Benefit of an action camera in endoscopy education for medical students under COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopy is an important form of clinical gastroenterology education because it gives students the opportunity to learn about diagnosis procedures and even treatment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical students were observed from outside the endoscopy room due to the risk of airborne infection. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of combining endoscopy education with doctor's-eye-view videos of the procedure obtained using live-action cameras (GoPro®). METHODS: From February to May 2021, endoscopists wore GoPro Hero8 cameras on their heads to display a doctor's-eye view video outside the room. The efficacy of the GoPro videos in combination with endoscopic monitoring was evaluated by 15 participating medical students. The participants rated the efficacy on a 5-point scale and commented on the positive and negative points. RESULTS: A total of 78.6% of participants evaluated the GoPro as good; 57.2% answered that it increased their understanding, with 71.4% stating that it increased their understanding of procedures in particular. A total of 85.7% of the students answered that their interest in endoscopy had increased, and 85.7% evaluated the benefit of the GoPro videos as good. In addition, 64.3% answered that the method was effective in preventing COVID-19 infection. Education using GoPro videos enabled students to feel as if they were conducting the endoscopy themselves and enabled them to concentrate on learning. CONCLUSIONS: Practical endoscopic education using a GoPro is an effective educational tool that not only increases understanding of endoscopic practice but also stimulates students' interest and awareness of their future as doctors.

[A Case of Cecum Cancer with Lymph Node Metastasis and Invasion in the Superior Mesenteric Vein Treated with Combined SMV Resection and Reconstruction].

The patient was a 77-year-old woman. She visited her family doctor with a complaint of bloody stools, and was pointed out a Type 3 colon cancer in the cecum with a colonoscopy. In addition, an enlarged lymph node(#203)was found on the right side of the superior mesenteric vein(SMV). Laparoscopic surgery was initiated, and when the patient was moved to vascular processing, a firm adhesion of the lymph node(#203)was observed on the right side of the SMV. A small laparotomy was added, and a partial combined resection of the SMV was performed en bloc to complete the ileal resection. Histopathological findings showed T4b(transverse colon)N3M0, pStage Ⅲc, and metastatic lymph node(#203)showed evidence of invasion to the SMV. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered, but lung metastases appeared 4 months and liver metastasis appeared 29 months after surgery. The patient was transferred to a different hospital for best supportive care(BSC)at 34 months after surgery.

Risk factors for small-bowel obstruction after colectomy for colorectal cancer: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Postoperative adhesions are a concerning complication of abdominal surgery with major implications on quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for postoperative small-bowel obstruction (SBO) after colectomy for colorectal cancer. METHODS: We reviewed the clinicopathological variables of 1646 patients who underwent colectomy for colorectal cancer between 2009 and 2018. RESULTS: SBO occurred following primary tumor resection for colorectal cancer in 67 (4.1%) of the 1646 patients. The median observation period was 7.5 (range: 3.0-12.0) years. Multivariate analysis revealed that rectal tumors, anastomotic leakages, previous abdominal surgeries, and longer operating times were all correlated with postoperative SBO, but there were no differences in the incidence of SBO between laparoscopic vs. open surgery. The use of adhesion prevention material had no effect on SBO. Our data showed that the onset of SBO tended to be relatively early, within a year after surgery (89.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor localization in the rectum is associated with several problems, including a wide resection area, prolonged operative duration, and high risk of anastomotic leakage, which may increase the risk of SBO. Laparoscopic surgery and adhesion prevention material did not demonstrate a clear preventive effect against SBO.

Local recurrence of submucosal invasive colorectal cancer after endoscopic submucosal dissection revealed by copy number variation.

We report a case in which analysis of copy number variation revealed local recurrence of submucosal invasive colorectal cancer after curative endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). An 86-year-old man with a history of abdominoperineal resection of the rectum for rectal cancer underwent resection with ESD for early-stage sigmoid cancer 5 cm away from the stoma opening. At the same time, ileocecal resection was performed for advanced cecal cancer. Twelve months after ESD, advanced cancer occurred in the area of the ESD lesion. It was unclear if the cancer was a local recurrence after ESD, implantation of cecal cancer, or a new lesion. Copy number variation analysis performed for the three lesions revealed that the new lesion originated from residual tumor cells from ESD and was unlikely to be cecal cancer.

Benefits and risks of diverting stoma creation during rectal cancer surgery.

