Short-term and long-term oncologic outcomes of self-expandable metallic stent compared with tube decompression for obstructive colorectal cancer:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose@#Patients with obstructive colorectal cancer managed by emergency surgery show high morbidity, mortality, and stoma formation rates. Decompression modalities, including the self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) and tube drainage (TD), have been used to improve surgical outcomes. However, there have been limited studies comparing the 2 modalities.We performed a meta-analysis on short- and long-term outcomes between SEMS and TD. @*Methods@#PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched. Data were pooled, and the overall effect size was calculated using random effect models. Outcome measures were perioperative short-term and 3-year survival outcomes. @*Results@#We included 20 nonrandomized studies that examined 2,047 patients in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed SEMS had better short-term outcomes in clinical success rate, decompression-related complications, laparoscopic surgery rate, stoma formation rate, and postoperative complication rate with a relative risk (RR) of 0.36 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24–0.54; I2 = 20%), 0.32 (95% CI, 0.20–0.50; I 2 = 0%), 0.47 (95% CI, 0.34–0.66; I2 = 87%), 0.34 (95% CI, 0.24–0.49; I2 = 52%), and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.54–0.89, I2 = 28%), respectively. However, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in 3-year overall survival (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.77–1.27; I2 = 0%). @*Conclusion@#Although the long-term oncologic impact of SEMS is still unclear compared with TD, the results of this metaanalysis may suggest that SEMS insertion can be performed more successfully and safely and may have benefits for shortterm perioperative outcomes compared with TD. Further studies are warranted to provide more definitive survival results.

Fournier Gangrene in a Patient With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treated With Dapagliflozin: A Case Report

Rare cases of Fournier gangrene (FG) possibly associated with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors have been reported. We present a case of a 66-year-old male patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus on oral metformin, glimepiride, and dapagliflozin therapy. He presented with pain in the perineum and scrotum for 5 days. The clinical finding, computed tomography finding, and laboratory data were matched with FG. Emergency surgical drainage, debridement of necrotic tissue, and diverting loop ileostomy formation were performed by a urologist and a surgeon. The patient had no complications from diabetes before the onset of FG, and serum glucose management was good at the onset of FG. This case shows an FG patient with good glucose management taking dapagliflozin and suggests a possible association between dapagliflozin and FG. Further evaluation and additional research on this relationship are needed.

Fournier Gangrene in a Patient With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treated With Dapagliflozin: A Case Report

Rare cases of Fournier gangrene (FG) possibly associated with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors have been reported. We present a case of a 66-year-old male patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus on oral metformin, glimepiride, and dapagliflozin therapy. He presented with pain in the perineum and scrotum for 5 days. The clinical finding, computed tomography finding, and laboratory data were matched with FG. Emergency surgical drainage, debridement of necrotic tissue, and diverting loop ileostomy formation were performed by a urologist and a surgeon. The patient had no complications from diabetes before the onset of FG, and serum glucose management was good at the onset of FG. This case shows an FG patient with good glucose management taking dapagliflozin and suggests a possible association between dapagliflozin and FG. Further evaluation and additional research on this relationship are needed.

Oncologic effects of adjuvant chemotherapy in patientswith ypT0–2N0 rectal cancer after neoadjuvantchemoradiotherapy and curative surgery: a meta-analysis

Purpose@#The role of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with ypT0–2N0 rectal cancer following neoadjuvantchemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and curative surgery is uncertain. We performed a meta-analysis using selected studies tocompare adjuvant chemotherapy with observation for this cohort of patients. @*Methods@#PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched. Data were pooled, and overall effect size wascalculated using random effect models. Outcome measures were 5-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS),local, and distant recurrence. @*Results@#We included 17 nonrandomized studies for qualitative analysis and 16 nonrandomized studies that examined 4,747patients for the meta-analysis. In analysis of patients with ypT0N0 rectal cancer, adjuvant chemotherapy had no significanteffect on OS (odds ratio [OR], 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86–2.72; I2 = 27%), DFS (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.61–2.42; I2 =5%), local recurrence (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.08–7.37; I2 = 0%), and distant recurrence (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.41–2.62; I2 = 0%).In analysis of patients with ypT1–2N0 rectal cancer, adjuvant chemotherapy also had no significant effect on OS (OR, 2.15;95% CI, 0.59–7.80; I2 = 26%), DFS (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 0.35–7.85; I2 = 44%), local recurrence (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 0.72–9.13; I2 =0%), and distant recurrence (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.23–5.87; I2 = 0%). @*Conclusion@#Adjuvant chemotherapy may have no oncologic benefits in patients with ypT0–2N0 rectal cancer after nCRTand radical surgery. Routine use of adjuvant chemotherapy for those patients may be avoided.

