Predictive factors of difficulty of thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the left decubitus position.

BACKGROUND: We have sometimes experienced technical difficulty performing thoracoscopic esophagectomy because of the position of the descending aorta or width of the mediastinal space. In this study, we retrospectively investigated predictive preoperative factors that influence the procedure of thoracoscopic esophagectomy with a focus on the position of the descending aorta and width of the mediastinal space. METHODS: Ninety-five patients who underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer by two specialists were included in this study. Thirty patients in whom both the operation time and blood loss in the thoracic region exceeded the median were categorized to the difficult group. The remaining 65 patients were categorized into the common group. During the evaluation of the position of the descending aorta, we measured the aorta-vertebra angle at the level of the left inferior pulmonary vein. During the evaluation of the width of the mediastinal space, we measured the sternum-vertebra distance at the level of the tracheal bifurcation. RESULTS: A forward stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed the following independent predictive factors of the technical difficulty of thoracoscopic esophagectomy: aorta-vertebra angle (≥ 30°), sternum-vertebra distance (< 100 mm), and clinical T stage (T3). CONCLUSIONS: The position of the descending aorta, width of the mediastinal space, and clinical T stage are predictive factors of the technical difficulty of thoracoscopic esophagectomy. These factors might become supporting indices for the indication for thoracoscopic esophagectomy among trainees or the surgeons who introduce this procedure.

Influence of incomplete neoadjuvant chemotherapy on esophageal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) involving two cycles of cisplatin plus fluorouracil is recommended in Japan as a standard treatment for resectable, locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We have encountered patients who were administered incomplete chemotherapy because of adverse events or the patient's refusal of treatment. Here, we retrospectively investigated the influence on perioperative outcomes and long-term prognosis of patients with ESCC who underwent complete (two cycles) or incomplete (one cycle) NAC. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 133 patients with locally advanced ESCC of the thoracic esophagus who underwent NAC. We compared the perioperative results and prognoses of patients who underwent complete or incomplete NAC because of adverse events or the patient's refusal of treatment. RESULTS: Of 133 patients, 37 patients did not receive the second cycle of NAC; the remaining 96 patients received the second cycle of NAC as scheduled. There were no significant differences in the clinical backgrounds, surgical results, or operative morbidity rates between the groups. Patients in both groups were similarly administered postoperative chemotherapy regimens. There was no significant difference in disease-free survival or overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that perioperative outcomes and long-term prognosis of patients with locally advanced ESCC were not significantly influenced, even if the patients did not receive a complete cycle of NAC. When certain adverse events occur after the first cycle of NAC, we believe that it is nevertheless possible to discontinue chemotherapy.

Safety and feasibility of thoracoscopic esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal cancer.

PURPOSE: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with cisplatin and fluorouracil is the recommended standard treatment for resectable locally advanced esophageal cancer (EC) in Japan. We investigated the effects of NAC on the safety and feasibility of thoracoscopic esophagectomy with total mediastinal lymphadenectomy for EC. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed data from 225 consecutive patients who underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy with lymph node dissection between April 2007 and December 2015. Patients with clinical stage IB, IIA, IIB, IIIA, or IIIB EC, and no active concomitant malignancy were included. We compared intraoperative outcomes, and postoperative morbidity and mortality between patients who received NAC (n = 139; NAC group) and patients who did not (n = 86; non-NAC group). RESULTS: Preoperative laboratory data revealed that anemia, thrombopenia, and renal dysfunction were more common in the NAC group than in the non-NAC group. There were no differences between the groups in operating times, blood loss, number of dissected lymph nodes, overall complication rates, or length of postoperative hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, thoracoscopic esophagectomy is safe and effective for locally advanced EC, even after NAC.

