Leaf Extract from European Olive (Olea europaea L.) Post-Transcriptionally Suppresses the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Sensitizes Gastric Cancer Cells to Chemotherapy.

The overall survival of patients with the advanced and recurrent gastric cancer (GC) remains unfavorable. In particular, this is due to cancer spreading and resistance to chemotherapy associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumor cells. EMT can be identified by the transcriptome profiling of GC for EMT markers. Indeed, analysis of the TCGA and GTEx databases (n = 408) and a cohort of GC patients (n = 43) revealed that expression of the CDH2 gene was significantly decreased in the tumors vs. non-tumor tissues and correlated with the overall survival of GC patients. Expression of the EMT-promoting transcription factors SNAIL and ZEB1 was significantly increased in GC. These data suggest that targeting the EMT might be an attractive therapeutic approach for patients with GC. Previously, we demonstrated a potent anti-cancer activity of the olive leaf extract (OLE). However, its effect on the EMT regulation in GC remained unknown. Here, we showed that OLE efficiently potentiated the inhibitory effect of the chemotherapeutic agents 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin (Cis) on the EMT and their pro-apoptotic activity, as was demonstrated by changes in the expression of the EMT markers (E- and N-cadherins, vimentin, claudin-1) in GC cells treated with the aforementioned chemotherapeutic agents in the presence of OLE. Thus, culturing GC cells with 5-FU + OLE or Cis + OLE attenuated the invasive properties of cancer cells. Importantly, upregulation of expression of the apoptotic markers (PARP cleaved form) and increase in the number of cells undergoing apoptosis (annexin V-positive) were observed for GC cells treated with a combination of OLE and 5-FU or Cis. Collectively, our data illustrate that OLE efficiently interferes with the EMT in GC cells and potentiates the pro-apoptotic activity of certain chemotherapeutic agents used for GC therapy.

Long-term Outcomes of Laser Ablation of Fistula Tract for Fistula-in-Ano: A Considerable Option in Sphincter Preservation.

BACKGROUND: Ablation of anal fistula tract using a radial laser-emitting probe is a sphincter-preserving technique. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess long-term outcomes of laser ablation of fistula tract. DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis of the long-term outcomes of 100 patients who underwent laser ablation of fistula tract. SETTINGS: This was a single-center study from a tertiary center in Turkey. PATIENTS: All of the patients with fistula-in-ano were included. Exclusion criteria were the presence of perianal abscess, underlying Crohn's disease, fistula tract <2 cm, fistulas suitable for simple fistulotomy, and intersphincteric fistulas originated from posterior located chronic anal fissure. INTERVENTIONS: A probe housing a 15-watt laser emitting at a wavelength of 1470 nm and an energy level of 100 to 120 joule/cm was used. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: No discharge, no symptoms, and fibrotic scar on skin where previously an external opening was present were defined as overall complete healing. All results other than overall complete healing were accepted as failure. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients underwent laser ablation of fistula tract with a median age of 42 years (range, 21-83 y). The majority of them were men. The overall success rate was 62% (95% CI, 52%-71%) in a median follow-up time of 48 months (range, 6-56 mo). None of the patients experienced permanent major or minor anal incontinence. LIMITATIONS: The retrospective nature of this study is its main limitation. Other limitations consist of phone interview for follow-up of the majority of the patients, single-institution data, and the relatively small number of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laser ablation of the fistula tract is a sphincter-preserving procedure with an acceptable long-term success rate. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B186. RESULTADOS A LARGO PLAZO DE LA ABLACIóN CON LáSER DEL TRACTO EN LA FíSTULA ANAL: UNA CONSIDERABLE OPCIóN EN LA PRESERVACIóN DEL ESFíNTER: La ablación con una sonda radial emisora de láser del tracto de fístula anal, es una técnica de preservación del esfínter.Evaluar los resultados a largo plazo de la ablación con láser del tracto fistuloso.Análisis retrospectivo de los resultados a largo plazo de 100 pacientes que se sometieron a la ablación con láser del tracto de fístula.Este es un estudio de centro único de un centro terciario en Turquía.Fueron incluidos todos pacientes con fístula anal. Los criterios de exclusión fueron la presencia de absceso perianal, enfermedad de Crohn subyacente, tracto de fístula menor de 2 cm, fístulas adecuadas para fistulotomía simple y fístulas interesfintéricas originadas en una fisura anal crónica posterior.Se utilizó una sonda que alberga un láser de 15 vatios que emite a una longitud de onda de 1,470 nm y un nivel de energía de 100-120 julios / cm.Sin secreción, sin síntomas y la cicatriz fibrótica en la piel, donde anteriormente estaba presente la apertura externa, se definió como "curación completa general." Todos los resultados que no sean "curación completa en general" se aceptaron como fracaso.Cien pacientes fueron sometidos a ablación con láser del tracto de fístula anal, con una edad media de 42 (21-83) años. La mayoría de ellos fueron varones. La tasa de éxito general fue del 62% (intervalo de confianza del 95%, 52%-71%) en una mediana de tiempo de seguimiento de 48 (6-56) meses. Ninguno de los pacientes experimentó incontinencia anal mayor o menor permanente.La naturaleza retrospectiva de este estudio es su principal limitación. Otras limitaciones consisten en una entrevista telefónica para el seguimiento de la mayoría de los pacientes, datos de una sola institución y un número relativamente pequeño de pacientes.La ablación con láser del tracto de la fístula anal, es un procedimiento de preservación del esfínter y con una aceptable tasa de éxito a largo plazo. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B186. (Traducción-Dr Fidel Ruiz Healy).

