Lymph node regression after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: A predictor of survival in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCMT) has been increasingly used in advanced gastric cancer (GC). However, the prognostic impact of tumor response remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate if tumor response at the primary site and lymph nodes (LN) correlate with survival in GC patients after nCMT. METHODS: Patients with gastric adenocarcinoma treated with nCMT followed by gastrectomy were evaluated. Residual tumor was graded from 0% to 100%, defining two groups: poor (PR) and major response (MR). LN regression rate (LNRR) was determined based on tumor/fibrosis examination at each LN and a cutoff value established by receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: Among 62 cases, 20 (32.2%) had MR and 42 (67.7%) PR. Smaller size, diffuse histology, lower ypT status and less advanced stage were associated with the MR group. Based on cutoff value of 57, 45.6% and 54.4% patients were classified as low-LNRR and high-LNRR. High-LNRR correlated with absence of venous, lymphatic and perineural invasion, and less advanced stage. Survival was equivalent between MR and PR (P = .956). High-LNRR had better disease-free survival (DFS) than low-LNRR (P < .001). In multivariate analysis, only LNRR associated with DFS. CONCLUSION: High-LNRR associates with DFS in GC treated with nCMT. Response at the primary site does not correlate with survival.

Surgical Management of Malignant Intestinal Obstruction: Outcome and Prognostic Factors.

Background: Malignant intestinal obstruction is a frequent complication in advanced stages cancer patients. The prognosis is poor, with mean survival rate beneath 3 months. Clinical treatment, endoscopic or surgical procedures are options for malignant intestinal obstruction management. There is no generally accepted management strategy. Objectives: To evaluate prognostic factors of patients with malignant intestinal obstruction who underwent surgical treatment. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed including patients of a single institution with diagnosis of malignant intestinal obstruction. Demographic data, in-hospital stay, postoperative complications, and overall survival were assessed. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associated prognostic factors. Results: Two hundred thirty-three surgeries were performed due to suspicion for malignant intestinal obstruction over a seven-year period. This diagnosis was confirmed in 210 operations (90.1%). The main causes of malignant obstruction were colorectal (49.5%) and gynecological cancer (21.9%). The rate of severe complications was 11.42%. In-hospital mortality rate was 40.95% (CI 95%: 34.16-47.74%). Functional status impairment,high serum urea, and low albumin levels were associated to higher mortality rate. Conclusion: Malignant intestinal obstruction implies poor prognosis, with high in-hospital mortality rate and severe postoperative complications. The decision regarding management of malignant intestinal obstruction must be multimodal and individualized, according to individual prognostic factors.

Evaluation of the 18F-FDG-PET/CT uptake association with pathological and immunohistochemistry features in esophagogastric adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to analyze the association between 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake and histologic panel in esophagogastric adenocarcinoma. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 26 patients with histologically confirmed esophageal, gastroesophageal junction and gastric adenocarcinoma that have been submitted to pretreatment FDG-PET/CT. We collected the cancer tissue sample of each patient and performed immunohistochemical analyses of the glucose transport protein 1 (GLUT-1), Ki-67, cysteine aspartate-specific proteinases (Caspase)-3 and hexokinase-1, and evaluated the association of these parameters with FDG uptake. The FDG uptake was measured by tumor standardized uptake value (SUV), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and Total Lesion Glycolysis (TLG). Besides, we analyzed the association of FDG uptake and tumor location, Lauren's histologic subtype, grade of cellular differentiation and intratumoral inflammatory infiltrate. RESULTS: We found a positive association between GLUT-1 with SUV and TLG, Caspase-3 and SUV and inflammation grade with SUV. CONCLUSION: Tumor inflammation infiltrate, GLUT-1 and Caspase-3 correlated with 18F-FDG uptake in PET/CT in esophagogastric adenocarcinoma. These findings may help understand the pathologic PET/CT significance in cancer. Understanding the meaning of the 18F-FDG uptake in the field of tumor histologic and immunohistochemistry features is essential to allow the evolution of PET/CT application in esophageal and gastric carcinomas.

