Long-Term Clinical Course after Successful Initial Treatment in Patients with Mild Erosive Esophagitis: A Prospective Follow-Up Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the clinical course of patients with healed mild erosive esophagitis and clarify the predictive factors for continuous treatment. METHOD: Fifty-one patients with mild erosive esophagitis who confirmed mucosal healing by endoscopy after initial treatment with vonoprazan (VPZ) were enrolled. The patients continued subsequent treatment of their choice: maintenance therapy with VPZ 10 mg (n = 15), on-demand therapy with VPZ 20 mg (n = 19), or no medication (n = 17). Each patient was prospectively followed up for over 2 years, and the treatment was switched to other options appropriately according to their symptoms. RESULTS: During the mean follow-up period of 3.1 years (range: 2.0-3.9 years), 2 patients who chose maintenance therapy switched to on-demand therapy. One patient who chose on-demand therapy switched to maintenance therapy, while 3 patients switched to no medication. Recurrence of symptoms occurred in 9 patients who chose no medication. They were administered maintenance therapy and five of them were subsequently switched to on-demand therapy. Ultimately, the proportion of patients receiving each treatment was 35.3% (18/51) for maintenance therapy, 43.1% (22/51) for on-demand therapy, and 21.6% (11/51) for no medication. A predictive factor for the need for continuous treatment was the presence of esophageal hiatal hernia (odds ratio: 6.03, 95% confidence interval: 1.43-25.3, p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Among patients with healed mild erosive esophagitis, 78.4% required continuous treatment with VPZ, while 21.6% remained symptom free with no medication. On-demand therapy was the most common treatment, and continuous treatment may be recommended for patients with esophageal hiatal hernia.

[A case of retrograde intussusception due to transverse colon cancer detected by abdominal ultrasonography].

A 78-year-old female patient presented to our hospital with abdominal pain and melena. Abdominal ultrasonography detected a multiple concentric ring sign and retrograde invagination mass near the hepatic flexure. Colonoscopy revealed a 40-mm diameter type 1 tumor in the transverse colon near the splenic flexure, and the biopsy specimen demonstrated a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. Retrograde intussusception due to transverse colon cancer was diagnosed, and laparoscopic transverse colon resection with lymph node dissection was performed. The resected specimen revealed a 48×40mm diameter type 1 tumor in the transverse colon and was diagnosed as pT2N0M0 pStage I. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography was unavailable, but real-time assessment of the invaginated mass and bowel blood flow was possible by abdominal ultrasonography, which was useful in determining the diagnosis and treatment strategy.

Efficacy and safety comparison of scissor-type knives with needle-type knives for colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection: a post-hoc propensity score-matched analysis (with videos).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Many knives have been developed to improve the efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of scissor-type knives for colorectal ESD compared with needle-type knives. METHODS: We performed a post-hoc propensity score-matched analysis in an 11-facility study between August 2013 and December 2018. A total of 2330 patients (2498 lesions) who underwent colorectal ESD were divided into needle-type (1923 patients, 2067 lesions) and scissor-type (407 patients, 431 lesions) knife groups. Short-term outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Two-to-one propensity score-matched analysis identified 814 (709 patients) and 407 (386 patients) lesions in the needle- and scissor-type knife groups, respectively. The median resection speed was significantly faster in the needle-type group (18.3 mm2/min) than in the scissor-type group (13.2 mm2/min, P < .0001), whereas en-bloc and histologic complete resection rates were not significantly different between the needle- and scissor-type groups (96.8% [788/814] vs 98.3% [400/407], P = .1888 and 95.1% [774/814] vs 95.6% [389/407], P = .7763, respectively). The rate of lesions resected using a single knife was significantly higher in the scissor-type group (98.5% [401/407]) than in the needle-type group (43.9% [357/814], P < .0001). Rates of intraoperative perforation and delayed bleeding were significantly lower in the scissor-type group than in the needle-type group (.7% [3/407] vs 2.5% [20/814], P = .0431 for each). CONCLUSIONS: Scissor-type knives are safer for colorectal ESD. However, they are associated with slower resection speeds compared with needle-type knives. (Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000016197.).

