Prognostic factors of conversion surgery for stage IV gastric cancer: A multi-institutional retrospective analysis.

Background: Conversion surgery (CS) is a highly anticipated strategy for stage IV advanced gastric cancer (AGC) with a good response to chemotherapy. However, prognostic factors limiting R0 resection remain unclear. In this multi-institutional study, we investigated the clinical outcomes of CS for stage IV AGC and the prognostic factors of CS-limiting R0 resection and analyzed them according to metastatic patterns. Methods: Clinical data on 210 patients who underwent CS for stage IV AGC at six institutions between 2007 and 2017 were retrospectively retrieved. The patient background, preoperative treatment, operative outcomes, and survival times were recorded. Prognostic factors for overall and recurrence-free survival were investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses for patients who underwent R0 resection. Results: R0 resection was achieved in 146 (70%) patients. The median survival time was 32 months, and the 3-year survival rate was 45%. Patients who achieved R0 resection had significantly longer survival than those with R1/2 resection (median survival time: 41.5 months vs. 20.7 months). Multivariate analysis identified pathological N positivity for overall and relapse-free survival and pathological T4 for relapse-free survival as significant independent poor prognostic factors of R0 resected patients. There was no significant difference in survival among the peritoneum, liver, and lymph node groups regarding the initial metastatic sites. Conclusions: CS with R0 resection for patients with stage IV AGC can lead to longer survival. Patients with pathological T4 and pathological N positivity were eligible for intensive adjuvant therapy after CS with R0 resection.

Prognostic factors and significance of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: In Japan, gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy are the standard treatments for locally advanced gastric cancer. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is not affected by postgastrectomy syndromes or postoperative complications. This multicenter retrospective study investigated the prognostic factors and significance of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer who underwent NAC followed by gastrectomy. METHODS: Consecutive patients (n = 221) with advanced gastric cancer who underwent NAC followed by curative surgery were enrolled in this study. Prognostic factors including postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy were investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A multivariate analysis revealed that pathological lymph node metastasis (ypN) status and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for the overall and relapse-free survival. Forty-five patients (20.4%) did not receive postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. There were no significant differences between patients with and without adjuvant chemotherapy for all factors, except age. The most common reason for not undergoing postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was a poor condition (n = 23). CONCLUSIONS: ypN status and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors in gastric cancer patients who underwent NAC followed by curative gastrectomy. It is important to maintain the patient's condition during NAC and the perioperative period so that they can receive postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy.

[A Case of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma Arising during Long-Term Follow-Up of Hepatolithiasis].

A 91-year-old man had a history of cholecystectomy and choledochostomy for cholecystolithiasis and choledocholithiasis. Eleven years earlier, intrahepatic stones were found in the posterior bile duct, and he did not wish to undergo treatment. Over time, worsening of the intrahepatic stones and dilation of the intrahepatic bile duct were observed. At 91 years old, enhanced abdominal CT revealed wall thickening of the hilar bile duct, and MRCP showed stenosis of the hilar bile duct. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography showed no contrast in the right intrahepatic bile duct and marked dilation of the left intrahepatic bile duct. Brush cytology confirmed adenocarcinoma, leading to a diagnosis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. He underwent open right and caudal lobectomy with biliary reconstruction. Histopathological examination revealed a hilar cholangiocarcinoma, T3N1M0, Stage Ⅲc, mainly located at the confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts. This case suggests a potential association between hepatolithiasis and hilar cholangiocarcinoma, emphasizing the importance of regular imaging examinations for timely surgical resection. Early intervention, including liver resection, is recommended for the management of hepatolithiasis.

[Long-Term Complete Response by CapeOX plus Nivolumab Chemotherapy for Postoperative Recurrence of Gastric Cancer-A Case Report].

