[Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Intraoperative Imaging for Fistula Identification of Pleuroperitoneal Communication by Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis:Report of a Case].

A 64-year-old female with chronic renal failure had been receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). She developed acute hydrothorax in the right pleural cavity 1 year after the commencement of CAPD. Scintigraphy revealed a diagnosis of pleuroperitoneal communication, and we performed video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. We infused a dialysis solution containing indocyanine green (ICG) through CAPD catheter. Near-infrared fluorescence thoracoscopy revealed a fistula that could not be identified by white light. We sutured the fistula covered with a polyglycolic acid sheet and fibrin glue. The CAPD was able to be resumed 8 days after surgery, and there was no recurrence of pleural effusion 10 months since surgery. Identification of the diaphragmatic fistula is important in the treatment of pleuroperitoneal communication. This technique using near-infrared fluorescence thoracoscopy with ICG was useful in identifying the fistula, and it emitted sufficient fluorescence even at low concentration ICG.

Preoperative AminoIndex Cancer Screening (AICS) abnormalities predict postoperative recurrence in patients undergoing curative resection for non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: AminoIndex™ Cancer Screening (AICS (lung)) was developed as a screening test for lung cancer using a multivariate analysis of plasma-free amino acid (PFAA) profiles. According to the developed index composed of PFAA, the probability of lung cancer was categorized into AICS (lung) ranks A, B, and C in order of increasing risk. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the preoperative AICS (lung) rank and surgical outcomes in patients who underwent curative resection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Preoperative blood samples were collected from 297 patients who underwent curative resection for NSCLC between 2006 and 2015. PFAA concentrations were measured. The relationship between the preoperative AICS (lung) rank and clinicopathological factors was examined. The effects of the preoperative AICS (lung) rank on postoperative outcomes were also analyzed. RESULTS: The AICS (lung) rank was A in 93 patients (31.3%), B in 82 (27.6%), and C in 122 (41.1%). The AICS (lung) rank did not correlate with any clinicopathological factors, except for age. Based on follow-up data (median follow-up period of 6 years), postoperative recurrence was observed in 22 rank A patients (23.7%), 15 rank B (18.3%) and 49 rank C (40.2%). In the univariate analysis, preoperative AICS (lung) rank C was a worse factor of recurrence-free survival (p = 0.0002). The multivariate analysis identified preoperative AICS (lung) rank C (HR: 2.17, p = 0.0005) as a significant predictor of postoperative recurrence, particularly in patients with early-stage disease or adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: Preoperative AICS (lung) rank C is a high-risk predictor of postoperative recurrence in patients undergoing curative resection for NSCLC.

Near-infrared fluorescent solid material for visualizing indwelling devices implanted for medical use.

BACKGROUND: In clinical practice, various devices are implanted into the body for medical reasons. As X-ray fluoroscopy is necessary to visualize medical devices implanted into the body, the development of a less-invasive visualization method is highly desired. This study aimed to investigate the clinical applicability of our novel solid material that emits near-infrared fluorescence. METHODS: We developed a solid resin material that emits near-infrared fluorescence. This material incorporates a near-infrared fluorescent pigment, with quantum yield ≥ 20 times than that of indocyanine green. It can be sterilized for medical treatment. This resin material is designed to be molded into a catheter and inserted into the body with an endoscope clip. In this preclinical experiment using a swine model, the resin material was embedded into the body of the swine and visualized with a near-infrared fluorescence camera system. RESULTS: Endoscopic clips were placed in the mucosa of the stomach, esophagus, and large intestine, and the indwelling ureteral catheters were successfully visualized by near-infrared fluorescence laparoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the tissue permeability of the fluorescence emitted by our novel near-infrared fluorescent material and the possibility of its clinical application. This material may allow visualization of devices embedded in the body.

What is the predictor of the intraoperative body temperature in abdominal surgery?

PURPOSE: Inadvertent hypothermia is a relatively common intraoperative complication. Few studies have investigated predictors of body temperature change or the effect of the blanket type used with a forced-air warming device during the intraoperative period. We investigated the predictive factors of intraoperative body temperature change in scheduled abdominal surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data from 2574 consecutive adult patients who underwent scheduled abdominal surgery in the supine position. Temperature data were collected from anesthesia records. Multiple regression analysis was performed at 60, 120, and 180 min after the surgical incision to identify the factors influencing body temperature change. We conducted nonlinear regression analysis using the equation ΔT = α (e-γt-1) + ßt, where ΔT represented the change in intraoperative core temperature (°C), t represented the surgical duration (minutes), and α, ß, and γ were constants. RESULTS: The intraoperative core temperature change was explained by the equation ΔT = 0.59 (e- 0.018t - 1) + 0.0043t. Younger age, higher body mass index (BMI), male sex, laparoscopic surgery, and use of an underbody blanket were associated with increased core temperature at 1 or 2 h after surgical incision. Male sex and an underbody blanket remained strong predictive variables even 3 h after surgical incision, whereas BMI had little explanatory power at this timepoint. The difference in the heating effect of an underbody versus an overbody blanket was 0.0012 °C per minute. CONCLUSIONS: The blanket type of the forced-air warmer, age, sex, laparoscopic surgery, and BMI are predictors of intraoperative core temperature change.