Factors for conversion risk of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become a widely accepted treatment method for colorectal tumors; however, there are some persistent problems. This multi-center study aimed to characterize the risk factors for incomplete resection and perforation in standardized colorectal ESD procedures. METHODS: This study included 2423 consecutive patients who underwent ESD for 2592 colorectal tumors between August 2013 and December 2018 at 11 institutions (1 academic hospital and 10 affiliated hospitals) from the Hiroshima GI Endoscopy Research Group. We evaluated the risk factors for interruption, piecemeal resection, and perforation of standardized colorectal ESD in relation to clinicopathologic and endoscopic characteristics. RESULTS: The incidences of interruption, piecemeal resection, and perforation were 0.7%, 2.9%, and 3.0%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified the following risk factors for interruption: perforation during the procedure, deep submucosal invasion (> 1000 µm), poor scope operability, and severe submucosal fibrosis. The risk factors for piecemeal resection included poor scope operability, severe submucosal fibrosis, and procedure time (≥ 85 min). The risk factors for perforation during the procedure were severe submucosal fibrosis, poor scope operability, procedure time (≥ 85 min), and tumor size (≥ 40 mm). Independent risk factors for severe submucosal fibrosis included a history of biopsy and lesions located on the fold or flexure. CONCLUSIONS: Severe submucosal fibrosis and poor scope operability are the common risk factors for interruption, piecemeal resection, and perforation in standardized colorectal ESD.

Indications and outcomes of colorectal hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection: a large multicenter 10-year study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a colorectal lesion resection procedure that includes both planned and salvage procedures. Previous colorectal hybrid ESD studies have involved single institutions or few operators over a short timeframe, and the size for indication has not been established. In this multicentre study, we investigated the clinical outcomes of hybrid ESD for colorectal tumors that met the 30 mm lesion size criterion. METHODS: From January 2008 to December 2018, colorectal hybrid ESD was performed for 172 lesions (diameter range, ≥ 20- < 30 mm) at Hiroshima GI Endoscopy Research Group. We compared clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes between 56 and 116 lesions in planned and salvage groups, respectively. We also compared data between 2008 and 2013 (the first period) and 2014 and 2018 (the second period) to assess operator experience. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the complete en bloc resection rate between the planned and salvage groups (92.9% vs. 83.6%, respectively). Procedure time was shorter in the planned group (44.5 min) than in the salvage group (72.0 min, p < 0.01). The perforation rate was higher in the salvage group (21.6%) than in the planned group (0%, p < 0.01); however, the perforation rate during snaring in the salvage group was 1.8%. During the second period relative to the first period, we recorded a significantly higher complete en bloc resection rate (95.7% vs. 75.6%, respectively, p < 0.01) and experienced operator rate (75.5% vs. 53.9%, respectively, p < 0.01). Furthermore, no significant difference was found in the complete en bloc resection rate between the planned and salvage groups during the second period (100% vs. 94.4%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Colorectal hybrid ESD, especially salvage hybrid ESD performed by experienced operators, is adoptable and safe for lesions with diameters ranging from ≥ 20 to < 30 mm.

Salvage endoscopic submucosal dissection for local residual/recurrent colorectal tumor after endoscopic resection: Large multicenter 10-year study.

OBJECTIVES: For local residual/recurrent and endoscopic resection (ER) interrupted colorectal tumors, endoscopic retreatment is often difficult due to severe submucosal fibrosis. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can achieve en bloc resection, even for tumors with severe submucosal fibrosis, although it is a risk factor for incomplete resection and perforation. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of colorectal ESD for local residual/recurrent tumors including ER interrupted tumors from a large multicenter study. METHODS: From January 2008 until December 2018, 3,937 colorectal tumors were resected by ESD at the Hiroshima GI Endoscopy Research Group. From this group, 81 local residual/recurrent tumors and 21 ER interrupted tumors were included. We analyzed ESD outcomes, particularly the difference between the early and late phases and re-recurrence after ESD for local residual/recurrent tumors. RESULTS: For local residual/recurrent tumors, en bloc and R0 resection rates were 95% (77/81) and 90% (73/81), respectively. The intraoperative perforation rate was 6% (5/81), and one patient required surgery. The delayed perforation rate was 2% (2/81), and one patient required surgery. For ER interrupted tumors, both the en bloc and R0 resection rates were 86% (18/21), with no major adverse events. For local residual/recurrent and ER interrupted tumors, the intraoperative perforation rate was significantly lower in the late phase compared with the early phase. Following curative resection for local residual/recurrent tumors, no local re-recurrences occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal ESD is an effective treatment for local residual/recurrent and ER interrupted tumors.

