Influence of proficiency in conventional laparoscopic surgery in colorectal cancer on the introduction of robotic surgery.

PURPOSE: Although there have been many reports on learning curves for robotic surgery, it is unclear how surgeons' conventional laparoscopic surgical skills influence their ability in performing robotic surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to determine the surgical outcomes of robotic surgery for CRC during the induction phase by skilled laparoscopic surgeons. METHODS: Surgical outcomes of consecutive CRC cases between January 2021 and March 2023 following the skilled phase of laparoscopic surgery and introductory phase of robotic surgery performed by three skilled laparoscopic surgeons were compared. RESULTS: Overall, 77 consecutive patients diagnosed with sigmoid colon or rectosigmoid cancer were analysed, including 50 in the laparoscopy group (LAP) and 27 in the robotic group (Ro). Patient characteristics, including age, sex, body mass index, and tumour progression, did not differ between the groups. The median operation time was 204 min in the robotic group and 170 min in the laparoscopic group (p < 0.001). Blood loss was significantly lower in the robotic group (p = 0.0059). The incidence of grade 2 or higher complications did not differ between the two groups (LAP, 10.0% vs. Ro, 7.4%, p = 1). In the robotic group, the time required for lymph node dissection had a greater impact on operative duration. CONCLUSION: Skills acquired from performing conventional laparoscopic surgery may contribute to the safe and reliable performance of robotic surgery for CRC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN000050923.

C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio as a risk factor for anastomotic leakage after anterior resection for rectal cancer with intraoperative use of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging.

INTRODUCTION: Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging (ICG-FI) reduces anastomotic leakage (AL) in rectal cancer surgery. However, no studies investigating risk factors for anastomotic leakage specific to the group using ICG-FI have ever previously been conducted. The purpose of this retrospective multicenter study was to ascertain the risk factors for AL in the group using ICG-FI. METHODS: A total of 638 patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic anterior resection for rectal cancer between April 2018 and March 2023 were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: the ICG-FI group (n = 269) and the non-ICG-FI group (n = 369) for comparative analysis. The effects of clinicopathological and treatment-related factors on AL in the ICG-FI group were evaluated using both univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: The incidence of AL in the ICG-FI group was 4.8%. Although there was no significant difference in the incidence of AL between the two groups, it was observed to be lower in the ICG-FI group. A multivariate analysis revealed a preoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) ≥ 0.049 (odds ratio, 3.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-13.70; p = 0.048) as an independent risk factor for AL in the ICG-FI group. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, CAR was the only identified risk factor for AL in the ICG-FI group. It was suggested that CAR could be a criterion for early surgical intervention, prior to the escalation of risks, or for considering interventions such as diverting stoma creation.

Prospective observational study comparing the perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic colectomy with or without epidural anesthesia: the Kanagawa Yokohama Colorectal Cancer Study Group (KYCC) 1806.

PURPOSE: There have been no adequate comparisons of the efficacy, safety, and efficiency of analgesia after laparoscopic colorectal resection (LAC), with and without epidural anesthesia (EDA). METHODS: This was a multicenter prospective observational study of patients undergoing LAC. The primary end point was the mean visual analog scale (VAS) score on postoperative days (PODs) 1-7. The secondary end points were the highest VAS, complication rate, days to first ambulation and fatigue, length of hospital stay, and time to commencement of surgery. RESULTS: We compared an EDA group (Group E, n = 48) and a no-EDA group (Group O, n = 48) after matching. The mean VAS was not significantly different between the groups (28.7 vs. 30.1, p = 0.288). On assessing the secondary end points, the highest VAS was not significantly different between the groups. In fact, the VAS was lower in Group E only on POD 2. There was no difference in the incidence of complications, the time to first postoperative evacuation was shorter in Group E, and postoperative hospitalization was similar. The time to surgery was shorter in Group O. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that LAC without EDA is a feasible option, but with the early and regular use of adjunctive measures to provide more stable analgesia.

Robotic surgery after total neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer: pitfalls of beyond total mesorectal excision for patients with sidewall invasion.

