FoxD1 expression identifies a distinct subset of hepatic stellate cells involved in liver fibrosis.

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are pericytes of the liver responsible for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, which are the end stages of chronic liver diseases. TGF-ß activates HSCs, leading to the differentiation of myofibroblasts in the process of liver fibrosis. While the heterogeneity of HSCs is appreciated in the fibrotic liver, it remains elusive which HSC subsets mainly contribute to fibrosis. Here, we show that the expression of the pericyte marker FoxD1 specifically marks a subset of HSCs in FoxD1-fate tracer mice. HSCs fate-mapped by FoxD1 were preferentially localized in the portal and peripheral areas of both the homeostatic and fibrotic liver induced by carbon tetrachloride. Furthermore, the deletion of Cbfß, which is necessary for TGF-ß signaling, in FoxD1-expressing cells ameliorated liver fibrosis. Thus, we identified an HSC subset that preferentially responds to liver injuries.

Cell-cell contact-dependent secretion of large-extracellular vesicles from EFNBhigh cancer cells accelerates peritoneal dissemination.

BACKGROUND: Large non-apoptotic vesicles released from the plasma membrane protrusions are classified as large-EVs (LEVs). However, the triggers of LEV secretion and their functions in tumors remain unknown. METHODS: Coculture system of cancer cells, peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs), and macrophages (MΦs) was conducted to observe cell-cell contact-mediated LEV secretion. Lineage tracing of PMCs was performed using Wt1CreERT2-tdTnu mice to explore the effects of LEVs on PMCs in vivo, and lymphangiogenesis was assessed by qRT-PCR and flow-cytometry. RESULTS: In peritoneal dissemination, cancer cells expressing Ephrin-B (EFNB) secreted LEVs upon the contact with PMCs expressing ephrin type-B (EphB) receptors, which degraded mesothelial barrier by augmenting mesothelial-mesenchymal transition. LEVs were incorporated in subpleural MΦs, and these MΦs transdifferentiated into lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) and integrated into the lymphatic vessels. LEC differentiation was also induced in PMCs by interacting with LEV-treated MΦs, which promoted lymphangiogenesis. Mechanistically, activation of RhoA-ROCK pathway through EFNB reverse signaling induced LEV secretion. EFNBs on LEVs activated EphB forward signaling in PMC and MΦs, activating Akt, ERK and TGF-ß1 pathway, which were indispensable for causing MMT and LEC differentiation. LEVs accelerated peritoneal dissemination and lymphatic invasions by cancer cells. Blocking of EFNBs on LEVs using EphB-Fc-fusion protein attenuated these events. CONCLUSIONS: EFNBhigh cancer cells scattered LEVs when they attached to PMCs, which augmented the local reactions of PMC and MΦ (MMT and lymphangiogenesis) and exaggerated peritoneal dissemination.

Safety of thoracoscopic esophagectomy after induction chemotherapy for locally advanced unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have reported that induction chemotherapy with docetaxel plus cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) is an effective treatment for unresectable, locally advanced esophageal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and feasibility of thoracoscopic esophagectomy (TE) after DCF for initially unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS: Twenty-three patients with initially unresectable T4 thoracic ESCC underwent TE after induction DCF. RESULTS: The neighboring organs with tumors were the tracheobronchus in nine patients, thoracic aorta in 13, and pericardium and diaphragm in three each (concurrent overlapping invasion occurred in five patients). The mean total operation time was 556.3 ± 107.2 minutes, and the mean time of the thoracic procedure was 258.9 ± 83.9 minutes. The mean total blood loss was 166.2 ± 117.8 mL, and the loss during the thoracic procedure was 33.5 ± 24.6 mL. All patients achieved complete R0 resection under TE. No conversions to open thoracotomy were performed. The postoperative morbidity rate was 34.8%. The postoperative hospital stay was 24.3 (range, 13-38) days. Five patients had recurrence: four had distant metastasis (lung, two; liver, three; and one with overlap), and one had mediastinal lymph node recurrence. No local recurrence was noted at the site of the primary T4 tumor. CONCLUSIONS: TE was safely performed in 23 patients after DCF therapy for locally advanced unresectable ESCC. Induction DCF, followed by TE, could be an alternative treatment for unresectable T4 ESCC.