Impact of omentoplasty on anastomotic leak and septic complications after low pelvic anastomosis: a study from the NSQIP database.

PURPOSE: The role of omentoplasty in the prevention of anastomotic leak (AL) in colorectal surgery is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of omentoplasty on AL and septic complications after low pelvic anastomosis using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database. METHODS: The ACS-NSQIP database was queried for patients who underwent segmental colectomy with low pelvic anastomosis by using 2012 targeted colectomy participant use data file. Patients were divided into two groups according to omentoplasty versus no-omentoplasty formation. AL and surgical site infections (SSIs) within postoperative 30 days were compared between the groups. RESULTS: A total of 2891 patients (1447 [50.1%] males) with a mean age of 60.2 ± 13.0 years met the inclusion criteria. There were 86 (2.9%) and 2805 (97.1%) patients in the omentoplasty and no-omentoplasty group, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, omentoplasty neither reduced AL (p = 0.83; OR = 0.88, 95% CI, 0.21-2.44) nor organ/space SSIs (p = 0.08; OR = 2.14, 95% CI, 0.91-4.41). Also, this technique did not play any role in reducing AL and organ/space SSI rates regardless of diversion with the exception of its association with higher organ/space SSIs in patients without diverting stoma (9.2% vs 3.8%, p = 0.04). No differences were detected between the groups with respect to the management strategies for AL (p = 0.22). CONCLUSIONS: Omentoplasty did not decrease AL and septic complications after low pelvic anastomosis and had no impact on the postoperative management of AL.

Colonoscopy-induced acute diverticulitis: myth or reality?

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy in patients with diverticulosis can be technically challenging and limited data exist relating to the risk of post-colonoscopy diverticulitis. Our aim was to evaluate the incidence, management, and outcomes of acute diverticulitis following colonoscopy. METHODS: Study design is retrospective cohort study. Data were gathered by conducting an automated search of the electronic patient database using current procedural terminology and ICD-9 codes. Patients who underwent a colonoscopy from 2003 to 2012 were reviewed to find patients who developed acute diverticulitis within 30 days after colonoscopy. Patient demographics and colonoscopy-related outcomes were documented, which include interval between colonoscopy and diverticulitis, colonoscopy indication, simultaneous colonoscopic interventions, and follow-up after colonoscopy. RESULTS: From 236,377 colonoscopies performed during the study period, 68 patients (mean age 56 years) developed post-colonoscopy diverticulitis (0.029%; 2.9 per 10,000 colonoscopies). Incomplete colonoscopies were more frequent among patients with a history of previous diverticulitis [n = 10 (29%) vs. n = 3 (9%), p = 0.03]. Mean time to develop diverticulitis after colonoscopy was 12 ± 8 days, and 30 (44%) patients required hospitalization. 34 (50%) patients had a history of diverticulitis prior to colonoscopy. Among those patients, 14 underwent colonoscopy with an indication of surveillance for previous disease. When colonoscopy was performed within 6 weeks of a diverticulitis attack, surgical intervention was required more often when compared with colonoscopies performed after 6 weeks of an acute attack [n = 6 (100%) vs. n = 10 (36%), p = 0.006]. 6 (9%) out of 68 patients received emergency surgical treatment. 15 (24%) out of 62 patients who had non-surgical treatment initially underwent an elective sigmoidectomy at a later date. Recurrent diverticulitis developed in 16 (23%) patients after post-colonoscopy diverticulitis. CONCLUSIONS: Post-colonoscopy diverticulitis is a rare, but potentially serious complication. Although a rare entity, possibility of this complication should be kept in mind in patients presenting with symptoms after colonoscopy.