AIM: Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is rapidly spreading. The robotic surgical techniques to approach lateral invasion, such as that of the pelvic plexus, have not yet been established. In this technical note, we present a video illustrating a surgical technique for lateral invasion using our novel technique and discuss its pitfalls. METHOD: We present the case of a 65-year-old man with LARC. Robotic surgery was performed after TNT using the da Vinci Xi Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA). The surgical procedure was as follows: (1) D3 lymph node dissection around the inferior mesenteric artery using a medial-to-lateral approach; (2) rectal mobilization; (3) dissection of the ureterohypogastric fascia and ureter; and (4) combined resection of the hypogastric nerve and pelvic plexus. The key surgical point for sidewall invasion is the resection extent. Dividing the resection extent into three areas is important: zone A, which contains the pelvic plexus and is closest to the tumour; zone B, which contains the iliac vessels; and zone C, the most lateral zone, which contains the obturator nerves. This allows organ and function preservation by resecting only the smallest organ that truly requires R0 resection. RESULTS: The operating time was 333 min, console time was 232 min, and blood loss was 0 mL. The circumferential resection margin was 10 mm, and an R0 resection was achieved. CONCLUSION: We introduced a novel approach for robotic surgery after TNT for LARC with sidewall invasion. This technique can be performed safely and may help standardize 'beyond total mesorectal excision'.

Surgical outcomes of a prospective, phase 2 trial of robotic surgery for resectable right-sided colon cancer (the ROBOCOLO trial).

Aim: We evaluated the safety of robotic surgery for right-sided colon cancer in Japan. Methods: This was a prospective, open-label, single-arm phase II trial conducted at two institutions. Patients ≥20 years old with stage I-III right-sided colon cancer and scheduled for radical resection with ≥D2 lymph node dissection were eligible. The criterion for surgeons was experience performing robot-assisted rectal resection in ≥40 cases. The primary endpoint was the postoperative complication rate ≤30 days after surgery. Results: From August 2021 to February 2023, 42 patients were enrolled; three were excluded, with 39 analyzed as the full analysis set. The median age was 72 years, and the median body mass index was 23.2. The tumor was located in the cecum in 13 cases (33.3%), ascending colon in 20 cases (51.3%), and transverse colon in six cases (15.4%). Ileocolic resection was performed in 17 cases (43.5%) and right hemicolectomy in 22 cases (56.5%), both with D3 lymph node dissection. The median console time was 109 min, and the operative time was 170 min. The mean blood loss was 7.7 mL. Intracorporeal anastomosis was performed in 28 patients (71.8%). There were no conversions and no intraoperative adverse events. The median postoperative stay was 5 days. Postoperative complications occurred in four patients (10.2%; paralytic ileus [n = 3] and pneumonia [n = 1]). All postoperative complications were grade 1 or 2, with no mortalities noted. R0 resection was achieved in all patients. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the safety and feasibility of robotic surgery for right-sided colon cancer.

The clinical impacts of the prognostic nutritional index for the esophageal cancer patients who received curative treatment.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the impact of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) on esophageal cancer survival and recurrence after curative treatment. METHODS: This study included 120 patients who underwent curative surgery followed by the adjuvant treatment for esophageal cancer between 2008 and 2018. The risk factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified. RESULTS: The PNI of 49 was regarded to be the optimal critical point of classification considering the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rate. The OS rates at three and five years after surgery were 47.4% and 36.0% in the PNI low group, respectively, and 62.5% and 56.5% in the PNI high group, which amounted to a statistically significant difference (P = 0.020). The RFS rates at three and five years after surgery were 31.0% and 24.8% in the PNI low group, respectively, and 50.9% and 42.8% in the PNI high group, which amounted to a statistically significant difference (P = 0.020). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that the PNI was a significant independent risk factor for the OS and a marginally significant independent risk factor forRFS. CONCLUSION: The PNI was a risk factor for survival in patients who underwent curative treatment for esophageal cancer. It is necessary to develop the effective plan of the perioperative care and the surgical strategy according to the PNI.

Short- and long-term outcomes of transanal decompression tube and self-expandable metallic stent for obstructive colorectal cancer based on a multicenter database (KYCC2110).

