TOMOGRAPHIC SARCOPENIA PREDICTS ANASTOMOTIC LEAKS AND LONG-TERM SURVIVAL IN GASTRIC CANCER PATIENTS OPERATED WITH CURATIVE INTENT.

BACKGROUND: The preoperative nutritional state has prognostic postoperative value. Tomographic density and area of psoas muscle are validated tools for assessing nutritional status. There are few reports assessing the utility of staging tomography in gastric cancer patients in this field. AIMS: This study aimed to determine the influence of sarcopenia, measured by a preoperative staging computed tomography scan, on postoperative morbimortality and long-term survival in patients operated on for gastric cancer with curative intent. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted from 2007 to 2013. The definition of radiological sarcopenia was by measurement of cross-sectional area and density of psoas muscle at the L3 (third lumbar vertebra) level in an axial cut of an abdominopelvic computed tomography scan (in the selection without intravascular contrast media). The software used was OsirixX version 10.0.2, with the tool "propagate segmentation", and all muscle seen in the image was manually adjusted. RESULTS: We included 70 patients, 77% men, with a mean cross-sectional in L3 of 16.6 cm2 (standard deviation+6.1) and mean density of psoas muscle in L3 of 36.1 mean muscle density (standard deviation+7.1). Advanced cancers were 86, 28.6% had signet-ring cells, 78.6% required a total gastrectomy, postoperative surgical morbidity and mortality were 22.8 and 2.8%, respectively, and overall 5-year long-term survival was 57.1%. In the multivariate analysis, cross-sectional area failed to predict surgical morbidity (p=0.4) and 5-year long-term survival (p=0.34), while density of psoas muscle was able to predict anastomotic fistulas (p=0.009; OR 0.86; 95%CI 0.76-0.96) and 5-year long-term survival (p=0.04; OR 2.9; 95%CI 1.04-8.15). CONCLUSIONS: Tomographic diagnosis of sarcopenia from density of psoas muscle can predict anastomotic fistulas and long-term survival in gastric cancer patients treated with curative intent.

Tomographic sarcopenia predicts anastomotic leaks and long-term survival in gastric cancer patients operated with curative intent / Sarcopenia tomográfica prevê fístulas de anastomoses e sobrevida a longo prazo em pacientes com câncer gástrico operados com intenção curativa

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The preoperative nutritional state has prognostic postoperative value. Tomographic density and area of psoas muscle are validated tools for assessing nutritional status. There are few reports assessing the utility of staging tomography in gastric cancer patients in this field. AIMS: This study aimed to determine the influence of sarcopenia, measured by a preoperative staging computed tomography scan, on postoperative morbimortality and long-term survival in patients operated on for gastric cancer with curative intent. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted from 2007 to 2013. The definition of radiological sarcopenia was by measurement of cross-sectional area and density of psoas muscle at the L3 (third lumbar vertebra) level in an axial cut of an abdominopelvic computed tomography scan (in the selection without intravascular contrast media). The software used was OsirixX version 10.0.2, with the tool "propagate segmentation", and all muscle seen in the image was manually adjusted. RESULTS: We included 70 patients, 77% men, with a mean cross-sectional in L3 of 16.6 cm2 (standard deviation+6.1) and mean density of psoas muscle in L3 of 36.1 mean muscle density (standard deviation+7.1). Advanced cancers were 86, 28.6% had signet-ring cells, 78.6% required a total gastrectomy, postoperative surgical morbidity and mortality were 22.8 and 2.8%, respectively, and overall 5-year long-term survival was 57.1%. In the multivariate analysis, cross-sectional area failed to predict surgical morbidity (p=0.4) and 5-year long-term survival (p=0.34), while density of psoas muscle was able to predict anastomotic fistulas (p=0.009; OR 0.86; 95%CI 0.76-0.96) and 5-year long-term survival (p=0.04; OR 2.9; 95%CI 1.04-8.15). CONCLUSIONS: Tomographic diagnosis of sarcopenia from density of psoas muscle can predict anastomotic fistulas and long-term survival in gastric cancer patients treated with curative intent.

