Enhancing surgical outcomes in elderly gastric cancer patients: the role of comprehensive preoperative assessment and support.

BACKGROUND: As the prevalence of gastric cancer rises in aging populations, managing surgical risks and comorbidities in elderly patients presents a unique challenge. The Comprehensive Preoperative Assessment and Support (CPAS) program, through comprehensive preoperative assessments, aims to mitigate surgical stress and improve outcomes by enhancing patient awareness and preparation. This study investigates the efficacy of a CPAS program, incorporating frailty and sarcopenia evaluations, to improve short-term outcomes in elderly gastric cancer patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 127 patients aged 75 or older who underwent surgery with CPAS between 2018 and August 2023, compared to 170 historical controls from 2012 to 2017. Propensity score matching balanced both groups based on age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index and surgical details. The primary focus was on the impact of CPAS elements such as rehabilitation, nutrition, psychological support, oral frailty, and social support on short-term surgical outcomes. RESULTS: Among 83 matched pairs, the CPAS group, despite 40.4% of patients in the CPAS group and 21.2% in the control group had an ASA-PS score of 3 or higher (P < 0.001), demonstrated significantly reduced blood loss (100 ml vs. 190 ml, P = 0.026) and lower incidence of serious complications (19.3% vs. 33.7%, P = 0.034), especially in infections and respiratory issues. Sarcopenia was identified in 38.6% of CPAS patients who received tailored support. Additionally, the median postoperative hospital stay was notably shorter in the CPAS group (10 days vs. 15 days, P < 0.001), with no in-hospital deaths. These results suggest that personalized preoperative care effectively mitigates operative stress and postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Implementing CPAS significantly enhances surgical safety and reduces complication rates in elderly gastric cancer patients, emphasizing the critical role of personalized preoperative care in surgical oncology for this demographic.

Clinicopathological features of appendiceal goblet cell adenocarcinoma in Japan: a multicenter retrospective study.

PURPOSE: In the 5th edition of the World Health Organization classification, appendiceal goblet cell adenocarcinoma (GCA) is categorized separately from neuroendocrine tumors and other appendiceal adenocarcinomas. We clarified the clinicopathological characteristics of Japanese appendiceal GCA. METHODS: We designed a retrospective multicenter cohort study and retrieved the data of patients with appendiceal neoplasms and histologically diagnosed appendiceal goblet cell carcinoid (GCC) treated from January 2000 to December 2017 in Japan. The available GCC slides were reviewed and diagnosed with a new grading system of GCA. RESULTS: A total of 922 patients from 43 institutions were enrolled; of these, 32 cases were patients with GCC (3.5%), and 20 cases were ultimately analyzed. The 5-year survival rate was 61.4% (95% confidence interval: 27.4-83.2), and the median survival time was 93.1 months. For peritoneal metastasis, regional lymph node metastasis was a significant factor (p = 0.04), and Grade 3 was a potential factor (p = 0.07). No peritoneal metastasis was observed in either T1/2 patients (n = 2) or Grade 1 patients (n = 4). We were unable to detect any significant factors associated with regional lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSION: For peritoneal metastasis, regional lymph node metastasis was a significant factor, and Grade 3 was a potential factor.

[FOLFIRI plus RAM Therapy in Later Line of Unresectable Colorectal Cancer].

FOLFIRI plus ramucirumab(RAM)therapy has been reported to be effective and safe in the RAISE trial as second-line treatment for unresectable colorectal cancer. It is hypothesized that RAM may be effective in patients with PD treated with FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab(Bev)due to different mechanism of action from that of Bev, which is also an angiogenesis inhibitor. From January 2017 to December 2021, we conducted a retrospective study of 6 patients who had PD with 5-FU, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, or Bev as first or second-line treatment at our institution and who received FOLFIRI plus RAM in later line treatment. The 6 cases consisted of 3 patients in the third-line treatment, 1 patient in the fourth-line treatment, and 2 patients in the sixth-line treatment. The anti-tumor effect was PD in all cases in the third-line and fourth-line treatment, but the 2 patients of sixth-line treatment were controlled diseases.

[A Case of Locally Advanced Giant Sigmoid Colon Cancer Successfully Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy].

