Prognostic relevance of preoperative CA 19-9 values in stage III rectal adenocarcinoma: retrospective analysis and clinical implications.

Aim: To investigate prognostic significance of preoperative levels of the Carbohydrate anti-gen 19-9 (CA 19-9) in patients with stage III rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent a treatment at the Clinical Centre of the University of Sarajevo. Materials: A retrospective cohort study included 84 patients who underwent radical anterior rectal resection due to grade III rectal adenocarcinoma, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy according to the FOLFOX protocol (Oxaliplatin, Leucovorin, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)). The patients were divided into two groups according to CA 19-9 values (≥27 U/mL and <27 U/mL, respectively). Results: High pre-operative CA 19-9 values predicted an increased probability of postoperative metastases, especially liver, lung and abdominopelvic metastases, as well as three-year disease-free survival (3Y-DFS) and three-year overall survival (3Y-OS). The 3Y-DFS rate for patients with high CA 19-9 was 64.5%, while for those with low CA 19-9 it was 87.2%. The 3Y-OS rate for patients with high CA 19-9 was 89.8%, while for those with low CA 19-9 it was 65.7%. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis confirmed that a high level of CA 19-9 is an independent predictor for DFS and OS shorter than three years. Conclusion: Pre-operatively elevated values of CA 19-9 in rectal adenocarcinoma have a significant role in predicting the outcome in patients with stage III rectal adenocarcinoma.

Impact of Different Surgical Approaches on Morbidity and Mortality in Patients with Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Head Carcinoma.

Background: Radical surgical resection for pancreatic head carcinoma offers a chance for cure but unfortunately is only available to a limited number of patients. For a significant number of patients, palliative surgery remains the only option. The question of the most effective approach for patients with borderline resectable pancreatic head carcinoma (BRPHC) remains unresolved. Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the morbidity and mortality following R1 duodenocephalic pancreatectomy and double palliative bypass to explore the most optimal surgical treatment for patients with BRPHC. Methods: Our retrospective cohort study included 64 patients with BRPHC who underwent surgery from 2012 to 2019, with postoperative follow-up for three years. Morbidity and mortality parameters were examined based on the type of surgical treatment: R1 duodenocephalic pancreatectomy or palliative double bypass. Chi-square test, univariate regression, and Kaplan-Meier analysis were used as basic statistical methods in the analysis of the results. Results: Patients undergoing R1 duodenocephalic pancreatectomy had a 3.69 times higher risk of developing biliary leak (p=0.039; 95%CI:1.066, 1.181) and shorter survival compared to those undergoing palliative double bypass (p=0.022). No statistically significant association was found between the type of surgical procedure and other postoperative complications. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the double palliative bypass procedure may be a better option than R1 resection for patients with BRPHC.

Papillary Cystadenofibroma of Fallopian Tube: Case Report with a Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: Tumors of Fallopian tubes are rare in general, and they are the rarest tumors of female genital tract. According to clasification of World health organisation (WHO), papillomas, cystadenoma, adenofibroma, cystadenofibroma (CAF), metaplastic papillary tumors and endometrioid polyps belong to group of benign tumors. Serous papillary cystadenofibroma (SPCAF) is rare tumor and it is ususally located on fimbrial end of the tube and it is considered that it has "Müllerian" origin. AIM: The aim of this article is to show a rare case of cystadenofibroma of Fallopian tube which was found as random sample during histopathological analysis of specimen which was extracted during laparatomy due to the large tumor mass in abdomen. CASE REPORT: A 43-year-old patient underwent surgery for a large tumor mass in the abdomen, unknown lesions and pathohistology, which was radiologically verified four years before hospitalization. We removed the specimen that made up the tumor, along with the uterus and adnexes, weighing 14 kg and sent for histopatology. A large tumor mass is made up of a giant uterine myoma, and in the analysis of the other preparation, in addition to endometrial adenocarcinoma, there is also a rare Fallopian tube cystadenofibroma. On the sixth day of hospitalization, the patient is discharged home. At control after three months, the patient was without problems, with ongoing adjuvant brachytherapy. CONCLUSION: Improvement of prevention measures and work on the continuing education of patients and physicians at the primary care level are needed to ensure that patients receive the best treatment in a timely manner. Cystadenofibroma is a rare tumor in general and gynecologic oncology, and as authors it is a great honor for us to contribute to the world literature and to present the twentieth case of this tumor.

