Characteristics of Metachronous Remnant Gastric Cancer After Proximal Gastrectomy: A Retrospective Analysis.

PURPOSE: Despite annual endoscopy, patients with metachronous remnant gastric cancer (MRGC) following proximal gastrectomy (PG) are at times ineligible for endoscopic resection (ER). This study aimed to clarify the clinical risk factors for ER inapplicability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of 203 patients who underwent PG for cT1 gastric cancer between 2006 and 2015. The remnant stomach was categorized as a pseudofornix, corpus, or antrum. RESULTS: Thirty-two MRGCs were identified in the 29 patients. Twenty MRGCs were classified as ER (ER group, 62.5%), whereas 12 were not (non-ER group, 37.5%). MRGCs were located in the pseudo-fornix in 1, corpus in 5, and antrum in 14 in the ER group, and in the pseudo-fornix in 6, corpus in 4, and antrum in 2 in the non-ER group (P=0.019). Multivariate analysis revealed that the pseudo-fornix was an independent risk factor for non-ER (P=0.014). In the non-ER group, MRGCs at the pseudo-fornix (n=6) had more frequent undifferentiated-type histology (4/6 vs. 0/6), deeper (≥pT1b2; 6/6 vs. 2/6) and nodal metastasis (3/6 vs. 0/6) than non-pseudo-fornix lesions (n=6). We examined the visibility of the region developing MRGC on an annual follow-up endoscopy one year before MRGC detection. In seven lesions at the pseudofornix, visibility was only secured in two (28.6%) because of food residues. Of the 25 lesions in the non-pseudo-fornix, visibility was secured in 21 lesions (84%; P=0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic visibility increases the chances of ER applicability. Special preparation is required to ensure the complete clearance of food residues in the pseudo-fornix.

Clinically significant incidental noncardiac findings on preprocedural computed tomography in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing aortic-valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: There is a scarcity of data on the prevalence of abnormal findings on preprocedural computed tomography (CT) before aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). METHODS: Among consecutive 593 patients with severe AS who were planned to undergo AVR, we evaluated the prevalence of clinically significant incidental noncardiac findings on preprocedural CT. Clinically significant incidental noncardiac findings were defined as newly detected abnormalities that required therapy, consultation for expert, further investigation, or clinical follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age was 82.0 years and 39.5 % of the patients were men. Of those, 78.4 % of the patients were treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and 21.6 % of the patients were treated with surgical AVR (SAVR). There were 271 clinically significant incidental noncardiac findings in 227 patients (38.3 %) including 2.5 % of malignancy. The prevalence of clinically significant incidental noncardiac findings were higher in the TAVI group than in the SAVR group (40.2 % versus 31.3 %). The prevalence of clinically significant incidental noncardiac findings were lower in patients under 60 years of age (10.0 %) than in patients over 60 years of age (60-69 years: 40.0 %, 70-79 years: 34.3 %, 80-89 years: 39.7 %, and ≥90 years: 42.1 %). CONCLUSIONS: Clinically significant incidental noncardiac findings were newly identified on preprocedural CT in approximately 40 % of patients with severe AS undergoing AVR including 2.5 % of malignancy.

Key nodal stations for predicting splenic hilar nodal metastasis in upper advanced gastric cancer without invasion of the greater curvature.

Background: Standard surgery for upper advanced gastric cancer without invasion of the greater curvature (UGC-GC) is spleen-preserving D2 total gastrectomy without dissection of the splenic-hilar nodes (#10). However, some patients with nodal metastasis to #10 survive more than 5 years due to nodal dissection of #10. If nodal metastasis to #10 is predictable based on the positivity of other nodes dissected by the current standard surgery without #10 nodal dissection, physicians may be able to consider #10 dissection. Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed data from the National Cancer Center Hospital in Japan between 2000 and 2012. We selected cases that met the following criteria: (1) D2 or more total gastrectomy with splenectomy, (2) UGC-GC, and (3) histological type is gastric adenocarcinoma. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses concerning lymph node stations associated with #10 metastasis. Results: A total of 366 patients were examined. A multivariate analysis revealed that #10 metastasis was associated with positivity of the nodes along the short gastric arteries (#4sa) and distal nodes along the splenic artery (#11d) (#4sa: p = 0.003, #11d: p = 0.016). When either key node was positive, the metastatic rate of #10 was 24.4%, and the therapeutic value index was 13.3. Conclusions: #4sa and #11d were key lymph nodes predicting #10 nodal metastasis in UGC-GC. When these key nodes are positive on computed tomography before surgery or according to a rapid pathological examination during surgery, dissection of #10 should be considered even if upper advanced tumors are not invading the greater curvature.

