Prognostic significance, diagnosis and treatment in patients with gastric cancer and positive peritoneal washings. A review of the literature.

Peritoneal dissemination is a common consequence of a relapse following a radical surgical treatment of gastric cancer. The development of the disease in the peritoneum depends not only on its stage, but also on free cancer cells exfoliated from the tumor mass or from involved lymph nodes, and which are capable of being implanted in the peritoneum. According to the latest TNM (7 edition; 2010) classification, patients with free cancer cells in the peritoneal washings qualify for stage IV of the disease. Patients in whom free cancer cells were found during the operation - have a recurrence of gastric cancer - mainly in the peritoneum, and the majority of them die within two years of the diagnosis. To properly assess the prognosis, it is vital to determine the stage of cancer by additionally assessing the washings for the presence of free cancer cells before taking a therapeutic decision. This also allows identifying those patients who require different medical procedures to obtain the best treatment results possible. Medical literature describes various methods of examining peritoneal washings aimed at detecting free cancer cells. The methods apply different cancer cell detection rates, sensitivity and specificity in prediction of a peritoneal relapse. Oncological Departments performing the evaluation of the washings employ non-standard methods of treatment in this group of patients and the results presented are promising.

Transcript level of AKR1C3 is down-regulated in gastric cancer.

Steroid hormones have been shown to play a role in gastric carcinogenesis. Large amounts of steroid hormones are locally produced in the peripheral tissues of both genders. Type 5 of 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, encoded by the AKR1C3 gene, plays a pivotal role in both androgen and estrogen metabolism, and its expression was found to be deregulated in different cancers. In this study we measured AKR1C3 transcript and protein levels in nontumoral and primary tumoral gastric tissues, and evaluated their association with some clinicopathological features of gastric cancer (GC). We found decreased levels of AKR1C3 transcript (p < 0.0001) and protein (p = 0.0021) in GC tissues compared with the adjacent, apparently histopathologically normal, mucosa. Lower levels of AKR1C3 transcript were observed in diffuse and intestinal types of GC, whereas AKR1C3 protein levels were decreased in tumors with multisite localization, in diffuse histological type, T3, T4, and G3 grades. We also determined the effect of the histone deacetylase inhibitor sodium butyrate (NaBu) on AKR1C3 expression in EPG 85-257 and HGC-27 GC cell lines. We found that NaBu elevates the levels of both AKR1C3 transcript and protein in the cell lines we investigated. Together, our results suggest that decreased expression of AKR1C3 may be involved in development of GC and can be restored by NaBu.

Analysis of sentinel lymph node biopsy results in colon cancer in regard of the anthropometric features of the population and body composition assessment formulas.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) results in colon cancer (CC) regarding basic anthropometric features of the studied population and their derivatives calculated using mathematical formulas. METHODS: One hundred three SLNBs in CC have been analysed. Various indicators were calculated for every patient using mathematical formulas: BMI, Roher's index, lean body weight, body fat percentage and body weight/ideal body weight for a given height ratios using the following formulas: Broca's, Broca's ideal weight, Broca-Brugsch, Lorenz's, Potton's, Devine's, Robinson's, Miller's and Hamwi. The results were compared with accuracy, sensitivity and false negative results percentage by means of ROC curves and the test for structure indicators (for determined cut-off points). RESULTS: No statistically significant relationship between the results and patients' sex or age were found. ROC curve analysis did not reveal statistically significant relationships between the obtained results and indicators calculated on the basis of growth and weigh (all p > 0.05). The analyses of sensitivity and accuracy with determined cut-off point, in spite of differences amounting to 19 % (analysis of lean body weight/weight ratio), showed no statistical significance for any of the relationships (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: No indicator with high diagnostic and prognostic value has been found. The problem of qualifying patients for SLNB in CC in regard of the anthropometric features of the population and body composition assessment formulas remains open and requires further analysis on larger populations.

