Gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the lesser omentum: a case report and review of the literature.

A 72-year-old woman visited our hospital for a routine health examination and underwent abdominal ultrasonography, which revealed an intra-abdominal tumor. Abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a well-defined solid mass of ~3 cm in diameter lying adjacent to the stomach. The mass was preoperatively diagnosed as gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the stomach. At laparotomy, a well-encapsulated tumor was found in the lesser omentum. It was slightly adherent to the stomach wall but was removed without difficulty. Therefore, only enucleation of the tumor was performed. The excised tumor, which was 35 × 30 × 25 mm3 in size, had a white cut surface without necrosis or hemorrhage. According to the pathological findings, the tumor was classified as a very low-risk gastrointestinal stromal tumor originating in the lesser omentum. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the lesser omentum is very rare, and surgical resection is the only effective treatment modality.

Long-term outcomes of neoadjuvant-synchronous S-1 plus radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer: a multi-institutional prospective phase II study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with S-1 in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. METHODS: A multi-institutional, prospective, phase II trial was conducted between April 2009 and August 2011. The study enrolled 37 patients with histologically proven rectal carcinoma (T3-4 N0-3 M0) who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with S-1. Total mesorectal excision with D3 lymphadenectomy was performed 4-8 weeks after completion of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with S-1 in 36 patients. We then analyzed late adverse events, overall survival, and disease-free survival. RESULTS: The median patient age was 59 years (range: 32-79 years); there were 24 men and 13 women. Ten patients had Stage II disease, and 27 had Stage III disease. Severe late adverse events occurred in 7 patients (18.9%). The 5-year disease-free survival was 66.7%, and the 5-year overall survival was 74.7%. The median follow-up period was 57 months. Local recurrences developed in 5 patients (13.5%), and distant metastases developed in 8 (21.6%). CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant-synchronous chemoradiotherapy with S-1 for locally advanced rectal cancer is feasible in terms of adverse events and long-term outcomes. (UMIN Clinical Trial Registry: UMIN000003396).

Surgical Outcomes of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer in Patients with a History of Pancreaticobiliary Cancer.

AIM: To determine the efficacy of surgery for non-small cell lung cancer in patients who had previously undergone surgery for pancreaticobiliary cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven patients who underwent pulmonary resection for primary lung cancer after curative surgery for pancreaticobiliary cancer at our Institution from 2006 to 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Five patients had metachronous and two patients had synchronous cancer of pancreaticobiliary and lung origin. The median time between surgeries for the two cancers was 35 months. All patients underwent complete resection of both cancers. The 5-year survival was 68.6% after pulmonary resection. Two patients had recurrence after lung surgery, with a mean recurrence-free interval of 6.5 months. CONCLUSION: Surgery should be considered for lung cancer in patients who have undergone curative surgery for pancreaticobiliary cancer.

Surgical Resection for Pulmonary Metastasis from Pancreatic and Biliary Tract Cancer.

AIM: To determine the efficacy of pulmonary metastasectomy for pancreatic and biliary tract cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients who underwent therapeutic pulmonary metastasectomy after resection for pancreatic and biliary tract cancer at our Institution from 2006 to 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The primary site was the pancreas in four patients and biliary tract in six. Nine patients had single metastasis, and one patient had bilateral multiple metastases. The median time from surgery for the primary tumor to pulmonary resection was 23.3 months (range= 0-47.1 months). One patient underwent lobectomy, while nine patients underwent partial resection. One patient had incomplete resection due to pleural dissemination. There were no postoperative mortalities or major morbidities. The mean follow-up period was 26.0 months. The median survival time was 38.5 months, and the estimated 5-year overall survival was 38.9% after pulmonary resection. Five patients had recurrent disease after pulmonary resection, with a median recurrence-free interval of 6.0 months. One patient underwent second pulmonary resection for a solitary lung recurrence. CONCLUSION: Despite the poor prognoses of these cancer types, pulmonary metastasectomy can significantly prolong survival in selected patients with pancreatic and biliary tract cancer.

A prospective feasibility study to evaluate neoadjuvant-synchronous S-1 with radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer: A multicentre phase II trial.