RESUMO RACIONAL: O estado nutricional pré-operatório tem valor prognóstico pós-operatório. A densidade tomográfica e a área do músculo psoas é uma ferramenta validada para o estado nutricional. Existem poucos estudos avaliando a utilidade da tomografia de estadiamento em pacientes com câncer gástrico neste campo. OBJETIVOS: Determinar a influência da sarcopenia, medida por tomografia computadorizada de estadiamento pré-operatório, na morbimortalidade pós-operatória e sobrevida em longo prazo em pacientes operados de câncer gástrico com intenção curativa. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 2007 a 2013. A definição de sarcopenia radiológica foi pela medida da área (PA) e densidade do músculo psoas (PD) a nível de L3 (Terceira vertebra lombar), em um corte axial de tomografia computadorizada abdominopélvica (na seleção sem meio de contraste intravascular). O Software utilizado foi o OsirixX v 10.0.2, com a ferramenta "propagar segmentação", ajustando manualmente todos os músculos vistos na imagem. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 70 pacientes, 77% homens, PA média em L3: 16,6 cm2 (desvio padrão+6,1), PD média em L3: 36,1 mean muscle density (desvio padrão+7,1). Os cânceres avançados foram de 86, 28,6% tinham células em anel de sinete, 78,6% necessitaram de gastrectomia total, a morbidade e mortalidade cirúrgica pós-operatória foi de 22,8 e 2,8%, respectivamente, a sobrevida global de 5 anos a longo prazo (SV5) foi de 57,1%. Na análise multivariada, PA falhou em prever morbidade cirúrgica (p=0,4) e sobrevida global de 5 anos (p=0,34), enquanto PD foi capaz de prever fístulas anastomóticas (p=0,009; OR 0,86; IC95% 0,76-0,96) e SV5 (p=0,04; OR 2,9; IC95% 1,04-8,15). CONCLUSÕES: O diagnóstico tomográfico de sarcopenia por desvio padrão é capaz de predizer fístulas anastomóticas e sobrevida a longo prazo em pacientes com câncer gástrico tratados com intenção curativa.

Contrast-enhanced mammography predicts pathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer.

Introduction: Recently, contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) has emerged as a reliable alternative to breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the assessment of pathological response in breast cancer patients. Our study sought to determine the diagnostic accuracy of CEM to predict pathological complete response (pCR) in patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Methods: We retrieved the medical records of patients who underwent NACT at our institution. Using post-surgery pCR, morphological evidence and CEM enhancement tumours were classified as follows: 1) radiologic complete response (rCR); 2) functional radiological complete response (frCR); and 3) non-complete response. Initially, we used multivariate analyses adjusted by clinical variables and frCR or rCR to determine which variables affected pathological response. Then, CEM diagnostic accuracy to discriminate pCR was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves in univariate and multivariate models including either frCR or rCR. Results: A total of 48 patients were included in our study. Most patients (68.7%) were hormone receptor (HR)+ and 41.6% (20) of the patients achieved pCR. Using univariate logistic regression analyses we found that HR status, HER2 status, rCR and frCR had a significant impact on CEM diagnostic accuracy. Exploratory analyses found that CEM sensitivity was higher for HR- tumours. Multivariate logistic regression analyses found 60% sensitivity, 92.9% specificity and 79.2% accuracy in a model that included clinical variables and rCR. Conclusion: CEM is a reliable alternative to high-cost, time-consuming breast MRI that predicts pCR in patients undergoing NACT; CEM diagnostic accuracy was higher among patients who harboured HR- tumours.

RISK FACTORS FOR REOPERATION, MORBIDITY, AND MORTALITY IN PATIENTS WITH SMALL BOWEL OBSTRUCTION SUBMITTED TO SURGICAL TREATMENT.

