Preoperative Frailty Assessed Comprehensively by a Questionnaire Predicts a Poor Survival Following Curative Resection of Gastric Cancer.

Background/Aim: The concept of frailty has been attracting attention as a comprehensive indicator of the various effects of aging, but no conclusion has been reached on how to evaluate it. The present study investigated the adverse effect of preoperative frailty on short- and long-term outcomes in patients with gastric cancer using a questionnaire about frailty. Patients and Methods: One hundred and twenty-five patients with pathological stage (p Stage) I/II/III who underwent radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer at the Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka, Japan from April 2015 to December 2016 were enrolled in this study. The frailty index (FI) was calculated by dividing the total score of 50 questions consisting of 1 point per question by 50. The study used multiple logistic regression analysis with 5-year overall survival (OS) as the endpoint to create a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to determine the cut-off point for the FI. The short- and long-term outcomes of the frail and non-frail groups were then compared, and prognostic factors for OS were examined. Results: Regarding the short-term outcomes, the postoperative complication rates did not differ significantly between the two groups. Regarding the 5-year OS rates of the patients with p Stages II/III, the outcomes in the frail group were significantly poorer than those in the non-frail group. In the multivariate analysis of OS, frailty was independently associated with unfavorable outcomes in patients with p Stages II/III gastric cancer. Conclusion: Frailty evaluation in this study may be useful in predicting long-term prognosis in patients undergoing surgical treatment for advanced gastric cancer.

A case of a thoracic duct cyst extending from the mediastinum to the cisterna chyli resected using bilateral thoracoscopic surgery in the prone position.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic duct cysts are extremely rare mediastinal tumors. We report a case of a thoracic duct cyst extending from the caudal aspect of the left main bronchus to the left renal artery that was safely and completely resected via bilateral thoracoscopic surgery in the prone position. CASE PRESENTATION: A 77-year-old male was referred to our hospital for follow-up computed tomography (CT) of prostate cancer, which revealed a mediastinal tumor and fatty low-density along the posterior mediastinum of the para-aortic artery with a slightly high-density component. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a T2-weighted image with high intensity. The preoperative radiological diagnosis was lipoma or well-differentiated liposarcoma. CT in the prone position suggested that the tumor could be resected from the thoracic cavity to the caudal side, and bilateral thoracoscopic surgery was performed in the prone position. Based on the surgical findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a thoracic duct cyst rather than a lipoma. Dissection around the thoracic duct cyst was performed using a vessel-sealing system to prevent leakage of the chyle, and reliable clipping was performed to resect the cisterna chyli. Histopathological examination revealed smooth muscle structures around the cyst, suggestive of a thoracic duct cyst. The diagnosis of a thoracic duct cyst was made based on a high triglyceride level of 1310 mg/dL on examination of the milky-white cyst fluid. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged 4 days postoperatively. A CT scan performed 13 months after surgery showed no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: A rare thoracic duct cyst extending from the mediastinum to the cisterna chyli was safely and completely resected using bilateral thoracoscopic surgery, with the patient in the prone position.

The Evaluation of Sarcopenia before Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Is Important for Predicting Postoperative Pneumonia in Patients with Esophageal Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenia is often observed in patients with esophageal cancer (EC). However, the influence of sarcopenia during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) on complications has not been fully investigated. Thus, we aimed to investigate the best way of evaluating sarcopenia for predicting complications, especially postoperative pneumonia (PP), in patients with EC undergoing NAC and esophagectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 113 patients. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis and/or computed tomography. Patients were diagnosed with sarcopenia at pre-NAC and preoperative timing. Different criteria were compared in terms of the predictability of PP. Next, we evaluated which factors were related to sarcopenia with the best PP predictability. RESULTS: Fifteen (13.2%) patients developed grade III or higher PP. Pre-NAC modified European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) criteria showed the highest sensitivity (100%) and acceptable specificity (75.8%) for predicting PP. Low pre-NAC body mass index and %VC were significantly associated with sarcopenia by the modified EWGSOP criteria. CONCLUSION: Pre-NAC sarcopenia by modified EWGSOP was a significant predictor of PP after esophagectomy. Appropriate interventions for these patients should be explored to prevent PP.

