[Transverse Colectomy with D2 Lymph Node Dissection with a Small Incision Using Body Surface 3D-Simulation CT Colonography].

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic transverse colectomy is technically difficult. In mini-laparotomy surgery, colectomy for midtransverse colon cancer can easily be performed, but exact D2 lymph node dissection is very difficult for a variety of vessels in the transverse colon. Using 3D-CT imaging, we present a case of D2 lymph node dissection where mini-laparotomy transverse colectomy was performedby a small incision similar to that usedin laparoscopic surgery. METHOD: The patient was a 60-yearoldwoman with early transverse colon cancer, which was locatedin the mid-transverse colon. Surgical treatment was plannedfor pT1b(1.5mm)andpVM1 in pathological findings after EMR. Using CT colonography(CTC), the location of the primary tumor was identified. Using simulation CTC(sCTC), composedof CTC and 3D imaging of the arteries andveins, the dominant artery was identified and D2 lymph node dissection was simulated. In addition, body surface 3D imaging and permeable surface 3D imaging of the abdominal trunk were performed. Using body surface 3D-sCTC, composedof sCTC and body surface 3D imaging, the minimum incision to enable D2 lymph node dissection was simulated. RESULT: Using sCTC, it was identified that the dominant artery was the right branch of the middle colic artery(MCA Rt)andthe accompanying vein was branchedfrom the gastrocolic trunk(GCT). D2 lymph node dissection to separate the branching root of MCA Rt and the accompanying vein was simulated. Next, surgical incision was simulated using body surface 3D-sCTC. Because the branching roots of MCA Rt andGCT were locatedabout 5 cm cranial from the upper rim of the navel, a 7 cm upper abdominal midline incision was designed in addition to a 2 cm umbilical incision. Mini-laparotomy transverse colectomy with a 7 cm incision was performedin accordance with the simulation. The operation time was 2 hours and5 1 minutes, andbloodloss was due to occult bleeding. The patient was discharged 7 days after surgery without complications, and the final diagnosis was pT1bN0M0, StageⅠwith no recurrence for 4 years and2 months after surgery. The cranial incision from the upper rim of the navel has shrank about 3 cm, and the umbilical incision is not noticeable. CONCLUSION: D2 lymph node dissection of minilaparotomy transverse colectomy can be a treatment option for early transverse colon cancer through using body surface 3DsCTC.

[D2 Lymph Node Dissection in Mini-Laparotomy Transverse Colectomy Using Non-Contrast Simulation CT Colonography].

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: It is reported that simulation computed tomography colonography(S-CTC), which combines CTC and 3-dimensional(3D)vascular imaging, is useful in colorectal cancer surgery. However, it is difficult to create 3D vascular images using non-contrast CT. Laparoscopic transverse colectomy is said to be technically difficult. Mini-laparotomy surgery for mid-transverse colon cancer is quite easy to perform. However, exact D2 lymph node dissection is very difficult. We present a case of D2 lymph node dissection during mini-laparotomy transverse colectomy performed using S-CTC, which involves the creation of 3D vascular images using non-contrast CT. PATIENT AND METHOD: The patient was a 77-year-old man with transverse colon cancer located in the mid-transverse colon, cT2N0M0, Stage Ⅰ. He had coexisting chronic renal failure. Non-contrast CT was performed prior to surgery, and the images were processed using workstation Zaiostation2. RESULTS: Both the artery and the vein created from non-contrast CT could be visualized clearly until the marginal vessels. Using noncontrast S-CTC in combination with CTC and 3D artery imaging, it was identified that the dominant artery was the left branch of the middle colic artery(MCA Lt), while the right branch of the MCA(MCA Rt)and accessory MCA(AMCA)were 10 cm or more apart. The fusion of 3D artery and vein imaging made it evident that the vein accompanying MCA Lt branched from the superior mesenteric vein. Using non-contrast S-CTC, D2 lymph node dissection, dissection of the branching root of MCA Lt and the vein at the same level was simulated. Thus, mini-laparotomy transverse colectomy was performed through a 7 cm incision, in accordance with the simulation. CONCLUSION: Non-contrast S-CTC was useful for performing D2 lymph node dissection during mini-laparotomy transverse colectomy.