Laparoscopic thermoablation of colorectal cancer metastases to the liver - new experience of the centre.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Thermoablation of metastatic lesions in the liver is very commonplace. At present there are 3 essential techniques of access to carry out the procedure: open surgery, percutaneous technique and laparoscopic method. Percutaneous thermoablation is criticised due to the possible lack of radicalism. On the other hand, thermoablation during open surgery is a big perioperative trauma for the patient. The laparoscopic technique seems to be a compromise between the aforementioned techniques. The aim of this study was to present the technique and preliminary results of thermoablation of the liver carried out by means of the laparoscopic technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Laparoscopic thermoablation was carried out in 4 patients with colorectal cancer metastases to the liver. In order to precisely locate the tumour and guarantee radicalism of the surgery, laparoscopic probe ultrasonography was carried out during the procedure. RESULTS: All the patients underwent the procedure without any difficulties. All the patients left the hospital department as soon as 3 or 4 days after the surgery. This was about 7 days earlier in comparison with the open surgery procedure, which had been carried out before. The patients required a supply of analgesics only during the first 48 hours - non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, which made a substantial difference between them and the patients treated with the open surgical technique. Thanks to the laparoscopic ultrasound technique one patient had an additional lesion located, which had not been described in preoperative examinations. CONCLUSIONS: In combination with ultrasonography, laparoscopic access, which does not have a very invasive character, seems to be relatively simple and effective to carry out the procedure of thermoablation.

Intramuscular myxoma of the left leg-Case report of the lesion observed for several years.

AIM: The aim of this study was to present the process of diagnosis and treatment of a patient with diagnosed intramuscular myxoma in the left lower limb. BACKGROUND: Myxomas are benign neoplasms which can be found within large muscle groups. Histologically, these neoplasms are composed of a few elongated or star-shaped cells lying in abundant mucoid stroma. These tumours are characterized by expanding growth without forming distant metastases. CASE DESCRIPTION: A man, 58, came to the Surgical Oncology Outpatient Clinic due to pain ailments and a growing tumour located in the rear group of the left shank muscles. The patient had been observing the lesion for several years, but related the occurrence of pain to the change in the nature of his job - from sedentary to standing. The patient underwent diagnostic imaging, a magnetic resonance imaging test, in which a tumour was described. A surgery was carried out where the tumour was resected together with the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle. No significant walking disorders, neurological deficits, either sensory or motor were observed. The follow-up imaging examinations, which were carried out a year after the surgery, did not reveal a relapse. The patient remains under the care of the Surgical Oncology Outpatient Clinic. CONCLUSION: Myxomas are a group of benign neoplasms whose first symptom is the appearance of a palpable tumour whose stretching growth causes painful ailments. After magnetic resonance imaging and a diagnosis, it is necessary to plan the surgery. Radical resection of the lesion is a method of choice which guarantees long-lasting recovery.

The clinical importance of micrometastases within the lymphatic system in patients after total gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: In spite of radical gastrectomy with resection of the lymphatic system, where no metastases are found during histopathological examination, about 30% of patients have relapse of the neoplastic process. This situation may be caused by micrometastases or isolated neoplastic cells in the lymphatic system which were not identified during a standard histopathological examination. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical importance of micrometastases within the lymphatic system in patients with gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 20 patients treated for gastric cancer were subjected to retrospective analysis. Of all the patients who underwent surgery, a group with tumours classified as T1 or T2 was selected. No metastases within the lymphatic system were found in the standard evaluation - N0 mark. Paraffin-embedded blocks of lymph nodes were cut and new specimens were made, which were then stained again by means of immunohistochemistry. Antibodies against cytokeratin AE1/AE3 were used. RESULTS: A total of 319 lymph nodes were assessed in 20 patients in an H + E examination. After the immunohistochemical examination, micrometastases within the lymphatic system were found in 4 (20%) patients and isolated neoplastic cells in other 4 (20%) patients. CONCLUSION: On the basis of numerous publications and our own material, we think that the presence of micrometastases may be related to a worse prognosis. The clinical importance of micrometastases within the lymphatic system in patients after total gastrectomy.

The use of the da Vinci Xi robot system in colorectal cancer resections - why is it worth it?

<b>Introduction:</b> Surgery using robotic systems is taking over an increasingly wider field of open surgery and laparoscopy. Recently, this is particularly visible in colorectal surgery, where the advantages include better insight into the hard-to-reach area of the surgical field. Limited access to this method and relatively high costs remain a problem. </br></br> <b>Aim:</b> The aim of the work is to present the results of the introduction of robotic surgery at the regional Oncology Center in Wielkopolska in the field of safety and feasibility and the early oncological results for robotic colorectal surgery. </br></br> <b> Materials and methods:</b> From March 6, 2019 to the end of 2019, we performed 66 robotic colorectal procedures: 54 anterior resections of the sigmoid colon/rectum, 6 right hemicolectomies, 3 left hemicolectomies, 2 abdominoperineal resections, and one Hartmann's procedure. </br></br> <b> Results:</b> The final histopathological examination of all operated patients confirmed the complete resection (R0 procedure). The average age was 64 years and the average duration of surgery was 199 ± 52 min. None of the robotic procedures required conversion to open surgery or laparoscopy once they had started. The average hospitalization time was 6 ± 1 days, including patients with complications. Complications occurred in 8 patients, with the most common being anastomotic leak - 4 (6%). </br></br> <b>Conclusions:</b> The use of the latest da Vinci Xi robot system is a safe and effective alternative to open and laparoscopic surgery. Colorectal surgery confirms its special advantage in the case of low anterior resections of the rectum. Increasing the availability of equipment and training will allow expanding the scope of operations, including upper gastrointestinal tract.

