Korean clinical practice guidelines on biologics for moderate to severe Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a relapsing and progressive condition characterized by diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and hematochezia that results in serious complications such as perforations, fistulas, and abscesses. Various medications, interventions, and surgical treatments have been used to treat CD. The Korean guidelines for CD management were distributed in 2012 and revised in 2017 by the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Research Group of the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases. Substantial progress in mucosal immunologic research has elucidated the pathophysiology of IBD, leading to development of biological agents for treatment of CD. The first developed biologic agent, tumor necrosis factor-α agents, were shown to be efficacious in CD, heralding a new era in management of CD. Subsequently, vedolizumab, a monoclonal antibody against integrin α4β7, and ustekinumab, a human monoclonal antibody that inhibits the common p40 subunit of interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, were both approved for clinical use and are efficacious and safe for both induction and maintenance of remission in moderate-to-severe CD patients. Moreover, a recent study showed the non-inferiority of CT-P13, an infliximab biosimilar, compared with infliximab in CD patients. The third Korean guidelines for CD management provide updated information regarding treatment of moderate-to-severe CD patients with biologic agents.

Gastric wall abscess after endoscopic submucosal dissection

Gastric wall abscess, a localized form of phlegmonous gastritis, is a rare complication of endoscopic resection. We report the first case of gastric wall abscess developing after endoscopic submucosal dissection in Korea. A 72-year-old woman visited our clinic to receive treatment for gastric adenoma. The patient successfully underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection with no complications. The final diagnosis was well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. We performed follow-up endoscopy 10 weeks later and found a large subepithelial lesion on the posterior wall of the gastric antrum. Abdominal computed tomography revealed hypodense wall thickening and a 5 cm heterogenous multilobular mass in the submucosal layer of the gastric antrum. Submucosal invasion with mucin-producing adenocarcinomas could therefore not be excluded. The patient agreed to undergo additional gastrectomy due to the possibility of a highly malignant lesion. The final diagnosis was acute suppurative inflammation with the formation of multiple abscesses in the mural layers and omentum. The patient was discharged with no complications.

Breast Tissue Reconstruction Using Polycaprolactone Ball Scaffolds in a Partial Mastectomy Pig Model

BACKGROUND@#Breast cancer patients suffer from lowered quality of life (QoL) after surgery. Breast conservancy surgery (BCS) such as partial mastectomy is being practiced and studied as an alternative to solve this problem. This study confirmed breast tissue reconstruction in a pig model by fabricating a 3-dimensional (3D) printed Polycaprolactone spherical scaffold (PCL ball) to fit the tissue resected after partial mastectomy. @*METHODS@#A 3D printed Polycaprolactone spherical scaffold with a structure that can help adipose tissue regeneration was produced using computer-aided design (CAD). A physical property test was conducted for optimization. In order to enhance biocompatibility, collagen coating was applied and a comparative study was conducted for 3 months in a partial mastectomy pig model. @*RESULTS@#In order to identify adipose tissue and fibroglandular tissue, which mainly constitute breast tissue, the degree of adipose tissue and collagen regeneration was confirmed in a pig model after 3 months. As a result, it was confirmed that a lot of adipose tissue was regenerated in the PCL ball, whereas more collagen was regenerated in the collagen-coated Polycaprolactone spherical scaffold (PCL–COL ball). In addition, as a result of confirming the expression levels of TNF-a and IL-6, it was confirmed that PCL ball showed higher levels than PCL–COL ball. @*CONCLUSION@#Through this study, we were able to confirm the regeneration of adipose tissue through a 3-dimensional structure in a pig model. Studies were conducted on medium and large-sized animal models for the final purpose of clinical use and reconstruction of human breast tissue, and the possibility was confirmed.

