Clinical complete response after trastuzumab deruxtecan 6th-line treatment for postoperative gastric cancer recurrence: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Despite the recent developments in the treatment of advanced or recurrent gastric cancer, the median survival time remains shorter than 15 months. Herein, we report a case of postoperative gastric cancer recurrence in which a complete clinical response was achieved with trastuzumab deruxtecan as 6th-line treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old man underwent abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) during follow-up after rectal cancer surgery. The CT revealed an enlarged perigastric lymph node. After further examination, the patient's condition was diagnosed as gastric cancer cT2N1H0P0M0 cStage IIA. The patient underwent distal gastrectomy and D2 lymph node dissection. The resulting pathological diagnosis was pT1bN3aH0P0 pStageIIB, HER2 score 3+. Abdominal contrast-enhanced CT 19 months postoperatively revealed para-aortic lymph node recurrence, thus systemic chemotherapy courses were planned. The primary treatment was a combination of S-1, cisplatin, and trastuzumab administered in 11 courses. However, there was an enlargement of the para-aortic lymph node which was evaluated as progressive disease. Systematic chemotherapy with various regimens was continued until the 5th-line treatment. However, therapeutic benefits were not achieved and lung metastasis was observed. Trastuzumab deruxtecan (TDXD) was initiated as 6th-line treatment. Abdominal contrast-enhanced CT at 4 months after the start of treatment showed marked shrinkage of the enlarged para-aortic lymph node and disappearance of the lung metastasis in the right upper lung lobe, which was evaluated as partial response (PR). The para-aortic lymph node metastasis was evaluated as PR with only a slight accumulation of SUV-Max 2.66 with a shrinking trend by positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) performed after 1 year. Tumor markers CEA, CA19-9, and CA125 also improved significantly. PET-CT after 1 year and 4 months showed no lymph node enlargement or accumulation, indicating a complete response (CR). All tumor markers also normalized. The patient has maintained clinical CR without additional treatment to date. CONCLUSIONS: We report the apparent first case of postoperative gastric cancer recurrence successfully treated with TDXD, achieving clinical CR with TDXD as a 6th-line treatment.

Long-term outcomes of robot-assisted versus minimally invasive esophagectomy in patients with thoracic esophageal cancer: a propensity score-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Recently, robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) has gained popularity worldwide. Some studies have compared the long-term results of RAMIE and minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). However, there are no reports on the long-term outcomes of RAMIE in Japan. This study compared the long-term outcomes of RAMIE and MIE. METHODS: This retrospective study included 86 patients with thoracic esophageal cancer who underwent RAMIE or MIE at our hospital from June 2010 to December 2016. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed, incorporating co-variables such as confounders or risk factors derived from the literature and clinical practice. These variables included age, sex, body mass index, alcohol consumption, smoking history, American Society of Anesthesiologists stage, comorbidities, tumor location, histology, clinical TNM stage, and preoperative therapy. The primary endpoint was 5-year overall survival (OS), and the secondary endpoints were 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and recurrence rates. RESULTS: Before PSM, the RAMIE group had a longer operation time (min) than the MIE group (P = 0.019). RAMIE also exhibited significantly lower blood loss volume (mL) (P < 0.001) and fewer three-field lymph node dissections (P = 0.028). Postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo: CD ≥ 2) were significantly lower in the RAMIE group (P = 0.04), and postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter than the MIE group (P < 0.001). After PSM, the RAMIE and MIE groups consisted of 26 patients each. Blood loss volume was significantly smaller (P = 0.012), postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 2) were significantly lower (P = 0.021), and postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter (P < 0.001) in the RAMIE group than those in the MIE group. The median observation period was 63 months. The 5-year OS rates were 73.1% and 80.8% in the RAMIE and MIE groups, respectively (P = 0.360); the 5-year DFS rates were 76.9% and 76.9% in the RAMIE and MIE groups, respectively (P = 0.749). Six of 26 patients (23.1%) in each group experienced recurrence, with a median recurrence period of 41.5 months in the RAMIE group and 22.5 months in the MIE group. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with MIE, RAMIE led to no differences in long-term results, suggesting that RAMIE is a comparable technique.