Oncologic effects of adjuvant chemotherapy in patientswith ypT0–2N0 rectal cancer after neoadjuvantchemoradiotherapy and curative surgery: a meta-analysis

Purpose@#The role of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with ypT0–2N0 rectal cancer following neoadjuvantchemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and curative surgery is uncertain. We performed a meta-analysis using selected studies tocompare adjuvant chemotherapy with observation for this cohort of patients. @*Methods@#PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched. Data were pooled, and overall effect size wascalculated using random effect models. Outcome measures were 5-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS),local, and distant recurrence. @*Results@#We included 17 nonrandomized studies for qualitative analysis and 16 nonrandomized studies that examined 4,747patients for the meta-analysis. In analysis of patients with ypT0N0 rectal cancer, adjuvant chemotherapy had no significanteffect on OS (odds ratio [OR], 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86–2.72; I2 = 27%), DFS (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.61–2.42; I2 =5%), local recurrence (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.08–7.37; I2 = 0%), and distant recurrence (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.41–2.62; I2 = 0%).In analysis of patients with ypT1–2N0 rectal cancer, adjuvant chemotherapy also had no significant effect on OS (OR, 2.15;95% CI, 0.59–7.80; I2 = 26%), DFS (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 0.35–7.85; I2 = 44%), local recurrence (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 0.72–9.13; I2 =0%), and distant recurrence (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.23–5.87; I2 = 0%). @*Conclusion@#Adjuvant chemotherapy may have no oncologic benefits in patients with ypT0–2N0 rectal cancer after nCRTand radical surgery. Routine use of adjuvant chemotherapy for those patients may be avoided.

Meta-analysis of oncologic effect of primary tumor resection in patients with unresectable stage IV colorectal cancer in the era of modern systemic chemotherapy

PURPOSE: The management of primary tumors in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer remains unclear. This meta-analysis evaluated the survival benefits of primary tumor resection (PTR) in patients with unresectable stage IV colorectal cancer in the era of modern chemotherapy. METHODS: Multiple comprehensive databases were searched for studies comparing survival outcomes in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who did and did not undergo PTR. Outcome data were pooled, and overall effect size was calculated using random effect models. RESULTS: Seventeen nonrandomized studies involving 18,863 patients met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed that PTR significantly improved overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56–0.71; P < 0.001) and progression free survival (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.67–0.87; P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses, performed by predefined methods, also indicated that PTR improved overall patient survival. CONCLUSION: Palliative resection of the primary tumor may have survival benefits in patients with unresectable stage IV colorectal cancer. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the optimal treatment for these patients.

Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Never Ending Story

No abstract available.

Management of Colonic Diverticulitis Tailored to Location and Severity: Comparison of the Right and the Left Colon

PURPOSE: This study assessed optimal management of colonic diverticulitis as functions of disease location and severity and factors associated with complicated diverticulitis. METHODS: This retrospective review analyzed 202 patients diagnosed between 2007 and 2014 at Chonbuk National University Hospital, South Korea, with colonic diverticulitis by using abdominopelvic computed tomography. Diverticulitis location was determined, and disease severity was categorized using the modified Hinchey classification. RESULTS: Patients included 108 males (53.5%) and 94 females (46.5%); of these, 167 patients (82.7%) were diagnosed with right-sided and 35 (17.3%) with left-sided colonic diverticulitis. Of the 167 patients with right-sided colonic diverticulitis, 12 (7.2%) had complicated and 155 (92.8%) had uncomplicated diverticulitis; of these, 157 patients (94.0%) were successfully managed conservatively. Of the 35 patients with left-sided colonic diverticulitis, 23 (65.7%) had complicated and 12 (34.3%) had uncomplicated diverticulitis; of these, 23 patients (65.7%) were managed surgically. Among patients with right-sided diverticulitis, those with complicated disease were significantly older (54.3 ± 12.7 years vs. 42.5 ± 13.4 years, P = 0.004) and more likely to be smokers (66.7% vs. 32.9%, P = 0.027) than those with uncomplicated disease. However, among patients with left-sided diverticulitis, those with complicated disease had significantly lower body mass index (BMI; 21.9 ± 4.7 kg/m² vs. 25.8 ± 4.3 kg/m², P = 0.021) than those with uncomplicated disease. CONCLUSION: Conservative management may be effective in patients with right-sided diverticulitis and patients with uncomplicated left-sided colonic diverticulitis. Surgical management may be required for patients with complicated left-sided diverticulitis. Factors associated with complicated diverticulitis include older age, smoking and lower BMI.