Carcinoid Heart Disease With Hypoxemia.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) complicated with carcinoid heart disease (CHD) can cause severe hypoxia and worsening clinical conditions. We report the case of a patient with CHD in poor general condition with multiple severe valve regurgitations and PFO, who underwent successful percutaneous closure of the PFO.

Impact of D2 Total Gastrectomy Including Splenectomy for Scirrhous Gastric Cancer in the Era of Effective Adjuvant Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Total gastrectomy with D2 dissection including splenectomy (TGS) is usually selected for locally resectable scirrhous gastric cancer (SGC), which was established in the era of surgery alone. However, it remains unclear whether TGS for SGC is justified in the era of effective adjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: This study included 112 SGC patients, consisting of 60 cases treated between January 2000 and December 2006 (Former group), and 52 cases treated between January 2007 and December 2016 (Latter group). We collected clinicopathological data and then examined the survival and the therapeutic value indexes. RESULTS: The background characteristics were well-balanced, except for sex and physical status. The Latter group might be characterized by frequent female (P = 0.037) and poorer physical status (P = 0.048). Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 86.5% of the Latter group and was 11.7% of the Former group (P < 0.001). The 5-year-overall survival rate of the Latter group was 58.7% (95% confidence interval: 43.5-71.1), seems better than that of the Former group (44.5%; 95% confidence interval 31.7-56.6) (hazard ratio = 0.758, P = 0.291). Improvement of the index from the Former group was observed in the Latter group at almost all stations. The ratio of the index between two groups was 1.42 at the D1 station and 1.67 at the D2 station. Index of splenic hilar node ranked similarly high in both groups. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic value index was improved in almost all nodal stations by S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy, especially in D2 nodes. TGS would be more important for locally resectable SGC in the era of effective adjuvant chemotherapy.

Precancerous nature of intestinal metaplasia with increased chance of conversion and accelerated DNA methylation.

OBJECTIVE: The presence of intestinal metaplasia (IM) is a risk factor for gastric cancer. However, it is still controversial whether IM itself is precancerous or paracancerous. Here, we aimed to explore the precancerous nature of IM by analysing epigenetic alterations. DESIGN: Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis was conducted by EPIC BeadArray using IM crypts isolated by Alcian blue staining. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing for H3K27ac and single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin by sequencing were conducted using IM mucosa. NOS2 was induced using Tet-on gene expression system in normal cells. RESULTS: IM crypts had a methylation profile unique from non-IM crypts, showing extensive DNA hypermethylation in promoter CpG islands, including those of tumour-suppressor genes. Also, the IM-specific methylation profile, namely epigenetic footprint, was present in a fraction of gastric cancers with a higher frequency than expected, and suggested to be associated with good overall survival. IM organoids had remarkably high NOS2 expression, and NOS2 induction in normal cells led to accelerated induction of aberrant DNA methylation, namely epigenetic instability, by increasing DNA methyltransferase activity. IM mucosa showed dynamic enhancer reprogramming, including the regions involved in higher NOS2 expression. NOS2 had open chromatin in IM cells but not in gastric cells, and IM cells had frequent closed chromatin of tumour-suppressor genes, indicating their methylation-silencing. NOS2 expression in IM-derived organoids was upregulated by interleukin-17A, a cytokine secreted by extracellular bacterial infection. CONCLUSIONS: IM cells were considered to have a precancerous nature potentially with an increased chance of converting into cancer cells, and an accelerated DNA methylation induction due to abnormal NOS2 expression.

