Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in the left lateral decubitus position.

BACKGROUND: The use of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) in the prone position for esophageal cancer has been currently increasing worldwide. In future, as surgical-assisted robots become more widespread, it is estimated that only two methods of transthoracic approach will remain: RAMIE and open thoracotomy for thoracic esophageal cancer. RAMIE in the left lateral decubitus position (RAMIE-LLDP) has the same field of view as open thoracotomy, is safe in emergency situations, and provides education on open thoracotomy. METHODS: Between September 2020 and April 2024, RAMIE-LLDP was performed in 64 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer. RAMIE-LLDP was performed with the operating table rotated and tilted 45° to the ventral side under artificial pneumothorax. The hand-control setting of the surgical-assist robot system was reversed left to right when the Patient Cart was rolled from the same direction as the RAMIE in the prone position. RESULTS: The mean total surgery and console times during the thoracic procedure were 254-min overall and 225 min in the last 24 cases and 195-min overall and 178- min in the last 24 cases, respectively. The mean amount of blood loss was 203.4 g overall and 28.3 g in the last 24 cases. Postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy with Clavien-Dindo classification (CD) was ≥ 2 in six patients (9.4%). Postoperative pneumonia with CD ≥ 2 was observed in 11 patients (17.2%). Conversion to open thoracotomy was observed in three patients (4.7%). In all three patients, an immediate conversion to thoracotomy without patients' position change was actually possible and no serious complications were noted. No mortality occurred within 30 days postoperatively. CONCLUSION: RAMIE-LLDP which facilitates emergency thoracotomy has perioperative results comparable to those of conventional thoracoscopic esophagectomy and is educational for open surgery. RAMIE-LLDP is the safest and most optimal surgery for esophageal cancer.

The Evaluation of Sarcopenia before Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Is Important for Predicting Postoperative Pneumonia in Patients with Esophageal Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenia is often observed in patients with esophageal cancer (EC). However, the influence of sarcopenia during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) on complications has not been fully investigated. Thus, we aimed to investigate the best way of evaluating sarcopenia for predicting complications, especially postoperative pneumonia (PP), in patients with EC undergoing NAC and esophagectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 113 patients. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis and/or computed tomography. Patients were diagnosed with sarcopenia at pre-NAC and preoperative timing. Different criteria were compared in terms of the predictability of PP. Next, we evaluated which factors were related to sarcopenia with the best PP predictability. RESULTS: Fifteen (13.2%) patients developed grade III or higher PP. Pre-NAC modified European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) criteria showed the highest sensitivity (100%) and acceptable specificity (75.8%) for predicting PP. Low pre-NAC body mass index and %VC were significantly associated with sarcopenia by the modified EWGSOP criteria. CONCLUSION: Pre-NAC sarcopenia by modified EWGSOP was a significant predictor of PP after esophagectomy. Appropriate interventions for these patients should be explored to prevent PP.

[A Case of Late Recurrence of Anal Canal Carcinoma after Surgery, Discovered following the Diagnosis of a Subcutaneous Tumor in the Perineal Region].

We present an 82-year-old male patient who underwent laparoscopic abdominal perineal rectal amputation and D3 lymph node dissection, including left inguinal lymph node dissection for anal canal carcinoma. Left inguinal lymph node metastasis was positive, and pT1bN2aM0, pStage Ⅲa was the final pathological diagnosis. He underwent 8 courses of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin therapy as adjuvant chemotherapy. He was examined without recurrence for 5 years postoperatively. However, he awared a perineal subcutaneous tumor and was transferred to our hospital for further examination and treatment 6 years postoperatively. Recurrence after anal canal carcinoma surgery was diagnosed based on a needle biopsy, and perineal subcutaneous tumor resection was performed. This is a rare case of late postoperative recurrence of anal canal carcinoma, which was detected due to a perineal subcutaneous tumor 6 years after surgery for anal canal carcinoma.

[A Case of Late Recurrence of Esophageal Cancer, 15 Years after Surgery].

A 79-year-old man who underwent radical surgery for esophageal cancer in 2006, returned to our hospital in 2021 with a complaint of swelling in the right side of the neck. He was diagnosed with postoperative recurrence of esophageal cancer in the right cervical lymph node. In this study, we report a case of a late recurrence of esophageal cancer in which metastatic recurrence was observed 15 years after surgery. A detailed discussion of previous literature is additionally included.

