Small bowel fistula with colorectal cancer and mesenteric lymph node metastasis: a report of two cases.

A 65-year-old man presented to our hospital with complaints of diarrhea. Computed tomography showed a fistula with the small intestine, and a single incision laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectum with D3 dissection and partial resection of the small intestine were performed. Lymph node dissection, including a part of the inflow vessel area, was also performed because lymph node swelling was observed in the mesentery of the small intestine around the fistula. Histopathological analysis revealed that the lymph nodes in the small intestine were positive for metastasis. The patient was a 61-year-old woman who presented to our hospital with a chief complaint of diarrhea. A partial resection of the small intestine, including resection of the left hemicolectomy and lymph node dissection around the fistula, was performed at laparotomy. Histopathological examination revealed numerous lymph node metastases in the small intestinal mesentery.

Risk Factors for Lymph Node Metastasis and Recurrence in T1 Colorectal Cancer: Analysis of 801 Patients in a Single Institute.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for lymph node metastasis and postoperative recurrence of pT1 colorectal cancer by clinicopathological study of surgically resected cases. METHODS: In 801 patients with pT1 colorectal cancer who underwent surgical resection with lymph node dissection between April 2007 and January 2021, we evaluated clinicopathological factors (age, gender, BMI, serum CEA level, tumor localization, additional resection after endoscopic treatment, operation time, blood loss, histological type, tumor size, vascular invasion, and central lymph node dissection). We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to examine risk factors for lymph node metastasis. We also examined risk factors for recurrence in 583 patients up to December 2017. RESULTS: Lymph node metastasis was observed in 100/801 patients (12.5%). Multivariate analysis of lymph node metastasis showed that patients with positive lymphatic invasion (odds ratio 2.57, 95% CI 1.62-4.04, P < .0001), positive venous invasion (odds ratio 2.31, 95% CI 1.48-3.61, P = .0002), and histologically poorly differentiated type (odds ratio 4.54, 95% CI 1.35-15.2, P = .014) were identified as risk factors. Postoperative recurrence was observed in 18/580 patients (3.1%). Risk factors for postoperative recurrence were also examined, including preoperative endoscopic treatment (odds ratio 3.59, 95% CI 1.18-10.9, P = .024), positive venous invasion (odds ratio 3.63, 95% CI 1.22-10.8, P = .021), positive lymph node metastasis (odds ratio 4.91, 95% CI 1.10-21.8, P = .037) were extracted as risk factors. DISCUSSION: In this study, venous invasion, lymphatic invasion, and histologically poorly differentiated type were identified as risk factors for lymph node metastasis in T1 colorectal cancer, and positive venous invasion, positive lymph node metastasis, and preoperative endoscopic treatment were identified as risk factors for recurrence. We hope that large prospective study will lead to the development of a more specific treatment strategy, including endoscopic treatment and additional surgical resection.

Short-term results of robot-assisted colorectal cancer surgery using Senhance Digital Laparoscopy System.

BACKGROUND: The Senhance Digital Laparoscopy System (Asensus Surgical Inc, Morrisville, NC, United States), which was introduced for the first time in Japan by our hospital, is a new surgical assistive robot following the da Vinci Surgical System. We herein report the short-term outcomes of 55 colorectal cancer surgery cases using this system at our hospital to assess the feasibility and safety of our procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the patient backgrounds and surgical outcomes of 55 patients who underwent Senhance-assisted laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. RESULTS: The median age was 71 years. There were 31 males and 24 females, and the median body mass index was 23.1 kg/m2 . Fifteen patients had a history of abdominal surgery. The most common surgical technique was ileocecal resection (18 cases, 32.7%), followed by high anterior resection (11 cases, 20.0%). D2 or D3 dissection was performed in each operation, and D3 dissection was performed in 41 cases (74.5%). The median operative time was 240 minutes, the median blood loss was 5 mL, there were no intraoperative complications, and there were no cases of intraoperative blood transfusion. The median postoperative hospital stay was 7 days, which was comparable to conventional laparoscopic surgery. Postoperative complications of grade 2 or higher in the Clavien-Dindo classification were observed in two cases. CONCLUSION: The short-term results of 55 colorectal cancer surgery cases using the Senhance Digital Laparoscopy System were excellent and the system was introduced and surgery was safely performed.

