Ultrasonographic signs as predictors of metastatic involvement in the axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients: from minimal changes to the appearance of the pathological lymph node. A retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyse the ultrasound findings in the axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients with morphological changes that required biopsy. In most cases the morphological changes were minimal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2014 and September 2019 examination of axillary lymph nodes with subsequent core-biopsy was performed in 185 breast cancer patients at the Department of Radiology. Lymph node metastases were detected in 145 cases, while in the remaining 40 cases benign changes or normal lymph node (LN) histology was observed. Ultrasound morphological characteristics and the sensitivity and specificity were evaluated retrospectively. Seven ultrasound characteristics were evaluated - diffuse cortical thickening, focal cortical thickening, absence of the hilum, cortical non-homogeneities, L/T ratio (longitudinal to transverse axis), type of vascularization and perinodal oedema. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: It is a diagnostic challenge to recognize metastases in the lymph nodes with minimal morphological changes. The most specific signs are non-homogeneities in the cortex of the lymph node as well as the absence of fat hilum and perinodal oedema. Metastases are significantly more frequent in LNs with a lower L/T ratio, in LNs with perinodal oedema and with a peripheral type of vascularization. Biopsy of these lymph nodes is necessary to confirm or exclude metastases, especially if it affects the type of treatment.

Challenges of in situ hybridization in miRNA analysis of triple-negative breast cancer morphological diversity.

miRNA expression in triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) has mainly been studied from a methodological viewpoint. However, it has not been considered that miRNA expression profile may be associated with a specific morphological entity inside every tumor. The verification of this hypothesis on a set of 25 TNBCs was the subject of our previous work, where we confirmed specific expression of the studied miRNAs in 82 samples of different morphologies including inflammatory infiltrate, spindle cell, clear cell, and metastases after RNA extraction and purification as well as microchip and biostatistical analysis. In the current work, we demonstrate a low suitability of in situ hybridization method for miRNA detection compared to RT-qPCR, and in detail discuss the biological role of 8 miRNAs with the most significant changes of expression.

A biliary tract obstruction complicated by acute appendicitis and portal vein thrombosis-a case report and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical diagnoses in clinical practice. In case of uncomplicated course, diagnosis and treatment do not cause significant difficulties. On the other hand, unrecognized or complicated appendicitis can rarely bring unusual complications that threaten the patient with delayed treatment rather than the course itself. Portal vein thrombosis, also known as pylephlebitis, with an incidence of 1/1000 acute admissions, certainly meets this statement. CASE PRESENTATION: In this study, we present a successful treatment of advanced acute appendicitis complicating treatment of biliary obstruction. Due to the advanced inflammation with forced intestinal resection in the extent of right-sided hemicolectomy. And then successful conservative treatment of portal vein thrombosis in the surgical facility lasting a total of 6 weeks when the patient was discharged to home care without sequelae. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis and strategy of treatments as well as their outcomes were discussed. CONCLUSION: Portal vein thrombosis after acute appendicitis is rare. In case of unfavorable postoperative course with high inflammatory markers, temperatures, discomfort and abdominal pain, a CT scan is in order, which can easily establish the diagnosis and subsequently target the treatment in the right direction. Treatment of pylephlebitis is conservative and long term. It consists in the application of low molecular weight heparin and targeted antibiotic treatment. The mortality rate is 32%.

Hybrid esophagectomy for oesophageal cancer: long-term results. A single-centre experience.

