 3.7 at 5 years (P<0.0001); and S group, 10.2 at 1 year vs. 9.6 at 3 years (P=0.0063) vs. 7.3 at 5 years (P<0.0001). Mean scores with low anastomoses were J group, 3.4 at 1 year vs. 3.1 at 3 years (P=0.0052) vs. 2.1 at 5 years (P=0.0003); and S group, 5.2 at 1 year vs. 3.8 at 3 years (P<0.0001) vs. 2.7 at 5 years (P<0.0001). Functional outcome improved in the J and especially the S group over 5 years. However, function was better in the J than S group at all time points.

Patients with rectal cancer who undergo an abdominoperineal resection (APR) are physically handicapped by the presence of a permanent colostomy. We compared physical conditions of patients treated by APR with those of patients treated by anterior resection (AR), and found out whether the choice of operation technique had any influence on their social and psychological conditions. We compared the postoperative physical, social, and psychological conditions of 40 patients who underwent an APR with those of 116 patients who received an AR using a questionnaire. Physical conditions in the APR group were significantly worse than those in the AR group. There were no significant differences in social conditions between the two groups and social conditions were satisfactory in both groups. However, the will to carry on life in the APR group was significantly emptier than that in the AR group. While most patients who undergo an APR return to their normal level of social condition following surgery, their will to carry on life are empty due to physical discomforts including bowel dysfunction, urinary dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction. The quality of life is impacted by multiple factors, one of which may be the presence of the colostomy.

Functional outcome after anterior resection (AR) for rectal cancer is improved by colonic J-pouch reconstruction compared with straight anastomosis. The indications for colonic J-pouch reconstruction have yet to be determined. Therefore, we attempted to determine the level at which J-pouch reconstruction provides an advantage over straight anastomosis. There were 48 patients who underwent 5-cm colonic J-pouch reconstruction (J-pouch group) and 80 patients who underwent straight anastomosis (straight group) who were subjected to functional assessment 1 year postoperatively. The functional outcome in the J-pouch group was significantly better than that in the straight group when the distance of the anastomosis from the anal verge was less than 8 cm. The difference was particularly obvious when the level of the anastomosis was below 4 cm. However, functional outcome in the straight group when the anastomosis was between 9-12 cm from the anal verge also was satisfactory, and did not differ from that in the J-pouch group when the anastomosis was between 5 and 8 cm from the anal verge. Colonic J-pouch reconstruction is indicated when the distance of anastomosis from the anal verge is less than 8 cm, and it is particularly essential when less than 4 cm.

In colon cancer surgery, it is recommended to perform en bloc resection involving extended lymphadenectomy, characterized as a hemicolectomy, by ligating the primary feeding artery at a high position and resecting proximal and distal 5 to 10 cm bowel margins. However, there is little evidence to unequivocally support such extensive lymphovascular resection. The distribution of nodal metastases was obtained by the clearing method in 164 patients with colon cancer. For pericolic spread: for pT1 tumors, the distance from the primary tumor to a diseased node was 2.5 cm; for pT2, the distance was less than 5 cm; for 97.0% of pT3 tumors and 93.3% of pT4 tumors with nodes involved, the distance was less than 7 cm. For central spread: for pT1 tumors, the rate of spread to central nodes was 0%; for pT2, the rate of spread was 20.0% to intermediate nodes (for tumors more than 5 cm from the feeding artery, the rate for central nodes was 0%); for pT3, the rate was 30.6% to intermediate nodes and 15.3% to main nodes; for pT4, the rate was 44.4 % to intermediate nodes and 22.2% to main nodes. For curative resection cases with pT3 tumors more than 7 cm from the feeding artery, the rate to central nodes was 0%. In T1 tumors, central node dissection is not required, but proximal and distal 3-cm margins of resection are required; in T2, central node dissection that includes the intermediate node should be performed, as well as proximal and distal 5-cm margins of resection. In T3 and T4, central node dissection that includes the main node should be performed, as well as proximal and distal 7-cm margins of resection. However, for T2 more than 5 cm from the primary feeding artery, and for T3 more than 7 cm from the primary feeding artery, proximal and distal resection alone may be adequate.