Treatment results of locally advanced rectal cancer without preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in Japan do not differ from those of Western countries. Preoperative CRT with new anticancer agents may decrease local recurrence rate and prevent distant metastases, thus improving survival. We conducted a trial to evaluate feasibility of neoadjuvant CRT using S-1 in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. A multi-institutional (17 specialized centres), interventional, phase II trial was conducted from April 2009 to August 2011. Patients fulfilling the following requirements before neoadjuvant CRT were included: histologically proven rectal carcinoma; tumour in the upper or lower rectum; cancer classified as T3-4 N0-3 M0. Neoadjuvant CRT with S-1 (80 mg/m2/day on days 1-5, 8-12, 22-26, and 29-33) and irradiation (total 45 Gy/25 fr, 1.8 Gy/day, on days 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, and 29-33) was performed. Total mesorectal excision with D3 lymphadenectomy was performed during weeks 4 and 8 after completion of neoadjuvant CRT. The primary endpoint was completion rate of neoadjuvant CRT. Secondary endpoints were response rate to neoadjuvant CRT, short-term clinical outcomes, curative resection rate, and pathologic response (grade 2/3). Of the 37 patients included, 86.5% completed neoadjuvant CRT (95% CI, 75.5-97.5%), and 10.8% (4) experienced an adverse event (grade 3/4). Response rate (RECIST 1.0) was 56.8% (95% CI, 40.8-72.7%), and pathologic response rate was 48.6% (95% CI, 32.5-64.8%). This study demonstrated that neoadjuvant-synchronous S-1+radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer was feasible in terms of pathologic response and adverse events. Registration number: UMIN-CTR, No. C003396.

Prospective feasibility study to evaluate neoadjuvant-synchronous S-1 + RT for locally advanced rectal cancer: a multicenter phase II trial (UMIN ID: 03396).

In Western countries, the standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer is preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision. However, in Japan, the treatment results without preoperative chemoradiotherapy are by no means inferior; therefore, extrapolation of the results of preoperative treatment in Western countries to Japan is controversial. We consider that survival may be improved by preoperative chemoradiotherapy with new anticancer agents as they are expected not only to decrease the local recurrence rate but also to prevent distant metastases. We are conducting a multicentre Phase II study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy using S-1 in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. The primary endpoint is the rate of complete treatment of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Secondary endpoints are the response rate of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, short-term clinical outcomes, rate of curative resection and pathological evaluation. The short-term clinical outcomes are adverse events of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery-related complications. Thirty-five patients are required for this study.

Initial Japanese experience with the LAP-BAND system.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic bariatric surgery has gradually spread in Japan since it was introduced in 2000. In 2005, we introduced laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) with the LAP-BAND system into Japan. Here, we evaluate our intermediate-term results with the LAP-BAND system. METHODS: Between August 2005 and June 2010, 27 Japanese patients with morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m(2) ) underwent LAGB with the LAP-BAND system in our institution. Our patients' average weight was 111 kg and BMI was 41 kg/m(2) . All LAGB procedures were performed through the pars flaccida pathway with band fixation using gastric-to-gastric sutures. The average follow-up period was 48 months. RESULTS: All procedures were completed laparoscopically. One early complication (sudden cardiac arrest due to postoperative bleeding) and three late complications (port trouble, megaesophagus, and band slippage) were experienced, and reoperations were performed in three of the patients. Weight loss and percentage of excess weight loss on average were 26 kg and 53% after 3 years and 22 kg and 53% after 6 years, respectively. In line with this good weight loss, comorbidities, especially those of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome were frequently resolved or improved. CONCLUSION: LAGB with the LAP-BAND system appears to be beneficial in obese Japanese patients.

Initial Japanese experience with intragastric balloon placement.

