Solo surgery in robot-assisted gastrectomy versus laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted gastrectomy (RG) for gastric cancer is still not well standardized. This study aimed to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of solo surgery in robot-assisted gastrectomy (SRG) for gastric cancer compared to laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG). METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective comparative study between SRG and conventional LG. Between April 2015 and December 2022, 510 patients underwent gastrectomy, and data from a prospectively collected database were analyzed. We identified 372 patients who underwent LG (n = 267) and SRG (n = 105) and the remaining 138 patients were excluded because of remnant gastric cancer, esophagogastric junction cancer, open gastrectomy, concurrent surgery for concomitant malignancies, RG before starting SRG, or cases in which the author was unable to perform or supervise gastrectomy. Propensity score matching was performed at a ratio of 1:1 to reduce bias from confounding patient-related variables, and short-term outcomes were compared between the groups. RESULTS: After propensity score matching, 90 pairs of patients who underwent LG and SRG were selected. In the propensity-matched cohort, the operation time was significantly shorter in the SRG group than that in the LG group (SRG = 305.7 ± 74.0 min vs. LG = 340.3 ± 91.65 min, p < 0.0058), less estimated blood loss was observed in the SRG group than that in the LG group (SRG = 25.6 ± 50.6 mL vs. LG = 76.1 ± 104.2 mL, p < 0.0001) and postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the SRG group than that in the LG group (SRG = 7.1 ± 0.8 days vs. LG = 9.1 ± 7.7 days, p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: We found that SRG for gastric cancer was technically feasible and effective with favorable short-term outcomes, including shorter operative time, less estimated blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and lower postoperative morbidity than those in LG.

Laparoscopic two-stage procedure for gallstone ileus.

Gallstone is a rare cause of bowel obstruction and is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Here, we report a case of gallstone ileus treated by laparoscopic two-stage procedure. A 65-year-old man, without a history of any surgery, presented to our hospital with abdominal pain and vomiting. His abdominal computed tomography revealed gallstone ileus with cholecystoduodenal fistula. Then, enterolithotomy was performed as an emergency laparoscopic surgery. After 1 year of the surgery, a second laparoscopic procedure was performed for cholecystectomy and fistula closure. The patient was discharged on the 7th postoperative day. Laparoscopic two-stage procedure is a safe and an efficient approach for the management of gallstone ileus. This definitive treatment is minimally invasive, thereby suitable for treating elderly patients.

Arteriovenous malformation in the sigmoid colon of a patient with Cowden disease treated with laparoscopy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Cowden disease is a genetic disorder associated with a mutation of the PTEN gene and is known to be easily complicated by generalized vascular malformations and malignant tumors. However, only a few reports have investigated the relationship between Cowden disease and vascular malformations. We present a case of Cowden disease along with a review of the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 48-year-old man who visited our hospital complaining of fresh blood in his stools and shortness of breath. Hematological tests showed the patient had severe anemia. On physical examination, white papules-several millimeters in size-were observed between the patient's eyebrows. White papules were also observed on the left corner of his mouth and buccal mucosa. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed densely-packed, white, flat protrusions in the esophagus. While lower gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a mass accompanied by arterial pulsation in the sigmoid colon. A diagnosis of Cowden disease was confirmed and a laparoscopic sigmoidectomy was performed to address the arteriovenous malformations in the sigmoid colon. Post-surgery, the patient had an unremarkable recovery and was discharged 7 days later. CONCLUSIONS: We present a very rare case of Cowden disease with arteriovenous malformations occurring in the colon. Surgical resection is believed to be the first choice for treating congenital arteriovenous malformations of the intestines. However, the arteriovenous malformations in the colon in our patient were treated under laparoscopic guidance, making ours the first report describing laparoscopic treatment of colonic arteriovenous malformations occurring in the inferior mesenteric artery. Thus we demonstrate that laparoscopic treatment of arteriovenous malformations in the intestines is a minimally invasive and can be successfully applied in such cases.

