Advanced pancreatic cancer with long-term recurrence-free survival after radical pancreatic resection and subsequent resection of lung metastases twice: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Reports on lung resection for recurrence with lung metastases after the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer have been sporadic, and limited information is currently available on the long-term postoperative course. Furthermore, the significance of the surgical resection of recurrent/metastatic lesions after the resection of pancreatic cancer has not been sufficiently established. We herein present a long-term recurrence-free survivor after perioperative chemotherapy and pancreatic resection for primary pancreatic body cancer who underwent resection for isolated lung metastases twice. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old woman with locally advanced pancreatic cancer accompanied by invasion of the splenic artery underwent distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection following preoperative S1 + gemcitabine therapy. Recurrence with lung metastasis was detected 42 and 62 months after resection of the primary lesion, and lung resection was performed both times. As postoperative adjuvant therapies, S1 + gemcitabine therapy was performed after lung resection. The patient has survived free of recurrence for 11 years after resection of the primary lesion and 5 years and 9 months after the second lung resection. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: A long interval from resection of the primary lesion to the occurrence of lung metastases and the high responsiveness of the patient to chemotherapy may have contributed to her long-term survival. CONCLUSION: This case suggests that if lung metastasis occurring after radical resection of the primary lesion is resected without remnants, aggressive multidisciplinary treatment, including surgical resection with the appropriate selection of cases, may contribute to improvements in patient outcomes.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer with persistent descending mesocolon: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Persistent descending mesocolon (PDM) is a fixed abnormality in which the descending to sigmoid colon adheres to the small intestinal mesentery or right pelvic wall through right displacement. Surgery for colorectal cancer with PDM is difficult. Therefore, in addition to the anatomical characteristics of PDM, the extent of adhesion and characteristics of vascular courses need to be assessed in individual patients. The number of patients now undergoing laparoscopic or robot-assisted surgery for colorectal cancer has rapidly increased. We herein report a rectal cancer patient with PDM who safely underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic low anterior resection (RLAR). PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 71-year-old male was referred to our hospital for a detailed examination following a fecal occult blood-positive reaction. Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a type 2 lesion of the rectum. Moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma was diagnosed based on the results of a histopathological examination. Preoperative contrast-enhanced thoracoabdominal computed tomography showed abnormalities in the colonic course and characteristic vascular courses, suggesting rectal cancer with PDM. RLAR was performed. DISCUSSION: In surgery, it is important to initially perform adhesiolysis accurately in order to reconstruct the original shape of the colonic mesentery and confirm/dissect vascular bifurcations due to the risk of marginal arterial injury. CONCLUSION: In the present case, a detailed anatomical understanding of the site of intestinal adhesion and vascular courses, as well as surgical procedures, facilitated safe RLAR. We described this case and reviewed the anatomical characteristics of PDM and cautions for surgery.

Laparoscopic approach to recurrence following multiple surgeries for external rectal prolapse: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal procedure for recurrent external rectal prolapse remains unclear, particularly in laparoscopic approach. In addition, pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is sometimes concomitant with rectal prolapse. We present a case who underwent laparoscopic procedure for the recurrence of full-thickness external rectal prolapse coexisting POP. CASE PRESENTATION: An 81-year-old parous female had a 10-cm full-thickness external rectal prolapse following the two operations: the first was perineal recto-sigmoidectomy and the second was laparoscopic posterior mesh rectopexy. Imaging study revealed that the recurrent rectal prolapse was concomitant with both cystocele and exposed vagina, what we call POP. We planned and successfully performed laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) with laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) using self-cut meshes without any perioperative complication. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of LVMR and LSC for recurrent rectal prolapse with POP following the perineal recto-sigmoidectomy and laparoscopic posterior mesh rectopexy. Even for recurrent rectal prolapse with POP, our experience suggests that LVMR and LSC could be utilized.