Perianal Paget's disease: three decades experience of a single institution.

PURPOSE: Perianal Paget's disease is a rare intraepithelial adenocarcinoma of the perianal skin and the second most common localization of extramammary Paget's disease. This study was designed to evaluate long-term outcomes in patients with perianal Paget's disease. METHODS: We identified patients who were treated for perianal Paget's disease between 1981 and 2013. Patient demographics, family history, associated malignancies, treatments, histopathological features, need for re-operations, and long-term outcomes were documented. RESULTS: Our study cohort consisted of 15 male and 10 female patients with a median age of 67 (40-83) years. Four patients had concurrent anorectal adenocarcinoma (two anal canal, two rectal) when perianal Paget's disease was diagnosed. Index operations performed were wide local excision (14 patients), local excision (five patients), abdominoperineal resection (four patients), and radiotherapy (two patients). Five patients developed invasive carcinoma (three anal canal, one vulvar, one perianal squamous cell carcinoma) during a median follow-up time of 60 (3-299) months. Thirteen patients were re-operated. Fifteen patients had a reconstructive procedure following excision. Overall survival was similar between the patients who were treated with wide local excision and local excision regardless of surgical margin status at index excision (P = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Since there is a risk for developing invasive carcinoma in the anal canal and perineum in patients with perianal Paget's disease, close follow-up is needed after R0 or R1 excision. Physicians should be aware of the risk of cancers associated with perianal Paget's disease and should rule out them during management.

Preoperative functional health status may predict outcomes after elective colorectal surgery for malignancy.

BACKGROUND: Several studies suggest that preoperative functional health status (FHS) affects postoperative outcomes after ventral hernia repair, hepatic resections, and infrainguinal by-pass surgery. However, little is known about the proficiency of FHS in terms of preoperative outcome prediction of patients who undergo elective resection for colorectal cancer. METHODS: All patients who underwent elective colorectal resections for malignancy between 2005 and 2009 were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. We classified patients into three groups according to their preoperative FHS: independent (IND), partially dependent (PDN), and totally dependent (TDN). Multivariable techniques were used to evaluate the impact of FHS on postoperative outcomes. Outcomes of laparoscopic and open procedures in patients with dependent FHS were also compared. RESULTS: In total, 25,591 patients included (94.2% IND, 5.1% PDN, and 0.71% TDN). Surgical, infectious, pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, neurological complications, and mortality rate showed a linear progression that paralleled a decline in preoperative FHS of the patients (p < 0.05). Laparoscopic technique was associated with better outcomes in terms of reduced length of total hospital stay, decreased infectious complication rate, and mortality with comparable operating time in patients with dependent (PDN and TDN) FHS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Functional health status may predict postoperative outcomes after colorectal cancer surgery. A detailed preoperative evaluation, providing an optimization period before surgery if necessary, and increased utilization of laparoscopic technique may improve outcomes after elective colorectal resections for malignancy in patients who are partially or TDN.

Does laparoscopy reduce splenic injuries during colorectal resections? An assessment from the ACS-NSQIP database.