It hits been reported that functional outcome following low anterior resection of rectal cancer is improved by construction of a colonic J-pouch compared with straight anastomosis. Hence, we tried to justify use of the sigmoid colon in the construction of a J-pouch by the analysis of regional lymph node metastases. A total of 198 patients underwent resection for rectal cancer. Node metastases were examined by the clearing method. According to Japanese General Rules, nodes were classified into the perirectal nodes (PR-N), pericolic nodes (PC-N), central intermediate nodes (C-IM-N), central main nodes (C-M-N). Metastatic rate (number of patients with node metastases/total number of patients) of PR-N was 56.6%. Metastatic rate of C-IM-N was 19.2% and that of C-M-N was 8.6%. Metastatic rate of PC-N was only 1.0%. In low anterior resection, high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery and dissection of C-M-N, C-IM-N and PR-N are necessary. Resection of sigmoid colon is not required, and therefore, a J-pouch can be constructed using the sigmoid colon.

We examined the survival benefit of pelvic exenteration for locally advanced colorectal cancer with lymph node metastases, because this issue remains controversial. Medical records of 56 patients who underwent curative pelvic exenteration for colorectal cancer were reviewed retrospectively. Nodal metastases were examined by the clearing method in 29 patients and by the conventional manual method in 27 patients. Invasion to contiguous pelvic organs was present in 45 patients (80.4%) and absent in 11 patients (19.6%). Node metastases were present in 38 patients (67.9%). Operative morbidity and mortality rates were 23.2% (13 patients) and 5.4% (3 patients), respectively. Respective 5-year survival rates were 62.2 and 81.8% in the groups with and without organ invasion (no significant difference). Five-year survival in patients with nodal metastases was 56.4% but was significantly higher, 84.6%, in patients without nodal metastases. Five-year survival in 32 patients with both organ invasion and nodal metastases was 55.6%. Long-term survival was afforded by pelvic exenteration for locally advanced colorectal cancer with nodal metastases.

In rectal cancer surgery, preservation of urinary and sexual function is attempted by means of operations preserving the autonomic nerves of the pelvic plexus. Emergence of residual cancer because of a more shallow plane of dissection is a problem feared with these methods, so we examined indications for pelvic plexus preservation. We studied 198 patients with rectal carcinoma who underwent abdominopelvic lymphadenectomy. Lymph nodes along the superior hemorrhoidal artery and middle hemorrhoidal artery medial to the pelvic plexus were defined as perirectal nodes (PRN), and nodes along the middle hemorrhoidal artery lateral to the pelvic plexus and along the internal iliac artery represented lateral intermediate nodes (LIN). Node metastases were examined by the clearing method. Metastasis to PRN occurred in 12.5% in patients with pT1 tumors, 28.9% of those with pT2, and 50.0% of those with rectosigmoid junctional cancer. Metastasis to LIN was absent in patients with pT1 or pT2 and was as rare as 2.5% in patients with rectosimoid junctional cancer. In patients with T1, T2 and rectosigmoid junctional cancer, perirectal node dissection is necessary, but chances of residual cancer should remain minimal when the pelvic plexus is preserved.

Dietary and behavioral modifications have resulted in limited long-term success in curing morbidly obese patients, and surgery remains the only effective treatment. Of the surgical procedures that are the most commonly offered, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) appears to offer the best long-term results. However 5-15% of patients will not achieve successful weight loss after RYGB. There are many reports showing that the patients who underwent gastric bypass surgeries regain weight over time. The cause for this remains unclear. Several factors may contribute, including dilation of the gastric pouch and the gastrojejunal anastomosis. However, the data to support the link is sparse. The objective of this paper is to describe the surgical technique of wrapping the gastric pouch with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) mesh to prevent gastric pouch dilatation. In specific, we created a 20-30 ml gastric pouch and subsequently, the gastrojejunostomy was performed with a circular stapler. Afterwards, the mesentery was dissected and the gastric pouch was wrapped with the PTFE mesh. We have performed this procedure on three cadavers with an average operative time of 75 minutes. We found that the procedure of wrapping the gastric pouch was not particularly difficult. As a result, the gastric pouch, gastrojejunal anastomosis and the stump of the jejunum are all totally wrapped within the mesh. It may be effective in the prevention of dilatation.