The Importance of Determining Preoperative Serum Concentration of Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 and Carcinoembryonic Antigen in Assessing the Progression of Colorectal Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Many evidence indicates that Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) have strong reactivity with tumor cells and may serve as a useful marker in identifying patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between preoperative concentration of serum levels of CEA and CA 19-9 and progression of colorectal cancer. METHODS: The retrospective study included 80 patients operated for colorectal cancer at the Clinic for General and Abdominal Surgery, Clinical Center of University of Sarajevo, from 2013 to 2018. The following clinical and laboratory parameters were observed: age, sex, preoperatively measured concentrations of CEA and CA 19-9 antigens, CRC localization, postoperative histopathological findings and CRC stage (TNM classification). All of the data above were processed by relevant statistical methods, with an accepted level of statistical significance of p <0.05. RESULTS: The highest serum levels of CEA and CA 19-9 were observed in stage IV of CRC. Average CEA and CA 19-9 values did not differ significantly between tumor stages (p>0.05). Preoperatively measured serum concentrations of CEA and CA 19-9 in patients with CRC were significantly correlated (rho = 0.328, p = 0.001). An increase in the depth of tumor invasion of the intestinal wall tumor (pT) is followed by an increase in the serum value of the CEA marker, but this ratio was not statistically significant (rho=0.194, p=0.080), while the relationship between depth of intestinal wall invasion and serum level of CA 19-9 was significantly positive correlation (rho = 0.252, p = 0.024). However, the linear regression analysis model showed that serum levels of CEA and CA 19-9 could not be predictors of CRC stage and depth of tumor invasion of the intestinal wall (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: Preoperatively measured serum values of CEA and CA 19-9 cannot indicate the specific stage and histopathological size of the CRC.

Usage of Probiotics and its Clinical Significance at Surgically Treated Patients Sufferig from Colorectal Carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignant disease and the fourth most common cause of death associated with malignancy. Adenocarcinomas account for 95% of all cases of colon cancer. Treatment usually includes a surgical resection which is preceded or followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy depending on the stage. There is constant interest in the microbiological ecosystem of the intestine, which is considered to be crucial for the onset and progression of the disease as well as the development of postoperative complications. Iatrogenic factors associated with the treatment of CRC may result in pronounced expression of virulence of the bacterial intestinal flora and fulminant inflammatory response of the host which ultimately leads to adverse treatment results. The modulation of intestinal microflora by probiotics seems to be an effective method of reducing complications in surgical patients. The question is whether ordering probiotics can lead to more favourable treatment outcomes for our patients who are operated due to colorectal adenocarcinoma, and whether this should become common practice. AIM: To demonstrate the clinical significance of probiotic administration in patients treated for colorectal adenocarcinoma and the results compared with relevant studies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a randomized controlled prospective study conducted at the Clinic of General and Abdominal Surgery of the UCCS in the period of 01 January 2017 until 31 December 2017, there were a total of 78 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma. Patients were divided into two groups: a group treated with oral probiotics (n = 39) according to the 2x1 scheme starting from the third postoperative day lasting for the next thirty days, followed by 1x1 lasting for two weeks in each subsequent month to one year, and the control group (n = 39) which was not routinely treated with probiotics. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in the benefit of using probiotics was found during postoperative hospitalization and the occurrence of fatal outcome in the first six months. All complications were more present in the group of patients untreated with probiotic, with statistical significance shown only in the case of ileus. Probiotic has a statistically significant reduction in postoperative complications in the localization of tumours on the rectum -33.3% and the ascending colon -16.7%. CONCLUSION: There is a significant benefit of administering probiotics in surgically treated patients for colorectal adenocarcinoma.