C-reactive Protein is a Useful Marker for Early Prediction of Anastomotic Leakage after Esophageal Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal anastomotic leakage is one of the most fatal complications after esophagectomy and increases the hospitalization length. We aimed to identify a convenient clinical marker of anastomotic leakage in the early postoperative period. METHODS: In total, 108 patients who underwent esophagectomy were retrospectively screened, and 96 were used to validate the overall results. All 108 patients underwent physical examinations and determination of their white blood cell count, C-reactive protein level, platelet count, fibrinogen level, fibrin degradation product level, and antithrombin III level until postoperative day 6. RESULTS: Anastomotic leakage occurred in 21 of the 108 patients (median detection, 8 days). The C-reactive protein level on postoperative day 3 and fibrinogen level on postoperative day 4 in the leakage group were significantly higher than those in the nonleakage group. Receiver operating characteristic curves for detection of anastomotic leakage were constructed; the cutoff value of C-reactive protein on postoperative day 3 was 8.62 mg/dL, and that of fibrinogen on postoperative day 4 was 712 mg/dL. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 23 of the 96 patients in the validation group. There was a significant difference between the leakage and nonleakage groups when the C-reactive protein threshold on postoperative day 3 was set at 8.62 mg/dL. However, there was no difference between the groups when the fibrinogen threshold on postoperative day 4 was set at 712 mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: The C-reactive protein level on postoperative day 3 is a valuable predictor of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy and might allow for earlier management of this complication.

[Pneumocystis Pneumonia during Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Advanced Colon Cancer - A Case Report].

We report a case of pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) during adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced sigmoid colon cancer. A 70-year-old Japanese man was referred to our hospital after complaining of bloody stools. He was diagnosed with advanced sigmoid colon cancer, T2N2aM1b, Stage IV B. After 3 cycles of mFOLFOX6 plus panitumumab as first-line chemotherapy, he received FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab as second-line chemotherapy because of progressive disease. Aprepitant and steroids were administered as antiemetic agents for a short period during each chemotherapy session. During the 2 cycle of FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab, he developed a high fever without respiratory symptoms. Chest CT revealed ground-glass opacities in both the lungs. We first treated him with antibiotics (PIPC/TAZ plus GRNX), suspecting bacterial pneumonia. However, based on the elevation of serum b -D-glucan (148 pg/mL), we diagnosed PCP and initiated SMX/TMP in addition to PIPC/TAZ. The inflammation promptly decreased, and follow-up chest CT revealed the disappearance of the ground-glass opacities. If a patient develops a fever or respiratory symptoms during a course of chemotherapy, we should consider the possibility of PCP and perform careful examinations.

Esophageal cancer in an adult with congenital esophageal stenosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) is a rare condition. We encountered a case of esophageal cancer that developed in an adult with persistent CES. Although many studies have investigated the therapeutic outcomes and performed surveillance for symptoms after treatment for CES, few have performed long-term surveillance or reported on the development of esophageal cancer. We report this case because it is extremely rare and has important implications. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45-year-old woman with worsening dysphagia was transferred to our hospital. The patient was diagnosed with CES at 5 years of age and underwent surgery at another hospital. The patient underwent esophageal dilatation for stenosis at 36 years of age. Esophagoscopy performed at our hospital revealed a circumferential ulcerated lesion and stenosis 15-29 cm from the incisors. Histological examination of the biopsy specimen revealed squamous cell carcinoma. Computed tomography (CT) revealed abnormal circumferential wall thickening in parts of the cervical and almost the entire thoracic esophagus. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography-CT revealed increased uptake in the cervical and upper esophagus. No uptake was observed in the muscular layers of the middle or lower esophagus. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with clinical stage IVB cervical and upper esophageal cancer (T3N1M1 [supraclavicular lymph nodes]). The patient underwent a total esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The esophagus was markedly thickened and tightly adhered to the adjacent organs. Severe fibrosis was observed around the trachea. Marked thickening of the muscular layer was observed throughout the esophagus; histopathological examination revealed that this thickening was due to increased smooth muscle mass. No cartilage, bronchial epithelium, or glands were observed. The carcinoma extended from the cervical to the middle esophagus, oral to the stenotic region. Finally, we diagnosed the patient with esophageal cancer developing on CES of the fibromuscular thickening type. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic mechanical and chemical irritations are believed to cause cancer of the upper esophagus oral to a persistent CES, suggesting the need for long-term surveillance that focuses on residual stenosis and cancer development in patients with CES.