Laparoscopic SpyGlass cholangioscopy evaluation during bilioenteric anastomosis for hepatolithiasis, a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Careful evaluation of intrahepatic injury of biliary tract diseases is crucial to assure proper management and estimate disease prognosis. Hepatholithiasis is a rare condition that can be associated to cholestatic liver diseases. Additional tools to improve diagnosis and patient care are of great interest specially if associated to decreased morbidity. Recently the spread of single-operator platforms of cholangioscopy brought this procedure back to scene. Our aim was to identify safety, feasibility and utility of SpyGlass cholangioscopy of biliary tract during laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 53 years-old man with hepatolithiasis associated to choledolithiasis under treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid and fenofibrate for 8 months, was submitted to laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy with cholangioscopy for biliary duct evaluation. Spyscope was inserted through a right lateral laparoscopic trocar entering the common bile duct. Examination of intra-hepatic bile ducts showed injury of right biliary. Few microcalculi were visualized. Left biliary ducts presented normal mucosa. Histopathological examination showed a chronic inflammatory process. During the procedure contrasted radiologic images were performed to assure Spyscope location. Following cholangioscopy evaluation, a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was performed. To enlarge hepatic duct, a small longitudinal incision was made, and a PDS-5.0 running suture was used for bilioenteric anastomosis. Patient was discharged on postoperative day 6, with drain removal on day 20. CONCLUSION: SpyGlass cholangioscopy during laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy is feasible leading to minimal additional invasion of the surgical. In this case the method was performed safely, providing detailed examination of injured biliary ducts, adding elements to determine disease prognosis and patient care.

An evidence-based, Latin-American consensus on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

In recognition of the high prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and its importance in Latin America, the InterAmerican Association of Gastroenterology and the InterAmerican Society of Digestive Endoscopy organized a Latin-American Consensus on GORD in Cancun, Mexico in September 2004. The main objectives of the consensus meeting were to provide evidence-based guidance with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of GORD, relevant to all countries in the region. The methodology, results and recommendations of the consensus are described in detail.

Prognostic factors of surgically-treated patients with cancer of the right colon: a ten years' experience of a single universitary institution.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the world. There are many controversies in the literature about the prognostic value of primary tumor location. Many studies have shown higher survival rates for tumors in the right colon, and worse prognosis for lesions located more distally in the colon. AIM: To analyze the results of surgical treatment of right-sided colon cancers patients operated in one decade period and identify the prognostic factors that were associated with lower overall survival in stages I-IV patients. METHODS: A retrospective review from the prospectively collected database identified 178 patients with right-sided colon cancer surgically treated with curative intent. Demographic factors (gender and age), tumor factors (site, T stage, N stage, M stage, histological type and tumor differentiation), and lymph node yield were extracted to identify those associated with lower overall survival. RESULTS: Mean age was 65 (± 12) years old, and 105 (56.1%) patients were female. Most common affected site was ascending colon (48.1%), followed by cecum (41.7%) and hepatic flexure (10.2%). Mean length of hospital stay was 14 (± 2.8) days. T stage distribution was T1 (4.8%), T2 (7.5%), T3 (74.9%), and T4 (12.8%). Nodal involvement was present in 46.0%, and metastatic disease in 3.7%. Twelve or more lymph nodes were obtained in 87.2% of surgical specimens and 84.5% were non-mucinous tumors. Mean survival time was 38.3 (± 30.8) months. Overall survival was affected by T stage, N stage, M stage, and final stage. Lymph node involvement (OR=2.06) and stage III/IV (OR=2.81) were independent negative prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Right-sided colon cancer presented commonly at advanced stage. Advanced stage and lymph node involvement were factors associated with poor long term survival.

