Endoscopic treatment of anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery by using polyglycolic acid sheets and fibrin glue.

We describe the case of a 66-year-old man with an anastomotic fistula after rectal surgery, which was treated colonoscopically using polyglycolic acid sheets and fibrin glue. Polyglycolic acid sheets and fibrin glue have been used in thoracic surgery and otolaryngology to reinforce sutures and prevent air leakage. There have been recent reports of their use in endoscopic surgery for the closure of intraoperative perforations after endoscopic submucosal dissection and for fistula closure after upper gastrointestinal tract surgery. However, anastomotic fistulas in colorectal surgery are difficult to visualize endoscopically and may be difficult to suture with clips due to fibrosis. Polyglycolic acid sheets can be easily trimmed, and the fistula can be easily filled using these sheets; moreover, using fibrin glue to fix the sheets may enable fistula closure in areas that are difficult to visualize endoscopically.

Multiple Small Bowel Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Associated with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 that Were Not Detected by Endoscopy: A Case Report.

We treated a 39-year-old Japanese man who was admitted for an abdominal mass. He had had neurofibroma-like skin lesions since childhood. Computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasound results were consistent with a tumor in the small intestine. Although the tumor was undetectable by single-balloon endoscopy, the patient's background and imaging results led us to suspect a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). He also met the diagnostic criteria for neurofibroma type 1 (NF1). We performed a surgical removal of the tumor, and the biopsy results led to a definitive diagnosis of GIST. Small bowel GISTs should be considered in cases of NF1.

Transplantation of hybrid adipose-derived stem cell sheet with autologous peritoneum: An in vivo feasibility study.

Introduction: In regenerative medicine, cell sheet engineering has various advantages, including the retention of cells at the transplantation site for a longer period and the local delivery of growth factors and cytokines. Adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) is widely used owing to their various functions such as wound healing, immunomodulation, and nerve regeneration, in addition to their ability to differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts. ASC sheet generated using cell sheet engineering is considered effective in preventing anastomotic leakage, a serious postoperative complication in gastrointestinal surgery. However, the ASC sheet is too soft, thin, and brittle to handle with laparoscopic forceps during the operation. Therefore, we considered using the peritoneum, which is stiff and easy to collect while operating, as an alternative support. In this study, we explored the feasibility of using the peritoneum as a support for the precise transplantation of ASC sheets during surgery. Methods: ASCs were isolated from the subcutaneous fat of the inguinal region of Sprague-Dawley (SD) transgenic rats expressing green fluorescent protein. ASCs were cultured until passage 3, seeded in temperature-responsive culture dishes, and the resulting ASC sheet was harvested at more than 80% confluency. Non-transgenic SD rats were used for transplant experiments. The wall peritoneum was harvested from SD rats following laparotomy, and hybrid adipose-derived stem cell (HASC) sheet was prepared by laminating the peritoneum with ASC sheet. The cell sheets were transplanted on the backs of SD rats following the incision. On post-transplantation days 3 and 7, the specimens were extracted. ASC and HASC sheets were then compared macroscopically and histopathologically. Results: HASC sheet transplantation was macroscopically and histopathologically more effective than ASC sheet transplantation. The peritoneum provided sufficient stiffness as a support for precise transplantation. Conclusion: The newly developed HASC sheet, which combine the advantages of ASC sheet with those of the peritoneum, could be more useful for clinical application than the ASC sheet alone.

Multiple intestinal lymphangiomas with episodic hemorrhage requiring partial laparoscopic resection: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Lymphangioma is a non-epithelial tumor marked by aggregates of abnormally dilated lymphatics. Mesenteric occurrences account for < 1% of all cases, and < 0.05% involve the gastrointestinal tract. Most are confined to children, rarely affecting adults. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we describe an elderly Japanese woman with anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and episodic bleeding due to multiple intestinal lymphangiomas. Abdominal computed tomography revealed multiple low-density defects of mesentery, with areas of intermediate (T1 images) or high (T2 images) signal intensity similarly dispersed in magnetic resonance scanning sequences. Single-balloon enteroscopy was undertaken, enabling identification and tattooing of a small intestinal bleeding source. Laparoscopy-assisted resection at this site served to control related hemorrhage, removing a histologically confirmed hemolymphangioma. Having recovered uneventfully, the patient remained stable 2 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare in adults, mesenteric or gastrointestinal lymphangiomas must be considered in a setting of anemia and hypoalbuminemia. Complete resection is advantageous to improve patient symptoms, but limited resection of multiple lesions may be equally effective.