A 51-year-old woman presented to our hospital complaining of a lower abdominal mass and dysuria. She was diagnosed with advanced sigmoid colon cancer. The tumor was large, involving the bladder, and occupying the pelvic cavity. She received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 4 courses of mFOLFOX6, in addition to panitumumab. The treatment resulted in a marked reduction of the tumor. A laparoscopic sigmoid colon resection, total cystectomy, neobladder reconstruction, complete uterine and bilateral adnexa resection and partial ileal resection were performed. The histopathological diagnosis was ypT4b(bladder), ypN0, ypStage Ⅱc, all with negative surgical margins. Adjuvant chemotherapy was not administered owing to the patient's refusal. She remained recurrence-free for 3 years of postoperative follow up.

[A Case Report-A Successful Case of Distal Pancreatectomy with En Bloc Celiac Axis Resection for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer with an Aberrant Right Hepatic Artery].

In cases of pancreatic cancer with anatomical variations of the hepatic artery, it is important to evaluate the hemodynamics of each case for surgical indication. We report the case of a 68-year-old man with locally advanced pancreatic cancer and an aberrant right hepatic artery who underwent distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection(DP-CAR). He was admitted to our institute due to abdominal discomfort. A CT scan showed pancreatic cancer invading the common hepatic artery. He underwent chemoradiotherapy with a diagnosis of locally advanced pancreatic cancer. After the tumor downstaging, we performed DP-CAR, which included a gastroduodenal artery and a proper hepatic artery resection. Even though delayed gastric emptying was observed after the operation, he was discharged on postoperative day 36.

Comparison of clinical outcomes of single-incision versus multi-port laparoscopic surgery for descending colon cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: The clinical impact of single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for descending colon cancer (DCC) is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of SILS for DCC compared with multi-port laparoscopic surgery (MPLS). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 137 consecutive patients with stage I-III DCC who underwent SILS or MPLS at two high-volume multidisciplinary tertiary hospitals between April 2008 and December 2018, using propensity score-matched analysis. RESULTS: After propensity score-matching, we enrolled 88 patients (n = 44 in each group). SILS was successful in 97.7% of the matched cohort. Compared with the MPLS group, the SILS group showed significantly less blood loss and a greater number of harvested lymph nodes. Morbidity rates were similar between groups. Recurrence pattern did not differ between groups. No significant differences were found between groups in terms of 3-year disease-free and overall survivals. CONCLUSION: SILS appears safe and feasible and can provide satisfactory oncological outcomes for patients with DCC.

Comparison of clinical outcomes of single-incision versus multi-port laparoscopic surgery for rectosigmoid or upper rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for rectal cancer is technically challenging, and its clinical impact is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of SILS for rectal cancer compared with multi-port laparoscopic surgery (MPLS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 357 consecutive patients with stage I-III rectal cancer located in the rectosigmoid or upper rectum who underwent SILS or MPLS between January 2012 and December 2016, using propensity score-matched analysis. RESULTS: After propensity score-matching, we enrolled 204 patients (n = 102 per group). Before matching, significant group-dependent differences were observed in tumor location (p < 0.001). After matching, preoperative clinical factors were similar between groups. SILS was successful in 73.5% of cases, an additional port was required in 23.5%, and 2.9% were converted to open surgery. Compared to the MPLS group, the SILS group showed shorter operative time (192 vs. 211 min, p = 0.015) and shorter postoperative hospital stay (9 vs. 11 days, p = 0.038). Other operative factors and morbidity rates did not differ significantly between groups. The number of harvested lymph nodes was smaller in the SILS group (24) than in the MPLS group (27, p = 0.008). Postoperative recurrence did not differ between groups, either before or after matching. No significant differences in 3-year disease-free, 3-year local recurrence-free, or 5-year overall survival were found between groups. CONCLUSIONS: SILS is safe, is feasible, and offers satisfactory oncological outcomes in selected patients with rectosigmoid or upper rectal cancer.

Long-term outcomes of single-incision versus multiport laparoscopic colectomy for colon cancer: results of a propensity score-based analysis.

