Neoadjuvant Hyperthermia and Chemoradiotherapy for Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic cancer(PC)is associated with poor prognosis and low resectability rates. Currently, only 15-20% of all patients are candidates for upfront surgery at the time of diagnosis, which offers the chance of long-term survival. In recent years, patients with borderline resectable PC(BR-PC)have been treated with surgery following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy or intensive multi-agent chemotherapy. In PC, which is therapy resistant due to its hypoxic microenvironment, hyperthermia may enhance the effect of chemo(radio)therapy. An 84-year-old man with fatty stool was diagnosed with pancreatic head cancer according to the result of contrast computed tomography(CT), which showed a 37 mm irregular low-density area at the pancreatic head infiltrating nearly half of the superior mesenteric artery(SMA)plexus. There were no findings of lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis. The pretreatment diagnosis was BR-PC, cT3, N0, M0, cStage Ⅱ A. The patient was treated with hyperthermia plus S-1 and radiotherapy. The size of the tumor had reduced from 37 mm to 15 mm after the neoadjuvant therapy, and the infiltration into the SMA plexus had also reduced. Therefore, the patient underwent subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy(SSPPD)concomitant resection of the PV, SMV, SV confluence. The histopathological findings were invasive ductal carcinoma with R0 radical resection. There has been no recurrence 18 months after the surgery. Based on the above-mentioned findings, hyperthermia and chemoradiotherapy can be an effective option of neoadjuvant treatment for BR-PC.

Simultaneous laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair and laparoscopic appendectomy for Amyand's hernia: a case report.

BACKGROUND: An Amyand's hernia is defined by the presence of a vermiform appendix within an inguinal hernia sac. Most of these cases are not diagnosed preoperatively and the surgical approach is dependent on the type present and associated intraoperative findings. We present a case of a preoperatively diagnosed Amyand's hernia in a man who underwent treatment by simultaneous laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair and laparoscopic appendectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: We encountered the case of a 76-year-old Japanese man with a right inguinal pain. Ultrasound and computed tomography confirmed his vermiform appendix herniated into the right inguinal canal. We managed a simultaneous laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair with mesh and laparoscopic appendectomy. He was discharged without any postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend laparoscopic appendectomy and totally extraperitoneal hernia repair with mesh after laparoscopic reduction for Amyand's hernia.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of premature ventricular contractions from near the His-bundle.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) and clinical and electrophysiological characteristics in symptomatic patients with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) from near the His-bundle (His-PVCs). METHODS: The patient characteristics, prevalence of complications with any life style related disease (ALSRD) including hypertension, dyslipidemia, or diabetes mellitus, and/or cardiovascular disease (CVD) including coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, renal dysfunction, or cardiomyopathy, clinical status, frequency of PVCs evaluated by 24hour Holter monitoring, echocardiography including the left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) parameters, and electrophysiological findings were evaluated in 14 consecutive symptomatic patients with His-PVCs. RESULTS: The prevalence of males, being elderly and/or slightly obese, current and/or history of smoking, ALSRD or CVD related complications, and LVDD probably resulting from ALSRD and/or CVD complications were higher in patients with His-PVCs. RFCA of His-PVCs steadily decreased the PVC frequency and improved the systolic function, LV dilation, and clinical status, but not the LVDD. There was a significant relationship between the accordance rate of the QRS polarity between sinus rhythm and His-PVCs and the distance between the successful ablation site and His-bundle. CONCLUSION: The analysis of the QRS duration and accordance rate of the QRS polarity between sinus rhythm and His-PVCs before the RFCA may help to determine the distance between the origin of the PVCs and His-bundle. Further, the appropriate ablation catheter may be selected during the RFCA procedure. Finally, RFCA may be one of the most effective, feasible, and safest therapies for symptomatic patients with His-PVCs.

[Two Cases of Surgery Combined with Intraoperative Radiofrequency Ablation for Colorectal Cancer and Synchronous Liver Metastases].