Atypical spleen tuberculosis in a melanoma patient accidentally detected during a 18F-FDG PET/CT study: Case report.

The present study, discussed a rare case of a 50-year-old woman who was treated for malignant melanoma and underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) examination for evaluation of disease. 18F-FDG-PET/CT examination was performed from the top of the head down to the knee using a Gemini TF PET/CT scanner 60 min following intravenous injection of radiotracer with mean activity of 364±75 MBq. Previous performed laboratory test and clinical examination was irrelevant. By abdominal ultrasound no abnormalities in abdominal organs beside the liver cyst were found. The 18F-FDG PET/CT exam showed an increased glucose metabolism in the anterior pole of the spleen, which was considered as melanoma metastasis. Splenectomy was performed and histopathology examination tuberculous lesion in the spleen was revealed. Histopathology examination showed epithelioid granuloma and in correlation with the patient's history allowed to establish tuberculous-like lesions in the spleen. In the present study, authors used 18F-FDG PET/CT examination to detect the melanoma metastasis of a 50-year-old woman, and found that abnormal focal accumulation of radiotracer with limited cancer specificity in PET/CT examination in cancer patients should not be unambiguously taken as a metastatic lesion.

Intramural gastric hematoma imitating a gastrointestinal stromal tumor - case report and literature review.

The article presents a case report of a patient with an intramural gastric hematoma. Diagnostic examinations were suggestive of a suspected gastrointestinal stromal tumor Normal image was observed in gastroscopic examination while abdominal CT scan revealed a nodular lesion along the greater curvature of the stomach extending from the posterior wall and adjoining the pancreas and the spleen. The patient was qualified for surgical treatment. Laparotomy was performed followed by total gastric resection and Roux-en-Y reconstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. Post-operative histopathological examination revealed the presence of an extensive hematoma penetrating the perigastric fat tissue along with numerous hemosiderinophages and segmental indicators of formation of inflammatory granulation tissue suggestive of a chronic nature of the lesion. Immunohistochemical GIST assays (CD117, DOG-1, CD34, CD31, SMA, S-100, CKAE1/AE3, Ki-67) were negative. No complications were observed in the post-operative course. Patient is subject to continued follow-up and observation. Follow-up gastroscopy and abdominal CT scan performed 6 months after the surgery revealed an unremarkable image.

The pharmacokinetics of oral ketoprofen in patients after gastric resection.

BACKGROUND: Total and partial gastric resection may affect the pharmacokinetics of drugs, especially orally administered a few days after surgery. Ketoprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) broadly used to treat postoperative pain, including patients after gastric resection. The aim of the research was to analyse the pharmacokinetics (PK) of orally administered ketoprofen in patients after gastrectomy. METHODS: The research was carried out on two groups of patients after total (TG; Roux-Y procedure) and partial (PG; Billroth II procedure) gastrectomy. The patients in group TG (n=15; mean [SD] age 61.86 [14.15] years; and BMI 24.20 [3.73] kg/m2) and group PG (n=5; mean [SD] age 62.40 [16.80] years; and BMI 23.98 [3.45] kg/m2) received ketoprofen in a single oral dose of 100mg. The measurement of ketoprofen plasma concentrations was made by means of the HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) method. RESULTS: The PK parameters in group TG and PG were as follows: maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), 3.42 [0.99] and 4.66 [0.81] mg/l (p=0.0220); area under the plasma concentration-time curve from zero to infinity (AUC0-∞), 9.12 [2.78] and 9.17 [2.87] mg×h/ml (p=0.9734); area under the first moment curve from zero to the time of infinity (AUMC0-∞), 25.95 [8.52] and 26.53 [11.43] mg×h2/l (p=0.9056); time to reach maximum concentration (tmax), 0.47 [0.25] and 0.55 [0.27] h (p=0.5327), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Lower concentrations of ketoprofen in patients after gastrectomy suggest that it might be necessary to apply higher dose of the analgesic.

mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes, steroid hormone receptors and their coregulators in gastric cancer.