Risk Factors of Salvage Procedure for Refractory Morcellation During Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

Purpose@#We aimed to identify the risk factors for salvage procedure (SP) required for refractory adenomatous tissue resistant to morcellation during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). @*Methods@#Patients who underwent HoLEP between January 2010 and April 2020 at Seoul National University Hospital were analyzed. SPs were defined as cases of conversion to resection of the prostatic tissue using an electrosurgical loop after morcellation or secondary morcellation a few days after surgery or conversion to open cystotomy. @*Results@#Among a total of 2,427 patients, 260 were identified as having SP (SP group) (transurethral resection-nodule [n = 250, 96.1%], secondary morcellation a few days after surgery [n = 9, 3.5%], and conversion to open cystotomy [n = 1, 0.4%]). Patients in the SP group were older and had higher 5-α reductase inhibitors use, higher prostate-specific antigen, larger total prostate volume, and larger transition zone volume (TZV) than those in the non-SP group. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, only age and TZV were associated with SP. Compared to 40s and 50s, the odds ratios (ORs) were 3.84 in 60s (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37–10.78, P = 0.011), 4.53 in 70s (95% CI, 1.62–12.62, P = 0.004), and 6.59 in 80s or older (95% CI, 2.23–19.46, P = 0.001). The ORs of the SP were analyzed per TZV quartile. Compared to TZV ≤ 20.3 mL, the OR was 3.75 in 32.0 mL 60 years or those with TZV > 32 mL. In order to more efficiently remove these resistant adenomas, it is necessary to develop more efficient morcellators in the future.

Difference in prognostic impact of lateral pelvic lymph node metastasis between pre- and post-neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer patients

Purpose@#The prognostic significance and treatment of lateral pelvic lymph node metastasis (mLPLN) in rectal cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) are not well understood. In this study, we evaluated the impact of mLPLN identified in imaging modality on outcomes. @*Methods@#Between January 2008 and December 2016, 1,535 patients who underwent radical resection following nCRT were identified. The association between mLPLN and disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), local recurrencefree survival (LRFS), and pelvic recurrence-free survival (PRFS) was analyzed, along with risk factors associated with OS and DFS. @*Results@#Overall, 329 (21.4%) of the 1,535 patients experienced disease recurrence; 71 (4.6%) had local recurrence, 25 (1.6%) had pelvic recurrence, and 312 (20.3%) had distant recurrence. The pre- and post-nCRT mLPLN (–) groups had better DFS, LRFS, PRFS, and OS than the (+) groups. LPLN sampling (LPLNs) was implemented in 24.0% of the pre-nCRT mLPLN (+) group and in 28.8% of the post-nCRT mLPLN (+) group. There was no significant difference in OS and LRFS between LPLNs group and no LPLNs group in pre- and post-nCRT mLPLN (+) groups. Pre-nCRT mLPLN was associated with poor OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.43; P = 0.009) and post-nCRT mLPLN was associated with poor DFS (HR, 1.49; P = 0.002). @*Conclusion@#Pre- and post-nCRT mLPLN (+) have different prognostic effects. Post-nCRT mLPLN appears to be more important for disease control. However, pre-nCRT mLPLN should not be disregarded when devising a treatment strategy since it is an independent risk factor for OS.

Efficacy of preoperative chemoradiotherapy in patients with cT2N0 distal rectal cancer

Purpose@#This study was designed to determine the feasibility of preoperative chemoradiotherapy (PCRT) in patients with clinical T2N0 distal rectal cancer. @*Methods@#Patients who underwent surgery for clinical T2N0 distal rectal cancer between January 2008 and December 2016 were included. Patients were divided into PCRT and non-PCRT groups. Non-PCRT patients underwent radical resection or local excision (LE) according to the surgeon’s decision, and PCRT patients underwent surgery according to the response to PCRT. Patients received 50.0 to 50.4 gray of preoperative radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy. @*Results@#Of 127 patients enrolled, 46 underwent PCRT and 81 did not. The mean distance of lesions from the anal verge was lower in the PCRT group (P=0.004). The most frequent operation was transanal excision and ultralow anterior resection in the PCRT and non-PCRT groups, respectively. Of the 46 patients who underwent PCRT, 21 (45.7%) achieved pathologic complete response, including 15 of the 24 (62.5%) who underwent LE. Rectal sparing rate was significantly higher in the PCRT group (11.1% vs. 52.2%, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in 3- and 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival regardless of PCRT or surgical procedures. @*Conclusion@#PCRT in clinical T2N0 distal rectal cancer patients increased the rectal sparing rate via LE and showed acceptable oncologic outcomes. PCRT may be a feasible therapeutic option to avoid abdominoperineal resection in clinical T2N0 distal rectal cancer.