Laparoscopic appendectomy for appendiceal intussusception assisted by colonoscopy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Appendiceal intussusception sometimes results from appendiceal cancer. Ileocecal resection instead of appendectomy is often chosen as a treatment as it is technically difficult to resect the appendix alone without causing dissemination of appendiceal cells to the abdominal cavity. Herein, we present the first report of a case in which appendiceal intussusception was treated by resection of the appendix alone via simultaneous colonoscopy and laparoscopy. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 40-year-old man underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for appendiceal intussusception. Since a neoplastic cause could not be completely ruled out, we planned to carry out oncologically safe appendectomy that would not expose the tumor to the abdominal cavity. The resection was performed in the lumen of the cecum rather than in the abdominal cavity to prevent dissemination of appendiceal cells to the peritoneal cavity during surgery. Histopathologic examination revealed chronic inflammation of the appendix but no malignancy. The postoperative course was uneventful. DISCUSSION: Here, we present a case in which laparoscopic resection of the mesoappendix and colonoscopy-assisted resection of the appendix were performed in combination in a patient with appendiceal intussusception. When the possibility of malignancy is low, this maneuver may prevent patients from undergoing ileocecal resection with lymph node dissection as it prevents exposure of the abdominal cavity to the tumor. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous performance of laparoscopy and intraoperative colonoscopy is feasible and, from an oncological viewpoint, may be preferable when the cause of appendiceal intussusception is unknown or malignancy is not suspected.

Lateral pelvic lymph nodes for rectal cancer: A review of diagnosis and management.

The current status and future prospects for diagnosis and treatment of lateral pelvic lymph node (LPLN) metastasis of rectal cancer are described in this review. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended for the diagnosis of LPLN metastasis. A LPLN-positive status on MRI is a strong risk factor for metastasis, and evaluation by MRI is important for deciding treatment strategy. LPLN dissection (LPLD) has an advantage of reducing recurrence in the lateral pelvis but also has a disadvantage of complications; therefore, LPLD may not be appropriate for cases that are less likely to have LPLN metastasis. Radiation therapy (RT) and chemoradiation therapy (CRT) have limited effects in cases with suspected LPLN metastasis, but a combination of preoperative CRT and LPLD may improve the treatment outcome. Thus, RT and CRT plus selective LPLD may be a rational strategy to omit unnecessary LPLD and produce a favorable treatment outcome.

Pedunculated early colorectal cancer with nodal metastasis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pedunculated polyps are more likely to be amenable to complete resection than non-pedunculated early colorectal cancers and rarely require additional surgery. We encountered a patient with a pedunculated early colorectal cancer that consisted of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with lymphatic invasion. We performed an additional bowel resection and found nodal metastasis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 43-year-old woman underwent colonoscopy after a positive fecal occult blood test. The colonoscopist found a 20-mm pedunculated polyp in the descending colon and performed endoscopic resection. Histopathologic examination revealed non-solid type poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The lesion invaded the submucosa (3500 µm from the muscularis mucosa) and demonstrated lymphatic invasion. In spite of the early stage of this cancer, the patient was considered at high risk for nodal metastasis. She was referred to our institution, where she underwent bowel resection. Although there was no residual cancer after her endoscopic resection, a metastatic lesion was found in one regional lymph node. The patient is undergoing postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, and there has been no evidence of recurrence 3 months after the second surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Additional bowel resection is indicated for patients with pedunculated polyps and multiple risk factors for nodal metastasis, such as poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and lymphatic invasion. We encountered just such a patient who did have a nodal metastasis; herein, we report her case history with a review of the literature.