A 73-year-old man underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy during a medical check-up that revealed a Type 2 lesion in the anterior wall of the gastric body. The biopsy confirmed tub2. A contrast-enhanced CT scan revealed focal wall thickening and lymphadenopathy in the gastric body. The patient was diagnosed with gastric cancer(M, ante, Type 2, T4aN1M0, Stage ⅢA). Laparotomy total gastrectomy D2 dissection and Roux-en-Y reconstruction were performed. Pathological results were tub1, int, INF b, ly0, v1, pT4aN0M0, pStage ⅡB. S-1(100 mg/day)was started as adjuvant chemotherapy but discontinued after 3 courses due to anorexia(Grade 2). Multiple pulmonary metastases(both lungs, 5)were confirmed by CT examination 9 months after the operation. A diagnosis of gastric cancer recurrence was made, and CapeOX plus nivolumab was started as first-line therapy. After 2 courses, lung metastases tended to shrink. The lesion developed a complete response(CR)after 3 months. After that, CapeOX plus nivolumab was continued, but peripheral neuropathy(Grade 2)was observed in the 15th course. With continued capecitabine monotherapy and nivolumab(impaired liver function [Grade 3]for irAE), despite the maintenance of CR, hepatic function increased repeatedly(Grade 3)and led to the discontinuation of chemotherapy upon patient's request. Currently, CR has been maintained for 5 years and 6 months after recurrence.

[A Case of Repeat Pancreatectomy-Robotic Spleen-Preserving Distal Pancreatectomy after Robotic Pancreaticoduodenectomy].

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy has been covered by insurance since 2016 in Japan, and advance laparoscopic and robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy has been also covered by insurance since 2020 in Japan. It has been reported that laparoscopic pancreatectomy causes few postoperative adhesions in the abdominal cavity and that repeat laparoscopic surgery could be performed. However, in robotic pancreatectomy, there have been no such reports yet. We reported that even after robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy, there were few adhesions in the abdominal cavity, and we were able to perform the robotic distal pancreatectomy with preservation of the splenic artery and vein. This suggested that robotic surgery was an effective treatment method for repeat pancreatectomy, given its low invasiveness and minimal adhesion.

[A Case of Conversion Surgery for Stage â £ ATP-Producing Gastric Cancer with Distant Metastasis].

We report a case in which a patient with advanced gastric cancer with liver metastasis and bulky N showed marked tumor shrinkage with chemotherapy, and underwent conversion surgery. A 77-year-old male. Patient was referred to our department because of advanced gastric cancer. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed type 2 advanced cancer in the posterior wall of the gastric antrum. Abdominal CT showed thickening of the gastric wall in the same region and bulky lymph node enlargement and para-aortic lymphadenopathy behind the stomach. Staging laparoscopy showed the primary tumor and bulky lymph nodes forming a single mass, invading the pancreas, jejunum, and mesentery, and a solitary mass in the hepatic S3. Biopsy pathology revealed adenocarcinoma. We diagnosed the advanced gastric cancer cT4b(pancreas, jejunum), N2M1 (LYM, HEP), P0CY0, Stage ⅣB. After 2 courses of systemic chemotherapy FOLFOX/nivolumab, total gastrectomy, D2 node dissection, splenectomy pancreas tail resection, cholecystectomy, hepatic resection, partial transverse colon resection, partial jejunum resection, Roux-en-Y reconstruction. R0 resection was performed. The operative time was 620 minutes and blood loss was 1,025 mL. Pathologically, the patient was diagnosed with hepatoid adenocarcinoma, ypT4bN1M1(LYM, HEP), ypStage Ⅳ. The pathological efficacy evaluation was Grade 1a in the primary tumor. The patient has been recurrence-free for 9 months since the initial diagnosis.

Minimally invasive liver resection for cholangiolocellular carcinoma: A single-institution experience.

INTRODUCTION: Cholangiolocellular carcinoma (CoCC) resembles cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC) and presents a variety of imaging findings; thus, preoperative diagnosis is often difficult. METHODS: We retrospectively studied patients who were diagnosed with CoCC at the Kansai Rosai Hospital from 2006 to 2021 and treated by laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) or open liver resection (OLR). RESULT: Among 918 liver resections, 15 patients were diagnosed with CoCC: 11 underwent LLR and 4 OLR. For LLR and OLR, respectively, patient age was 69.9 ± 6.8 and 72.8 ± 10.6, sex was M/F: 10/1 and 2/2, Child-Pugh was A/B/C: 10/1/0 and 4/0/0, liver damage was A/B/C: 8/3/0 and 4/0/0, preoperative diagnosis was CoCC/CCC/HCC: 1/2/8 and 2/2/0, pathological stage of Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) was IA/IB/II/IIIA/IIIB/IV: 8/0/2/1/0/0 and 0/0/3/0/1/0 (p = .0312), and extent of liver resection was Hr0/HrS/Hr1/Hr2/: 3/0/5/3 and 1/1/0/2. In LLR and OLR, respectively, operation time was 417.5 ± 191.0 and 407.5 ± 187.9 min, blood loss was 123.3 ± 217.4 and 1385.0 ± 1038.7 mL, and postoperative hospital stay was 12.2 ± 13.7 and 15.0 ± 6.6 days. For stages I and II/III, respectively, the 5-year disease-free survival rates were 100.0% and 34.3%, and the 5-year overall survival rates were 100.0% and 55.6%. For stage II/III LLR and OLR, respectively, the 3-year disease-free survival rates were 33.3% and 37.5% (p = .8418), and the 5-year overall survival rates were 66.7% and 50.0% (p = .8084). CONCLUSION: Although further studies are still needed to confirm, minimally invasive liver resection without lymph node dissection is one of a safe and effective approach to the management of CoCC.