The first single-incision plus one-port transverse colon resection using Senhance Digital Laparoscopy System: a case report.

BACKGROUND: We have introduced the Senhance Digital Laparoscopy System and actively use for colorectal cancer surgery. Recently, we also try to perform surgery by reduce port as less invasive method. For the first time, we report a case of single-incision plus one-port transverse colectomy using Senhance system. CASE PRESENTATION: The case was a 57-year-old woman, diagnosed with transverse colon cancer referred to our department. The preoperative diagnosis was cT1bN0M0, Stage I. We performed single-incision plus one-port transverse colon resection using Senhance system without any problems. The operative time was 203 min and the blood loss was 35 ml. CONCLUSION: We report the first case of single-incision plus one-port transverse colectomy using Senhance system. We trust this approach will find increasing use, enabling a safer means of minimally invasive robotic surgery.

Potential importance of vital capacity for the safety of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in patients with pulmonary dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: We examined the safety of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with pulmonary dysfunction, and evaluated risk factors (RF) for post-operative complications. METHODS: We defined pulmonary dysfunction as having any diagnosed pulmonary disease with spirometry findings of obstructive or restrictive defects. Clinicopathological factors of 213 patients with pulmonary dysfunction who underwent laparoscopic surgery for CRC at Toranomon Hospital from 1999 to 2016 were evaluated to retrospectively identify RFs for any post-operative complications and major complications, namely post-operative pulmonary complications (PPCs). Examined preoperative factors included age, gender, body mass index, tumour location, smoking history, percentage vital capacity (%VC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1.0), a ratio of FEV1.0 to forced vital capacity and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status grade. Intraoperative factors, such as operative time, blood loss and blood transfusion, were also assessed. RESULTS: Forty patients (18.8%) developed any complications including PPCs. Multivariate analysis revealed that male, rectal cancer and spirometry findings (both low FEV1.0 (0.8 L) and low %VC (<95)) were RFs (P = 0.026, 0.003 and 0.007, respectively). Six cases (2.8%) developed PPCs. The prevalence of PPCs was higher in patients with both low %VC (<95%) and low FEV1.0 (<0.8 L), with statistical significance (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Our study suggested that not only low FEV1.0 but also low %VC was an important RF for post-operative complications after laparoscopic surgery for CRC.

Impact of Lymphovascular Invasion in Patients With Stage II Colorectal Cancer: A Propensity Score-matched Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Whether lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is a high-degree risk factor in stage II colorectal cancer has not been fully clarified, as different results have been reported in the literature. If LVI is a risk factor, postoperative chemotherapy may be recommended. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of lymphovascular invasion on disease recurrence and patient prognosis in conjunction with stage II colorectal cancer (CRC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 636 patients with stage II CRC, each undergoing radical resection between April 2007 and December 2015, were selected for the study. Subjects with or without venous or lymphatic invasion were assigned to positive and negative groups, respectively. We then compared overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) using propensity score matching. RESULTS: After matching (n=226, each group), OS and DFS were found to be significantly lower (OS: p=0.047; DFS: p=0.004) in patients positive (vs. negative) for venous invasion. However, the same was not true of lymphatic invasion. After matching, positive and negative groups (n=92, each) did not significantly differ in terms of OS (p=0.951) or DFS (p=0.258). CONCLUSION: In patients with stage II CRC, venous invasion proved to be a significant high-degree risk factor that may warrant adjuvant chemotherapy.

Prognostic Utility of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index After Curative Resection of Colorectal Cancer: A Propensity Score-matched Study.

Background/Aim: The geriatric nutrition risk index (GNRI) is a presumptive prognosticator in a variety of carcinomas. We investigated whether it similarly predicts outcomes of elderly patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Patients and Methods: A total of 904 older adults (≥65 years) undergoing radical resections of CRC between April 2011 and December 2015 proved eligible for study. Each was grouped by preoperative status (cut-off point, 98) as low-level or normal GNRI, using propensity score matching to compare rates of complications, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: After matching (n=127, each group), those with low-level (vs. normal) GNRI values experienced significantly more complications (p=0.001), and 5-year survival was significantly poorer (DFS: p=0.006; OS: p=0.002). Conclusion: In elderly patients with resected CRC, preoperative GNRI may have significant prognostic merit.