INTRODUCTION: The authors report long-term outcomes in patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and consequently underwent hybrid oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer (OC). AIM: To evaluate long-term outcomes in patients suffering from OC, who underwent hybrid oesophagectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our cohort consisted of patients suffering from OC, who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Hybrid esophagectomy was performed 8-10 weeks after oncological treatment. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients underwent surgery for OC from 2011 to 2015. Histology revealed adenocarcinoma in 60.6%, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 36.2%, and other type of cancer in 3.2%. Seventy-three (77.7%) patients with advanced stage (T3-4, N0-2, M0) were indicated to receive neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). Trans-hiatal hybrid oesophagectomy was performed in 83 (88.3%) patients. Transthoracic hybrid oesophagectomy was performed in 11 (11.7%) patients. Histology of the resected specimens of 18 (24.7%) patients did not reveal OC, i.e. pathological complete response (pCR). In our cohort, we proved an association between occurrence of pCR and age as well as disease-free survival (DFS). The patients who presented with pCR were significantly younger - below 60 years of age (p = 0.017). They also showed significantly higher mean DFS (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Combined oesophagectomy with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy results in a better long-term outcome in patients suffering from oesophageal cancer. In our set of patients who underwent hybrid esophagectomy, satisfactory short-term and especially long-term results of surgical treatment for oesophageal cancer were observed.

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition and microRNA expression are associated with spindle and apocrine cell morphology in triple-negative breast cancer.

Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) are a morphologically and genetically heterogeneous group of breast cancers with uncertain prediction of biological behavior and response to therapy. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic process characterized by loss of typical epithelial phenotype and acquisition of mesenchymal characteristics. Aberrant activation of EMT can aggravate the prognosis of patients with cancer, however, the mechanisms of EMT and role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in EMT activation is still unclear. The aim of our study was to analyze miRNA expression within areas of TNBCs with cellular morphology that may be related to the EMT process and discuss possible associations. Out of all 3953 re-examined breast cancers, 460 breast cancers were diagnosed as TNBC (11.64%). With regard to complete tumor morphology preservation, the tissue samples obtained from core-cut biopsies and influenced by previous neoadjuvant therapy were excluded. We assembled a set of selected 25 cases to determine miRNA expression levels in relation to present focal spindle cell and apocrine cell morphology within individual TNBCs. We used descriptive (histological typing and morphology), morphometric, molecular (microdissection of tumor and non-tumor morphologies, RNA isolation and purification, microchip analysis) and bioinformatic analysis (including pathway analysis). The results were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) on an extended set of 70 TNBCs. The majority of TNBCs were represented by high-grade invasive carcinomas of no special type (NST) with medullary features characterized by well-circumscribed tumors with central necrosis or fibrosis and frequent tendency to spindle-cell and/or apocrine cell transformation. Apocrine and spindle cell transformation showed a specific miRNA expression profile in comparison to other tumor parts, in situ carcinoma or non-tumor structures, particularly down-regulated expression of hsa-miRNA-143-3p and hsa-miRNA-205-5p and up-regulated expression of hsa-miR-22-3p, hsa-miRNA-185-5p, and hsa-miR-4443. Apocrine cell tumor morphology further revealed decreased expression of hsa-miR-145-5p and increased expression of additional 14 miRNAs (e.g. hsa-miR-182-5p, hsa-miR-3135b and hsa-miR-4417). Pathway analysis for target genes of these miRNAs revealed several shared biological processes (i.e. Wnt signaling, ErbB signaling, MAPK signaling, endocytosis and axon guidance), which may in part contribute to the EMT and tumor progression. We provide the first miRNA expression profiling of specific tissue morphologies in TNBC. Our results demonstrate a specific miRNA expression profile of apocrine and spindle cell morphology which can exhibit a certain similarity with the EMT process and may also be relevant for prognosis and therapy resistance of TNBC.

Association between negative preoperative axillary node staging and surgical sentinel node biopsy in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer: A retrospective analysis.