Evaluation of Intraoperative Neural Monitoring During Thoracoscopic Surgery for Esophageal Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (RLNP) induces aspiration pneumonia and reduces the patient's quality of life. To decrease the incidence of RLNP, we performed intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM) during thoracoscopic surgery for esophageal cancer and evaluated its usefulness. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 737 consecutive patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery for esophageal cancer were enrolled in this study. Between May 1995 and March 2016, thoracoscopic esophagectomies were performed using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with a small incision, whereas from April to June 2023, we used positive pressure pneumothorax with port placement only [minimum invasive esophagectomy (MIE)]. A total of 110 consecutive patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery with IONM (IONM group) were retrospectively compared with those who underwent VATS or MIE without IONM (No-IONM group). RESULTS: The incidence of RLNP [Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification of ≥1] on postoperative day (POD) 5 was 13.9% in the IONM group, which was significantly lower than that of the no-IONM group (31.2%, p<0.001). Even when comparing only patients who underwent MIE, the incidence of RLNP on POD5 was 13.9% in the IONM group, which was significantly lower than that in the no-IONM group (26.2%, p=0.035). The incidence of postoperative pneumonia (CD ≥2) was 10.9% in the IONM group, which was significantly lower than that in the no-IONM group (26.1%, p=0.005). Bilateral RLNP did not occur in any of the IONM groups. CONCLUSION: IONM is a useful tool for reducing RLNP incidence and postoperative pneumonia after thoracoscopic surgery for esophageal cancer.

Modified triangulating stapling technique for esophagogastrostomy after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Anastomosis performed during esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is usually involves hand-sewn or circular stapled methods. However, these techniques have been reported to be associated with a high frequency of anastomotic complications, including leakage and benign stenosis. Here a novel triangulating stapling technique for esophagogastrostomy after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer and its retrospective investigation are described. METHODS: Forty-eight patients were underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer from January 2006 to December 2009 by the same surgeon using the triangulating stapling technique. The short-term outcomes were evaluated retrospectively. This end-to-end anastomosis used three linear staplers in an everted fashion. RESULTS: Patients comprised 36 men and 12 women with a mean age of 59.4 years. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 4 patients (8.3 %), while anastomotic stenosis was observed in 6 (12.5 %). The average number of endoscopic pneumatic dilatations in patients with anastomotic stenosis was 2.4. The median (range) duration of hospital stay was 40.8 (19-154) days. CONCLUSIONS: Our modified triangulating stapling technique for esophagogastrostomy may be a feasible alternative, resulting in a lower frequency of postoperative anastomotic complications.

Postoperative outcomes of primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinomas: review article.

BACKGROUND: We examined the course of a primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (PHNEC) patient and analyzed the postoperative outcome of all reported PHNEC cases. METHODS: A literature search for PHNEC cases was performed using PubMed. All reported cases and our present patient were analyzed in this study. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Risk factors for the recurrence of PHNEC following hepatic resection were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients were analyzed in this study. The 3-, 5-, and 7-year overall survival rates were 55%, 48%, and 48%, respectively. The 3-, 5-, and 7-year overall survival rates in surgery patients were 78% each, and 25%, 17%, and 17%, respectively in nonsurgery patients. Lymph node metastasis posed a significant risk factor for postoperative recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic surgery is an appropriate therapeutic treatment for PHNEC without distant metastasis nor lymph node metastasis. Adjuvant chemotherapy might be necessary for PHNEC patients with lymph node metastases.

Lymphoid hyperplasia detected as a single mass in the gallbladder: report of a case.

We herein report a case of lymphoid hyperplasia of the gallbladder that showed unique images on computed tomography and ultrasonography. A 42-year-old female was referred to our hospital for evaluation and treatment of a gallbladder tumor. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed a mass in the wall of the gallbladder neck, without typical findings of benign or malignant tumors. The serum levels of tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, alpha-fetoprotein, and cytokeratin 19 fragment, were all within normal limits. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was therefore performed. There were no stones in the gallbladder. Macroscopically, the submural tumor had a clear border without a capsule and a cystic portion. Its cut surface was grayish white. Microscopically, many lymph follicles with germinal centers were recognized in the subserosal layer. The lymphocytes were morphologically normal. We diagnosed lymphoid hyperplasia with chronic cholecystitis. Lymphoid hyperplasia of the gallbladder is extremely rare.

