The prevalence and risk factors associated with preoperative deep venous thrombosis in lung cancer surgery.

PURPOSE: Few studies have so far focused on the preoperative presence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in lung cancer patients undergoing surgery. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and risk factors for preoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients scheduled to undergo lung cancer surgery. METHODS: Between June 2013 and December 2018, 948 consecutive patients underwent lung cancer surgery in Kindai University Hospital. Four patients did not undergo screening for DVT; thus, 944 patients were enrolled in this study. Preoperatively, venous ultrasonography of the lower extremities was performed in patients deemed at risk for DVT, and the prevalence and risk factors for preoperative DVT were examined. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients (9.6%) were diagnosed with preoperative DVT, and postoperative symptomatic pulmonary thromboembolism occurred in one patient (0.11%). A multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that female sex, age ≥ 72 years, history of VTE, a Wells score ≥ 2 points, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lower hemoglobin levels were significantly associated with preoperative DVT. CONCLUSION: Female sex, age ≥ 72 years, history of VTE, Wells score ≥ 2 points, COPD, and lower hemoglobin levels were identified to be independent risk factors for preoperative DVT. Monitoring for these risk factors and management considering them should help improve the outcomes after lung cancer surgery.

Prognostic value of plasma fibrinogen and D-dimer levels in patients with surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: A high plasma level of either fibrinogen or D-dimer has been shown to correlate with a poor prognosis in patients with surgically resected non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The present study aimed to identify whether or not both markers combined had a superior prognostic value to either alone. METHODS: Of the 1344 patients who underwent surgical resection for NSCLC at our institution between January 2007 and December 2016, 1065 had preoperative plasma fibrinogen and D-dimer data available and were included in the analysis. RESULTS: The recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were similar for patients with high plasma levels of either or both fibrinogen (> 4.0 g/L) or D-dimer (> 1.0 µg/mL); therefore, these three groups were combined for a further analysis into a single group with high plasma levels of either or both proteins. The high-level group had significantly lower 5-year RFS (53% vs. 68%, p < 0.001) and 5-year OS (65% vs. 80%, p < 0.001) rates than patients with normal plasma levels of fibrinogen and D-dimer (control group). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that preoperative tests for both plasma fibrinogen and D-dimer are necessary to identify patients with surgically resected NSCLC likely to have a poor RFS and OS.

Life-threatening complications after pulmonary resection for lung cancer in patients on chronic hemodialysis.

PURPOSE: The morbidity and mortality associated with lung cancer surgery in patients on chronic hemodialysis (CHD) is high; however, the relationship between the severity of postoperative complications and clinicopathological features is unclear. METHODS: Among 1214 consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary resection for primary lung cancer in our institute between 2004 and 2015, we identified 21 patients on CHD, who were the subjects of this study. Life-threatening postoperative complications were defined as grade 4 and 5 per the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Fourteen (67%) of these 21 patients suffered postoperative complications, which were life threatening in 5. There was a higher frequency of interstitial pneumonia (IP) in the patients with life-threatening postoperative complications than in those with complications that were not life threatening (p = 0.032). The rates of acute exacerbation and 90-day mortality in the patients with IP were 50% and 75%, respectively. The overall survival (OS) rate of the patients with life-threatening postoperative complications was significantly lower than that of those with complications that were not life threatening (1- and 3-year OS rates: 40% and 0% vs. 80% and 57%, respectively, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative mortality and morbidity were high in patients on CHD who underwent pulmonary resection, especially if they had coexisting IP. Although IP is not a contraindication to pulmonary resection, the surgical strategy for CHD patients with IP should be considered carefully.

[A Case of Recurrent Gastric Cancer Successfully Treated by S-1 Chemotherapy].

We report a case of recurrent gastric cancer that was successfully treated by S-1 chemotherapy.An 81-year-old woman with advanced gastric cancer[L Less, Type 2, cT4a(SE), cN0H0P0M0, cStageⅡB]underwent distal gastrectomy.Abdominal CT performed 6 months after surgery revealed a low-density area in the liver.She was diagnosed with liver metastasis and started receiving S-1 chemotherapy.The liver metastasis achieved complete response, so S-1 chemotherapy was discontinued 12 months after recurrence.Abdominal CT performed 9 months after the discontinuation of S-1 chemotherapy revealed multiple low-density areas in the liver.She started receiving S-1 chemotherapy again, but S-1 chemotherapy was discontinued because of side effects after 2 courses.The patient died 24 months after receiving S-1 chemotherapy.