Predictive Ability of the Five-time Chair Stand Test for Postoperative Pneumonia after Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The revised sarcopenia guidelines proposed handgrip strength (HGS) and five-time chair stand test (5-CST) as the primary parameters of muscle function. HGS and 5-CST are associated with pulmonary function among community-dwelling people, although few reports have described an association between these parameters and surgical outcomes in carcinomas. We examined the predictive ability of 5-CST for postoperative pneumonia after minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) compared with that of HGS. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center, observational study evaluated 222 male patients who underwent MIE for esophageal cancer between February 2018 and October 2020. Sarcopenia parameters included 5-CST, HGS, and skeletal muscle index. Postoperative pneumonia predictors were determined by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. We assessed the net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) to analyze the predictive ability of 5-CST and HGS. RESULTS: MIE was performed for squamous cell carcinoma (n = 179), adenocarcinoma (n = 38), and other cancers (n = 5). Forty-nine (22.1%) patients developed postoperative pneumonia. Multivariate logistic regression showed that age (odds ratio [OR] 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.10; p = 0.027), 5-CST (OR, 1.19; 95% CI 1.00-1.40; p = 0.046), and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP) (OR, 3.37; 95% CI 1.60-7.10; p = 0.001) significantly predicted postoperative pneumonia. Category-free NRI and IDI showed that adding 5-CST in the prediction model with age and RLNP resulted in significantly greater reclassification and discrimination abilities than did HGS. CONCLUSIONS: The 5-CST significantly predicted postoperative pneumonia after MIE. NRI and IDI analyses suggested that 5-CST had significantly better predictive ability for postoperative pneumonia than did HGS.

Dopaminergic Correlates of Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in Parkinsonian Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and dopamine transporter (DAT) images are clinically used for the differential diagnosis of parkinsonian disorders. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the correlation of CBF with striatal DAT in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and atypical parkinsonian syndromes (APS) and evaluate the diagnostic power of DAT-correlated CBF in PD through machine learning with each imaging modality alone or in combination. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with PD and 71 with APS (24 with multiple system atrophy, 21 with progressive supranuclear palsy, and 26 with corticobasal syndrome) underwent 123 I-IMP and 123 I-FP-CIT single-photon emission computed tomography. Multiple regression analyses for CBF and striatal DAT binding were conducted on each group. PD probability was predicted by machine learning and receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: The PD group showed more affected striatal DAT binding positively correlated with the ipsilateral prefrontal perfusion and negatively with the bilateral cerebellar perfusion. In corticobasal syndrome, striatal DAT binding positively correlated with the ipsilateral prefrontal perfusion and negatively with the contralateral precentral perfusion. In Richardson's syndrome, striatal DAT binding positively correlated with perfusion in the ipsilateral precentral cortex and basal ganglia. Machine learning showed that the combination of CBF and DAT was better for delineating PD from APS (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.87) than either CBF (0.67) or DAT (0.50) alone. CONCLUSIONS: In PD and four-repeat tauopathy, prefrontal perfusion was related to ipsilateral nigrostriatal dopaminergic function. This dual-tracer frontostriatal relationship may be effectively used as a diagnostic tool for delineating PD from APS. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

[A Case of Combined Modality Therapy for Progressive Esophagus Cancer with Perforation Due to Preoperative Chemotherapy].

A nearby doctor sensed incongruity in deglutition as a chief complaint from a 56-year-old man. A middle intrathoracic esophagus cancer was subsequently diagnosed and referred to our department. We started FP therapy based on the preoperative chemotherapy guidelines, but perforation of esophageal cancer developed. We conducted chest drainage, and attempted to improve the patient's overall status with antibiotic medical treatment and hyperalimentation; single-stage operations were performed. As tumor invaded the left pleura, surgery occurred for R2 resection of the left lung. Subsequently, we started nivolumab therapy because we give DCF therapy and detected a liver metastasis and we continue it now and survive.

[A Case of Preoperatively Diagnosed Early Cystic-Duct Carcinoma].

A 88-year-old man presented with abdominal discomfort. Computed tomography(CT)images showed gallbladder tumor, and the patient was referred to our hospital. In addition to the above, CT images showed a tense gallbladder and EUS showed papillary raised lesions mainly from the cystic duct to the gallbladder neck. Based on the above, we diagnosed cystic duct cancer and performed full-thickness cholecystectomy, extrahepatic bile duct resection, regional lymph node dissection at our department. Macroscopic findings of the resected specimen showed a Villous ridge in the cystic duct. Histopathological findings revealed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma with an irregular papillary structure centered on the cystic duct. The depth of invasion remained within the epithelium, and a diagnosis of primary early cystic duct cancer was made. Primary cystic duct cancer is a relatively rare disease and often does not lead to preoperative diagnosis. This time, we experienced a case in which cystic duct cancer was diagnosed preoperatively due to complaints of abdominal discomfort and could be surgically resected.