BACKGROUND: Nearly half of all incidental splenectomies caused by iatrogenic splenic injury occur during colorectal surgery. This study evaluates factors associated with incidental splenic procedures during colorectal surgery and their impact on short-term outcomes using a nationwide database. METHODS: Patients who underwent colorectal resections between 2005 and 2012 were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database according to Current Procedural Terminology codes. Patients were classified into two groups based on whether they underwent a concurrent incidental splenic procedure at the time of the colorectal procedure. All splenic procedures except a preoperatively intended splenectomy performed in conjunction with colon or rectal resections were considered as incidental. Perioperative and short-term (30 day) outcomes were compared between the groups. RESULTS: In total, 93633 patients who underwent colon and/or rectal resection were identified. Among these, 215 patients had incidental splenic procedures (153 open splenectomy, 17 laparoscopic splenectomy, 36 splenorraphy, and 9 partial splenectomy). Open colorectal resections were associated with a significantly increased likelihood of incidental splenic procedures (OR 6.58, p < 0.001) compared to laparoscopic surgery. Incidental splenic procedures were associated with increased length of total hospital stay (OR 1.25, p < 0.001), mechanical ventilation dependency (OR 1.62, p = 0.02), transfusion requirement (OR: 3.84, p < 0.001), re-operation requirement (OR 1.7, p = 0.005), and sepsis (OR: 2.03, p = 0.001). Short-term advantages of splenic salvage (splenorraphy or partial splenectomy) included shorter length of total hospital stay (p = 0.001) and decreased need for re-operation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Incidental splenic procedures during colorectal resections are associated with worse short-term outcomes. Use of the laparoscopic technique decreases the need for incidental splenic procedures.

A solution to the negative effects of splenectomy during colorectal trauma and surgery: an experimental study on splenic autotransplantation to the groin area.

BACKGROUND: Splenectomy after combined colosplenic trauma or iatrogenic splenic injury during colorectal surgery associates with worse short- and long-term outcomes, including reduced survival in patients with colorectal cancer. Splenic autotransplantation may improve the outcomes of such patients. Omental splenic transplantation is the standard procedure but may be difficult when performing laparoscopic colorectal surgery or when total or subtotal omentectomy is required. This animal model study was performed to evaluate the impact of splenic autotransplantation to the groin area on colonic wound healing. METHODS: Thirty rats were divided into three groups of ten animals. One group underwent colon anastomosis and sham splenectomy, the second underwent colon anastomosis and splenectomy, and the third underwent colon anastomosis, splenectomy, and intramuscular autotransplantation of the spleen. On postoperative day 7, anastomotic healing was evaluated by measuring bursting pressure and hydroxyproline levels. The third group was subjected to scintigraphy before sacrifice to assess whether the transplant was functional. RESULTS: The mortality rates of the sham, splenectomized, and transplanted animals were 0 %, 30 %, and 20 %, respectively: the splenectomized animals had significantly lower mean bursting pressures than the other two groups (p = 0.002). The mean hydroxyproline levels of the three groups were 467.4, 335.3, and 412.7 mg hydroxyproline/g protein, respectively (p = 0.0856). Nine of the ten transplanted animals (90 %) had splenic activity on scintigraphy. CONCLUSIONS: Splenectomy impaired the healing of the colonic anastomosis. This effect was largely reversed by splenic autotransplantation. Intramuscular autotransplantation to the groin area appears to be feasible and effective.

How Has the Robot Contributed to Colon Cancer Surgery?

Robotic surgery is an emerging field in colorectal surgery and may overcome the limitations of conventional laparoscopic surgery, such as rigid instrumentation, poor ergonomics, and assistant-dependent camera movements and retraction. In addition, robotic-assisted colectomy appears to offer comparable outcomes to laparoscopic colectomy with limited long-term outcomes data. Prolonged operating time, increased costs and learning curve are the major drawbacks of robotic colectomy for colon cancer. Although new robotic platforms promise improved ingenuity through developing technology, the role of the robot in colon cancer surgery is still unclear.

Microscopic Growth Pattern of Metastatic Colorectal Carcinomas, Morphological Findings of the Non-Neoplastic Liver, and Their Relationship With Prognosis and Survival.

Introduction. Various clinicopathological, radiological, and molecular parameters are predictive of prognosis in patients with colorectal carcinoma and distant organ metastases continue to have a significant place among them. Recent studies reveal that not only the presence of metastases but also the histopathological growth pattern of the metastatic tumor significantly affects prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of the histopathological growth patterns of metastatic tumors, the morphological findings in the peritumoral non-neoplastic liver, and its relationship with survival in patients who have metastatic colorectal carcinoma. Materials and Method. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides of the tumors were re-examined in terms of histopathological diagnosis, growth pattern, presence and degree of peritumoral lymphocytic infiltration, steatosis, cholestasis, and peritumoral ductular reaction in the non-neoplastic liver. Results. In terms of histopathological growth patterns, 24 (47%) tumors showed replacement, 19 (37%) showed desmoplastic and 8 (16%) showed pushing growth pattern. In terms of total survival, there was a significant difference (P = .011) between desmoplastic and replacement growth patterns, and the survival period was shorter in patients with replacement growth patterns. Conclusion. Recent studies show that histopathological growth patterns in metastatic liver tumors may be a promising prognostic and predictive parameter. It is important to include this parameter in the pathology reports as it does not require additional equipment for evaluation in routine pathology practice, does not bring additional costs, or takes a long time to evaluate. This feature can be evaluated standardly by every pathologist.