Transanal tube placement for prevention of anastomotic leakage following low anterior resection for rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE: Anastomotic leakage following low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer is a serious complication that increases morbidity and mortality rates. Transanal tube placement may reduce postoperative anastomotic leakage rate by reducing intraluminal pressure and preventing fecal extrusion through the staple line. This meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of transanal tube placement to prevent anastomotic leakage after LAR for rectal cancer using a stapling technique. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was consistent with the recommendations of the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) statement. Multiple comprehensive databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and KoreaMed, were searched. The main study outcomes were anastomotic leakage. RESULTS: Two randomized clinical trials and 4 nonrandomized studies involving 1,118 patients were included. Subgroup analyses of randomized clinical trials found that transanal tube placement had no effect on study outcomes. Meta-analysis of nonrandomized studies showed that transanal tube placement was associated with a lower incidence of anastomotic leakage (relative risk, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.15-0.67; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: Transanal tube placement may be effective in preventing or reducing the occurrence of anastomotic leakage after LAR for rectal cancer using a stapling technique. Randomized clinical trials with sufficient power are needed to confirm the benefit of transanal tube placement.

Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in the Staging of Colon Cancer

PURPOSE: Accurate preoperative staging of colon cancer is essential for providing the optimal treatment strategy and evaluating the expected prognosis. The aim of this study is to assess the value of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) over conventional studies in the staging of colon cancer. METHODS: A total of 266 colon cancer patients diagnosed between January 2008 and December 2010 were assessed with both PET/CT and conventional studies. Discordance with PET/CT and conventional studies were evaluated, and changes in the management strategy were assessed for each stage. Discordant findings were verified by using intraoperative examination, pathology reports, and follow-up imaging studies. RESULTS: Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and PET/CT showed similar accuracy in detecting lymph node metastasis in patients with clinical stage III (36.2% vs. 42%, P = 0.822) and stage IV (60.3% vs. 63.5%, P = 0.509) disease. PET/CT led to a change in management strategy for 1 of 40 patients (2.5%) with clinical stage I, 0 of 25 patients (0%) with stage II, 9 of 138 patients (6.5%) with stage III, and 8 of 63 patients (12.7%) with stage IV disease. CONCLUSION: PET/CT changed the management plan in 6.5% of patients with clinical stage III and 12.7% of patients with clinical stage IV colon cancer. Our findings suggest that PET/CT may be considered as a routine staging tool for clinical stage III and IV colon cancers.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Elevated Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen for Recurrence in Postoperative Stage II Colorectal Cancer Patients: Comparison With Stage III

PURPOSE: Elevated levels of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) following a curative resection of colorectal cancer (CRC) indicate recurrence; however, the levels of CEA may be elevated above the normal limit without recurrence. The aim of this study is to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of elevated serum CEA for predicting recurrence in postoperative stage II and stage III CRC patients. METHODS: A total of 336 stage II and stage III CRC patients who underwent a curative resection between January 2005 and October 2009 were enrolled. Sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values (PPVs), negative predictive values (NPVs), likelihood ratios and post-test probabilities of recurrence associated with elevated CEA were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: The median follow-up duration was 45 months (36 to 134 months). Twenty-seven of 189 stage II patients (14.3%) and 52 of 147 stage III patients (35.4%) developed recurrence during the follow-up period. Sensitivities, specificities, PPVs, and NPVs of elevated CEA were 37.0%, 91.4%, 41.7%, and 89.7%, respectively, in stage II patients and 46.2%, 90.5%, 72.7%, and 75.4% in stage III patients. Post-test probabilities of recurrence associated with elevated CEA were 41.8% in stage II patients and 71.9% in stage III patients. CONCLUSION: The predictive performance of the probability of recurrence associated with elevated serum CEA after a curative resection in stage II CRC patients is lower than that in stage III CRC patients.

What Should Be Done to Increase Survival in Patients With Colorectal Cancer?

No abstract available.