Validation of Urinary Charged Metabolite Profiles in Colorectal Cancer Using Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry.

This study aimed to validate and reanalyze urinary biomarkers for detecting colorectal cancers (CRCs). We previously conducted urinary metabolomic analyses using capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry and found a significant difference in various metabolites, especially polyamines, between patients with CRC and healthy controls (HC). We analyzed additional samples and confirmed consistency between the newly and previously analyzed data. In total, we included 36 HC, 34 adenoma (AD), and 214 CRC samples, which were used for subsequent analyses. Among the 132 quantified metabolites, 16 exhibited consistent differences in both datasets, which included polyamines, etc. Pathway analyses of the integrated data revealed significant differences in many metabolites, such as glutamine, and metabolites of the TCA (tricarboxylic acid cycle) and urea cycles. The discrimination ability of the combination of multiple metabolites among the three groups was evaluated, which yielded higher sensitivity than tumor markers. The Mann-Whitney test was employed to evaluate the prognosis predictivity of the assessed metabolites and the difference between the patients with or without recurrence, which yielded 16 significantly different metabolites. Among these 16 metabolites, 11 presented significant prognosis predictivity. These data indicated the potential of metabolite-based discrimination of patients with CRC and AD from HC and prognosis predictivity of the monitored metabolites.

Dysfunction of the left angular gyrus may be associated with writing errors in ALS.

Background: Language dysfunction is a feature of cognitive impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that may compromise communication. Objective: To elucidate language dysfunction in patients with ALS and its relationship with other neuropsychological tests and to identify the brain regions associated with this dysfunction using perfusion image. Methods: Overall, 37 patients with ALS were included in this study. Their neuropsychological function was investigated using the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB), Frontal Assessment Battery and Behavioral Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome. N-isopropyl-p-[123I] iodoamphetamine single-photon emission computed tomography was used to examine regional cerebral blood flow and its relationship with WAB scores was investigated using multiple regression analyses, controlled for age, sex and years of education. Results: Frequency of language abnormality in ALS was 8.5% for spontaneous speech, 25.7% for auditory verbal comprehension, 8.8% for repetition, 14.7% for naming, 17.6% for reading and 51.4% for writing. The writing error was mainly omission and substitution of kana letters. Executive tests were correlated with naming (r > 0.5, p < 0.001) and reading (r > 0.4, p < 0.01) scores. With respect to the writing sub-test, positive perfusional relationship was only detected in the left angular gyrus. Conclusions: The left angular gyrus is the region associated with the writing errors observed in ALS.

Predicting Neurocognitive Change after Bilateral Deep Brain Stimulation of Subthalamic Nucleus for Parkinson's Disease.

OBJECTIVE: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a standard surgical treatment option in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. Adverse effects on cognitive function have been reported, impacting the quality of life of patients and caregivers. We aimed to investigate a quantitative predictive preexisting cognitive factor for predicting postoperative cognitive changes. METHODS: Thirty-five patients underwent STN-DBS. A battery of neuropsychological tests were used to examine executive function, processing speed, and visuospatial function both preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationships between preoperative factors and cognitive outcomes. The predictive value of the preoperative factors for global cognitive decline during long-term follow-up were evaluated. RESULTS: The patients exhibited significant changes in processing speed and visuospatial function after surgery. Using reliable change index values, lower preoperative scores on the Similarities and Object Assembly subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III were associated with decreases in visuospatial function at 1 year after DBS. The odds ratios were 10.2 for Similarities and 9.53 for Object Assembly. The proportion of Mini Mental State Examination-maintained patients with low scores on the Similarities subtest was significantly lower than that of patients with high scores at 3 and 5 years. No factors were found to be related to decreases in processing speed. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative evaluation of the Similarities and Object Assembly subtests may be useful to identify patients who are at a greater risk of experiencing decreases in visuospatial functioning after STN-DBS. Furthermore, a low score on the Similarities subtest may predict future global cognitive deterioration.