Purpose: A consensus has been reached regarding diverting stoma (DS) construction in rectal cancer surgery to avoid reoperation related to anastomotic leakage. However, the incidence of stoma-related complications (SRCs) remains high. In this study, we examined the perioperative outcomes of DS construction in patients who underwent sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer. Methods: We included 400 participants who underwent radical sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer between 2005 and 2017. These participants were divided into the DS (+) and DS (-) groups, and the outcomes, including postoperative complications, were compared. Results: The incidence of ileus was higher in the DS (+) group than in the DS (-) group (P<0.01); however, no patients in the DS (+) group showed grade 3 anastomotic leakage. Furthermore, early SRCs were observed in 33 patients (21.6%) and bowel obstruction-related stoma outlet syndrome occurred in 19 patients (12.4%). There was no significant intergroup difference in the incidence of grade 3b postoperative complications. However, the most common reason for reoperation was different in the 2 groups: anastomotic leakage in 91.7% of patients with grade 3b postoperative complications in the DS (-) group, and SRCs in 85.7% of patients with grade 3b postoperative complications in the DS (+) group. Conclusion: Patients with DS showed higher incidence rates of overall postoperative complications, severe postoperative complications (grade 3), and bowel obstruction, including stoma outlet syndrome, than patients without DS. Therefore, it is important to construct an appropriate DS to avoid SRCs and to be more selective in assigning patients for DS construction.

[A Case Report for Peritoneal Recurrences by Laparoscopic Surgery after Colorectal Cancer Resection].

We report a cases report of colorectal cancer who underwent repeated resection for peritoneal recurrences by laparoscopic surgery. In 2013, a 70-year-old woman diagnosed with an ascending colon cancer underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. The pathological diagnosis was tub2, pT4aN1M0, Stage Ⅲb. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy(uracil and tegafur/Leucovorin)was administered. PET-CT performed at 25 months after the surgery because of CEA elevation. It revealed a peritoneal recurrence in the pouch of Douglas. The following peritoneal recurrences were removed by laparoscopic Hartmann's procedure. Chemotherapy(5-fluorouracil/levofolinate/oxaliplatin/bevacizumab)was administered 11 courses and after that chemotherapy(5-fluorouracil/levofolinate/bevacizumab)was administered 6 courses. PET-CT performed 37 months after the second surgery revealed a peritoneal recurrence near the right ovary in the pouch of Douglas. The following peritoneal recurrences was removed. Chemotherapy(tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil/bevacizumab)was administered 11 courses. The long-term survival has been continued for 7 years and 7 months after first operation. It was considered that laparoscopic surgery for peritoneal recurrence in colorectal cancer is contributed to one of the surgical procedures in selected patients.

Effects of COVID-19 on Japanese medical students' knowledge and attitudes toward e-learning in relation to performance on achievement tests.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many educational institutions to turn to electronic learning to allow education to continue under the stay-at-home orders/requests that were commonly instituted in early 2020. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical education in terms of students' attitudes toward online classes and their online accessibility; additionally, we examined the impacts of any disruption caused by the pandemic on achievement test performance based on the test results. The participants were 674 students (412 in pre-clinical, 262 in clinical) at Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine; descriptive analysis was used to examine the respondents' characteristics and responses. The majority of respondents (54.2%) preferred asynchronous classes. Mann-Whitney U tests revealed that while pre-clinical students preferred asynchronous classes significantly more than clinical students (39.6%, p < .001), students who preferred face-to-face classes had significantly higher total achievement test scores (U = 1082, p = .021, r = .22). To examine the impacts of pandemic-induced changes in learning, we conducted Kruskal-Wallis tests and found that the 2020 and 2021 scores were significantly higher than those over the last three years. These results suggest that while medical students may have experienced challenges adapting to electronic learning, the impact of this means of study on their performance on achievement tests was relatively low. Our study found that if possible, face-to-face classes are preferable in an electronic learning environment. However, the benefit of asynchronous classes, such as those that allow multiple viewings, should continue to be recognized even after the pandemic.

[A Case Report of a Giant GIST Markedly Responsive to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Imatinib Mesylate].

Male in his 50s complaining of abdominal pain was referred to our hospital. Abdominal CT scan showed a giant tumor which had diameter of approximately 50 mm in lower rectum. A biopsy specimen was positive for CD34 and c-kit. Based on these findings, it was diagnosed as gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST). We treated the patient with neoadjuvant therapy using imatinib mesylate(IM)to reduce the tumor size and to avoid the extensive surgery. The patient started to take IM at a daily dose of 400 mg. After 3 months, CT and MRI revealed that the tumor size decreased(40% reduction). We performed the robot assisted intersphincteric resection(ISR). Although it has been 28 months since the surgery, there are no obvious signs of recurrence. A patient diagnosed with giant GIST could avoid an extensive surgery due to neoadjuvant therapy with IM.