BACKGROUND: Long-term outcomes of single-incision laparoscopic colectomy (SILC) for colon cancer (CC), as practiced in real-world settings, especially in relation to disease stage, have not been established. We examined, retrospectively, both short- and long-term outcomes of SILC versus those of multiport laparoscopic colectomy (MPLC) performed for CC in a propensity-score-matched cohort. METHODS: The study involved 263 patient pairs matched 1:1 from among 691 patients who, between January 2008 and May 2014, underwent either SILC or MPLC for a primary solitary CC at our hospital. Short-term and long-term operative outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Operation time was the only surgical outcome that varied significantly between the two groups (p = 0.0004). Overall 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) in the SILC group was 93.7 (95% CI 89.6-96.2)%, and CSS per pathological stage (I, II and III) was 98.5 (90.0-99.8)%, 96.0 (88.2-98.7)%, and 88.3 (79.6-93.6)%, respectively, whereas overall 5-year CSS in the MPLC group was 93.3 (89.4-95.9)%, and CSS per pathological stage was 100%, 95.4 (88.3-98.3)%, and 84.1 (74.1-90.8)% (p = 0.5278, 0.2679, 0.7666, and 0.9073), respectively. Overall 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) in the SILC group was 94.0 (90.2-96.4)%, and 3-year DFS per pathological stage was 98.6 (90.4-99.8)%, 90.1 (81.4-95.0)%, and 79.0 (69.4-86.2)%, respectively, whereas overall 3-year DFS in the MPLC group was 93.2 (89.4-95.7)%, and 3-year DFS per pathological disease stage was 100%, 94.5 (87.4-97.7)% and 75.5 (64.7-83.8)% (p = 0.2829, 0.7401, 0.4335 and 0.8518), respectively. Thus, oncological outcomes did not differ significantly between groups. Incisional hernia occurred in 21 (8.0%) SILC group patients and 17 (6.5%) MPLC group patients, without a significant between-group difference (p = 0.6139). CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that perioperative and oncological outcomes of SILC performed for CC are comparable to those of MPLC performed for CC.

Vascular variants in laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy with central vascular ligation for right colon cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the right colic vascularity, focusing on the confluences of veins. METHODS: The subjects of this retrospective study were 100 patients who underwent laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy (Lap-ERHC) between April 2015 and September 2020, at our hospitals. Veins draining into the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) included the ileocecal vein (ICV), the right colic vein (RCV), the middle colic vein (MCV), and the gastrocolic trunk of Henle (GCT). Veins draining into vessels other than the SMV were defined as accessory colic veins (aICV, aRCV or aMCV). RESULTS: The GCT, aRCV, and aMCV were found in 86, 89, and 15 patients, respectively. In 66 patients with one aRCV, drainage was split as the anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal vein (ASPDV) in 12, the right gastroepiploic vein (RGEV) in 7, and the GCT in 47. In 23 patients with two aRCVs, drainage was split as the ASPDV in 4, the RGEV in 1, the GCT in 11, and the ASPDV and GCT in 7. In 14 patients with one aMCV, drainage was split as the GCT in 8, the splenic vein in 5, and the first jejunal vein (FJV) in 1. One patient had two aMCVs, draining into the GCT and the FJV. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our evaluation of vascular anatomy, focusing on confluences of the colic veins, provides useful information for colorectal surgeons.

Single-port laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision and central vascular ligation using a right colon rotation technique (flip-flap method).

INTRODUCTION: Single-port laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision and central vascular ligation is technically challenging, and a standardized procedure is needed to minimize technical hazards. TECHNIQUE: As a first step, the hepatic flexure is mobilized from the duodenum, and the third part of the duodenum and pancreatic head was exposed. Next, the ileocecal vessels are divided at the root using a medial-to-lateral approach, and the cecum is separated from the retroperitoneal space. This process completes the mobilization of the right colon. In the second step, the omental bursa is opened, and the inferior border of the pancreas is exposed. The mobilized right colon is turned around to the left of the superior mesenteric vein, continuing to separate the mesentery from right to left side, and the right colic vessels are divided at the roots. The inverted right colon is restored to its original position, and the mesenteric fat is dissected along the left edge of the superior mesenteric artery to the inferior border of the pancreas. RESULTS: A total of 57 consecutive patients with advanced hepatic flexure colon cancer (n = 24) and transverse colon cancer (n = 33) underwent S-ERHC. The conversion rate to open surgery was 5.3%. Operative time, blood loss, and number of harvested lymph nodes were 232 min (interquartile range [IQR], 184-277 min), 5 mL (IQR, 5-66 mL), and 30 (IQR, 22-38), respectively. According to the Clavien-Dindo classification, the grade ≥ 2 complication rate was 10.5%. Median duration of hospitalization was 9 days (IQR, 7-13 days). CONCLUSIONS: Single-port laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy using a right colon rotation technique is safe, feasible, and useful. This technique of repeating the inversion and restoration of the right colon may help avoid bleeding and damage to other organs and facilitate reliable lymph node dissection.