Idiopathic Myointimal Hyperplasia of the Mesenteric Veins Is a Peculiar Venous Ischemia That May Be Diagnosed Before Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins is a segmental ischemia associated with noninflammatory hyperplasia of the intimal smooth muscle of the mesenteric veins. Owing to its rarity, timely diagnosis is often difficult. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to improve clinical practice in terms of the diagnosis of idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins. DESIGN: This was a retrospective observational study. SETTINGS: This study was conducted in a single institution with case collection from clinical archives. PATIENTS: Data from 12 cases of idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins were retrieved from 2006-2020. Most patients were elderly men, with a male-to-female ratio of 10:1. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical, endoscopic, radiologic, and pathologic characteristics of idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins served as outcome measures. RESULTS: Radiologically, marked segmental mural thickening and poor enhancement involved the sigmoid colon and rectum in most cases, with extension to the descending colon in some cases. Typical cases showed obliteration of the inferior mesenteric veins and collateral vessels. Colonoscopic findings were reminiscent of ischemia or ulcerative colitis, but sharp demarcation from the uninvolved segment was the most distinguishing feature. Surgically resected specimens showed marked segmental mural thickening, edema, and mucosal discoloration grossly. Microscopically, thick-walled, tortuous veins were observed mainly in the submucosa and subserosa, and the submucosa was markedly thickened in all cases. The subserosal large veins showed myointimal hyperplasia, and pericolic fat necrosis was invariably observed. The most useful histologic finding in biopsy material was tortuous, arteriolized mucosal capillaries with occasional fibrinoid necrosis. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its small number of cases and selection bias; there was also no prospective external validation. CONCLUSIONS: Radiologic and pathologic features of idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins are distinct from those of ulcerative colitis or nonspecific ischemic colitis. Careful interpretation of endoscopic and radiologic images and generous biopsies with interpretation by experienced pathologists might lead to an early diagnosis and prevent unnecessary medical treatment. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B806. LA HIPERPLASIA MIOINTIMAL IDIOPTICA DE LAS VENAS MESENTRICAS ES UNA PECULIAR ISQUEMIA VENOSA QUE PUEDE DIAGNOSTICARSE ANTES DE LA CIRUGA: ANTECEDENTES:La hiperplasia miointimal idiopática de las venas mesentéricas es una isquemia segmentaria asociada con hiperplasia no inflamatoria del músculo liso de la íntima de las venas mesentéricas. Debido a su rareza, el diagnóstico oportuno suele ser difícil.OBJETIVO:Mejorar la práctica clínica con respecto al diagnóstico de hiperplasia miointimal idiopática de venas mesentéricas.DISEÑO:Estudio observacional retrospectivo.AJUSTES:Institución única, colección de casos de archivos clínicos.PACIENTES:Se recuperaron datos de 12 casos de hiperplasia miointimal idiopática de las venas mesentéricas durante el período 2006-2020. La mayoría de los pacientes eran hombres de edad avanzada, con una proporción de hombres a mujeres de 10:1.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Características clínicas, endoscópicas, radiológicas y patológicas de la hiperplasia miointimal idiopática de las venas mesentéricas.RESULTADOS:Radiológicamente, se vio marcado engrosamiento mural afectando de manera segmentaria y escaso realce que comprometieron al colon sigmoides y al recto en la mayoría de los casos, con extensión al colon descendente en algunos casos. Los casos típicos mostraron obliteración de las venas mesentéricas inferiores y vasos colaterales. Los hallazgos colonoscópicos recordaban a la isquemia o la colitis ulcerosa, pero la demarcación nítida del segmento no afectado fue la característica más distintiva. Las piezas quirúrgicas mostraron un marcado engrosamiento mural de manera segmentaria, edema y decoloración de la mucosa de forma macroscópica. Microscópicamente, se observaron venas tortuosas de paredes engrosadas principalmente en la submucosa y subserosa y la submucosa se encontraba marcadamente engrosada en todos los casos. Las grandes venas subserosas mostraban hiperplasia de la mioíntima e invariablemente se observaba necrosis grasa pericólica. El hallazgo histológico más útil en el material de biopsia fueron los tortuosos capilares arteriolizados de la mucosa con necrosis fibrinoide ocasional.LIMITACIONES:Pequeño número de casos; sesgo de selección; sin validación externa prospectiva.CONCLUSIONES:Las características radiológicas y patológicas de la hiperplasia miointimal idiopática de las venas mesentéricas son distintas a las de la colitis ulcerosa o la colitis isquémica no específica. La interpretación cuidadosa de las imágenes endoscópicas y radiológicas y múltiples biopsias de manera generosa con la interpretación de patólogos experimentados pueden conducir a un diagnóstico temprano y prevenir tratamientos médicos innecesarios. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B806. (Traducción-Dr Osvaldo Gauto).