AIM: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the preoperative ultrasound findings in patients with minimal or almost no morphological changes of axillary lymph nodes (LN) and to correlate these findings with the results of sentinel node (SN) biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2014 and September 2018, 289 female patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer and negative preoperative axillary staging were examined with preoperative ultrasound evaluation of axillary LNs. Patients with no evidence of LN metastases underwent primary surgical treatment with SN biopsy. Negative predictive value (NPV) of preoperative ultrasound was evaluated and the histopathological findings in positive SN biopsies were correlated with tumour type and preoperative ultrasound LN imaging. RESULTS: Of 289 patients with negative preoperative axillary staging who had primary surgical treatment, 268 patients had negative SN biopsy while SN metastases were detected in 21 patients. Of patients with positive SN biopsies, 2 patients had negative core biopsy of axillary LN before surgery. The preoperative ultrasound examination was negative in the remaining 19 patients with SN metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative ultrasonography is very accurate in the detecting of axillary LN metastases. Patients with primary tumour size ≥ 1 cm, with grade ≥ 2 no special type carcinomas (NST - no special type, also known as invasive ductal carcinoma) or multicentric lobular invasive cancer should undergo a more thorough ultrasound evaluation.

Intraoperative fluorescence angiography and risk factors of anastomotic leakage in mini-invasive low rectal resections.

BACKGROUND: One of the prerequisites for proper healing of the anastomosis after a colorectal resection is adequate blood supply to the connected intestinal segments. It has been proposed that adequate visualization of the blood flow using indocyanine green (ICG) could lead to the reduction in the incidence of anastomotic leakage (AL). The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of intraoperative fluorescence angiography (FA) in decreasing the incidence of AL after minimally invasive low anterior resection (LAR) with total mesorectal excision (TME) in rectal cancer patients and to determine predictors of anastomotic leak. METHODS: From August 2015 to January 2019, data from 100 patients who underwent mini-invasive TME for rectal cancer using FA with indocyanine green (ICG) were prospectively collected and analyzed. They were compared with retrospectively analyzed data from a historical control group operated by one team of surgeons before the introduction of FA from November 2012 to August 2015 (100 patients). All patients from both groups were operated sequentially in one oncological center in Nový Jicín. RESULTS: The incidence of AL was significantly lower in the ICG group (19% vs. 9%, p = 0.042, χ2 test). In fifteen patients in the ICG group (15%), the resection line was moved due to insufficient perfusion. Using Pearson's χ2 test, diabetes (p = 0.036) and application of a transanal drain (NoCoil) (p = 0.032) were identified as other risk factors (RFs) for AL. CONCLUSION: The use of ICG to visualize tissue perfusion in low rectal resections for cancer can lead to a reduction of AL.

Complications of the surgical treatment of esophageal cancer and microbiological analysis of the respiratory tract.

AIM: The aim of this study was to reduce the severe respiratory complications of esophageal cancer surgery often leading to death. METHODS: Two groups of patients operated on for esophageal cancer were evaluated in this retrospective analysis. The first group was operated between 2006-2011, prior to the implementation of preoperative microbiological examination while the second group had surgery between 2012-2017 after implementation of this examination. RESULTS: In total, 260 patients, 220 males and 40 females underwent esophagectomy. Between 2006-2011, 113 (87.6%) males and 16 (12.4%) females and between 2012-2017, esophagectomy was performed in 107 (81.7%) males and 24 (18.3%) females. In the first cohort, 10 patients died due to respiratory complications. The 30-day mortality was 6.9% and 90-day was 9.3%. In the second cohort, 4 patients died from respiratory complications. The 30-day mortality was 1.5% and 90-day mortality was 3.1%. With regard to the incidence of respiratory complications (P=0.014), these occurred more frequently in patients with sputum collection, however, severe respiratory complications were more often observed in patients without sputum collection. Significantly fewer patients died (P=0.036) in the group with sputum collection. The incidence of respiratory complications was very significantly higher in the patients who died (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The incidence of severe respiratory complications (causing death) may be reduced by identifying clinically silent respiratory tract infections.