Background/Aims: We prospectively compared changes in function between colonic J-pouch and straight anastomoses from 1 to 5 years after low anterior resection for rectal cancer.Methodology: At 1, 3, and 5 years after surgery, functional outcome was compared between 48 patients with J-pouch reconstruction (J group) and 51 with straight anastomosis (S group), using a 17-item questionnaire (overall best, 0; overall worst, 26). Reservoir function was evaluated manovolumetrically.Results: At 5 years, patients with ultralow anastomoses (<= 4 cm from anal verge) had fewer bowel movements during day or night, and less urgency and soiling in the J than S group. At that time, patients with low anastomoses (5 to 8cm Above the verge), had fewer bowel movements at night and less urgency in the J than S group. Manovolumetric results were better in the J than S group for both anastomotic levels. Functional scores improved significantly over time for both anastomotic levels, especially in the S group. Mean scores with ultralow anastomoses were J-group, 5.6 at 1 year vs. 5.3 at 3 years (P=0.0304) vs. 3.7 at 5 years (P < 0.0001); and S group, 10.2 at 1 year vs. 9.6 at 3 years (P=0.0063) vs. 7.3 at 5 years (P < 0.0001). Mean scores with low anastomoses were J group, 3.4 at 1 year vs. 3.1 at 3 years (P=0.0052) vs. 2.1 at 5 years (P=0.0003); and S group, 5.2 at 1 year vs. 3.8 at 3 years (P < 0.0001) vs; 2.7 at 5 years (P < 0.0001). Mano- volumetric results improved. overtime in both groups.Conclusions: Functional outcome improved in the J and especially the S group over 5 years. However, function was better in the J than S group at all time points.

BACKGROUND: We studied the usefulness of Bovine Pericardial strips (BPS) as a buttress in the prevention of complications from the gastric staple-line in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). METHODS: LSG was carried out in 18 pigs. Resection of the stomach was performed with 4.8-mm/30-mm linear stapler either without (Control Group--n = 9) or with BPS (Buttress Group--n = 9). Intra- and postoperative blood losses were assessed. Leaks were evaluated with methylene blue test intra-operatively and then clinically. The animals were sacrificed 2 weeks after surgery and the abdominal cavity was evaluated for fluid collections and adhesions, and the burst pressure of the stomach was measured and histopathological study of the staple-line was performed. Student t-test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: No leaks were detected except for one small subclinical leak in the buttress group. Internal ulcers at the staple-line were seen more frequently in the Buttress group (6 vs 3, not significant). There was no significant difference between the two groups with regards to operative time (65.3 +/- 14.2 min, 69.7 +/- 12.8 min), intra-operative bleeding (9.6 +/- 2.2 ml, 8.2 +/- 1.5 ml), postoperative hemoglobin levels (11.3 +/- 1.9 g%, 11.8 +/- 2.2 g%), and burst pressure (152.6 +/- 23.5 mmHg, 161.2 +/- 15.8 mmHg) for the Control and Buttress groups respectively. More intense adhesions and inflammatory response were observed in the Buttress Group. CONCLUSIONS: In this experimental model, the use of bovine pericardium as a staple-line buttress in LSG was easy and safe; however, it did not decrease the occurrence of complications.

Background: Decreased absorption of nutrients results in weight loss. Apart from a surgical bypass or restriction, or pharmacological manipulations, novel approaches include endoluminal devices placed inside the stomach or intestine which could be used to achieve weight loss. Our goal is to verify the technical feasibility of an Endoluminal Duodeno-Jejunal Tube (EDJT) in reducing weight gain in a living porcine model and its safety in a short to medium survival. Methods: 8 45-kg Yorkshire pigs were used for this study. 4 pigs were used as controls, whereas 3 pigs had a 180-cm and 1 had a 360-cm EDJT implanted and fixed to the first part of the duodenum proximal to the ampulla of Vater with a solenoid circumferential suture by way of a duodenotomy. The EDJT is a 25- mm diameter and 0.05-mm thickness polyethylene tube. The intent was to avoid the mixing of food and biliopancreatic juice for its entire length. Results: Each pig was evaluated daily for symptoms of distress and weighed weekly for 7 weeks. No major complications were observed. The percentage weight changes 7 weeks after surgery in the control group, 180-cm group, and 360-cm group were 22.5%, 6%, and -2.8%, respectively. The EDJT groups (180-cm, 360-cm) had significantly slower weight gains than the control group (P=0.005). Conclusion: Use of an EDJT is safe; no major complications, such as obstruction, intussusception, or pancreatitis occurred. The EDJT slowed weight gain dramatically in a porcine model when compared to the controls. A trend of reduced weight gain was obtained with a longer tube.