AIM: There are well-known methods for decompressing the colorectal tract before surgery, including transanal decompression tubes (TDT) and self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS). This study aimed to compare the short and long-term results in patients with malignant large bowel obstruction in whom TDT or SEMS were placed before surgery. METHODS: This retrospective observational study enrolled 225 patients with malignant large bowel obstruction in whom TDT or SEMS were placed preoperatively and underwent R0 resection between 2008 and 2020. One-to-two propensity score matching was performed according to patient characteristics. Short- and long-term outcomes were compared. The primary endpoint was relapse-free survival (RFS). The secondary endpoints were the overall survival (OS) and postoperative complication rate. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients in the TDT group and 114 in the SEMS group were matched. The 3-year RFS rates were 66.7% in the TDT group and 69.9% in the SEMS group (p = 0.54), and the 3-year OS rates were 90.5% in the TDT group and 87.1% in the SEMS group (p = 0.52). No significant differences in the long-term results were observed between the two groups. Regarding short-term results, the SEMS group had significantly fewer stoma construction (p = 0.007) and shorter postoperative hospitalization (p < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative complications (grade ≥ 2) was significantly lower in the SEMS group (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: No significant differences in the long-term results were observed between the TDT and SEMS group. The SEMS showed significant usefulness in terms of improving short-term outcomes.

Novel approach toward minimally invasive surgery for mid-transverse colon cancer: 'moving the left colon' technique.

AIM: During surgery for mid-transverse colon cancer (MTC), surgeons often face the dilemma of whether to mobilize the hepatic or splenic flexure. There is no established optimal minimally invasive surgical procedure for MTC. METHODS: We present our novel minimally invasive surgical technique, called the 'moving the left colon' technique for MTC, along with a video demonstration. The procedure involves four main steps: (i) mobilization of the splenic flexure using a medial-to-lateral approach, (ii) dissection of lymph nodes around the middle colic artery from the left side of the superior mesenteric artery approach, (iii) separation of the pancreas and transverse mesocolon and (iv) 'moving the left colon' and performing an intracorporeal anastomosis. By mobilizing the splenic flexure, anatomical landmarks are revealed, which enables safer dissection. Combining this technique with intracorporeal anastomosis allows for a safe and easy anastomosis. RESULTS: Between April 2021 and January 2023, a single-skilled colorectal surgeon performed laparoscopic transverse colectomies using our new approach on three consecutive patients with MTC. The patients had a median age of 75 years (range 46-89 years). The median operative time was 194 min (range 193-228 min) and blood loss was 8 mL (range 0-20 mL). None of the patients experienced any perioperative complications and the median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days. CONCLUSION: We introduced a novel approach for laparoscopic surgery for MTC. This technique can be performed safely and may help standardize minimally invasive surgery for MTC.

Redo laparoscopic colorectal resection: a retrospective analysis with propensity score matching.

PURPOSE: Reports of redo laparoscopic colorectal resection (Re-LCRR) are scarce. In order to evaluate the safety and short-term outcomes of Re-LCRR, we performed a matched case-control analysis of patients who underwent this procedure for colorectal cancer. METHOD: This was a retrospective, monocentric study that included patients who underwent Re-LCRR for colorectal cancer between January 2011 and December 2019 at our institution. The patients were compared to a 2:1 matched sample. Matching was conducted based on age, sex, BMI, surgical procedure, and clinical stage. RESULT: Twenty-nine patients underwent Re-LCRR (RCRR group) and were compared to 58 patients selected by matching who underwent LCRR as primary resection (PCRR group). The median of age of the 29 patients of RCRR group was 75 (IQR 56-81) years and the RCRR group included 14 males. The median operative time of the RCRR group was 167 (IQR 126-232) minutes, and the median intraoperative blood loss was 5 (IQR 2-35) ml. In the RCRR group, there were no cases that required conversion to laparotomy. The short-term outcomes of the two groups did not differ to a statistical extent with respect to operative time (p = 0.415), intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.971), rate of conversion to laparotomy (p = 0.477), comorbidity (p = 0.215), and postoperative hospital stay (p = 0.809). No patients in either group experienced postoperative anastomotic leakage or required re-operation due to postoperative complications, and there was no procedure-related death. However, in terms of oncological factors, although there was no difference in the number of cases with a positive radical margin between the two groups (p = 1.000), the number of harvested lymph nodes in the RCRR group was significantly lower than that in the PCRR group (p = 0.015) and the RCRR group included 10 cases with less than 12 harvested lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: Re-LCRR is associated with good short-term results and can be safely performed; however, the number of harvested lymph nodes is significantly reduced in comparison to primary resection cases, and further studies are needed to evaluate its long-term prognosis.