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery in patients with prior abdominal surgery.

PURPOSE: We retrospectively investigated the impact of prior abdominal surgery on the outcome of laparoscopic colorectal surgery. PATIENTS: Among 607 colorectal cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery, 192 patients had previously undergone abdominal surgery (S group) and 415 had not (non-S group). RESULTS: The percentage of female patients was higher in the S group than in the non-S group. The incidence of conversion to open surgery was higher in the S group (5.2%, 10/192) than in the non-S group (2.6%, 11/415), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.108). Although the mean operating time and estimated blood loss were similar in the two groups, right and transverse colectomy after prior gastrectomy and ipsilateral colectomy after prior colectomy took longer and were associated with greater blood loss. The morbidity rates of the two groups were similar (S group: 15.6%, 30/192; non-S group: 14.5%, 60/415). There were 5 intraoperative small-bowel injuries or postoperative small-bowel perforations in the S group, especially in the patients with prior gastrointestinal-tract surgery. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that there is no reason to avoid laparoscopic procedures in most patients with prior abdominal surgery despite a higher conversion rate, but caution is warranted in patients who have undergone major gastrointestinal-tract surgery.

Modified triangulating stapling technique for closure of a temporary loop stoma.

PURPOSE: To describe a new stapling technique for closure of a temporary loop stoma and report the results of a retrospective investigation of its efficacy. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients underwent a total of 40 loop stoma closure procedures, performed by the same surgeon using the same method, between 2004 and 2009. Thirty-six procedures were performed after rectal surgery, 1 was done for rectal malignant lymphoma, 2 were performed in the same patient after resection of rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and 1 was performed after colonic surgery. The short-term outcomes were evaluated retrospectively. For this technique, after the minimum necessary dissection of both limbs of the bowel from the abdominal wall, the everted part of the oral limb is returned to its proper anatomy. The stoma is closed in the vertical direction using two lines of staples in an everted fashion. RESULTS: The stoma was located in the terminal ileum (n = 36), transverse colon (n = 3), or sigmoid colon (n = 1). The mean operating time was 55 min and the estimated blood loss was 32 g. There were two postoperative wound infections and one anastomotic stenosis. CONCLUSION: Stapling closure of a temporary loop stoma with two lines of staples may be a feasible alternative that decreases morbidity and reduces the operating time.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-producing ascending colon cancer as indicated by histopathological findings: report of a case.

Various types of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-producing malignant tumors have been reported. However, a G-CSF-producing colorectal cancer is rare. We present a case of G-CSF-producing ascending colon cancer. An 81-year-old man was referred to our hospital with right lower abdominal pain. A colon fiberscopy revealed an ascending colon tumor, and histological examination revealed tubular adenocarcinoma. He was admitted due to worsening abdominal pain. Although laboratory data showed an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count of 17000/mm3 with 77.8% neutrophils, elevated C-reaction protein (CRP) was insignificant (1.06 mg/dL), and he was afebrile. Because computed tomography indicated that the tumor penetrated into surrounding tissue, a semi-urgent ileocecal resection was performed. An abscess was not located. The tumor was staged as T3N2aM0 and as stage IIB according to the TNM classification. Microscopically, significant neutrophil infiltration between cancer cells was observed, suggesting the presence of a G-CSF-producing tumor. Immunohistochemical staining using a G-CSF antibody revealed cytoplasmic staining in cancer cells. The serum concentration of G-CSF upon admission was 334 pg/mL. After surgical resection, the WBC count decreased to within a normal range. These findings confirmed the diagnosis of G-CSF-producing ascending colon cancer. The prognosis of G-CSF-producing tumors is considered to be poor. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment are needed for patients with G-CSF-producing tumors, and continuous careful follow-up is required.

Liver Cirrhosis Complicated by Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis Caused by the Burkholderia cepacia Complex.