[An Early Gastric Cancer with Sarcoid Reactions of the Regional Lymph Nodes].

The patient was a 73-year-old male who was referred to our hospital for detailed examination because computed tomography(CT)revealed lymph node swelling. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a 0-Ⅱc lesion in the greater curvature of the middle gastric body. The periphery of the lesion site was not reached using endoscopy. CT revealed lymph node swelling, but positron emission tomography(PET)-CT did not show abnormal accumulation in any area other than the lesion site involving the lymph nodes. Under a diagnosis of cT2N0M0, Stage Ⅰ tumor, total gastrectomy via laparotomy and lymph node dissection(D2+No.10)was performed. The histopathological diagnosis suggested early gastric cancer pT1b (SM)N0M0, Stage ⅠA. Although lymph node metastasis was not observed, the outgrowth of non-caseating epithelioid cell granulomas was observed in all lymph nodes. There was no granulomatous lesion at any other site, including the lung, leading to a diagnosis of sarcoid reactions. The"sarcoid reaction"refers to non-caseating epithelioid cell granuloma formation in a local area or the regional lymph nodes of a malignant tumor through reactions to extraneous foreign bodies in the absence of the general condition or signs as sarcoidosis. Sarcoid reactions to early gastric cancer are rare. In this study, we report a patient with early gastric cancer who showed sarcoid reactions of the regional lymph nodes and review the literature.

[A Case of Elective Laparoscopic Resection for Sigmoid Colon Cancer with Irreducible Intussusception].

An 85-year-old man was hospitalized for a right greater trochanteric fracture. Rectal intussusception was found by diagnostic imaging but left untreated because of minor gastrointestinal symptoms. As a result of work-up for persistent mucous stool, he was diagnosed with sigmoid colon cancer with intussusception. The intussusception could not be reduced during barium enema examination but could undergo elective laparoscopic surgery with a good postoperative course. Adult intussusception may be asymptomatic and require no emergency treatment. In such a case, elective surgery can be performed. Many facilities employ laparotomy as a standard of care for intussusception. With the recent technological advances in endoscopic surgeries, laparoscopic surgery can be considered as a treatment option.

Different Patterns of Gray Matter Volume Reduction in Early-onset and Late-onset Alzheimer Disease.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with early-onset Alzheimer disease (EOAD) differ from those with late-onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD) not only in genetics and age at onset but also in their clinical symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To differentiate the neuropathological and neurocognitive features of EOAD and LOAD by comparing the pattern of regional gray matter volume (GMV) reduction and its symptomatic correlates. METHOD: Three-dimensional T1-weighted MRIs and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were obtained from 12 individuals with EOAD, 65 with LOAD, and 49 healthy controls (HC). Regional GMV reduction between the three groups was assessed using voxel-based morphometry. Multiple regression analyses were conducted with MMSE total score as an independent variable. RESULTS: Compared to the HC, both AD groups showed a significant GMV reduction in the bilateral hippocampus and the left temporoparietal junction; in addition, the LOAD group showed one in the bilateral anterior temporal lobes. Multiple regression analyses revealed a positive correlation between MMSE total score and GMV in the left anterior temporal lobe in both AD groups; that is, lower scores were associated with reduced GMV. Interestingly, a positive correlation in hippocampal GMV was revealed only in the LOAD group. CONCLUSION: MMSE total score is associated with the anterior temporal lobe volume in individuals with AD. Hippocampal volume and its relationship with MMSE total score are associated with LOAD pathophysiology but not EOAD pathophysiology. The hippocampal volume reduction and low MMSE scores are hallmarks of LOAD but are less specific to EOAD, which may cause a delay in diagnosis.