[A Case of Sarcoid‒Like Reaction with Multiple Lymphadenopathy by Rectal Cancer after an Operation].

We are reporting on a case of lymphadenopathy after surgery for rectal cancer. The case was a 66‒year‒old female. Laparoscopic high anterior resection(D3 dissection)was performed for rectal cancer(pT1bpN0M0, pStage Ⅰ)in April 2018, and she was followed up with on an outpatient basis. In July of the same year, a painless mass had formed in the right groin. An abdominal contrast‒enhanced CT showed lymph node swelling around the right groin and external iliac artery, but the tumor markers, CEA 2.3 ng/mL and CA19‒9 <2 U/mL, were within the standard values. An inguinal lymph node biopsy was performed during the same month. Pathological examination revealed no cancer cells and formation of epithelioid granuloma with giant cells. There was no suspicion of systemic sarcoidosis based on the test results and clinical findings. From the above, the patient was diagnosed with sarcoid reaction due to the tumor. Abdominal contrast‒enhanced CT scan 2 months after the biopsy showed lymph node shrinkage and there was no recurrence 2 years after the biopsy.

[Hemorrhage of Peritoneal Dissemination of the Ascending Colon Cancer Successfully Controlled by Palliative Radiotherapy-A Case Report].

An 81-year-old man underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for ascending colon cancer. The postoperative diagnosis was tub1>tub2, pT4apN1bM0, pStage Ⅲb, ascending colon cancer. At 1 year 4 months after operation, abdominal CT showed dissemination around anastomosis. The patient has been treated with first-line systematic chemotherapy(capecitabine, oxaliplatin and bevacizumab). Epigastralgia and grade 4 anemia were observed at 5 years 7 months after initiation of chemotherapy when he was treated with second-line chemotherapy(capecitabine, irinotecan and bevacizumab). As abdominal CT showed that the dissemination progressed rapidly in size 30 mm to 100 mm, we diagnosed tumor bleeding in the dissemination. Palliative radiotherapy(30 Gy/10 Fr)for the dissemination was performed. Hemostasis and tumor shrinkage were achieved, and epigastralgia improved after receiving the radiation therapy. The patient discharged our hospital on 31 days form admission. We believe that palliative radiotherapy is effective to recurrent colon cancer with tumor bleeding.

[A Case of Intra-Abdominal Desmoid Tumors Occuring Four Years after Open Radical Prostatectomy].

Desmoid tumor is one kind of fibromatosis, and much occurs the abdominal wall and outside the abdominal wall. Intra- abdominal desmoid tumor is rare at about 8%. We experienced a case of intra-abdominal desmoid tumors occurring 4 years after open radical prostatectomy with some literature review. A 72-year-old man had undergone open radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Four years after that resection, multiple intra-abdominal tumors measuring 56 mm in maximum diameter was identified on follow-up computed tomography, and he was referred to our department for management. We performed laparotomy and investigation of the biopsy. Immunohistochemistry of the resected specimen indicated the tumor cells were positive for vimentin and ß-catenin, and the diagnosis was desmoid. We performed partial resection of the small intestine and ileocecal resection. His postoperative course was uneventful and he was discharged on the 12th postoperative day. He has shown no sign of recurrence in the 4 months follow-up since surgery. In the past, an operation was the best treatment for intra-abdominal desmoid tumor. But it is reported that watchful waiting is also possible by the case which has no symptom and dysfunction in NCCN guidelines 2019. Further research is needed.

[Hyperammonemia with Disturbance of Consciousness during 5-FU plus Nedaplatin Therapy for Esophageal Cancer-A Case Report].