Necrotizing pelvic infection after rectal resection. A rare indication of endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure therapy. A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Anastomotic leak after colorectal surgery is a major problem associated with higher morbidity and mortality. In most cases of contained leaks, treatment recommendations are clear and effective. However, in rare cases like necrotizing pelvic infection, there is no clear treatment of choice, despite the mortality rate almost 21%. We present successful management with endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure therapy. THE PRESENTATION OF A CASE: A 68-year-old female patient with BMI 26, hypothyroidism and high blood pressure was indicated to low anterior rectal resection because of high-risk neoplasia of lateral spreading tumor type of the upper rectum. Four days after the primary operation, sepsis (SOFA 12) with diffuse peritonitis and unconfirmed leak according to CT led to surgical revision with loop ileostomy. On postoperative days 6-10, swelling, inflammation and subsequent necrosis of the right groin and femoral region communicating with the leak cavity developed. The endoscopy confirmed a leak of 30% of the anastomotic circumference with the indication of debridement and endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure therapy. EVAC sessions with 3-4 day intervals healed the leak cavity. Secondary healing of the skin defects required 4 months. CONCLUSION: Necrotizing pelvic infection after a leak of the colorectal anastomosis is a very rare complication with high morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure therapy should be implemented in the multimodal therapeutic strategy in case of major leaks, affecting up to 270° of the anastomotic circumference.

Indications and benefits of intraoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Intraoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (IOG) is a diagnostic and therapeutic method for a variety of special conditions in upper gastrointestinal (UGI) pathology. The indication remains individual due to insufficient evidence and limited training of surgeons in digestive endoscopy. AIM: To evaluate the indications, benefits and risks of IOG. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective study of 110 consecutive IOGs in 104 patients was performed. The preoperative plan, the timing of IOG, preoperative evaluation, intraoperative finding, localization of the pathology, type of the procedure, change of expected therapy and complications were assessed. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 29 esophageal tumors, 5 tumors of the cardia, 36 gastric tumors, gastrointestinal bleeding (8), esophageal diverticula (3), perforations (3), GERD (5), mediastinal pathology (3), fistula (4), assessment of nutrition (10), duodenal adenoma (2), ulcer disease, esophageal stenosis and gastric volvulus. The indication for IOG was established preoperatively in 79% and intraoperatively in 21%. The lesion was localized in 96.4%. The therapy was altered to a wider resection (11), smaller resection (5), localization and surgical therapy of bleeding (8) or allowed minimally invasive surgery (25). A total of 3 postoperative complications included gastric perforation and positivity of resection line (following EMR/ESD) and recurrent bleeding. The 30-day mortality reached 3.6% without a specific cause in IOG. CONCLUSIONS: The IOG is a complementary method in the diagnosis and treatment of UGI pathology. It enables minimally invasive finalization of the procedures and individualization of the therapy.

Clinical Potential of Effective Noninvasive Exclusion of KEL1-Positive Fetuses in KEL1-Negative Pregnant Women.

BACKGROUND: The clinical importance of assessing the fetal KEL genotype is to exclude 'K'-positive fetuses (genotype KEL1/KEL2) in 'K'-alloimmunized pregnant women (genotype KEL2/KEL2). Noninvasive assessment of the fetal KEL genotype is not yet available in the Czech Republic. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the fetal KEL1/KEL2 genotype from cell-free fetal DNA in the plasma of KEL2/KEL2 pregnant women. METHODS: The fetal genotype was assessed by minisequencing (a dilution series including control samples). A total of 138 pregnant women (between the 8th and 23rd gestational week) were tested by minisequencing. The fetal genotype was further verified by analysis of a buccal swab from the newborn. RESULTS: Minisequencing proved to be a reliable method. In 2.2% (3/138) of the examined women, plasma sample testing failed; 94.8% (128/135) had the KEL2/KEL2 genotype, and a total of 3.1% of fetuses (4/128) had the KEL1/KEL2 genotype. Sensitivity and specificity reached 100% (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Minisequencing is a reliable method for the assessment of the fetal KEL1 allele from the plasma of KEL2/KEL2 pregnant women.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer - results of surgical therapy.

