Clinical impact of perirenal thickness on short- and long-term outcomes of gastric cancer after curative surgery.

Background: A variety of factors for short- and long-term outcomes have been reported after radical resection for gastric cancer (GC). Obesity and emaciation had been reported to be a cause of poor short- and long-term outcomes with gastrointestinal cancer. However, the indicators are still controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between perirenal thickness (PT) and short- and long-term outcomes after radical surgery for GC. Methods: We analyzed the data of 364 patients with GC who underwent radical surgery. We evaluated the distance from the anterior margin of the quadratus lumborum muscle to the dorsal margin of the left renal pole using computed tomography (CT) as an indicator of PT. The association between PT and clinicopathological factors and short- and long-term outcomes was evaluated. Results: The PT data were divided into low, normal, and high groups by gender using the tertile value. We found that the PT low group was 121 patients, normal group was 121 patients, and high group was 122 patients. Multivariate analyses showed that the high PT group was an independent risk factor for a short-outcome after curative surgery in GC patients (odds ratio 2.163; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.156-4.046; P = .016). And the low PT group was an independent risk factor for overall survival (hazard ratio 2.488; 95% CI 1.400-4.421; P = .0019) and relapse-free survival (hazard ratio 2.342; 95% CI 1.349-4.064; P = .0025) after curative surgery in GC patients. Conclusion: Perirenal thickness is a simple and useful factor for predicting short- and long-term outcomes after radical surgery for GC.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy at a Non-high-volume Center and Efforts to Perform Safe Surgery.

AIM: The aim of the current study was to investigate whether the artery-first approach (AFA) improved surgical outcomes of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) at our non-high-volume center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data on 121 consecutive patients who underwent PD between January 2009 and December 2018. The perioperative data of 49 patients who underwent conventional PD (conventional group) and 72 patients who underwent PD via artery-first approach were analyzed and compared to assess the effectiveness of the AFA. RESULTS: Although no significant difference was observed between the two groups overall, in those with pancreatic cancer, the duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss and transfusion rate in the AFA group (n=33) were significantly lower than those for the conventional group (n=11) (p=0.011, p=0.021 and p=0.038 respectively). CONCLUSION: AFA can be used to reduce the operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and transfusion rate in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Retroperitoneal fibrous tumor recurring as lung metastases after 10 years: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a relatively rare mesenchymal tumor that mainly affects adults. Its prognosis is good after curative resection, but distant recurrences after 10 years or longer have been reported. Recurrent SFT usually arises as a local lesion; distant metastasis is rarely reported. Here, we report lung metastases that recurred a decade after excising a retroperitoneal primary SFT. CASE PRESENTATION: A 44-year-old woman had an SFT resected from her right retroperitoneum at our hospital. Ten years later, at age 54, she underwent a lung resection after CT showed three suspected metastases in her left lung. All three were histologically diagnosed as lung metastases from the retroperitoneal SFT. However, whereas the primary SFT had 1-2 mitotic cells/10 high power fields (HPF), the metastatic lesion increased malignancy, at 50/10 HPF. CONCLUSION: Patients who have had resected SFTs should be carefully followed up, as malignancy may change in distant metastasis, as in this case.

A case of repeat hepatectomy for liver metastasis from solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas is a rare tumor in young women, metastasizing in only 5-15% of cases, and most commonly to the liver. Although treatment guidelines have not been established, surgical resection is usually performed. We report a rare case of repeat hepatectomy for liver metastases after distal pancreatectomy with solid pseudopapillary neoplasm. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 71-year-old woman who underwent distal pancreatectomy for solid pseudopapillary neoplasm, and liver metastasis occurred 4 years after the first surgery. Partial liver resection was performed for four liver metastases, and histopathological examination revealed a diagnosis of liver metastasis from solid pseudopapillary neoplasm. However, 18 months later, liver metastases were detected again; three tumors were identified, and partial resection was performed, which has provided 18 months' recurrence-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term prognosis can be expected following R0 resection for resectable liver metastasis from solid pseudopapillary neoplasm.