[A Case of Thoracoscopic Tumor Enucleation of Esophageal Leiomyoma].

We present a case of benign esophageal leiomyoma with video-assisted thoracic enucleation. A 39-year-old woman was found to have an abnormal shadow in the mediastinum on a chest X-ray on a medical check-up. Chest CT performed for the purpose of close examination revealed a tumor with a size of 62×33 mm from the middle intrathoracic esophagus to the lower esophagus. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a left half-circumferential elastic soft submucosal bulge in the thoracic middle-lower esophagus. Endoscopic ultrasonographic fine-needle aspiration biopsy(EUS-FNA)was performed, and immunostaining showed positive muscular markers SMA, but negative for CD34, c-kit, and S-100, and the diagnosis was esophageal leiomyoma. Therefore, thoracoscopic-assisted esophageal leiomyoma resection was performed. Postoperative immunohistological examination showed positive for SMA and Desmin, and the diagnosis was leiomyoma.

The effect of preoperative endoscopic tattooing using India ink on lymph node yield in laparoscopic colectomy for stage I right-sided colon cancer.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of preoperative endoscopic tattooing using India ink (ETI) on the number of retrieved lymph nodes (LNs) dissected during laparoscopic surgery for stage I right-sided colon cancer (RCC). METHODS: This single-center, retrospective study included stage I RCC patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery between January 2010 and December 2021. The clinicopathological background and number of LNs retrieved were compared between patients managed with and without ETI. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the effect of independent variables on the LN yield. RESULTS: A total of 169 patients were enrolled. Of these, 89 patients (52.7%) were classified into the ETI group, and 80 (47.3%) were classified into the no-ETI group. There were no significant differences in age, sex, body mass index, or tumor progression between the two groups. A univariate analysis showed that the number of LNs retrieved was significantly higher in female (26 vs. 24, p = 0.026), with tumor localization in the ascending or transverse colon (20 in the cecum, 26 in the ascending colon, 27 in the transverse colon, p < 0.001), and with preoperative ETI (28 vs. 21, p < 0.001). In a multivariate linear regression analysis, female sex (p = 0.0011), D3 lymphadenectomy (p = 0.046), and preoperative ETI (p = 0.012) were independently associated with the LN yield. CONCLUSION: In laparoscopic surgery for stage I RCC, preoperative ETI increased the number of LNs retrieved and allowed for appropriate staging.

The usefulness of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging for intestinal perfusion assessment of intracorporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic colon cancer surgery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to clarify the usefulness of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging (ICG-FI) in the assessment of intestinal vascular perfusion in patients who receive intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) in colon cancer surgery. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective study using propensity score matching. We compared the surgical outcomes of colon cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic colonic resection with IA or external anastomosis (EA) with the intraoperative evaluation of anastomotic perfusion using ICG-FI from January 2019 to July 2021. The detection rate of poor anastomotic perfusion by ICG-FI was examined. RESULTS: A total of 223 patients were enrolled. After matching, 69 patients each were classified into the IA and EA groups. There were no significant differences in age, sex, body mass index, tumor localization, or progression between the two groups. The operation time was similar (172 min vs. 171 min, p = 0.62) and the amount of bleeding was significantly lower (0 ml vs. 2 ml, p = 0.0023) in the IA group. The complication rates (grade ≥ 2) of the two groups were similar (14.5% vs. 11.6%, p = 0.59). ICG-FI identified four patients (5.8%) with poor anastomotic perfusion in the IA group, but none in the EA group (p = 0.046). All four patients with poor perfusion in the IA group underwent additional resection; none of these patients developed postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Poor anastomotic perfusion was detected in 5.8% of cases who underwent laparoscopic colon cancer surgery with IA. ICG-FI is useful for evaluating anastomotic perfusion in IA in order to prevent AL.

[A Case of Rectal Cancer with Brain and Skin Metastasis with Long-Term Survival Managed by Multidisciplinary Therapy].