Right hemicolectomy with D3 lymph node dissection for right-sided transverse colon cancer using the Senhance robotic system: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The evolution of remote systems and artificial intelligence technology has led to increase in robotic surgeries. One system used in this case report is the Senhance robotic system. The most important premise for using robotic surgery in cancer therapeutics is to ensure oncological safety. Similar to conventional laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery needs to be a reliable and secure surgical procedure, such as complete mesocolic excisions with central vascular ligations in Western countries or D3 lymph node dissections (dissection of the lymph nodes that locates from the origin to the terminal branch of the main feeding artery of cancer) in Japan. CASE PRESENTATION: A 76-year-old man underwent clinical examination for severe anemia. He was diagnosed with transverse colon cancer of tumor (T)3, node (N)1a, metastasis (M)0 cancer stage IIIA. A right hemicolectomy with D3 lymph node dissection using the Senhance surgical system was performed. The operative time was 313 min and the estimated blood loss was 5 ml. He was discharged from our hospital 12 days after the surgery without any complications. What is the remarkable of this report, not only mobilization of right colon but also D3 lymph node dissection and vascular ligation were performed intraperitoneally by using Senhance robotic system as conventional laparoscopic surgery. We tried using fourth robotic arm to accomplish lymphadenectomies and middle colic artery dissection. A right hemicolectomy with D3 dissection using the Da Vinci surgical system was reported. Another report of a right hemicolectomy performed with the Senhance robotic system was identified; however, in that study, lymph node dissections were not performed intraperitoneally. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, to our knowledge, this is the first report using the Senhance robotic system for right hemicolectomy with D3 dissection. We hope that our case report will assist in the establishment of this robotic procedure in surgical practice.

Congestive ischemic colitis occurring after resection of left colon cancer: 4 case series.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic colitis can occur after colectomy and is sometimes difficult to treat. We report 4 cases of refractory, delayed onset, regional congestive colitis occurring on the anal side of the anastomosis after laparoscopic left hemicolectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: A total of 191 patients underwent surgery for left colon cancer (transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon cancer) at our hospital from January 2012 to December 2017. During the procedures, the left colic artery (LCA) or sigmoid colic artery (SA) was dissected, the superior rectal artery (SRA) was preserved, and the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) was dissected at the inferior margin of the pancreas. Congestive ischemic colitis due to venous return dysfunction occurred in 4 cases (2.1%), 5 to 34 months postoperatively. The patients had diarrhea and blood in the stool. On computed tomography (CT), the patients exhibited continuous intestinal edema and high-density adipose tissue from the anastomosis site to the rectum. Contrast enhancement showed dilation of the vasa recti and arteries from the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) to the SRA. Three patients improved with long-term intestinal rest; in 1 case, the stenosis did not improve and required colorectal resection. CONCLUSION: Diagnoses were easy in these cases, but treatment was prolonged and surgery was necessary in 1 case. While this condition is rare, caution is warranted as it is difficult to treat.

Late recurrence of gastric carcinoma 15 years after surgery.

A 70-year-old man who had undergone total gastrectomy 15 years ago for mucinous gastric carcinoma on the lesser curvature of the cardia, visited our hospital complaining of cough. Chest X-ray showed a right hilar shadow and an infiltrative shadow in the left middle lung field, which was not seen in the previous year. Whole-body positron emission tomography-computed tomography (CT) revealed abnormal uptake in the irregular consolidation of the left lung, enlarged right hilar lymph nodes, and a mass lesion on the right adrenal gland. Advanced primary lung adenocarcinoma with multi-organ metastasis was suspected and a CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy was performed. Histopathological examination showed immunostaining patterns in complete accordance with those of the resected specimen of stomach, and the diagnosis of late recurrence of gastric carcinoma was confirmed. Pulmonary metastasis might have occurred as a direct hematogenous metastasis rather than through the liver. He achieved 31 months survival after the diagnosis receiving some sequences of chemotherapy. Late recurrence over 10 years after gastrectomy is extremely rare and significant predictive factors of late recurrence are not known. We hope that this case will help in detecting significant factors predictive of late recurrence after gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma.

Appendiceal mucinous neoplasm with myxoglobulosis occurring 3 years after perforated barium appendicitis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Myxoglobulosis is considered a subtype of appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (AMN). Factors affecting the occurrence of myxoglobulosis include proximal appendiceal obstruction and mucosal secretion at the residual appendiceal mucosa. In addition, myxoglobulosis has also been reportedly associated with persistent chronic inflammation. We report a case of AMN with myxoglobulosis occurring 3 years after perforated barium appendicitis and the importance of caution during surgery for barium peritonitis and elucidate the pathology of myxoglobulosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45-year-old man with an AMN underwent laparoscopic ileocecal resection 3 years after peritonitis caused by perforated barium appendicitis. The patient had a medical history of perforated barium appendicitis after barium swallow imaging, which was treated conservatively 3 years ago. Computed tomography (CT) revealed cystic enlargement of the appendix and remnant barium around the appendix. He was then pathologically diagnosed with a low-grade AMN based on the resected specimen, and the appendix filled with white globules was diagnosed as myxoglobulosis. When barium is not absorbed, it causes chronic inflammation. As barium was observed around the appendix, prolonged inflammation, and appendicitis may have contributed to the myxoglobulosis. The circumference of the appendix firmly adhered to the surrounding tissue with barium; hence, it was difficult to perform appendectomy. Barium that enters the anastomotic site causes stenosis of this part; therefore, excision of the ileocecal region in the intestinal part where barium is not present was selected instead of appendectomy. Colonoscopy performed 1 year after surgery and showed no evidence of anastomotic stricture. CONCLUSION: This case suggested that barium peritonitis caused strong adhesions with the surrounding tissue; thus, careful manipulation was necessary to avoid perforating the appendix. Appendectomy and partial cecal resection were predicted to be difficult because of adhesion by barium. In addition, the ileocecal resection was selected because we had to choose an anastomotic site without barium. The perforated appendicitis caused stenosis of the appendix orifice, and barium surrounding the appendix caused persistent chronic inflammation. This was suggested to contribute to the myxoglobulosis.

Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy in a patient with gastric cancer complicated by eventration of the diaphragm: A case report.

Diaphragmatic eventration refers to an abnormal elevation of the diaphragm. Here, we report the case of a patient with gastric cancer who underwent successful laparoscopic distal gastrectomy despite the presence of diaphragmatic eventration. The patient was a 72-year-old man diagnosed with early gastric cancer in the antrum, as detected by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Preoperative imaging revealed an elevation of the left side of the diaphragm, which was diagnosed as diaphragmatic eventration. Laparoscopic surgery is beneficial for obtaining an optimal field of view. However, there are critical points that must be considered when laparoscopic distal gastrectomy is performed in patients with gastric cancer complicated by diaphragmatic eventration. There were difficulties that affected manipulation because the elevated diaphragm drew the intraperitoneal organs into the thoracic cavity, causing displacement of the normal anatomical position. We found it beneficial to secure the lesser curvature of the stomach given the possible effects of gastric deformation.

Successful distal gastrectomy after distal pancreatectomy combined with splenectomy by assuring the blood flow to the remnant stomach from the left inferior phrenic artery.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The current literature would suggest that patients with gastric cancer who have a previous history of ligation of the splenic artery undergo total gastrectomy. However, an analysis of the risk factors for postoperative complications in elderly patients showed a higher rate of morbidities for total gastrectomy compared to subtotal gastrectomy. Case REPORT: We herein report a rare case of successful distal gastrectomy in a 78-year-old female diagnosed with gastric cancer with a previous history of distal pancreatectomy combined with splenectomy, because an adequate blood flow was provided by the fundic branches from the left inferior phrenic artery. Preoperative computed tomography demonstrated a ligated splenic artery and left gastric artery with developed fundic branches from the left inferior phrenic artery. The intraoperative findings showed a sufficient blood flow to the proximal stomach after ligation of all main gastric arteries, thus suggesting that the gastric remnant could be supplied by the fundic branches from the LIPA. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSION: This case suggests that a distal gastrectomy is a possible treatment modality even after distal pancreatectomy combined with splenectomy.