Acceleration of sarcopenia in elderly patients who develop asymptomatic pneumonia shadow within one year after surgery for early gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Although early gastric cancer is curable with local treatment, the overall survival in elderly patients did not reach 80% at five years after surgery. The major cause of death in elderly patients with early gastric cancer is not cancer itself but is related to postoperative sarcopenia. Elderly patients frequently develop postoperative asymptomatic pneumonia shadow, which is associated with a poor prognosis. However, why asymptomatic pneumonia shadow worsens the prognosis remains unclear. We investigated whether sarcopenia is accelerated in patients who developed asymptomatic pneumonia shadow. METHODS: We retrospectively examined patients of > 75 years of age who underwent R0 gastrectomy for gastric cancer and were diagnosed with T1 disease at National Cancer Center Hospital between 2005 and 2012. The diagnosis of asymptomatic pneumonia shadow was defined by diagnostic findings of pneumonia (consolidation type, reticular type, and nodular type) which were newly observed on chest computed tomography performed one year after surgery in comparison to preoperative computed tomography. Postoperative muscle loss was assessed by a computed tomography-based analysis using the L3 skeletal muscle index before and two years after surgery and the rate of decrease was calculated. Patients were classified into two groups according to the rate of decrease (cut-off value: 10%). RESULTS: Of the 3412 patients who underwent gastrectomy in our hospital during the study period, 142 were included in this study. Asymptomatic pneumonia shadow was found in 26 patients (18%). Patients who developed asymptomatic pneumonia shadow showed a significantly greater loss of muscle volume in comparison to patients who did not develop asymptomatic pneumonia shadow. In the multivariate analysis, total gastrectomy and asymptomatic pneumonia shadow were the independent risk factors for severe muscle loss. However, there was no significant difference in prognosis between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia was accelerated in elderly patients who developed asymptomatic pneumonia shadow after surgery for early gastric cancer. However, the poor prognosis in these patients may not be related to accelerated sarcopenia.

Possible candidates for splenic hilar nodal dissection among patients with upper advanced gastric cancer without invasion of the greater curvature.

BACKGROUND: Spleen preserving D2 total gastrectomy without dissection of the splenic hilar nodes (#10) is a standard operation for upper advanced gastric cancer without invasion of the greater curvature (UGC-wGC). However, some patients with #10 metastasis have survived after splenectomy with dissection of #10. This study explored possible candidates for dissection of #10 among patients with UGC-wGC by examining the metastatic rate and the therapeutic index. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed data of patients treated in National Cancer Center Hospital (Japan) between 2000 and 2012. We applied the following inclusion criteria: (1) ≥ D2 total gastrectomy with splenectomy, (2) UGC-wGC, and (3) gastric adenocarcinoma histology. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for #10 metastasis. RESULTS: A total of 366 patients were examined; #10 metastasis was observed in 4.4% (16/366). The multivariate analysis revealed that location (posterior vs. others, P = 0.025) and histology (undifferentiated vs. differentiated, P = 0.048) were significant factors for #10 metastasis among sex, age, tumor size, dominant circumferential location, macroscopic type, depth of invasion, and histology. The incidence of #10 metastasis was 14.9% (7/47) for tumors located on the posterior wall with undifferentiated type histology. The 5-year overall survival rate of these patients was 42.9%, and the therapeutic index was 6.38, which was the second highest value among the second-tier nodal stations. CONCLUSION: Even for upper advanced gastric cancer without invasion of the greater curvature, dissection of #10 could be justified for tumors located on the posterior wall with undifferentiated type histology.

Impact of D2 Gastrectomy for Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer in the Era of Effective Adjuvant Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Gastrectomy with D2 dissection has been established as the standard procedure for locally advanced gastric cancer in the era of surgery alone. However, no consideration has been given to the efficacy of dissection in the era of effective adjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: This study included 1298 advanced gastric cancer patients, consisting of 725 cases treated between January 2000 and December 2006 (Former group), and 573 cases treated between January 2007 and July 2015 (Latter group). Clinicopathological data were collected, survival and the therapeutic value index were determined. RESULTS: The background characteristics were well balanced, except for age, tumor location, and intraoperative blood loss. The Latter group showed the following characteristics: an older population (p < 0.001), a frequent upper location (p = 0.008), and less blood loss (p < 0.001). Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 75.2% of the Latter group and was 9.4% in the Former group. The 5-year overall survival rate of the Latter group was 75.7% (95% confidence interval: 71.7-79.1), significantly better than that of the Former group (70.0%, 95% confidence interval: 66.5-73.2) (p = 0.025). Improvement in the index from the Former group was observed in the Latter group at almost all stations. The ratio of the index between these two groups was 1.09 at the D1 station and 1.19 at the D2 station. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic value index was improved in all nodal stations by S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy, regardless of whether the D1 or D2 nodes were involved. D2 gastrectomy would be still important for locally advanced gastric cancer in the era of effective adjuvant chemotherapy.

