Histological differentiation between sporadic and colitis-associated intestinal cancer in a nationwide study: A propensity-score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Colitis-associated intestinal cancer (CAC) can develop in patients with inflammatory bowel disease; however, the malignant grade of CAC may differ from that of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, we compared histological findings distinct from cancer stage between CAC and sporadic CRC to evaluate the features of CAC. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical and histological data collected from a nationwide database in Japan between 1983 and 2020. Patient characteristics were compared to distinguish ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD), and sporadic CRC. Comparisons were performed by using all collected data and propensity score-matched data. RESULTS: A total of 1077 patients with UC-CAC, 297 with CD-CAC, and 136 927 with sporadic CRC were included. Although the prevalence of well or moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (Tub1 and Tub2) decreased according to tumor progression for all diseases (P < 0.01), the prevalence of other histological findings, including signet ring cell carcinoma, mucinous carcinoma, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma, was significantly higher in CAC than in sporadic CRC. Based on propensity score-matched data for 982 patients with UC and 268 with CD, the prevalence of histological findings other than Tub1 and Tub2 was also significantly higher in those with CAC. At pT4, mucinous carcinoma occurred at a significantly higher rate in patients with CD (45/86 [52.3%]) than in those with sporadic CRC (13/88 [14.8%]) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: CAC, including early-stage CAC, has a higher malignant grade than sporadic CRC, and this difference increases in significance with tumor progression.

Crohn's Disease-Associated Anorectal Cancer Has a Poor Prognosis With High Local Recurrence: A Subanalysis of the Nationwide Japanese Study.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major life-threatening complications in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Previous studies of CD-associated CRC (CD-CRC) have involved only small numbers of patients, and no large series have been reported from Asia. The aim of this study was to clarify the prognosis and clinicopathological features of CD-CRC compared with sporadic CRC. METHODS: A large nationwide database was used to identify patients with CD-CRC (n = 233) and sporadic CRC (n = 129,783) over a 40-year period, from 1980 to 2020. Five-year overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and clinicopathological characteristics were investigated. The prognosis of CD-CRC was further evaluated in groups divided by colon cancer and anorectal cancer (RC). Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to adjust for confounding by unbalanced covariables. RESULTS: Compared with sporadic cases, patients with CD-CRC were younger; more often had RC, multiple lesions, and mucinous adenocarcinoma; and had lower R0 resection rates. Five-year OS was worse for CD-CRC than for sporadic CRC (53.99% vs 71.17%, P < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that CD was associated with significantly poorer survival (hazard ratio 2.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.54-3.62, P < 0.0001). Evaluation by tumor location showed significantly worse 5-year OS and RFS of CD-RC compared with sporadic RC. Recurrence was identified in 39.57% of CD-RC cases and was mostly local. DISCUSSION: Poor prognosis of CD-CRC is attributable primarily to RC and high local recurrence. Local control is indispensable to improving prognosis.

Effect of Biologics on the Risk of Advanced-Stage Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Associated Intestinal Cancer: A Nationwide Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of biologics on the risk of advanced-stage inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated intestinal cancer from a nationwide multicenter data set. METHODS: The medical records of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) diagnosed with IBD-associated intestinal neoplasia (dysplasia or cancer) from 1983 to 2020 were included in this study. Therapeutic agents were classified into 3 types: biologics, 5-aminosalicylic acid, and immunomodulators. The pathological cancer stage was compared based on the drug used in both patients with CD and UC. RESULTS: In total, 1,042 patients (214 CD and 828 UC patients) were included. None of the drugs were significantly associated with cancer stage in the patients with CD. In the patients with UC, an advanced cancer stage was significantly associated with less use of biologics (early stage: 7.7% vs advanced stage: 2.0%, P < 0.001), 5-aminosalicylic acid, and immunomodulators. Biologic use was associated with a lower incidence of advanced-stage cancer in patients diagnosed by regular surveillance (biologics [-] 24.5% vs [+] 9.1%, P = 0.043), but this was not the case for the other drugs. Multivariate analysis showed that biologic use was significantly associated with a lower risk of advanced-stage disease (odds ratio = 0.111 [95% confidence interval, 0.034-0.356], P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Biologic use was associated with a lower risk of advanced IBD-associated cancer in patients with UC but not with CD. The mechanism of cancer progression between UC and CD may be different and needs to be further investigated.

Long-term results of minimally invasive transanal surgery for rectal tumors in 249 consecutive patients.