A rare anastomosis between the root of common hepatic artery and proper hepatic artery: implications for pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic artery anomalies are often observed, and the variations are wide-ranging. We herein report a case of pancreatic cancer involving the common hepatic artery (CHA) that was successfully treated with pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) without arterial reconstruction, thanks to anastomosis between the root of CHA and proper hepatic artery (PHA), which is a very rare anastomotic site. CASE PRESENTATION: A 78-year-old woman was referred to our department for the examination of a tumor in the pancreatic head. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a low-density tumor of 40 mm in diameter located in the pancreatic head. The involvement of the common hepatic artery (CHA), the root of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA), and portal vein was noted. Although such cases would usually require PD with arterial reconstruction of the CHA, it was thought that the hepatic arterial flow would be preserved by the anastomotic site between the root of the CHA and the PHA, even if the CHA was dissected without arterial reconstruction. PD with dissection of the CHA and PHA was safely completed without arterial reconstruction, and sufficient hepatic arterial flow was preserved through the anastomotic site between the CHA and PHA. CONCLUSION: We presented an extremely rare case of an anastomosis between the CHA and PHA in a patient with pancreatic cancer involving the CHA. Thanks to this anastomosis, surgical resection was successfully performed with sufficient hepatic arterial flow without arterial reconstruction.

Ascending colon cancer with synchronous external iliac and inguinal lymph node metastases but without regional lymph node metastasis: a case report and brief literature review.

Lymph node metastasis to the iliac or inguinal region of colon cancer is extremely rare. We experienced a case of ascending colon cancer with synchronous isolated right external iliac and inguinal lymph node metastases but without any regional lymph node metastasis. An 83-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to anemia. Colonoscopy and computed tomography revealed an ascending colon cancer and also right external iliac and inguinal lymph node swelling. Further examination by F-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography strongly suggested that these lymph nodes were metastatic. Right hemicolectomy with lymph node dissection along the superior mesenteric artery, and right external iliac and inguinal lymph node dissection were performed. Histological examination revealed that both lymph nodes were metastasized from colon cancer, and there was no evidence of regional lymph node metastasis. The patient has shown no sign of recurrence at 27 months after surgery.

The intentional oblique transection double stapling technique in anterior resection for rectal cancer.

The double stapling technique (DST) is an intestinal reconstruction technique that has been widely adopted in anterior resection (AR) for rectal cancer. However, anastomotic leakage (AL) after the operation remains a major concern for colorectal surgeons. The sharp-angled corner of the remnant rectum that is often created by the ordinary DST can be a risk factor for AL. We have developed a new method of performing intentional oblique transection DST (IOT-DST). Using this technique, the anal side of the rectum is intentionally obliquely transected with linear staplers, and the area of the sharp-angled edge is totally punched out with a circular stapler. Between September 2015 and March 2016, we used the IOT-DST technique in the treatment of 15 consecutive rectal cancer patients and experienced no anastomosis-related complications, including leakage and stenosis. IOT-DST is easy to use and less stressful to perform than other techniques. IOT-DST has the potential to become the standard technique for AR in rectal cancer surgery.

Intraoperative baseline oxygen consumption as a prognostic factor in emergency open abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND: A new anesthesia system, the E-CAIOVX (GE Healthcare) enables the continuous monitoring of oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide elimination (VCO2) during the surgical operation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic role of intraoperative baseline VO2 and VCO2 in an emergency open abdominal operation. METHODS: A total of 103 patients who had an emergency open abdominal operation were enrolled in the study. VO2 and VCO2 were continuously measured from the induction of anesthesia to the end of the operation. RESULTS: There were significant correlations between intraoperative baseline VO2 and body surface area (BSA; P < .001, r = 0.68), VO2 and tidal volume (P < .001, r = 0.59), and VO2 and baseline body temperature (P < .0001, r = 0.49). Also, there were significant correlations between intraoperative baseline VCO2 and BSA (P < .001, r = 0.70), VCO2 and tidal volume (P < .001, r = 0.70), and VCO2 and body temperature (P < .001, r = 0.41). Fifteen (14.6%) of the 103 patients died within 4 months after the operation without having been discharged from hospital. Baseline VO2/BSA was higher in surviving patients (123.7 ± 23.6 mL/min ∙ m(2)) than the deceased (103.8 ± 15.6 mL/min ∙ m(2); P = .002). There was no significant difference in baseline VCO2/BSA levels between surviving (106.2 ± 20.1 mL/min ∙ m(2)) and deceased patients (99.4 ± 21.4 mL/min ∙ m(2)). In multivariate analysis, baseline body temperature lower than 36.2°C (P = .02), serum albumin less than 3.0 g/dL (P = .002), and baseline VO2/BSA less than 111.9 mL/min ∙ m(2) (P = .03) were independent factors. CONCLUSION: Baseline low VO2/BSA less than 111.9 mL/min ∙ m(2) was one of the poor predictors for the prognosis of an emergency open abdominal surgery.