BACKGROUND: The development of port-site metastases following laparoscopic resection of various malignancies continues to be a disturbing issue for laparoscopic surgeons. Previous studies revealed promising results with oxaliplatin, a third-generation platinum compound, as a first-line treatment in advanced colorectal cancer. This study evaluates the effect of topical application of oxaliplatin on the development of port-site metastases in an experimental murine model. METHODS: Nineteen female BDIX rats (immunocompetent, 6 weeks old) underwent a sham laparoscopic operation after 1 x 10(7) viable rat colon carcinoma viable cells (LMCR) had been injected into their peritoneal cavities. Three trocars (1 central camera port and 2 additional lateral ports) were introduced into the abdomen, and a pneumoperitoneum was created with carbon dioxide. Ten minutes after LMCR, cells were injected into the peritoneal cavity, the 2 lateral trocars were removed and carbon dioxide insufflation was maintained for an additional 5 minutes to allow for tumor cell seeding. Oxaliplatin (0.198 mg/kg) was then topically applied to 1 trocar site intramuscularly, while the other site was left untreated. One week later, the animals were euthanized, and the port sites were histologically examined for evidence of metastases. RESULTS: The rate of tumor implantation at the muscle layer in control sites was 68% (13/19) compared with 37% (7/19) at oxaliplatin-treated sites (P = 0.1). Also, no significant differences were detected in port-site metastasis rates in other untreated layers of the abdominal wall. CONCLUSION: Intramuscular topical application of oxaliplatin may not decrease the incidence of port-site metastasis in a syngeneic animal model of colon cancer. Nevertheless, we can see the tendency of declination. Further studies are needed to better determine its possible therapeutic role in high-risk humans undergoing laparoscopic resection of colorectal malignancies.

サイクロスポリン(CS)持続静注療法は大腸全摘回避のために選択されるがPneumocystis carinii (PC)肺炎が4例報告されている。ステロイド抵抗性潰瘍性大腸炎に大腸全摘か、CSで手術を回避すべきかは論点であるが、CSに反応せず大腸全摘となる時はPC肺炎発生を認識すべし。

Creation of a neorectum by constructing a colonic J-pouch has been shown to improve bowel function during the first year following low anterior resection. However, few studies of long-term reservoir function have been published. This prospective study compared the reservoir function of J-pouch and straight anastomosis 5 years after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. Bowel function was compared in 46 patients who underwent J-pouch reconstruction (J-group) and 48 patients with a straight anastomosis (S-group). Clinical status was evaluated using a 17-item questionnaire inquiring about different aspects of bowel function. Reservoir function was evaluated by manovolumetry. Among patients with a ultralow anastomosis (less than 4 cm from the anal verge), the number of bowel movements during the day and at night and urgency and soiling were less in the J-group than in the S-group. Among patients with a low anastomosis (5 to 8 cm from the verge), patients in the J-group had fewer bowel movements at night and less urgency. Reservoir function was better in the J-group than in the S-group in both the ultralow and low anastomosis groups. J-pouch reconstruction increased reservoir function and provided better a functional outcome than straight anastomosis, even 5 years after low anterior resection.

Bowel function after low anterior resection for rectal cancer with colonic J-pouch reconstruction is more normal than after conventional straight anastomosis. However, few reports have examined the function of colonic J-pouch reconstruction in the elderly. Good function would obviate the need for colostomy, which is sometimes performed because of concern over fecal incontinence, which increases with age. The present study evaluated the function of colonic J-pouch reconstruction in elderly individuals 75 years or older. Functional outcome was compared in 20 patients 75 years or older (older group) and 87 patients 74 years or younger (younger group) 3 years after colonic J-pouch reconstruction, using a functional scoring system with a 17-item questionnaire (score range, 0 (overall good) to 26 (overall poor)). Function in the older group was satisfactory and was similar to that in the younger group (functional score: older group, 4.2 vs. younger group, 4.1). Of the 17 items in the questionnaire, only the use of laxatives or glycerine enemas was more common in the older than in the younger group (85.0% vs. 59.8%; P= 0.0335). Elderly patients with low anterior resection with colonic J-pouch reconstruction provides excellent functional outcome, including continence. Colonic J-pouch reconstruction is a highly preferable alternative to permanent colostomy in elderly patients undergoing low anterior resection.

Several reports have shown advantages of laparoscopic gastrointestinal (GI) procedures when compared with their open counterparts. The aim of this study was to assess the differences of GI transit and immune response between laparoscopic and open gastrectomy in a porcine model. Fourteen pigs were assigned to undergo partial gastrectomy, either by laparoscopy (lap group) or by laparotomy (open group). GI transit was assessed using 24 markers and measured until half of markers were evacuated. To assess immune response, we used delayed-type hypersensitivity skin antigen testing (DTH) with vaccine antigen. DTH was evaluated at 48 hours after the primary injection for induration. After 2 weeks, all animals underwent necropsy and were evaluated for adhesion formation using a scoring scale. Operation time was significantly longer in the lap group. The GI transit in the postoperative phase was significantly prolonged compared with the preoperative measured times. Postoperatively, the GI transit in the open group was significantly prolonged compared with the lap group. Immune response measured by DTH was better preserved in the lap group than in the open group. Adhesion formation was significantly less in the lap group. We concluded that laparoscopic gastrectomy resulted in faster bowel recovery and less immune suppression.