Hyperammonemia is a rare adverse event of 5-FU. Here, we report a case of hyperammonemia with disturbance of consciousness during 5-FU plus nedaplatin therapy for esophageal cancer and present a literature review. A 69-year-old man was diagnosed with cT2N2M0, cStage Ⅲ esophageal cancer. He was administered with DCF therapy as the first-line neoadjuvant chemotherapy. After the first course, he showed renal dysfunction. Therefore, as the second-line neoadjuvant chemotherapy, he was administered with 5-FU plus nedaplatin. He vomited on treatment day 5 and suddenly presented with disturbance of consciousness on treatment day 6. Blood tests showed hyperammonemia(114 µg/dL). He was treated with rehydration and branched-chain amino acid solutions, resulting in a gradual improvement of symptoms. Hyperammonemia has been reported in patients with colorectal cancer but rarely in patients with esophageal cancer. A case of hyperammonemia during the 5-FU plus nedaplatin therapy has never been reported in Japan. We should be aware that 5-FU may cause hyperammonemia and resultant disturbance of consciousness during chemotherapy with 5-FU.

[A Case of Obstructing Rectal Cancer with Obstructive Colitis Resected after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy to Avoid Anastomotic Leakage].

A 61-year-old male was referred to our department after decompression of the transanal ileus tube due to a rectal cancer obstruction. Colonoscopy revealed a circumferential type 2 tumor, 4 cm from the anal verge. The tumor was diagnosed as rectal cancer tub1-2, Group 5 on biopsy analysis. Longitudinal ulcers descending to the sigmoid colon were present and obstructive colitis was suspected. Enhanced computed tomography showed wall thickness in the Ra, Rb rectum and swelling of the mesorectum lymph node, but distant metastases were not identified. We diagnosed the patient with Ra, Rb rectal cancer cT4aN1aM0, cStage Ⅲb. Because of the risk of anastomotic leakage with obstructive colitis, we planned neoadjuvant chemotherapy(SOX therapy)after laparoscopic transverse colostomy. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, colonoscopy revealed improvements in the obstructive colitis. The tumor was reduced in size and the chemotherapy appeared effective. We performed laparoscopic rectal super low anterior resection with resection of the D3 lymph node. Histopathological examination revealed tub1, ypT3, ypN0, and the chemotherapeutic outcome was rated as Grade 1a. The final diagnosis was Ra, Rb rectal cancer with ypT3ypN0M0, ypStage Ⅱa.

[A Case of Disseminated Carcinomatosis of the Bone Marrow with Carcinoma of the Rectum Diagnosed by Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation].

A 77-year-old man with rectal cancer was admitted to our hospital. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection of rectum with D3 dissection was performed. The pathological diagnosis was poorly differentiated carcinoma, pT3, N1a, M0, pStage Ⅲa. Adjuvant chemotherapy was not performed. Fifteen months after operation, his chief complaint was fatigue. Thrombocytopenia and elevation of tumor maker was detected by blood test and disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC)was suspected. He was admitted to our hospital and we started anti DIC therapy immediately. Bone scintigraphy revealed multiple bone metastases, then we diagnosed disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow. He died 10 days after hospitalization. Disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow with colon cancer is rare and prognosis is very poor. It is important to diagnose and start treatment as early as possible.

[Effective Palliative Radiation for Hemostasis of Recurrent Colon Cancer in the Lymph Node with Gastric Wall Invasion].

A 76-year-old man underwent laparoscopic left hemicolectomy D3(pStage Ⅱb)for sigmoid colon cancer in 2015. Later, partial transverse colectomy D2(pStage Ⅱb)was performed because transverse cancer was also detected. Recurrent peritoneal dissemination was found in 2018. In 2019, hematemesis/black stool, as well as prominent anemia(Hb 3.1 g/dL)and bleeding from recurrent gastric wall invasion of the lymph nodes on the lesser curvature side of the stomach, was observed. Although hemostasis was performed endoscopically, palliative irradiation(30 Gy in 10 fractions)was performed to control bleeding because the risk of rebleeding was high. After irradiation, endoscopy showed that the ulcer in the infiltrated area of the gastric wall had a tendency to improve. No bleeding or progression of anemia was observed, and oral intake became possible. However, the patient's general condition deteriorated, and he died 80 days after palliative irradiation. For palliative radiation therapy, alleviation of pain owing to bone metastasis, as well as alleviation of the narrowed airway and esophagus, is known. Palliative radiation therapy has recently been performed for symptom relief and prognosis extension against tumor bleeding. Palliative radiation therapy for controlling bleeding has limited hemostatic effect compared with surgical resection, and it takes some time before hemostasis is achieved, but it is less invasive and less adverse event and may be an effective treatment option.