Gastric Resection Under Retroflexed Endoscopic Guidance: A Reliable Procedure for Totally Laparoscopic Subtotal Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) has become a feasible and safe surgical option for early gastric cancer. However, determining the transection line of the stomach without palpation is still difficult. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of TLDG for gastric resection under retroflexed endoscopic guidance (GRREG) in patients with gastric cancer in the middle third of the stomach. METHODS: Fifteen patients with gastric cancer underwent TLDG using GRREG. Preoperative tumor localization using endoscopic metal clips was performed in all cases. After lymphadenectomy, two-thirds of the estimated transection line was occluded by an endoscopic stapler, beginning at the lesser curvature. Under gastric occlusion, the gastroscope was passed via the narrow lumen along the greater curvature followed by retroflexion to reveal the occlusion line, marking clips, and tumor in the same field of view. This view verified the safe oncological transection line. RESULTS: All patients had cancer-free margins and did not require additional surgery. The mean (±SD) proximal margin was 23.5 ± 10.4 mm. There were no procedure-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: GRREG was a safe and effective technique for TLDG. Ideal transection of the stomach was achieved using a combination of an endoscopic stapler and gastroscope retroflexion.

[Optimal Dissection of the Intestinal Tract and Preservation of Vascular Supply in Left Hemicolectomy Using Simulation Computed Tomography Colonography].

Left hemicolectomy is a standard surgical method for cancer of the descending colon. Resection involves the region from the left side of the transverse colon to the sigmoid colon. Although laparoscopic hemicolectomy is widely used, it is difficult to determine an appropriate resection range during surgery because of the limited visual field. Simulation computed tomography colonography(S-CTC), which combines CTC and 3-dimensional vascular imaging, enables the surgeon to clearly identify the position of the primary lesion and dominant vessel. We present 3 cases of cancer of the descending colon with different affected sites and lesion grades, in which appropriate dissection of the large intestine and treatment of the vessels was simulated by S-CTC, enabling laparoscopic surgery in accordance with the simulation. Case 1: Splenic flexure, cT1bN0M0, Stage I . The dominant vessels were identified by S-CTC as accompanying vessels branching from the accessary middle colic artery(A-MCA)and inferior mesenteric vein(IMV). The left branch of the MCA and the left colic artery(LCA)were 10 cm or more apart. A D2-type dissection was performed, and simulation was conducted for dissection of the branching root of the vein and the same level of the A-MCA. Case 2: Mid-descending colon, cT3N0M0, Stage II . The dominant A-MCA and LCA were identified with S-CTC. The intestinal tract was dissected to 5 cm from the dominant artery, and D3-type dissection was simulated with a retained inferior mesenteric artery(IMA)for preservation of the sigmoid colon. Case 3: Site adjacent to the sigmoid colon, cT3N0M0, Stage II . S-CTC identified the first sigmoid artery(S1)as the dominant artery, and revealed that the LCA and IMV were defective and that the A-MCA was 10 cm or more apart. Simulation of S1 selective resection was conducted such that D3-type dissection was performed, with a retained IMA for preservation of the sigmoid colon. In all 3 cases, laparoscopic surgeries were performed in accordance with the simulation. S-CTC was useful for optimal preservation of the intestinal tract and vascular supply in laparoscopic surgery for descending colon cancer.

[Surgical Simulation-CT Colonography for Laparoscopic Assisted Sigmoid Colectomy Preserving the Inferior Mesenteric Artery and Vein].

D2 lymph node dissection in laparoscopic surgery for early colon cancer requires selective vessel dissection, making it technically very difficult. Using surgical simulation-CT colonography (simulation-CTC), we could perform laparoscopic assisted sigmoid colectomy preserving the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and vein (IMV) more accurately and safely. The case described here was a type 0-Ip sigmoid colon cancer with a tumor size of 13 mm. Endoscopic mucosal resection was performed to confirm a pathological diagnosis of pT1b (4,000 mm) and v1. Sigmoid colectomy was planned, and simulation-CTC was performed, which demonstrated that the cancer was located in the proximal sigmoid colon and supplied by the first sigmoid colon artery (S1). To maintain the blood flow to the distal sigmoid colon, selective S1 resection preserving the IMA and IMV was planned. At the operation, S1, which branches off from the IMA near the bifurcation of the abdominal aorta, was dissected, and the vein accompanying S1, which branches from the IMV in the same area as S1, was dissected. The operation was performed accurately according to the plan, showing that simulation-CTC can be very useful.