A patient with superior mesenteric artery lymph node metastasis after laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer with Adachi type VI vascular anomaly: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Due to recent advances in surgical procedures and instruments, laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer has been widely performed, and previous studies reported laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer with Adachi type VI vascular anomaly. In Adachi type VI patients, the common hepatic artery (CHA) originates from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA); therefore, the route of lymph flow differs from the normal route, and the supra- and infrapyloric lymph nodes (LN) may reach SMA LN. However, metastasis has not yet been reported. A case of SMA LN metastasis 3 years after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer with Adachi type VI CHA anomaly, which was diagnosed using preoperative computed tomography (CT), was described herein. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The patient was a 77-year-old male. Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and D2 + 14v LN dissection for gastric cancer with Adachi type VI vascular anomaly were performed. Three years after surgery, periodic CT revealed swelling of regional and mediastinal SMA LN, leading to a diagnosis of recurrent gastric cancer. A histopathological examination of the resected specimen showed metastases to the greater curvature right group and infrapyloric LN. DISCUSSION: Metastasis to LN No. 6 may have reached SMA LN via the gastroduodenal artery and CHA, but not the celiac artery. CONCLUSION: If preoperative diagnostic imaging suggests metastasis to the greater curvature right group and pyloric regions in gastric cancer patients with Adachi type VI vascular anomaly, LN dissection along CHA originating from SMA and the hepatomesenteric trunk needs to be considered.

Proposal for a Safe and Functional Pancreaticojejunostomy Technique from a Histopathological Perspective.

BACKGROUND: To prevent leakage of pancreatic juice from the main pancreatic duct (MPD), complete external drainage appears to be the most effective technique. However, because this requires a pancreatic stent tube to be ligated with MPD, duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) is difficult. From our histopathological examination, a large amount of pancreatic juice is drained from the ducts other than MPD. This study aimed to evaluate our new conceptual technique of PJ after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: We considered it important to drain pancreatic juice from the branch pancreatic ducts to the intestinal tract and to perform duct-to-mucosa PJ, while pancreatic juice from MPD is completely drained out of the body. We designed a technique that could simultaneously achieve these points. In our technique, which is based on conventional "two-row" anastomosis, a stent tube is fixed with MPD and its surrounding tissue by purse-string suture at the cut surface of the pancreas, and duct-to-mucosa PJ is concomitantly performed. RESULTS: Of 45 patients undergoing PD, 12 of soft pancreas underwent surgery with this technique. According to the classification of the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula, a Grade A PF was observed in four patients, whereas no patient had a Grade B or C PF. CONCLUSIONS: We propose our anastomotic technique that could simultaneously prevent PF and keep the pancreatic duct patent.

Multi-institutional phase II study on the feasibility of liver resection following preoperative mFOLFOX6 therapy for resectable liver metastases from colorectal cancers.

BACKGROUND: Although liver resection combined with preoperative chemotherapy is expected to improve outcomes of patients with resectable colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM), there is as yet insufficient clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of preoperative systemic chemotherapy. The aim of this phase II study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of preoperative FOLFOX systemic chemotherapy for patients with initially resectable CRLM. METHODS: A prospective multi-institutional phase II study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of preoperative chemotherapy for resectable CRLM (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier number NCT00594529). Patients were scheduled to receive 6 cycles of mFOLFOX6 therapy before liver surgery. The primary endpoint was the macroscopic curative resection rate. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients were included in this study. Two patients who were diagnosed with hepatocellular and intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma based on pathology were excluded from the analysis. More than half of the patients (57 %) had solitary liver metastasis. The completion rate of preoperative chemotherapy was 64.3 % and the response rate was 53.6 %. Two patients were unable to proceed to liver resections due to disease progression and severe postoperative complications following primary tumor resection. Macroscopic curative resection was obtained in 89.3 % of eligible patients. Postoperative mortality and severe complication (≥Gr. 3) rates were 0 and 11 %, respectively. The 3-year overall and progression-free survival rates were 81.9 and 47.4 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our phase II study demonstrated the feasibility of liver resection combined with preoperative mFOLFOX6 therapy in patients with initially resectable CRLM. Further study is warranted to address the oncological effects of preoperative chemotherapy.

The Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator with a low amplitude is a useful dissection device for surgical procedures: application to vascular detachment and lymph node dissection.