Giant gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the mediastinum associated with an esophageal hiatal hernia and chest discomfort: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) grow relatively slowly and without specific symptoms; therefore, they are typically incidental findings. We report a rare gastric GIST in the mediastinum associated with chest discomfort and an esophageal hiatal hernia. CASE PRESENTATION: An 81-year-old woman with chest discomfort was admitted to the hospital, where barium esophagography showed a sliding esophageal hiatal hernia and a tumor of the lower esophagus and gastric wall. Esophagogastroscopy confirmed the presence of a huge submucosal tumor that extended from the lower esophagus to the gastric fundus. According to computed tomography, the mediastinal mass measured 12.7 cm and had heterogeneous low-density areas. A submucosal gastric tumor, which we suspected to be a GIST, was diagnosed in association with an esophageal hiatal hernia. Using thoracolaparotomy, we performed a total gastrectomy, a lower esophagectomy, and a Roux-en-Y reconstruction with the jejunum. The presumptive diagnosis was confirmed through immunohistochemical examination; immunostaining yielded results positive for CD34 and c-kit. The patient was discharged from the hospital 13 days after surgery with no complications and remained disease-free at follow-up 24 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: GIST should be considered in the differential diagnosis of tumors growing in the mediastinum.

Thoracoscopic esophagectomy with total meso-esophageal excision reduces regional lymph node recurrence.

PURPOSE: We investigated the operative outcomes of thoracoscopic esophagectomy (TE) in the prone position, using the concept of total meso-esophageal excision for esophageal cancer. METHODS: The medical records of 140 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer who underwent radical esophagectomy by TE were reviewed retrospectively, and operative outcomes were compared between patients treated before (non-meso-esophagus; non-ME group) and after (ME group) the introduction of total meso-esophageal excision (ME). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in postoperative morbidity (non-ME group vs. ME group, 28.3% vs. 41.4%, p = 0.119), 30-day mortality (non-ME group vs. ME group, 0% vs. 1.1%; p = 0.433), and in-hospital mortality (non-ME group vs. ME group, 1.9% vs. 0%, p = 0.199). Although overall survival and relapse-free survival did not differ significantly between the groups, the overall recurrence rate was significantly lower in the ME group than the non-ME group (non-ME group vs. ME group, 43.4% vs. 23%, p = 0.011). In particular, the rate of regional lymph node recurrence in the mediastinum was lower in the ME group (non-ME group vs. ME group, 11.3% vs. 2.3%; p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the ME procedure might be one of the procedures that reduce regional lymph node recurrence in the mediastinum without any deterioration in short-term outcomes.

Outcomes of esophagectomy after chemotherapy with biweekly docetaxel plus cisplatin and fluorouracil for advanced esophageal cancer: a retrospective cohort analysis.

BACKGROUND: Docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) therapy can cause severe adverse events, including neutropenia and febrile neutropenia. The feasibility of DCF therapy is a concern, particularly for elderly patients, patients with moderate organ disorders, and patients suffering from malnutrition caused by dysphagia or insufficient oral intake. We introduced a biweekly DCF therapy (bDCF) for the purpose of reducing severe adverse events for these fragile patients. This study investigated the feasibility and outcome of an esophagectomy after bDCF therapy for patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: Fifty-nine patients with esophageal carcinoma underwent an esophagectomy after DCF or bDCF therapy as primary chemotherapy. DCF was administered to 37 patients in the DCF group, whereas bDCF was administered to 22 patients in the bDCF group. RESULTS: Patients in the bDCF group were significantly older than those in the DCF group (p = 0.016). Heart and pulmonary comorbidities were significantly more common in the bDCF than in the DCF group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.039, respectively). Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was less frequent in the bDCF than in the DCF group (40.9 vs. 81.1%, p = 0.002). Anorexia was more frequent in the DCF group than in the bDCF group (18.9 vs. 0%, p = 0.030). The clinical response rate of the bDCF group was significantly higher than that of the DCF group (86.4 vs. 62.2%, p = 0.047). There was no significant between-group difference in the postoperative morbidity rate (bDCF 45.5% vs. DCF 32.4%) or in the histological therapeutic effect. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that primary bDCF therapy for high-risk patients with advanced esophageal cancer is feasible and safe in both chemotherapeutic and perioperative periods without a reduction in the efficacy of DCF therapy.