The Neuropsychological Correlates of Brain Perfusion and Gray Matter Volume in Alzheimer's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Neuropsychological tests, structural neuroimaging, and functional neuroimaging are employed as diagnostic and monitoring biomarkers of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD)Objective:We aimed to elucidate the similarities and differences in neuropsychological tests and neuroimaging with the use of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog), structural magnetic resonance image (MRI), and perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and parametric image analyses to understand its role in AD. METHODS: Clinically-diagnosed AD patients (n = 155) were scanned with three-dimensional T1-weighted MRI and N-isopropyl-p-[123I] iodoamphetamine SPECT. Statistical parametric mapping 12 was used for preprocessing images, statistical analyses, and voxel-based morphometry for gray matter volume analyses. Group comparison (AD versus healthy controls), multiple regression analyses with MMSE, ADAS-cog total score, and ADAS-cog subscores as variables, were performed. RESULTS: The AD group showed bilateral hippocampal volume reduction and hypoperfusion in the bilateral temporo-parietal lobe and posterior midline structures. Worse MMSE and ADAS-cog total score were associated with bilateral temporo-parietal volume loss and hypoperfusion. MMSE, but not ADAS-cog, was associated with the posterior midline structures. The ADAS-cog subscores were associated with the temporal volume, while perfusion analyses were linked to the left temporo-parietal region with the language function and right analogous region with the constructional praxis subscore. CONCLUSION: MMSE and ADAS-cog are associated with temporo-parietal regions, both in volume and perfusion. The MMSE score is associated with posterior midline structures and linked to an abnormal diagnostic AD pattern. Perfusion image analyses better represents the cognitive function in AD patients.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy for preservation of fat-replaced pancreatic body and tail tissue in a patient with solid pseudopapillary neoplasm: a case report.

BACKGROUND: There is no standard surgical method for treating pancreatic head tumors with fat replacement of the pancreatic body and tail. Total pancreatectomy procedures are usually performed to excise pancreatic head tumors and lead to endocrine function loss and subsequent development of diabetes. We present a rare case where the adipose tissue was preserved during pancreaticoduodenectomy in a patient with a solid pseudopapillary neoplasm and fat-replaced pancreatic body and tail. CASE PRESENTATION: Contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans of a 43-year-old man revealed a tumor measuring approximately 3 cm in size with calcification in the pancreatic head. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed that the pancreatic ducts in the body and tail were completely disrupted. Furthermore, endoscopic ultrasonography showed no pancreatic parenchyma in the body and tail of the pancreas, with disruption in the main pancreatic duct. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration led to the final pathological diagnosis of a solid pseudopapillary neoplasm, and laparoscopic total pancreatectomy was performed. However, intraoperative findings indicated that the tumor was located in the pancreatic head. Pancreatic parenchyma was not observed in the pancreatic body or tail, as it had been completely replaced with adipose tissue. Nevertheless, the shape of the pancreas was identifiable. Therefore, pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed to transect parenchyma at the pancreatic neck, while preserving the adipose tissue present in the pancreatic body. The main pancreatic duct could not be identified at the cut surface. Therefore, we performed modified Blumgart-style pancreaticojejunostomy to cover the cut end instead of reconstructing the pancreatic duct. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 12 without complications and is being followed-up as an outpatient. His fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c levels according to the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program reports were within normal limits, indicating that the endocrine function (insulin secretion ability) was preserved during the 1.5 years following surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with pancreatic head tumors, pancreaticoduodenectomy that preserves fat-replaced pancreatic body and tail tissues can preserve postoperative endocrine function.

The Novel Eryngii Method of Nipple Reduction for Female-to-Male Transsexuals.

Mastectomy is usually the first and most important surgical procedure in female-to-male (FTM) individuals with gender identity disorder. Nipple reduction is also important in the process of reconstructing the chest wall for a more male appearance. If the nipples remain large after a mastectomy, the results may be disappointing to many FTM transsexuals. Nipple reduction enables these individuals to go to the beach or Japanese public baths, where they may go topless in public. We therefore consider that nipple reduction is indicated for all FTM transsexuals who desire it. There are a variety of methods for the reduction of enlarged nipples for women or non-FTM patients, but only a few reports have described the process used to create masculine-appearing nipples for FTM transsexuals. We developed a novel technique called the Eryngii method for creating male-like nipples using a 4-mm diameter dermal punch knife. The name of the method refers to the Eryngii king trumpet mushroom, which the nipple resembles after the surgical process. The main strength of this method is that it permits the creation of ideal nipples without difficulty. Here we introduce the technique and discuss our history of surgical methods for nipple reduction, including improvements and elaborations.

Ten-Year Outcomes After Catcher's Mask Cranioplasty for Large Cranial Bone Defects in Children: A Report of Two Cases.