Successful treatment of an anastomotic leakage after total gastrectomy using a fully covered self-expandable metal stent with an anchoring thread: A case report.

INTORODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The incidence of anastomotic leakage in the esophagojejunostomy after total gastrectomy is a serious complication of this procedure. Here, we report a case in which a fully covered stent was endoscopically placed into a fistula caused by anastomotic leakage after total gastrectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: An 88-year-old man diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer had tumor invasion close to the esophagogastric junction. We performed a laparoscopic total gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction. On postoperative day (POD) 3, the patient experienced septic shock due to anastomotic leakage and subsequent mediastinitis. Mediastinal irrigation and drainage under laparotomy were performed. Sepsis improved with drainage, but the fistula persisted due to anastomotic leakage. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Based on a diagnosis of refractory fistula, a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (HANAROSTENT® Esophagus) was inserted POD 21 using esophagoscopy. To prevent stent migration, a 3-0 silk thread was attached to the ostial side of the stent and fixed at the nose. The stent was endoscopically removed 36 days. Esophagoscopy after stent removal revealed that the fistula had resolved and that the anastomotic leakage had healed. The patient started oral intake and was discharged home. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the potential for use of a fully covered self-expandable metal stent with an anchoring thread for anastomotic leakage after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

5-year follow-up results of a JCOG1104 (OPAS-1) phase III non-inferiority trial to compare 4 courses and 8 courses of S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy for pathological stage II gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 for 1 year (corresponding to eight courses) is the standard treatment for pathological stage II gastric cancer. The phase III trial (JCOG1104) investigating the non-inferiority of four courses of S-1 to eight courses was terminated due to futility at the first interim analysis. To confirm the primary results, we reported the results after a 5-years follow-up in JCOG1104. METHODS: Patients histologically diagnosed with stage II gastric cancer after radical gastrectomy were randomly assigned to receive S-1 for eight or four courses. In detail, 80 mg/m2/day S-1 was administered for 4 weeks followed by a 2-week rest as a single course. RESULTS: Between February 16, 2012, and March 19, 2017, 590 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to 8-course (295 patients) and 4-course (295 patients) regimens. After a 5-years follow-up, the relapse-free survival at 3 years was 92.2% for the 8-course arm and 90.1% for the 4-course arm, and that at 5 years was 87.7% for the 8-course arm and 85.6% for the 4-course arm (hazard ratio 1.265, 95% CI 0.846-1.892). The overall survival at 3 years was 94.9% for the 8-course arm, 93.2% for the 4-course arm, and that at 5 years was 89.7% for the 8-course arm, and 88.6% for the 4-course arm (HR 1.121, 95% CI 0.719-1.749). CONCLUSIONS: The survival of the four-course arm was slightly but consistently inferior to that of the eight-course arm. Eight-course S-1 should thus remain the standard adjuvant chemotherapy for pathological stage II gastric cancer.

Effects of biventricular shunt on pump characteristics in a maglev total artificial heart.