Evaluation of the need for routine feeding jejunostomy for enteral nutrition after esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that enteral nutrition (EN) helps reduce severe postoperative complications after esophagectomy. However, the incidence of jejunostomy-related complications is approximately 30%. We evaluated the operative outcomes in patients who did not receive EN via feeding jejunostomy after esophagectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 76 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer who received radical esophagectomy. Operative outcomes were compared between 33 patients who received postoperative EN via feeding jejunostomy (group A; from May 2014 to September 2015) and 43 patients who did not receive EN via feeding jejunostomy (group B; from September 2015 to December 2017). RESULTS: The American Society of Anesthesiologists performance status score of the patients in group B was significantly higher than that of patients in group A (P=0.002). The postoperative morbidity rate was comparable between the two groups (group A, 30.3% vs. group B, 44.2%, P=0.217). No significant between-group differences were observed in the incidence of infectious complications, postoperative hospital stay, readmission within 30 days after discharge, or pneumonia after discharge within 6 months. The incidence of bowel obstruction was significantly higher in group A than in group B (group A, 9.1% vs. group B, 0%, P=0.044). Two patients in group B required nutritional support via total parenteral nutrition due to bilateral vocal cord palsy or pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: Jejunostomy-related bowel obstruction in the patients with feeding jejunostomy was significantly higher than that in the patients without jejunostomy. There was no increase in postoperative complications (including pneumonia) in the patients who did not receive EN via feeding jejunostomy. Our results suggest that routine feeding jejunostomy may not be necessary for all patients undergoing esophagectomy.

Investigation of operative outcomes of thoracoscopic esophagectomy after triplet chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (CF) has become the standard treatment for resectable stage II/III thoracic esophageal carcinoma in Japan. Recently, preoperative triplet chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) has been reported to be effective for locally advanced esophageal cancer. Thoracoscopic esophagectomy (TE) has been increasingly accepted worldwide for the treatment of esophageal cancer. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the safety and outcomes of TE after DCF therapy for patients with advanced esophageal cancer. METHODS: The medical records of 63 consecutive patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent thoracoscopic surgery after chemotherapy were reviewed. Thirty-four patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with CF, and 29 received DCF as first-line chemotherapy. RESULTS: The clinical T stage was significantly higher in the DCF group than in the CF group (p < 0.0001), including 17 patients with T4. Lymph node metastasis was more frequent in the DCF group (p = 0.0005), and the clinical stage of the tumor was significantly higher in the DCF group than in the CF group (p = 0.0001). No significant difference existed between the two groups in operation time for the thoracic procedure (DCF 277.2 min vs. CF 302 min). Blood loss during the thoracic procedure was less in the DCF group than in the CF group (DCF 46.9 mL vs. CF 88.8 mL; p = 0.0056). No significant differences existed between the two groups in postoperative morbidity (DCF 34.5% vs. CF 47%) or mortality (DCF 0% vs. CF 2.9%) rates. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that TE after DCF therapy for advanced esophageal cancer is as safe as TE after CF therapy.

Laparoscopic repair of parahiatal hernia after esophagectomy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic hernia is a potential complication of esophagectomy, which usually occurs as a hiatal hernia and more frequently after minimally invasive esophagectomy. Parahiatal hernia is a rare form of diaphragmatic hernia, and to the best of our knowledge, parahiatal hernia after esophagectomy has not been previously reported. Here, we report a case of parahiatal hernia after esophagectomy that was successfully managed laparoscopically. CASE PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old man underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer with gastric tube reconstruction via the posterior mediastinum. Postoperative morbidity was ileus, which required conservative treatment, and intestinal obstruction for which operation with laparotomy was necessary. He was admitted with abdominal pain and vomiting at 15 months after esophagectomy. Abdominal X-ray revealed colon gas in the intrathoracic space. A barium enema examination showed a transverse colon incarcerated in the intrathoracic space. The patient was preoperatively diagnosed with hiatal hernia after esophagectomy, and laparoscopic hernia repair was performed. During the surgery, the hiatus was found to be intact, and the defect was clearly separated from the left crus of the diaphragm. Parahiatal hernia was the operative diagnosis. The incarcerated colon was repositioned in the abdominal cavity, and the defect was repaired using a composite mesh. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery was found to be effective for the diagnosis and repair of parahiatal hernia.