Technique of totally robotic delta-shaped anastomosis in distal gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to clarify the utility of delta-shaped anastomosis (Delta), an intracorporeal Billroth-I anastomosis-based reconstruction technique used after laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG), in robot-assisted distal gastrectomy (RADG). METHODS: RADG was performed in patients with clinical Stage I gastric cancer, and reconstruction was performed using Delta. The Delta procedure was the same as that performed after LADG, and the operator practiced the procedure in simulated settings with surgical assistants before the operation. After gastrectomy, the scope and robotic first arm were reinserted from separate ports on the right side of the patient. Then, a port on the left side of the abdomen was used as the assistant port from which a stapler was inserted, with the robotic arm in a coaxial mode. The surgical assistant performed functional end-to-end anastomosis of the remnant stomach and duodenal stump using a powered stapler. RESULTS: The mean anastomotic time in four patients who underwent Delta after RADG was 16.5 min. All patients were discharged on the post-operative day 7 without any post-operative complications or need for readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative simulation, changes in ports for insertion of the scope and robotic first arm, continuation of the coaxial operation, and use of a powered stapler made Delta applicable for RADG. Delta can be considered as a useful reconstruction method.

Technique of Roux-en-Y reconstruction using overlap method after laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer: 100 consecutively successful cases.

BACKGROUND: We have established a standard procedure for Roux-en-Y (RY) reconstruction in laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) using esophagojejunostomy by the overlap method (OL). We report on our RY reconstruction technique and special approaches, and evaluate the usefulness of our reconstruction method based on the surgical results of 100 patients we have experienced to date. METHODS: We performed LTG in 100 patients with gastric cancer. After total gastrectomy using five ports, the resected stomach was extracted through a small laparotomy. Through that, we performed sacrifice of the jejunum, Y limb anastomosis, creation of the lifted jejunum. As the OL, a side-to-side anastomosis of the lifted jejunum to the esophageal stump was laparoscopically performed using a linear stapler in an isoperistaltic direction, and the entry hole was closed with full-thickness suturing. The lifted jejunum was fixed with suture to the duodenal stump at a location where the esophagojejunostomy site was made linear, and the duodenal stump was buried. The mesenteric gap was laparoscopically closed with suture. RESULTS: The median operative time in 100 patients undergoing LTG was 385 min, the median blood loss was 65 mL, and the median time required for the OL was 32 min. The mean hospitalization period was 10 days, and postoperative complications included bleeding requiring reoperation in one patient; other complications such as pancreatic fistula in five patients (5 %) were treated conservatively. No complication associated with anastomosis occurred. CONCLUSION: In RY reconstruction using the OL, there were no complications associated with the anastomosis site in 100 consecutive patients, such as anastomotic leak or stenosis, indicating that it is a very useful and safe reconstruction method.

[Efficacy of Ultra-wide Angle Fundus Imaging without Dilated Pupils in Annual Health Check-up Examination].

PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy of ultra-wide angle fundus imaging without mydriasis for health screening. METHOD: The judgment rate and the detection rate of ocular diseases in 1160 eyes of 580 patients (Optos group) who underwent ophthalmic screening with Optos 200Tx ultra-wide field scanning laser ophthalmoscope without mydriasis from May 2013 to April 2014 were compared with those of 774 eyes of 387 patients who underwent ophthalmic screening with mydriasis (Mydriasis group). RESULTS: The judgment could be made in 1156 eyes (99.7%) in the Optos group except for 4 eyes because of severe cataracts in 3 eyes and a corneal inlay to correct presbyopia in one eye. The judgment could be made in all eyes in the Mydriasis group. Peripheral retinal lesions could be detected in the Optos group including 2 eyes with retinal breaks, but the detection rate of peripheral retinal lesions including chorioretinal atrophy and retinal detachment was significantly higher in the Mydriasis group. CONCLUSION: Optos wide-angle fundus imaging can detect peripheral retinal lesion even without mydriasis and can be considered useful for health screening because of its convenience.

Evaluation of the delta-shaped anastomosis in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy: midterm results of a comparison with Roux-en-Y anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Various methods of reconstruction after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) have been developed and published, whereas only a limited number of reports are available on the utility of the delta-shaped anastomosis (Delta). This study compared Delta and Roux-en-Y anastomoses (RY), with the aim to clarify the utility of Delta. METHODS: Stage 1 gastric cancer patients who had undergone LDG with Delta (group D, n = 68) and those who had undergone LDG with RY (group RY, n = 60) were compared in terms of operative outcomes, postoperative clinical symptoms, gastrointestinal fiberscopic findings, and changes in body weight. RESULTS: Both the operative and anastomotic times were significantly shorter in group D (230 and 13 min, respectively) than in group RY (258 and 38 min, respectively) (p < 0.001). Among the complications observed at the anastomotic site, obstruction was seen in one group D patient and two group RY patients but was relieved with conservative management. Postoperative clinical symptoms were reported for 26.4% of the group D patients but had decreased to 5.9% 1 year later. Group RY yielded similar results. Upper gastrointestinal fiberscopy performed 1 year postoperatively showed no intergroup differences in the incidence of gastritis or residual retention and a significantly more frequent occurrence of bile reflux in group D. Postoperative weight changes did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Delta reconstruction after LDG is a safe and effective procedure that is totally laparoscopic, less time consuming, and associated with a favorable postoperative course and a better quality of life.