PURPOSE: To delineate the long-term results of minimally invasive transanal surgery (MITAS) for selected rectal tumors. METHODS: We analyzed data, retrospectively, on consecutive patients who underwent MITAS between 1995 and 2015, to establish the feasibility, excision quality, and perioperative and oncological outcomes of this procedure. RESULTS: MITAS was performed on 243 patients. The final histology included 142 cancers, 47 adenomas, and 52 neuroendocrine tumors (NET G1). A positive margin of 1.6% and 100% en bloc resection were achieved. The mean operative time was 27.4 min. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 7% of patients, with 0% mortality. The median follow-up was 100 months (up to ≥ 5 years or until death in 91.8% of patients). Recurrence developed in 2.9% of the patients. The 10-year overall survival rate was 100% for patients with NET G1 and 80.3% for those with cancer. The 5-year DFS was 100% for patients with Tis cancer, 90.6% for those with T1 cancer, and 87.5% for those with T2 or deeper cancers. MITAS for rectal tumors ≥ 3 cm resulted in perioperative and oncologic outcomes equivalent to those for tumors < 3 cm. CONCLUSION: MITAS is feasible for the local excision (LE) of selected rectal tumors, including tumors ≥ 3 cm. It reduces operative time and secures excision quality and long-term oncological outcomes.

[A Case of Locally Advanced, Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer with Superior Mesenteric Artery Invasion Treated with FOLFIRINOX plus Radiation Therapy, followed by Conversion Surgery].

We report a case of a woman in her 70s who underwent conversion surgery after FOLFIRINOX, followed by radiation therapy for initially locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer. She visited her local doctor with a chief complaint of upper abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen revealed an irregular mass invading the superior mesenteric artery, and the first and second jejunal arteries(>180°)in the pancreatic uncinate region. Based on imaging, she was diagnosed as UR-LA(sm), cT4N0M0, cStage Ⅲ pancreatic cancer, and underwent 5 courses of modified FOLFIRINOX. Radiation therapy of 50.4 Gy was added for local control, and CA19-9 decreased from 394.1 U/mL to 10.5 U/mL. The treatment effect was judged as RECIST: partial response. The tumor was considered to be potentially curative, and a subtotal stomach preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed 8 months after the initial treatment. The tumor was found to be 3× 2 mm in size, pStage ⅠA, R0, and the response to preoperative chemotherapy: Evans Grade Ⅲ. The patient is alive at 5 months postoperatively without recurrence.

[A Case of Local Recurrent Liver Metastasis from Sigmoid Colon Cancer after Complete Histological Remission, Treated with Rehepatectomy].

We report a case of a patient with sigmoid colon cancer and multiple liver metastases who underwent hepatectomy after chemotherapy and pathological results showed complete remission. However, after chemotherapy was discontinued, the patient developed a local recurrence of the liver metastasis and underwent rehepatectomy. The patient came to our hospital with lower abdominal pain. Colonoscopy revealed a circumferential type Ⅱ, well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy with lymph node dissection was performed. Postoperative CT scan showed multiple liver metastases at S5, S7, and S8. 11 cycles of bevacizumab plus modified FOLFOX(mFOLFOX)were subsequently performed. The liver metastases shrank at all sites, and the patient underwent right hepatectomy. The resected specimen was considered to be in complete remission, with no evidence of viable malignant cells. Postoperatively, bevacizumab plus mFOLFOX was resumed for 6 cycles and the patient remained in remission. However, 3 months after stopping chemotherapy and 1 year and 6 months after hepatectomy, a follow-up CT scan showed local recurrence of the liver edge, and a diagnosis of local recurrence of liver metastasis was made, and a partial hepatectomy was performed. The patient is recurrence-free and resuming modified FOLFOX 9 months after surgery.

The double bipolar method for robotic total mesorectal excision in patients with rectal cancer.

Although meta-analyses and systematic reviews have clarified the benefits of robotic surgery, few studies have focused on robotic rectal surgery (RRS) and the use of Endowrist® instruments. Therefore, we evaluated RRS using the double bipolar method (DBM) and compared its short-term outcomes with those of RRS using the single bipolar method (SBM). This study enrolled 157 consecutive patients and all procedures were performed by the same surgeon and recorded through short video clips. We analyzed the patient demographics and short-term clinical outcomes. Although this observational study has several limitations, the console time for total mesorectal excision using the DBM was significantly shorter than that using the SBM. Although the DBM did not demonstrate a specific learning curve, it was a safe and feasible procedure even for patients with advanced disease. Further studies are needed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the DBM.