INTRODUCTION: The indication for minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in esophageal cancer has an increasing tendency. AIM: To present our cohort of patients operated on between 2006 and 2012. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single centre study of 106 consecutive esophagectomies performed for esophageal cancer by a minimally invasive approach in 79 patients was performed. Transhiatal laparoscopic esophagectomy (THLE) was performed in 66 patients, transthoracic esophagectomy (TTE) in 13 patients, with histological findings of squamous cell carcinoma in 28 and adenocarcinoma in 51 patients. RESULTS: The MIE was completed in 76 (96.2%) patients. In cases of TTE, the operation was converted to an open procedure in 3 cases. Operation time ranged from 225 to 370 min (average 256 min). The number of lymph nodes removed was 7-16 (11 on average). The postoperative course was without any complications in 54 (68.3%) patients. Respiratory complications were observed in 14 (17.7%) patients (9 following THLE, 5 following TTE). Other serious complications included acute myocardial infarction (1 patient) and necrosis of the gastroplasty (1 patient). Anastomotic dehiscence was observed in 8 patients, left recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis in 8 patients, intra-abdominal abscesses in 2 patients, and pleural empyema in 1 case. The overall morbidity of patients operated on by MIE was 31.6%. Thirty-day mortality was 10.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The MIE belongs to the therapeutic portfolio of surgical procedures performed for esophageal cancer. Successful performance requires erudition of the surgical team in both minimally invasive procedures as well as in classical surgical treatment of esophageal cancer; therefore centralization of patients is imperative.

Current treatment methods for long occlusions of the femoropopliteal segment in patients with intermittent claudication: Minireview.

UNLABELLED: Backround. Intermittent claudication is a classic symptom of peripheral arterial disease. It is mainly treated conservatively but if this fails, a form of revascularization is indicated. The revascularization in chronic occlusion of femoropopliteal region is currently performed by two basic methods: the standard method of surgical bypass and the newer miniinvasive alternative represented by the endovascular method. The treatment of patients with solely claudication and long occlusion of femoropopliteal region remains controversial. The aim of this minireview was to determine whether surgical bypass is still the best method of choice in a time of endovascular techniques. METHODS: A MEDLINE search for original and review articles using key terms, intermittent claudication and long femoropopliteal oclusion. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: No ideal treatment for long occlusions of the femoropopliteal segment has been established to date. It is clear that the role of endovascular techniques in the treatment of SFA occlusions is increasing. It remains that, lower risk patients with claudication should be examined to assess the quality of veins suitable for revascularization and bypass should be selected as the first method of choice.

The effect of laparoscopic fundoplication in therapy of Barrett's esophagus.

INTRODUCTION: Barrett's esophagus is the most significant precancer of the esophagus. Its malignization gives rise to most adenocarcinomas of the esophagus. Therefore selection of adequate therapy for this precancerous condition is of the utmost importance. AIM: The authors of the work addressed the question of whether effective therapy of reflux disease alone may halt the process of malignization of Barrett's mucosa or even cause its regression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analyzed set comprised 50 patients with Barrett's esophagus, who in 48 cases underwent laparoscopic fundoplication and in two cases underwent an indirect antireflux procedure in the form of gastric resection with a Roux-en-Y gastrojejunal anastomosis. The effect of the procedure was evaluated by comparing preoperative and postoperative endoscopic examinations, as well as histological analysis by biopsy taken from Barrett's mucosa. RESULTS: In 19 patients (38%), Barrett's mucosa was not detected postoperatively. An improved finding in terms of disappearance of mucosal dysplasia was found in 8 (16%) patients. Findings remained unchanged in 18 (36%) patients. In 5 (10%) patients progression of the disease was discovered. CONCLUSIONS: A surgical antireflux procedure, primarily in the form of laparoscopic fundoplication, is considered an effective method for treating Barrett's esophagus up to the stage of mild dysplasia. If this therapy is unsuccessful, the method of choice is local therapy, either an endoscopic mucosectomy or radiofrequency ablation.

Pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery following pancreatoduodenectomy. Stenting for hemorrhage.

Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) and pancreatic fistula are main and serious complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage is considered life-threatening for its high rate of mortality. Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage is defined as early, occurring within 24 h after surgery, and late. The authors present a case of late PPH which developed in the third week following pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. A 58-year-old man was operated on for cancer of the pancreatic head. Hemorrhage occurred when the patient was in full health, convalescing at home. The cause was bleeding from a pseudoaneurysm of the stump of the gastroduodenal artery directly into the gastrointestinal tract. Diagnosis was established based on computed tomography angiography. Treatment was performed using minimally invasive technique during angiography. The implantation of a stent graft into the common hepatic artery for bridging the stump of the gastroduodenal artery was performed. This method thus enabled at once both diagnosis and successful minimally invasive treatment.

Unusual recurrent rectal carcinoma: a cancer field theory viewpoint.

AIM: The rate of rectal cancer locoregional recurrence following radical surgery varies from 4% to 33%. Though the causes are unclear, likely factors include microscopic tumor residues in the lymphatics, positive resection margins and exfoliation of tumor cells and their subsequent intraluminar spread during operation. Other significant factors include type and technique of surgical procedure. Recently, it has been demonstrated that local recurrence may also be associated with the biological behaviour of the tumor and/or with the composition of the cellular microenvironment which creates optimal conditions for the growth and spread of tumor cells. CASE REPORT: The presented case here is interesting because the tumour recurred early following a curative surgical procedure with negative resection margins, without positive lymph nodes, without infiltration of the pelvic wall and without distant metastases. CONCLUSION: In patients with a determined risk of genetically altered tumor field encompassing epithelial or stromal changes, a different treatment strategy, including gene therapy, anti-inflammatory or anti-angiogenic therapy should be chosen to minimize increased tumor risk.

Videothoracoscopic identification of chondromatous hamartoma of the lung.

INTRODUCTION: The main disadvantage of a videothoracoscopic procedure is the lack of touch sensation. The probability of easily finding the lesion is usually estimated according to computed tomography (CT). AIM: To find useful parameters of location of chondromatous hamartoma of the lung parenchyma in relation to its size to assess the probability of successful search via a videothoracoscopic approach only. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 55 patients operated on for chondromatous hamartoma of the lung at the First Department of Surgery in Olomouc from January 2006 to June 2011 was analyzed. Initially, the tumor's longest diameter and its nearest distance to the pleural surface were measured on CT scans. Subsequently, the surgery began using the videothoracoscopic approach. A short thoracotomy with direct palpation followed when videothoracoscopy failed. RESULTS: No significant differences in age, sex and side of localization between the group with and without successful videothoracoscopic detection were found. A significant difference was found in the median size (p = 0.026) and the depth of the tumor (p < 0.0001) and in the calculated index "tumor size/depth" (p < 0.0001). Deeper analysis revealed that the parameters "depth" and "index size/depth" are considered to be good predictors but the parameter "size" is not a suitable predictor. CONCLUSIONS: The main predictors of successful videothoracoscopic detection of lung chondromatous hamartoma are considered to be the depth of the tumor in the lung parenchyma with a cut-off value ≤ 7.5 mm and the index "size/depth" with a cut-off value ≥ 1.54; the tumor size is not considered to be a good predictor.

The value of ¹8F-FDG PET/CT in assessment of metabolic response in esophageal cancer for prediction of histopathological response and survival after preoperative chemoradiotherapy.

