Fatal pulmonary embolism after surgery for small intestinal necrosis caused by idiopathic portal vein thrombosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) both result from partial or complete occlusion of a blood vessel by a blood clot. The prognosis of PVT is generally good; however, PVT with VTE, including pulmonary embolism (PE), has a high mortality rate. We report here a case of PE after surgery for small intestinal necrosis caused by idiopathic PVT. CASE PRESENTATION: A 69-year-old female attended our hospital with a chief complaint of upper abdominal discomfort, and was diagnosed with necrosis of the small intestine as a result of unexplained PVT. She underwent partial resection of the small intestine. On the second postoperative day, she suffered from respiratory distress and went into cardiopulmonary arrest. The patient recovered following cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but PE was detected. Extracorporeal veno-arterial cardiopulmonary resuscitation and anticoagulation therapy were initiated immediately and the thrombus was aspirated as much as possible. Two days later, extracorporeal veno-arterial cardiopulmonary resuscitation was withdrawn and anticoagulation therapy was continued. The patient subsequently recovered with no neurological damage and was discharged on day 26 after the above procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic PVT is often associated with VTE, and a prompt diagnosis and intervention may result in a good prognosis.

Prognostic significance of a novel index score based on the inflammation-based prognostic scores of patients with colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This study aimed to clarify the prognostic value of various inflammation-based prognostic scores (IBPSs) in patients who underwent radical surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) and to develop a novel prognostic index using IBPSs and other predictive factors. METHODS: Data of 1157 patients who underwent radical surgery for CRC were reviewed. The predictive value of various IBPSs in determining the CRC prognosis was compared. A novel index score based on the IBPSs and other parameters that were associated with survival in patients with CRC was established, and its usefulness was evaluated. RESULTS: The patients were randomly divided into the training (n = 694) and validation (n = 463) sets. Male sex (P = 0.0001), age ≥ 75 years (P < 0.0001), a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level of > 5 (P = 0.0009), a C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) of ≥ 0.04 (P = 0.0033), and a prognostic nutritional index (PNI) of < 43.1 (P = 0.0004) were poor independent prognostic factors of overall survival. The novel index score was calculated based on the scores of these five prognostic factors. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the CRC patients with higher novel index scores in the training and validation datasets had poorer overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: CAR and PNI were superior to other IBPSs for predicting the prognosis of CRC patients. The novel index score established based on sex, age, CEA level, CAR, and PNI can predict the prognosis of CRC with more precise and clearer stratification than the individual parameters alone.

Primary esophageal malignant melanoma without recurrence after surgery and adjuvant therapy with nivolumab.

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is a rare disease with a severely poor prognosis. Here, we report a patient with primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus surviving without recurrence after surgery and adjuvant therapy with nivolumab. The patient was a 60-year-old female with dysphagia. Esophagogastroscopy showed an elevated dark brown tumor in the lower thoracic esophagus. A histological examination of the biopsy revealed human melanoma black 45 and melan-A positivity. The patient was diagnosed with primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus and was treated with radical esophagectomy. As postoperative treatment, the patient was given nivolumab (240 mg/body) every 2 weeks. Although bilateral pneumothorax occurred after 2 courses, she recovered after chest drainage. Nivolumab treatment is still ongoing over 1 year after the surgery, and the patient has survived without recurrence. We conclude that nivolumab is an optimal option as a postoperative adjuvant treatment for PMME.

Comparison of Laparoscopic and Open Emergency Surgery for Colorectal Perforation: A Retrospective Study.

Background: This study aimed to clarify the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal perforation by comparing the clinical outcomes between laparoscopic and open emergency surgery for colorectal perforation. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 116 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal perforation. The patients were categorized into two groups: the open group included patients who underwent laparotomy, and the laparoscopic group included those who underwent laparoscopic surgery. Clinical and operative characteristics and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Results: The open and laparoscopic groups included 67 and 49 patients, respectively. More than half of the patients in both groups developed perforation in the sigmoid colon (open, 58.2%; laparoscopic, 61.2%). The most common cause of perforation was diverticulum, followed by colorectal cancer. The mean intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the laparoscopic group than in the open group (70.0 mL versus 160.3 mL; P = .0290). The incidence of surgical site infection was lower in the laparoscopic group than in the open group (2.0% versus 13.4%; P = .0430). There were no significant differences in either the short- or long-term outcomes between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the choice of surgical approach (open versus laparoscopic) did not affect overall survival in patients with colorectal perforation. Conclusion: The laparoscopic approach for colorectal perforation in an emergency setting can be safely performed and provides certain advantages over an open approach in suitable patients.