Is pancreatectomy with arterial reconstruction a safe and useful procedure for locally advanced pancreatic cancer?

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: We often encounter unresectable pancreatic cancer due to invasions of the major vessels. Vascular resection for locally advanced pancreatic cancers has an advantage in en block local resection. There are potential cases in which good outcomes can be achieved by arterial resection. METHODS: Pancreatectomy (including total pancreatectomy in 15 cases, pancreatoduodenectomy in 7 cases and distal pancreatectomy in one case) was performed in 23 cases of invasive ductal carcinoma of the pancreas, in combination with resection and reconstruction of the hepatic artery in 15 cases, the superior mesenteric artery in 12 cases (there are overlaps) and the portal vein in 20 cases. RESULTS: The median operating time was 686 min (416-1,190 min) and the median blood loss was 2,830 ml (440-19,800 ml). This shows that the surgery was highly-invasive. The operative mortality rate was 4.3%. On the basis of the UICC classification, there were 2 cases of Stage IIa, 4 cases of Stage IIb, 9 cases of Stage III, 8 cases of Stage IV, while there were 18 cases (78.3%) of R0 resection. On the other hand, the final histological findings showed that there were 8 cases (34.8%) of M1 (liver and non-regional lymph node metastases), so it is thought that decisions on operative indications should be not be made slightly. As for the overall survival rate, the 1-year survival rate was 51.2% and the 3-year survival rate was 23.1% while the median survival time (MST) was 12 months. As for 15 cases of M0, the 1-year survival rate was 61.9% and the 4-year survival rate was 38.7% while the MST was 16 months. On the other hand, the MST was poor (10 months) in 8 cases of M1, showing that a statistically significant difference was observed depending upon the degree of metastasis (log-rank P = 0.0409). In 18 cases of R0, the 1-year survival rate was 67.2%, the 4-year survival rate 30.2% and the MST 13 months, respectively, while in 5 cases of R1 and R2, the MST was 6 months, showing that there was a statistically significant difference between R0 cases and R1, R2 cases (log-rank P = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: Further discussion is required concerning surgical indications and significance. However, it is thought that resection is useful only when surgery of R0 has taken place for selected locally advanced pancreatic cancer (M0).

Pancreatectomy with reconstruction of the right and left hepatic arteries for locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The resectability of locally advanced pancreatic cancer depends upon, before anything else, the relationship between the tumor and the adjacent arterial structure. Pancreatic cancer that has developed at the caudal side of the pancreas can invade the common hepatic artery (CHA). Pancreatic cancers with CHA involvement can become candidates for surgery in selected cases. Pancreatic cancer arising at the caudal side of the pancreas head may sometimes invade the right and left hepatic arteries (RLHA) as well as the CHA. Pancreatic cancer with RLHA involvement may be assessed as unresectable unless complex vascular reconstruction is performed. METHODS: We have experienced 3 cases of successfully resected pancreatic cancer with RLHA and portal vein (PV) invasion. Pancreatectomy (including total pancreatectomy in two cases and pancreatoduodenectomy in one case) with RLHA and PV reconstruction was performed. Three different techniques of arterial reconstruction that were suitable for the individual cases were used. They were: (1) end-to-end anastomosis between the CHA and the left hepatic artery (LHA) and end-to-end anastomosis between the middle hepatic artery (MHA) and the right hepatic artery (RHA), (2) end-to-end anastomosis between the left gastric artery (LGA) and the RHA and end-to-end anastomosis between the right gastroepiploic artery and the LHA, and (3) end-to-side anastomosis between the splenic artery (SA) and the LHA and end-to-end anastomosis between the SA and the RHA. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 735 min (range 686-800 min) and the mean blood loss was 1726 ml (range 1140-2230 ml). Microscopic curative resection (R0) was possible in all cases even if their International Union Against Cancer (UICC) stage was IIb. There was one case of wound infection, although no serious complications, including hepatic artery thrombosis, liver failure, or biliary fistula were observed. By follow-up three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) angiography, the patency of the anastomosed artery was confirmed to be maintained in all three cases. CONCLUSIONS: R0 operation with 3 different arterial reconstruction techniques was able to be performed without presenting any risk.