大腸癌イレウスに対する具体的な治療方針を右側大腸癌、左側大腸癌に分けて解説した

BACKGROUND: Morbid obesity has become a major global health problem. Surgery remains the only effective treatment for patients with severe obesity, because diet reduction methods and pharmacologic agents have not resulted in long-term weight reduction. Gastric bypass (GBP) can provide adequate weight loss, but after some years, dilatation of the gastric pouch and outlet may lead to weight regain by allowing the patient to increase food intake. METHODS: 2 groups of 6 pigs underwent laparoscopic GBP. In the first group, a non-adjustable silicone band (Proring-band, IOC, Innovative Obesity Care, Saint Etienne, France) was positioned 1 cm proximal to the gastrojejunal anastomosis. In the second group, the device used to stabilize the gastric pouch was an adjustable silicone band (Mid-band, Medical Innovation Developpement, Villeurbanne, France). Weight loss, complications and histological reaction were evaluated after 3 months. RESULTS: Mortality rate was 25% (cardiac arrythmia in 2 pigs). Conversion rate was 25%. The positioning of the band was more difficult with the Mid-band because of its larger size and the presence of the catheter. The average weight change in the Proring group was 15.8 kg (3.5-25.1 kg), and in the Mid-band group was 12.0 kg (6.2-15.1 kg). Morbidity consisted of one intragastric migration of the Proring band into the gastrojejunal anastomosis, and one infection of the port in the Mid-band group treated by removal of the port and antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Use of silicone devices may be safe and effective in the prevention of pouch or outlet dilatation after GBP.

Background: Paclitaxel is an effective agent in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of weekly paclitaxel-based preoperative chemotherapy in patients with large operable breast cancer. Methods: Patients initially received paclitaxel as a 3-hour infusion at 175 mg/m 2. Three weeks after initial administration, two cycles of three weeks of paclitaxel 80 mg/m 2 over a 1 hour infusion followed by a one week break were given. Of 22 patients, 9 had stage 11 (tumor diameter greater than 3 cm), 4 stage IIIA 7 stage IIIB, and 2 stage IV (with ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis) cancer, respectively. Results: Excluding stage IV patients, the overall response rate to paclitaxel chemotherapy was 80%. Four of the 20 patients (20%) showed a clinical complete response (cCR). Two of these showed pathologic complete response and the other 2 had only the ductal component remaining. The primary tumor response and axillary lymph node downstaging following preoperative chemotherapy tended to be related in 16 patients with clinically positive nodes. Breast conserving surgery was performed as a result of downstaging in the 9 stage 1] patients. Grade 3 neutropenia occurred in one patient when 175 mg/m 2 of paclitaxel was administered, but no serious side effects developed during the weekly administration of paclitaxel. Conclusion: The use of weekly paclitaxel-based preoperative chemotherapy appears to yield a significant anti-tumor effect without inducing serious drug-related adverse effects. Furthermore, the effectiveness of this treatment appears to result in a higher frequency of breast conserving surgery.

BACKGROUND: The magnitude of the systemic response is proportional to the degree of surgical trauma. Much has been reported in the literature comparing metabolic and immune responses, analgesia use, or length of hospital stay between laparoscopic and open procedures. In particular, metabolic and immune responses are represented by measuring various chemical mediators as stress responses. Laparoscopic procedures are associated with reduced operative trauma compared with open procedures, resulting in lower systemic response. As a result, laparoscopic procedures are now well accepted for both benign and malignant processes. Laparoscopic liver resection, specifically, is employed for symptomatic and some malignant tumors, following improvements in diagnostic accuracy, laparoscopic devices, and techniques. However, laparoscopic liver resection is still controversial in malignant disease because of complex anatomy, the technical difficulty of the procedure, and questionable indications. There are few reports describing the stress responses associated with laparoscopic liver resection, even though many studies reviewing stress responses have been performed recently in both humans and animal models comparing laparoscopic to conventional open surgery. Although this review examines stress response after laparoscopic liver resection in both an animal and human clinical model, further controlled randomized studies with additional investigations of immunologic parameters are needed to demonstrate the consequences of either minimally invasive surgery or open procedures on perioperative or postoperative stress responses for laparoscopic liver resection.