Efficacy of vonoprazan 10 mg compared with 20 mg for the initial treatment in patients with erosive esophagitis: a randomized pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to investigate the efficacy of vonoprazan 10 mg compared with 20 mg in patients with erosive esophagitis. METHOD: Seventy-three patients with erosive esophagitis were randomly divided into two groups either vonoprazan 20 mg (n = 37) or 10 mg (n = 36). They were administered each dose for 4 weeks as the initial treatment followed by maintenance treatment with 10 mg for 8 weeks. The primary endpoints were mucosal healing rate and symptom relief at 4 weeks. The secondary endpoint was symptom relief at 12 weeks after the maintenance treatment. Mucosal healing was assessed endoscopically, and symptom relief was assessed using the FSSG score. RESULTS: At 4 weeks, the endoscopic healing rates of the 20 mg and 10 mg groups were 94.6% and 94.4%, respectively. The FSSG scores of the 20 mg and 10 mg groups were significantly decreased in both treatment groups from 13 (4-39) to 4 (0-25) and 14 (4-40) to 3 (0-29), respectively. At 12 weeks, the scores further decreased to 2 (0-13) and 2 (0-26), respectively. The vonoprazan 10 mg group showed a similar therapeutic effect to the 20 mg group in mucosal healing at 4 weeks and in symptom relief throughout the study period. When stratified by esophagitis grading, these findings were still demonstrated in grade A/B patients but not in grade C/D patients. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that initial treatment with vonoprazan 10 mg might be useful especially in patients with mild erosive esophagitis. Large controlled studies are warranted to confirm our investigation.

Real-world learning curve analysis of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection: a large multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The current status of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) performed by endoscopists without colorectal ESD experience is unknown. This study evaluated the quality of colorectal ESD performed by endoscopists without colorectal ESD experience. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the outcomes of 420 consecutive patients with 427 superficial colorectal tumors (male/female, 251/169; mean age, 69 years) who underwent ESD. The procedures were performed by 31 endoscopists without colorectal ESD experience using needle knife-type devices at 13 hospitals from October 2008 to June 2017. Cases were divided into the first and second phases according to the experience of the endoscopist: the first phase included the first 20 cases and the second phase included case 21 and beyond. We also identified factors associated with en bloc resection failure. RESULTS: Rates of colonic tumors, laterally spreading tumors of the non-granular type, poor scope operability, and severe submucosal fibrosis for the first phase were significantly lower than those for the second phase. The en bloc resection rates for the first and second phases were 93% and 96%, respectively. The factors associated with en bloc resection failure were poor scope operability (odds ratio [OR] 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-6.5), severe submucosal fibrosis (OR 6.5; 95% CI 2.6-15.9), and the first 20 cases (OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.2-10.1). CONCLUSION: Inexperienced endoscopists should initially perform colorectal ESD for tumors without severe submucosal fibrosis under good scope operability for at least 20 cases.

Long-term prognosis after treatment for T1 carcinoma of laterally spreading tumors: a multicenter retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Long-term prognosis of T1 laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) after treatment have not been clarified. This study compared clinicopathological characteristics and long-term prognosis of T1 LSTs. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed 169 patients with 169 T1 LSTs between January 1992 and December 2008 by ten hospitals. Patients who did not meet the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum (JSCCR) 2016 guidelines for the treatment of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) criteria were defined as non-endoscopically curable. The number of non-endoscopically curable patients with LST-granular/ nodular mixed (LST-G-M) was 61, that with LST-non-granular/ flat elevated (LST-NG-FE) was 23, and that with LST-non-granular/ pseudo depressed (LST-NG-PD) was 23. Clinicopathological variables and long-term prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS: For overall patients, tumor size, number of non-endoscopically curable cases, and rate of submucosal invasion depth ≥ 1000 µm for the LST-G-M group were significantly higher than those in the other groups. For non-endoscopically curable patients, the tumor size for those with LST-G-M was significantly larger than those in the other groups. The rate of submucosal invasion width ≥ 4000 µm and type B/C muscularis mucosae with LST-G-M was higher than that with LST-NG-FE. All recurrences occurred in non-endoscopically curable patients with LST-G-M. Five-year overall and disease-free survivals for non-endoscopically curable patients with LST-G-M were significantly shorter than those for patients with non-endoscopically curable LST-NG-FE and PD. CONCLUSIONS: Our data supported adequacy of the JSCCR guidelines for the treatment of CRC criteria for endoscopically curable patients after T1 LSTs treatment. Patients with T1 LST-G-M should be followed up more carefully.

[A case of liver metastasis 11 years after resection of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the duodenum].