[A Case of Metachronous Metastasis to the Pancreas from Ascending Colon Cancer after Subtotal Stomach-Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy(SSPPD)].

A67 -year-old man was diagnosed with ascending colon cancer and multiple liver metastases and underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy(D3 lymphadenectomy). Pathological examination indicated tubular adenocarcinoma(tub1, pT4apN2H2M1[HEP], pStage Ⅳ). After chemotherapy, he underwent hepatectomy. One year and 9 months after the first operation, obstructive jaundice appeared. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a tumor 2 cm in size in the head of the pancreas. After several detailed examinations, he was diagnosed with pancreatic metastasis of ascending colon cancer. After partial resection of the left lung metastasis, pancreaticoduodenectomy(SSPPD-Ⅱ A-1, D1 lymphadenectomy)and low anterior resection(LAR)for early rectal cancer were performed. The tumor was positive for CDX2(+), resulting in a diagnosis of pancreatic metastasis. There has been no indication of recurrence 8 months after the pancreatic surgery. Resectable pancreatic metastasis from colon cancer is rare, and there are no clear indications for resection. Some cases of long-term survival have been reported; however, further studies are needed in order to establish a consensus.

[A Case in Which pCR Was Obtained by S-1 plus Oxaliplatin Therapy Administered as Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Advanced Gastric Cancer].

A 78-year-old man presented with anemia, with a hemoglobin level of 6.7 g/dL, during follow-up for angina pectoris and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed type 2 advanced gastric cancer(por), and abdominal computed tomography(CT)showed multiple lymph node metastases. He was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer, cStage Ⅲ(cT3N1M0). He received neoadjuvant chemotherapy in 3 courses of SOX(80mg/m / 2/day of S-1 on days 1-14 and 7 days of rest, and 100mg/m2 of oxaliplatin on day 1). Grade 1 thrombocytopenia was observed, but it resolved without any other major side effects. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a marked reduction in the primary lesion, and abdominal CT showed a significant reduction in the metastatic lymph node. We performed laparoscopic distal gastrectomy(D2+No. 14v)for advanced gastric cancer ycT1N(+)M0, ycStage ⅡA. Histological assessment revealed no evidence of residual tumor cells in the primary tumor or lymph nodes, and the histologic response was classified as Grade 3, pathological complete response(pCR). We report a case in which pCR was obtained by SOX therapy administered as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer.

[A Case of Apocrine Carcinoma of the Breast].

A 76-year-old postmenopausal woman presented with a bloody attachment on the left nipple. She had a 3 cm-sized tumor in her left breast. Mammography showed a spiculated irregular mass. Ultrasonography showed a 38 mm, low echoic mass with an irregular border. Core needle biopsy examination indicated apocrine carcinoma of the breast, ER(-), PgR(-), and HER2(-). An overall examination showed no distant metastasis. We diagnosed her with apocrine carcinoma of the breast(T2N0M0, cStageⅡA). We performed total mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy. The postoperative histopathological examination revealed apocrine carcinoma without lymph node metastasis. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged 8 days after the surgery. She has not experienced any recurrence for 1 year and 7 months after the surgery.

[Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery for Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumor].

A 57-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to a suspected rectal tumor at previous doctor. Colonoscopy showed a submucosal tumor with 8mm yellowish protrusions and smooth surfaces in the rectum, 5 cm from the anal verge. Endoscopic ultrasonography showed the appearance of the internal portions of the tumor to be relatively uniform in low echoic imagery. The tumor was located in the second to third layer. Histopathological findings showed neuroendocrine tumor- G1. We performed transanal minimally invasive surgery with GelPOINT®Path. Under general anesthesia, complete fullthickness excision of the rectal lesion was performed. Primary closure was accomplished using a 3-0 braided absorbable suture. The operation duration was 24 min; blood loss was very little in this case. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged 2 days after the operation. There was no anorectal dysfunction and no local and distant recurrence during the postoperative follow-up of 1 year 3 months. Transanal minimally invasive surgery with GelPOINT®Path was an effective treatment for the safe removal of small rectal tumor indicated for local resection.

[A Case of Emergency Surgery for Intussusception Due to Cecal Cancer].