Experimental verification of femtosecond laser ablation schemes by time-resolved soft x-ray reflective imaging.

Pump and probe reflective imaging using a soft x-ray laser probe was applied to the observation of the early stage of femtosecond laser ablation process on platinum. In strongly excited area, drastic and fast reflectivity drop was observed. In moderately excited area, the decay of the reflectivity is slower than that in the strongly excited area, and the reflectivity reaches its minimum at t = 160 ps. In weakly excited area, laser-induced reflectivity change was not observed. In addition, the point where the reflectivity dip was observed at t = 10 ps and t = 40 ps, coincides with the position of the edge of reflectivity drop at t = 160 ps. These results give the critical information about the femtosecond laser ablation.

Evaluation of long-term chronic pain and outcomes for unilateral vs bilateral circular incision transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair.

Aim: This study has two aims: to evaluate long-term chronic pain and complications after circular incision transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (C-TAPP) and compare outcomes of unilateral and bilateral inguinal hernia cases. Methods: A postoperative patient questionnaire was used to evaluate pain and complications in 1546 patients who underwent C-TAPP for simple inguinal hernia. Questions concerned satisfaction with surgery, pain at rest, pain at movement, mesh discomfort on a 10-point scale, and complications, such as recurrence. Patients were classified into unilateral (U Group) and bilateral (B Group) groups, and propensity score matching was performed to compare long-term chronic pain and complications. Results: The questionnaire return rates were 77.5% (1034 cases) and 79.9% (135 cases) in unilateral and bilateral cases. The frequency of moderate-to-severe (≥4 points) pain at rest, pain at movement, and mesh discomfort were 3.2%, 3.6%, and 4.5%, respectively. After propensity score matching, no significant differences in pain at rest (P = .726), at movement (P = .712), or mesh discomfort (P = .981) were detected between the U and B groups. Postoperative complications occurred in 2.1% of all patients, and the recurrence rate was 0.3%. In the post-match comparison, no differences in complications with Clavian-Dindo classification ≥III (U Group 0.7%, B Group 2.1%, P = .622) were detected. Conclusion: C-TAPP, which focuses on the layered structure, showed acceptable results for long-term chronic pain. Bilateral cases did not have worse pain or complications compared to unilateral cases.

Pyridylmethylthio derivatives as VEGF inhibitors: part 2.

Optimization of compounds 5 and 6 led to the discovery of VEGF inhibitor 10g which reduced CYP inhibition. It was highly active in vitro (VEGF induced HUVEC proliferation assay) and showed efficacies in three disease models in vivo (cancer, RA, and AMD).

Age, blood urea nitrogen, and lactate: Preoperative risk factors of laparotomy for strangulated small bowel obstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Despite increasing reports of laparoscopy for strangulated small bowel obstruction (SSBO), there is no consensus on outcomes in patients with SSBO. We evaluated the safety and utility of laparoscopy for SSBO and investigated the preoperative risk factors for laparotomy. METHODS: This retrospective study included 107 patients who underwent emergency surgery for SSBO over a period of 6 years. Patients' characteristics and surgical parameters were compared between 27 patients undergoing laparoscopy alone (group L) and 80 patients undergoing laparotomy (group O, including conversion). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors for laparotomy. RESULTS: Compared with group L, group O had significantly shorter operation time (59 vs 115 minutes, P < .001), shorter postoperative hospital stay (6 vs 10 days, P < .001), and fewer complications (3 vs 40 cases, P < .001). Age ≥ 68 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.970, P = .021), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) ≥ 14.6 mg/dL (OR 4.360, P = .012), and lactate ≥2.80 mmol/L (OR 12.90, P = .023) were independent risk factors for laparotomy. CONCLUSION: Prognosis was better in patients with SSBO undergoing complete laparoscopy than in patients undergoing laparotomy; however, age, BUN, and lactate were independent preoperative risk factors for laparotomy.