AIM: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a frequent cause of emergency department admissions. This study aimed to determine risk factors of reoperations, postoperative adverse event, and operative mortality (OM) in patients surgically treated for SBO. METHODS: This is a retrospective study conducted between 2014 and 2017. Exclusion criteria include gastric outlet obstruction, large bowel obstruction, and incomplete clinical record. STATA version 14 was used for statistical analysis, with p-value <0.05 with 95% confidence interval considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 218 patients were included, in which 61.9% were women. Notably, 88.5% of patients had previous abdominal surgery. Intestinal resection was needed in 28.4% of patients. Postoperative adverse event was present in 28.4%, reoperation was needed in 9.2% of cases, and a 90-day surgical mortality was 5.9%. Multivariate analysis determined that intestinal resection, >3 days in intensive care unit (ICU), >7 days with nasogastric tube (NGT), pain after postoperative day 3, POAE, and surgical POAE were the risk factors for reoperations, while age, C-reactive protein, intestinal resection, >3 days in ICU, and >7 days with NGT were the risk factors for POAE. OM was determined by >5 days with NGT and POAE. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative course is determined mainly for patient's age, preoperative level of C-reactive protein, necessity of intestinal resection, clinical postoperative variables, and the presence of POAE.

GASTROESOPHAGEAL SYMPTOMS AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC GASTRIC BYPASS: MISTAKES IN PERFORMING THE PROCEDURE?

AIM: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LGB) is the recommended procedure for morbidly obese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, there have been reported gastroesophageal reflux symptoms or esophagitis after LGB. Few functional esophageal studies have been reported to date. To evaluate the anatomic and physiologic factors contributing to the appearance of these problems in patients who underwent LGB. METHODS: This prospective study included 38 patients with postoperative gastroesophageal reflux symptoms submitted to LGB. They were subjected to clinical, endoscopic, radiologic, manometric, and 24-h pH-monitoring evaluations. RESULTS: Eighteen (47.4%) of 38 patients presented with heartburn or regurgitation, 7 presented with pain, and 4 presented with dysphagia. Erosive esophagitis was observed in 11 (28.9%) patients, and Barrett's esophagus (5.7%) and jejunitis (10.5%) were also observed. Hiatal hernia was the most frequent finding observed in 15 (39.5%) patients, and most (10.5%) of these patients appeared with concomitant anastomotic strictures. A long blind jejunal loop was detected in one (2.6%) patient. Nearly 75% of the patients had hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter (9.61±4.05 mmHg), 17.4% had hypomotility of the esophageal body, and 64.7% had pathologic acid reflux (% time pH <4=6.98±5.5; DeMeester's score=32.4±21.15). CONCLUSION: Although rare, it is possible to observe gastroesophageal reflux and other important postoperative symptoms after LGB, which are associated with anatomic and physiologic abnormalities at the esophagogastric junction and proximal gastric pouch.

Gastroesophageal symptoms after laparoscopic gastric bypass: mistakes in performing the procedure? / Sintomas gastroesofágicos após bypass gástrico laparoscópico: equívoco na execução do procedimento?

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LGB) is the recommended procedure for morbidly obese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, there have been reported gastroesophageal reflux symptoms or esophagitis after LGB. Few functional esophageal studies have been reported to date. AIM: To evaluate the anatomic and physiologic factors contributing to the appearance of these problems in patients who underwent LGB. METHODS: This prospective study included 38 patients with postoperative gastroesophageal reflux symptoms submitted to LGB. They were subjected to clinical, endoscopic, radiologic, manometric, and 24-h pH-monitoring evaluations. RESULTS: Eighteen (47.4%) of 38 patients presented with heartburn or regurgitation, 7 presented with pain, and 4 presented with dysphagia. Erosive esophagitis was observed in 11 (28.9%) patients, and Barrett's esophagus (5.7%) and jejunitis (10.5%) were also observed. Hiatal hernia was the most frequent finding observed in 15 (39.5%) patients, and most (10.5%) of these patients appeared with concomitant anastomotic strictures. A long blind jejunal loop was detected in one (2.6%) patient. Nearly 75% of the patients had hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter (9.61±4.05 mmHg), 17.4% had hypomotility of the esophageal body, and 64.7% had pathologic acid reflux (% time pH <4=6.98±5.5; DeMeester's score=32.4±21.15). CONCLUSION: Although rare, it is possible to observe gastroesophageal reflux and other important postoperative symptoms after LGB, which are associated with anatomic and physiologic abnormalities at the esophagogastric junction and proximal gastric pouch.