A case of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma in esophagus after multiple cancer treatments of surgery and chemoradiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) in the esophagus is extremely rare. Therefore, there are few reports of UPS in the esophagus (UPSE). We present a case of UPSE after multiple cancer treatments. CASE PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old man with a history of cancer treatment, including distal gastrectomy, transverse colectomy, and chemoradiotherapy, was diagnosed with an elevated lesion such as a submucosal tumor in the lower esophagus by regular endoscopy. A boring biopsy was performed, and the specimen showed features of sarcoma. The patient underwent a partial esophagectomy without lymph node dissection. Histopathological findings confirmed an undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Adjuvant therapy was not administered, and the patient survived without recurrence 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, complete resection is the only treatment option for UPSE. An optimal treatment strategy using chemotherapy or radiotherapy should be established.

Association Between Anti-Helicobacter pylori Antibody Seropositive and De Novo Gallstone Formation After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Japanese Patients with Severe Obesity.

PURPOSE: Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery are at risk for gallstone formation. However, the incidence of gallstone formation after bariatric surgery has not been adequately studied in the Japanese population. We aimed to elucidate the incidence and risk factors for gallstone formation after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) for Japanese patients with severe obesity. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study among patients with severe obesity treated with LSG between April 2017 and June 2020 at two institutions. Patients who had received previous cholecystectomy, had preoperative gallstones, and had received postoperative prophylactic ursodeoxycholic acid were excluded. Body weight, body mass index, and blood data were collected at each follow-up visit before and after the surgery. Follow-up abdominal ultrasonography was performed 6-12 months after surgery, and the incidence of gallstones was calculated. The association between the data and gallstone formation was evaluated. RESULTS: During the study period, we performed LSG for 98 patients. Of these, 61 cases remained by above conditions and were examined using abdominal ultrasonography over 6 months after surgery. The incidence of gallstones was 23.0% and that of symptomatic gallstones was 3.3%. Anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody seropositive and titer were the only factors that showed significant association with de novo gallstone formation after LSG. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody seropositive may be associated with de novo gallstone formation after LSG for Japanese patients with severe obesity.

Prediction of hospital mortality after colorectal perforation surgery from inflammation-based prognostic scores.

Background: Inflammation-based prognostic scores have prognostic value in cancer or cardiovascular disease patients. This study evaluated the prognostic value of inflammation-based prognostic scores in colorectal perforation patients. Methods: Data of 97 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal perforation were reviewed. We calculated various inflammation-based prognostic scores and analyzed the relationship between inflammation-based prognostic score and hospital mortality due to colorectal perforation. Results: Multivariate analyses of hospital mortality revealed neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (P = .0021), C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (P = .0224), and prognostic nutritional index (P = .0078) as independent predictive factors. The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients who met all of the following parameters avoided hospital death: neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio < 30, prognostic nutritional index ≥ 27.2, age < 75 years, and perforation of the left colon. Conclusion: Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio, and prognostic nutritional index were superior to other inflammation-based prognostic scores in predicting mortality of colorectal perforation. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, prognostic nutritional index, patient's age, and sidedness of the perforation site may be useful parameters to identify subgroups in which a favorable prognosis can be expected.

New index combining multiple inflammation-based prognostic scores for predicting the prognosis of gastric cancer patients.

Background and Aim: Several inflammation-based scores have prognostic value for patients diagnosed with various cancers. However, using only a single inflammation-based prognostic score may be unreliable, as the cut-off values and relative usefulness among various inflammation-based prognostic scores vary. We established a new combined index of four inflammation-based prognostic scores, namely the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, prognostic index, and prognostic nutritional index, and assessed its usefulness to predict the prognosis of gastric cancer. Methods and Results: We reviewed the data of 635 patients who underwent surgical resection for gastric cancer. We calculated the combined index as the total value of each of the four included inflammation-based prognostic scores and analyzed the relationship between the combined index and postoperative prognosis of gastric cancer. The new combined index was represented as a value between 0 and 6 in each patient. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that patients whose combined index was 0 had good long-term outcomes, while the prognosis of patients whose combined index ranged from 4 to 6 was poor. Conclusion: This new combined index was strongly associated with poor prognosis in patients who underwent surgery for gastric cancer. It is inferred that it can predict patient prognosis after surgical resection for gastric cancer with a stronger correlation and clearer stratification than a single inflammation-based prognostic score.