A 74-year-old man presented with a metastatic brain tumor in the right parietal lobe observed through an MRI scan. Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed that the tumor was located in the rectum. He was diagnosed with Stage Ⅳb rectal cancer(cT4aN1bM1b[BRA, SKN]). After prior stereotactic radiotherapy for brain metastases, the patient underwent rectal amputation and D3 dissection as management for the primary tumor. His postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged from the hospital 33 days postoperatively. He displayed partial response with capecitabine plus L-OHP therapy, and chemotherapy was terminated due to the development of renal dysfunction. On follow-up, elevated tumor markers, enlarged left mediastinal lymph nodes, and FDG accumulation on PET-CT were observed. Despite initiating UFT/UZEL therapy, the patient was judged to have progressive disease. The patient was then administered 5-FU plus l-LV plus CPT-11. However, this was later discontinued due to the development of hyperammonemia. The patient was placed on follow-up observation due to the decrease in his tumor markers and the disappearance of his enlarged lymph nodes. He is still alive seven years after his initial diagnosis. We report a case of a patient with rectal cancer that metastasized to the brain and the skin. He was successfully managed with multidisciplinary therapy. A relevant literature discussion is also included.

[A Case of Curative Surgery for Locally Advanced Small Bowel GIST after Imatinib Therapy].

According to the risk classification of recurrence, the standard treatment for gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST)is complete surgical resection and postoperative adjuvant therapy with imatinib; however, the usefulness of neoadjuvant therapy is unclear. We report a case of giant GIST in the pelvis suspectedly having bladder infiltration that was radically resected and underwent preoperative imatinib therapy. A 52-year-old man visited a clinic because of abdominal pain, fever, and frequent urination. An abdominal mass was determined, and the patient was referred to our hospital for detailed examination and treatment. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed a 17 cm diameter irregular mass from the lower navel to the pelvis, and the bladder boundary was partially unclear. Transrectal biopsy was performed using endoscopic ultrasonography, and according to the Fletcher classification, a high-risk GIST was diagnosed. After preoperative imatinib therapy of 400 mg/day was administered for 3 months, surgery was performed. The tumor was strongly adhered to the bladder, but no invasion was observed, and partial small intestine resection was performed. The surgical margin was negative without capsule damage. On day 34 postoperatively, imatinib therapy was resumed, and as of 1 year postoperatively, the course is well without recurrence.

Laparoscopic-assisted surgery versus open surgery for transverse colon cancer: A multicenter retrospective study.

Introduction: Previous randomized controlled trials demonstrated similar oncological outcomes between laparoscopic-assisted (LA) and open (OP) colectomy; however, patients with transverse colon cancer were not analyzed. The aim of this study was to confirm the oncological safety and the advantages of the short- and long-term results of LA surgery for transverse colon cancer in comparison to OP surgery. Materials and Methods: The study data were retrospectively collected from the databases of four hospitals. Patients with transverse colon cancer who underwent LA or OP R0 or R1 resection were registered. Results: Among the 204 patients, 149 underwent OP colectomy and 55 underwent LA colectomy. The median follow-up period was 43 months. The rate of conversion to OP resection was 7.3%. The 5-year overall survival rate of the LA group was higher than that of the OP surgery group for all-stage patients (97.5% vs. 91.1%, P = 0.108), and it was similar in Stage II and Stage III patients (94.1% vs. 94.2%, P = 0.510). The LA group had significantly lower blood loss and a significantly longer operative time in comparison to the OP surgery group. Furthermore, the postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter (9 vs. 13 days, P = 0.001) and the incidence of Grade ≥III complications was lower in the LA group (3.7% vs. 14.8%, P = 0.031). Conclusion: We concluded that LA surgery for transverse colon cancer is oncologically safe and yields better short-term results in comparison to OP surgery.

Impact of Infectious Complications on Survival and Recurrence of Patients With Stage II/III Colorectal Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Postoperative complications are associated with increased recurrence in colorectal cancer (CRC). We investigated the impact of infectious complications on the recurrence of CRC and overall survival after curative surgery in a single study group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total, 1,668 patients who underwent radical resection for CRC in Yokohama City University, Yokohama Minami Kyosai Hospital, and Kanagawa Cancer Center between 2011 and 2019 were reviewed. Patients were classified into those with infectious complications (IC group) and those without infectious complications (Non-IC group). The risk factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. RESULTS: Postoperative complications were found in 560 of the 1,668 patients (33.5%), and IC, which occurred in 312 patients (18.7%), included pneumonia, anastomotic leakage, and intraperitoneal abscess. The 5-year OS rates in the Non-IC and IC groups were 95.5% and 90.4%, respectively, while the 5-year RFS rates were 74.4% and 68.1%, respectively. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that postoperative IC were significant independent risk factors for OS and RFS. CONCLUSION: The presence of postoperative IC after CRC resection is associated with decreased long-term survival. The surgical procedure, surgical strategy, and perioperative care should be carefully planned in order to avoid causing IC.