A 79-year-old man with underlying alcoholic liver cirrhosis presented with complaints of a fever, abdominal pain, and difficulty walking. A diagnostic work-up revealed liver atrophy and chylous ascites, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) was diagnosed based on the cell and neutrophil counts. The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) was detected on blood and ascitic fluid cultures. Although broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy was initiated, the infection was difficult to control, and the patient died of multiple organ failure. Bcc is often multidrug-resistant and difficult to treat. SBP caused by Bcc has been rarely reported and may have a serious course, thus necessitating caution.

Laparoscopic rectal surgery for middle and lower rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of laparoscopic low anterior resection for middle and lower rectal cancer remains controversial. METHODS: Retrospective assessment was performed on 98 patients (51 with middle and 47 with lower rectal cancer) who underwent laparoscopic rectal surgery since 1998. Total mesorectal excision was standard. Cancers were classified as middle or lower rectal based on distance from the distal tumor border to the anal verge (<8 cm or >or=8 cm). Laparoscopic rectal surgery was performed with five or six ports and carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum. Rectal mobilization was usually done by electrocautery and vessels were sealed with a LigaSureV. Pelvic anatomy was accurately visualized by endoscopic magnification, so autonomic nerves could be preserved. The rectum was mobilized just above the levator muscles. Operative variables and the short- and long-term outcomes were investigated. RESULTS: Five open conversions were required, including three early cases related to rectal transection problems. The other two were for a large tumor and adhesions. Mean operating time was 236 min and blood loss was 147 g. Postoperative complications were 13 cases of anastomotic leakage (13.1%), 6 wound infections (6.1%), 4 cases of anastomotic bleeding (4.0%), and 3 cases of urinary retention (3.0%). Total morbidity was 32.2%, but there were no fatal complications or operative deaths. Mean postoperative period until bowel movement, oral intake, and hospital discharge was 1.6, 1.3, and 19.7 days, respectively. Twelve patients had recurrence: local in 3, lymph node in 2, lung in 5, and liver in 2. The 5-year disease-free/overall survival rates were 82.3/95.7% in stage I, 55.1/72.0% in stage II, and 59.5/80.7% in stage III. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic low anterior resection achieves acceptable short- and long-term outcomes. It is a useful option even for advanced lower rectal cancer.

Laparoscopic surgery for stage IV colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The role of laparoscopic surgery in the management of stage IV colorectal cancer remains uncertain. METHODS: Sixty-five patients with stage IV disease from among 578 colorectal cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery since 2001 were compared with 513 patients who had stage 0-III disease. The criteria for excluding stage IV patients from laparoscopic surgery were huge tumors, low rectal cancer, massive ascites due to peritoneal seeding, bowel perforation and/or obstruction, and poor general condition and/or cachexia. Data were analyzed by chi-square test or Student's t-test, with P < 0.05 being considered significant. RESULTS: The two groups of patients had similar demographic features. The open conversion rate was 4.6% (3/65 patients) in the stage IV group and 2.7% (14/513 patients) in the stage 0-III group, and the difference between the groups was not significant. In the stage IV group, depth of tumor invasion and tumor diameter were both significantly greater than in the stage 0-III group. However, operating time and blood loss were similar in the two groups (stage IV: 189.0 min and 95.0 g; stage 0-III: 182.5 min and 60.0 g), although blood loss was significantly greater in the stage IV group when patients undergoing rectal surgery were compared. The incidence of postoperative complications and the postoperative course of the two groups were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Despite their larger and more invasive tumors, the short-term outcome of laparoscopic surgery in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer was similar to that for stage 0-III patients. This result indicates that laparoscopic surgery can be successfully performed in selected stage IV colorectal cancer patients.

Surgical resection for ruptured aneurysm of middle colic artery caused by segmental arterial mediolysis: a case report.

Aneurysm of the middle colic artery is very uncommon. In this report, we describe a case of a ruptured aneurysm of the middle colic artery caused by segmental arterial mediolysis and its successful management by surgical resection. A 60-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our institution for the treatment of a ruptured aneurysm of the branch of the superior mesenteric artery suspected by computed tomography. Angiography revealed multiple wide and narrow mural irregularities and some aneurysms in the middle colic artery without extravasation. Transcatheter arterial embolization could not be accomplished because of difficulty in catheterization. Since radiological findings of the patient indicated worsening of the aneurysm, surgical resection was performed. Histopathological findings of the resected specimen were consistent with those of segmental arterial mediolysis. In cases where curative embolization cannot be accomplished, surgical resection is required. However, in a non-ruptured aneurysm, healing occurs gradually. Therefore, if the vital parameters of the patient are stable, conservative observation can be recommended.