Dorsal Subcutaneous Fat Thickness as a Risk Factor for Pancreatic Fistula After Gastric Cancer Surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Recently, there have been many reports on the use of preoperative body composition analysis to predict postoperative complications in gastric cancer surgery, most of which used 3D image analysis software for the measurements. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of postoperative infectious complications (PICs), especially pancreatic fistulas, using a simple measurement method incorporating only preoperative computed tomography images. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 265 patients with gastric cancer underwent laparoscopic or robot-assisted gastrectomy with lymph node dissection at Osaka Metropolitan University Hospital between 2016 and 2020. To simplify the measurement method, we measured the length of each region of the subcutaneous fat area (SFA). Each area included a) umbilical depth, b) thickness of the longest ventral subcutaneous fat, c) thickness of the longest dorsal subcutaneous fat, and d) thickness of the median dorsal subcutaneous fat (MDSF) measurements. RESULTS: PICs occurred in 27 of 265 cases, of which pancreatic fistula was present in 9. SFA for pancreatic fistulas showed high diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve=0.922). Among the subcutaneous fat lengths, the MDSF was the most useful, and the optimal cut-off value was 16 mm. MDSF and non-expert surgeons were found to be independent risk factors for pancreatic fistula. CONCLUSION: Since the possibility of developing pancreatic fistula is high in cases with MDSF ≥16 mm, careful surgical strategies, such as having a skilled physician, are necessary.

[A Case of Late Recurrence of Anal Canal Carcinoma after Surgery, Discovered following the Diagnosis of a Subcutaneous Tumor in the Perineal Region].

We present an 82-year-old male patient who underwent laparoscopic abdominal perineal rectal amputation and D3 lymph node dissection, including left inguinal lymph node dissection for anal canal carcinoma. Left inguinal lymph node metastasis was positive, and pT1bN2aM0, pStage Ⅲa was the final pathological diagnosis. He underwent 8 courses of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin therapy as adjuvant chemotherapy. He was examined without recurrence for 5 years postoperatively. However, he awared a perineal subcutaneous tumor and was transferred to our hospital for further examination and treatment 6 years postoperatively. Recurrence after anal canal carcinoma surgery was diagnosed based on a needle biopsy, and perineal subcutaneous tumor resection was performed. This is a rare case of late postoperative recurrence of anal canal carcinoma, which was detected due to a perineal subcutaneous tumor 6 years after surgery for anal canal carcinoma.

[A Case of Late Recurrence of Esophageal Cancer, 15 Years after Surgery].

A 79-year-old man who underwent radical surgery for esophageal cancer in 2006, returned to our hospital in 2021 with a complaint of swelling in the right side of the neck. He was diagnosed with postoperative recurrence of esophageal cancer in the right cervical lymph node. In this study, we report a case of a late recurrence of esophageal cancer in which metastatic recurrence was observed 15 years after surgery. A detailed discussion of previous literature is additionally included.

Multiple stage IV colorectal cancers in a patient who received multidisciplinary treatment, including chemotherapy and Japanese Kampo medicine: A case report.