Epidemiological and experimental findings suggest that the development of gastric cancer (GC) is regulated by steroid hormones. In postmenopausal women and older men, the majority of steroid hormones are produced locally in peripheral tissue through the enzymatic conversion of steroid precursors. Therefore, using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, the mRNA expression of genes encoding steroidogenic enzymes, including steroid sulfatase (STS), hydroxy-delta-5-steroid dehydrogenase 3 beta- and steroid delta-isomerase 1 (HSD3B1), 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 7 and aromatase (CYP19A1), was investigated in primary tumoral and adjacent healthy gastric mucosa from 60 patients with GC. Furthermore, the mRNA levels for estrogen receptor α, estrogen receptor ß (ESR2) and androgen receptor (AR), along with their coregulators, including proline, glutamate and leucine rich protein 1, CREB binding protein, nuclear receptor coactivator 1 (NCOA1), nuclear receptor corepressor 1 (NCOR1) and nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 1 (NR2F1), were investigated. Additionally, the association between the mRNA expression of these genes and the clinicopathological features of patients with GC was examined. Significantly decreased levels of STS, HSD3B1, ESR2, AR, NCOA1 and NCOR1 mRNA, in addition to significantly increased levels of CYP19A1 mRNA were demonstrated in tumoral tissue samples compared with adjacent healthy gastric tissue samples. Deregulated expression of these genes in the analyzed tissue samples was associated with certain clinicopathological features of GC, such as age and localization of the tumor. The results of the current study suggest that all of the genes analyzed are expressed in tumoral and adjacent healthy gastric mucosa. In addition, the results indicate that abnormal expression of STS, ESR2, AR, NCOA1 and NCOR1 may serve a role in the development and progression of GC, and may be associated with specific clinicopathological features in patients with GC.

Comparison of Lymphatic System Staging Classifications in Patients with Gastric Cancer.

UNLABELLED: Despite an observed decrease in the incidence of gastric cancer, it still remains an important clinical problem. It is the fourth most common cancer in the world and the second cause of death in cancer patients. The quality of lymphadenectomy procedure and the number of analysed lymph nodes are both important factors influencing the treatment of the patient. The aim of the study was to compare the lymph node ratio staging system with the 6th and 7th edition of the TNM classification. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group consisting of 493 patients who underwent surgery in 1998-2010 due to gastric cancer was used to compare the staging systems. Following statistical analysis, the following cut-off points were adopted for the lymph node ratio for the purpose of comparison: 0, from 0.05 to 0.3, from 0.3 to 0.5 and over 0.5. Subsequently the homogeneity (using chi-square test for linear trend) and the predictive value of the different classifications (using Akaike information criterion) were assessed in order to compare the lymph node ratio staging system with the 6th and 7th edition of the TNM classification. RESULTS: The lymph node ratio classification has a higher discriminatory value than the TNM classifications (higher linear trend result). What is more, the lymph node ratio classification (LNR) had a lower Akaike information criterion value, which means that it has a higher prognostic value than the other classifications. ROC curves and the area under the curve (AUC) were utilised for the analysis of predictive value of the different classifications in patients with gastric cancer. CONCLUSION: One may conclude, therefore, that the lymph node ratio staging system is the best classification of the lymphatic system in the presented group of patients.

Analysis Of Risk Factors Of Positive Peritoneal Cytology In Patients Treated For Gastric Cancer--Preliminary Report.