[Four resected cases with basaloid carcinoma of esophagus--comparison of 5-FU-related enzymes (thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), orotate phosphoribosyl transferase (OPRT)) between basaloid carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma].

We reported herein four resected cases with basaloid carcinoma of the esophagus and measured the activity of 5-FU related enzymes (TS, DPD, OPRT) in cancer tissue. These activities compared with those in squamous cell carcinoma. Only one case was diagnosed as basaloid carcinoma by preoperative biopsy specimen at endoscopic examination. The esophagectomy was performed thoracoscopically in all cases, and the abdominal procedure was done with the laparoscopic approach in two cases. Anastomotic leakage occurred in one case. No case had lymph node metastasis. On the other hand, a lymphatic invasion was detected in one case, and venous invasion in two, respectively. Two cases had mediastinal lymph node recurrence. DPD activity and OPRT activity showed no difference between squamous cell carcinoma and basaloid carcinoma. On the other hand, the TS activity was significantly higher in basaloid carcinoma. From the standpoint of 5-FU-related enzyme activities, basaloid carcinoma possibly has more resistance to 5-FU than squamous cell carcinoma.

Intracorporeal Billroth 1 reconstruction by triangulating stapling technique after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

As the laparoscopic operations for gastric cancer have increased, the intracorporeal reconstruction of the digestive tract has received attention because the procedure offers a good visual field regardless of the patient's figure. We performed laparoscopic gastrectomies with regional lymph node dissection on 586 gastric cancer patients between March 1998 and June 2006: 465 distal gastrectomies, 42 proximal gastrectomies, and 79 total gastrectomies. Intracorporeal anastomosis was carried out in 303, 36, and 69 of the above cases, respectively. The intracorporeal Billroth 1 reconstruction was performed in 226 out of the 303 cases who underwent distal gastrectomy and intracorporeal anastomosis. The "triangulating stapling technique" (TST) that uses laparoscopic linear stapling devices was adopted for 196 of these 226 cases; in the remaining 30, circular stapling devices for conventional open gastrectomy (CEEA) were used. In the initial 115 cases of distal gastrectomy, hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) was used, and then we shifted to totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) without HALS. In this paper, we concentrated on the techniques and results of intracorporeal Billroth 1 reconstruction by TST. Reducing postoperative wounds was possible TLDG by TST, compared with HALS and the extracorporeal anastomosis, that is, laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy. Complications from anastomosis resulted in leakage in 2 HALS-TST patients and in 1 TLDG-TST patient, and anastomotic stenosis and bleeding were observed in each 1 case of reconstruction that used CEEA. Intracorporeal Billroth 1 reconstruction by TST is a safe procedure that provides a good visual field regardless of the patient's figure and a feasible technique for reconstruction after laparoscopic distal gastrectomies.

Treatment results of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by radical esophagectomy in patients with initially inoperable thoracic esophageal cancer.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by esophagectomy for cT4 esophageal cancer or lymph node metastases (LNM) invading adjacent structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 42 consecutive patients with thoracic esophageal cancer who underwent CRT followed by esophagectomy between 2008 and 2013. All were initially considered to be unresectable because of cT4 (n = 32) disease or LN invasion (n = 10). Radiotherapy was administered at 41.4 Gy/23 fr with concurrent chemotherapy. At completion of CRT, restaging was performed using computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: All cT4 tumors were downstaged, LNM invading to adjacent structures were considered to be released, and subtotal esophagectomy was performed. The median follow-up period was 42 months. The curative resection (R0) rate was 94% in cT4 group and 70% in LN invasion group. The 3-year overall survival (OS) and 3-year locoregional control (LRC) rates were 65-80% in the cT4 group and 50-67% in LN invasion group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The cT4 group showed good rates of R0, OS, and LRC. Surgical resection should be an effective option when downstaging is achieved by CRT for patients with initially inoperable thoracic esophageal cancer.