The effect of extensive intraoperative peritoneal lavage therapy (EIPL) on stage III B + C and cytology-positive gastric cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of extensive intraoperative peritoneal lavage (EIPL) therapy on stage III B + C and CY1/P0 gastric cancer patients after potentially curative surgery. METHODS: The study included 37 patients with CY1/P0 and 23 patients with stage III B + C gastric cancer who were treated with potentially curative gastrectomy and EIPL therapy between March 1995 and May 2013. D2 lymphadenectomy, R0 resection, and EIPL therapy were performed for all cases. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis revealed that male gender (P = 0.01) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.03) were independent prognostic factors, while positive cytology was not (P = 0.21). There was no significant difference in overall survival rates between the CY1/P0 and stage III B + C groups (P = 0.93). There was also no significant difference in peritoneal recurrence rates, i.e., 13 (35.1%) in the CY1/P0 group and 5 (21.7%) in the stage III B + C group (P = 0.39). CONCLUSIONS: EIPL therapy combined with complete resection and sufficient (D2) lymphadenectomy could improve the prognosis of CY1/P0 gastric cancer and, to a similar extent, that of stage III B + C.

Predictive factors of pathological vascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma within 3 cm and three nodules without radiological vascular invasion.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the predictive factors of pathological vascular invasion as contra-indicators for ablation therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within 3 cm and three nodules without radiological vascular invasion. METHODS: Two hundred and seventeen patients with HCC within 3 cm and three nodules without radiological vascular invasion who underwent hepatic resection were retrospectively investigated. RESULTS: Pathological vascular invasion was positive in 46 patients, consisting of 38 portal vein invasions, three hepatic vein invasions, two hepatic artery invasions, one hepatic duct invasion and two with portal and hepatic vein invasions. In univariate analysis, patients with α-fetoprotein (AFP) of more than 100 ng/mL had higher rates of pathological vascular invasion than those without. In addition, patients with protein induced by vitamin K absence (PIVKA-II) of more than 100 mAU/mL had higher rates of pathological vascular invasion than those without. Multivariate analysis revealed that AFP of more than 100 ng/mL and PIVKA-II of more than 100 mAU/mL were independent predictive factors for pathological vascular invasion. As these patients were treated with hepatic resection, cumulative 5-year recurrence-free and overall survivals were not significantly different between the pathological vascular invasion negative and positive cases. CONCLUSION: AFP of more than 100 ng/mL and PIVKA-II of more than 100 mAU/mL can predict pathological vascular invasion in patients with HCC within 3 cm and three nodules without radiological vascular invasion. In treating such cases, hepatic resection rather than local ablation therapy is recommended.

Splanchnicectomy for pancreatic cancer pain.

Persistent pain is a serious problem that often contributes to a poor quality of life in pancreatic cancer patients. Medical management by opioid analgesics is often accompanied by side effects and incomplete pain relief. A celiac plexus block is a simple treatment which relieves pain, but the procedure demands a certain degree of proficiency and the duration of the effects obtained can be rather limited. Transhiatal bilateral splanchnicectomy achieves a certain denervation of splanchnic nerves, but it requires a laparotomy. Unilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy is a minimally invasive procedure to cause definite denervation. Bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy is recommended for unsatisfactory cases or recurrent pain occurring after the initial unilateral splanchnicectomy. It is important to select the most suitable treatment depending on patients' actual medical state and the predicted outcomes.

[Case of giant cell anaplastic ductal carcinoma of the pancreas].