Prognostic factors of surgically-treated patients with cancer of the right colon: a ten years' experience of a single universitary institution / Fatores prognósticos de pacientes com câncer de cólon direito tratados cirurgicamente: experiência de 10 anos de uma instituição universitária

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the world. There are many controversies in the literature about the prognostic value of primary tumor location. Many studies have shown higher survival rates for tumors in the right colon, and worse prognosis for lesions located more distally in the colon. AIM: To analyze the results of surgical treatment of right-sided colon cancers patients operated in one decade period and identify the prognostic factors that were associated with lower overall survival in stages I-IV patients. METHODS: A retrospective review from the prospectively collected database identified 178 patients with right-sided colon cancer surgically treated with curative intent. Demographic factors (gender and age), tumor factors (site, T stage, N stage, M stage, histological type and tumor differentiation), and lymph node yield were extracted to identify those associated with lower overall survival. RESULTS: Mean age was 65 (±12) years old, and 105 (56.1%) patients were female. Most common affected site was ascending colon (48.1%), followed by cecum (41.7%) and hepatic flexure (10.2%). Mean length of hospital stay was 14 (±2.8) days. T stage distribution was T1 (4.8%), T2 (7.5%), T3 (74.9%), and T4 (12.8%). Nodal involvement was present in 46.0%, and metastatic disease in 3.7%. Twelve or more lymph nodes were obtained in 87.2% of surgical specimens and 84.5% were non-mucinous tumors. Mean survival time was 38.3 (±30.8) months. Overall survival was affected by T stage, N stage, M stage, and final stage. Lymph node involvement (OR=2.06) and stage III/IV (OR=2.81) were independent negative prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Right-sided colon cancer presented commonly at advanced stage. Advanced stage and lymph node involvement were factors associated with poor long term survival. .

RACIONAL: Câncer colorretal é o tipo mais comum das neoplasias gastrointestinais. Há muitas controvérsias na literatura acerca do valor prognóstico do sítio da neoplasia. Muitos estudos revelam maiores taxas de sobrevida para tumores em cólon direito, com piora do prognóstico à medida que as lesões se situam mais distalmente. OBJETIVO: Analisar os resultados do tratamento cirúrgico de pacientes com câncer de cólon direito estádios I-IV operados em um período de dez anos e identificar os fatores prognósticos que foram associados com menor sobrevida global. MÉTODOS: Em 10 anos, 187 pacientes foram submetidos à colectomia direita com intenção curativa. Foram estudados os seguintes fatores: gênero, idade, localização do tumor, o número de linfonodos obtidos no espécime, comprometimento linfonodal, estádio T e presença de metástases à distância. Estes fatores foram avaliados quanto à possibilidade de serem indicadores prognósticos na sobrevida em cinco anos. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi de 65 (±12) anos e 105 (56,1%) eram mulheres. A localização, mas comum foi o cólon ascendente (48,1%), seguido do ceco (41,7%) e o ângulo hepático (10,2%). A média de tempo de internação hospitalar foi 14 (±2.8) dias. A distribuição do estádio T foi T1 (4,8%), T2 (7,5%), T3 (74,9%) e T4 (12,8%). Acometimento linfonodal ocorreu em 46,0% e metástases à distância em 3,7%. Um mínimo de 12 linfonodos ressecados foram obtidos em 87,2% dos espécimes cirúrgicos. Em 84.5% os tumores eram não-mucinosos. A média de sobrevida foi de 38,3 (±30.8) meses. A sobrevida geral foi afetada pelo estádio T, N, M e pelo estádio final. O acometimento linfonodal (RR=2,06) e os estádios III/IV (RR=2,81) foram fatores prognósticos negativos independentes. CONCLUSÕES: Estádio avançado e envolvimento linfonodal foram os fatores associados com a pior sobrevida em longo prazo. .

Effects of continuous versus bolus infusion of enteral nutrition in critical patients.