Successful treatment of recurrent volvulus in the afferent limb of the pouch following proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pouch volvulus after proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis is a very rare postoperative complication. The common site of pouch volvulus has been reported to be the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and the middle part of the pouch, but no reports on pouch volvulus in the afferent limb of the pouch have been observed. Here, we report the case of a patient with afferent limb volvulus who underwent afferent limbpexy, but required reoperation 7 months later. CASE PRESENTATION: A 38-year-old man with refractory ulcerative colitis had undergone open proctocolectomy 10 years ago at another hospital. He had been aware of lower abdominal pain and bowel movement difficulty for 2 years. After repeated bowel obstruction, he was referred to our hospital for surgery. Based on the radiographic findings, we diagnosed a pouch volvulus and performed an operation. Laparoscopically, counterclockwise rotation of the afferent limb of the pouch was recognized. Moreover, the ileal mesentery was adhered and fixed to the presacral space 20 cm from the oral side of the pouch. The antimesenteric side of the afferent limb was fixed using interrupted stiches on the left peritoneal wall of the pelvis. He was discharged uneventfully 18 days after surgery, and defecation improved immediately. However, he was readmitted 7 months after surgery with the same abdominal pain and defecation difficulty. A similar finding was found and diagnosed as recurrent volvulus. Therefore, we performed a laparoscopic surgery. The same volvulus as in the previous surgery was confirmed. The site fixed during the previous surgery showed scars, but the afferent limb was free. The dilated ileum that contained the volvulus was excised only on the oral side of the pouch and an intraluminal anastomosis was performed on the anterior wall of the pouch. He had a good postoperative course and was discharged. CONCLUSION: Proper diagnosis of volvulus based on the characteristic imaging findings is important. In principle, bilateral row fixation of the rotated ileum is the basic procedure for volvulus. However, fixation with this technique is sometimes difficult. Therefore, this procedure is one of the useful options for the fixation of difficult or recurrent cases.

Determining the difference in the efficacy and safety of self-expandable metallic stents as a bridge to surgery for obstructive colon cancer among patients in the CROSS 0 group and those in the CROSS 1 or 2 group: a pooled analysis of data from two Japanese prospective multicenter trials.

PURPOSE: This study compared the feasibility and safety of endoscopic placement of self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) as a bridge to surgery (BTS) between patients with obstructive colorectal cancer (CRC) classified as ColoRectal Obstruction Scoring System (CROSS) 0 and those with CROSS 1 or 2. METHODS: We conducted a post hoc analysis of two prospective, observational, single-arm multicenter clinical trials and performed a pooled analysis of the data. In total, 336 consecutive patients with malignant colorectal obstruction underwent SEMS placement. The primary endpoint was clinical success, defined as resolution of symptoms and radiological findings within 24 h. Secondary endpoints were technical success and adverse events. RESULTS: High clinical (98.0% vs. 98.4%) and technical (96.7% vs. 97.8%) success rates were observed in both groups (CROSS 0 vs. CROSS 1 or 2). The adverse event rate was low. The mean stricture length was lower (3.8 ± 1.2 cm vs. 4.4 ± 1.8 cm) and laparoscopic surgery more common (56.7% vs 52.2%) in the CROSS 0 group than in the CROSS 1 and 2 group. CONCLUSION: This study was the first to compare the degree of stricture in different CROSS groups and demonstrated comparable results with respect to the short-term efficacy and safety of SEMS placement as a BTS for obstructive CRC in CROSS 0, 1, and 2 patients.

A stable protocol for the fabrication of transplantable human oral mucosal epithelial cell sheets for clinical application.

INTRODUCTION: Cultured stratified epithelial cell sheets have been clinically utilized as transplantable grafts for the regeneration of epithelial tissues, such as the esophagus, cornea, skin, and intraoral cavity. These cell sheets are expected to gain widespread use as regenerative medicine products and save many patients. For this purpose, establishing and disseminating the stale protocol of fabricating the cell sheet is crucial. The fabrication of cultured stratified epithelial cell sheets consists of many important steps, and since the patients' epithelial cell conditions vary widely and are sometimes unstable, the qualities of the epithelial cell grafts are likewise potentially unstable. Therefore, in this paper, we report the stable protocol for fabrication of the transplantable cell sheet particularly from patient-derived oral mucosal tissues. METHODS: Serum extracted from blood and buccal mucosal tissue were collected in Nagasaki University and transported to Tokyo Women's Medical University. Oral mucosal epithelial cells were collected by minimum trypsin method, and this treatment was studied whether to be a critical procedure. After 14 days cultivation, cultured cells were examined whether to be transplantable as cell sheets. RESULTS: We successfully transported buccal mucosal tissue and serum without damage and contamination. Oral mucosal epithelial cells were collected with high viability by minimum trypsin method. Finally, we succeeded to stably fabricate oral mucosal epithelial cell sheets in all 10 patients. CONCLUSIONS: We established a stable protocol for the fabrication of human oral mucosal epithelial cell sheets and their transportation in clinical settings in this study. These methodologies could also be basis for transplantation therapy using cultured cell sheets of various types other than oral mucosal epithelial cell and will contribute largely to the future development of regenerative medicine.