BACKGROUND: We introduced intragastric balloon placement in Japan and evaluated the initial data. METHODS: Between December 2004 and March 2008, intragastric balloons [BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon (BIB) system] were placed in 21 Japanese patients with obesity [six women, 15 men; mean age 40+/-9 years; mean body mass index (BMI) 40+/-9 kg/m2]. The inclusion criteria were morbid obesity (BMI>or=35 kg/m2), the presence of obesity-related disorders, and failure with conventional treatments for at least 6 months. The balloon was routinely removed under endoscopy after 5 months. RESULTS: No serious complications occurred, but in two of the 21 patients (9.5%), early removal (within 1 week) of the balloon was required due to continuous abdominal discomfort. Two other patients (9.5%) could not control their eating behavior and were considered unresponsive to the treatment, and their balloons were also removed before 5 months. Seventeen of the 21 patients (81%) finished the treatment, and the average weight loss and percent excess weight loss (%EWL) at the time the balloons were removed were 12+/-5 kg and 27+/-9%, respectively. Eight patients were followed for 1 year without intervention of consecutive bariatric surgery, and at that time, four of these patients had kept more than 20% of %EWL. The other patients regained their weight in the first year. CONCLUSIONS: Intragastric balloon placement is a safe and effective procedure in obese Japanese patients, and about half of the patients will maintain their weight loss after the balloon is removed.

Cecal volvulus in cerebral palsy: report of a case.

A rare case of cecal volvulus in cerebral palsy that was preoperatively diagnosed and surgically treated without complications is herein reported. A 45-year old man, who had been treated for cerebral palsy as a result of a neonatal cerebral hemorrhage, was admitted to our hospital because of abdominal pain and vomiting. A plain abdominal X-ray film showed evidence of a huge quantity of gas in the left abdomen. Using a gastrographin enema from the colonoscope, an obstruction of the ascending colon was revealed with tapering of the lumen. A computed tomography scan showed a grossly dilated air-distended bowel in the left abdomen and soft tissue with internal architecture containing swirling strands of soft tissue and fat attenuation. An emergency laparotomy was performed. During the laparotomy the ileocecal region, which was unfixed at the retroperitoneum, was found to be twisted counterclockwise by 360 degrees around the mesentery with the terminal ileum, thus resulting in a diagnosis of cecal volvulus. We therefore conducted an ileocecal resection. Cecal volvulus is an uncommon form of intestinal obstruction with a high mortality rate and may present considerable difficulty in diagnosis. Although cecal volvulus is rare as a cause of intestinal obstruction, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of bowel obstruction in cerebral palsy.

Risk factors for occult lymph node metastasis of colorectal cancer invading the submucosa and indications for endoscopic mucosal resection.

PURPOSE: Although risk factors for histologically overt lymph node metastasis in patients with early-stage colorectal cancer have been clarified, the risk factors for occult lymph node metastasis are not clear. This study was designed to clarify risk factors for lymph node metastasis, including occult metastasis, in patients with colorectal cancer invading the submucosa and to determine the criteria for endoscopic resection of early colorectal cancer. METHODS: The risk factors for lymph node metastasis, including occult metastasis, were analyzed in 86 cases of surgically resected colorectal cancer invading the submucosa. The lymph nodes were assessed by immunohistochemistry with cytokeratin antibody CAM5.2. RESULTS: The frequencies of overt and occult metastasis to the lymph nodes were 13 percent (11/86) and 13 percent (10/75), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed vascular invasion (P = 0.001) and tumor budding (P = 0.003) to be independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis, including occult metastasis. For tumors with submucosal invasion < or =1,000 microm, no lymph node metastasis was found. The frequencies of lymph node metastasis for tumors with submucosal invasion of 1,000 to 2,000 microm and >2,000 microm were 21 and 37 percent, respectively. In considering combinations of risk factors, there was no lymph node metastasis in tumors having neither vascular invasion nor tumor budding and submucosal invasion of < or =3,000 microm. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular invasion, tumor budding, and the degree of submucosal invasion were significant risk factors for lymph node metastasis, including occult metastasis. These three factors can be used in combination to identify patients requiring additional surgery after endoscopic resection.

Transient liver dysfunction after laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of laparoscopic surgery under CO2 pneumoperitoneum on liver function is not clear. The aim of this study was to clarify whether laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) is associated with changes in liver function compared with open distal gastrectomy (ODG). METHODS: A total of 205 patients who underwent LADG (n = 147) or ODG (n = 58) between January 1994 and April 2004 were included in this study. Liver function tests-aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, total bilirubin-were examined before surgery and at 1, 3, and 7 days after surgery. The postoperative clinical course was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: AST levels on day 1 and ALT levels on days 1 and 3 were significantly higher in the LADG group. Albumin levels showed a marked decrease after operation in both groups, but the level recovered more rapidly in the LADG group than in the ODG group, showing significant differences on days 3 and 7. The total bilirubin levels remained unchanged from baseline. The postoperative complication rate was similar in the two groups, although 3 LADG patients among the 27 patients with liver disease suffered severe enteritis. CONCLUSIONS: Transient liver dysfunction was documented in patients after laparoscopic gastrectomy under CO2 pneumoperitoneum.