RESUMO - RACIONAL: O bypass gástrico laparoscópico em Y de Roux (BGL) é o procedimento de escolha para pacientes com obesidade mórbida com doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE). No entanto, foram relatados sintomas de refluxo gastroesofágico ou esofagite após BGL. Poucos estudos esofágicos funcionais foram relatados até o momento. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os fatores anatômicos e fisiológicos que contribuem para o surgimento desses problemas em pacientes submetidos a BGL. MÉTODOS: Este estudo prospectivo incluiu 38 pacientes submetidos a BGL apresentando sintomas de refluxo gastroesofágico pós-operatório. Eles foram submetidos a avaliações clínicas, endoscópicas, radiológicas, manométricas e de pHmetria de 24 horas. RESULTADOS: 18/38 (47,4%) dos pacientes apresentavam azia ou regurgitação, 7 apresentavam dor e 4 pacientes apresentavam disfagia. Esofagite erosiva observada em 11 pacientes (28,9%), esôfago de Barrett (5,7%) e jejunite (10,5%) também foram observadas. A hérnia de hiato foi o achado mais frequente observado em 15 pacientes (39,5%), a maioria deles com estenoses anastomóticas concomitantes (10,5%). Alça jejunal cega longa foi detectada em 1 paciente (2,6%). Quase 75% dos pacientes apresentavam esfíncter esofágico inferior hipotensivo (9,61- + 4,05 mmHg), 17,4% tinham hipomotilidade do corpo esofágico e 64,7% apresentavam refluxo ácido patológico (% tempo pH <4 = 6,98- + 5,5; pontuação de DeMeester = 32,4- + 21,15). CONCLUSÃO: Embora raros, é possível observar refluxo gastroesofágico e outros sintomas pós-operatórios importantes após BGL, os quais estão associados a alterações anatômicas e fisiológicas na junção esofagogástrica e bolsa gástrica proximal.

Risk factors for reoperation, morbidity, and mortality in patients with small bowel obstruction submitted to surgical treatment / Fatores de risco para reoperação e morbimortalidade em pacientes com obstrução de intestino delgado submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a frequent cause of emergency department admissions. AIM: This study aimed to determine risk factors of reoperations, postoperative adverse event, and operative mortality (OM) in patients surgically treated for SBO. METHODS: This is a retrospective study conducted between 2014 and 2017. Exclusion criteria include gastric outlet obstruction, large bowel obstruction, and incomplete clinical record. STATA version 14 was used for statistical analysis, with p-value <0.05 with 95% confidence interval considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 218 patients were included, in which 61.9% were women. Notably, 88.5% of patients had previous abdominal surgery. Intestinal resection was needed in 28.4% of patients. Postoperative adverse event was present in 28.4%, reoperation was needed in 9.2% of cases, and a 90-day surgical mortality was 5.9%. Multivariate analysis determined that intestinal resection, >3 days in intensive care unit (ICU), >7 days with nasogastric tube (NGT), pain after postoperative day 3, POAE, and surgical POAE were the risk factors for reoperations, while age, C-reactive protein, intestinal resection, >3 days in ICU, and >7 days with NGT were the risk factors for POAE. OM was determined by >5 days with NGT and POAE. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative course is determined mainly for patient's age, preoperative level of C-reactive protein, necessity of intestinal resection, clinical postoperative variables, and the presence of POAE.