Esophageal regenerative therapy using cell sheet technology.

We have been conducting research on esophageal regenerative therapy using cell sheet technology. In particular, in the endoscopic field, we have pushed forward clinical research on endoscopic transplantation of cultured autologous oral mucosal epithelial cell sheets to esophageal ulcer after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). We started research in this direction using animal models in 2004 and performed clinical research in 2012 in collaboration with Nagasaki University and Karolinska Institute. Although in full-circumferential cases it was difficult to prevent esophageal stricture after ESD, there were no complications and stricture could be suppressed. The cell sheet technology is still in its infancy. However, we are convinced that it has a high potential for application in various areas of gastrointestinal science. In this review, we focus on the pre-clinical and clinical trial results obtained and on the theoretical aspects of (1) stricture prevention, (2) esophageal tissue engineering research, and (3) endoscopic transplantation, and review the esophageal regenerative therapy by cell sheet technology.

Evaluation of human keratinocyte sheets transplanted onto porcine excised esophagus after submucosal dissection in an ex vivo model.

BACKGROUND: The utility of endoscopic transplantation of epithelial cell sheets to ulcer sites after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been shown to prevent scar stenosis after ESD of early esophageal cancer. Previously, our group reported use of an endoscopic transplantation device fabricated with a 3-dimensional printer. Cell sheets are transplanted to the esophageal wound site with the following procedure: first, a cell sheet harvested from temperature-responsive culture dishes is placed on the device's deflated balloon surface and transported to the wound site with endoscopic forceps; second, by applying pressure from inflating the balloon locally at the wound site, the cell sheet is successfully transferred and adhered to the wound tissue; third, the balloon is deflated, and the device is removed. By repeating the procedure, several cell sheets can be safely transplanted to a wider ESD area. Nonetheless, possible damage to cell sheets using this procedure has not yet been assessed. OBJECTIVE: Effects of endoscopic transplantation balloon inflation on cell viability and damage of normal human epidermal keratinocyte sheets resident on the device's balloon surface were evaluated by histology after sheet placement onto lumenal surfaces in the ex vivo porcine submucosal dissection esophagus model. Endoscopic transplantation of these same cell sheets with conventional methods using a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) cell sheet support membrane, balloon device transfer, and also using a novel modified balloon transfer procedure was also examined. Cell sheet transfer results obtained with these three procedures were compared. METHOD: Normal human epidermal keratinocyte sheets were fabricated on temperature-responsive culture inserts. By temperature reduction to 20 °C, all cells were harvested as a single contiguous cell sheet. Freshly excised porcine esophagi purchased in a slaughter house were turned inside-out, and the exposed lumenal mucosa and submucosal layers were removed by Cooper scissors. This luminal surface was then utilized as a transplantation bed in ex vivo cell sheet experiments. Cell sheets were adhered to the endoscopic transfer device balloon, expanded by balloon inflation and resulting cell viability was evaluated by trypan blue exclusion test after cell sheet trypsinization and dispersion. Cell sheets were transferred onto the esophagus lumen ex vivo using forceps and the balloon device, and also using a modified balloon transfer method. The obtained results were compared with those without balloon expansion, and evaluated for sheet thickness and lumenal histology. Finally, TUNEL staining was performed to examine cell apoptosis. RESULT: Cell sheets thinned after cell sheet balloon expansion, but no apoptosis was observed after these procedures. CONCLUSION: Expanding keratinocyte cell sheets on a balloon endoscopic transfer device did not damage the cell sheets. This sheet transplantation method using the endoscopic balloon transfer device may be considered as a future standard cell sheet endoscopic transplantation procedure for repairing the esophagus.