UNLABELLED: Presence of free gastric cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity of patients who underwent surgical treatment for gastric cancer is a negative prognostic factor and caused rapid disease recurrence, manifested as peritoneal metastases. Positive peritoneal cytology despite lack of visible peritoneal metastases was regarded as M1 class in the TNM classification (7th edition) in 2010. The aim of the study was to analyze factors associated with positive peritoneal cytology and identify groups of patients in whom diagnostic laparoscopy plus peritoneal lavage in the diagnostic process could affect therapeutic decisions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study enrolled patients with gastric cancer who underwent surgical treatment at the Department of Surgery, Wielkopolskie Oncology Center in Poznan. During the laparotomy, after opening of the peritoneal cavity, 200 ml of physiological saline at 37 °C was administered in the tumor region. After this fluid was mixed, 100 ml of lavage fluid was collected. This fluid was subsequently spun many times to obtain sediment for cytology and immunohistochemistry investigation using anti-BerEp-4, CK 7/20, and B72.3. Results of peritoneal cytology were analyzed jointly with clinical factors--patient's age, sex and pathology factors--tumor invasion, involvement of lymph nodes, histological grade, histological type according to Lauren and localization of the cancer in the stomach. RESULTS: Analysis of the peritoneal fluid for presence of free cancer cells was done in 51 patients. Positive peritoneal cytology was found in 12 (23.5%) patients. In the group of patients with positive cytology, all patients had T3/T4 tumors and all were found to have lymph node metastases, while G3 cancer was found in 83.3% of patients. In patients with positive cytology, diffuse gastric cancer according to Lauren predominated (9 of 12 patients, 75%), while in patients with negative cytology--intestinal type (20 of 39 patients, 51.2%). In the group of patients with positive histology, the whole stomach was involved by the cancer process in 7 of 12 patients (58.3%), while in the group with negative histology, in 29 of 39 patients the tumor was located in the gastric body and prepyloric part (74.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study we can conclude that determinants of positive peritoneal cytology include: tumor stage T3/T4, N+, G3, cancer located in the whole stomach, diffuse histological type according to Lauren.

The Limberg flap procedure in the treatment of pilonidal cyst disease of the sacrum - initial report.

UNLABELLED: Pilonidal cyst disease mainly concerns young people, aged between 16 and 25 years. The disease causes significant pain, considerable discomfort and impairs daily functioning, often resulting in an inability to work and study. Many techniques have been introduced in the treatment of pilonidal cysts, but till today no gold standard has been established. The aim of the study was to present initial results considering the treatment of pilonidal cyst disease with the use of a skin flap by means of Limberg's method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the period between January, 2012 and March, 2013, 10 patients were operated due to pilonidal cysts using the Limberg flap procedure. All patients presented with the chronic form of the disease and were after previous surgical incisions. Pain considering patients was evaluated using the visual pain scale (VAS), one and 10 days after the operation. Patients reported for control 10 days, one month, and 6 months after the surgical procedure. RESULTS: The planned procedure was safely performed in all cases. There were no complications during the procedure, nor late postoperative complications. We observed no wound infection or dehiscence in all operated patients. The mean follow-up time of the presented group was 13.32 months (ranging between 7.53­21.57). During the follow-up period there was no episode of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the skin flap by means of Limberg's method after excision of the pilonidal cyst in the sacrum area is a good method, which provides a very low percentage of recurrences and complications. Fast return to daily activities, no significant pain in patients, and an acceptable cosmetic result are strong reasons in favor of the above-mentioned method. Preliminary observations and experience enable to recommend this method for the treatment of pilonidal cysts in the vicinity of the sacrum.

Giant oesophageal leiomyoma as a diagnostic and therapeutic problem - a case report.

Oesophageal leiomyoma is a rare benign tumour of the oesophagus, which does not cause clinical symptoms in more than half of cases. Below we present the case of a symptomless oesophageal tumour. Due to the unequivocal result of imaging examinations and no histopathological diagnosis the patient was qualified for thoracotomy. During the operation the oesophageal tumour was suspected of passing through the hiatus into the abdominal cavity. The specimen revealed a neoplasm of mesenchymal origin without distinct traits of malignancy. The patient was admitted to the Surgical Department, where she was qualified for surgery, which was carried out by a team of surgeons and thoracic surgeons. The encapsulated tumour and oesophagus were resected. The histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations corres ponded to leiomyoma oesophagi. The lesion was radically resected. The size of the lesion was 22 × 14 × 13 cm. Three months after the surgery no traits of relapse were found.

Melanoma of unknown primary as a cause of intestinal obstruction - a case description.

Melanoma of unknown primary applies to 1-8% of all diagnosed melanomas, whereas primary melanoma of the small intestine is a extremely rare case. One of the melanoma characteristics is its capability of forming metastases in the small intestine which very often are diagnosed during autopsy.We present a case report of diagnosed melanoma of unknown primary, whose first symptom was intestinal obstruction. Before admission to the hospital cause of intestinal obstruction, the patient didn't present any signs and symptoms. All typical localizations of primary melanoma were excluded during diagnostic procedure. Palliative right hemicolectomy and segmental small intestine resection were performed. There were no complications in the postoperative course. On the ninth day the patient was discharged from hospital.Quick identification and radical resection of melanoma metastases in the alimentary tract may improve the survival rate in this group of patients. Resection, even if it is palliative by assumption, is not only the best method of elimination of persistent symptoms but it also gives hope for longer survival.