[Gentle Method to Elevate Left Liver Lobe in Robot Assisted Gastrectomy].

Robot-assisted gastrectomy with the Davinci XiTM has been performed in our department since August 2019. This technique requires elevation of the left liver lobe. In order to prevent perioperative liver injury and expansion of postoperative subcutaneous emphysema, we use a silicone disc(HAKKO MEDICAL Co., Ltd.)and thread to elevate the liver. After docking the Davinci system, we move the needle as follows:(ⅰ). left side peritoneum near the left triangular ligament, (ⅱ). silicone rubber(, ⅲ). center of crus(, ⅳ). silicone rubber(, ⅴ). hepatic cirrus, and(ⅵ). right side peritoneum. Both ends of the thread are guided out of the abdominal cavity from both hepatic circumflex by end-close, forming a V-shape with the center of crus at the bottom, which provides a stable and effective view of the liver. Fifty-three cases were performed after introduction of this elevation technique. Median AST and ALT on postoperative day 1 were 37(14-1,556)IU/L and 30(10- 1,676)IU/L, respectively, although small subcutaneous emphysema confined to the anterior chest and upper abdominal wall was observed in 2 patients(3.8%). No cases of extensive subcutaneous emphysema involving the neck or extremities were observed. This elevation technique protects the liver and may reduce the incidence of postoperative subcutaneous emphysema.

Prognostic Impact of Long-term Postoperative Pneumonia in Elderly Patients with Early Gastric Cancer.

Background: Elderly patients with stage I gastric cancer, a disease that is curable by surgery, easily develop long-term postoperative pneumonia (LTPP) within two years after surgery despite showing no active symptoms. The present study assessed whether or not LTPP determines the later prognosis among elderly patients. Methods: We retrospectively examined patients >75 years old who underwent R0 gastrectomy for gastric cancer and were diagnosed with T1 disease at National Cancer Center Hospital between 2005 and 2012. LTPP was evaluated by chest computed tomography every year until two years after surgery. Results: Of the 3412 patients who underwent gastrectomy in our hospital during this period, 159 were included in this study. The elderly patients who developed LTPP had a worse prognosis than those who did not. Furthermore, their comorbidities and LTPP were significant independent risk factors for a poor prognosis. Patients who developed LTPP had a significantly higher risk of dying due to respiratory disease or cardiovascular disease than those without pneumonia. Conclusions: LTPP was significantly related to a poor survival and death from respiratory disease. To improve the prognosis, not only nutritional support but also exercise and rehabilitation program may be required for patients who develop LTPP within two years after surgery.

Long-term postoperative pneumonia in elderly patients with early gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is a major cause of death in the elderly population. Considering body weight loss, muscle loss, and reflux after gastrectomy, elderly patients are considered to be at very high risk for pneumonia, which could decrease overall survival because early gastric cancer is mostly curable only by surgery. We aimed to clarify the incidence of pneumonia in the long-term period after gastrectomy in elderly patients who were diagnosed with early gastric cancer and its risk factors. METHODS: We retrospectively examined patients of > 75 years of age who underwent R0 gastrectomy for gastric cancer and who were diagnosed with T1 disease at National Cancer Center Hospital between 2005 and 2012. Long-term postoperative pneumonia was diagnosed by chest computed tomography every year until 2 years after surgery. The presence of preoperative sarcopenia was assessed using preoperative L3 skeletal muscle index. RESULTS: 167 patients were included in this study. Long-term postoperative pneumonia was observed in 44 (26%) patients. Of the 44 people diagnosed with long-term postoperative pneumonia, 33 were diagnosed in the 1st year and 11 in the 2nd year. 117 patients (70%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia which was significantly frequently found in the patients who developed long-term postoperative pneumonia (91%) than those without (63%). Preoperative sarcopenia was the only independent risk factor in multivariate analysis. Type of gastrectomy was not a significant risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term postoperative pneumonia was frequently observed in the elderly patients. Preoperative sarcopenia was associated with long-term postoperative pneumonia in elderly patients who underwent curative surgery for gastric cancer. After gastrectomy, long-term special care would be required for elderly patients, especially with sarcopenia.