Usefulness of the endoscopic surgical skill qualification system in laparoscopic colorectal surgery: short-term outcomes: a single-center and retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: The use of laparoscopic surgery has become widespread, and many surgeons are striving to acquire the necessary techniques for it. The Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS), established by the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery, serves to maintain and improve the quality of laparoscopic surgery in Japan. In this study, we aimed to determine whether ESSQS certification is useful in maintaining and improving the quality of surgical techniques and in standardization of laparoscopic surgery in Japan. METHODS: This retrospective study used data from the Institute for Integrated Medical Sciences, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Japan. From January 2016 to October 2017, 241 patients with colorectal cancer underwent laparoscopic surgery. Of them, 220 patients were selected and divided into two groups on the basis of surgery performed by an ESSQS-qualified surgeon (QS group) (n = 170) and a non-ESSQS-QS (NQS) (n = 50). We compared the short-term results in the two groups and examined those before and after propensity score matching (PSM). RESULTS: Mean operation time was longer in the NQS group than in the QS group. Furthermore, mean blood loss was significantly less in the QS group. These were similar before and after PSM. The rate of conversion to open surgery was significantly higher in the NQS group before PSM. However, the rate of postoperative complications was not different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: A laparoscopic procedure performed by ESSQS-QS often leads to good short-term outcomes. Thus, the ESSQS system works and is potentially useful in maintaining and improving the quality of surgical techniques and in standardization of laparoscopic surgery in Japan.

Esophageal tissue engineering: from bench to bedside.

For various esophageal diseases, the search for alternative techniques for tissue repair has led to significant developments in basic and translational research in the field of tissue engineering. Applied to the esophagus, this concept is based on the in vitro combination of elements judged necessary for in vivo implantation to promote esophageal tissue remodeling. Different methods are currently being explored to develop substitutes using cells, scaffolds, or a combination of both, according to the severity of lesions to be treated. In this review, we discuss recent advances in (1) cell sheet technology for preventing stricture after extended esophageal mucosectomy and (2) full-thickness circumferential esophageal replacement using tissue-engineered substitutes.

A novel MLH1 mutation in a Japanese family with Lynch syndrome associated with small bowel cancer.

Lynch syndrome is a genetic disorder related to cancer predisposition, including colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer. Germline mutations in mismatch repair genes, including MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2, are responsible for this condition. Cancer tissue specimens resected from small bowel adenocarcinoma in a Japanese patient showed decreased expression of MLH1 and PMS2 by immunohistochemistry testing. Finally, a novel MLH1 mutation, c.1833dup, was identified in this patient.

Oral epithelial cell sheets engraftment for esophageal strictures after endoscopic submucosal dissection of squamous cell carcinoma and airplane transportation.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) permits en bloc removal of superficial oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, post-procedure stricture is common after ESD for widespread tumours, and multiple endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) procedures are required. We aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic transplantation of tissue-engineered autologous oral mucosal epithelial cell sheets that had been transported by air over a distance of 1200 km in controlling postprocedural oesophageal stricture. Ten patients who underwent complete circular or semicircular ESD for ESCC were transplanted with cell sheets. The safety of the entire process including cell sheet preparation, transport, ESD and cell sheet transplantation was assessed. The incidence of oesophageal stricture, number of EBD sessions, and time until epithelialization were investigated. Each ESD was successfully performed, with subsequent cell sheet engrafting carried out safely. Following cell sheet transplantation, the luminal stenosis rate was 40%, while the median number of EBD sessions was 0. The median post-ESD ulcer healing period was rather short at 36 days. There were no significant complications at any stage of the process. Cell sheet transplantation and preparation at distant sites and transportation by air could be a safe and promising regenerative medicine technology.

Preoperative Diagnosis and Surgical Approach of Appendiceal Mucinous Cystadenoma: Usefulness of Volcano Sign.