RESUMO - RACIONAL: A obstrução do intestino delgado (OID) é uma causa frequente de admissões ao Serviço de Emergência. OBJETIVO: Determinar os fatores de risco de reoperações, eventos adversos pós-operatórios e mortalidade operatória (MO) em pacientes com OID tratados cirurgicamente. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo entre 2014 e 2017. Critérios de exclusão: obstrução da saída do estômago, obstrução do intestino grosso e história clínica incompleta. O STATA 14 foi utilizado para análise estatística, considerando significância estatística p<0,05 com IC de 95%. RESULTADOS: Duzentos e dezoito pacientes foram incluídos, 61,9% mulheres, 88,5% dos pacientes tinham cirurgia abdominal anterior. A ressecção intestinal foi necessária em 28,4% dos pacientes. O evento adverso pós-operatório (EAPO) esteve presente em 28,4%, a reoperação foi necessária em 9,2% dos casos e a mortalidade cirúrgica em 90 dias foi de 5,9%. A análise multivariada determinou que a ressecção intestinal, > 3 dias em UTI, > 7 dias com sonda nasogástrica (SNG), dor após o 3º dia de pós-operatório, EAPO cirúrgico foram fatores de risco para reoperações, enquanto idade, proteína C reativa, ressecção intestinal, > 3 dias em UTI, > 7 dias com SNG foram fatores de risco para EAPO. A MO foi determinada em > 5 dias com SNG e EAPO. CONCLUSÕES: A evolução pós-operatória é determinada principalmente pela idade do paciente, nível pré-operatório de proteína C reativa, necessidade de ressecção intestinal, variáveis clínicas pós-operatórias e presença de EAPO.

LYMPHOPARIETAL INDEX IN ESOPHAGEAL CANCER IS STRONGER THAN TNM STAGING IN LONG-TERM SURVIVAL PROGNOSIS IN A LATIN-AMERICAN COUNTRY.

BACKGROUND: The identification of prognostic factors of esophageal cancer has allowed to predict the evolution of patients. AIM: Assess different prognostic factors of long-term survival of esophageal cancer and evaluate a new prognostic factor of long-term survival called lymphoparietal index (N+/T). METHOD: Prospective study of the Universidad de Chile Clinical Hospital, between January 2004 and December 2013. Included all esophageal cancer surgeries with curative intent and cervical anastomosis. Exclusion criteria included: stage 4 cancers, R1 resections, palliative procedures and emergency surgeries. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were included, 62.1% were men, the average age was 63.3 years. A total of 48.3% were squamous, 88% were advanced cancers, the average lymph node harvest was 17.1. Post-operative surgical morbidity was 75%, with a 17.2% of reoperations and 3.4% of mortality. The average overall survival was 41.3 months, the 3-year survival was 31%. Multivariate analysis of the prognostic factors showed that significant variables were anterior mediastinal ascent (p=0.01, OR: 6.7 [1.43-31.6]), anastomotic fistula (p=0.03, OR: 0.21 [0.05-0.87]), N classification (p=0.02, OR: 3.8 [1.16-12.73]), TNM stage (p=0.04, OR: 2.8 [1.01-9.26]), and lymphoparietal index (p=0.04, RR: 3.9 [1.01-15.17]. The ROC curves of lymphoparietal index, N classification and TNM stage have areas under the curve of 0.71, 0.63 and 0.64 respectively, with significant statistical difference (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: The independent prognostic factors of long-term survival in esophageal cancer are anterior mediastinal ascent, anastomotic fistula, N classification, TNM stage and lymphoparietal index. In esophageal cancer the new lymphoparietal index is stronger than TNM stage in long-term survival prognosis.