Effectiveness of intervention with a perioperative multidisciplinary support team for radical esophagectomy.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention by a perioperative multidisciplinary support team for radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 85 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer who underwent radical esophagectomy via right thoracotomy or thoracoscopic surgery with gastric tube reconstruction. Twenty-one patients were enrolled in the non-intervention group (group N) from May 2011 to September 2012, 31 patients in the perioperative rehabilitation group (group R) from October 2012 to April 2014, and 33 patients in the multidisciplinary support team group (group S) from May 2014 to September 2015. RESULTS: Morbidity rates were 38, 45.2, and 42.4% for groups N, R, and S, respectively. Although there were no significant differences in the incidence of pneumonia among the groups, the durations of fever and C-reactive protein positivity were shorter in group S. Moreover, postoperative oral intake commenced earlier [5.9 (5-8) days] and postoperative hospital stay was shorter [19.6 (13-29) days] for group S. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention by a perioperative multidisciplinary support team for radical esophagectomy was effective in preventing the progression and prolongation of pneumonia as well as earlier ambulation, oral feeding, and shortening of postoperative hospitalization.

Downregulation of ST6GALNAC1 is associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma development.

Tylosis is an inherited disorder characterized by abnormal palmoplantar skin thickening and a highly elevated risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Analyses of tylosis in families have localized the responsible gene locus to a region of chromosome 17q25.1. Frequent loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in 17q25.1 was also observed in the sporadic form of ESCC. A putative tumor suppressor gene for ESCC may exist at this locus. We investigated the expression patterns of genes on 17q25.1 in tumor and corresponding normal tissues from patients with sporadic ESCC using RNA sequence analysis. For candidate genes, quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR), direct sequence, LOH and methylation analyses were performed using 93 clinical ESCC samples and 10 cell lines. A significant downregulation of ST6GALNAC1 was demonstrated in ESCC tissues compared to its expression in normal tissues by qRT-PCR (n=93, p<0.0001). Frequent LOH (17/27, 62.9%) and hyper­methylation in ST6GALNAC1 were also observed in all cell lines. Our results indicated that ST6GALNAC1 was downregulated in sporadic ESCC via hyper-methylation and LOH, and it may be a candidate responsible gene for ESCC. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that multiple genes on chromosome 17q25 are involved in ESCC development.

[Fluorescence-Imaging of Nerves - A Novel Trial of Intraoperative Nerve-Preservation].

Nerve-preservation technique during surgery is important. Intraoperative nerve injury often causes permanent palsy or numbness and/or neurogenic functional disorders. To evade such intraoperative nerve injuries, we proposed a novel manner to specifically visualize peripheral nerve fibers. Low-toxic agents clinically available, amphotericin B(AmB)or fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC)were used as neuro-indicators. In in vitro, we used Schwann cells as nerve models to basically confirm these agents effectively functioned as neural markers. In in vivo, we examined whether this novel method was clinically applicable. The Schwann cells reacted with AmB or FITC emitted blue or yellow-green fluorescence in a dark environment. The rat nerve models also fluorescently glimmered in blue-tone when each agent was given. These data suggested that we could clinically discriminate nerve fibers from the surrounding tissues. Our fluorescent-imaging methods warrant further studies for clinical applications.

[A Case of Para-Aortic Lymph Node Metastasis of Rectal Cancer Successfully Treated Using Multidisciplinary Therapy].