[A Case of Esophageal Cancer with Aortic Thrombosis That Was Successfully Treated by Aortic Thrombectomy and Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Esophagectomy].

We report a case of esophageal cancer with aortic thrombosis that occurred during chemotherapy and was successfully treated by aortic thrombectomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy. A 70-year-old man with esophageal cancer( Mt, Type 1c, cT2cN0cM0, cStage Ⅱ)was administered 5-FU plus cisplatin chemotherapy. On day 7 in the first course of the chemotherapy, he experienced abdominal pain. Abdominal CT revealed endo-aortic thrombotic deposits in the aortic arch about 3 cm in diameter. He immediately received heparin at a dose of 20,000 U/day administered intravenously, but the thrombus had not resolved by the next day. He underwent aortic thrombectomy, and warfarin was administered orally after the thrombectomy. He did not experience any difficulties or discomfort related to the thrombus after the thrombectomy. He then underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy and was discharged uneventfully on the 18th postoperative day. Currently, he is under follow-up with no recurrence.

[A Case of Effective Palliative Care with CART for Refractory Ascites Associated with Cancerous Peritonitis of Gastric Cancer].

Refractory ascites associated with cancerous peritonitis causes abdominal tension and reduced oral intake. Frequent ascites drainage can cause rapid worsening ofa patient's general condition. Cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy (CART)for refractory ascites was first covered in 1981, and the general conditions ofpatients and their symptoms could be improved after undergoing CART. Herein, we report a case of effective palliative care with CART for refractory ascites associated with cancerous peritonitis. A 66-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because ofabdominal distension. Computed tomography revealed the presence ofascites and gastric wall thickness; upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed an ulcerated lesion with raised margins on the body ofthe stomach. Biopsy ofthis lesion confirmed the diagnosis ofadenocarcinoma, and he was diagnosed with gastric cancer(M, Type 3, cT4a[SE], cN0, cH0, cP1, cM1, cStage IV). He underwent palliative care for ascites, followed by FLTAX regimen chemotherapy(5-fluorouracil[5-FU]and Leucovorin[LV]combined with weekly paclitaxel[PTX]). He received CART for 8 courses without complications, and his symptoms improved after receiving CART. He survived for about 18 months, and could ingest a normal diet for a long time. CART may be favorable in palliative care for massive ascites associated with cancerous peritonitis.

[Analysis of Patients Who Received Nutritional Support and the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery(ERAS)Protocol after Esophagectomy].

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a frequently observed phenomenon in patients with esophageal cancer after esophagectomy. Nutritional support and the enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)protocol may prevent malnutrition. METHOD: Nine patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer received perioperative management according to the ERAS protocol and enteral nutrition support(ELENTAL®or ENEVO®). We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of our perioperative management. RESULTS: The median day of first oral intake(water)was the second postoperative day. The median day of first oral intake(food)was the seventh postoperative day. The patients could consume more than one and a half bottle of enteral nutrition for a year after surgery. The prognostic nutritional index(PNI)was higher than 40, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)was lower than 3 for a year after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative management according to the ERAS protocol and enteral nutrition support(ELENTAL®or ENEVO®)might be feasible and prevent malnutrition in patients after esophagectomy.

[A Case of Resected Superior Sulcus Tumor with Pathological Complete Response after Trimodality Therapy].

The current case was 73-year-oldwoman. She was referredto our hospital for an abnormal shadow of chest X-ray in the upper right lung field. Chest CT showed 3.5 cm of tumor located at the apex of right lobe with invasion of the chest wall. The tumor was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma using CT guided needle biopsy(superior sulcus tumor, clinical T3N0M0, Stage II B). The neoadjuvant therapy, 4 courses of chemotherapy(CBDCA plus PTX)andconcurrent radiotherapy(45 Gy/25 Fr)was performed. Chest CT revealed that tumor size was decreased to 2.3 cm in a diameter, and therapeutic effect was decided as partial response(34%). Upper right lobectomy combinedwith the chest wall(1th to 3th ribs)andmed iastinal lymph node dissection were performed. The pathological specimens showed no residual cancer cells(Ef3, pathological complete response[pCR]). She discharged without complications at 10 days after surgery. It is important to collect cases which obtainedpCR for development of more effective preoperative therapy.