Severe left ventricular failure can progress to right ventricular failure, necessitating alternatives to heart transplantation, such as total artificial heart (TAH) treatment. Conventional TAHs encounter challenges associated with miniaturization and hemocompatibility owing to their reliance on mechanical valves and bearings. A magnetically levitated TAH (IB-Heart) was developed, utilizing a magnetic bearing. The IB-Heart features a distinctive biventricular shunt channel situated between the flow paths of the left and right centrifugal blood pumps, simplifying and miniaturizing its control system. However, the impact of these shunt channels remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of shunt flow on pump characteristics and assess the IB-Heart's potential to regulate flow balance between systemic and pulmonary circulation. At a rotational speed of 2000 rpm and flow rate range of 0-10 L/min, shunt flow exhibited a minor impact, with a 1.4 mmHg (1.3%) effect on pump characteristics. Shunt flow variation of about 0.13 L/min correlated with a 10 mmHg pressure difference between the pumps' afterload and preload conditions. This variance was linked to changes in the inlet flow rates of the left and right pumps, signifying the ventricular shunt structure's capacity to mirror the function of an atrial shunt in alleviating pulmonary congestion. The IB-Heart's ventricular shunt structure enables passive regulation of left-right flow balance. The findings establish a fundamental technical groundwork for the development of IB-Hearts and TAHs with similar shunt structures. The innovative coupling of centrifugal pumps and the resultant effects on flow dynamics contribute to the advancement of TAH technology.

Usefulness of blood flow evaluation by indocyanine green fluorescence in laparoscopic or robot-assisted surgery for colorectal cancer with persistent descending mesocolon.

A persistent descending mesocolon is defined as a congenital fixation anomaly caused by the defective membrane fusion of the descending colon and the lateral abdominal wall. Anatomically, in persistent descending mesocolon, the left colonic artery is often shortened, and joins the marginal artery soon after its bifurcation from the inferior mesenteric artery, while the colonic mesentery often adheres firmly to the mesentery of the small intestine. As a result of these characteristics, anatomical knowledge of the persistent descending mesocolon and preservation of bowel blood flow are important during surgery for left-sided colorectal cancer to avoid adverse events. Moreover, indocyanine green based blood flow assessment is useful for the detailed evaluation of bowel ischemia at the anastomotic site. Here we report the usefulness of blood flow evaluation using indocyanine green fluorescence in laparoscopic or robot-assisted surgery for three patients with colorectal cancer and persistent descending mesocolons.

Long-term outcomes of a phase II study of neoadjuvant imatinib in large gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the stomach.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant treatment is recommended for large GISTs due to their friability and risk of extensive operations; however, studies on the indications and long-term results of this approach are lacking. METHODS: Patients with large (≥ 10 cm) gastric GISTs were enrolled from multiple centers in Korea and Japan after a pathologic confirmation of c-KIT ( +) GISTs. Imatinib (400 mg/d) was given for 6-9 months preoperatively, and R0 resection was intended. Postoperative imatinib was given for at least 12 months and recommended for 3 years. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients were enrolled in this study, with 53 patients receiving imatinib treatment at least once and 48 patients undergoing R0 resection. The 5-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 94.3% and 61.6%, respectively. Even patients with stable disease by RECIST criteria responded well to preoperative imatinib treatment and could undergo R0 resection, with most being evaluated as partial response by CHOI criteria. The optimal reduction in tumor size was achieved with preoperative imatinib treatment for 24 weeks or more. No resumption of imatinib treatment was identified as an independent prognostic factor for recurrence after R0 resection. No additional size criteria for a higher risk of recurrence were identified in this cohort with a size of 10 cm or more. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant imatinib treatment is an effective treatment option for gastric GISTs 10 cm or larger. Postoperative imatinib treatment is recommended even after R0 resection to minimize recurrence.

[A Case of Inguinal Hernial Sac Metastasis of Cecal Cancer Resected with TAPP Approach].

Malignant tumor occurring in the inguinal region are relatively infrequent, and metastatic tumor is extremely rare. We report a case of inguinal hernial sac metastasis of cecal cancer resected with TAPP approach. The case is a 80's man. One year and 6 months after cecal cancer surgery, contrast-enhanced computer tomography(CT)examination revealed a solitary tumor in the right inguinal canal. We diagnosed inguinal hernia sac metastasis of cecal cancer and performed surgery. The mass in the hernia sac was resected with the TAPP approach. Histopathological findings were consistent with peritoneal metastasis directly to the inguinal hernia sac. The patient has been alive without 2 years after metastasectomy. It is necessary to treat patients with a history of malignant disease with keeping the possibility of inguinal hernia sac metastasis in mind.

[A Case of Rectal Cancer Suspectedly Recurred Seventeen Years after EMR].