Role of single-incision laparoscopic surgery in the management of small bowel obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) arises on various backgrounds, and the surgical procedure is often modified intraoperatively as needed. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is less invasive than conventional multiport laparoscopic surgery (MPS) and reported to be equally safe and efficient. We have been applying SILS to SBO requiring surgical treatment, and we conducted a retrospective study to clarify the role of SILS in the management of SBO. METHODS: Thirty-four consecutive patients were identified for inclusion in the study through a review of hospital records of patients having undergone surgery for SBO between May 2013 and June 2018. Patients with tumor- or hernia-related SBO were excluded. We also identified, for comparison, a group of patients who had undergone open surgery for SBO during the preceeding 5-year period. The primary study endpoint was the SILS completion rate, and analyses were performed to identify risk factors for conversion to open surgery and perioperative complications. RESULTS: The SILS completion rate was 70.6% (24/34 patients), with conversion open surgery required for the remaining 10 (29.4%) patients. Conversion was necessitated by limited working space in 5 (50%) patients, discovery of massive necrosis in 3 (30%), and non-detection of the responsible lesion in 2 (20%). Univariable analysis showed an American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status score (p = 0.020) and severe intra-abdominal adhesions (p = 0.007) to be risk factors for conversion. Conversion to open surgery (vs complete SILS) was significantly associated with increased operation time (p = 0.018), blood loss (p = 0.021), postoperative stay (p = 0.010), and postoperative complications (p = 0.004). Open surgery was significantly associated with increased postoperative stay (p = 0.026) and postoperative complications (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: SILS appears to be a reasonable surgical treatment option for selected patients with SBO.

[Effect of Endoscopic Resection on Prognosis in T1b Colorectal Cancer].

With the advancement of endoscopic resection(ER)of colorectal cancer, surgical resection after ER has been increasing. This study evaluated the effects of initial ER on short- and long-term outcomes in T1b colorectal cancer. This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with pathological T1b colorectal cancer who underwent colorectal surgical resection between 2008 and 2018. A total of 239 eligible patients were divided into 2 groups: patients initially treated using surgical resection with lymph node dissection(LND)(surgery alone, n=142)and patients treated using initial ER and additional surgical resection with LND(surgery after ER, n=97). No significant differences were observed in short-term outcomes(ie, operative time, blood loss, or postoperative complications)or the long-term outcomes(ie, recurrence rate, overall survival rate, or recurrence free survival rate)between groups.

[A Case of Carcinomatous Meningitis from Gastric Cancer with Improvement of QOL by Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt].

In cases where carcinomatous meningitis leads to hydrocephalus and increases intracranial pressure, patients present with exacerbated pain and several neurological symptoms. It is reported that multidisciplinary therapy, including radiation therapy, drug therapy, and surgery, is performed for patients with carcinomatous meningitis; however, it is rarely successful. Ventriculoperitoneal shunting(V-P shunt)is a surgical intervention that might relieve the pain temporarily and improve the quality of life. VPS should be taken into consideration in line with patients' and their families' intentions since the overall survival is fairly short.

[Single-Incision Laparoscopic Colectomy for Descending Colon Cancer in a Patient with a Horseshoe Kidney].

A 67-year-old woman presented with bloody stools to a local physician. Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a type 3 all-circumferential tumor at descending colon. She was diagnosed with descending colon cancer and referred to our hospital for surgery. Preoperative computed tomography(CT)revealed a horseshoe kidney. We performed single-incision laparoscopic colectomy for descending colon cancer(cT3cN0cM0, cStageⅡa)complicated by a horseshoe kidney. The surgery was performed safely without any additional injuries. In patients with horseshoe kidneys, abnormalities have been reported in the running of the blood vascular system and the renal pelvis and ureter systems. Thus, sufficient understanding of the anatomic abnormality by preoperative examinations, such as 3D-CT, is essential for performing surgery safely.

[A Case of Multidisciplinary Treatment for a Recurrent Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Stomach].