An extremely rare appendiceal anomaly: horseshoe appendicitis.

Appendiceal anomalies are extremely rare malformations that are usually found in adult populations as an incidental finding. Agenesis and duplication of the appendix have been well documented, but we know of only three reported cases of a horseshoe appendix. A 64-year-old woman admitted to the emergency department. A provisional diagnosis of acute appendicitis was made, and the patient was taken to the operating room. While appendectomy was being performed with a standard approach, the distal tip was seen to communicate with the cecum by another stump, or "horseshoe appendix". The aim of this report is to share our experience with this extraordinary finding.

Impact of bariatric and metabolic surgery education program on the knowledge and attitude of medical students.

Objectives: Bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) is the most effective treatment method of morbid obesity. Optimum education of medical students regarding BMS is important for proper assessment of morbidly obese patients in the future. Material and Methods: Medical students from five and six years were determined as the targeted study population. A survey including 17 questions was applied through a web-based survey platform. Students who replied the survey were classified into two groups: distinct bariatric and metabolic surgery education program (BMSEP) (+) and (-). The answers of two groups were compared using Chi-square test. Results: In total, 845 students replied the survey. Surgery referral rates were higher (33.4% vs. 26.5%, p <0.05), referring to alternative treatment methods were low (4.9% vs. 11.9%, p <0.05), the answer rate of "absolutely agree" was higher and "have no idea" was lower in questions regarding the indications of BMS for the sample patient with body mass index (BMI)> 40 kg/m2 and the sample patient with BMI between 35-40 kg/m2 in the BMSEP (+) group (p <0.05). However, the two groups were comparable for the answers given for the sample patient of BMI 30-35 kg/m2 with uncontrolled diabetes. The rate of first-degree relative referral to BMS when indicated was higher in the BMSEP (+) group. Effectiveness of surgery, cost and risk perception were comparable between the two groups. Conclusion: This study showed that medical students who have a distinct BMSEP in their medical school have better level of knowledge and comparable risk perception regarding BMS. Structured education programs in BMS may directly improve knowledge, perception, and attitude of medical students and indirectly increase the role of primary care physicians in patient referral to BMS and long-term follow-up.

Risk factors affecting oncological outcomes of surgical resections for middle and lower rectal cancer.

Objectives: In our study, it was aimed to evaluate the factors affecting oncological outcomes in resections for rectal cancer. Material and Methods: Between January 2010 and December 2014, patients with rectal tumors were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic and pathological data and oncological outcomes were analyzed as disease-free survival, overall survival, and local recurrence. Results: A total of 158 patients' data were obtained. Median age was 60 (22-83). Fifty-three patients were older than 65 years of age (138). Ninety-five (60%) patients were males, and 63 (40%) were females. Eighty patients (50.4%) had middle rectal, and 78 (49.6) patients had lower rectal cancer. There was no effect of tumor localization on oncological outcomes. Univariate analyses revealed the effects of age (p= 0.003), operation type (p <0.001), nodal status (p <0.001), malignant lymph node ratio (p <0.001), stage of the disease (p <0.001), distal resection margin (p= 0.047), perineural invasion (p <0.001), lymphatic invasion (p <0.001), venous-vascular invasion (p= 0.025), local recurrence (p <0.001) and distant metastasis (p <0.001) on overall survival rates. Univariate analyses revealed the effects of nodal status (p= 0.007), malignant lymph node ratio (p= 0.005), stage of the disease (p= 0.008), perineural invasion (p= 0.004) and venous-vascular invasion (p <0.001) on disease-free survival rates. Univariate analyses revealed the effects of anastomotic leak (p= 0.015) and venous-vascular invasion (p= 0.001) on local recurrence rates. Conclusion: Older age, advanced nodal status, and distant metastasis were detected as independent risk factors for overall survival. Perineural and venous-vascular invasion were detected as independent risk factors for disease-free survival. Lastly, anastomotic leak and venous-vascular invasion were detected as independent risk factors for local recurrence.