Clinicopathologic features and treatment of residual early cancers after endoscopic mucosal resection of the stomach.

GOALS: We sometimes encounter residual or recurrent cancers after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for early gastric cancer. The aim of the present study was to clarify the clinicopathologic characteristics of and optimal treatment for the residual cancers after EMR. STUDY: Seventy-four patients with early gastric cancer were treated with EMR between 1994 and 2004. These patients were divided into 2 groups as follows: the curative group (n=59) and the noncurative group (n=15). The clinicopathologic data were compared between the 2 groups and the outcomes of additional therapy were reviewed. RESULTS: In the noncurative group, the tumors were located significantly frequently on the upper or middle third of the stomach compared with the curative group (P<0.05). The number of fragments in EMR was significantly larger in the noncurative group than in the curative group (P<0.05). Fifteen patients required additional treatment because of the residual cancer. Nine (75%) of 12 patients requiring surgery underwent laparoscopic surgery. Three patients were treated by endoscopic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: EMR with a single fragment and with a sufficient margin is useful for the complete resection of early gastric cancer. When residual cancer occurs, laparoscopic gastrectomy may be a good alternative.

Long-term outcome of laparoscopic wedge resection for gastric submucosal tumor compared with open wedge resection.

Little is known about the outcomes of laparoscopic wedge resection (LWR) in comparison with conventional open wedge resection (OWR) for gastric submucosal tumor. Outcomes of 21 patients who underwent LWR (n = 14) or OWR (n = 7) for gastric submucosal tumor between 1993 and 2004 were investigated. We compared the short-term and long-term operative results between the 2 groups. LWR showed several advantages over OWR for gastric submucosal tumor: less blood loss, lower fever on day 1, lower analgesic usage rate, earlier first postoperative flatus and oral intake, lower leukocyte count on days 1 and 7, and lower C-reactive protein level on days 1 and 3. All patients, except 2 with histologically diagnosed high-risk gastrointestinal stromal tumor, survived during the mean follow-up period of 60 months. LWR is feasible for the management of patients with gastric submucosal tumor.

A case of sporadic gastric carcinoid tumor treated successfully by laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy.

A 49-year-old man was referred to us for treatment of a gastric carcinoid tumor. Gastroscopy revealed a superficial elevated lesion with a central depression covered with nonspecific gastric mucosa located in the anterior wall of the gastric body. The lesion was diagnosed on biopsy as a gastric carcinoid tumor. Preoperative ultrasound and computed tomography examinations revealed a tumor confined to the gastric submucosa and without lymph node metastasis. Therefore, laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) was performed. Macroscopically, the resected specimen contained an elevated lesion measuring 0.9 x 0.8-cm with a central depression. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient remains free of recurrence 10 months after surgery. There are few cases of sporadic gastric carcinoid tumor successfully treated by LADG. LADG may be useful for treatment of patients with sporadic gastric carcinoid tumor and possible lymph node metastasis.

Laparoscopic gastric partitioning gastrojejunostomy for an unresectable duodenal malignant tumor.

As a palliative bypass for unresectable gastric or periampullary cancer, gastrojejunostomy (GJ) is sometimes associated with postoperative delayed gastric emptying. We report the successful laparoscopic application of this procedure in a 78-year-old man with duodenal obstruction. Computed tomography revealed a mass in the duodenum along with multiple masses in the liver. A radiological image showed an ulcerative tumour in the third portion of the duodenum occluding the lumen. He was diagnosed as having an unresectable duodenal cancer with multiple liver metastases. He needed palliative bypass surgery. Laparoscopically, the stomach was partially divided using an endoscopic autosuture device, and end-to-side GJ was performed successfully. He was given a normal diet on the fourth postoperative day, and there was no delayed gastric emptying. Laparoscopic gastric partitioning GJ is a feasible and safe procedure to prevent postoperative delayed gastric emptying in case of malignant duodenal obstruction.