Combined laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgical repair of Bochdalek hernia in an adult: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Bochdalek hernia is a rare disease in adults. Diaphragmatic hernia in adults has been repaired using minimally invasive surgery through laparoscopy or thoracoscopy. However, the literature regarding the combined use of laparoscopy and thoracoscopy for the repair of Bochdalek hernia is limited. CASE PRESENTATION: A 26-year-old man diagnosed with Bochdalek hernia was managed through combined abdominal and thoracic endoscopic surgery. On laparoscopy, the omentum prolapsed into the left thoracic cavity through the posterolateral area of the left diaphragm. On thoracoscopy, no adhesions of the omentum were seen in the thoracic cavity. The omentum was drawn back to the abdominal cavity, and a 4 × 3-cm hernial orifice was identified. The hernia orifice was repaired through simple closure with sutures laparoscopically. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful with no recurrences within the first year post-surgery. CONCLUSION: Combined laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery is a safe and effective method for Bochdalek hernial repair in adults.

Comparison of Inflammation-Based Prognostic Scores Associated with the Prognostic Impact of Adenocarcinoma of Esophagogastric Junction and Upper Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Several inflammation-based prognostic scores have a prognostic value in patients with various cancers. This study investigated the prognostic value of various inflammation-based prognostic scores in patients who underwent a surgery for adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) and upper gastric cancer (UGC). METHODS: We reviewed data of 206 patients who underwent surgery for AEG and UGC. We calculated neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), modified GPS (mGPS), C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin (Alb) ratio, prognostic index (PI), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and analyzed the relationship between these biomarkers and postoperative prognosis. RESULTS: In multivariate analyses for overall survival, mGPS (P = 0.0337, hazard ratio [HR] = 5.211), PI (P = 0.0002, HR = 21.20), and PNI (P < 0.0001, HR = 6.907) were identified as independent predictive factors. A multivariate analysis for recurrence-free survival showed that only PI (P = 0.0006, HR = 11.89) and PNI (P = 0.0002, HR = 4.972) were independent predictive factors among the above-mentioned inflammation-based prognostic scores. CONCLUSIONS: In various inflammation-based prognostic scores, PI and PNI were more strongly associated with poor prognosis in patients who underwent surgery for AEG and UGC.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy performed in a morbidly obese patient with gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most frequent submucosal tumor, and with advancements of diagnostic modalities, the incidence of GIST cases diagnosed have increased. Similarly, prevalence of morbid obesity has also rapidly increased over the past decade. Notably, the incidence of GIST in obese patients was reported to be more frequent as compared to the general population. Despite local resection being the first choice for GIST treatment, extensive surgery should also be considered depending on the tumor size and location. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), the most popular bariatric procedure, could also be a concomitant treatment option for both morbid obesity and GIST when the tumor is contained within LSG the excision range. There are, however, few reports about LSG planned for GIST preoperatively. CASE PRESENTATION: A morbidly obese 46-year-old Japanese male (body weight of 105.4 kg, body mass index (BMI) of 36.6 kg/m2) was diagnosed with an intramural GIST in the gastric fundus. Because of his extreme visceral fat dominated obesity (visceral fat area of 386 cm2), in addition to the size and location of the tumor, we determined that it would be difficult to perform local resection. We planned LSG as a concomitant treatment for both GIST and morbid obesity. After the preoperative examination and 6 months of weight control, the patient lost enough weight to undergo LSG safely. Keeping enough distance away from the tumor, which we observed with an endoscope, we performed LSG to successfully resect the tumor. The patient was discharged uneventfully. Weight loss was successful as his BMI was 21.0 kg/m2 at 3 months post-surgery. CONCLUSION: We successfully performed LSG in a morbidly obese patient with a large GIST. This is the largest GIST concomitantly resected with LSG reported within current literature.

Induction of potentially lethal hypermagnesemia, ischemic colitis, and toxic megacolon by a preoperative mechanical bowel preparation: report of a case.