A 77-year-old Japanese man with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) had undergone a duodenectomy 11 years prior. At that time, he had an incidentally detected left renal cell carcinoma, for which he underwent a nephrectomy and was followed-up at our institution. Twenty-four months after the nephrectomy, a 13-mm low-density mass was found on abdominal computed tomography (CT). Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography indicated an irregular hyperenhancement in the vascular phase and a defect on the post-vascular image. A tumor biopsy for differential diagnosis revealed that the tumor was a GIST. Since positron emission tomography-CT and capsule endoscopy revealed no evidence of a primary lesion, we performed a partial hepatectomy without adjuvant treatment. Microscopic examination revealed that the tumor consisted of uniform spindle cells with a fascicular growth pattern. Immunohistochemical examination revealed c-kit and CD34 expressions, similar to those found in the resected duodenal GIST specimen 11 years prior. We diagnosed metastatic liver tumor from the duodenal GIST resected 11 years prior. The patient remains alive without disease recurrence 24 months after the hepatectomy. Long-term surveillance is required after resection of a high-risk primary GIST.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal tumors: a large multicenter retrospective study from the Hiroshima GI Endoscopy Research Group.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although advanced high-volume centers have reported good outcomes of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), a limited number of highly skilled experts in specialized institutions performed these procedures. We undertook a retrospective multicenter survey, which included nonspecialized hospitals, to investigate the clinical outcomes of colorectal ESD. METHODS: We recruited 1233 consecutive patients with 1259 colorectal tumors resected by ESD at 12 institutions. We evaluated the en bloc resection rate, histologic complete resection rate, curative (R0) resection rate, adverse events, and the long-term prognoses, including local recurrence, metachronous tumor development, and survival rate. RESULTS: The en bloc, histologic complete, and R0 resection rates were 92.6%, 87.4%, and 83.7%, respectively. The delayed bleeding, intraoperative perforation, and delayed perforation rates were 3.7%, 3.4%, and .4%, respectively. The long-term outcomes analysis included 1091 patients (88.4%). Local recurrences occurred in 1.7%, and metachronous tumors (>5 mm) developed in 11.0% of the patients. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 95.1% and 92.3%, respectively. The number of colonic tumors, severe submucosal fibrosis, and en bloc resection rates were significantly higher in the high-volume centers (Group H) than those in the low-volume centers (Group L). The average tumor size in Group H was significantly larger than that in Group L. CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal ESDs are feasible, have acceptable adverse event risks, and favorable long-term prognoses. (Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000016197.).

[A Case of HER2-Positive Advanced Gastric Cancer with Multiple Liver Metastases Effectively Treated with Trastuzumab, Capecitabine, and Cisplatin Combination Therapy].

We reported a case of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)-positive advanced gastric cancer with multiple liver metastases that responded well to a combination of trastuzumab, capecitabine, and cisplatin(T-XP therapy)as first-line chemotherapy. A 73-year-old man was admitted to our hospital in December 2012 for liver dysfunction. Based on computed tomography(CT)and gastroendoscopy findings, he was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer with multiple liver metastases. Because HER2 protein overexpression was observed in the primary tumor, he was treated with T-XP therapy. After 5 courses of treatment, the sizes of the primary tumor and multiple liver metastases were reduced on CT scans. In March 2013, a Billroth I distal gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection was performed. Liver metastasis was not detected. No residual cancer cells were found in the stomach or lymph nodes. The patient subsequently received oral administration of S-1 alone for 2 weeks followed by a 2-week rest period as 1 course. This was repeated for 19 courses. The postoperative course was uneventful, and there was no detectable liver metastasis 36 months after the original diagnosis. Therefore, T-XP therapy is an option for the management of HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer with liver metastasis.

[A case of advanced gastric cancer with carcinomatous pericarditis effectively treated by S-1/CDDP combined therapy].

The patient was a 48-year-old woman, admitted for pleural effusion detected on chest X-ray in July 2005. Computer tomography(CT)scan showed massive pericardial and pleural effusion. We performed pericardial drainage, and the cytological diagnosis of the pericardial effusion was class V. Because endoscopic examination revealed advanced gastric cancer, we diagnosed it as gastric cancer complicated with carcinomatous pericarditis. The serum tissue polypeptide antigen(TPA) level was markedly elevated. In August 2005, we started combination chemotherapy using oral S-1(100mg/body/day; day 1- 21)and intravenous CDDP(100mg/body/day; day 8)for 5 weeks. After 2 courses, TPA was reduced and pericardial effusion disappeared. However, after 3 courses, pericardial effusion recurred. We changed treatment to weekly docetaxel. After 2 courses, we changed it to paclitaxel/CDDP. However, TPA was increased and pleural effusion and dyspnea occurred. There- fore, we changed to a course of combination chemotherapy using oral S-1(100mg/body/day; day 1-14)and intravenous CPT-11(100mg/body/day; day 1 and 8)for 4 weeks from March 2006. After 10 courses, we were unable to control pleural effusion, and dyspnea recurred. She died in December 2006. Gastric cancer complicated with carcinomatous pericarditis has a poor prognosis, but systemic chemotherapy mainly with S-1 was effective.