Robotic low anterior resection for rectal cancer with side-to-end anastomosis in a patient with anal stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal anastomosis using the double stapling technique (DST) has become a standard procedure. However, DST is difficult to perform in patients with anal stenosis because a circular stapler cannot be inserted into the rectum through the anus. Thus, an alternative procedure is required for colorectal anastomosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 78-year-old woman presented with bloody stool. Colonoscopy and computed tomography revealed advanced low rectal cancer without lymph node or distant metastasis. We initially planned to perform low anterior resection using a double stapling technique or transanal hand-sewn anastomosis, but this would have been too difficult due to anal stenosis and fibrosis caused by a Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy performed 20 years earlier. The patient had never experienced defecation problems and declined a stoma. Therefore, we inserted an anvil into the rectal stump and fixed it robotically with a purse-string suture followed by insertion of the shaft of the circular stapler from the sigmoidal side. In this way, side-to-end anastomosis was accomplished laparoscopically. The distance from the anus to the anastomosis was 5 cm. The patient was discharged with no anastomotic leakage. Robotic assistance proved extremely useful for low anterior resection with side-to-end anastomosis. CONCLUSION: Performing side-to-end anastomosis with robotic assistance was extremely useful in this patient with rectal cancer and anal stenosis.

Outcomes of stapler repair with anastomosis for stoma prolapse.

PURPOSE: The published data on the outcomes of an operative repair for stoma prolapse are limited. This study aimed to clarify the long-term outcomes of stapler repair with anastomosis for stoma prolapse. METHODS: Twenty-four patients (15 men, median age 64 years, range 33-88 years) undergoing 25 stapler repairs with anastomosis were prospectively registered, and their medical records were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The median length of prolapse was 10 cm (range 5-22). Stoma prolapse repair was performed by means of 16 loop colostomies, four end colostomies, three loop ileostomies, and one end ileostomy. A stapler was used 4.6 times on average (range 4-8). The average operative time and bleeding were 40.8 (range 15-75) min and 40 (range 0-214) mL, respectively. No mortality and morbidity were observed after surgery. A recurrence of stoma prolapse was reported in only one of 25 repairs (4%) at the proximal limb of loop ileostomy during a median follow-up period of 1 year (range 1-120 months). However, a new stoma prolapsed in one untreated limb of loop stoma. CONCLUSIONS: Stapler repair with anastomosis is a safe and minimally invasive treatment option for stoma prolapse with a low recurrence. However, the effectiveness of reparing stoma prolapse on the proximal limb of loop ileostomy might be limited.

Transvaginal peritoneocele repair with anterior levatorplasty for patients with a rectocele and an enterocele.

Enteroceles and rectoceles are often identified as the cause of a vaginal mass and pelvic discomfort. The combination of a rectocele and an enterocele as pelvic organ prolapses is not infrequent; however, there are few reports on possible simultaneous treatments of these two conditions. We report a new and simple procedure for repairing an enterocele during a transvaginal anterior levatorplasty with posterior colporrhaphy for a rectocele repair. This technique involves making an excision in the peritoneal sac, with high ligation, and attaching the uterine cervix and/or cardinal ligament to the upper most part of the approximation of the levator muscles, to reinforce and lift the deep peritoneal sac. This procedure allows for transvaginal repair of both an enterocele and a rectocele. The enterocele is visualized by applying barium to the posterior vaginal wall during defecography.

Exfoliated cancer cells during intersphincteric resection for very low rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: To investigate the frequency of exfoliated cancer cells and the efficacy of rectal washout during intersphincteric resection (ISR) in patients not receiving chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for very low rectal cancer. METHOD: The subjects of this prospective study were 16 consecutive patients who underwent ISR without CRT for very low rectal cancer. Brushing cytology of the posterior anorectal wall was performed twice in each step of the ISR procedure and the samples were sent for blind cytological examination to identify exfoliated cancer cells. RESULTS: Exfoliated cancer cells were identified in 9 of 13 patients (69%) preoperatively. The number of cancer cells identified after abdominal total mesorectal dissection decreased significantly from 94% (15/16) to 25% (4/16) after transanal irrigation with 2000 mL saline (p < 0.001). No cancer cells were identified after swabbing the anal wall following transanal dissection with purse-string closure of the distal stump. No suture-line recurrence was found during a median follow-up duration of 6 years. CONCLUSION: Exfoliated cancer cells, confirmed in 94% of patients after total mesorectal excision, could be eliminated by performing rectal irrigation after clamping the rectum proximal to the tumor and swabbing the anorectal wall during ISR.