A 79-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of continuous right lower abdominal pain lasting for 1 day. There was tenderness with signs of peritoneal irritation at the right lower abdomen along with a palpable mass. With the diagnosis of intussusception of the ileocecal region by CT examination, an emergency surgery was performed under general anesthesia. By laparoscopic ileocecal resection with lymph node dissection, the ileocecal region was found invaginated into the transverse colon, although this was easily reduced by Hutchinson's procedure. The histological diagnosis of the tumor was highly differentiated adenocarcinoma in Stage Ⅲb. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient remained in good health without any recurrence during a follow-up period of 12 months. When a patient has a sign of peritoneal irritation, such as in our case, and intestinal tract necrosis and perforation by intussusception cannot be excluded, it is necessary to perform an emergency surgery.

[A Retrospective Study of Preoperative Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Resectable Rectal Cancer].

PURPOSE: To analyze chemoradiotherapy results for locally advanced rectal cancers at a single institution. METHODS: The study cohort comprised 12 patients with clinically diagnosed T3/4, NX, M0 adenocarcinomas of the rectum who received preoperative chemoradiotherapy. RESULT: Pathological complete response(pCR)were observed in 2/12(16.7%)patients and pathological downstaging in 5/12(41.7%)patients, with generally mild adverse events. CONCLUSION: Preoperative che- moradiotherapy for clinical T3/4, NX rectal cancers significantly reduces local recurrences and improves prognoses.

[A Case of Sister Mary Joseph's Nodule from Transverse Colon Cancer Effectively Treated with SOX plus Bevacizumab Chemotherapy].

A 47-year-old woman presented with a hard umbilical nodule that appeared red and was painful. A biopsy of the umbilical nodule revealed adenocarcinoma. As a result of general examinations, the patient was diagnosed with umbilical, hepatic, and ovarian metastases from transverse colon cancer. She was treated with S-1 and oxaliplatin(SOX)plus bevacizumab chemotherapy. After 4 courses of chemotherapy, CT revealed that the primary lesion and umbilical and hepatic metastases had reduced in size. We considered this to be a partial response and thus administered 4 additional courses of SOX plus bevacizumab chemotherapy. Finally, she remained well for 22 months and achieved relatively good prognosis. An umbilical metastasis from an internal malignancy is known as a Sister Mary Joseph's nodule, and it has very poor prognosis. Most studies show that the survival period from the time of diagnosis is within 1 year. However, our case suggests that novel anti-cancer drugs or molecular-targeted agents may improve survival.

[Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Malignant Lymphoma - A Case Report].

A 47-year-old man underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for malignant lymphoma. He developed acute skin graft versus host disease(GVHD)and pneumomycosis which were treated with steroids. One hundred and fifteen days later, the patient had a diagnosis of free gas images in the abdominal cavity and streakly air collections in the bowel wall from the ascending colon to the sigmoid colon in the CT scan. He was asymptomatic and his physical examination was unrevealing. We diagnosed his condition as pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis(PCI). He was managed conservatively with the high concentration oxygen administration. The CT scan performed 3 days later revealed the marked improvement of intramural gas and disappearance of free gas. We considered image in the abdominal cavity that the occurrence of PCI was related to the damage of the bowel mucosa due to long term corticosteroid administration. In patients demonstrating PCI with free air in the abdominal cavity, it is important to evaluate not only the diagnostic date based on the physical, laboratory, and imaging findings, but also their medical history. Furthermore, it is important to make a correct diagnosis to avoid unnecessary surgery.

[A Case of Recurrent Stenosis after Metallic Stenting for Esophagogastric Junction Adenocarcinoma with Peritoneal Metastases].

A 65-year-old man presented with severe strictures from the esophagogastric junction to the body of the stomach and was histopathologically diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography showed multiple peritoneal metastases. A long, covered metallic stent was placed, and chemotherapy was started. Subsequent granulation from the oral side of the stent caused stricture formation, and a covered stent was also placed. After 8 months, granulation from the oral side of the stent caused recurrent stricture formation. We again placed a metallic stent. Successful chemotherapy for stomach cancer with long-term benefit is possible with new molecularly targeted drugs. Stenting may cause adverse events such as stenosis, but can enable oral intake and is minimally invasive. This report describes a case that required multiple stent placement and reviews the relevant literature.