A 56-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with fever and systemic malaise. Abdominal computed tomography revealed an enhanced tumor of the pancreatic head, measuring 9cm in maximal diameter and containing a low-density area. Subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy was performed. Hemorrhage and necrosis were evident within the tumor, and osteoclastic polynuclear giant cells were also identified. A diagnosis of giant cell anaplastic ductal carcinoma of the pancreas was made. The patient has been free from recurrence for 6 months since surgery.

Pancreaticojejunostomy by reinforcing the pancreas without covering the anastomotic line reduces pancreatic fistula.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most common and an intractable complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Many efforts have been made to lessen POPF, but nevertheless its incidence still remains high. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of reinforcing the pancreatic remnant, but the non-reinforcement of the anastomotic line, by using a modified polyethylene glycolic acid (PGA) felt pasting method after PD, especially in cases with a soft pancreas. METHODS: Pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) anastomosis was performed with the end-to-side 2-layer manner in which the cut end of the pancreatic remnant was pasted with PGA felts using a fibrin sealant in 31 patients (PGA group). The postoperative outcome was then compared with historical control subjects (control group, 33 patients). RESULTS: Incidences of overall, Grade A and Grade B of POPF in the PGA group were 29.0, 22.6 and 6.5%, respectively, and tended to be lower than that in the control group (48.5, 33.3 and 15.2%), although no statistical significance was observed. There was no Grade C of POPF in this study. Referring only to the soft pancreas, however, the overall incidence of POPF in the PGA group was significantly lower than that in the control group (39.1 vs. 70.0%, p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: Applying PGA felt pasting to PJ anastomosis could be one effective measure for reducing POPF after PD.

[Reduction of angialgia during peripheral administration of oxaliplatin mixed with dexamethasone].

Seven patients who had been receiving capecitabine+oxaliplatin±bevacizumab(CapeOX±BV)therapy at our hospital between February 2010 and March 2011, had complained of angialgia during oxaliplatin(L-OHP)administration. Therefore, 3. 3 mg of dexamethasone(DEX)was added to their infusion solution. The patients were then asked to rate their angialgia severity using a numerical rating scale(NRS), when L-OHP in a 5% dextrose solution was administered with or without DEX. By changing the L-OHP in 5% dextrose solution without DEX to the solution containing 3. 3 mg of DEX, the mean NRS was improved to 2. 4 from 7. 1. These findings indicate that L-OHP in 5% dextrose solution mixed with 3. 3 mg of DEX seems to be useful in reducing angialgia during peripheral administration of L-OHP.

A proposal of a practical and optimal prophylactic strategy for peritoneal recurrence.

Peritoneal metastasis, which often arises in patients with advanced gastric cancer, is well known as a miserable and ill-fated disease. Once peritoneal metastasis is formed, it is extremely difficult to defeat. We advocated EIPL (extensive intraoperative peritoneal lavage) as a useful and practical adjuvant surgical technique for those gastric cancer patients who are likely to suffer from peritoneal recurrence. In this paper, we review the effect of EIPL therapy on prevention of peritoneal recurrence on patients with peritoneal free cancer cells without overt peritoneal metastasis (CY+/P-) through the prospective randomized study, and we verified its potential as an optimal and standard prophylactic therapeutic strategy for peritoneal recurrence.

[A case of unresectable non-small cell lung cancer with pleural dissemination successfully treated with DIF].

A 68-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with an abnormal shadow on her chest CT, which showed a mass lesion 3.5 cm in diameter at segment 7 in the right lung. At thoracotomy, a curative operation could not be performed because of pleural dissemination, so a partial resection was done for the histopathological examination. It showed papillary adenocarcinoma and clinical Stage IIIB. Her family hoped not to inform her that a curative operation was impossible. We explained the necessity of adjuvant chemotherapy to her, and she consented to UFT. However, the level of CEA gradually elevated, and pleural effusion on the right side appeared 2 years after operation. We converted UFT into TS-1. The level of CEA gradually reduced, and pleural effusion disappeared. We conclude that oral administration of UFT or TS-1 is useful as palliative chemotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer without serious adverse events and worsening of quality of life.