Short- and long-term outcomes of robotic surgery for rectal cancer: a single-center retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to clarify the short- and long-term outcomes of robotic surgery with or without lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) for rectal cancer at Fujita Health University Hospital, Aichi, Japan, during a self-pay period. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 115 consecutive patients who underwent robotic surgery for rectal cancer between September 2009 and March 2018, with a median follow-up period of 48 months. Total mesorectal excision was completed by two certified surgeons using a da Vinci S, Si, or Xi Surgical System with an entirely robotic single-docking technique. The surgical and pathological outcomes, morbidity, and oncological results were examined. RESULTS: Lateral lymph node dissection was performed in 26 patients (22.6%). Neither conversion to open surgery nor perioperative blood transfusion occurred. Ten patients (8.7%) experienced Clavien-Dindo grade III postoperative complications. Pathologically, both the distal and radial margins were negative in all cases. The 5-year relapse-free survival rates for stages I, II, III, and IV were 93.5%, 100%, 83.8%, and not reached, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Even in the period before coverage by the health insurance system, robotic surgery for rectal cancer performed by experienced surgeons was safe and technically feasible, with favorable perioperative results and long-term oncological outcomes, including rates of the relapse-free survival.

Repeat hepatectomy with systemic chemotherapy might improve survival of recurrent liver metastasis from colorectal cancer-a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Although hepatectomy for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) prolongs survival in up to 40% of people, recurrence rates approach 70%. We used a multidisciplinary approach to treat recurrent liver metastases, including chemotherapy, surgery, and palliative care. On the other hand, development of chemotherapeutic agents is remarkable and improves long-term survival. However, whether chemotherapy and repeat hepatectomy combination therapy improve survival or not is still unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of repeat hepatectomy with systemic chemotherapy for mCRC. METHODS: Following Institutional Review Board approval, we reviewed the records of all patients who underwent hepatectomy for mCRC between 1974 and 2015 at Fujita Health University Hospital. We used the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate overall survival from the first and last hepatectomy in multi hepatectomy cases after 2005 and compared outcomes between groups using the log-rank test. RESULTS: A total of 426 liver resections were performed for mCRC; of these, 236 cases were performed after 2005 (late group). In 118 (50%) cases, the site of recurrence was the liver, 59 (50%) underwent repeat hepatectomy, and 14 cases had ≥ 2 repeat hepatectomies. Overall survival (OS) before and after 2005 was 42.2 and 64.1 months, respectively, with the late group having better OS compared to the early (1974-2004) group. OS for single hepatectomy cases was 83.2 months, for two hepatectomies was 42.9 months, and for three hepatectomies was 35.3 months. In total, 59 patients did not undergo surgery after recurrence with an OS of 28.7 months. Mortality of the second and third repeat hepatectomy was 1.7% and 15.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Repeat hepatectomy with systemic chemotherapy for mCRC is feasible and might achieve improved survival in carefully selected patients.

[Successful Conversion Therapy for Gastric Cancer with Paraaortic Lymph Node Metastasis after SP Therapy-A Case Report].

A 69-year-old woman, who complained of loss of appetite, was admitted to our hospital and diagnosed with clinical Stage Ⅳgastric cancer and paraaortic lymph node metastases(cT4aN3M1[#16b1LYM], cStage Ⅳ). She underwent 2 cycles of SP therapy(combination of S-1 and CDDP). A partial response of the primary tumor was noted, with no distant metastases, except for the paraaortic lymph nodes. She underwent robotic total gastrectomy with D2 plus paraaortic lymph node dissection. Histopathology showed no residual tumor cells in the stomach or lymph nodes. Postoperatively, the patient underwent 3 cycles of SOX therapy(combination of S-1 and oxaliplatin)and survived for over 6 postoperative months, with no recurrences. For advanced gastric cancers with paraaortic lymph node dissection with no evidences of other distant metastases, gastrectomy with paraaortic lymph node dissection combined with chemotherapy could be a therapeutic option to achieve R0 resection.

[A Case of Robot-Assisted Conversion Surgery for Gastric Cancer with Peritoneal Dissemination That Responded to Intravenous and Intraperitoneal Paclitaxel Combined with S-1 Chemotherapy].

This case involved a 69-year-old female patient with peritoneal dissemination of an advanced gastric cancer. She underwent chemotherapy comprisingintravenous and intraperitoneal paclitaxel combined with S-1. After 20 courses, a staging laparoscopy was performed, and pathological analysis of the peritoneal dissemination and cytologic analysis of ascites fluid yielded negative results. A radical robot-assisted total gastrectomy was successfully performed. The pathological stage was determined to be ypT4aN2M0, ypStage ⅢB. We continued to administer the same chemotherapy regimen for 15 courses (total: 35 courses)after surgery. No recurrence has been detected during the 1-year period after surgery.

[A Case of Duodenal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Resection with Preservation of the Pancreatic Head Following Chemotherapy with Imatinib].