[A Case of Advanced Esophageal Cancer Successfully Treated with Multidisciplinary Therapy].

We report a case of advanced esophageal cancer that was successfully treated using chemotherapy, operation, and chemoradiotherapy. A 66-year-old man with advanced esophageal cancer(Mt, O-Is, T4[N0.7-stomach], N2, M0, Stage III)was administered chemotherapy(docetaxel[DOC], cisplatin[CDDP], and 5-fluorouracil[5-FU]: DCF). As the esophageal tumor achieved complete clinical response after 2 courses of chemotherapy, lymph node dissection and proximal gastrectomy were performed for the residual tumor. Abdominal CT 3 months after surgery revealed lymph node swelling. He was diagnosed with lymph node metastasis and was administered chemoradiotherapy. After chemoradiotherapy, liver metastasis was revealed, and he underwent immune checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. Despite the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors, the liver metastasis developed, so he was treated with S-1 chemotherapy. S-1 chemotherapy resulted in a favorable response, and almost all metastatic lesions decreased. The patient is alive 12 months after S-1 chemotherapy without any signs of tumor regrowth.

[Analysis of Patients Who Received Enteral Nutrition in the Course of Chemotherapy].

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-related adverse events can deteriorate the quality of life, as well as chemotherapy tolerance, for patients with gastric cancer. Nutritional support may prevent chemotherapy-related adverse events. METHODS: Five patients who received chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer were prescribed enteral nutrition(Elental®or ENEVO®). We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of chemotherapy while receiving enteral nutrition. RESULTS: All patients consumed more than one bottle of enteral nutrition during chemotherapy. Median progression-free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS)were 166 days(100-349)and 328 days(115-431), respectively. Major Grade 3 or 4 adverse events included neutropenia(0%), anemia(40%), and diarrhea(20%). The prognostic nutritional index(PNI)was higher than 40, and the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio(NLR)was lower than 3 over the course of chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional support for gastric cancer patients receiving chemotherapy is feasible. There was a low incidence of chemotherapy-related hematological toxicity, with a relatively longer PFS in patients receiving enteral nutrition.

[A Case of Large Rectal Villous Adenoma Associated with Tenesmus and Body Weight Loss].

The patient was a 78-year-old man who was hospitalized with a 1-month history of tenesmus and body weight loss. Blood tests revealed a mild increase in tumor markers(CEA 9.7 ng/mL)and an elevation of the inflammatory response. Colonoscopic examination disclosed a full circular lateral spreading tumor(LST)extending from the second Houston valve to the rectosigmoidal region with a more than 10 cm length. Since invasion to the SM layer was suspected, endoscopic resection was judged inapplicable and laparoscopic low anterior resection with D2 lymph node dissection was performed, along with covering ileostomy. The final pathology diagnosis was villous adenoma with carcinoma in adenoma, showing multiple villous structures categorized as high dysplasia. Postoperatively, he was free from tenesmus and his body weight increased. In addition, normalization of the tumor markers occurred.

[Analysis of 5-Fluorouracil and Leucovorin Combined with Weekly Paclitaxel in Advanced Gastric Cancer].

PURPOSE: Advanced gastric cancer patients with malignant ascites cannot tolerate S-1 plus cisplatin-containing therapy. The good toxicity profile of the FLTAX regimen(5-fluorouracil[5-FU]and Leucovorin[l-LV]combined with weekly paclitaxel) might make it a viable alternative treatment for these patients. We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of FLTAX in advanced gastric cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with advanced gastric cancer with malignant ascites were treated with 60mg/m2 paclitaxel, followed by 500 mg/m2 5-FU and 250 mg/m2 l-LV on days 1, 8, and 15. Treatment courses were repeated every 28 days. Patients were treated in our hospital from 2014 to 2016. RESULTS: Three advanced gastric cancer patients with malignant ascites received the FLTAX regimen. The median age was 66 years(range 58-66). The median number of treatment courses was 2(range 1-20). The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 55(95%CI 24-.)and 272(95%CI 108-.)days, respectively. Observed Grade 3-4 adverse events were as follows: hyponatremia(1), anorexia(1), upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage(1), and thromboembolic event(1). No treatment-related death occurred. CONCLUSION: FLTAX demonstrated an acceptable toxicity profile, and may be a good option for gastric cancer patients with malignant ascites.