Cranioplasty is complicated in children with severe, extensive head trauma because allografting is not advisable in pediatric patients and the amount of available autologous materials is limited. To overcome these problems, Takumi reported a novel procedure called "catcher's mask cranioplasty" in 2008, in which split-rib grafts are placed perpendicularly over each other while calvarial grafts are placed in the hairless forehead region. Despite the small amount of grafts used, this method can yield esthetically satisfactory results and provides excellent structural integrity. Here, we report 2 cases of catcher's mask cranioplasty and their long-term outcomes. After more than 10 years, the transplanted bone grafts have not resorbed and have maintained their esthetically pleasing contours. In conclusion, catcher's mask cranioplasty is an effective option for traumatic cranial defects in children.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Hematoma after Chest Wall Contouring for Female-to-Male Transsexuals: A Clinical Study.

Gender dysphoria is a condition in which a discrepancy between biological sex and gender identity causes distress. Many female-to-male transsexuals (FTMTS) are uncomfortable with female breasts. Chest wall contouring surgery is effective for obtaining a male-type chest, reducing mental stress, and increasing sexual satisfaction in such cases. At the Okayama University Hospital Gender Center, we have obtained positive results using an algorithm to determine the most appropriate surgical method for chest wall contouring in FTMTS patients. However, serious complications requiring reoperation, such as hematoma, may still occur. Postoperative hematomas were found in 15 (4.18%) of 358 FTMTS patients who underwent chest contouring surgery at our hospital between 2006 and 2018. Postoperative hematoma was examined retrospectively. The median time to the onset of hematoma was 7 (6-12) h after the initial surgery. The main blood vessels causing bleeding were those in the head-side skin flap region where visual confirmation was difficult and the perforator vessels from the pectoralis major muscle. Intraoperative bleeding and the operation time had a significant impact on the onset of postoperative hematoma. This is the first retrospective study that investigated the blood vessels and other factors contributing to postoperative hematoma development after chest wall contouring.

Laparoscopic Rectosigmoid Colon Vaginoplasty in Male-to-Female Transsexuals: Experience in Japan.

Intestinal vaginoplasty has several advantageous features, such as scarless surgery, low incidence of contraction of the reconstructed vagina, maintenance of vaginal depth, spontaneous mucus production, and a low rate of complications. Therefore, this technique is becoming popular in many countries. Following the global trend, the demand for intestinal vaginoplasty for transsexuals is also increasing in Japan. However, there are few reports on intestinal vaginoplasty in Japan. In this study, we examined the safety and effectiveness of rectosigmoid colon vaginoplasty in the Japanese population. We retrospectively surveyed 18 male-to-female transsexuals who underwent laparoscopic rectosigmoid colon vaginoplasty at the Okayama University Hospital Gender Center between October 2012 and December 2017. One patient had developed an anastomotic leak and 2 patients experienced vaginal prolapse, which needed revision surgery. Both adverse outcomes were comparable with those from previous studies. The anastomotic leak was managed adequately with conservative treatment. To avoid vaginal prolapse, it is important to decide the length of the rectosigmoid segment so that a pull on it does not cause it to become lax, while excessive stress on the feeder vessels is avoided. Based on our study, we concluded that rectosigmoid vaginoplasty was a reliable technique in the Japanese population.

[Rectal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor(GIST)Excised by Two Teams Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy-A Case Report].

A 67-year-old man presented with bloody stools. Colonoscopy showed a small submucosal tumor in the lower rectum. As the tumor was small, follow-up was chosen. Although he was instructed to undergo reexamination 1 year later, he did not comply. Four years later, he was reexamined by the previous doctor for disorders of defecation. He was admitted to our hospital for examination and treatment, as the tumor was growing. The mass measured 87×69 mm. The tumor was found on the dorsal side of the rectum with well-circumscribed, smooth margins. Trans-anal biopsy showed rectal GIST. The tumor seemed difficult to resect, and hence, imatinib mesylate(400mg/day)was administered as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for tumor reduction. After 4 months, the maximum tumor diameter was reduced by 60%, and arthroscopic surgery was performed by 2 teams. In the trans-anal arthroscopic operation, partial resection of the levator ani muscle was performed, and complete excision was achieved by securing the excision margin. The operation time was 341 min, and the hemorrhage volume was 422 mL. Postoperatively, a Grade 2 suture failure occurred at the anastomotic site, but no further complications were observed.