A 67-year-old man was diagnosed with rectal cancer. The tumor invaded the subserosal layer, but it was not large, and there was no sign of obstruction. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy reduced the size of the tumor. The patient was admitted to our hospital for surgery. For mechanical bowel preparation, he ingested 34 g of magnesium citrate (Magcorol P®), but then developed severe shock, a disturbance of consciousness, and acidemia, and he required catecholamines and mechanical ventilation. X-ray, CT, and laboratory tests revealed ischemic colitis, toxic megacolon, and hypermagnesemia (16.3 mg/dL). After 2 days of temporary hemodialysis and an enema to reduce his blood magnesium concentration, he recovered and left the intensive care unit. However, the left side of his colon had suffered ischemic damage and become irreversibly atrophied. One month later, he underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection and left-side colectomy for the rectal cancer and severe ischemic colitis of the left side of the colon. Histopathology confirmed the rectal cancer with a grade 2 chemotherapeutic effect and severe ischemic colitis of the left side of the colon. Hence, the present case suggests that severe ischemic colitis, toxic megacolon, and hypermagnesemia can occur after taking a magnesium laxative without obstruction of the intestine.

Clinical Significance of Closure of Mesenteric Defects in Laparoscopic Colectomy: A Single-Institutional Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The effect of closure of mesenteric defects to prevent complications, such as internal hernia, during laparoscopic colectomy remains controversial and is a subject of debate. PURPOSE: This retrospective single-institution study aimed to clarify the clinical significance of mesenteric defect closure during a laparoscopic colectomy. METHODS: We evaluated 58 patients who underwent laparoscopic right-side colectomy or transverse colectomy. The statistical relevance of complications, surgical maneuvers, and clinical factors was examined. RESULTS: The mesenteric defects were closed in 30 patients and not closed in 28 patients. Two patients with ileus and 1 with a deep incisional surgical site infection required a second surgery. The reoperation rate was significantly higher in the nonclosure group than in the closure group (11% vs. 0%, respectively; P=0.033). CONSIDERATION: Serious complications requiring reoperation occurred only in the nonclosure group. The procedure for closing the defect did not extend the operation time or increase the bleeding.

Survival with Collateral Circulation after Gastrointestinal Ischemia Caused by Aortic Dissection: A Case Report.

We report a case of a 43-year-old man who presented with gradually intensifying abdominal pain of acute onset and was shown by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) examination to have acute aortic dissection (Stanford type B). A diagnosis of gastrointestinal necrosis was made and he underwent emergency surgery. At laparoscopy, he was found to have no superior mesenteric arterial pulse and intestinal necrosis from the upper jejunum to the right transverse colon. Resection of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) perfusion area was performed. Postoperatively, ischemia in the perfusion area of the celiac artery was also diagnosed, manifesting as gallbladder necrosis, portal vein gas accompanying gastric wall necrosis, perforation of the remaining upper jejunum, and hepatic and splenic infarction. However, development of a collateral circulation originating in the left colic branch of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) enabled retrograde provision of blood to the celiac artery through the SMA pancreaticoduodenal arcade. Thus, in this case, spontaneous development of a natural bypass created a new route for arterial perfusion, contributing to the patient's survival. When ischemia of the celiac artery and SMA perfusion areas occur, collateral circulation can develop from the IMA.

Huge epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in the left axilla: a case report.

This report describes a patient with a rare huge epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) in the left axilla. A male in his 70s was admitted to our hospital for evaluation of a growing tumor in his left axilla. The tumor was solid and immovable. Examination of a biopsy specimen resulted in a diagnosis of epithelioid MPNST. Two weeks after the biopsy was performed, the tumor grew to 20 cm and became painful, and the patient was unable to feel pressure on his upper arm. Immediately before surgery to remove the tumor, computed tomography suggested the presence of lung metastases. The patient and his family were informed of his disease state, and they elected surgical treatment to ease the symptoms associated with tumor enlargement. Systemic metastases appeared soon after the surgery, and the patient died within 11 weeks. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis showed that this tumor was chromosomally unstable, with impairments in gene expression.

[A Case of Laparoscopic Surgery for Early Gastric Cancer that Occurred after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting using the Right Gastroepiploic Artery].

We herein report a case involving a 70-year-old man who was diagnosed with early gastric cancer that occurred after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) for effort-induced angina. He was successfully treated by laparoscopic surgery. Preoperative cardiac three-dimensional computed tomography and coronary angiography showed an occlusion of the RGEA graft, which could lead to ligation of the RGEA to dissect the lymph nodes along the RGEA. The laparoscopic approach helps to identify and avoid injury to the RGEA graft because of its enlarged and precise viewing field compared with laparotomy followed by retractor placement. Laparoscopic surgery is a useful method in such cases to reduce perioperative complications risk.

[Laparoscopic-Assisted Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy--Report of Three Cases].