Suprapancreatic nodal dissection should not be uniformly selected in additional gastrectomy for the patients who diagnosed as pT1b gastric cancer by endoscopic resection.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for T1b gastric cancer requires suprapancreatic nodes (SPA nodes) and perigastric nodes (PG nodes), however, SPA nodal dissection can cause pancreatic complications. If endoscopic treatment followed by additional surgery is planned, it may be possible to predict SPA nodal metastasis by analyzing the pathological information of the primary tumor in addition to the clinical findings. METHODS: Patients who underwent D1+ or D2 and who were pathologically diagnosed with pT1b were retrospectively analyzed. The stations were divided into the nodes located at the perigastric area (PG nodes; #1-7) and the nodes located at the suprapancreatic area (SPA nodes; #8a-12a). The patients were classified into those with and without metastasis to the SPA nodes. Clinicopathological factors were investigated for their possible association with metastasis to the SPA nodes. RESULTS: A total of 2017 patients were examined in this study. Metastasis to the SPA nodes was observed in 80 patients (4%). In a multivariate analysis, undifferentiated histology, lower third, and lymphovascular invasion were independent risk factors for metastasis to the SPA nodes. The risk of metastasis to the SPA nodes was <2% in upper/middle tumors of differentiated type with no lymphovascular invasion and in lower tumors of undifferentiated type with no lymphovascular invasion. On the other hand, the risk of metastasis to the SPA nodes was >10% in lower tumors of undifferentiated type with lymphovascular invasion. CONCLUSION: SPA nodal metastasis can be predicted when endoscopic treatment is initially planned. SPA nodal dissection should not be uniformly selected for T1b gastric cancer.

Optimal surgery and lymph node metastasis of duodenal bulbar neuroendocrine neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the extent of nodal dissection for duodenal bulbar NENs (neuroendocrine neoplasms). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We constructed and analyzed a combined dataset consisting of the patients who received surgery in our hospital and the patients from the literature based on a systematic review. The incidence, risk factors and location of nodal metastases were examined. RESULTS: Fifty-nine cases including 11 cases managed at our hospital and 48 cases identified from the literature search were examined. Nodal metastasis was observed in 24 patients (40.7%). The 5-year overall survival rate was 100%, regardless of nodal metastasis. Risk factors for lymph node metastasis were tumor size ≥15 mm and muscularis propria or deeper invasion. Stomach-related lymph node metastasis was found in >20% of patients who were positive for at least one risk factor and 15.4% when patients were negative for both risk factors, while pancreas-related lymph node metastasis was observed in 45.5% of patients who were positive for both risk factors, 7.7% who were only positive for one risk factor, and 0% who were negative for both risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor size and depth of invasion would determine whether the optimal surgery for duodenal bulbar NENs is distal gastrectomy or pancreatico-duodenectomy.

Percutaneous mitral valve edge-to-edge repair for late systolic anterior motion after surgical mitral valve repair: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Late post-operative systolic anterior motion (SAM) is a rare but challenging issue. The feasibility of percutaneous mitral valve edge-to-edge repair (PMVR) using the MitraClip to treat late refractory SAM after surgical mitral valve repair has rarely been reported in the literature. CASE SUMMARY: An 88-year-old woman with a history of mitral valve repair for a P2 prolapse 14 years before, presented with signs of congestive heart failure. Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) demonstrated significant SAM of the anterior mitral leaflet, resulting in the detachment from the posterior mitral leaflet in mid-to-late systole and severe mitral regurgitation (MR). The heart team decided to perform PMVR using the MitraClip to simultaneously address the issues of SAM and MR, considering the patient's high surgical risk. TOE after the clip deployment at the medial edge of the mitral valve, where the most severe SAM was detected, confirmed resolution of SAM with marked reduction of MR. The patient was discharged home with good haemodynamic compensation. DISCUSSION: Post-operative SAM typically occurs immediately after the reparative surgery and resolves with conservative treatment; however, persistent SAM requiring repeat surgery remains a serious concern. As an alternative strategy, the MitraClip has some advantages, including low procedural risk, immediately observable results, and the ability to relocate the clip. Meanwhile, the greater risk of post-procedural mitral stenosis, particularly in patients undergoing mitral repair, should be taken into account. In our case, the clip deployment at the medial edge of the valve could minimize the progression of mitral stenosis with a satisfactory reduction of MR.