Correlation between Ubiquitin E3 Ligases (SIAHs) and Heat Shock Protein 90 in Breast Cancer Patients.

Background: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and differences in the expression levels of the ER, PR, and HER2 the triplet of established biomarkers used for clinical decision-making have been reported among breast cancer patients. Furthermore, resistance to anti-estrogen and anti-HER2 therapies emerges in a considerable rate of breast cancer patients, and novel drug therapies are required. Several anomalous signaling pathways have been known in breast cancer have been known; heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is one of the most plenty proteins in breast cells. The family of ubiquitin ligases such as SIAH1 and SIAH2 is known to specifically target misfolded proteins to the proteasome; also, they have been illustrated to play a role in RAS signaling and as an essential downstream signaling component required for EGFR/HER2 in breast cancer. Methods: The expression of SIAH2, HSP90, and HER2 was assessed by quantitative Real-Time PCR in 85 invasive ductal carcinoma breast tumor samples at Uludag University Hospital in Turkey during the years 2018-2019, and its association with the clinicopathologic variables of patients was evaluated. Results: HSP90, SIAH1, and SIAH2 were significantly (P=0.0271, P=0.022, and P=0.0311) upregulated tumor tissue of patients with breast cancer. Moreover, this study observed a significant association between the high expression of SIAH2/HSP90 with ER status, high expression of HSP90 with Recurrence/Metastasis, and high expression of SIAH2 with Ki-67 proliferation index. Conclusion: The HSP90 and SIAH2 expressions play a significant role in breast cancer development by combining the experimental and clinical data obtained from the literature.

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas: A case report.

Solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) of the pancreas is an uncommon pathological condition. It is classified as low-grade malignant neoplasm, but aggressive disease can be seen when the tumor size is larger than 5 cm, microscopic malignant features and local invasion are present. Resection of the mass with clear margins is the procedure of choice. However, lymph node dissection may be necessary in large tumors.

Fall of another myth for colon cancer: Duration of symptoms does not differ between right- or left-sided colon cancers.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Patients with colorectal cancer continue to present with relatively advanced tumors that are associated with poor oncological outcomes. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between localization, symptom duration, and tumor stage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, multicenter cohort study was conducted on patients newly diagnosed with a histologically proven colorectal adenocarcinoma. Standardized questionnaire-interviews were performed. Data were collected on principal presenting symptoms, duration of symptoms (time to first presentation to a doctor and time to diagnosis) and treatment, diagnostic procedures, tumor site, and stage of the tumor (tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM)). RESULTS: A total of 1795 patients with colorectal cancer were interviewed (mean age: 60.76±13.50 years, male patients: 1057, patients aged >50 years: 1444, colon/rectal cancer: 899/850, right side/left side: 383/1250, stage 0-1-2/stage 3-4: 746/923). No statistically significant correlations were found between duration of symptoms and either tumor site or stage. Principal presenting symptoms were significantly associated with left colon cancer. Patients who had "anemia," "change in bowel habits," "anal pruritus or discharge," "weight loss," and "tumor in right colon" had a significantly longer symptom time. CONCLUSION: Symptom duration is not associated with localization, nor is the tumor stage. Diagnosis of colorectal cancer at an earlier stage may be best achieved by screening of the population.

Anastomotic leaks at the pancreaticojejunostomy following pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with pancreatic head adenocarcinoma increases the local recurrence rate.

INTRODUCTION: In contrast to colorectal cancer patients, the effect of anastomosis leakage following pancreatic adenocarcinoma surgery on survival and recurrence rate is not clear. The present study aimed to determine the effect of pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) anastomosis leakage, especially on the local recurrence rate and time of recurrence, in patients that underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 64 pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients that underwent PD between January 2007 and August 2015. PJ anastomosis leakage was evaluated based on International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula criteria. The effects of PJ anastomosis leakage on local recurrence, disease-free survival, and overall survival were assessed. RESULTS: Among the patients, 44 were male and 20 were female, and median age was 61(39-84) years. In all, 11 patients developed PJ leakage. Local recurrence occurred in 5 (45,4%) of the patients that developed PJ leakage, versus in 4 (7,5%) of the patients without leakage (p=0.02). Local recurrence developed earlier in those with leakage than in those without (p= 0,013). In contrast, there weren't any significant differences in disease-free survival, or overall survival. CONCLUSION: PJ leakage seems to be associated with more frequent and earlier local recurrence while it did not influence survival. KEY WORDS: Leakage, Pancreatic cancer, Recurrence.