OBJECTIVE. We sought to analyze the features of breast tumors as revealed on dynamic multidetector CT (MDCT), to develop descriptors for these features, and to compare the performance of MDCT with the performance of other techniques used in the depiction of tumors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. MDCT was performed in 149 women with suspected breast tumors, and 173 breast lesions were detected. These breast lesions were classified as either mass or nonmass enhancing lesions. For mass lesions, the margin, shape, and enhancement patterns were evaluated. For nonmass enhancing lesions, the distribution of enhancement and the types of time-density curve patterns were evaluated. MDCT was compared with mammography and sonography as a method of revealing breast tumors. RESULTS. Of the 173 breast lesions detected, 150 were mass lesions, 131 (87%) of which were malignant. Of the 23 nonmass enhancing lesions, 21 (91 %) were malignant. The most highly predictive features for lesion malignancy were an irregular margin (100%), an irregular shape (99%), and rim enhancement (100%). Similar features were the most accurate signs of malignancy-a spiculated and irregular margin (90%). On time-density curves, the washout and plateau patterns showed high positive predictive value (93%) and sensitivity (91%) for malignancy. However, these patterns had low negative predictive value (42%) and specificity (48%). Seven breast lesions that could not be detected on mammography or sonography were identified on MDCT. MDCT more accurately revealed the margin of the tumor invasion in 11 breast tumors than did mammography or sonography. CONCLUSION. The features revealed on MDCT can help to distinguish benign lesions from carcinomas. MDCT can add to the data obtained with mammography or sonography in patients with suspected breast tumors.

PURPOSE: We examined the usability of a newly developed, compact-sized DNA array filter fur studying the gene expression pattern of individual colorectal cancer. METHODS: Complementary DNA probes were prepared from mRNA extracted from colonic cancer specimens and adjacent normal mucosa and then were labeled with chemiluminescence. These: Labeled probes were allowed to bind to the gene fragments on the filter. A specialized scanning charge-coupled device camera measured the intensity of each chemiluminescent spot, which is an indicator of the degree to which a specific gene is expressed. Gene expression image was quantified into intensity of signals by using computer software. RESULTS: Characteristic gene expression patterns were obtained from the colonic cancer cell line, RPMI4788, and the leukemia cell line, HL60, by using this compact-sized DNA array filter in the preliminary experiment. Up-regulation of nm23, TIMP1, VEGF, and cyclin E and down-regulation of some tumor suppressor genes (p53, TOSO, and SIVA), beta -catenin, and metallothionein were observed in colonic cancer specimen when compared with those of normal mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: We have obtained unique gene expression patterns from colorectal cancer and normal tissue by using a newly developed compact-sized DNA array filter system. Collecting, storing, and analyzing of gene expression data from many samples of colorectal cancer will enable us to identify distinct subsets of patients based on molecular characteristics in the near future.

Background. Adjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and mitomycin C (MMC) has commonly been used after resection of colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of p53 mutation or the expression of GML, a target of p53, for sensitivity to 5-FU and MMC. Methods. We analyzed p53 mutations and the expression of GML in six colorectal cancer cell lines (SW837, DLD-1, RPMI4788, WiDr, HT-29, and HCT116), and examined the correlation between genetic changes and in-vitro chemosensitivity to MMC and 5-FU by measuring the colony-forming ability in these cell lines. We also introduced GML cDNA into a cell line that lacked endogenous GML expression to investigate changes in sensitivity to MMC and 5-FU. Results. The sensitivity to MMC was highest in HCT116, which had no p53 gene abnormalities and expressed endogenous GML, and lowest in RPMI4788 cells, which had neither p53 gene abnormalities nor expression of endogenous GML. For 5-FU treatment with 24-h exposure, HCT116 showed the highest sensitivity, and SW837, which had p53 mutations without expression of GML, showed the lowest sensitivity. The introduction of GML cDNA to RPMI4788 (RPMI4788-GML) showed that the sensitivity of RPMI4788-GML to MMC was enhanced almost to the level of HCT116 cells. However, when RPMI4788-GML were exposed to 5-FU for 24-h, the sensitivity of RPMI4788-GML was slightly increased compared with that of the parental cells, but was slightly lower than that of HCT116. Conclusion. GML expression and p53 mutation in colorectal cancer may be useful predictive genetic markers for sensitivity to MMC and 5-FU, respectively.