Laparoscopic Surgery Is Acceptable for Elderly Patients With Colorectal Cancer: A Propensity Score-matched Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The study was performed to examine the suitability of laparoscopic surgery for elderly patients with colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The subjects were 242 patients aged ≥80 years who underwent primary tumor resection of colorectal cancer using laparoscopic assisted colectomy (LAC, n=145) or open colectomy (OC, n=97). Propensity score matching used to balance the characteristics of the groups resulted in 76 patients being assigned to each group. RESULTS: Before matching, Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA-PS), and previous abdominal surgery differed significantly between the groups (p<0.05), but after matching, all covariates were balanced (p≥0.05). Short-term outcomes were better after LAC (p<0.05), including fewer postoperative complications and less delirium. Regarding long-term outcomes, 5-year overall survival did not differ significantly between the groups (p=0.91). CONCLUSION: In elderly patients with colorectal cancer, short-term results are better after LAC than OC and long-term results are similar. These findings indicate that LAC is acceptable in this patient population.

Significance of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with an oxaliplatin-based regimen after simultaneous curative resection for colorectal cancer and synchronous colorectal liver metastasis: a propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Expansion of the indication for liver resection and new regimens for systemic chemotherapy have improved postoperative outcomes for synchronous colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). However, such cases can still have a high recurrence rate, even after curative resection. Therefore, there is a need for postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (POAC) after liver resection in patients with CRLM. There are few studies of the efficacy of POAC with an oxaliplatin-based regimen after simultaneous resection for colorectal cancer and CRLM with curative intent. The goal of the study was to compare POAC with oxaliplatin-based and fluoropyrimidine regimens using propensity score (PS) matching analysis. METHODS: The subjects were 94 patients who received POAC after simultaneous resection for colorectal cancer and synchronous CRLM, and were enrolled retrospectively. The patients were placed in a L-OHP (+) group (POAC with an oxaliplatin-based regimen, n = 47) and a L-OHP (-) group (POAC with a fluoropyrimidine regimen, n = 47). Recurrence-free (RFS), cancer-specific (CSS), unresectable recurrence-free (URRFS), remnant liver recurrence-free (RLRFS), and extrahepatic recurrence-free (EHRFS) survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Before PS matching, the L-OHP (+) and (-) groups had no significant differences in RFS, CSS, URRFS, RLRFS, and EHRFS. Univariate analysis indicated significant differences in age, preoperative serum CEA (≤ 30.0 ng/mL/ > 30.0 ng/mL), differentiation of primary tumor (differentiated/undifferentiated), T classification (T1-3/T4), number of hepatic lesions and maximum diameter of the hepatic lesion between the L-OHP (+) and (-) groups. After PS matching using these confounders, RFS was significantly better among patients in the L-OHP (+) group compared with the L-OHP (-) group (HR 0.40, 95% CI 0.17-0.96, p = 0.04). In addition, there was a trend towards better RLRFS among patients in the L-OHP (+) group compared with the L-OHP (-) group (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.17-1.02, p = 0.055). However, there were no significant differences in CSS, URRFS and EHRFS between the L-OHP (+) and (-) groups. CONCLUSIONS: PS matching analysis demonstrated the efficacy of POAC with an oxaliplatin-based regimen in RFS and RLRFS.

Angiopoietin-2 as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Incurable Stage IV Colorectal Cancer.

PURPOSE: Angiopoietin (Ang), a ligand of the endothelium-specific receptor Tie-2 system, is associated with tumor growth and progression that depend on angiogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the predictive potential of angiopoietin factors in incurable stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who have undergone primary tumor resection. METHODS: The study included 40 consecutive patients with incurable stage IV CRC who underwent primary tumor resection at our hospital between 2011 and 2015. Patients were divided into subgroups of low and high Ang-1, Ang-2, and Tie-2. Patient age and sex, tumor location, TNM stages, vascular invasion, chemotherapy, and overall survival were assessed. RESULTS: The cut-off values of Ang-1, Ang-2, and Tie-2 were 0.4, 1.8, and 15.0 ng/mL, respectively. Overall survival was significantly longer in the low Ang-2 group than in the high Ang-2 group. High Ang-2 levels were associated with age, N stage, and chemotherapy. Immunofluorescent staining of Ang-2 revealed that endothelial cells and cancer cells expressed Ang-2 in each case. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the serum Ang-2 level is associated with disease progression and is an important predictor of mortality in incurable stage IV CRC patients. Thus, it may be a useful prognostic biomarker in these patients.