Metabolic bone disorders after gastrectomy: inevitable or preventable?

Some authors have suggested that a relationship exists between gastrectomy for gastric cancer and metabolic bone disorders. However, few studies have investigated metabolic bone disorders after gastrectomy for gastric cancer in detail. Thus, we reviewed the findings of our recent prospective study and those of other reports on this subject. Osteoporosis and osteomalacia have been observed after gastrectomy and appear to be caused by reduced food intake and absorption, and steatorrhea. Moreover, the incidence of fracture is high after gastrectomy, although subtotal or total gastrectomy and reconstruction for gastric cancer have not been identified as significant risk factors for decreased bone mineral density (BMD). Recently, we reported that the BMD decreased significantly within 12 months after gastrectomy for gastric cancer in both male and female patients, but there was no significant gender-related difference in the rate of change in BMD. More than 1 year after gastrectomy, the steep decrease in the BMD stabilized and normal levels of 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 were maintained, despite the lack of precursor for 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 synthesis after gastrectomy. Alendronate therapy might be effective and prevent postgastrectomy metabolic bone disorders; however, the optimal treatment and prevention strategy for this bone disorder has not been delineated.

Prediction of lateral lymph node metastasis using OSNA method for mesorectal lymph nodes in low rectal cancer: A prospective study by the Kanagawa Yokohama Colorectal Cancer Study Group (KYCC1801).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Contrary to the Japanese guidelines recommendations regarding lateral lymph node dissection (LatLND) for rectal cancer, its omission is common in clinical practice without reliable omission criteria. Negative pathological mesorectal lymph node metastasis (MesLNM) is reportedly highly correlated with negative pathological lateral lymph node metastasis (p-LatLNM); however, this cannot be used as a criterion because pathological features are revealed postoperatively. Herein, we prospectively evaluated the negative predictive value (NPV) of MesLNM diagnosed via the one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) method for p-LatLNM. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted at a single academic study group in Japan. The key eligibility criterion was mid-to-low rectal cancer planned to be treated using mesorectal excision with LatLND. According to the study protocol, the OSNA method was considered useful if the point estimate of the NPV exceeded 95%. RESULTS: Preoperative case registration was conducted between 2018 and 2020; 34 patients were registered. Among these, 16 were negative for OSNA-MesLNM, and negative p-LatLNM was confirmed in all cases. The point estimate of the NPV was 100%, with the 95% confidence interval ranging from 79.4% to 100.0%. CONCLUSIONS: The OSNA method is useful in selecting patients in whom LatLND can be omitted in real-world clinical practice.

Low Preoperative Albumin-to-Globulin Ratio Is a Marker of Poor Prognosis in Patients With Esophageal Cancer.

AIM: Recent studies have reported that the albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR) may be a useful inflammatory-nutritional biomarker to predict postoperative complications and poor prognosis in various types of patients with cancer. However, its prognostic value in patients with esophageal cancer is still unclear. We aimed to examine the utility of the AGR for predicting the short- and long-term outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer who underwent curative resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort analysis reviewing the medical records of consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy for clinical stage I to III esophageal cancer at Yokohama City University. A total of 105 patients were identified between 2005 and 2018. The overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and postoperative complication rates were compared between patients with high AGR (>1.48) and those with low AGR (≤1.48) group. RESULTS: A total of 57 and 48 patients were classified into the high and low AGR groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the rate of overall postoperative complications of more than Clavien-Dindo grade 3 (50.9% vs. 54.2%, p=0.85). The long-term findings showed that 5-year OS and RFS rates were significantly better for the group with a high AGR (67.2% vs. 33.8%, p<0.001 and 51.6% vs. 28.5%, p=0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that a low preoperative AGR is a risk factor for poor RFS and OS in patients who are planning to undergo curative surgery for esophageal cancer. AGR may be a useful biomarker for establishing treatment strategies to improve patients' survival.