Single-shot picosecond interferometry with one-nanometer resolution for dynamical surface morphology using a soft X-ray laser.

Using highly coherent radiation at a wavelength of 13.9 nm from a Ag-plasma soft X-ray laser, we constructed a pump-and-probe interferometer based on a double Lloyd's mirror system. The spatial resolutions are evaluated with a test pattern, showing 1.8-mum lateral resolution, and 1-nm depth sensitivity. This instrument enables a single-shot observation of the surface morphology with a 7-ps time-resolution. We succeeded in observing a nanometer scale surface dilation of Pt films at the early stage of the ablation process initiated by a 70 fs near infrared pump pulse.

Pyridylmethylthio derivatives as VEGF inhibitors. Part 1.

Optimization from compound 4a, having intramolecular S-O nonbonded interaction, led to discover compounds 4m and 4n. They were highly active in vitro (VEGF induced HUVEC proliferation assay) and showed efficacies in three disease models in vivo (cancer, RA, AMD).

Longevity-associated NADH dehydrogenase subunit-2 237 Leu/Met polymorphism modulates the effects of daily alcohol drinking on yearly changes in serum total and LDL cholesterol in Japanese men.

Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase subunit 2 237 leucine/methionine (ND2-237 Leu/Met) polymorphism, is reportedly associated with longevity in the Japanese population. The ND2-237Met genotype may exert resistance to atherogenic diseases, such as myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular disorders. To investigate whether ND2-237 Leu/Met polymorphism is associated with yearly changes in serum lipid levels, we conducted a longitudinal study of 107 healthy Japanese male subjects. Analysis of covariance revealed that the interaction between the ND2-237 Leu/Met genotypes and habitual drinking was significantly associated with yearly changes in serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) levels (p=0.036 and p=0.006, respectively). In multiple regression analysis, daily drinking was significantly and positively associated with yearly changes in serum LDLC levels in men with ND2-237Met (p=0.026). After adjusting for covariates, yearly changes in serum LDLC levels were significantly lower in non-daily drinkers with ND2-237Met than in those with ND2-237Leu (p=0.047). These results suggest that ND2-237Met has a beneficial impact on yearly changes in serum LDLC in non-daily drinkers but not in daily drinkers.

Simultaneous transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair and laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A report of 17 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Inguinal hernia repair and cholecystectomy are frequently performed in the field of gastrointestinal surgery. However, reports describing surgical procedures that involve simultaneous transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair (TAPP) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), as well as the safety and usefulness of this combination, are limited. Herein, we report a surgical procedure involving simultaneous TAPP and LC (TAPP + LC) and present the outcomes of patients who have undergone this combined surgical procedure, with a particular focus on its safety and usefulness. METHODS: We simultaneously performed TAPP + LC in 17 patients (mean age, 66.5 ± 8.1 years) with concomitant inguinal hernia and gallbladder stones. We assessed surgical outcomes. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 157 ± 39 min, and mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.2 ± 0.6 days. The median cost was $7673 for TAPP + LC. The mean postoperative length of hospital stay was 1.1 ± 0.6 day for TAPP alone and 3.4 ± 1.4 days for LC alone. The median costs of TAPP alone and LC alone were $4932 and $5453, respectively. Regarding intraoperative complications, the inferior epigastric vessels were damaged in two patients, and seroma was detected as a postoperative complication in one; these complications were spontaneously resolved. No mesh- or infection-related complications were noted. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous TAPP + LC is safe and can be regarded as a standard surgical procedure for patients with concomitant inguinal hernia and gallbladder stones. The TAPP + LC combination appears to help prevent the need for two hospitalizations and, thereby, reduces hospital stay and economic burden.

[Prevention of oxaliplatin-related neurotoxicity by glutathione infusions].

We have used glutathione for prevention of oxaliplatin-related neurotoxicity with reference to the article of Cascinu et al. We investigated oxaliplatin-related neurotoxicity in Kariya Toyota General Hospital(KTGH)and compared with the data described in the article of Gamelin about the severity of its neurotoxicity. Grade 3 neurotoxicity was observed in only 5 of 44 patients(11.4%). The median number of cycles and cumulative dose of oxaliplatin were 12 cycles(5-27 / cycles)and 802.2(273.2-1,952.4)mg/m(2), respectively, at Grade 3 neuropathy. We evaluated retrospectively neuro-toxicity grade at cumulative oxaliplatin doses of approximately 500-520 mg/m(2). The severity of neurotoxicity observed in KTGH was significantly lower than in the group without Ca/Mg. We found no difference between the group with glutathione and / with Ca/Mg. Glutathione infusions seemed to prevent oxaliplatin-related neurotoxicity.