We report a case of a 73-year-old man who underwent endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for early rectal cancer(i ntramucosal cancer)at other hospital 17 years ago. Ten years later, he underwent a total colonoscopy, which showed no recurrence of the tumor. Twelve years later, a mass with calcification was incidentally detected in front of the sacrum, which was diagnosed as a benign tumor at that time. Seventeen years later, he presented with constipation and diarrhea, and was detected of a sub-circumferential tumor in the rectum by a total colonoscopy. Biopsy revealed that the tumor was malignancy. CT showed a mass in the left lateral liver lobe. The mass was suspected of metastasis. Laparoscopic super lower anterior resection was performed for rectal cancer, and pathological examination showed that the tumor was pT4a, N3, M1(H), Stage Ⅳa. One month after surgery, laparoscopic hepatectomy was performed for liver metastasis. Six months after surgery, CT showed multiple lung metastases. He continues to undergo chemotherapy. Although this case was treated with EMR for intramucosal carcinoma, clinical history and pathological findings suggested local recurrence.

[A Case of De Novo Stage â £ Breast Cancer with Umbilical Metastasis and Peritoneal Dissemination].

The patient was a 48-year-old woman. At the time of consultation, a hard mass of 30 mm in size was palpated in area A of the right breast, and a firm mass of about 10 mm was seen in the umbilical region. Histological diagnosis of the breast mass was invasive ductal carcinoma. PET-CT scan showed accumulation in the right breast, as well as suspicion of umbilical metastasis and peritoneal dissemination, uterine mass, and left ovarian cancer. Since this is an atypical metastatic site for invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast, and the possibility of peritoneal dissemination due to gynecological cancer complications cannot be ruled out, resection of the umbilical mass and laparoscopy was performed. The review laparoscopy revealed no evidence of primary cancer in the uterine body or left ovary, and a white nodular lesion of suspected seeding in the peritoneum around the left ovary. The histology and immunostaining results of the umbilical mass and left peri-ovarian nodule both showed glandular luminal structures similar to those of the primary breast cancer, and the left peri-ovarian nodule was ER positive, GATA3 positive, and PAX8 negative, leading to the diagnosis of umbilical metastasis and peritoneal seeding derived from breast cancer. Umbilical metastasis is often referred to as Sister Mary Joseph's nodule in the case of visceral malignancies and is often associated with peritoneal dissemination and is often caused by invasive metastasis of peritoneal dissemination lesions on the dorsal side of the umbilical region. In this case, histological examination of the umbilical specimen showed no disseminated lesion on the peritoneal side, so it was not considered to be an invasive metastasis due to peritoneal dissemination.

[The Six Cases of Recurrence of Lung Metastasis after Radical Resection of Pancreatic Cancer Performed at Our Hospital].

Prognosis of pancreatic cancer is extremely poor due to recurrence in the early postoperative period. However, there are some reports that the prognosis for lung recurrence alone is relatively better than that of others. In this study, we report the cases of lung recurrence alone after radical resection of pancreatic cancer performed at our hospital. Among 255 cases of radical resection of pancreatic cancer performed at our hospital between July 2010 and August 2021, 6 cases in which the initial recurrence site of recurrence was lung alone were included in the study. The median age of the patients was 72 years (62-82), and there were 5 males and 1 female. Four patients had undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy and 2 patients underwent distal pancreatectomy. Four patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, 3 with S-1 and 1 with GEM. No patients underwent surgical resection for recurrence of lung metastasis, and all patients were treated with chemotherapy. The median time to recurrence was 351 days. As initial therapy after recurrence, 3 patients received GEM plus nab-PTX combination therapy and 3 patients received S-1. The median overall survival after recurrence was 1,979 days, and the 1-year and 3-year overall survival rates after recurrence were 100% and 100%, respectively. The prognosis of patients with recurrence of lung metastasis after surgery for pancreatic cancer at our hospital was similarly good as the previous reports.

[A Case of Advanced Gastric Cancer with Simultaneous Liver Metastasis for Long-Term Survival with Multimodal Therapy].

We report a case of advanced gastric cancer with simultaneous liver metastasis in which long-term survival has been obtained by multimodal therapy. Case 75-year-old, male. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed advanced type 2 cancer in the greater curvature of the angular incisure. Computed tomography showed a single 20 mm mass was found in liver S2. Histopathological findings indicated that differentiated adenocarcinoma(tub1, HER2 3+). Diagnosis was gastric cancer, cT4aN0M1HEP, Stage Ⅳ. Tumor shrinkage was obtained after 2 courses of capecitabine/cisplatin/trastuzumab. Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and partial liver resection was performed. Histopathological findings indicated tub1, ypT4aN0M1HEP, ypStage Ⅳ, grade 1a. A single 10 mm recurrence was observed in liver S1/2 13 months after first surgery. After chemotherapy, rehepatic resection was performed. Three years have passed since the last hepatectomy, and the patient is currently undergoing recurrence-free follow-up.