We report a case of appendiceal mucinous cystadenoma that was successfully diagnosed preoperatively and treated by laparoscopic resection. We could find volcano sign on colonoscopy and cystic lesion without any nodules at the appendix on computed tomography (CT). Without any malignant factors in preoperative examinations, we performed laparoscopic appendectomy including the cecal wall. We could avoid performing excessive operation for cystadenoma with accurate preoperative diagnosis and intraoperative finding and pathological diagnosis during surgery. Appendiceal mucocele is a rare disease that is divided into 3 pathological types: hyperplasia, cystadenoma, and cystadenocarcinoma. The surgical approaches for it remain controversial and oversurgery is sometimes done for benign tumor, because preoperative diagnosis is difficult and rupturing an appendiceal tumor results in dissemination. Based on our study, volcano sign on colonoscopy and CT findings were important for the preoperative diagnosis of appendiceal mucocele. Furthermore, we think that laparoscopic resection will become a surgical option for the treatment of appendiceal mucocele.

Efficacy and short-term outcomes of preoperative chemoradiotherapy with intermittent oral tegafur-uracil plus leucovorin in Japanese rectal cancer patients: a single center experience retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Various types of preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) have been established for rectal cancer; thus, Physicians will need to refine the selection of appropriate preoperative CRT for different patients since there are various treatment regimens. Oral tegafur-uracil (UFT) plus leucovorin (LV) is commonly used to treat rectal cancer in Japan. Oral chemotherapy offers patients many potential advantages. Since 2008, we have been performing preoperative CRT with intermittent oral UFT plus LV in locally advanced rectal cancer patients to prevent postoperative local recurrence. Here, in a retrospective analysis, we evaluated the efficacy and short-term outcomes of preoperative CRT with intermittent oral UFT plus LV. METHODS: We analyzed data from 62 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, including 31 patients who underwent preoperative CRT between 2009 and 2013 (the CRT group) and 31 patients who were treated with surgery alone between 2001 and 2008 (the non-CRT group). Clinicopathologically, both groups included patients with rectal cancer at clinical tumor stages III-IV or clinical node stages 0-III. In the CRT group, curative operations were performed ≥8 weeks after CRT. Patients were concomitantly treated with 2 cycles of oral UFT (300 mg/m2/day, days 1-14 and 29-42) plus LV (75 mg/day, days 1-14 and 29-42) and 45 Gy of radiotherapy. Chemotherapy was repeated every 28 days, followed by a 2-week break. RESULTS: The completion rate of CRT was high at 94% (n = 29/31). The downstaging rate of CRT was 61% (n = 19/31). The pathological complete response rate was 6.5% (n = 2/31). Significant differences were observed in the 3-year local recurrence rate between the two groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative CRT with intermittent oral UFT plus LV appears to be a tolerable and effective treatment for Japanese patients with rectal cancer. A further investigation of a diversification of preoperative CRT for Japanese rectal cancer patients is required.

A comparison of the surgical mortality due to colorectal perforation at different hospitals with data from 10,090 cases in the Japanese National Clinical Database.

Colorectal perforation has a high rate of mortality. We compared the incidence and fatality rates of colorectal perforation among different hospitals in Japan using data from the nationwide surgical database.Patients were registered in the National Clinical Database (NCD) between January 1st, 2011 and December 31st, 2013. Patients with colorectal perforation were identified from surgery records by examining if acute diffuse peritonitis (ADP) and diseases associated with a high probability of colorectal perforation were noted. The primary outcome measures included the 30-day postsurgery mortality and surgical mortality of colorectal perforation. We analyzed differences in the observed-to-expected mortality (O/E) ratio between the two groups of hospitals, that is, specialized and non-specialized, using the logistic regression analysis forward selection method.There were 10,090 cases of disease-induced colorectal perforation during the study period. The annual average postoperative fatality rate was 11.36%. There were 3884 patients in the specialized hospital group and 6206 in the non-specialized hospital group. The O/E ratio (0.9106) was significantly lower in the specialized hospital group than in the non-specialized hospital group (1.0704). The experience level of hospitals in treating cases of colorectal perforation negatively correlated with the O/E ratio.We conducted the first study investigating differences among hospitals with respect to their fatality rate of colorectal perforation on the basis of data from a nationwide database. Our data suggest that patients with colorectal perforation should choose to be treated at a specialized hospital or a hospital that treats five or more cases of colorectal perforation per year. The results of this study indicate that specialized hospitals may provide higher quality medical care, which in turn proves that government policy on healthcare is effective at improving the medical system in Japan.