In surgical procedures, although resection and hemostasis maneuvers have become more efficient through the use of dedicated devices, no dedicated device for the dissecting (detaching) maneuver exists at present. The Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA: Integra lifesciences Corporation, NJ, USA) is a device originally used mainly for hepatic parenchyma resection in the gastrointestinal surgical field. Tissue is selectively fragmented by an ultrasonically vibrating chip at the tip of the device. Furthermore, physiologic saline is ejected from the tip and aspirated with the fragmented tissue by the device. By reducing the amplitude of the CUSA to 10-20 %, we have been using the device not only for hepatic parenchyma resection but also for dissection in gastrointestinal surgical procedures in general. Here, we explain the details of the techniques that we routinely use, such as dissection of vessels and lymph nodes in radical operations for gastrointestinal cancer. With the CUSA set at a greatly reduced amplitude, dissection can be performed in consideration of layers, surfaces, and membranes while tissue damage and bleeding are minimized. The device is useful for performing higher quality operations.

What We Can Learn from Cases of Synchronous Acute Mesenteric Obstruction and Nonocclusive Mesenteric Ischemia: How to Reduce the Acute Mesenteric Ischemia-Related Mortality Rate.

Although the survival rate of patients with ischemic heart disease has recently increased, it remains unknown why the mortality rate of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) remains high. Here, we report a possible method of improving the survival rate of patients with AMI obtained through 2 cases of simultaneous acute mesenteric obstruction (AMO) and nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI). Case 1 was a 74-year-old woman with atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and dyslipidemia as underlying diseases who developed NOMI immediately after undergoing SMA thrombolysis. Case 2 was a 69-year-old man with atrial fibrillation, hypertension, chronic heart failure, chronic renal failure, and old myocardial infarction who was diagnosed with SMA occlusion complicated by NOMI on the basis of abdominal angiography findings during the first visit. Cure was achieved by thrombolytic therapy, resection of the necrotic intestine, and continuous intra-arterial and/or intravenous injection of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) in case 1 and by resection of the necrotic intestine and continuous intra-arterial and/or intravenous injection of PGE1 in case 2. AMO and NOMI have many background similarities (e.g., atherosclerosis, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease), making their coexistence very likely. However, no case of AMO plus NOMI has been reported until now. It is highly probable that concomitant NOMI is overlooked in cases of AMO. When managing AMO, NOMI should be considered as a complication, which may lower the patient's potential risk of developing NOMI and contribute to improved prognosis of both AMO and AMI.

Pathogenic mechanisms of intestinal pneumatosis and portal venous gas: should patients with these conditions be operated immediately?

We aimed to histologically observe portal venous gas (PVG)-causing intestinal pneumatosis (IP) and evaluate pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic strategies, including decisions on whether emergency surgery should be performed. Autopsy was performed in two cases of nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI). We directly histologically observed the pathogenic mechanisms of IP caused by gas-producing bacteria and IP considered to be caused by mechanical damage to the intestinal mucosa. IP can be classified hypothetically into the following types according to pathogenesis: (1) infection, (2) rupture (damage) of the intestinal mucosa + increased intestinal intraluminal pressure, and (3) mixed type. In cases of IP caused by gas-producing bacteria or IP associated with intestinal wall damage extending beyond the mucosa to the deep muscular layer, emergency surgery should be considered. However, it is highly possible that patients who test negative for infection with gas-producing bacteria whose intestinal wall damage remains only in the mucosa can be conservatively treated.

[Resection of cholangiolocellular carcinoma successfully responding to neoadjuvant hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy - report of a case].

A 78-year-old man who had hepatitis C was examined by computed tomography(CT)because of prostate cancer, and was found to have a liver tumor 8. 0 cm in size at S4/S8. The view of the liver tumor was enhanced by CTHA image and washed out by CTAP image. It was suspected to have invaded the RHV and MHV. The pathological examination of the liver biopsy sample revealed cholangiocellular carcinoma or cholangiolocellular carcinoma. Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin was performed. The size of the tumor reduced to 6. 0 cm and the invasion to the RHV was no longer evident. Hepatic resection for the middle two segments was performed after 3 months of chemotherapy. After a histological examination of the resected specimen, the patient was given the final diagnosis of cholangiolocellular carcinoma. Over 50% of the tumor was estimated as necrosis by chemotherapy, indicating that the gemcitabine and cisplatin regimen was remarkably effective. The patient is alive with no evidence of recurrence.