Laparoscopic-assisted percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (LAPEG) was performed in consecutive three patients for whom it was unable to place a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). The mean operation time was 40.3 min, and mean blood loss was 1.3 g. Three trocars were placed, two for working and another for endoscopy, and a PEG was established by an usual Introducer method. There were no complications both intra- and post-operatively. LAPEG might be a safe alternative when the application of PEG is difficult.

Favorable control of rapidly progressive retroperitoneal pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma with multimodality therapy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS), such as pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma, often invade or displace vital organs in the abdominal cavity and exhibit an aggressive clinical course. Complete surgical resection of the tumor and preoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapies can be used for non-metastatic RPS. However, in case of huge retroperitoneal sarcoma fully occupying the abdominal cavity, surgical resection tends to be insufficient, resulting in poor outcomes. This report describes a case of rapidly progressive retroperitoneal pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma that was favorably controlled by debulking surgery followed by combination chemotherapy and radiotherapy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old Japanese woman developed abdominal discomfort due to a huge retroperitoneal tumor fully occupying the abdominal cavity. The immunohistochemical diagnosis was pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma with high-grade malignancy and aggressive proliferative features. Debulking surgery could be performed, but the small residual tumor had rapidly grown to an approximately 22 cm in length on the major axis within 38 days after the operation. The patient's general condition progressively declined. Combination chemotherapy, consisting of doxorubicin and ifosfamide, was successfully administered for six cycles while maintaining dose intensity. The best objective response was a partial response, and the chemotherapy was well tolerated. Approximately 50 Gy of radiotherapy was delivered to the remaining tumor. This multimodal strategy resulted in progression-free survival for more than 17 months and achieved sustained symptomatic relief. CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal therapy with debulking surgery, combination chemotherapy and radiotherapy controlled a rapidly progressive retroperitoneal pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma. Maintaining dose intensity of the chemotherapy and radiotherapy might contribute to overall tumor control.

Lumbar hernia treated with lightweight partially absorbable mesh: report of a case.

Superior lumbar hernia, also known as Grynfeltt-Lesshaft hernia, is an uncommon abdominal wall defect. We report a case of superior lumbar hernia, which was successfully treated with a lightweight partially absorbable mesh. A 73-year-old man visited our department with complaints of lumbar pain and a feeling of pressure associated with a right lumbar mass. A CT scan of the abdomen demonstrated a defect in the aponeurosis of the transversus abdominis muscle and a protrusion of the small intestine through the defect. The diagnosis of a right superior lumbar hernia was made. The lumbar hernia was surgically treated with a lightweight large-pore polypropylene mesh containing an absorbable component consisting of poliglecaprone (ULTRAPRO Plug). The patient had no evidence of recurrence after 4 years of follow-up without any sense of discomfort. This is the first case report of a lumbar hernia treated with a lightweight partially absorbable mesh. This partially absorbable mesh can be considered to be suitable for the treatment of a lumbar hernia.

Biological significance of localized Type IV scirrhous gastric cancer.

The prognosis of type IV scirrhous gastric cancer (SGC) is extremely poor. Linitis plastica (LP), the so-called 'leather bottle stomach', is believed to be a typical case of SGC, which is usually diagnosed as a far-advanced gastric cancer. The pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear. Although typical SGC often invades the entire stomach, atypical cases show SGC localized to one region of the stomach. The aim of the present study was to investigate localized SGC (LSGC) and its biological significance. A total of 509 patients with advanced gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy were evaluated. These patients were divided into three groups as follows: 19 patients with type IV scirrhous lesions invading the whole stomach (defined as LP), 60 patients with type IV scirrhous lesions localized in less than two thirds of the stomach (defined as LSGC) and the remaining 430 patients with all other types of gastric cancer (OGC), and then clinicopathologically compared. Results showed that LP had deeper invasion (p=0.006), more frequent peritoneal dissemination including positive cytology (p=0.01 and p=0.018) and lower curability (p=0.03) compared with LSGC, whereas LSGC showed a higher malignant potential in a number of clinicopathological factors compared with OGC. Univariate analysis showed that survival in patients with LP was significantly poorer than in those with LSGC (p=0.002) whose survival was, in turn, inferior to those with OGC. By contrast, LSGC was not a prognostic factor in SGC according to the multivariate analysis. The findings of this study suggested that the malignant status of LSGC differs from that of LP, and that curative gastrectomy is effective in improving the outcome for LSGC but not for LP, as LSGC may represent the prelinitis condition.