PURPOSE: Enteral alimentation is the preferred modality of support in critical patients who have acceptable digestive function and are unable to eat orally, but the advantages of continuous versus intermittent administration are surrounded by controversy. With the purpose of identifying the benefits and complications of each technique, a prospective controlled study with matched subjects was conducted. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight consecutive candidates for enteral feeding were divided into 2 groups (n = 14 each) that were matched for diagnosis and APACHE II score. A commercial immune-stimulating polymeric diet was administered via nasogastric tube by electronic pump in the proportion of 25 kcal/kg/day, either as a 1-hour bolus every 3 hours (Group I), or continuously for 24 hours (Group II), over a 3-day period. Anthropometrics, biochemical measurements, recording of administered drugs and other therapies, thorax X-ray, measurement of abdominal circumference, monitoring of gastric residue, and clinical and nutritional assessments were performed at least once daily. The principal measured outcomes of this protocol were frequency of abdominal distention and pulmonary aspiration, and efficacy in supplying the desired amount of nutrients. RESULTS: Nearly half of the total population (46.4%) exhibited high gastric residues on at least 1 occasion, but only 1 confirmed episode of pulmonary aspiration occurred (3.6%). Both groups displayed a moderate number of complications, without differences. Food input during the first day was greater in Group II (approximately 20% difference), but by the third day, both groups displayed similarly small deficits in total furnished volume of about 10%, when compared with the prescribed diet. CONCLUSIONS: Both administration modalities permitted practical and effective administration of the diet with frequent registered abnormalities but few clinically significant problems. The two groups were similar in this regard, without statistical differences, probably because of meticulous technique, careful monitoring, strict patient matching, and conservative amounts of diet employed in both situations. Further studies with additional populations, diagnostic groups, and dietetic prescriptions should be performed in order to elucidate the differences between these commonly used feeding modalities.

Effects of continuous versus bolus infusion of enteral nutrition in critical patients

PURPOSE: Enteral alimentation is the preferred modality of support in critical patients who have acceptable digestive function and are unable to eat orally, but the advantages of continuous versus intermittent administration are surrounded by controversy. With the purpose of identifying the benefits and complications of each technique, a prospective controlled study with matched subjects was conducted. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight consecutive candidates for enteral feeding were divided into 2 groups (n = 14 each) that were matched for diagnosis and APACHE II score. A commercial immune-stimulating polymeric diet was administered via nasogastric tube by electronic pump in the proportion of 25 kcal/kg/day, either as a 1-hour bolus every 3 hours (Group I), or continuously for 24 hours (Group II), over a 3-day period. Anthropometrics, biochemical measurements, recording of administered drugs and other therapies, thorax X-ray, measurement of abdominal circumference, monitoring of gastric residue, and clinical and nutritional assessments were performed at least once daily. The principal measured outcomes of this protocol were frequency of abdominal distention and pulmonary aspiration, and efficacy in supplying the desired amount of nutrients. RESULTS: Nearly half of the total population (46.4 percent) exhibited high gastric residues on at least 1 occasion, but only 1 confirmed episode of pulmonary aspiration occurred (3.6 percent). Both groups displayed a moderate number of complications, without differences. Food input during the first day was greater in Group II (approximately 20 percent difference), but by the third day, both groups displayed similarly small deficits in total furnished volume of about 10 percent, when compared with the prescribed diet. CONCLUSIONS: Both administration modalities permitted practical and effective administration of the diet with frequent registered abnormalities but few clinically significant problems. The two groups were similar in this regard, without statistical differences, probably because of meticulous technique, careful monitoring, strict patient matching, and conservative amounts of diet employed in both situations. Further studies with additional populations, diagnostic groups, and dietetic prescriptions should be performed in order to elucidate the differences between these commonly used feeding modalities

Antireflux valve self-expanding stent in the treatment of gastroesophageal junction tumors

Background - advanced tumors of distal esophagus and cardia treated with self expanding metal stents (SEMS) deployed across gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) created conditions for gastroesophageal reflux and complications like aspiration and esophagitis. So, an antireflux mechanism asssociated to it would be usefull to the quality of life of the patients. Aim - to evaluate dysphagia palliation, GER manifestations, nutritional parameter and quality of life in palliative treatment of patients with esophagogastric advanced tumors with of SEMS with antireflux valve / Racional - a paliação da disfagia por neoplasia maligna avançada da junção esofagogástrica com próteses metálicas auto-expansíveis propicia condições para o refluxo gastroesofágico e complicações como broncoaspiração e esofagite. Próteses com mecanismo anti-refluxo têm função de evitá-las. Objetivo: avaliar os resultados clínicos obtidos com o tratamento...