Colorectal cancer surgery in octogenarians.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of colorectal cancer becomes higher among octogenarians as the life expectancy increases. Whether advanced age is a risk factor for colorectal surgery is a matter of debate. In the present study, the clinical results of octogenarians who underwent colorectal cancer surgery are discussed to find an answer to this question. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of 63 octogenarians who were operated in a tertiary colorectal surgery department between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data and preoperative, peroperative, and postoperative parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 57.2% of the patients were men. The median age was 81 (80-89) years. Cancer was located at the right colon in 17.5%, left colon in 50.8%, and rectum in 31.7%. Eleven patients underwent emergency surgery (17.5%). The most common surgical procedure was low anterior resection in elective (22.2%) and Hartmann's procedure in the emergency setting (9.5%). Stoma creation was more frequent among patients undergoing emergency procedures (42% vs. 6.8%; p=0.0018). Histopathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma in 90.5% of the patients, and 34.9% of the patients had stage IIIB disease. Surgical morbidity was significantly higher among patients who underwent rectal resection (66% vs. 10.2%; p=0.0124). Medical morbidity was observed in 10 (15.9%) patients. Preoperative blood transfusion was a risk factor for morbidity (83.4% vs. 29.8%; p=0.0170). Length of total hospital stay was 14 (3-39) days. Surgical (p=0.0004) and medical (p=0.0288) morbidity prolonged the length of total hospital stay. The overall mortality rate was 1.6%. CONCLUSION: Colorectal surgery may be safely performed in octogenarians with acceptable morbidity and mortality in specialized centers.

Hand-assisted Laparoscopy: Expensive but Considerable Step Between Laparoscopic and Open Colectomy.

PURPOSE: Hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy (HALC) and laparoscopic-assisted colectomy (LAC) have been shown to have comparable short-term outcomes while there are limited data regarding costs. The aim of our study was to compare the short-term outcomes and costs of HALC and LAC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 46 patients who underwent HALC or LAC for benign or malignant disease between January 2011 and December 2014 at our institution were included in the study. Patients were randomized into HALC or LAC group. Patients' demographics and characteristics, operative details, short-term outcomes, and costs were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 25 patients in LAC group and 21 patients in HALC group. Patient's demographics and characteristics and short-term outcomes were comparable between the LAC and HALC groups. Conversion rate was significantly lower in the HALC group (4.7% vs. 28%, P=0.03) while surgical costs ($1706.83±203.70 vs. $1304.93±305.67, P=0.038) and total costs ($2427.18±254.27 vs. $2044.03±215.22, P=0.021) were significantly higher in HALC group. CONCLUSIONS: HALC is associated with increased surgical and total hospital costs, and decreased rate of conversion. Although it is more expensive, HALC may be helpful by providing a step between LAC and open surgery before considering conversion.

Overexpression of the Long Noncoding RNA HomeoboxA Transcript at the Distal Tip Predicts Poor Prognosis in a KRAS-Independent Manner in Periampullary Region Tumors.

OBJECTIVES: Periampullary region tumors (PRTs) are the fifth highest cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although recent studies have highlighted the prognostic value of the long noncoding RNA HomeoboxA transcript at the distal tip (HOTTIP) in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the relationship between HOTTIP and clinical outcome of all PRTs remains obscure. The aim of this study was to clarify the prognostic significance of HOTTIP in patients with all PRTs related to KRAS mutational status. METHODS: HomeoboxA transcript at the distal tip expression was detected in 100 PRT samples using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The associations between HOTTIP levels, clinicopathological factors, and patient prognosis were also analyzed. RESULTS: The expression of HOTTIP was found to be significantly upregulated by 32-fold (P = 0.031) in tumor tissues compared with normal tissues. The over expression of HOTTIP was related with presence of invasion and metastasis (P = 0.0467, P = 0.0256). In addition, increased HOTTIP expression was associated with poor prognosis independent of KRAS mutation (P < 0.001; n = 72). Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that high HOTTIP expression was an unfavorable prognostic factor for overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that high levels of HOTTIP expression have the potential to be an independent, unfavorable prognostic factor for patients with PRT.