Correction to: What is the predictor of the intraoperative body temperature in abdominal surgery?

In the Original publication of the article, the Table 1 was incorrectly published.

Resting pupil size is a predictor of hypotension after induction of general anesthesia.

PURPOSE: Arterial hypotension is a major adverse effect of general anesthesia. Patients with pre-existing autonomic dysfunction are at greater risk of hypotension. This study was performed to examine whether objective measurement of the pupillary light reflex is predictive of intraoperative hypotension. METHODS: We studied 79 patients who underwent scheduled surgery under general anesthesia. Patients with severe cardiovascular disease or receiving antihypertensive agents were excluded. The light reflex was measured preoperatively using a portable infrared pupillometer, and the hemodynamic parameters were obtained from the anesthesia records. The patients were divided into two groups according to the development of hypotension: the hypotension and normotension groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the pupil parameters predictive of hypotension. RESULTS: Patients in the hypotension group were older and had a greater pupil size or constriction velocity than those in the normotension group. Logistic regression analysis showed that post-induction hypotension was significantly associated with maximum pupil size or constriction velocity after adjustment for age and other clinical variables. Latency of the light reflex and the percent reduction of pupil size were not associated with hypotension. Age was a relatively strong predictor of hypotension; other confounding factors were not associated with hypotension. CONCLUSION: Measurement of maximum pupil size is useful to identify patients at risk for intraoperative hypotension. The influence of age must be considered during measurement of the pupil response. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: UMIN000023729 REGISTRY URL: https://www.umin.ac.jp.

[Indocyanine Green( ICG) Fluorescence Imaging to Visualize Intersegmental Plane].

Early stage lung cancers which localized in the middle layer or the center of the lung become indications for anatomical segmentectomy. As a method of intraoperative identifying the intra-segmental plane, 2 different techniques utilizing indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence has been clinically applied. The one is a method of systemically intravenous administration of ICG after ligating the objective segmental pulmonary artery. The other is a method of insufflate the diluted ICG into the objective segmental bronchus under the bronchoscope. The segmental alveoli were visualized with a ICG fluorescence thoracoscope. Both methods visualize inter-segmental plane. Both advantages and disadvantages were discussed. These methods may help the repertoire of atypical segmentectomy getting wider. Also, ICG fluorescence imaging is incorporated into a robotic surgery. ICG fluorescence imaging is expected to be applied to various applications of thoracic surgery.

[Assessment of Fat-free Diet for Postoperative Chylothorax].

BACKGROUND: Chylothorax after lung cancer surgery is relatively rare but must be considered as a complication of thoracic surgery. METHOD: Between January 2012 and June 2017, 818 patients underwent lung cancer surgery at our hospital. Among them, 14 (1.7%) patients with chylothorax were retrospectively reviewed. Three patients were treated with oral intake cessation except water and total parental nutrition( TPN)[TPN group], 11 patients were treated with a fat-free diet( fat-free diet group). RESULTS: The drainage period was similar in both group [group TPN;13 (12~14) days and group fat-free diet;15.7 (6~42) days]. In the TPN group, 3 patients underwent pleurodesis and no patient needed surgical intervention. In the fat-free diet group, 5 patients improved only with diet management. Pleurodesis was necessary in 5 of which 3 underwent surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: A fat-free diet is useful in treating chylothorax after lung cancer surgery.

[Intraoperative Artery Wall Stimulating Electromyography during Microvascular Decompression Surgery to Treat Hemifacial Spasm:A Case Report].

OBJECTIVE: Microvascular decompression(MVD)surgery has been established as a standard treatment for hemifacial spasm. However, because decompression surgery results in unfavorable outcomes in some cases, a more critical monitoring strategy is required. To improve surgical outcome for hemifacial spasms, abnormal muscle response(AMR)has been proposed as a tool for intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring during MVD surgery. Here, we report a single case of surgical MVD monitoring using artery wall stimulating electromyography(AWS-EMG). AWS-EMG was developed as a new monitoring method in addition to AMR. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 60-year-old woman was diagnosed with hemifacial spasm using magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography fusion imaging. We performed MVD surgery using AWS-EMG and AMR. We successfully identified AWS-EMG before decompression and confirmed immediate AWS-EMG loss after decompression. This behavior was consistent with AMR. After surgery, the patient showed no further symptoms of hemifacial spasm. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to AMR, AWS-EMG might be a promising candidate for intraoperative monitoring for patients with hemifacial spasm.