Risk Factors for Transurethral Coagulation for Hemostasis During Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

Purpose@#We aimed to identify risk factors for transurethral coagulation (TUC) using bipolar electrocautery for hemostasis during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). @*Methods@#We analyzed the clinical outcomes of HoLEP surgery performed by a single surgeon between January 2010 and April 2020 at the Seoul National University Hospital. Patient characteristics and perioperative parameters were used to identify the risk factors for TUC. The TUC group was defined as a case of conversion to hemostasis using electrocautery during the hemostasis step after enucleation. @*Results@#Of 1,563 patients, 357 underwent TUC (TUC group; 22.8%) as an adjuvant (n=299, 19.1%) or salvage (n=58, 3.7%) therapy. Patients in the TUC group were older (mean±standard deviation, 70.6±7.3 years vs. 69.3±7.0 years; P=0.002), had more 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5-ARI) use (35.6% vs. 25.9%, P35 mL. Therefore, TUC may be potentially necessary in patients with a large transition zone volume in patients with BPH.

Molecular characterization of dysplasia-initiated colorectal cancer with assessing matched tumor and dysplasia samples

Purpose@#Ulcerative colitis (UC) is known to have an association with the increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), and UC-associated CRC does not follow the typical progress pattern of adenoma-carcinoma. The aim of this study is to investigate molecular characteristics of UC-associated CRC and further our understanding of the association between UC and CRC. @*Methods@#From 5 patients with UC-associated CRC, matched normal, dysplasia, and tumor specimens were obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples for analysis. Genomic DNA was extracted and whole exome sequencing was conducted to identify somatic variations in dysplasia and tumor samples. Statistical analysis was performed to identify somatic variations with significantly higher frequencies in dysplasia-initiated tumors, and their relevant functions were investigated. @*Results@#Total of 104 tumor mutation genes were identified with higher mutation frequencies in dysplasia-initiated tumors. Four of the 5 dysplasia-initiated tumors (80.0%) have TP53 mutations with frequent stop-gain mutations that were originated from matched dysplasia. APC and KRAS are known to be frequently mutated in general CRC, while none of the 5 patients have APC or KRAS mutation in their dysplasia and tumor samples. Glycoproteins including mucins were also frequently mutated in dysplasia-initiated tumors. @*Conclusion@#UC-associated CRC tumors have distinct mutational characteristics compared to typical adenoma-carcinoma tumors and may have different cancer-driving molecular mechanisms that are initiated from earlier dysplasia status.

Morphologic Changes in Esophageal Body Movement During Bolus Transport After Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Type III Achalasia

Background/Aims@#The effect of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) on esophageal body movement in achalasia is poorly understood. This study aims to evaluate morphological changes in esophageal body movement after POEM in type III achalasia by analyzing intraluminal ultrasound (US) images in comparison to type I and II achalasia. @*Methods@#Intraluminal US images and impedance values of the distal esophagus from 47 achalasia patients who underwent POEM or pneumatic dilatation (PD) (30 patients in the POEM group and 17 patients in the PD group) with pre- and post-procedural high-resolution impedance manometry and intraluminal US examinations were analyzed. The muscle thickness (MT), muscle cross-sectional area, lumen cross-sectional area (LCSA), contractility and distensibility indices, swallow-to-distension interval, and distension duration during each bolus transport were analyzed. @*Results@#The MT increased and LCSA decreased significantly (P < 0.001), but the contractility index was not improved after POEM or PD in type I achalasia. Baseline MT increased and LCSA decreased significantly after POEM and PD in type II achalasia (P < 0.001). In contrast, MT and the swallow-to-distension interval decreased and the distension LCSA/duration and contractility index increased after POEM in type III achalasia (P < 0.001). In contrast to type I and II achalasia, in type III achalasia, these effects were unique to the POEM group. @*Conclusions@#POEM decreased the esophageal LCSA by decreasing intrabolus pressure without improving contractility in type I and II achalasia. In contrast, POEM increased esophageal body distension and contractility and improved the inhibitory process during bolus transport in type III achalasia.