Background: Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is likely to spread into the nerve plexuses around the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) at a microscopic level. Since there has been no detailed report on how minute cancer invasion is distributed among the peri-SMA plexuses or which cases are more vulnerable to such an event, it has long been controversial how to treat this area when resecting the pancreatic head cancer. Hypothesis: The K-uas mutation assay is more sensitive than the conventional histologic diagnosis in detecting minute cancer invasion around the SMA. Design: Prospective consecutive series. Setting: Cancer center hospital. Patients and Methods: The entire circle of the peri-SMA tissues was obtained from 24 patients who had received an extended pancreatectomy for adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head. They were divided into right and left hemicircular samples (48 samples), and each sample was used for both histologic and genetic diagnoses. Since all patients' primary tumors were positive for point mutation at codon 12 of the K-ras gene, the presence or absence of the mutation was determined for the peri-SMA plexuses using the mutant allele specific amplification method. Results: Compared with results of the histologic examination, the K-ras mutation assay was more sensitive in detecting positive findings in the peri-SMA plexuses (12 samples from 9 patients). According to the distribution of the K-ras mutation into the right- and left-half samples, 24 patients were classified into the following 4 patterns (right/left): negative/negative in 15 patients; positive/negative in 6 patients; positive/positive in 3 patients; and negative/positive in 0 patients. In 3 patients who showed a positive/positive pattern in the genetic diagnosis, their right-half samples included more cancer cells that were detectable by routine microscopy. There was no relation between K-uns mutation and lymphatic invasion, while K-ras mutation was particularly related with the invasion of portal vein (P=.04) and posterior peripancreatic tissues (P=.002). All 3 patients with K-ras mutation in bilateral plexuses were classified by the TNM staging system as T4 using Union Internationale Contre le Cancer classification. Conclusions: The K-ras mutation (at codon 12) assay indicated a simple and regular pattern of cancer extension into the nerve plexuses around the SMA from adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head: (1) The left half of the plexus was unlikely to be involved by cancer in cases in which the right half was intact. (2) Cancer extension into the peri-SMA plexuses occurred after the posterior confine of the pancreas had been involved by direct invasion from the primary pancreatic tumor. (3) The left half was not involved in cancerous tumors classified as T1 to T3 but was occasionally involved in those classified as T4 tumors. These data seem to provide a useful indicator of some additional treatments (resection, irradiation, etc) for the peri-SMA region when a locally advanced pancreatic head cancer is treated with a curative intent.

The functional outcome after a low anterior resection for rectal cancer is improved by a colonic J-pouch reconstruction. One functional problem with J-pouches is difficulty in evacuation, which is more common with large reconstructions. Since rectoceles are common findings on defecography in patients with evacuation difficulties, we proposed that a rectocele-like prolapse may be thus found in patients with large J-pouches. Pouchography was used to identify a rectocele-like prolapse (RP) in 26 patients with a 10-cm J-pouch (10-J group) and 27 patients with a 5-cm J-pouch (5-J group). Pouchography was performed at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. Functional assessments were performed 1 year postoperatively. Clinical function was evaluated using a questionnaire. The evacuation function was evaluated by the balloon expulsion and saline evacuation test. No patients had an RP at 3 months or 1 year after surgery. An RP was significantly more common in the 10-5 group than in the 5-5 group at 2 years after surgery (P = 0.0374). An evacuation difficulty was significantly more common in the 10-5 group than in the 5-5 group. The evacuation function in the 10-J group was also significantly inferior to that in the 5-J group. An RP appearing 2 years after surgery is more common in patients with evacuation difficulties and large colonic J-pouch reconstructions.

Expression of the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-anchored molecule-like protein (GML) gene, a p53 target, correlates with the sensitivity of some cancer cell lines to anticancer drugs and ionizing radiation. To investigate the function of GML further, we introduced the GML cDNA into various cancer cell lines under control of the tetracycline-regulated system. When we introduced GML into human glioblastoma cell line T98G, which lacks wild-type p53 and expresses no endogenous GML, we observed significant growth suppression accompanied by G(2)/M arrest in two independent, stable cell lines. We confirmed induction of apoptosis by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis and nuclear staining. Our results indicated that GML could induce apoptosis of T98G without functional p53, and implied that GML plays a crucial role in the apoptotic pathway in some cancer cells.