APC mutations are common in adenomas but infrequent in adenocarcinomas of the non-ampullary duodenum.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies highlighted the clinicopathological heterogeneity of non-ampullary duodenal adenomas and adenocarcinomas, but the detailed process of the malignant transformation remains unclear. METHODS: We analyzed 144 adenomas and 54 adenocarcinomas of the non-ampullary duodenum for immunohistochemical phenotypes, genetic alterations, and mismatch repair (MMR) status to probe their histogenetic relationship. RESULTS: The median ages of patients with adenoma and adenocarcinoma were the same (66 years). Adenomas were histologically classified as intestinal-type adenoma (n = 124), pyloric gland adenoma (PGA, n = 10), gastric-type adenoma, not otherwise specified (n = 9), and foveolar-type adenoma (n = 1). Protein-truncating APC mutations were highly frequent in adenomas (85%), with the highest prevalence in intestinal-type adenomas (89%), but rare in adenocarcinomas (9%; P = 2.1 × 10-23). Close associations between phenotypic marker expression and genetic alterations were observed in adenomas, but not in adenocarcinomas, excluding the common association between GNAS mutations and MUC5AC expression. MMR deficiency was more frequent in adenocarcinomas (20%) than in adenomas (1%; P = 2.6 × 10-6). One MMR-deficient adenoma and three MMR-deficient adenocarcinomas occurred in patients with Lynch syndrome. Additionally, three other patients with an MMR-deficient adenocarcinoma fulfilled the revised Bethesda criteria. CONCLUSION: The discrepant APC mutation frequency between adenomas and adenocarcinomas suggests that APC-mutated adenomas, which constitute the large majority of non-ampullary duodenal adenomas, are less prone to malignant transformation. Non-ampullary duodenal adenocarcinomas frequently exhibit MMR deficiency and should be subject to MMR testing to determine appropriate clinical management, including the identification of patients with Lynch syndrome.

Long-Term Prognostic Value of the Society of Thoracic Surgery Risk Score in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (From the OCEAN-TAVI Registry).

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk model, designed to predict operative mortality after cardiac surgery, is often used for the risk assessment of patients considered for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We investigated the long-term prognostic value of the STS score by utilizing the data of 2588 patients undergoing TAVI from the OCEAN (Optimized CathEter vAlvular iNtervention)-TAVI Japanese multicenter registry. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to their pre-procedural STS score as follows: low-risk (STS score <4%, n = 467 [18%]), intermediate-risk (4%≤ STS score <8%, n = 1200 [46.4%]), and high-risk (8%≤ STS score, n = 921 [35.6%]). Low-risk patients were younger and were more frequently male. The prevalence of most of the comorbidities were higher in high-risk patients, while active cancer was more frequent in low-risk patients (p <0.001).The cumulative 4-year all-cause mortality rates were higher in high-risk patients (49.0%) but comparable in low-risk (22.6%) and intermediate-risk patients (28.7%) (hazard ratio [HR] for intermediate-risk versus low-risk, 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77 to 1.37; p = 0.85; HR for high-risk versus low-risk, 2.27; 95% CI 1.72 to 2.99; p = <0.001). Similarly, the cumulative 4-year cardiovascular mortality rates were higher in high-risk patients (20.5%) but comparable in low-risk (9.9%) and intermediate-risk patients (10.3%) (HR for intermediate-risk versus low-risk, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.68 to 1.77; p = 0.69; HR for high-risk versus low-risk, 2.33; 95% CI 1.48 to 3.67; p = <0.001). After adjustment for several confounders, STS score ≥8% was independently associated with increased long-term mortality (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.68). In conclusion, the risk stratification according to STS score demonstrated an increased risk of long-term mortality after TAVI in high-risk patients, albeit with comparable risks in intermediate- and low-risk patients.