[Retrospective Evaluation of Hypoxia and Silent Regurgitation during Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy].

BACKGROUND: The proportion of obese people is gradually increasing. In recent years, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has been performed as a weight loss surgery. We reported the extent of respiratory complications and the keys of anesthetic management in this procedure. METHODS: Forty consecutive morbidly obese patients received laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. A sample for arterial blood gas analysis was taken after intubation and at the end of the operation. Moreover, to examine the risk of silent aspiration, 16 patients were subjected to measuring the gastric juice volume and pH of the pharynx. RESULTS: Oxygenation index (P/F ratio) after intuba- tion was markedly reduced, but there was no correla- tion with the BMI On the other hand, P/F ratio at the end of surgery improved in patients with low BMI Hypercapnia was rare after extubation, but respiratory rate was increased in the patients with high BMI Gas- tric secretion after induction was increased, but there was no overt sign of silent regurgitation of gastric juice. CONCLUSIONS: Oxygenation was extremely deterio- rated immediately after intubation in the morbidly obese patients. There is a need for aggressive respira- tory management because intraoperative oxygenation was not improved in the patients with high BMI.

Prolyl hydroxylase domain protein 2 plays a critical role in diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that the oxygen-sensing pathway consisting of transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor and prolyl hydroxylase domain proteins (PHDs) plays a critical role in glucose metabolism. However, the role of adipocyte PHD in the development of obesity has not been clarified. We examined whether deletion of PHD2, the main oxygen sensor, in adipocytes affects diet-induced obesity and associated metabolic abnormalities. METHODS AND RESULTS: To delete PHD2 in adipocyte, PHD2-floxed mice were crossed with aP2-Cre transgenic mice (Phd2(f/f)/aP2-Cre). Phd2(f/f)/aP2-Cre mice were resistant to high-fat diet-induced obesity (36.7±1.7 versus 44.3±2.0 g in control; P<0.01) and showed better glucose tolerance and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index than control mice (3.6±1.0 versus 11.1±2.1; P<0.01). The weight of white adipose tissue was lighter (epididymal fat, 758±35 versus 1208±507 mg in control; P<0.01) with a reduction in adipocyte size. Macrophage infiltration into white adipose tissue was also alleviated in Phd2(f/f)/aP2-Cre mice. Target genes of hypoxia-inducible factor, including glycolytic enzymes and adiponectin, were upregulated in adipocytes of Phd2(f/f)/aP2-Cre mice. Lipid content was decreased and uncoupling protein-1 expression was increased in brown adipose tissue of Phd2(f/f)/aP2-Cre mice. Knockdown of PHD2 in 3T3L1 adipocytes induced a decrease in the glucose level and an increase in the lactate level in the supernatant with upregulation of glycolytic enzymes and reduced lipid accumulation. CONCLUSIONS: PHD2 in adipose tissue plays a critical role in the development of diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance. PHD2 might be a novel target molecule for the treatment of obesity and associated metabolic abnormalities.

Prognostic Significance of CONUT Score in Elderly NSCLC.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score as a prognostic predictor in elderly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with surgical resection. METHODS: Overall, 114 patients over 80 years old undergoing curative resection for NSCLC were retrospectively analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to evaluate the capacity of immune-inflammatory markers to predict overall survival (OS). Cox-proportional hazards regression analysis was implemented to investigate prognostic markers for OS. RESULTS: Based on ROC curves, the CONUT score was found to be the most valuable prognostic marker (area under the curve = 0.716). The high CONUT (≥2) group included 54 patients, and the low CONUT (0 or 1) group included 60 patients. The high CONUT group had poorer prognosis rates compared to the low CONUT group with regard to OS (5-year OS: 46.3% vs. 86.0%, p = 0.0006). In the multivariate data analysis, histology, lymphatic invasion, and CONUT score (hazard ratio: 4.23, p = 0.0003) were found to be exclusive and independent prognostic markers for OS. CONCLUSION: Preoperatively, the CONUT score can be used as a novel prognostic marker in elderly NSCLC patients. CONUT evaluations can also be used to design nutritional interventions to improve patient outcomes.