The therapeutic management of simultaneous liver metastasis of colorectal cancer(SCRLM)remains controversial. Although hepatic metastasectomy is the first choice for resectable liver metastasis of colorectal cancer, radiofrequency ablation (RFA)is one of the least invasive application for patients who refuse more invasive treatment such as hepatectomy and longterm systemic chemotherapy or for whom such treatment is not suitable. We report 2 cases of SCRLM treated by surgery combined with intraoperative RFA and adjuvant chemotherapy, raising the possibility of local control in the liver for selected patients.

[A Case of Recurrent Gallbladder Carcinoma Treated with Resection and Hepatic Arterial Infusion].

A 69-year-old woman underwent extended cholecystectomy for gallbladder cancer[T2N0M0, fStage Ⅱ(UICC 7th edition)]. She was then administered adjuvant S-1 and was treated for drug-induced neutropenia. One year later, recurrent lesions were detected in liver S4 and S5. We treated the patient with hepatectomy and hepatic arterial infusion adjuvant chemotherapy by cisplatin, along with the systemic administration of gemcitabine for 10 months. The patient is now doing well without any sign of recurrence 29 months after the initial operation and 16 months after the secondary liver resection.

Structural valvular deterioration of Hancock standard valve in the mitral position 33 years after initial implantation.

A 77-year-old woman who had undergone mitral valve replacement (MVR) with a 29 mm Hancock standard (H-S) bioprosthesis (Model 242) and tricuspid annuloplasty (Kay's method) at the age of 44 years was admitted urgently with acute heart failure. Echocardiography showed severe transvalvular leakage of the prosthesis and moderate tricuspid regurgitation. The patient underwent reMVR with a 29 mm Carpentier-Edwards Perimount Magna Mitral bioprosthesis and tricuspid annuloplasty with a 30 mm MC3 ring. The explanted bioprosthesis showed mild calcification and a tear in the leaflet, dehisced commissures and pannus overgrowth. To our knowledge there are no reports describing H-S valves that were still functioning over 30 years after implantation. Herein, we report a case of reMVR in a patient with an H-S valve that had been implanted 33 years previously.

Aortic Stenosis in a Patient With Sjogren's Syndrome.

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by dryness of the mouth and the eyes. Systemic involvement in SS is well known, however, obvious cardiac manifestations, particularly significant valve disorders, are extremely rare and only three cases of significant valve disease associated with SS that required surgical intervention have been previously described. We report a case of aortic stenosis (AS) associated with SS in an elderly patient. The diagnosis of primary SS had been made based on clinical features, positive ocular signs, and positive serologic findings. Echocardiography showed severe calcification, elevated mean pressure gradient (57 mmHg), and a small orifice area (0.45 cm(2)) of the aortic valve. At surgery, severe calcification of the aortic cusps and the annulus was the mechanism of AS, and the aortic valve was replaced with a bioprosthetic valve. Valve pathology showed nodular calcification and hyaline degeneration, but lymphocyte infiltration was not evident. The etiologic relation of SS to the valve lesions is not clear pathologically in this case, however, chronic inflammation related to immunologic reactions in SS could have some effect on exacerbation for degeneration of the valve tissue.

Sutureless repair for left ventricular free wall rupture after acute myocardial infarction.

We report three cases of left ventricular free wall rupture (LVFWR) after acute myocardial infarction, which were repaired using a sutureless technique without cardiopulmonary bypass. At operation, a sheet of fibrin tissue-adhesive collagen fleece (TachoComb) was secured to the hematoma surrounding the tear and the infarcted area under compression by the surgeon's fingers. After complete hemostasis, several sheets of an absorbable gelatin sponge (Gelfoam) were glued onto the collagen fleece in layers. Intra-aortic balloon pumping was electively performed. Concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting was not carried out. All patients survived the operation but recurrence of the rupture occurred on postoperative day 10 in one patient and an LV aneurysm was found four months after repair in another patient. The sutureless technique may be a simple and fast option for treatment of an oozing type LVFWR; however, careful follow-up is mandatory.