Postoperative pneumoperitoneum: guilty or not guilty? / 대한외과학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and duration of postoperative pneumoperitoneum on plain radiographs and to identify the radiologic findings associated with anastomotic leakage. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on plain radiographs of 384 patients who underwent intra-abdominal anastomoses between March 2005 and December 2008. RESULTS: Of the 384 patients, 93 patients (24.2%) had postoperative pneumoperitoneums. Of the 93 patients, 86 patients (92.5%) had physiologic pneumoperitoneums and 7 patients (7.5%) had pneumoperitoneums associated with anastomotic leakage. The initial air height was significantly greater in the leakage group than the physiologic air group (12.16 +/- 7.65 mm vs. 7.71 +/- 5.08 mm, P = 0.04). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the initial height of free air for anastomotic leakage was 0.69 (95% confidence interval, 0.59 to 0.78). The best cut-off point was 11.7 mm. The height of the pneumoperitoneum increased with time in the leakage group. Ileus was significantly more prevalent in the leakage group than the physiologic air group (P 11.7 mm, increasing air height over time, and the presence of ileus on plain radiographs suggest a high likelihood of anastomotic leakage.

Paragonimiasis in the Abdominal Cavity and Subcutaneous Tissue: Report of 3 Cases

Paragonimiasis is a parasitic disease caused by the lung fluke, Paragonimus spp. Lung flukes may be found in various organs, such as the brain, peritoneum, subcutaneous tissues, and retroperitoneum, other than the lungs. Abdominal paragonimiasis raises a considerable diagnostic challenge to clinicians, because it is uncommon and may be confused with other abdominopelvic inflammatory diseases, particularly peritoneal tuberculosis, and peritoneal carcinomatosis. Also, subcutaneous paragonimiasis does not easily bring up clinical suspicion, due to its rarity. We herein report 2 cases of abdominal paragonimiasis and 1 case of subcutaneous paragonimiasis in Korea.

Multivariate Analysis of the Survival Rate for Treatment Modalities in Incurable Stage IV Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare survival in patients that underwent palliative resection treatment versus non-resection for incurable colorectal cancer (ICRC). METHODS: The case records of 201 patients with ICRC between January 2000 and December 2009 were reviewed. Demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level, the location of the colon cancer, histology, metastasis, treatment options and median survival were analyzed retrospectively. We divided the patients into four groups according to the treatment modalities: resection alone, resection with post-operative chemotherapy, non-resection treatment by chemotherapy alone, and stent or bypass. Median survival times were compared according to each treatment option, and the survival rates were analyzed. RESULTS: 105 patients underwent palliative resection whereas 96 were treated with non-resection modalities. A palliative resection was performed in 44 cases for resection alone and in 61 cases for resection with post-operative chemotherapy. In patients treated with non-resection of the primary tumor, chemotherapy alone was done in 65 cases and stent or bypass in 31 cases. Multivariate analysis showed a median survival of 14 months in patients with palliative resections with post-operative chemotherapy, which was significantly higher than those for chemotherapy alone (8 months), primary tumor resection alone (5 months), and stent or bypass (5 months). Gender, age, ASA score, CEA level, the location of colon cancer, histology and the presence of multiple metastases were not independent factors in association with the median survival rate. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of ICRC, palliative resection followed by post-operative chemotherapy shows the most favorable median survival compared to other treatment options.

Torsion of a mucocele of the vermiform appendix: a case report and review of the literature / 대한외과학회지

Torsion of a mucocele of the vermiform appendix is an extremely rare condition and also a rare cause of an acute abdomen with a clinical presentation that is indistinguishable from acute appendicitis, and thus, the condition is diagnosed during operation. Here, the authors describe the case of a 78-year-old female, who presented with intermittent abdominal pain. The appendix had a pelvic position and the torsion was counterclockwise. In addition, the torsion was associated with mucocele of the appendix, which was considered a secondary factor of torsion. Appendectomy and drainage were performed.

Concurrent Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma of the Ascending Colon: A Case Report

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas of the colon are rare and represent only a small percentage of all colonic endocrine tumors. Here, we report a case of a colonic large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas concurrent with a colonic adenocarcinoma. A 70-year-old man presented with acute abdominal pain. A spiral computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed eccentric wall thickening on the ascending colon. An explorative laparotomy and a right hemicolectomy were performed. Grossly, two separated masses were observed in the proximal ascending colon. One was a 7.4 x 5.1 cm ulcerative fungating lesion, and the other was a 2.8 x 1.9 cm polypoid lesion. Microscopically, the ulcerative fungating lesion showed a well-differentiated neuroendocrine morphology with necrosis and increased mitosis. Most of the tumor cells had large, vesicular nuclei with eosinophilic nucleoli, variable amounts of eosinophilic cytoplasm, and immunoreactivity for chromogranin A and synaptophysin. The polypoid lesion was a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma that had invaded the submucosa. We diagnosed these lesions as a concurrent large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and an adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon.