A 66-year-old man diagnosed with rectal cancer underwent high anterior resection and received adjuvant chemotherapy (UFT plus UZEL). One year after the surgery, lung and para-aortic lymph node(PLN)metastases were identified. We chose mFOLFOX6 for first-line chemotherapy. After 7 courses, we changed the regimen to sLV5FU2 because of Grade 3 neuropathy. After 5 courses, to treat progressive disease(PD), we changed the regimen to FOLFIRI. Then, the patient had stable disease (SD), and surgical excision was performed for both lung and lymph node recurrence without adjuvant chemotherapy. Six years after the excision, a CT scan revealed PLNagain. We chose FOLFIRI plus cetuximab. After 9 courses, the lymph nodes decreased in size and there was no other recurrence; thus we performed resection. However, a third PLNrecurrence was identified 20 months after the resection. Chemotherapy has continued for 47 courses, and he has maintained SD for more than 2 years.

Two-stage surgery to repair a dissecting abdominal aortic aneurysm in a severely obese patient: Open bifurcated graft replacement after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

With the increasing prevalence of severe obesity worldwide, surgical treatment for severely obese patients is becoming more popular. Bariatric surgery has occasionally been performed as a precursor to major operations for serious diseases to make these difficult surgeries safer for severely obese patients. We present the case of a severely obese patient with a dissected abdominal aortic aneurysm and left iliac artery aneurysm. Initially, we performed bariatric surgery on this patient to reduce perioperative risk and then subsequently performed bifurcated graft replacement. A 54-year-old man presented at our hospital for bariatric surgery before open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was performed; 15 months later, the patient's weight and BMI had decreased from 139.0 kg to 97.6 kg and from 48.7 kg/m(2) to 34.2 kg/m(2) , respectively. Bifurcated graft replacement was performed safely without postoperative complications. Bariatric surgery was also effective in controlling the patient's blood pressure during the interval between surgeries.

Effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin and irinotecan followed by surgery on small-cell carcinoma of the esophagus: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Small-cell carcinoma of the esophagus (SCCE) is a rare disease with aggressive progression and a poor prognosis. A standard treatment strategy for SCCE is yet to be established. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 40-year-old woman with dysphagia was admitted to our hospital. A clinical diagnosis of SCCE (T3N1N0 stage IIIA) was established. She was initially treated with chemotherapy using cisplatin (CDDP) and irinotecan (CPT-11). After two courses of treatment, the primary lesion in the esophagus was not detectable by esophageal endoscopy. Likewise, swelling of the right recurrent nerve lymph node present prior to treatment could not be detected. The chemotherapy resulted in a complete response. One month after the conclusion of chemotherapy, radical esophagectomy with three-field lymph node dissection was performed. Histopathological examination of the excised specimen revealed no residual tumor or lymph node metastasis. The patient was discharged from hospital 29 days after surgery with no complications. The patient is alive and has remained cancer-free for 48 months after the surgery. DISCUSSION: Systemic chemotherapy for SCCE in combination with surgery was treated after surgery in most reports. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is advantageous from three viewpoints, namely achievement of downstaging, increasing complete resection rates, and a better completion of treatment compared with postoperative chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy following esophagectomy could be a useful treatment option for patients with limited disease (LD) of SCCE. CONCLUSION: We report a case of SCCE achieving a pathologically complete response with neoadjuvant chemotherapy using CDDP and CPT-11, and long-term survival followed by surgery.

Curative two-stage resection for synchronous triple cancers of the esophagus, colon, and liver: Report of a case.

INTRODUCTION: Cases of synchronous triple cancers of the esophagus and other organs curatively resected are rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 73-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with bloody feces. He was diagnosed with synchronous triple cancers of the esophagus, colon, and liver. We selected a two-stage operation to safely achieve curative resection for all three cancers. The first stage of the operation comprised a laparoscopy-assisted sigmoidectomy and partial liver resection via open surgery. The patient was discharged without complications. Thirty days later, he was readmitted and thoracoscopic esophagectomy was performed. Although pneumonia-induced pulmonary aspiration occurred as a postoperative complication, it was treated conservatively. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 24. DISCUSSION: Esophagectomy is a highly invasive procedure; thus, simultaneous surgery for plural organs, including the esophagus, may induce life-threatening, severe complications. Two-stage surgery is useful in reducing surgical stress in high-risk patients. For synchronous multiple cancers, the planning of two-stage surgery should be considered for each cancer to maintain organ function and reduce the stress and difficulty of each stage. CONCLUSION: We successfully treated synchronous triple cancers, including esophageal cancer, by a two-stage operation.