[A Case of Splenic-Hilum Lymph Node Recurrence after Spleen Preserving Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy].

A 69-year-old man was diagnosed with a large type 3, cT4bN2M0, cStage III c advanced gastric cancer located at the lesser curvature of the upper stomach. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 plus CDDP was administered, and partial response was obtained after 2 courses. Subsequently, spleen preserving total gastrectomy with partial hepatectomy was performed. The final pathological diagnosis was UM, Less, yType 3, por1, ypT4b(SI liver), was ly2, v1, ypN2, M0, pStage III c, R0. Adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 was administered; however, 5 months after the surgery, splenic-hilum lymph node recurrence was detected. Chemotherapy with CPT-11 plus CDDP was administered and a salvage operation was planned when the response to treatment was nonCR or nonPD. After 6 courses of chemotherapy, the treatment response was PR. Nine months after the first operation, spleno-pancreatic tail resection combined with partial hepatectomy was performed. The patient is currently disease-free without chemotherapy.

[A Case of Laparoscopic Resection of a Lymph Node Recurrence after Surgery for Descending Colon Cancer].

The patient was an 81-year-old woman who underwent laparoscopic anterior resection for her descending colon cancer with final pathology results of tub2, pT3(SS), int, INFb, ly0, v1, EX(-), no lymph metastasis, and fStage II . She was followed up without adjuvant chemotherapy. Six months after the surgery, a CT scan revealed a tumor shadow 8mm in diameter near the clip fixed around the inferior mesenteric vein(IMV). After another 3 months, the tumor size increased to 11mm and it was diagnosed as a recurrence. Chemotherapy with capecitabine and bevacizumab was carried out for 6 months. Since her treatment response was judged as PR and no other recurrence was found, a local resection was planned. In order to identify the exact location of the recurrent lesion, a small laparotomy was performed at first to identify the tumor via palpation. A laparoscopic surgery was then performed to remove the recurrent lesion. Based on a pathological examination, the tumor was diagnosed as a lymph node recurrence and the histological response was judged as Grade 1b. A laparoscopic approach is technically feasible even for resection of recurrent lesions.

[A Case of Laparoscopic Transhiatal Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer after Chemoradiotherapy].

Patients with esophageal cancer often have various comorbidities, and these sometimes limit treatment choices. We report a case of esophageal cancer surgically treated using laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy after chemoradiotherapy in an elderly man with interstitial lung disease. A 77-year-old man who had undergone upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examination was admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of esophageal cancer and interstitial lung disease. We diagnosed T4 esophageal cancer, and administered chemoradiotherapy. The chemoradiotherapy reduced the size of the tumor, but an esophageal stricture remained. A non-transthoracic approach was thought to be an appropriate choice for a patient at high risk for postoperative respiratory complications. Laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy was performed safely and successfully. In the postoperative course, temporary tracheotomy was necessary, but the tracheotomy tube was ultimately removed, after which he was able to consume food.

[Analysis of Short-Term Outcomes after Laparoscopy-Assisted Pylorus-Preserving Gastrectomy].

BACKGROUND: Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy(PPG)has long been used for the treatment of early gastric cancer, and its survival benefits, postoperative symptoms, and functional outcomes have already been reported in several studies. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term outcomes after LAPPG in our hospital. METHODS: Ten patients with early gastric cancer underwent LAPPG from 2013 to 2015 in our hospital. Their short-term outcomes after LAPPG were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: No intraoperative complications were observed, and no patient required conversion to open surgery or reoperation. At 1 year after the operation, the relative body weight(present/preoperative)of the patients was 94.8%, and the incidence of nausea, diarrhea, abdominal fullness, and vomiting was, each, 1 in 7. CONCLUSION: The short-term results show that LAPPG seems to be beneficial in terms of postoperative symptoms and functional outcomes.