A 60-year-old male was admitted to our hospital on account of a duodenal submucosal tumor on the opposite side of Vater's papilla identified on a screening gastroduodenoscopy. The tumor was diagnosed as a duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST)due to positive c-kit and DOG1tests. Gastroduodenography and enhanced computed tomography showed a 50mm tumor widely invadingthe descendingportion of the duodenum close to the papilla of Vater and indicated the need for extended resection includingpancreaticoduodenectomy to achieve curation. Preoperative chemotherapy was initiated with imatinib mesylate(imatinib)to preserve the pancreas. A 16 month course of imatinib shrunk the tumor up to 21mm and laparoscopic partial duodenectomy was performed as a curative resection. So far, no local tumor recurrence has been seen for 26 months after the surgery. Herein, we report this case with a review of the literature.

Current status of local treatment for early rectal cancer in Japan: a questionnaire survey by the 81st Congress of the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum (JSCCR) in 2014.

PURPOSE: The aim of this questionnaire survey was to assess the change in treatment modality over time and the current status of clinical outcomes of local treatment in Japanese patients with pathological T1 (pT1) rectal tumors. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted by the 81st Congress of the Japan Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum. Clinical and pathological outcomes of all eligible patients undergoing local treatment were retrospectively collected from the medical records of each participating hospital. RESULTS: A total of 1371 pT1 patients from January 2006 to December 2008 (Period A), and 659 patients in 2013 (Period B) were registered. Approximately 70 % of patients underwent radical surgery in both periods. The rate of patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery increased from 46.5 % in Period A to 84.7 % in Period B. The indications for local excision were comparable with those for endoscopic intervention in 78 % of institutions. The rate of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) increased from 20.1 % in Period A to 37.9 % in Period B, whereas local excision decreased from 36.9 to 24.1 %. Few patients received adjuvant therapy, and approximately 40 % of patients underwent additional surgery in both periods. Local recurrence was observed in 9.2 % of patients in Period A, with the median follow-up period being 59 months. Eighty-two percent of patients with local recurrence underwent salvage surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Local treatment with various modalities was properly performed for early rectal cancer. The number of less invasive modalities, such as laparoscopic surgery and ESD, increased between study periods.

Effects of robotic rectal surgery on sexual and urinary functions in male patients.

PURPOSES: This study prospectively assessed the sexual and urinary functions, as well as factors influencing these functions, in patients who underwent open or robotic surgery for rectal cancer. METHODS: Forty-five consecutive male patients who underwent rectal resection for rectal cancer were prospectively enrolled in this study. Their sexual and urinary functions were assessed through self-administered questionnaires comprising the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF; sexual function) and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS; urinary function) before and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Fifteen patients who underwent robotic surgery and 22 who underwent open surgery were finally analyzed in this study. The total IIEF score and the individual score items did not change at 3, 6 or, 12 months after open or robotic surgery compared with the preoperative values. However, a univariate analysis revealed that age affected the urinary function 12 months after surgery, while both univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that postoperative complications affected the sexual function 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In this non-randomized comparison, the postoperative sexual and urinary functions were comparable between patients who underwent open rectal surgery and those who underwent robotic rectal surgery. Postoperative complications were a risk factor for sexual dysfunction, while age was a risk factor for urinary dysfunction.

Novel antimesenteric functional end-to-end handsewn (Kono-S) anastomoses for Crohn's disease: a report of surgical procedure and short-term outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Anastomotic surgical recurrence after bowel resection is a major problem in patients with Crohn's disease. The aim of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the efficacy of a novel technique for restoring bowel continuity after resection involving either the small or the large intestine. METHODS: The first case was instructed by Dr. Kono at Fujita Health University. The involved bowel segment was divided transversely with a linear stapler. The edges of two stapled lines are then connected to create a supporting column, which prevented surgical recurrence from anastomotic distortion due to mesenteric longitudinal ulcers. Thereafter, an antimesenteric longitudinal enterotomy was performed on each side to create a large-sized handsewn end-to-end anastomosis. RESULTS: Thirty consecutive patients underwent Kono-S anastomoses from December 2009 to August 2013. Neither anastomotic leakage nor surgical recurrence was observed during a median follow-up period of 35 months. Endoscopic surveillance was performed in 18 cases (69.2%) undergoing ileo-colonic or ileo-rectal anastomosis with an average Rutgeert's score of 0.78 (0-3) at a mean of 14.5 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The Kono-S anastomosis for Crohn's disease has been a safe and feasible technique. Long-term outcomes are required to confirm its advantage in preventing surgical recurrence at the anastomosis.