Neonatal portal venous blood flowmetry by Doppler ultrasound for early diagnosis of ischemia in intestinal tract.

PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to evaluate the utility of portal blood flow and other hemodynamic measurements for early diagnosis of ischemia that may cause necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We measured neonatal portal blood flow by Doppler ultrasound and performed hemodynamic examinations in 75 newborns without congenital anomalies. All newborns were followed for 1 month after birth. The average gestational period was 30.5 weeks, and the average birth weight was 1,172 g. RESULTS: A positive correlation was observed between both body weight and the following parameters: portal vein cross-sectional area, blood flow velocity, and portal blood flow volume. A greater coefficient of correlation was observed between the portal vein cross-sectional area and weight in newborns weighing ≤ 1,500 g than in those weighing > 1,500 g. The portal vein cross-sectional area and blood flow velocity changed over time to maintain a fixed portal blood flow volume. The portal vein blood flow demonstrated a poor increase in patients with poor weight gain after birth. Seven infants demonstrated a reduction in portal vein blood flow before the development of abdominal symptoms. Both the cross-sectional area and blood flow velocity decreased over time before the onset of any symptoms of NEC. CONCLUSIONS: A significant decline in portal blood flow volume may be useful for the early diagnosis of NEC.

Successfully treated advanced esophageal cancer with left axillary lymph node metastasis and synchronous right breast cancer: a case report.

The incidence of double cancer of the esophagus and breast is rare, and axillary lymph node metastasis (ALM) in esophageal cancer is also very rare. We report a case of advanced esophageal cancer with left ALM and synchronous right breast cancer. A 64-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with dysphagia. The clinical diagnosis was esophageal cancer (T3N0M1 stage IV) and right breast cancer (T1cN0M0 stage I). She was initially treated with triple chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil. The primary lesion in the esophagus achieved almost complete response as assessed by esophageal endoscopy. A computed tomography scan showed that the left ALM reduced in size and that stable disease was achieved for the right breast cancer. She underwent partial mastectomy of the right breast and bilateral axillary lymph node dissection. The histopathological diagnosis of the breast cancer was T1cN1M0 stage IIA. The lymph nodes from the left axilla contained metastatic cells from the squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Complete response was achieved for the primary lesion in the esophagus following chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and the patient has been relapse free 2 years after treatment. Thus, we report the successful treatment of synchronous double cancers of the esophagus with left ALM and right breast by combination therapy with chemotherapy, CRT, and surgery.

Hyperglycemia 3 days after esophageal cancer surgery is associated with an increased risk of postoperative infection.

PURPOSE: Postoperative hyperglycemia is associated with infectious complications after various types of surgery. Our objective was to determine whether postoperative blood glucose levels up to 1 week after highly invasive esophageal cancer surgery are associated with the incidence of postoperative infections (POIs). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 109 consecutive thoracic esophageal squamous cell cancer patients who underwent invasive esophagectomy with thoracotomy and laparotomy. The incidence of postoperative POIs and risk factors for POIs, including postoperative blood glucose levels, were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 109 patients, 37 (34.0 %) developed POIs. Clinically, 73.0 % of the POIs became evident on or after postoperative day 4 (median, 5.25 days; interquartile range, 3.00-9.25 days). On and after postoperative day 3, chronological changes in blood glucose levels were significantly different between two groups of patients with or without POIs, as indicated by repeated measures ANOVA (P = 0.006). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that an increased blood glucose concentration on postoperative day 3 was a significant risk factor for POIs. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that postoperative hyperglycemia on postoperative day 3 was a predictive factor of POIs after highly invasive esophageal cancer surgery.