Successful treatment of postoperative acute hepatic artery obstruction with mesenteric arterioportal shunt.

Fatal biliary complications and liver abscesses are likely in cases of acute hepatic arterial occlusion after hepatobiliary surgery with bilioenteric anastomosis. A 60-year-old man with hilar hepatic metastasis of gastric cancer underwent curative surgery. While the recurrent nodule was removed with the involved bile duct, vascular structures were preserved. Massive bleeding from the hepatic artery occurred suddenly on postoperative day 3, and the hepatic artery was ligated to stop bleeding. As Doppler ultrasonography indicated no arterial flow in the liver, a side-to-side mesenteric arterioportal shunt was created to prevent ischemic complications. Postoperative angiography showed fine patency of the shunt, and ischemic complications were avoided. However, the patient suddenly experienced massive hematemesis and fell into shock four months after the shunt operation. Upper gastrointestinal fiberoscopy showed serious varices throughout the whole esophagus. Angiographic examination indicated excessive shunt flow and markedly expanded mesenteric veins. The shunt was then occluded by coil embolization, but the patient did not recover from shock and eventually died. In the present case, the mesenteric arterioportal shunt appeared to be effective in relieving postoperative acute hepatic arterial occlusion. However, the shunt should be closed as soon as collateral blood flow is completed.

Distal gastrectomy with reconstruction of the right gastroepiploic artery for gastric cancer after coronary artery bypass grafting: report of a case.

A 61-year-old man was found to have anemia 3 years after an aortic valve replacement (AVR) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) of the left intrathoracic artery to the left anterior descending artery and the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) to the right coronary artery (RCA) for aortic insufficiency and angina pectoris. A IIc gastric cancer in the antrum was subsequently diagnosed. Computed tomography (CT) and coronary angiography showed lymph node metastasis at the root of the RGEA, which perfused a large area of the inferoposterior wall of the heart. To prevent cardiac ischemia and perform complete #6 lymph node dissection, percutaneous intervention was carried out on the RCA before distal gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection, and the RGEA was reconstructed as a free graft to the left gastric artery. This procedure may be a surgical option for gastric cancer in patients who have undergone CABG using the RGEA.

Survival in nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia: early diagnosis by multidetector row computed tomography and early treatment with continuous intravenous high-dose prostaglandin E(1).

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to establish a procedure for early diagnosis and treatment of nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI). BACKGROUND: NOMI has a high mortality rate, and early diagnosis and treatment are important for improving survival in patients with this condition. METHODS: The subjects were 22 patients treated at our hospital over 13 years. Diagnostic criteria for NOMI were established based on the first 13 cases. In the 9 more recent cases, we performed abdominal contrast multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) upon suspicion of NOMI based on these criteria. Imaging allowed definite diagnosis of NOMI, and continuous intravenous high-dose PGE1 administration was initiated immediately after diagnosis (dose, 0.01-0.03 microg/kg per min; mean administration period, 4.8 days). RESULTS: Nine of the first 13 patients died of multiple organ failure associated with multiple intestinal necrosis. These cases suggested that NOMI may develop when 3 of the following 4 criteria are met after cardiovascular surgery or maintenance dialysis in elderly patients: symptoms of the ileus develop slowly from abdominal symptoms, such as an unpleasant abdominal feeling or pain; a requirement for catecholamine treatment; an episode of hypotension; and slow elevation of the serum transaminase level. In the 9 recent cases, definite diagnosis was made from spasm of the principal arteries in arterial volume rendering and curved planar reformation MDCT images. Early treatment with PGE1 prevented acute-stage NOMI in 8 of the 9 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis of NOMI is possible using the above criteria and MDCT, and initiation of PGE1 treatment may increase survival in patients with NOMI.

Segment VI cholangiocholecystostomy for unresectable malignant obstruction at the hepatic hilum.

Anastomosis between the segment VI intrahepatic bile duct and the stump of the cystic duct was done to relieve obstructive jaundice caused by high biliary malignant obstruction. This procedure is considered to be a safe and easy method to provide good palliation in patients with unresectable hepatic hilar carcinoma.