Toward a complete cure for chronic hepatitis B: Novel therapeutic targets for hepatitis B virus

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects approximately 250 million patients worldwide, resulting in the progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, which are serious public health problems. Although universal vaccination programs exist, they are only prophylactic and not curative. In the HBV life cycle, HBV forms covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which is the viral minichromosome, in the nuclei of human hepatocytes and makes it difficult to achieve a complete cure with the current nucleos(t)ide analogs and interferon therapies. Current antiviral therapies rarely eliminate cccDNA; therefore, lifelong antiviral treatment is necessary. Recent trials for antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis B have been focused on establishing a functional cure, defined by either the loss of hepatitis B surface antigen, undetectable serum HBV DNA levels, and/or seroconversion to hepatitis B surface antibody. Novel therapeutic targets and molecules are in the pipeline for early clinical trials aiming to cure HBV infection. The ideal strategy for achieving a long-lasting functional or complete cure might be using combination therapies targeting different steps of the HBV life cycle and immunomodulators. This review summarizes the current knowledge about novel treatments and combination treatments for a complete HBV cure.

Comparison of the efficacy and complications of endoscopic incisional therapy and balloon dilatation for benign esophageal strictures / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Background@#Benign esophageal strictures are treated endoscopically, often with balloon dilatation (BD) or bougie dilators. However, recurrent esophageal strictures have been reported after BD, and severe complications sometimes occur. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and complications of endoscopic incisional therapy (EIT) and BD for benign esophageal strictures. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent BD or EIT as primary treatment for benign esophageal strictures between July 2014 and June 2021. Technical success was defined as restoration of the lumen diameter with <30% residual stenosis. Clinical success was defined as no recurrence of dysphagia within 1 month after BD or EIT and an increase of 1 grade or more on the Functional Oral Intake Scale. @*Results@#Thirty patients with benign esophageal stricture were enrolled. There were 16 patients in the BD group and 14 patients in the EIT group. No significant differences in technical and clinical success rates were found between the two groups. Furthermore, no significant differences in the re-stricture rate were observed between the groups. There was one complication in the EIT group and three complications in the BD group. Three patients who underwent BD had re-stricture and underwent EIT thereafter, and we regrouped patients who underwent EIT at least once. The clinical success rate was significantly higher in patients regrouped to the EIT group than in patients who underwent BD only. @*Conclusions@#EIT is not inferior to BD as the primary treatment for benign esophageal strictures, especially for recurrent cases.

Current status of breast implantassociated anaplastic large cell lymphoma in South Korea

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a unique type of lymphoma caused by breast implants. Concerns about BIA-ALCL have increased worldwide, and three domestic cases have been reported in South Korea. However, the incidence of the disease is not clear, and the risk probability has been reported to be up to 1/3,000. The most important factor in BIA-ALCL is the texturing of the implanted devices. Since the type of texturing is heterogeneous among products and companies, it is important for physicians to be aware of the spectrum of products and their implied risk. The pathophysiology of BIA-ALCL is presumed to be a combination of chronic inflammation related to the microenvironment and genetic predisposition. Further studies will allow accurate diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. The prognosis of BIA-ALCL is favorable if patients with late seroma or pericapsular masses are diagnosed early and complete surgical removal is achieved. Accurate diagnosis includes cytology or pathology with immunohistochemistry, including the CD30 protein and anaplastic lymphoma kinase. An essential factor in surgical success is radical excision with total capsulectomy. However, there is no evidence for prophylactic removal of a textured implant without symptoms. Careful examination and consultation should precede the implant removal, which can lead to deformity or complications. Domestic collaboration among healthcare providers for diagnosis and treatment is needed along with active reporting and registration of suspected patients. Finally, worldwide cooperation and improved awareness leading to regular surveillance are crucial in the era of BIA-ALCL.

Recent Updates of Lipoprotein(a) and Cardiovascular Disease / 전남의대학술지

In recent years, epidemiological studies, genome-wide association studies, and Mendelian randomization studies have shown a strong association between increased levels of lipoproteins and increased risks of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] was an independent risk factor for ASCVD, the latest international clinical guidelines do not recommend direct reduction of plasma Lp(a) concentrations. The main reason was that there is no effective clinical medicine that directly lowers plasma Lp(a) concentrations. However, recent clinical trials have shown that proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9) and second-generation antisense oligonucleotides can effectively reduce plasma Lp(a) levels.This review will present the structure, pathogenicity, prognostic evidences, and recent advances in therapeutic drugs for Lp(a).