FOLFOXIRI (fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan) plus bevacizumab is the preferred first-line treatment for right-sided metastatic colorectal cancer with RAS mutation. However, severe adverse events are common in Japanese patients. We report the successful management of multiple stage IV colorectal cancers in a patient who received multidisciplinary treatment, including chemotherapy and Japanese Kampo medicine. A 68-year-old man presented with epigastralgia and appetite loss and was diagnosed with multiple stage IV colorectal cancers. Colonoscopy identified type II tumors in the ascending colon, sigmoid colon, and upper rectum. Histopathological examination of a biopsy specimen revealed well- to moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. Enhanced computed tomography of the thorax and abdomen showed multiple pulmonary nodules and para-aortic lymph node swelling. Laparoscopic loop-ileostomy was performed to avoid bowel obstruction due to severe stenosis of ascending colon cancer. Intraoperative observation revealed two white nodules suggestive of metastasis in the lateral area of the liver. Therefore, we diagnosed multiple stage IV colorectal cancers with multiple metastases (lung, liver, and distant lymph nodes). His postoperative course was uneventful, and chemotherapy was started. Since the cancer cells harbored a RAS mutation, he received FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab. Japanese Kampo medicine consisting of Hangeshashinto and Juzen-taiho-to, to prevent diarrhea and fatigue, was administered daily. After 12 courses of chemotherapy, though circumferential stenosis still existed in the ascending colon, the tumors in the sigmoid colon and upper rectum were unclear. Enhanced computed tomography showed shrinkage of the pulmonary nodules and para-aortic lymph node; therefore, laparoscopic-assisted ileocecal resection was performed. The postoperative histopathological examination revealed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient recovered uneventfully, and Kampo medicine consisting of Ninjin'yoeito was administered for postoperative weakness. Administration of adjuvant chemotherapy in this patient led to a near complete response that has been maintained without recurrence for 2 years and 8 months without reduced quality of life.

[A Case of Sarcoid‒Like Reaction with Multiple Lymphadenopathy by Rectal Cancer after an Operation].

We are reporting on a case of lymphadenopathy after surgery for rectal cancer. The case was a 66‒year‒old female. Laparoscopic high anterior resection(D3 dissection)was performed for rectal cancer(pT1bpN0M0, pStage Ⅰ)in April 2018, and she was followed up with on an outpatient basis. In July of the same year, a painless mass had formed in the right groin. An abdominal contrast‒enhanced CT showed lymph node swelling around the right groin and external iliac artery, but the tumor markers, CEA 2.3 ng/mL and CA19‒9 <2 U/mL, were within the standard values. An inguinal lymph node biopsy was performed during the same month. Pathological examination revealed no cancer cells and formation of epithelioid granuloma with giant cells. There was no suspicion of systemic sarcoidosis based on the test results and clinical findings. From the above, the patient was diagnosed with sarcoid reaction due to the tumor. Abdominal contrast‒enhanced CT scan 2 months after the biopsy showed lymph node shrinkage and there was no recurrence 2 years after the biopsy.

[Hemorrhage of Peritoneal Dissemination of the Ascending Colon Cancer Successfully Controlled by Palliative Radiotherapy-A Case Report].

An 81-year-old man underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for ascending colon cancer. The postoperative diagnosis was tub1>tub2, pT4apN1bM0, pStage Ⅲb, ascending colon cancer. At 1 year 4 months after operation, abdominal CT showed dissemination around anastomosis. The patient has been treated with first-line systematic chemotherapy(capecitabine, oxaliplatin and bevacizumab). Epigastralgia and grade 4 anemia were observed at 5 years 7 months after initiation of chemotherapy when he was treated with second-line chemotherapy(capecitabine, irinotecan and bevacizumab). As abdominal CT showed that the dissemination progressed rapidly in size 30 mm to 100 mm, we diagnosed tumor bleeding in the dissemination. Palliative radiotherapy(30 Gy/10 Fr)for the dissemination was performed. Hemostasis and tumor shrinkage were achieved, and epigastralgia improved after receiving the radiation therapy. The patient discharged our hospital on 31 days form admission. We believe that palliative radiotherapy is effective to recurrent colon cancer with tumor bleeding.

[A Case of Intra-Abdominal Desmoid Tumors Occuring Four Years after Open Radical Prostatectomy].