We have isolated and characterized a novel human lung-specific gene and observed its increased expression in cancers arising from various tissues. The cDNA, designated TSC403, contained an open reading frame of 1248 nucleotides encoding 416 amino acids; the deduced amino acid sequence showed significant similarities to lysosomal membrane glycoproteins (lamps) 1 and 2, We localized the gene to chromosomal band 3q27, a genomic region that is often amplified in human cancers of several tissue types. We detected a high level of the TSC403 transcript in primary cancers of the esophagus, colon, fallopian tube, ovary, breast, and liver, although expression of this gene was barely detectable in corresponding normal tissues. These findings indicated that up-regulation of the TSC403 transcript may be related to the development and/or progression of cancer in humans.

Recently PTEN/MMAC1, a candidate tumor suppressor gene, was isolated from chromosome 10q23-24 and somatic mutations of this gene were detected in several malignancies including brain, prostate, and breast tumors, To investigate further the potential role of this gene in mammary carcinogenesis, we examined 69 primary breast cancers for mutations in PTEN/MMAC1 by means of polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism and sequencing analysis, We detected only one somatic missense mutation, a change from T to C at codon 59 (TCA to CCA) resulting in substitution of Pro for Ser in the predicted protein, This site is located outside of phosphatase or phosphate-acceptor motifs, but this codon encodes a residue that is conserved in homologous proteins, tensin and auxilin and is likely to be crucial for normal function of PTEN/MMAC1. Among the 69 tumors examined, three low-frequency polymorphisms were found as well, one in the non-coding region of exon 1 and one each in introns 2 and 7, Our results suggested that mutation of the PTEN/MMAC1 gene is not a major factor in the development of most primary breast cancers.

大腸癌(結腸直腸癌)手術における周術期合併症である縫合不全は、患者の予後・QOLに影響する重大な合併症であり、大腸癌手術において最も解決すべき大きな課題である。縫合不全の原因となる手術因子として、①不完全な吻合②吻合部腸管の過緊張③吻合部周囲の血流低下などがあげられるが、これらの手術手技が問題なくとも、縫合不全となる症例を経験する。創傷治癒には様々な血球細胞や間質細胞が関与しているが、他の手術部位と大きく異なり大腸には膨大な数の腸内細菌が存在する。本研究では、大腸癌手術における腸内細菌と免疫細胞が縫合不全に与える影響を検証することを目的としている。 当施設にて直腸癌に対して直腸切除術を施行した患者から、術前・術当日・術後の一連の便サンプルを回収している。同時に、手術で得られた切除標本の吻合部近傍正常粘膜を回収している。便サンプルでは術前後のサンプルを解析することで周術期の変化を検証し、縫合不全に関与する可能性のある腸内細菌を同定することが可能になる。また、組織サンプルの解析により、吻合時の腸管粘膜に浸潤した腸内細菌を評価することができる。これまで10例超の直腸癌手術症例のサンプルを回収しているが、これらの患者においては縫合不全を認めておらず、さらなるサンプル収集を予定している。 縫合不全を生じた患者が10例に達した時点で、手術標本・便サンプルを用いて次世代シークエンサーによる腸内細菌叢解析を行う。

1.染色体数的異常と乳がん予後:乳がん87例を対象にパラフィン包理標本からFISH法で遺伝子異常が比較的高頻度に認められている1,11,17番染色体の数的異常を解析し予後との関連を検討した.17番染色体aneusomy乳がんの5年健存率は59%でdisomy乳がんの87%と比べ有意に予後不良であった.また17番染色体aneusomy乳がんはdisomy乳がんに比し術後2年未満の早期再発が多く見られた.3つの染色体の解析から,数的異常を認めない乳がんでは術後2年以内の再発はなかったが,全ての染色体に数的異常が認められた乳がんの27%に2年未満の再発が見られた. 2.癌関連遺伝子発現から検討した乳癌生物学的多様性:165個の癌関連遺伝子を一度に発現解析できるmembrane-based hybredization array法を用いて42例の正常乳腺組織と乳癌組織での遺伝子発現を比較し発現異常遺伝子の関連性を検討した.正常組織と比べ癌組織で5倍以上の発現上昇あるいは発現低下がみられた遺伝子を高発現または低発現遺伝子とし,また42例中7例以上の症例で高発現あるいは低発現であった遺伝子に限定すると,12遺伝子が高発現で2l遺伝子が低発現であった.高発現遺伝子のなかでは細胞外マトリックス分解酵素(MMPs)が多く,低発現遺伝子ではアポトーシス関連遺伝子が多く見られた.臨床病理学的因子の関連からFGFR-2発現低下は腫瘍径の増大と有意な相関がみられた.本法による遺伝子発現解析から乳癌の生物学的多様性が示唆され,同時に本法によって乳癌の新しい生物学的予後因子が同定できる可能性がある.

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