Regression of Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma Arising From the Nonampullary Descending Part of the Duodenum by Treatment With Antibiotics in a Helicobacter pylori-Negative Patient.

We report a 63-year-old male, Helicobacter pylori-negative patient with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the second part of the duodenum that regressed after antibiotic treatment. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) showed flat elevation with shallow depression on the contralateral side of the ampulla of Vater. The lesion was limited to the duodenal second part. The patient had a history of Helicobacter pylori positivity, with successful eradication at 41 years of age. Twelve months after vonoprazan (VPZ)-based antibiotic treatment, the duodenal lesion had obviously regressed, and the pathological diagnosis was complete histological response (ChR). This case suggests that certain bacteria may promote the development of duodenal MALT lymphoma.

Evaluation of individual risk in nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding patients with NSAID administration: a multicenter study in Japan.

BACKGROUNDS: Gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity is an undesirable effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). We conducted a multicenter study in Japan to clarify the GI risk grade in patients with NSAID-induced GI bleeding. METHODS: Patients with emergent endoscopic hemostasis by nonvariceal bleeding were registered from 36 hospitals in Hiroshima. In cases with NSAID use, the GI risk grade (low, moderate, or high) was evaluated, and concomitant drugs were investigated. We asked 79 gastroenterologists and 234 orthopedists what concomitant drugs they would prescribe to 3 simulated patients. RESULTS: A total of 1,350 patients were registered. NSAIDs were used in 278 cases (21%). Concerning the risk grade in each patient, the largest group was the moderate-risk group (203 patients; 73%), while the high-risk group comprised 10% of all NSAID users with bleeding. A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or misoprostol was administrated to only 20 patients (7%). A small number of the gastroenterologists and orthopedists who responded to the questionnaire would prescribe PPI or misoprostol to simulated patients with short-term loxoprofen use. CONCLUSIONS: In NSAID users with GI bleeding, the moderate-risk group was the largest group for GI toxicity in Japan. In these cases, PPI or misoprostol was not commonly medicated in clinical practice.

Predictive factors for the progression of primary localized stage small-bowel follicular lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Primary small-bowel follicular lymphoma (FL) is mainly diagnosed as a duodenal lesion during esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Recently, with the widespread use of small-bowel endoscopy, FL in the jejunum and ileum has been detected. Most patients with small-bowel FL are diagnosed at the localized stage, and a watch-and-wait policy is used. However, the predictive factors for the progression of small-bowel FL have not been clarified. This study retrospectively examined the predictive factors for the progression of primary localized stage small-bowel FL based on clinicopathological and endoscopic findings. METHODS: We enrolled 60 consecutive patients with primary small-bowel FL diagnosed at two tertiary hospitals between January 2005 and December 2020, with localized stage, low grade, and low tumor burden with the watch-and-wait policy. We examined the predictive factors for progression according to the clinicopathological and endoscopic findings. Endoscopic findings were focused on the color tone, circumferential location of follicular lesions (circumference ≥ 1/2 or < 1/2), fusion of follicular lesions (fusion [ +] or [ -]), and protruded lesions (≥ 6 mm or < 6 mm). RESULTS: Progressive disease was observed in 12 (20%) patients (mean observation period, 76.4 ± 55.4 months). In the multivariate analysis, "circumference ≥ 1/2" and "fusion (+)" were significant predictive factors for progression. According to the Kaplan-Meier analysis, progression-free survival was significantly shorter in the "circumference ≥ 1/2" and/or "fusion (+)" group than in the "circumference < 1/2" and "fusion ( -)" group. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic findings of "circumference ≥ 1/2" and "fusion (+)" were significant predictive factors for the progression of primary localized stage small-bowel FL.

[A case of drug-induced interstitial pneumonia caused by S-1 and CPT-11 combination therapy for advanced colon cancer].