The Necessity of a Routine Interval Appendectomy Necessary in Adults?: Initial Experience

PURPOSE: The traditional management of a periappendiceal abscess or a perforated appendicitis has been initial conservative treatment, followed by an interval appendectomy (IA). However, the necessity of the interval appendectomy has been questioned by an increasing number of studies recently. The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of conservative treatment, instead of IA, in managing a perforated appendicitis or a periappendiceal abscess after successful initial conservative treatment. METHODS: We prospectively studied 26 out of 80 patients who had been admitted for a perforated appendicitis or a periappendiceal abscess to Chonbuk National University Hospital from March 2005 to December 2007. These 26 patients were initially treated by using conservative treatment instead of surgery. We analyzed these 26 patients' progression and prognosis after treatment. The IAs were conducted at intervals of 6 to 12 wk after colonoscopy when the patient wanted an operation. RESULTS: Twenty-three out of 26 (88.5%, 23/26) patients were improved after initial conservative treatment. Only 3 patients who were not improved were managed surgically. Four out of 23 patients who were relieved by conservative treatment underwent an IA voluntarily at intervals of 6 to 12 wk. Of the remaining 19 patients without IA, 1 patient (5%, 1/19) suffered a recurrence after 6 mo, and an appendectomy was performed. Eighteen (78%, 18/23) patients without an IA have shown no recurrence for 15 mo, and they are still being followed up. CONCLUSION: We conclude that a routine IA after successful initial conservative treatment for a perforated appendicitis or a periappendiceal abscess seems unnecessary. Those patients should undergo colonoscopy to detect any underlying diseases and to rule out coexistent colorectal cancer.

Usefulness of Chest CT in Colorectal Cancer Staging

PURPOSE: The lung represents the second most metastatic site after the liver in colorectal cancer (CRC). Traditionally, pulmonary metastasis has been evaluated by means of a chest X-ray. But, recently, chest computed tomography (CT) is increasingly being performed to detect pulmonary metastasis in CRC. This study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of chest CT over chest X-ray for early detection of pulmonary metastasis in preoperative staging in CRC. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 108 cases of CRC patients surgically treated with a curative intent at Chonbuk National University Hospital from April, 2007 to December, 2007. All evaluated by both chest X-ray and chest CT preoperatively. RESULTS: Five among 108 patients had metastatic lesions of the lung. Four of these 5 patients (80%) had a positive chest CT. But one of these 5 patients (20%) had a positive chest X-ray. Chest CT provided a sensitivity of 80% and a positive predictive value of 80% for the detection of metastatic lesions of the lung. In contrast, chest X-ray provided a sensitivity of 20% and a positive predictive value of 50% for the detection of metastatic lesion of the lung. Nine of these 108 patients (8%) were diagnosed with solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) and one of them was confirmed to have metastatic lesion of the lung. CONCLUSION: There are isolated metastatic lung lesions without other organ involvement in CRC (4.6%). Chest CT is a more accurate imaging modality for detection of pulmonary metastasis in CRC. Also, we should carefully follow-up SPN detected by preoperative chest CT.

Pelvic Actinomycosis: Is It Possible to Diagnose Preoperatively?

PURPOSE: Pelvic actinomycosis is a rare infection which presents difficulty in establishing a correct preoperative diagnosis. The aim of this study is to find diagnostic clues for pelvic actinomycosis preoperatively. METHODS: A retrospective analysis performed at Chonbuk National University Hospital identified 9 patients with a diagnosis of pelvic actinomycosis from 1998 to 2006. RESULTS: All patients were women with a history of intrauterine device (IUD) use. Abdominal pain (7 cases), palpable mass (3 cases), defecation difficulty (3 cases) and leucorrhea (2 cases) were the main presenting complaints. The median duration of presenting symptoms was 78 days (range: 10~365 days). The median duration of using an IUD unchanged was 11 years (range: 4~30 years). A correct diagnosis was made in 3 patients (33%) without exploration. All patients were treated with antibiotics after pathologic diagnosis. There was no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: It is very difficult to diagnose pelvic actinomycosis preoperatively. Howere, if a mass or a pelvic abscess is found in women with an IUD that has been unchanged for a long time, pelvic actinomycosis should be suspected to avoid unnecessary exploration.