Results of intra-wound continuous negative pressure irrigation treatment for mediastinitis.

Intra-wound continuous negative pressure irrigation treatment (IW-CONPIT) was administered to cases of mediastinitis as the therapy of choice, with satisfactory results being obtained in terms of improved survival rates and quick healing of wounds. Accordingly, these treatment results and efficacy were evaluated. After debridement, a sponge was trimmed to conform to the shape of the wound and then it was attached to the surface of the wound. Two tubes with several side holes were placed within the sponge. In cases in which the blood vessels and/or the heart are exposed, an artificial dermis was attached to cover the blood vessels and/or the heart in order to not come in direct contact with the sponge. Next, the top of the wound was covered with polyethylene film to create an air-tight wound seal. A bottle of saline solution was connected to one of the tubes and a continuous aspirator to the other, and continuous negative pressure irrigation of the wound was thus carried out. After performing this treatment for 2-3 weeks, and when wound granulation improved, either skin grafts or the transplantation of muscle flaps was performed as necessary to achieve wound healing. A combination of the continuous negative pressure method and the continuous irrigation method resulted in improved healing rates and lower mortality rates for mediastinitis. It also significantly reduced the number of dressings, as well as the degree of labour and medical materials required; therefore, a reduced hospital stay and shorter treatment period was thus achieved using this treatment method.

[Issues and indications for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting].

We have evaluated the usefulness of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)[OPCAB]. The subjects were 153 patients who underwent isolated CABG between May 2005 and May 2009. They were divided into 2 groups( on-pump/arrest;ON group:76 subjects vs OPCAB;OFF group:77 subjects). The concomitant conditions, the number of bypasses, the postoperative outcome and the early graft patency rate were compared between the 2 groups. The mean age and the incidence of carotid artery lesions were significantly higher in the OFF group. The number of bypasses was significantly smaller in the OFF group. The postoperative intubation time and the length of postoperative hospitalization were significantly shorter in the OFF group. Concerning major postoperative complications, mediastinitis, cerebral infarction or bleeding was not observed in the OFF group. There was no hospital death in the OFF group. The early graft patency rate with saphenous vein graft (SVG) was significantly lower in the OFF group. Early stage extubation was achieved by the introduction of OPCAB. In some occasions, however, the target site could not be reached with OPCAB, and furthermore, the quality of anastomosis was poor. In order to achieve complete revascularization, therefore, on-pump/arrest surgery should be considered in some cases.

Postoperative elongation of the xiphoid process --report of a case--.

We report a case of a 66-year-old man who presented with an abnormal sensation, tenderness, and pain in the middle of his chest in May 2006, two years after a mitral valve replacement for severe mitral regurgitation and a MAZE operation for chronic atrial fibrillation elective cardiac. He was immediately admitted, and the x-ray examination revealed an abnormal elongation of the xiphoid process. At the time of discharge after the initial operation in 2004, x-rays indicated that the length of the xiphoid process was 3 cm; however, in 2006 it had elongated to 6 cm and was prominent in the anterior view. The patient underwent surgical extirpation of the xiphoid process while he was under local anesthesia. Histological examination of the resected xiphoid process revealed no signs of neoplastic or maligant change. The cause of the elongation of the xiphoid process was believed to be distraction tissue neogenesis. The xiphoid process, which fractured and separated from the sternum at the initial operation, was pulled down inferiorly by the rectus abdominis muscles, following which the xiphoid process became elongated and reconnected with the sternum. In cases of a fractured or amputated xiphoid process after median sternotomy, the xiphoid process should be resected to avoid its neogenesis.

Intracardiac metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma -report of a case-.