The patient was a 77-year-old woman admitted for nausea and abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) revealed advanced ascending colon cancer with liver metastasis. After operation, we started combination chemotherapy of S-1 and irinotecan (CPT-11); S-1(80 mg/m²) administered orally for consecutive days followed by 14 days rest.CPT -11 (100 mg/m²) was given as a 2-hour infusion on day 1 and 15. The patient complained of high fever and subsequent dyspnea with severe hypoxemia after the first course of combination chemotherapy of S-1 and CPT-11.CT scan showed diffuse interstitial lesions with ground glass opacity on both lungs. Steroid pulse therapy with oxygen therapy remarkably improved her symptoms, and abnormal findings on CT scan also resolved. Drug lymphocyte stimulation test was positive against S-1 and negative against CPT-11. These findings were consistent with S-1-induced lung injury. Drug -induced pneumonia needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis when patients treated with S-1 and CPT-11 combination therapy present high fever and dyspnea.

Successful closure with covered self-expandable metal stent for severe anastomotic leakage in the cervical esophagus.

Anastomotic leakage is one of the major complications of esophageal surgery with a high mortality rate and significant morbidity. We describe a case of severe anastomotic leakage close to the hypopharynx after esophageal cancer resection. Despite the conservative management with external drainage, the severe leak did not improve. A fully covered self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) with short flares, which was designed for the cervical esophagus, was subsequently placed bridging the anastomosis to seal the fistula. The post-procedural course was uneventful, and the stent was endoscopically removed after three weeks without any complications. The patient was discharged home three weeks after the stent removal. Our results suggest that placement of fully covered SEMS with short flares may be a safe and effective treatment in this condition of patients.

Clinical and endoscopic features of responders and non-responders to adsorptive leucocytapheresis: a report based on 120 patients with active ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Elevated/activated myeloid leucocytes, like the CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes are sources of TNF-α, and therefore, selective depletion of these cells by granulocyte/monocyte (GM) adsorption (GMA) should promote remission or enhance drug efficacy. However, studies in ulcerative colitis (UC) reported contrasting efficacy, from an 85% to statistically insignificant level. We investigated patients' demography in responders and non-responders. METHODS: In 120 UC patients, 61 steroid naive and 59 steroid dependent, we looked for entry clinical or endoscopic features to identify responders (or non-responders) to GMA. Patients received up to an 11 Adacolumn GMA sessions over 12 weeks. Patients were clinically and endoscopically evaluated, allowing each patient to serve as her/his own control. Immunohistochemistry on colonic biopsies was to reveal the impact of GMA on leucocyte infiltration of the mucosa. RESULTS: Entry average clinical activity index (CAI) was 12.6, 10-16. An 80 of 120 patients responded (CAI≤4); 45 steroid naïve (73.8%) and 35 steroid dependent (59.3%). Over 900 biopsies were processed. Infiltrating leucocytes were overwhelmingly polymorphonuclear and macrophages around and within crypt abscesses. There was a marked reduction of infiltrating leucocytes in responders. Most non-responders had extensive colonic lesions with virtually no mucosal tissue left at the lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Steroid naïve patients with short duration of UC were the best responders, while patients with deep colonic lesions and extensive loss of the mucosal tissue were non-responders.

[A case of effective chemotherapy using S-1 and CPT-11 following chemoradiotherapy with UFT and Leucovorin for unresectable advanced sigmoid colon cancer].

The patient was a 75-year-old man who was admitted because of diarrhea and anemia. Endoscopic examination revealed advanced sigmoid colon cancer. Serum CEA levels were markedly elevated. In July 2007, surgery was performed, but the sigmoid colon cancer was unresectable. After surgery, the patient was treated with chemotherapy and concurrent radiotherapy. The chemotherapy consisted of oral UFT (420 mg/body/day)and Leucovorin (75 mg/body/day) administered for 6 weeks. Radiotherapy at 2 Gy/day was administered 30 times (total dose 60 Gy). The tumor decreased slightly in size and serum CEA levels also decreased. The patient refused surgery as an additional therapy. In August 2007, we started combination chemotherapy using oral S-1 (100 mg/body/day, day 1-14) and intravenous CPT-11 (140 mg/body/day, day 1 and 15) as one course for 4 weeks. After 4 courses, serum CEA levels were normal, the sigmoid colon cancer was not found by endoscopy and a biopsy specimen revealed no malignant cells. Moreover, after 8 courses, the tumor disappeared, as confirmed by computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography-CT, representing a complete response. Chemoradiotherapy using UFT and Leucovorin, and chemotherapy consisting of S-1 and CPT-11 as an additional therapy may be effective for treating unresectable advanced sigmoid colon cancer.