Desmoid tumor is one kind of fibromatosis, and much occurs the abdominal wall and outside the abdominal wall. Intra- abdominal desmoid tumor is rare at about 8%. We experienced a case of intra-abdominal desmoid tumors occurring 4 years after open radical prostatectomy with some literature review. A 72-year-old man had undergone open radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Four years after that resection, multiple intra-abdominal tumors measuring 56 mm in maximum diameter was identified on follow-up computed tomography, and he was referred to our department for management. We performed laparotomy and investigation of the biopsy. Immunohistochemistry of the resected specimen indicated the tumor cells were positive for vimentin and ß-catenin, and the diagnosis was desmoid. We performed partial resection of the small intestine and ileocecal resection. His postoperative course was uneventful and he was discharged on the 12th postoperative day. He has shown no sign of recurrence in the 4 months follow-up since surgery. In the past, an operation was the best treatment for intra-abdominal desmoid tumor. But it is reported that watchful waiting is also possible by the case which has no symptom and dysfunction in NCCN guidelines 2019. Further research is needed.

[Hyperammonemia with Disturbance of Consciousness during 5-FU plus Nedaplatin Therapy for Esophageal Cancer-A Case Report].

Hyperammonemia is a rare adverse event of 5-FU. Here, we report a case of hyperammonemia with disturbance of consciousness during 5-FU plus nedaplatin therapy for esophageal cancer and present a literature review. A 69-year-old man was diagnosed with cT2N2M0, cStage Ⅲ esophageal cancer. He was administered with DCF therapy as the first-line neoadjuvant chemotherapy. After the first course, he showed renal dysfunction. Therefore, as the second-line neoadjuvant chemotherapy, he was administered with 5-FU plus nedaplatin. He vomited on treatment day 5 and suddenly presented with disturbance of consciousness on treatment day 6. Blood tests showed hyperammonemia(114 µg/dL). He was treated with rehydration and branched-chain amino acid solutions, resulting in a gradual improvement of symptoms. Hyperammonemia has been reported in patients with colorectal cancer but rarely in patients with esophageal cancer. A case of hyperammonemia during the 5-FU plus nedaplatin therapy has never been reported in Japan. We should be aware that 5-FU may cause hyperammonemia and resultant disturbance of consciousness during chemotherapy with 5-FU.

[A Case of Obstructing Rectal Cancer with Obstructive Colitis Resected after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy to Avoid Anastomotic Leakage].

A 61-year-old male was referred to our department after decompression of the transanal ileus tube due to a rectal cancer obstruction. Colonoscopy revealed a circumferential type 2 tumor, 4 cm from the anal verge. The tumor was diagnosed as rectal cancer tub1-2, Group 5 on biopsy analysis. Longitudinal ulcers descending to the sigmoid colon were present and obstructive colitis was suspected. Enhanced computed tomography showed wall thickness in the Ra, Rb rectum and swelling of the mesorectum lymph node, but distant metastases were not identified. We diagnosed the patient with Ra, Rb rectal cancer cT4aN1aM0, cStage Ⅲb. Because of the risk of anastomotic leakage with obstructive colitis, we planned neoadjuvant chemotherapy(SOX therapy)after laparoscopic transverse colostomy. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, colonoscopy revealed improvements in the obstructive colitis. The tumor was reduced in size and the chemotherapy appeared effective. We performed laparoscopic rectal super low anterior resection with resection of the D3 lymph node. Histopathological examination revealed tub1, ypT3, ypN0, and the chemotherapeutic outcome was rated as Grade 1a. The final diagnosis was Ra, Rb rectal cancer with ypT3ypN0M0, ypStage Ⅱa.

[A Case of Disseminated Carcinomatosis of the Bone Marrow with Carcinoma of the Rectum Diagnosed by Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation].