A rare case of secondary small bowel volvulus laparoscopically repositioned: literature review and classification.

BACKGROUND: Secondary small bowel volvulus is a rare condition caused by adhesions after laparotomy or tumors. There are no clear guidelines for indication of laparoscopic surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 69-year-old male visited our hospital complaining of epigastric pain. He had a history of hypopharyngeal carcinoma treated via pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy with restoration of esophageal continuity by harvesting a free jejunal autograft 6 years ago. Enhanced computed tomography revealed the whirl sign. An emergency laparoscopic operation was performed following a diagnosis of small bowel volvulus. This revealed rotation of the whole small bowel, involving the superior mesenteric artery as the center, and originating at the adhesion of the proximal and distal small bowel. Laparoscopic manipulation of volvulus and lysis of the adhesion were performed. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged on hospital day 5. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery may be useful for treating small bowel volvulus; however, the patient's treatment indications should be judged carefully.

A post operative complication of foramen of Winslow hernia with left to right herniation of the small intestine: An extremely rare case report.

INTRODUCTION: A foramen of Winslow hernia (FWH) is a type of internal hernias. Generally, the contents of the hernia pass through the foramen of Winslow from right to left. The case presented in this report is very unusual, as the small intestine in the hernia passed through the foramen from left to right. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 67-year-old woman developed a sudden abdominal pain 15 days after laparoscopic subtotal colectomy. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) examination revealed a FWH, and an emergency surgery was scheduled. The small intestine was found to be herniating from the cavity of the omental bursa through the foramen of Winslow, to the right side of the hepatoduodenal ligament, and was incarcerated. The incarcerated intestine was reduced, and the necrotic part of the intestine was resected. In addition, the foramen of Winslow and the cavity of omental bursa were closed to prevent relapse. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, here we report the first FWH of which the contents of the hernia are herniated from left to right, in literature. Whether the Foramen should be closed or not requires discussion, however, we conclude that the foramen should be closed when possible, acknowledging previous reports and the present case.

Sigmoid gallstone ileus: A case report and literature review in Japan.

INTRODUCTION: Gallstone as a cause of bowel obstruction is rare, and its occurrence in the colon is very infrequent. Here, we report the case of sigmoid gallstone ileus treated with one-stage operation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old man visited our hospital because of abdominal pain and nausea. On the basis of the results of computed tomography, the patient was diagnosed with sigmoid gallstone ileus through cholecystocolonic fistula, and an emergency laparotomy was performed. Enterolithotomy, cholecystectomy, and fistula closure were performed in one-stage operation. Postoperatively, the patient developed biliary leakage, which rapidly recovered with conservative therapy. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment of gallstone ileus remains controversial. For postoperative infection control, one-stage operation can be considered for patients with gallstone ileus associated with cholecystocolonic fistula.

A Giant Duodenal Leiomyoma Showing Increased Uptake on 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography.

BACKGROUND: Although 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET/CT) is now widely used in their differential diagnosis, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between benign and malignant diseases. CASE PRESENTATION: A 44-year-old woman was found to have abnormalities on health screening. Magnetic resonance imaging for detailed examination showed an intra-abdominal tumor measuring 12 cm in the major axis near the cranial end of the uterus. Upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy showed a tumor with an ulcer in the third part of the duodenum, involving half the circumference. Heterogeneous uptake was observed within the tumor on FDG-PET/CT. Based on these findings, the patient underwent surgery for suspected primary malignant lymphoma of the duodenum or gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Laparotomy revealed a 12 cm tumor in the third part of the duodenum. Partial duodenectomy and end-to-end duodenojejunostomy were performed. Pathological findings showed a solid tumor growing from the muscle layer of the duodenum to outside the serous membrane; based on immunostaining, it was diagnosed as a leiomyoma. CONCLUSIONS: Duodenal leiomyomas are originally benign; to date, there have been no reports of uptake in duodenal leiomyomas on FDG-PET/CT; therefore, our case is rare. Leiomyomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of duodenal neoplastic diseases.