We report a case of a 48-year-old man with a history of violent coughing fits and general fatigue underwent urgent surgery for cardiac tamponade, and who was later diagnosed with metastatic intracardiac squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. After admittance to Munakata Suikokai General Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan, echocardiography showed extensive pleural and pericardial effusion and a mass, 4 by 2 cm, with a solid echo pattern in the right ventricular cavity. The working diagnosis was primary malignant cardiac tumor of unknown origin with multiple metastases. To prevent sudden death due to obliteration of the outflow tract of the right ventricle, we performed urgent surgery for cardiac tamponade. Histological examination of the resected tumor revealed squamous cell carcinoma. Fiberoptic esophagoscopy showed hypertrophy of the esophageal wall and a submucosal tumor extending throughout the esophagus. Microscopic examination of the esophagus biopsy specimen showed moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, the histology of which was similar to that of the resected tumor and cytology of pericardial effusion. The patient recovered and was able to return home for a few days; however, he was readmitted, and despite maximal supportive therapy, he died one month after the operation.

Postoperative left ventricular mass regression after aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Small valve size and prosthetic patient mismatch are both considered to have harmful effects on residual left ventricular hypertrophy after aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis. In general, it is believed that the effective orifice area index of the prosthesis must not be less than 0.85 cm(2)/m(2) in order to avoid prosthetic patient mismatch. On the other hand, studies have shown that valve type and valve size had no effects on postoperative left ventricular mass (LVM). The objective of this report was to examine the relationships between patient characteristics or the prosthetic valve and postoperative LVM. METHODS: To evaluate the factors that influence postoperative LVM, we formulated the hypothesis that postoperative LVM is proportional to the sum total of pressure at the prosthetic valve orifice and inner surface area of the left ventricle in systole. We present a conceptually new index for postoperative LVM and compare the index with postoperative LVM. RESULTS: The results indicated a strong correlation between the new index and postoperative LVM six years after surgery (r(2) =0.67, p < 0.0001). As might be expected, LVM increased gradually as the value of the new index increased. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study indicate that postoperative left ventricular hypertrophy can be avoided by preventing postoperative hypertension in patients without left ventricular dilatation and an effective orifice area index is greater than 0.77 cm(2)/m(2).

Aortic valve replacement after esophagectomy with substernal gastric tube reconstruction.

A 67-year-old woman with a history of esophagectomy with substernal gastric tube (GT) reconstruction and left lower lobectomy required aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic valve regurgitation and stenosis. Through a median sternotomy (MS) with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), we performed AVR without injury to the GT. Careful peeling of the GT and detailed information of the operative field by multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) scan enabled us to carry out the operation safely in the usual operative view.

The prostacyclin analog beraprost sodium augments the efficacy of therapeutic angiogenesis induced by autologous bone marrow cells.

Implantation of autologous bone marrow (BM) mononuclear cells (MNCs) has been shown to augment neovascular formation in ischemic tissues in experimental animals and in humans. Prostaglandin derivatives improve the symptoms of patients with critical limb ischemia, possibly by their vasodilating and antiplatelet actions. We therefore examined whether therapeutic angiogenesis by implantation of autologous BM-MNCs would be enhanced by beraprost sodium (BPS), using a rabbit ischemic hindlimb model. Ischemia was induced by surgical resection of the left femoral artery. Twenty-five New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four groups. The first group (BM group, n = 4) received autologous BM-MNCs (2 x 10(6)/animal) implanted into the ischemic tissue 1 week after limb ischemia. The second group (BM+BPS group, n = 8) received BPS injected into the dorsal skin (300 microg/kg daily) starting 1 week before limb surgery. This group received BM-MNC implantation 1 week after surgery. Daily injection of BPS was continued until the end of the protocol. The third group (BPS group, n = 8) received BPS injected into the dorsal skin (600 microg/kg daily) starting 1 week before limb surgery. The fourth group received saline as a control (n = 4). The extent of angiogenesis in the ischemic hindlimb was assessed using the angiographic score (AS), ischemic/normal limb calf blood pressure ratio (CBPR), and tissue capillary density. Four weeks after limb ischemia, the ischemic/normal CBPR was highest in the BM+BPS group, followed by the BPS, BM, and control groups (0.56 +/- 0.16, 0.51 +/- 0.25, 0.44 +/- 0.15, and 0.30 +/- 0.10, respectively). The AS was also the greatest in the BM+BP group, followed by the BM, BP, and S group (1.63 +/-0.21, 1.31 +/- 0.25, 1.26 +/- 0.21 and 0.80 +/- 0.10, respectively). The TCD was greatest in the BM+BP group, followed in by the BM, BP, and S group? (46 +/- 4.1, 34 +/- 0.7, 33 +/- 6.9, and 19 +/- 1.8 per field, respectively). BP treatment is an effective means to enhance the efficacy of therapeutic angiogenesis induced by autologous BM-MNCs implantation in ischemic hindlimb tissues.