A 77-year-old man with rectal cancer was admitted to our hospital. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection of rectum with D3 dissection was performed. The pathological diagnosis was poorly differentiated carcinoma, pT3, N1a, M0, pStage Ⅲa. Adjuvant chemotherapy was not performed. Fifteen months after operation, his chief complaint was fatigue. Thrombocytopenia and elevation of tumor maker was detected by blood test and disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC)was suspected. He was admitted to our hospital and we started anti DIC therapy immediately. Bone scintigraphy revealed multiple bone metastases, then we diagnosed disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow. He died 10 days after hospitalization. Disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow with colon cancer is rare and prognosis is very poor. It is important to diagnose and start treatment as early as possible.

[Effective Palliative Radiation for Hemostasis of Recurrent Colon Cancer in the Lymph Node with Gastric Wall Invasion].

A 76-year-old man underwent laparoscopic left hemicolectomy D3(pStage Ⅱb)for sigmoid colon cancer in 2015. Later, partial transverse colectomy D2(pStage Ⅱb)was performed because transverse cancer was also detected. Recurrent peritoneal dissemination was found in 2018. In 2019, hematemesis/black stool, as well as prominent anemia(Hb 3.1 g/dL)and bleeding from recurrent gastric wall invasion of the lymph nodes on the lesser curvature side of the stomach, was observed. Although hemostasis was performed endoscopically, palliative irradiation(30 Gy in 10 fractions)was performed to control bleeding because the risk of rebleeding was high. After irradiation, endoscopy showed that the ulcer in the infiltrated area of the gastric wall had a tendency to improve. No bleeding or progression of anemia was observed, and oral intake became possible. However, the patient's general condition deteriorated, and he died 80 days after palliative irradiation. For palliative radiation therapy, alleviation of pain owing to bone metastasis, as well as alleviation of the narrowed airway and esophagus, is known. Palliative radiation therapy has recently been performed for symptom relief and prognosis extension against tumor bleeding. Palliative radiation therapy for controlling bleeding has limited hemostatic effect compared with surgical resection, and it takes some time before hemostasis is achieved, but it is less invasive and less adverse event and may be an effective treatment option.

[A Case of Metachronous Metastasis to the Pancreas from Ascending Colon Cancer after Subtotal Stomach-Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy(SSPPD)].

A67 -year-old man was diagnosed with ascending colon cancer and multiple liver metastases and underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy(D3 lymphadenectomy). Pathological examination indicated tubular adenocarcinoma(tub1, pT4apN2H2M1[HEP], pStage Ⅳ). After chemotherapy, he underwent hepatectomy. One year and 9 months after the first operation, obstructive jaundice appeared. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a tumor 2 cm in size in the head of the pancreas. After several detailed examinations, he was diagnosed with pancreatic metastasis of ascending colon cancer. After partial resection of the left lung metastasis, pancreaticoduodenectomy(SSPPD-Ⅱ A-1, D1 lymphadenectomy)and low anterior resection(LAR)for early rectal cancer were performed. The tumor was positive for CDX2(+), resulting in a diagnosis of pancreatic metastasis. There has been no indication of recurrence 8 months after the pancreatic surgery. Resectable pancreatic metastasis from colon cancer is rare, and there are no clear indications for resection. Some cases of long-term survival have been reported; however, further studies are needed in order to establish a consensus.

[A Case in Which pCR Was Obtained by S-1 plus Oxaliplatin Therapy Administered as Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Advanced Gastric Cancer].

A 78-year-old man presented with anemia, with a hemoglobin level of 6.7 g/dL, during follow-up for angina pectoris and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed type 2 advanced gastric cancer(por), and abdominal computed tomography(CT)showed multiple lymph node metastases. He was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer, cStage Ⅲ(cT3N1M0). He received neoadjuvant chemotherapy in 3 courses of SOX(80mg/m / 2/day of S-1 on days 1-14 and 7 days of rest, and 100mg/m2 of oxaliplatin on day 1). Grade 1 thrombocytopenia was observed, but it resolved without any other major side effects. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a marked reduction in the primary lesion, and abdominal CT showed a significant reduction in the metastatic lymph node. We performed laparoscopic distal gastrectomy(D2+No. 14v)for advanced gastric cancer ycT1N(+)M0, ycStage ⅡA. Histological assessment revealed no evidence of residual tumor cells in the primary tumor or lymph nodes, and the histologic response was classified as Grade 3, pathological complete response(pCR). We report a case in which pCR was obtained by SOX therapy administered as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer.