Stratification of Nuclear Homogeneous Patterns on HEp-2 Cells Based on Neutrophil Nuclear Staining / 전남의대학술지

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing is used to diagnose systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD). Nuclear homogeneous patterns on ANA-HEp-2 cells can result from anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), anti-nucleosome, anti-histone, anti-Scl-70, or anti-dense fine speckles 70 (DFS70) antibodies (Abs). This study aimed to find a way to discriminate DFS70 Abs from others by way of assessing neutrophil nuclear staining on anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) testing. Nuclear staining on ANCAneutrophils was assessed to stratify nuclear homogeneous patterns on ANA-HEp-2 cells. Enrolled subjects included (1) young individuals with a dense fine speckled pattern on ANA testing (young non-SARD group, n=71) and patients with (2) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE group, n=35); (3) rheumatoid arthritis possibly with histone, nucleosome Abs, and others (RA group, n=51); and (4) diffuse systemic sclerosis with Scl-70 Abs (diffuse SSc group, n=19). Negative rates (95% confidence interval) of neutrophil nuclear staining were 97.2% (90.2%-99.7%) in the young non-SARD group, 2.9% (0.1%-14.9%) in the SLE group, 3.9% (0.5%-13.5%) in the RA group, and 47.4% (24.5%-71.1%) in the diffuse SSc group. The negative rate of the young non-SARD group was significantly higher than those of the other groups (all p<0.05). In conclusion, this study suggests that the assessment of nuclear staining on ANCA-neutrophils can help to stratify nuclear homogeneous patterns on ANA-HEp-2 cells and thus to determine whether the ANA pattern is attributed to DFS70 Abs, which can be found in healthy individuals, especially in young individuals.

Anterolateral thigh free flaps and radial forearm free flaps in head and neck reconstruction: A 20-year analysis from a single institution

Background@#Reconstruction after removal of a malignant tumor in the head and neck region is crucial for restoring tissue integrity, function, and aesthetics. We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent intraoral reconstruction surgery using radial forearm free flaps (RFFF) and anterolateral thigh free flaps (ALT) at a single institution to provide more information supporting the choice of a reconstruction method after removal of head and neck cancer. @*Methods@#The charts of 708 patients who underwent head and neck reconstruction between 1998 and 2018 at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patients’ age, sex, and history of radiation therapy, diabetes mellitus, and smoking were retrieved. The primary cancer site, types of defects, and complications were investigated. @*Results@#Overall, 473 and 95 patients underwent reconstruction surgery with RFFF and ALT, respectively. RFFF was more often used in patients with cancers of the pharynx, larynx, esophagus, or tonsil, while ALT was more frequently used in patients with cancers of the mouth floor with tonsil or tongue involvement. The proportion of patients undergoing ALT increased gradually. Flap failure and donor site morbidities did not show significant differences between the two groups. @*Conclusions@#RFFF and ALT flaps resulted in similar outcomes in terms of flap survival and donor site morbidity. ALT can be an option for head and neck reconstruction surgery in patients with large and complex defects or for young patients who want to hide their donor site scars.

Treatment Strategy for Perianal Fistulas in Crohn Disease Patients: The Surgeon’s Point of View

Perianal fistula is a frequent complication and one of the subclassifications of Crohn disease (CD). It is the most commonly observed symptomatic condition by colorectal surgeons. Accurately classifying a perianal fistula is the initial step in its management in CD patients. Surgical management is selected based on the type of perianal fistula and the presence of rectal inflammation; it includes fistulotomy, fistulectomy, seton procedure, fistula plug insertion, video-assisted ablation of the fistulous tract, stem cell therapy, and proctectomy with stoma creation. Perianal fistulas are also managed medically, such as antibiotics, immunomodulators, and biologics including anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha agents. The current standard treatment of choice for perianal fistula in CD patients is the multidisciplinary approach combining surgical and medical management; however, the rate of long-term remission is low and is reported to be 50% at most. Therefore, the optimum management strategy for perianal fistulas associated with CD remains controversial. Currently, the goal of management for CD-related perianal fistulas are controlling symptoms and maintaining long-term anal function without proctectomy, while monitoring progression to anorectal carcinoma. This review evaluates perianal fistula in CD patients and determines the optimal surgical management strategy based on recent evidence.