Acquired arteriovenous fistula of the right forearm caused by repeated blunt trauma: a report of a rare case.

In acquired arteriovenous fistula (AVF), there is usually a history of penetrating injury and hemorrhage. We report a very rare case of an elderly man with acquired AVF of the right upper extremity without any history of penetrating trauma and hemorrhage, but with a history of repeated blunt trauma on his right forearm. Although no surgery was performed for the AVF, it was concluded close follow up would be prudent.

Long-term outcome and prognostic predictors of medically treated acute type B aortic dissections.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the long-term outcome and the prognostic predictors related to the development of complications associated with acute type B aortic dissection. METHODS: Seventy-six medically treated patients with acute type B aortic dissection were examined between 1990 and 2001. The events associated with aortic dissection included dissection-related death, rupture, visceral ischemia, lower limb ischemia, an increase in the maximum aortic diameter greater than 50 mm, and a mean enlargement rate of greater than 5 mm per year. RESULTS: Among the 76 patients 10 (13%) underwent chronic phase surgery and 25 (33%) presented with an event. A statistically significant difference was observed between patients with and without events with regard to atherosclerotic factors, blood flow status in the false lumen, maximum aortic diameter upon admission, mean aortic enlargement rate, and blood pressure control during follow-up. Of these factors a patent false-lumen and a maximum aortic diameter greater than 40 mm upon admission were the most strongly associated factors with regard to the development of events. Patients with a patent false-lumen and a maximum aortic diameter greater than 40 mm upon admission were determined to exhibit significantly higher event rates than other patients. CONCLUSIONS: In determining the appropriate therapeutic approach for acute type B aortic dissection, it is important to pay careful attention to the predictors of a patent false-lumen and a maximum aortic diameter greater than 40 mm at onset to improve the long-term outcome.

Replacement of an aortic Starr-Edwards ball valve prosthesis 28 years after implantation.

A 53-year-old woman who had undergone aortic valve replacement with a Starr-Edwards (S-E) valve (Model 1260) and open mitral commissurotomy 28 years previously was hospitalized with cardiac failure. Echocardiography showed mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and a normally functioning S-E prosthesis. At reoperation, the mitral and aortic valves were replaced with St Jude bileaflet mechanical prostheses. Examination of the explanted S-E prosthesis revealed no structural abnormality other than lipid infiltration of the silastic ball.

Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery: report of a case.

A 63-year-old man was admitted with a complaint of dyspnea. Echocardiography showed severe aortic regurgitation (AR), and moderate mitral regurgitation (MR). Coronary angiography revealed that the right coronary artery (RCA) arose from the ascending aorta with a high takeoff and a significant stenosis at the distal segment of the RCA. Scintigraphy with Thallium showed a transient perfusion defect on the inferior wall. The diagnosis of AR and MR associated with anomalous origin of the RCA and myocardial ischemia was made. After successful catheter intervention for stenosis of the RCA, an operation was performed on the aortic and mitral valve. At surgery, the orifice of the RCA was located above the commissure of the right and left coronary cusps and the shape was obliquely elliptical. The RCA originated at an acute angle from the ascending aorta, and its proximal segment was incorporated in the wall of the aorta. After aortic valve replacement and mitral valve repair, a neo-ostium without unroofing of the intramural segment of the RCA was created at the proximal RCA, and the intima of the RCA was fixed to the intima of the aorta. The patient recovered uneventfully and is doing well without findings of myocardial ischemia at present 40 months after operation.