In situ surgical procedures for locally advanced pancreatic cancer: partial abdominal evisceration and intestinal autotransplantation.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Pancreatic cancers in which invasion to the root of the mesentery are suspected have been regarded as unresectable in general. We report the surgical techniques in two cases of locally advanced pancreatic cancer for which in situ surgical procedures including partial abdominal evisceration and intestinal autotransplantation were performed. METHODS: The patients were a woman 57 years of age and a man 64 years of age. Both cases had a locally advanced cancer that had originated in the pancreatic uncus and was found to have invaded the root of the mesentery, as well as the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the superior mesenteric vein (SMV). The cancers in both patients were assessed as resectable because the jejunal artery and vein were secured intact at a site peripheral from the root of the mesentery, and the origin of the SMA along with the portal and splenic veins was intact at a proximal site, so pancreatectomy and resection of the transverse and ascending colons were performed. The SMA and the SMV were ablated just below each origin at a site proximal to the root of the mesentery. At a distal site, two jejunal arteries and one jejunal vein were kept intact and all the remaining arteries and veins were ablated. The remaining small intestine had become a free autograft. As for the portal and jejunal veins, end-to-end anastomosis was performed. Reconstruction of the SMA was achieved with an end-to-end anastomosis, using the right internal iliac artery as a graft. Reconstruction of the alimentary tract was achieved using small intestine as an autograft. RESULTS: Both patients survived the major operative procedures. Warm ischemia time was 84 min for the SMA and 12 min for the SMV-portal system in Case 1 while it was 30 min for the SMA and 25 min for the SMV-portal system in Case 2. No ex-vivo resection technique was used. Leakage occurred in both cases at the anastomotic lesion between the small intestine and the left colon. Abdominal drainage and conservative treatment were applied in both cases. Cure was achieved within 3 months postoperatively in Case 1 and within 2.5 months in Case 2. Subsequently, the patients returned to their preoperative lives. Case 1 died 11 months and Case 2 died 12 months after the operation due to abdominal dissemination and liver metastases. CONCLUSIONS: We were able to perform in situ procedures including partial abdominal evisceration and intestinal autotransplantation for two cases of pancreatic cancer with possible invasion to the root of the mesentery. There are few reports of such procedures. There has been one report of a case which applied an ex vivo technique. It is expected that the development of adequate adjuvant therapy will lead to further improvement in the prognosis of pancreatic cancers.

The blood supply of the hilar bile duct and its relationship to the communicating arcade located between the right and left hepatic arteries.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing demand for living donor liver transplants. However, the biliary complication rates are still high. METHODS: The anatomy of the communicating arcade (CA) between the right and left livers and its relevance to the blood supply of the hilar bile duct was evaluated using adult cadaveric livers and cast specimens. RESULTS: In all specimens that were of sufficient quality for evaluation, the CA was found to be located extrahepatically in the hilar plate with thin tributaries branching to the hilar bile duct. On the left side, 55% of the CA originated from a segment IV artery. On the right side, 73% of the CA originated from the right anterior hepatic artery. CONCLUSIONS: To maintain an adequate blood supply for the hilar bile duct of the donor graft during living donor liver transplantation, the branching point of the CA should be preserved.

Nucleotide sequence and genetic structure of a novel carbaryl hydrolase gene (cehA) from Rhizobium sp. strain AC100.

Rhizobium sp. strain AC100, which is capable of degrading carbaryl (1-naphthyl-N-methylcarbamate), was isolated from soil treated with carbaryl. This bacterium hydrolyzed carbaryl to 1-naphthol and methylamine. Carbaryl hydrolase from the strain was purified to homogeneity, and its N-terminal sequence, molecular mass (82 kDa), and enzymatic properties were determined. The purified enzyme hydrolyzed 1-naphthyl acetate and 4-nitrophenyl acetate indicating that the enzyme is an esterase. We then cloned the carbaryl hydrolase gene (cehA) from the plasmid DNA of the strain and determined the nucleotide sequence of the 10-kb region containing cehA. No homologous sequences were found by a database homology search using the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the cehA gene. Six open reading frames including the cehA gene were found in the 10-kb region, and sequencing analysis shows that the cehA gene is flanked by two copies of insertion sequence-like sequence, suggesting that it makes part of a composite transposon.