Self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement or emergency surgery as palliative treatment for obstructive colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Previous meta-analyses on palliative treatment of malignant colorectal obstruction with Self-Expandable Metal Stent (SEMS) or emergency surgery reported contradictory results for morbidity, and frequently included extracolonic obstruction. Therefore, the current meta-analysis aimed to exclusively analyze palliative treatment for primary obstructive colorectal cancer, with early complication rate as a primary outcome. A systematic literature search was performed on studies comparing palliative SEMS and emergency surgery. Corresponding authors were contacted for additional data. Eighteen studies were selected (1518 patients). Early complication rate was 13.6 % for SEMS and 25.5 % for emergency surgery (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.46, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.29-0.74). Mortality was 3.9 % and 9.4 % (OR 0.44, 0.28-0.69). Stomas were present in 14.3 % and 51.4 % of patients (OR 0.17, 0.09-0.31). More late complications occurred after SEMS (23.2 % versus 9.8 %, OR 2.55, 1.70-3.83), mostly due to SEMS obstruction. In conclusion, SEMS placement seems the preferred treatment of obstructing colorectal cancer in the palliative setting.

Simultaneous robot-assisted surgery for rectal cancer and prostatic lesions.

Robotic surgery has become prevalent in many departments all over the world because of its usefulness. It is used in many cases, as well as in gastrointestinal surgery, which treats the rectum as pelvic surgery, urology and gynecology. We experienced two cases of joint surgery, with urology as pelvic surgery. The patient underwent robot-assisted low anterior resection, combined prostate resection and ileostomy for prostate invasion of rectal cancer. He was discharged without any complications. Robotic surgery was considered to be useful in surgery to manipulate the same area. In addition, it was considered that smoother and safer surgical procedure could be possible by conducting preoperative meetings with the participating departments.

Using the polymeric circulating tumor cell chip to capture circulating tumor cells in blood samples of patients with colorectal cancer.

The current study clarified the accuracy of a circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection system to diagnose colorectal cancer using blood samples. The system uses the 'polymeric CTC-chip,' (CTC-chip), which is a microfluidic device that is used for CTC isolation. CTCs are considered sensitive diagnostic biomarkers. However, their concentration in the peripheral blood is low and requires highly sensitive and specific capturing techniques. The capture efficiency of the polymeric CTC-chip was first assessed using cell suspensions of the colorectal cancer cell line HCT-116, which was reported as 90.9% in a phosphate-buffered saline suspension and 65.0% in the blood. The CTC-chip was then used to detect CTCs in blood samples obtained from 13 patients with stage II-IV colorectal cancer. On average, the CTCs/ml was lower in patients with stages II and III colorectal cancer (3.3±2.3) than in those with stage IV (7.0±6.2). In patients with stages II-IV, 92% had ≥1 CTC per ml, which was significantly higher than the positive rate (15%) detected using the carbohydrate antigen 19-9 test (CA19-9). Furthermore, CTCs were detected in all patients with stage II and III colorectal cancer, including a number of patients with negative results for the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA19-9 tests. With the polymeric CTC-chip detection system, CTCs can be effective cancer markers, particularly for patients with stage II and III colorectal cancer who often exhibit negative conventional serum marker test results. The CTC-chip system may also facilitate the detection of cancer progression based on CTC concentration.

Experience in the use of a device to attach an anti-adhesion-absorption barrier film to the abdominal cavity in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

The use of laparoscopic surgery is widespread worldwide and is becoming the standard procedure. Postoperative adhesion, which is one of the typical postoperative complications, is considered to be less likely to occur compared with open surgery. However, once complications, such as small bowel obstruction or chronic abdominal pain, occur due to adhesion, the minimal invasiveness can be greatly impaired, and it can also become costly from a medical economics perspective. In the past, anti-adhesion absorption barrier films have been used to prevent adhesion, but there are many cases in which laparoscopic techniques are required, depending on the site of intraperitoneal attachment. Herein, we report a device that can easily attach an absorbent barrier preparation.

Current status of venous thromboembolism development during the perioperative period for colorectal cancer, its prevention with enoxaparin, and monitoring methods.