[A Case of Multiple Postoperative Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Successfully Treated with Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab].

We report a case of postoperative multiple recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. A 73-year-old man with a chief complaint of abdominal distention was indicated a 90-mm-sized tumor extending from the lateral hepatic segment to the extrahepatic region by a contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen. He underwent a laparoscopic liver resection of the lateral segment for suspected HCC, and was diagnosed as pStage Ⅱ HCC. Six months after surgery, multiple recurrent at intrahepatic lesions and suspected lymph node recurrence or peritoneal dissemination were observed, and tumor markers were markedly elevated. The patient was diagnosed with multiple intrahepatic and extrahepatic recurrences of postoperative HCC and started combination chemotherapy with atezolizumab (1,200 mg/body)plus bevacizumab(15 mg/kg). After the initiation of the therapy, tumor size reduction and normalization of tumor markers were observed, and at 17 months postoperatively, tumor size reduction has been maintained and tumor markers were in the normal range. We report a case of postoperative intrahepatic and extrahepatic multiple recurrences of he patocellular carcinoma treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab.

[The Investigation about Cases Performed Laparoscopic Pancreas-Sparing Duodenectomy in Our Hospital].

INTRODUCTION: There are few reports of surgery which preserve the function of pancreas for benign or low malignant tumors. While we have introduced laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD), we have also performed laparoscopic pancreas-sparing duodenectomy (LPSD). In the present study, we investigated surgical techniques and results of LPSD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2019 and January 2022, 3 patients were underwent LPSD. The procedure was performed after obtaining approval from the Ethics Review Committee of our hospital. RESULTS: Three patients conducted LPSD were all males with a median age of 74 years, and diagnoses were adenomas of duodenum in 2 cases and gastrointestinal stromal tumor of duodenum in 1 case. The median blood loss was small amount. The median operative time was 430 minutes, and the median postoperative hospital stay was 13 days. One of the cases was performed with conversion to HALS. In LPSD, an intraoperative ultrasonography and an intraoperative radiographic contrast study were performed to confirm that the ampulla of Vater was preserved. There were no postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: We experienced cases performed LPSD in our hospital. We need further research for feasibility and safety of the procedure.

Patterns of Recurrence and Long-Term Survival of Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy Versus Open Esophagectomy for Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: a Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The use of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) as a treatment for patients with esophageal cancer has recently become more common worldwide. However, differences in the pattern of recurrence between MIE and open esophagectomy (OE) using the transthoracic approach have not been fully investigated, particularly in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: We searched the prospective databases of two institutes for patients with esophageal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by esophagectomy between 2011 and 2018. Propensity score-matched analysis was performed to reduce bias from confounding patient-related variables. Operative outcomes, regionally harvested lymph nodes (LNs), recurrence pattern, and prognosis were investigated in two groups. RESULTS: We identified 410 patients who underwent OE (n = 263) and MIE (n = 147). After propensity score matching, 131 pairs of patients were selected. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics after matching. The total number of harvested LNs in both groups was similar (55.1 vs. 58.9, P = 0.132). The incidence of LN recurrence in the MIE group was significantly lower than that in the OE group (27% vs. 15%, P = 0.010). In particular, the incidence of mediastinal LN recurrence in the MIE group was significantly lower than that in the OE group (16% vs. 6%, P = 0.017). There were no significant differences between the two groups in hematogenous (19% vs.12%, P = 0.173), dissemination (5% vs. 4%, P = 0.769), local (4% vs. 1%. P = 0.213), and other recurrence (3% vs. 3%, P = 1.000). The 3-year disease-free and overall survival of MIE were significantly better than OE (71.4% vs. 50.5%, P = 0.004 and 80.3% vs. 61.2%, P = 0.002, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that the thoracic approach (OE vs. MIE) (HR 1.93, P = 0.004) was an independent prognostic factor, along with the pathological N stage (HR 3.05, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MIE has less intramediastinal LN recurrence than OE and may lead to a better long-term prognosis in patients with advanced esophageal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy.