Dynamics of surgical smoke in the operating room during spinal surgery: Comparison of particulate matter 2.5-air concentration between the electric scalpel with and without a smoke evacuation pencil: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical smoke is a vaporous by-product generated during tissue incision and cauterization with an electric scalpel. This smoke contains tissue- and blood/vascular-derived substances, bacteria, viruses, and chemical substances. Among them, it contains many fine particles called particulate matter (PM) 2.5, which are harmful and hazardous to the human body. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of PM2.5 in surgical smoke produced during spinal surgery and to evaluate the efficacy of an electric scalpel with a smoke evacuation pencil. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, 89 patients who underwent spinal surgery between June 2019 and May 2021 were included. A dust monitor was installed in the operating room to measure the PM2.5 air concentration during the surgery. During each surgery, the total amount of PM2.5, the maximum PM2.5 air concentration, the exposure time to PM2.5, and the average value of PM2.5 air concentration from the start to the end of the surgery were calculated. RESULTS: We found that in 29 of the 89 cases (32.6%), the air concentration of PM2.5 increased to a level that could cause health damage during the surgery. Twelve cases (13.4%) reached the level that could cause serious health damage, and 8 cases (9%) reached an emergency warning level. The total amount and the maximum and average levels of PM2.5 were significantly suppressed in the surgery with a smoke evacuation pencil group than in the surgery without a smoke evacuation pencil group. CONCLUSION: We detected hazardous levels of PM2.5 in the air during spinal surgery, highlighting the importance of considering smoke control or reduction during spinal surgery. We recommend using an electric scalpel with a smoke evacuation pencil for regulating PM2.5 levels in the operating room.

Gene panel testing detects important genetic alterations in ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal neoplasia.

Ulcerative colitis-associated neoplasia (UCAN) harbors unique genetic alterations and mutational tendencies. The clinical application of gene panel testing enables precision medicine by tailoring treatment to individual gene alterations. We hypothesized that gene panel testing may detect clinically important genetic alterations in UCAN, with potential usefulness for the diagnosis and treatment of UCAN. In the present study, gene panel testing was used to identify genetic alterations in UCAN, and the possibility of clinical utility of gene panel testing in UCAN was investigated. The present study included 15 patients with UCAN, and gene panel testing was performed to identify genetic alterations associated with diagnosis and treatment. Genetic alterations of UCAN were compared with those of 203 patients with sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC). APC and PTEN mutations were less frequent, while RNF43 frameshift or nonsense mutations were more frequent in UCAN compared with sporadic CRC. TP53 mutations were identified in 13/15 patients (87%) with UCAN. Notably, 4/15 patients (27%) with UCAN had no genetic alterations other than TP53 mutation, while this occurred in 1/203 patients (0.5%) with sporadic CRC (P<0.001). Microsatellite instability-high was identified in 2/15 patients (13%) with UCAN. Mutational signature 3, which is associated with homologous recombination deficiency, was detected in 14/15 patients (93%) with UCAN, and enriched in UCAN compared with sporadic CRC (P=0.030). In conclusion, gene panel testing can detect important genetic alterations that can be useful for diagnosis and treatment in UCAN, and may provide clinicians with important information for tailored treatment strategies.

Utility of autologous fecal microbiota transplantation and elucidation of microbiota in diversion colitis.

Objectives: Diversion colitis (DC) is an inflammatory disorder caused by interruption of the fecal stream and subsequent nutrient deficiency from luminal bacteria. The utility of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for DC was recently investigated; however, the precise pathogenesis of this condition remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of autologous FMT in DC and to determine the related changes in the intestinal microbiota. Methods: Autologous FMT was performed to reestablish the intestinal microbiota in five patients (average age, 64.6 ± 8.3 years) with DC. They underwent double-ended colostomy. We assessed the diverted colon by endoscopy and evaluated the microbiota before and after FMT using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing method. Results: All five patients had mild inflammation (ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity [UCEIS] 2-3) in the diverted colon based on the colonoscopic findings. Three patients presented with symptoms, such as tenesmus, mucoid stool, and bloody stool. With FMT treatment, all patients achieved endoscopic remission (UCEIS score of 0 or 1) and symptomatic improvement. We observed a significantly decreased α-diversity in DC patients compared to healthy controls. The frequency of aerobic bacteria, such as Enterobacteriaceae, in the diverted colon decreased after autologous FMT. Conclusions: This study was the first to show that the microbiota in the diverted colon was significantly affected by autologous FMT. Since interruption of the fecal stream is central to the development of DC, FMT can be considered a promising treatment.

Laparoscopic surgery for a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck with an ovarian tumor: An extremely rare clinical finding.

This clinical image presents an unusual report of simultaneous laparoscopic resection of a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck and an ovarian tumor. Laparoscopic treatment with a proper approach is a useful technique in some cases.

Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasty for bilateral obturator hernias and left inguinal hernia with emaciation caused by anorexia nervosa: A case report.

A 55-year-old woman receiving treatment for anorexia nervosa presented with abdominal pain and right thigh pain. Her body mass index was 12.9 kg/m2 . Computed tomography showed fluid storage in the distal side of the right obturator foramen and revealed a dilated small bowel without a starting point of obstruction. We diagnosed a naturally reduced incarcerated right obturator hernia and performed elective surgery with a laparoscopic approach for hernia repair the next day. Intraperitoneal observation revealed bilateral obturator hernias and a left direct-type inguinal hernia. Transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasty was performed using two self-gripping polyester meshes for bilateral obturator hernia repair and a lightweight 3D-shaped mesh for left inguinal hernia repair. Women with emaciation caused by anorexia nervosa may be more likely to have complex hernias, including obturator hernia, and laparoscopic approaches may be useful for preoperatively diagnosed nonstrangulated obturator hernias.

Intestinal duplication diagnosed preoperatively with double-balloon enteroscopy: an extremely rare case report and literature review.

Gastrointestinal duplications are congenital malformations that are usually observed in pediatric patients. Diagnosis in adulthood is quite rare, and preoperative diagnosis of gastrointestinal duplication is difficult, particularly in the small intestine. We encountered an extremely rare adult case of duplication of the jejunum, which showed a stomach-like form diagnosed using double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE). The patient was an 18-year-old male who had been experiencing upper abdominal pain and vomiting repeatedly without any triggers for 3 years. Various examinations were performed, but no cause of symptoms was found. DBE revealed a narrow opening of the lumen at the upper jejunum, and the lumen was covered with mucosal folds similar to those of the stomach. Enteroclysis via DBE showed a tubular structure on the mesenteric side of the jejunum. We diagnosed a jejunal tubular duplication with ectopic gastric mucosa and underwent partial small bowel resection. The patient's abdominal symptoms resolved. From this, DBE can be a useful tool for diagnosing intestinal duplication in adults. We believe that this case and literature review will facilitate the accurate and prompt diagnosis of small intestinal duplication.

Comparison of surgical smoke between open surgery and laparoscopic surgery for colorectal disease in the COVID-19 era.

BACKGROUND: Surgical smoke during operation is a well-known health hazard for medical staff. This study aimed to investigate the dynamics of surgical smoke during open surgery or laparoscopic surgery for colorectal disease. METHODS: This study quantitated particulate matter (PM) counts as part of surgical smoke in 31 consecutive patients who underwent colectomy at the Niigata City General Hospital using a laser particle counter. Particles were graded by size as ≤ 2.5 µm PM (PM2.5) or > 2.5 µm PM (large PM). Operative procedures were categorized as either open surgery (n = 14) or laparoscopic surgery (n = 17). RESULTS: The median patient age was 72 (range 41-89) years and 58.1% were male. The total PM2.5, PM2.5 per hour, and maximum PM2.5 per minute counts during operation were significantly higher in open surgery than in laparoscopic surgery (P = 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.029, respectively). Large PM counts (total, per hour, and maximum per minute) were also higher in the open surgery group than in the laparoscopic surgery group. The maximum PM2.5 concentration recorded was 38.6 µm/m3, which is considered "unhealthy for sensitive groups" according to the U.S. Environment Protection Agency air quality index standards, if it was a 24-h period mean value. CONCLUSION: Exposure to surgical smoke is lower during laparoscopic surgery than during open surgery for colorectal diseases.

Comparison of the oncological outcomes of stenting as a bridge to surgery and surgery alone in stages II to III obstructive colorectal cancer: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the oncological outcomes of bridge to surgery (BTS) using stent compared with surgery alone for obstructive colorectal cancer. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for stages II to III obstructive colorectal cancer at our institution from January 2009 to March 2020, were registered retrospectively and divided into 43 patients in the BTS group and 65 patients in the surgery alone group. We compared the surgical and oncological outcomes between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Stent-related perforation did not occur. One patient in whom the stent placement was unsuccessful underwent emergency surgery with poor decompression (clinical success rate, 97.7%). The pathological characteristics were not significantly different between the groups. The following surgical outcomes in the BTS group were superior to those in the surgery alone group; nonemergency surgery (P<0.001), surgical approach (P=0.006), and length of hospital stay (P=0.020). The median follow-up time was 44.9 months (range, 1.1-126.5 months). The 3-year relapse-free survival rates were 68.4% and 58.2% (P=0.411), and the overall survival rates were 78.3% and 88.2% (P=0.255) in the surgery alone and BTS groups, respectively. The 3-year locoregional recurrence rates were 10.2% and 8.0% (P=0.948), and distant metastatic recurrence rates were 13.3% and 30.4% (P=0.035) in the surgery alone and BTS groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that BTS with stent may be associated with a higher frequency of distant metastatic recurrence. Stent for stages II to III obstructive colorectal cancer potentially worsens oncological outcomes.

Is radiological psoas muscle area measurement a predictor of postoperative complications after rectal resection for rectal cancer? A retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Previous studies have reported that sarcopenia increases the risk of postoperative complications following colorectal resection. This retrospective study assessed the postoperative complications of rectal resection associated with sarcopenia. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 262 patients who underwent curative low anterior resection for primary rectal cancer from January 2008 to May 2020 at our institution. The patients were divided into a sarcopenia group (normalized total psoas muscle area < 6.36 cm2/m2 in males and < 3.92 cm2/m2 in females; N = 49) and a non-sarcopenia group (N = 213). RESULTS: The overall rate of postoperative complications within 30 days of surgery was higher in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group (46.9 vs. 29.6%; P = 0.028). The rate of postoperative remote infections was higher in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group (12.2 vs. 2.8%; P = 0.012). Sarcopenia was found to be a predictor of remote infection by a multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 4.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-14.80; P = 0.033). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia diagnosed using the psoas muscle index was found to be an independent predictive factor for postoperative remote infection after curative low anterior resection for rectal cancer.

[A Case of Suspected Lynch Syndrome Due to Radical Resection for Descending Colon Cancer and Renal Pelvic Cancer].

A 60-year-old woman was admitted on account of presenting with bloody stools. She had a history of endometrial cancer surgery. Family history revealed 3 colorectal cancer cases among the first or second relatives. Colonoscopy and contrast- enhanced computed tomography revealed descending colon cancer and left renal pelvic cancer. We performed partial resection of the descending/transverse colon with D3 lymph node dissection and total resection of the left kidney and ureter with curative intent. Postoperative pathological diagnosis revealed descending colon cancer(pT4bN0M1c, pStage Ⅳc)and left renal pelvic cancer (T1N0M0, Stage Ⅰ). In this case, Lynch syndrome was suspected based on the family history and medical history. The clinical findings were consistent with Amsterdam Criteria Ⅱ. The microsatellite instability(MSI)test result was MSI-H and the BRAF genetic test result showed a wild type. Immunohistochemical staining of descending colon cancer tissue showed loss of expression of MSH2 and MSH6 proteins. Genetic counseling was provided because Lynch syndrome was strongly suspected. Capecitabine plus oxaliplatin therapy was performed for 6 months for descending colon cancer. Nine months postoperatively, the patient remained recurrence-free for both colon cancer and renal pelvic cancer. We report a case of suspected Lynch syndrome triggered by double cancer of the descending colon and renal pelvis.

Surgical technique for the successful curative resection of locally advanced caecal cancer invading the external iliac artery: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Curative resection generally has a good prognosis if the tumor is a locally advanced colorectal tumor. However, resection of a primary tumor that has invaded the aortoiliac artery is controversial. Herein, we report a case of successful resection of advanced cecal cancer invading the external iliac artery. CASE REPORT: A 29-year-old male patient had advanced cecal cancer invading the right external iliac artery and vein, right ureter, iliopsoas muscle, and sigmoid colon. We collected the patient's pre-/intra-/postoperative, clinical, and histological data. We reviewed the factors that may have contributed to curative resection without complications. We performed a palliative terminal ileum-sigmoid anastomosis for the prevention of intestinal obstruction. The patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and the tumor patently regressed. After arterial reconstruction was performed with a femoral-femoral bypass, we performed radical resection: right hemicolectomy; partial sigmoidectomy; and partial resection of the right ureter, iliopsoas muscle, right testicular, and external iliac vessels. Pathologically, 99% of the tumor cells disappeared after chemotherapy. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 9. No recurrence has been noted 24 months after surgical resection, and the patient is receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, we successfully resected advanced cecal cancer without complications. Reconstruction with femoral-femoral arterial bypass and neoadjuvant chemotherapy are useful methods for curative resection without complications.

Clinical Significance of Mesenteric Lymph Node Involvement in the Pattern of Liver Metastasis in Patients with Ovarian Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Mesenteric lymph node (MLN) involvement is often observed in ovarian cancer (OC) with rectosigmoid invasion. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of MLN involvement in the pattern of liver metastasis in patients with OC. METHODS: We included 85 stage II-IV OC patients who underwent primary or interval debulking surgery. Twenty-seven patients underwent rectosigmoid resection, whose status of MLN involvement was judged from hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of resected specimens. The prognostic significance of clinicopathological characteristics, including MLN involvement, was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: MLN involvement was detected in 14/85 patients with stage II-IV OC. Residual tumor status, cytology of ascites, and MLN involvement were independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival (PFS; p = 0.033, p = 0.014, and p = 0.008, respectively). When patients were classified into three groups (no MLN, one MLN, two or more MLNs), the number of MLNs involved corresponded to three distinct groups in PFS (p = 0.001). The 3-year cumulative incidence of liver metastasis of patients with MLN involvement was significantly higher than that of patients without MLN involvement (61.1% vs. 8.9%, p < 0.001). MLN involvement was significantly associated with liver metastasis of hematogenous origin (p < 0.001) compared with peritoneal disseminated origin. CONCLUSION: MLN involvement is an important prognostic factor in OC, predicting poor prognosis and liver metastasis of hematogenous origin.

NQO1 as a Marker of Chemosensitivity and Prognosis for Colorectal Liver Metastasis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to evaluate how NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) affects survival after hepatectomy in patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 88 consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy for CRLM. Of the 88 patients, preoperative chemotherapy was administered to 30 patients. Immunohistochemistry of the resected specimens was conducted using monoclonal anti-NQO1 antibody. RESULTS: NQO1-positive expression in tumor cells of CRLM was associated with worse overall survival (p=0.026) and was an independent adverse prognostic factor in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio=5.296, p=0.007). Among 30 patients who received preoperative chemotherapy, patients with loss of NQO1 expression in non-neoplastic epithelial cells of the bile ducts (NQO1 polymorphism: n=19) showed significantly better response to preoperative chemotherapy for CRLM (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: NQO1-positive expression in tumor cells of CRLM may be an adverse prognostic factor after hepatectomy for CRLM.

Surgical approach for right-sided colonic diverticular bleeding: A single-center review of 43 consecutive cases.

INTRODUCTION: While Asian populations develop colonic diverticular disease predominantly in the right colon, Western populations mainly present with left-sided disease. The present study aimed to clarify the outcomes of surgical treatment for right-sided colonic diverticular bleeding. METHODS: Medical records of 43 patients who underwent surgery for right-sided colonic diverticular bleeding between 2010 and 2019 were reviewed. Those whose general condition became unstable underwent open surgery at our institution. Patients were then divided into two groups, the open surgery group (n = 17) and laparoscopic surgery group (n = 26), after which operative outcomes between both groups were compared. RESULTS: This study included 36 men and seven women with a median age of 76 (range: 37-91) years. Laparoscopic surgery had a significantly longer operative time (183.5 minutes vs 110 minutes; P < .001) and significantly lower intraoperative blood transfusion rate (19.2% vs 82.4%; P < .001) than open surgery. The laparoscopic surgery group had earlier resumption of postoperative meals than open surgery group (postoperative day 3 vs postoperative day 4; P = .010). No significant difference in postoperative complications was observed between both groups. With regard to long-term outcomes, none of the cases exhibited rebleeding from the right-sided colon. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that laparoscopic surgery promoted lower intraoperative blood transfusion rates and earlier resumption of postoperative meals compared to open surgery for right-sided colonic diverticular bleeding. Hence, laparoscopic surgery can be feasible for right-sided colonic diverticular bleeding provided that the patient's general condition is stable.

Influence of Suture Materials on Incisional Hernia Rate after Laparoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Propensity Score Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Incisional hernia is a common problem after colorectal surgery, and a laparoscopic approach does not reduce the incisional hernia rate. Previous reports have described the risk factors for incisional hernia; however, the impact of suture materials remains unclear. As such, this study compared the incisional hernia rate using different suture materials for abdominal wall closure after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. METHODS: Patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery between January 2014 and December 2016 were included in this study. We separated patients into the following two groups based on the suture materials used for abdominal wall closure: (1.) fast-absorbable group and (2.) non-absorbable group. The primary outcome was incisional hernia rate that was diagnosed using computed tomography. We compared outcomes between these two groups using propensity score matching. RESULTS: Before matching, 394 patients were included (168 in the fast-absorbable group and 226 in the non-absorbable group). After one-to-one matching, patients were stratified into the fast-absorbable group (n = 158) and the non-absorbable group (n = 158). The incisional hernia rate was higher in the fast-absorbable group than in the non-absorbable group (13.9% vs. 6.3%; P = 0.04). The median time to develop an incisional hernia was significantly shorter in the fast-absorbable group (6.7 months vs. 12.3 months; P < 0.01). The incidence of surgical site infection was not different between the two groups, but the incidence of suture sinus was lower in the fast-absorbable group (0% vs. 5.1%; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The use of fast-absorbable sutures may increase the risk of incisional hernia after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.

Evaluation of intestinal microbiota, short-chain fatty acids, and immunoglobulin a in diversion colitis.

It is reported that an increase in aerobic bacteria, a lack of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and immune disorders in the diverted colon are major causes of diversion colitis. However, the precise pathogenesis of this condition remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine the microbiota, intestinal SCFAs, and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the diverted colon. Eight patients underwent operative procedures for colostomies. We assessed the diverted colon using endoscopy and obtained intestinal samples from the diverted colon and oral colon in these patients. We analyzed the microbiota and SCFAs of the intestinal samples. The bacterial communities were investigated using a 16S rRNA gene sequencing method. The microbiota demonstrated a change in the proportion of some species, especially Lactobacillus, which significantly decreased in the diverted colon at the genus level. We also showed that intestinal SCFA values were significantly decreased in the diverted colon. Furthermore, intestinal IgA levels were significantly increased in the diverted colon. This study was the first to show that intestinal SCFAs were significantly decreased and intestinal IgA was significantly increased in the diverted colon. Our data suggest that SCFAs affect the microbiota and may play an immunological role in diversion colitis.

Efficacy of preoperative frailty assessment in patients with gastrointestinal disease.

AIM: The role of preoperative frailty assessment in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) disease remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between frailty and postoperative outcomes in patients with GI disease. METHODS: This study investigated 42 patients (aged ≥65 years) with GI disease who underwent abdominal surgery. The frailty status was analyzed using the Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria. We also investigated postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 42 patients, seven (16.7%) were robust, 24 (57.1%) were prefrail and 11 (26.2%) were frail. Postoperative complications were observed in 45.5% and 63.6% of prefrail and frail patients, respectively, whereas no complications were found in robust patients (P = 0.026). The median hospital stay was 15, 19.5 and 27 days in robust, prefrail and frail patients, respectively (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Preoperative frailty status based on the Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria is associated with postoperative complication incidence and hospital stay extension in patients with GI disease. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; ••: ••-••.