Lymphoparietal index in esophageal cancer is stronger than tnm staging in long-term survival prognosis in a latin-american country / índice linfoparietal no câncer esofágico é mais forte do que tnm no prognóstico de sobrevivência em longo prazo em um país latinoamericano

ABSTRACT Background: The identification of prognostic factors of esophageal cancer has allowed to predict the evolution of patients. Aim: Assess different prognostic factors of long-term survival of esophageal cancer and evaluate a new prognostic factor of long-term survival called lymphoparietal index (N+/T). Method: Prospective study of the Universidad de Chile Clinical Hospital, between January 2004 and December 2013. Included all esophageal cancer surgeries with curative intent and cervical anastomosis. Exclusion criteria included: stage 4 cancers, R1 resections, palliative procedures and emergency surgeries. Results: Fifty-eight patients were included, 62.1% were men, the average age was 63.3 years. A total of 48.3% were squamous, 88% were advanced cancers, the average lymph node harvest was 17.1. Post-operative surgical morbidity was 75%, with a 17.2% of reoperations and 3.4% of mortality. The average overall survival was 41.3 months, the 3-year survival was 31%. Multivariate analysis of the prognostic factors showed that significant variables were anterior mediastinal ascent (p=0.01, OR: 6.7 [1.43-31.6]), anastomotic fistula (p=0.03, OR: 0.21 [0.05-0.87]), N classification (p=0.02, OR: 3.8 [1.16-12.73]), TNM stage (p=0.04, OR: 2.8 [1.01-9.26]), and lymphoparietal index (p=0.04, RR: 3.9 [1.01-15.17]. The ROC curves of lymphoparietal index, N classification and TNM stage have areas under the curve of 0.71, 0.63 and 0.64 respectively, with significant statistical difference (p=0.01). Conclusion: The independent prognostic factors of long-term survival in esophageal cancer are anterior mediastinal ascent, anastomotic fistula, N classification, TNM stage and lymphoparietal index. In esophageal cancer the new lymphoparietal index is stronger than TNM stage in long-term survival prognosis.

RESUMO Racional: A identificação de fatores prognósticos do câncer de esôfago permitiu prever a evolução dos pacientes. Objetivo: Avaliar diferentes fatores prognósticos da sobrevida em longo prazo do câncer de esôfago e avaliar um novo fator prognóstico da sobrevida em longo prazo chamado índice linfoparietal (N+/T). Método: Estudo prospectivo do Hospital Clínico da Universidade do Chile, entre janeiro de 2004 e dezembro de 2013. Incluiu todas as operações de câncer de esôfago com intenção curativa e anastomose cervical. Os critérios de exclusão incluíram: câncer em estágio 4, ressecções R1, procedimentos paliativos e operações de emergência. Resultados: Cinquenta e oito pacientes foram incluídos, 62,1% eram homens, a idade média foi de 63,3 anos. Um total de 48,3% eram escamosos, 88% eram cânceres avançados, a colheita média de linfonodos foi de 17,1. A morbidade cirúrgica pós-operatória foi de 75%, com 17,2% de reoperações e 3,4% de mortalidade. A sobrevida global média foi de 41,3 meses, a sobrevida em três anos foi de 31%. A análise multivariada dos fatores prognósticos mostrou que variáveis significativas foram elevação pelo mediastinal anterior (p=0,01, OR: 6,7 [1,43-31,6]), fístula anastomótica (p=0,03, OR: 0,21 [0,05-0,87]), classificação N (p=0,02, OR: 3,8 [1,16-12,73]), estágio TNM (p=0,04, OR: 2,8 [1,01-9,26]) e índice linfoparietal (p=0,04, RR: 3,9 [1,01-15,17]. As curvas ROC do índice linfoparietal, classificação N e estádio TNM apresentam áreas abaixo da curva de 0,71, 0,63 e 0,64, respectivamente, com diferença estatística significativa (p=0,01). Conclusão: Os fatores prognósticos independentes de sobrevida em longo prazo no câncer de esôfago são a elevação mediastinal anterior, fístula anastomótica, classificação N, estágio TNM e índice linfoparietal. No câncer de esôfago, o novo índice linfoparietal é mais forte que o estágio TNM no prognóstico de sobrevida em longo prazo.