Mean computed tomography value to predict spread through air spaces in clinical N0 lung adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the ability of radiologic factors such as mean computed tomography (mCT) value, consolidation/tumor ratio (C/T ratio), solid tumor size, and the maximum standardized uptake (SUVmax) value by F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography to predict the presence of spread through air spaces (STAS) of lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 118 patients those diagnosed with clinically without lymph node metastasis and having a pathological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma after undergoing surgery. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to assess the ability to use mCT value, C/T ratio, tumor size, and SUVmax value to predict STAS. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the independent variables for the prediction of STAS. RESULTS: Forty-one lesions (34.7%) were positive for STAS and 77 lesions were negative for STAS. The STAS positive group was strongly associated with a high mCT value, high C/T ratio, large solid tumor size, large tumor size and high SUVmax value. The mCT values were - 324.9 ± 19.3 HU for STAS negative group and - 173.0 ± 26.3 HU for STAS positive group (p < 0.0001). The ROC area under the curve of the mCT value was the highest (0.738), followed by SUVmax value (0.720), C/T ratio (0.665), solid tumor size (0.649). Multiple logistic regression analyses using the preoperatively determined variables revealed that mCT value (p = 0.015) was independent predictive factors of predicting STAS. The maximum sensitivity and specificity were obtained at a cutoff value of - 251.8 HU. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of mCT value has a possibility to predict STAS and may potentially contribute to the selection of suitable treatment strategies.

[A case of persistent left superior vena cava with absent right superior vena cava found on the insertion of central venous catheter].

A 77-year-old man was scheduled to undergo the resection of hepatoma. After the induction of general anesthesia, a central venous (CV) catheter was inserted from the right internal jugular vein under the echographic observation. Then, we noticed that the size of the vein was smaller than usual, which caused a little difficulty in the insertion. The post-insertion chest X-ray showed unusual placement of the catheter's tip toward the left side of the trachea. Re-evaluation of preoperative CT revealed the persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) with absent right superior vena cava. Post-operative examination with echography of the neck showed that the left internal jugular vein was much greater than the right. When noticing a small right internal jugular vein in pre-procedure echography, existence of PLSVC should be considered, and meticulous CV catheterization is necessary for safety.

Combined treatment with beaded EWS, Gore-tex patch and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate for bronchial fistula: The novel "sandwich method".

An 84-year-old man underwent right basal segmentectomy for primary lung cancer and developed empyema accompanied by a bronchopleural fistula (BPF). Emergency open-window thoracotomy was performed. Although the general and nutritional conditions improved, the fistula did not close naturally, and we planned to close it 6 months after surgery. In this report, we describe, for the first time, a novel method for closing BPF using an endobronchial Watanabe spigot (EWS), polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheet and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA). We named this method the"sandwich method."

Psoas and Mediastinal Abscesses during Intravenous Tocilizumab Treatment in Multicentric Castleman Disease.

Tocilizumab has been used to treat idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD). As tocilizumab prevents interleukin-6 from exerting pro-inflammatory effects, there is some concern about a delayed diagnosis of severe infections during tocilizumab treatment. Although serious infections during tocilizumab therapy have been previously described in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, they have not been reported in iMCD. We herein report a case of disseminated Staphylococcus aureus infection after a superficial skin wound followed by psoas and mediastinal abscesses with pyogenic spondylodiscitis in an iMCD patient with diabetes. Physicians should be alert for the occurrence of disseminated S. aureus infection after even minor skin injury during tocilizumab therapy.

Rapidly developing intrathoracic low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma: A case report.

Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS) is a rare mesenchymal tumor that primarily arises in the limbs and trunk of young adults, and rarely in the thoracic cavity. An 84-year-old Japanese woman presented with a right intrathoracic mass which was 8 cm in size. CT-guided needle biopsy did not provide a definitive diagnosis. Perioperatively, a mass was found in the right lower lobe of the lung and was suspected to have invaded the chest wall at the sixth-eighth ribs. A right lower lobectomy and combined chest wall resection were performed. Microscopic examination revealed that the tumor was a low-grade spindle cell tumor originating from the pleura demonstrating focal invasion of the lung. The tumor exhibited positivity for MUC4, and FUS gene translocation was confirmed through fluorescence in situ hybridization. Unfortunately, 10 months postoperatively, tumor recurrence was noted as peritoneal dissemination, and the patient passed away 13 months postoperatively. Although LGFMS may be diagnosed histologically as a low-grade tumor by needle biopsy, in this case, it was highly malignant. Postoperative long-term regular medical follow-up is recommended considering the highly malignant nature of the tumor and the high risk of local recurrence and pulmonary metastasis.