Recurrence after ESD curative resection for early gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is gaining ground as a minimally invasive treatment for early gastric cancer (EGC) that has a negligible risk of lymph node metastasis. According to the 5th edition of Japanese gastric cancer treatment guidelines, annual or biannual follow-up with endoscopy is recommended, but follow-up with abdominal ultrasonography or computed tomography (CT) for surveillance of metastases is not recommended after the eCuraA resection. However, we experienced a case of lymph node recurrence following ESD resulting in eCuraA. CASE PRESENTATION: A 76-year-old female received ESD for EGC in a previous hospital 4 years ago. Pathological findings were tub1, 30 mm, T1a (M), UL0, Ly0, V0, pHM-, pVM- (eCuraA) according to the 15th edition of Japanese Classification of Gastric Carcinoma. Follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed submucosal tumor, which was suspected as a swollen lymph node by CT and endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration revealed the recurrence of gastric cancer. We performed total gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection. Postoperative pathological examination revealed no local recurrent tumor at the ESD site in the stomach. Swollen lymph node was diagnosed as metastasis and lymph node metastasis was limited near the cardia. CONCLUSION: This case provides valuable information about tumor with a minimum poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma component may develop lymph node metastasis even satisfying the guidelines criteria for curative resection.

Is lymph node dissection for neuroendocrine carcinoma of the stomach effective as it is for adenocarcinoma?

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the significance of lymph node dissection for gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) by calculating the therapeutic value index for each station. METHODS: This study included 2164 advanced gastric cancer patients (common-type [Common-GC], n = 2125; and gastric NEC [NEC-GC], n = 39). Clinicopathological data were collected, and survival, type of recurrence, and the index for each type of gastrectomy were determined. RESULTS: NEC-GC was characterized by an older population (P = 0.009), upper tumor location (P = 0.021), frequent venous invasion (P < 0.001), and less neural invasion (P = 0.043). NEC-GC tended to be more frequent in men (P = 0.152), and to be associated with total gastrectomy (P = 0.177) and M1 cases (P = 0.167). The five-year overall survival rates of the Common-GC and NEC-GC groups were 73.8% (95% confidence interval: 71.8-75.6) and 54.7% (37.5-68.9), respectively (P = 0.016). Both groups showed similar index values in each station. Regarding the index of the peri-gastric nodal station (D1 station)/stations away from the stomach (D2 station), although the index of the D1 station was similar in the two groups (41.3 and 43.1), the index of the D2 station in the NEC-GC group was approximately half that of the Common-GC group (10.0 and 5.3). The total recurrence rates of the two groups were similar (P = 0.871). However, the rates of hematogenous and lymphatic recurrence tended to be higher in the NEC-GC group (P = 0.132 and P = 0.152). CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic efficacy of the D1 station was similar in Common-GC and NEC-GC but that of the D2 station was worse in NEC-GC. Gastrectomy with D2 dissection would be less effective for NEC-GC.

Laparoscopic resection of a primary diaphragmatic schwannoma: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Schwannomas are nerve sheath tumors that commonly originate from the stomach and small intestine. A primary schwannoma of the diaphragm is rare and does not show any symptoms until it grows to a certain size. Hence, it is extremely rare that it was found at a size that allowed resection under videoscopic surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 77-year-old woman was referred to our department for surgical treatment of a tumor located near the gastric fornix. She underwent a routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy 2 years and 7 months prior to the referral. It was suspected that she had a submucosal tumor measuring 10 mm, located in the fornix, and was then referred to her previous physician. During her follow-up, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) revealed that the cystic structure had continued to grow toward the gastric wall, and she was then referred to the endoscopy division of our hospital. She continued to be followed-up, and it was noted that the tumor was gradually increasing in size. Therefore, she requested surgical resection, and was finally referred to our division. Since the tumor was rather small, we planned a laparoscopic surgery. An initial examination during the operation revealed that the tumor was located on the left diaphragm. Since the tumor was relatively small and visibility was good, we decided to continue with the laparoscopic surgery. Partial diaphragmectomy with complete inclusion of the tumor was performed, and the defect of the diaphragm was directly closed by a running suture. Pathological examination revealed a benign schwannoma that had originated from the diaphragm. To support our findings, we also reviewed the scientific literature on diaphragmatic schwannoma cases reported up to April 2020. CONCLUSIONS: In this extremely rare case, we successfully resected the diaphragmatic schwannoma using laparoscopic surgery.