[A Case of Sister Mary Joseph's Nodule from Transverse Colon Cancer Effectively Treated with SOX plus Bevacizumab Chemotherapy].

A 47-year-old woman presented with a hard umbilical nodule that appeared red and was painful. A biopsy of the umbilical nodule revealed adenocarcinoma. As a result of general examinations, the patient was diagnosed with umbilical, hepatic, and ovarian metastases from transverse colon cancer. She was treated with S-1 and oxaliplatin(SOX)plus bevacizumab chemotherapy. After 4 courses of chemotherapy, CT revealed that the primary lesion and umbilical and hepatic metastases had reduced in size. We considered this to be a partial response and thus administered 4 additional courses of SOX plus bevacizumab chemotherapy. Finally, she remained well for 22 months and achieved relatively good prognosis. An umbilical metastasis from an internal malignancy is known as a Sister Mary Joseph's nodule, and it has very poor prognosis. Most studies show that the survival period from the time of diagnosis is within 1 year. However, our case suggests that novel anti-cancer drugs or molecular-targeted agents may improve survival.

[A Retrospective Study of Preoperative Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Resectable Rectal Cancer].

PURPOSE: To analyze chemoradiotherapy results for locally advanced rectal cancers at a single institution. METHODS: The study cohort comprised 12 patients with clinically diagnosed T3/4, NX, M0 adenocarcinomas of the rectum who received preoperative chemoradiotherapy. RESULT: Pathological complete response(pCR)were observed in 2/12(16.7%)patients and pathological downstaging in 5/12(41.7%)patients, with generally mild adverse events. CONCLUSION: Preoperative che- moradiotherapy for clinical T3/4, NX rectal cancers significantly reduces local recurrences and improves prognoses.

[A Case of Apocrine Carcinoma of the Breast].

A 76-year-old postmenopausal woman presented with a bloody attachment on the left nipple. She had a 3 cm-sized tumor in her left breast. Mammography showed a spiculated irregular mass. Ultrasonography showed a 38 mm, low echoic mass with an irregular border. Core needle biopsy examination indicated apocrine carcinoma of the breast, ER(-), PgR(-), and HER2(-). An overall examination showed no distant metastasis. We diagnosed her with apocrine carcinoma of the breast(T2N0M0, cStageⅡA). We performed total mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy. The postoperative histopathological examination revealed apocrine carcinoma without lymph node metastasis. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged 8 days after the surgery. She has not experienced any recurrence for 1 year and 7 months after the surgery.

[Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery for Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumor].

A 57-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to a suspected rectal tumor at previous doctor. Colonoscopy showed a submucosal tumor with 8mm yellowish protrusions and smooth surfaces in the rectum, 5 cm from the anal verge. Endoscopic ultrasonography showed the appearance of the internal portions of the tumor to be relatively uniform in low echoic imagery. The tumor was located in the second to third layer. Histopathological findings showed neuroendocrine tumor- G1. We performed transanal minimally invasive surgery with GelPOINT®Path. Under general anesthesia, complete fullthickness excision of the rectal lesion was performed. Primary closure was accomplished using a 3-0 braided absorbable suture. The operation duration was 24 min; blood loss was very little in this case. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged 2 days after the operation. There was no anorectal dysfunction and no local and distant recurrence during the postoperative follow-up of 1 year 3 months. Transanal minimally invasive surgery with GelPOINT®Path was an effective treatment for the safe removal of small rectal tumor indicated for local resection.