AIM: To evaluate the ability of hybrid 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)F-FDG PET/CT) to predict histopathological response and overall survival (OS) after preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with the esophageal carcinoma. METHODS: 73 patients with locally advanced esophageal carcinoma were included in the study. All were treated with CRT and 34 subsequently underwent surgical resection of the esophagus. (18)F-FDG PET/CT was carried out prior to (PET/ CT1) and 6 weeks after (PET/CT2) completion of the CRT. RESULTS: PET/CT2-determined complete metabolic response (CMR) was achieved in 6 (17.6%) out of 34 operated patients, the metabolic response was incomplete (NCMR) in 28 (82.4%) patients. A histopathological complete response (CR) to CRT was discovered in 7 patients (20.6%). The median OS in operated patients was 17.1 months, 95% CI:12.9-23.3 months. In a group of 39 non-operated patients, CMR after neoadjuvant CRT was achieved in 12 patients (30.8%), while NCMR was found in 28 (82.4%). The median OS was 13.5 months in this group, 95% CI: 4.4-22.7 months. CONCLUSION: No statistically significant correlation was found between the (18)F-FDG metabolic response after the neoadjuvant CRT and histopathological response. Presently, the contribution of (18)F-FDG PET/CT as a marker of the potential result of CRT cannot be considered definite. Another study with a larger sample of patients and standardized algorithms for the examining protocols would be necessary for reaching definitive conclusions.

Esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma--surgical complications and treatment.

AIM: To describe our experience with esophagectomy for esophageal cancer and, the development and treatment of complications arising from the surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 2007 to 8/2010, esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma was performed in 75 patients at the 1(st) Surgical Clinic. Primary esophagectomy was indicated in 20 patients with T1N0 stage or in cases where neoadjuvant treatment was contraindicated. 55 patients with T2,3N0,1 stages received neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. Esophagectomy was performed via an abdominal approach (transhiatal laparoscopy in 44 patients, laparotomy in 3 patients) and a thoracic approach (thoracoscopy in 10 patients, thoracotomy in 18 patients). RESULTS: In 18 cases, one or both pleural cavities were opened by means of dissection of the mediastinal pleura during the transhiatal laparoscopic esophagectomy. The morbidity was 26.6% and the following complications were encountered: pulmonary (15 patients), anastomosis dehiscence (5), postoperative bleeding in the mediastinum (1), fistula between trachea and transposition (1), paresis of the left recurrent nerve (8), infectious complications in the abdominal cavity (2), thoracic cavity (1), and early complications (2). The sixty-day mortality was 8% and this was mostly due to pulmonary complications (4 patients) but included coronary thrombosis (1) and transposition necrosis (1). CONCLUSION: The dominating complications of esophagectomy were pulmonary (20 %). The remaining serious complications cannot be completely eliminated but if diagnosed in time and treated in a correct algorithm they do not have to imminently threaten the lives of patients.

Ultrasound evaluation of fetal gender at 12-14 weeks.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and accuracy of fetal gender assignment by transabdominal ultrasound at 12-14 weeks of gestation. METHODS: Fetal gender assessment was performed in 1222 singleton pregnancies. In all fetuses the crown-rump length (CRL) was measured and the genital area of the fetus was examined in the mid-sagittal plane. The result of ultrasound examination was compared to the phenotypic sex of the newborn after delivery. RESULTS: The feasibility as well as accuracy in determining gender increased with growing fetal CRL. At CRL < 50 mm (gestational age < 11+4) the feasibility was 39.1% and accuracy 30.5% (40.9% in male gender vs 24.3% in female gender). At CRL 50-54.9 mm (gestational age 11+4 to 12+0) the feasibility was 63.5% and accuracy 75.0% (89.1% in male gender vs 66.7% in female gender). At CRL 55-59.9 mm (gestational age 12+0 to 12+2) the feasibility was 90.5% and accuracy 96.6% (99.1% in male gender vs 93.5% in female gender). At CRL ≥ 60 mm (gestational age ≥ 12+2) the feasibility was 97.4% and accuracy 100.0% (100.0% in male gender vs 100.0% in female gender). CONCLUSIONS: Fetal gender may reliably be determined when CRL ≥ 60 mm (gestational age ≥ 12+2). Male gender may already be reliably determined when CRL ≥ 55 mm (gestational age ≥ 12+0). If CRL < 50 mm (gestational age < 11+4) the gender cannot be reliably predicted.