Background: There is a high incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) during the perioperative period for cancer. Therefore, there is an urgent need to elucidate the perioperative onset and appropriate prophylaxis for VTE. Purpose: VTE during the perioperative period for colorectal cancer was evaluated by lower limb venous ultrasonic examinations (lower limb echo) under enoxaparin prophylaxis. We also examined the relationship between hemorrhagic adverse events and anti-Xa factor activity. Patients and methods: Eighty-three subjects who underwent lower limb echo during the perioperative period for colorectal cancer were prospectively included. Enoxaparin was administered for 5 days, from day 1 to day 5 after surgery. Lower limb echo was performed before surgery and on day 5 after surgery. The activated partial thromboplastin time, D-dimer levels, and anti-Xa factor activity were measured before surgery and on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 after surgery. Results: VTEs before surgery were observed on lower limb echo for 16 patients (19.2%). Three patients (3.6%) had a new thrombus during the perioperative period. The preoperative D-dimer level was an independent prognostic factor for newly formed postoperative VTEs (p=0.0036; odds ratio, 19.37). Three patients (3.6%) had hemorrhagic events; however, there was no significant trend for anti-Xa factor activity. Conclusion: VTE prevention using enoxaparin was relatively safe, and D-dimer measurements before surgery were useful for predicting perioperative VTE.

Colorectal Perforation in Patients with Connective Tissue Disease.

PURPOSE: The goal of this retrospective study was to identify prognostic factors associated with mortality after surgery for colorectal perforation among patients with connective tissue disease (CTD) and to review postoperative outcomes based on these prognostic factors. METHODS: The subjects were 105 patients (CTD group: n=26, 24.8%; non-CTD group: n=79, 75.2%) who underwent surgery for colorectal perforation at our department. Cases with iatrogenic perforation due to colonoscopic examination were excluded from the study. We retrospectively investigated perioperative clinicopathological factors in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal perforation. RESULTS: There were 7 patients (6.7%) who died within 28 days after surgery in all patients. In multivariate analysis, CTD and fecal peritonitis emerged as significant independent prognostic factors (p=0.005, odds ratio=12.39; p=0.04, odds ratio=7.10, respectively). There were 5 patients (19.2%) who died within 28 days after surgery in the CTD group. In multivariate analysis, fecal peritonitis emerged as a significant independent prognostic factor in the CTD group (p=0.03, odds ratio=31.96). The cumulative survival curve in the CTD group was significantly worse than that in the non-CTD group (p=0.006). An analysis based on the presence of fecal peritonitis indicated no significant difference in cumulative survival curves for patients without fecal peritonitis in the CTD and non-CTD groups (p=0.55) but a significant difference in these curves for patients with fecal peritonitis in the two groups (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that cumulative survival in patients with CTD is significantly worse than that in patients without CTD after surgery for colorectal perforation.

Effectiveness of Endoscopic Sclerotherapy with Aluminum Potassium Sulfate and Tannic Acid as a Non-Surgical Treatment for Internal Hemorrhoids.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Sclerotherapy with aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid (ALTA) has a potent effect on internal hemorrhoids. In this retrospective study, we compared the effects of endoscopic ALTA therapy and standard ALTA therapy. METHODS: We investigated patients who underwent treatment for internal hemorrhoids at our institution between 2014 and 2016. They were divided into a standard ALTA group (n=33, treated using proctoscopy) and an endoscopic ALTA group (n=48). We compared the clinical findings between the 2 groups. RESULTS: There were no intergroup differences in background factors. The mean ALTA dose was 21.9±7.2 mL and 17.8±3.4 mL in the standard and endoscopic ALTA groups, respectively (p<0.01). Adverse events occurred in 4 patients (12.1%) from the standard ALTA group and 6 patients (12.5%) from the endoscopic ALTA group. In both groups, the patients reported good satisfaction with the therapeutic effect at 1 month after the procedure. Hemorrhoids recurred in 2 patients (6.3%) from the standard ALTA group and 4 patients (8.3%) from the endoscopic ALTA group. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ALTA sclerotherapy is equivalent to standard ALTA therapy in terms of efficacy, adverse events, and recurrence. Therefore, it is a useful non-surgical option for patients with internal hemorrhoids who prefer a less invasive treatment.

[A Case of Good Quality of Life(QOL)and Favorable Response to Transarterial Chemoembolization(TACE)against Synchronous Multiple Liver Metastases].

We report a case of good quality of life(QOL)and favorable response to transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)against synchronous multiple liver metastases. An 85-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of melena. Colonoscopy showed multiple type 2 tumors in the sigmoid colon and upper rectum. CT and EOB-MRI examinations revealed that there were multiple liver metastases. Because of his age and surgical stress, he underwent a laparoscopic Hartmann's procedure. After the resection of the primary tumor, he received tegafur/uracil for his liver metastases. However, he discontinued receiving the drugs 2 weeks later because of the development of adverse events. Instead of systemic chemotherapy, he chose to undergo TACE. He underwent TACE with irinotecan and HepaSphereTM(BioSphere Medical)8 times for his multiple liver metastases. Consequently, all multiple liver metastases disappeared. Therefore, TACE may be useful for patients who are not suitable for systemic chemotherapy.