Primary adrenal Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors with tumor thrombus of the inferior vena cava: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Ewing's sarcoma is a malignant neoplasm that mainly occurs in skeletal tissue but can rarely arise in soft tissues. Recently, small round cell tumors (including Ewing's sarcoma) caused by chromosomal translocations have been collectively termed Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors. We report a rare case of primary adrenal Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors with tumor thrombus. CASE PRESENTATION: A 22-year-old Asian woman was referred to our hospital with a left retroperitoneal tumor 19 cm in diameter. Tumor thrombus was identified from the left adrenal vein to the inferior vena cava, infiltrating the right atrium. Total tumor excision with left adrenalectomy, nephrectomy, and thrombectomy was performed under hypothermic circulatory arrest, followed by seven courses of adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient has shown no signs of recurrence as of 26 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Radical surgery combined with systemic chemotherapy may contribute to good prognosis in patients with primary adrenal Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors attenuate angiogenesis.

Donepezil {(RS)-2-[(1-benzyl-4-piperidyl)methyl]-5,6-dimethoxy-2,3-dihydroinden-1-one} is a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and used for treatment of patients with AD (Alzheimer's disease). Recent studies showed that treatment with donepezil reduced production of inflammatory cytokines in PBMCs (peripheral blood mononuclear cells). It was also reported that muscle-derived inflammatory cytokines play a critical role in neovascularization in a hindlimb ischaemia model. We sought to determine whether donepezil affects angiogenesis. A hindlimb ischaemia model was created by unilateral femoral artery ligation. Blood flow recovery examined by laser Doppler perfusion imaging and capillary density by immunohistochemical staining of CD31-positive cells in the ischaemic hindlimb were significantly decreased in donepezil- and physostigmine-treated mice compared with control mice after 2 weeks. Donepezil reduced expression of IL (interleukin)-1ß and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) in the ischaemic hindlimb. Intramuscular injections of IL-1ß to the ischaemic hindlimb reversed the donepezil-induced VEGF down-regulation and the anti-angiogenic effect. Hypoxia induced IL-1ß expression in C2C12 myoblast cells, which was inhibited by pre-incubation with ACh (acetylcholine) or LY294002, a PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) inhibitor. Donepezil inhibited phosphorylation of Akt [also known as PKB (protein kinase B)], a downstream kinase of PI3K, in the ischaemic hindlimb. These findings suggest that cholinergic stimulation by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors suppresses angiogenesis through inhibition of PI3K-mediated IL-1ß induction, which is followed by reduction of VEGF expression. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor may be a novel anti-angiogenic therapy.

Surgical ligation level of the bronchial artery influences tissue oxygen saturation of the bronchus and the incidence of postoperative bronchofistula after pulmonary lobectomy.

BACKGROUND: Lobectomy, or the removal of a lobe of the lung, is the most commonly performed lung cancer surgery. One of the most severe postoperative complications is a bronchial stump fistula, which often occurs following a right lower lobectomy. During lymph node dissection, the bronchial arteries, which supply blood to the bronchus, are cut. Subsequently, reduced blood supply to the bronchus may result in bronchofistula. We investigated the relationship between the level of the surgical ligation of the bronchial arteries and the decrease in blood flow at the bronchial stump during a right lower lobectomy. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the anatomical amputation level of the bronchial artery and the decrease in tissue oxygen saturation at the bronchial stump, allowing us to identify a surgical procedure that reduces the risk of a bronchopleural fistula following pulmonary lobectomy and an appropriate bronchial artery amputation site that could be used in future lobectomies. METHODS: We developed a new system (micro-tissue oxygen saturation) that enabled the semi-quantification of the oxygen saturation of thin tissues in pinpoint during video-assisted thoracic surgery. Changes in the blood flow at the bronchial stump were examined during lymph node dissection and bronchial artery amputation using a biological pig lobectomy model. RESULTS: The regional oxygen saturation level at the bronchial wall was 95.5%±1.0% in normal conditions. A gradual decrease in regional oxygen saturation was observed, as the cutting point of the bronchial artery was moved higher. When the bronchial artery coursing into the middle lobe bronchus was preserved, the blood flow in the bronchus was preserved at 82.8%±1.3%. When the branches of the bronchial arteries running both inside and outside of the intermediate bronchial trunk were cut at high positions, regional oxygen saturation level decreased to 55.7%±1.2%. CONCLUSIONS: The preservation of at least one bronchial artery at the level of the middle lobe bronchus minimizes the reduction of tissue oxygen saturation at the lower lobe bronchial stump. The ligation of bronchial arteries at a higher position results in desaturation <60%, which may increase the risk of bronchial stump fistula.