[A Case of Curatively Resected Locally Advanced Cancer of the Pancreatic Body Treated by Distal Pancreatectomy with En Bloc Celiac Axis Resection after Preoperative Intensive Treatment].

A 70-year-old woman with locally advanced pancreatic body cancer invading the celiac axis underwent 4 courses of preoperative chemotherapy consisting of gemcitabine(GEM)plus nab-paclitaxel(nab-PTX)on days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 weeks, followed by radiation therapy(CRT; 50.4Gy delivered in 28 daily fractions). The tumor size was greatly diminished and levels of all tumor markers were decreased. R0resection by distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection(DP-CAR)was performed. The histopathologic findings showed that the effect of CRT was grade 2b(Evans' classification), and the surgical margins were histologically clear. After the surgery, S-1 was administered continuously. The patient shows no signs of recurrence 1 year after surgery.

[A Case of HER2-Positive Advanced Gastric Cancer with a Pathological Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with S-1/CDDP/Trastuzumab].

A 61-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of epigastric pain. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a type 2 tumor at the gastric antrum, which was diagnosed as gastric adenocarcinoma (tub1) by pathological examination and was HER2 positive 3+ by the IHC method. Abdominal computed tomography revealed multiple metastases to regional lymph nodes (LNs), including bulky nodes at No. 3, 6, and 11p stations. In particular, No. 6 LN was 43 mm in diameter and had invaded to the pancreas. The clinical stage was Ⅲc (T4aN3M0) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy was conducted using S-1/CDDP/trastuzumab. After 2 cycles of chemotherapy, a partial clinical response was obtained and distal gastrectomy with LN dissection (D2 plus No. 16 LN) was performed. The pathological specimens showed no residual cancer cells in the stomach and LNs (Grade 3: pCR). Adjuvant chemotherapy was not administered. The patient is alive 10 months after the surgery with no evidence of recurrence.

[A Case of Conversion Surgery after Long-Term Chemotherapy for Advanced Gastric Carcinoma with Synchronous Distant Metastasis].

We report the case of a patient who underwent conversion surgery after long-term chemotherapy for advanced gastric carcinoma with synchronous distant metastasis. She was admitted to our hospital because of back pain and elevated serum ALP level. Gastrointestinal endoscopy showed multiple 0-Ⅱa like lesions at the gastric antrum, and a biopsy specimen showed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma negative for HER2. Colonoscopy showed a submucosal tumor at the cecum, and pathological examination revealed metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma. CT revealed regional lymph node metastasis, bilateral ovarian tumors, and systemic bone absorption indicating metastasis. Systemic chemotherapy with cisplatin and S-1 was carried out, and complete resolution of gastric and colic lesions was obtained. Afterwards, a new gastric lesion appeared with re-growth of regional lymph nodes and bilateral ovarian tumors. Distal gastrectomy with D2 dissection and bilateral ovariectomy was performed 2 years 6 months after the initial therapy. Although systemic chemotherapy is the standard treatment for advanced gastric carcinoma with distant metastasis, surgical resection can be justified when drug-resistant lesions are localized and conversion surgery is feasible. Postoperative chemotherapy is mandatory to prolong survival.

[A Case of Rectal Cancer Successfully Treated with Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Liver and Lung Metastases].

An 84-year-old patient underwent anterior resection for rectal cancer (RS, T4a, N2, M0, Stage Ⅲb), without adjuvant chemotherapy. Liver metastasis 30 mm in diameter was found in the S7/8 segment 2 years and 6 months after surgery, and segmentectomy of the liver was performed. One year after hepatectomy, lung metastasis 9 mm in diameter was detected in the right S1 lobe. The tumor enlarged after a 2-month follow-up period. We decided to apply stereotactic radiotherapy (50 Gy/10 Fr) to control the lesion. The tumor shrunk and became a scar after treatment. The patient was in good health without any recurrences 7 months after stereotactic radiotherapy. Surgical resection is an optimal method to control lung metastasis from colon cancer when operable; however, there are cases with no indication for surgery due to co-morbidities. Stereotactic radiotherapy can be an effective treatment for lung metastasis from colon cancer when surgery is contraindicated.