Secondary nipple reconstruction using two surgical techniques

Background@#Although the initial projection after primary nipple reconstruction is excellent, nipple projection gradually flattens in most cases due to multiple causes. Although various methods have been reported to rebuild the nipple after nipple flattening, the most effective method of secondary nipple reconstruction remains unknown. The aim of this study was to review our institution’s experiences with secondary nipple reconstruction. @*Methods@#We conducted a retrospective review from March 2012 to January 2019. We performed secondary nipple reconstruction if the primary reconstructed nipple height differed by more than 6 mm from the normal nipple height. We chose the method of nipple revision according to the degree of tissue scarring and the remaining nipple projection. @*Results@#We performed secondary nipple reconstruction on a total of 27 nipples, using pursestring sutures for 19 nipples and star flaps in eight nipples. The median follow-up period was 8 months (range, 6–19 months) after the final nipple reconstruction. Among the 19 nipples reconstructed using purse-string sutures, 10 (53%) demonstrated acceptable projection of more than 5 mm. Among the eight nipples reconstructed using star flaps, six (75%) showed acceptable projection of more than 5 mm. Most of the patients (73%) were satisfied (scores of 4 or 5) with the nipple reconstruction overall. @*Conclusions@#Few studies have presented favorable outcomes of secondary nipple reconstruction. When the star flap and purse-string suture methods were used depending on the remaining nipple height and scarring, appropriate projection could be achieved.

Effects of anchoring sutures at diverting ileostomy after rectal cancer surgery on peritoneal adhesion at following ileostomy reversal

Purpose@#During diverting ileostomy reversal for rectal cancer patients who underwent previous sphincter-saving surgery, the extent of adhesion formation around the ileostomy site affects operative and postoperative outcomes. Anchoring sutures placed at the time of the ileostomy procedure may reduce adhesions around the ileostomy. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of anchoring sutures on the degree of adhesion formation and the postoperative course at the time of ileostomy reversal. @*Methods@#Patients who underwent sphincter-saving surgery with diverting ileostomy for rectal cancer between January 2013 and December 2017 were enrolled. Variables including the peritoneal adhesion index (PAI) score, operation time, the length of resected small bowel, operative complications, and postoperative hospital stay were collected prospectively and compared between the anchoring group (AG) and non-anchoring group (NAG). @*Results@#A total of 90 patients were included in this study, with 60 and 30 patients in the AG and NAG, respectively. The AG had shorter mean operation time (46.88 ± 16.37 minutes vs. 61.53 ± 19.36 minutes, P = 0.001) and lower mean PAI score (3.02 ± 2.53 vs. 5.80 ± 2.60, P = 0.001), compared with the NAG. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the AG and NAG (5.0% vs. 13.3%, respectively; P = 0.240). @*Conclusion@#Anchoring sutures at the formation of a diverting ileostomy could decrease the adhesion score and operation time at ileostomy reversal, thus may be effective in improving perioperative outcomes.

Clinicopathological Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes of Crohn Disease-Associated Colorectal Malignancy

Purpose@#Carcinoma arising from Crohn disease (CD) is rare, and there is no clear guidance on how to properly screen for at-risk patients and choose appropriate care. This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics, treatment, and oncologic outcomes of CD patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC). @*Methods@#Using medical records, we retrospectively enrolled a single-center cohort of 823 patients who underwent abdominal surgery for CD between January 2006 and December 2015. CD-associated CRC patients included those with adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, or neuroendocrine tumors of the colon and rectum. @*Results@#Nineteen patients (2.3%) underwent abdominal surgery to treat CD-associated CRC. The mean duration of CD in the CD-associated CRC group was significantly longer than that in the benign CD group (124.7 ± 77.7 months vs. 68.9 ± 60.2 months, P = 0.006). The CD-associated CRC group included a higher proportion of patients with a history of perianal disease (73.7% vs. 50.2%, P = 0.035) and colonic location (47.4% vs. 6.5%, P = 0.001). Among 19 CD-associated CRC patients, 17 (89.5%) were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, and of the 17 cases, 15 (88.2%) were rectal adenocarcinoma. On multivariable analyses for developing CRC, only colonic location was a risk factor (relative risk, 7.735; 95% confidence interval, 2.862–20.903; P = 0.001). @*Conclusion@#Colorectal malignancy is rare among CD patients, even among patients who undergo abdominal surgery. Rectal adenocarcinoma accounted for most of the CRC, and colonic location was a risk factor for developing CRC.