The standard treatment for unresectable or recurrent gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST)is tyrosine kinase inhibitor(TKI). It is reported that resection of metastatic lesions after TKI administration prolongs progression free survival, but its influence on overall survival is not clarified. We experienced a case of GIST with peritoneal dissemination for which TKI administration and 2 local resections were effective. The patient was a man in his 70's. We started chemotherapy with imatinib for GIST with peritoneal dissemination. However, it was discontinued due to the occurrence of interstitial pneumonia. Dissemination was evaluated as radically resectable on the images. After the interstitial pneumonia was alleviated, surgery was performed. Although sunitinib was introduced at 2 months postoperatively, recurrent peritoneal dissemination was detected at 32 months postoperatively, and treatment was then changed to regorafenib. Regorafenib treatment reduced the tumor size; however, Grade 3 albuminuria was detected 16 months after treatment initiation and, thus, this treatment was discontinued. Subsequently, the tumor enlarged again. Because there was only 1 recurrent lesion, we performed radical resection. Postoperatively, a reduced dose of regorafenib was re-administered. At present, 9 months after the re-surgery, the patient is alive without recurrence.

[A Case of Primary Duodenal Adenocarcinoma in the Fourth Portion].

A 66-year-old woman admitted for nausea was found to have a type 2 tumor with stenosis at the fourth portion of the duodenum by upper gastrointestinal series and endoscopy, which was diagnosed as an adenocarcinoma by endoscopic biopsy. Abdominal computed tomography(CT)showed an irregular thick wall at the fourth portion of the duodenum but without metastasis or invasion to the adjacent vessels. We examined the lymph nodes around the pancreatic head intraoperatively and partially resected the duodenum and jejunum based on the diagnosis of negative swollen nodes. The definitive diagnosis was primary tubular adenocarcinoma of the fourth portion of the duodenum, T3, N0, M0, Stage ⅡA. Reports of primary cancer of the fourth portion of the duodenum are very rare, and we include a discussion of the current literature.

[Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma(NLPHL)Which Originate from the Mesentery-A Series of Two Cases].

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma(NLPHL)is a subtype of Hodgkin lymphoma. It is uncommon in Japan, and only a few cases of NLPHL originating from the mesentery have been reported. Most patients with NLPHL present in the early stage, but some patients have malignancy at initial presentation. We should perform staging laparotomy for the diagnosis and treatment of cases in which a lymph node biopsy is difficult.

[Case Series of the TAS-102 plus Bevacizumab(Bev)Combination Therapy in Unresectable Advanced Colorectal Cancer].

A phase-Ⅱtrial of TAS-102 plus bevacizumab(Bev)combination therapy showed a progression-free survival(PFS)of 3.7-4.6 months. Here, we report 12 cases of unresectable advanced recurrent colorectal cancer treated with TAS-102 plus Bev therapy at our hospital between June 2017 and February 2020. The median PFS was 6 months(2-12). Adverse events greater than Grade 3 were neutropenia(33.3%), febrile neutropenia(8.3%), thrombocytopenia(8.3%), and vomiting (8.3%). The frequency of non-hematotoxicity was low. In conclusion, the TAS-102 plus Bev therapy may be a useful option for the late-line treatment of unresectable advanced recurrent colorectal cancer.

[Launching Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery for Rectal Cancer in Our Hospital-Short-Term Results].

Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery(RALS)for rectal cancer has been covered by National Health Insurance in Japan since April 2018. We launched RALS in our hospital in October 2019 and now report the short-term results(up to January 2020). Altogether, 15 consecutive patients(12 men, 3 women: median age 70 years)with rectal cancer underwent RALS during that period. For the first 2 cases, we performed RALS under the instruction of an experienced proctor from another institution. Among the 15 patients, 6 underwent high anterior resection and 9 low anterior resection. Median operating time was 358 min, median intraoperative blood loss was 0 mL, and there were no apparent intraoperative complications. Median postoperative length of hospital stay was 13 days, and only 1 patient developed a high-grade complication(Clavien-Dindo Grade Ⅲb)postoperatively. Hence, RALS for rectal cancer was launched successfully in our institution.

[A Case of Slow-Growing Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma after Resection of Gastric Cancer].

An 83-year-old woman was given a diagnosis of gastric cancer and received distal gastrectomy 9 years ago. Three years later, CT revealed a tumor measuring 13 mm in diameter in hepatic segment 7. She was followed for 5 years, and the size of the tumor did not change. Eight years later after gastrectomy, the tumor size slightly enlarged to 17 mm, and biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent liver resection of segment 7. The pathological diagnosis was well differentiated intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC). No sign of recurrence has been found during a 1-year. This case, in which the patient was followed for 5 years before curative surgical treatment, is significant, because it demonstrates the slow-growing nature of ICC.