Risk Factors of Postoperative Complication and Hospital Mortality after Colorectal Perforation Surgery.

Objectives: Colorectal perforation is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates after surgery. We investigated various clinical features of patients who underwent emergency surgery for colorectal perforation and explored the risk factors for postoperative complications and hospital mortality. Methods: Data from 147 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal perforation were retrospectively reviewed. We investigated various clinical and operative factors, including inflammation-based prognostic scores (IBPSs), and evaluated the risk factors for postoperative complications and hospital mortality due to colorectal perforation. Results: Among 147 patients, the most frequent postoperative complication was wound infection (32 cases, 21.8%), followed by intra-abdominal abscesses (27 cases, 18.4%) after surgery for colorectal perforation. Time from onset to surgery ≥ 2 days (Hazard ratio [HR] = 2.810, p = 0.0383) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) < 30 (HR = 3.190, p = 0.0488) were identified as risk factors for intra-abdominal abscess, while neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) < 6.15 (HR = 5.020, p = 0.0009) was identified as a risk factor for wound infection. Time from onset to surgery ≥ 2 days (HR = 7.713, p = 0.0492), severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ IIIa) (HR = 10.98, p = 0.0281), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) < 144 (HR = 18.84, p = 0.0190) were independent predictive factors for hospital mortality. Conclusions: Time from onset to surgery and IBPSs such as PNI, NLR, and PLR, may be associated with postoperative complications and hospital mortality due to colorectal perforation.

Prognostic Factors of Preoperative Examinations for Non-occlusive Mesenteric Ischemia: A Multicenter Retrospective Project Study Conducted by the Japanese Society for Abdominal Emergency Medicine.

BACKGROUND: Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) has a high mortality rate, but the analyses of preoperative prognostic factors for improving survival in patients suspected of having NOMI are scarce. We aimed to analyze the prognostic factors of preoperative examinations for NOMI. METHODS: The clinical data of 224 patients with NOMI were retrospectively collected for a multicenter survey. Clinicophysiological factors were compared between the survivors and non-survivors (N = 107/117) and between the operative and non-operative cases (N = 180/44) by univariate analysis using chi-square test and multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazard models. In the operative cases, the prognostic operative factors were also analyzed. RESULTS: The overall mortality rate for NOMI was 52.2%. There were 129 male and 95 female patients. The mean age was 71.23 (14-94) years. Univariate analysis showed that cardiovascular complication, shock, abdominal pain, average blood pressure, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, aspartic aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, base excess, prothrombin time-international normalized ratio, D-dimer, and fibrinogen degradation products were independent prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis showed that average blood pressure and base excess were independent prognostic factors. Among patients undergoing surgery, those with bowel resection had better prognosis than those without bowel resection, but those with long bowel resection had worse prognosis than those with short resection. Additional postoperative treatment was not effective compared with operation alone (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Prognostic factors of preoperative examinations for NOMI were average blood pressure and base excess. Patients with long bowel resection should be carefully monitored owing to their poor prognosis.

The evolution of surgical treatment for gastrointestinal cancers.

INTRODUCTION: According to the latest Japanese nationwide estimates, over a million Japanese people are newly diagnosed with cancer each year. Since gastrointestinal cancers account for more than 40% of all cancer-related deaths, it is imperative to formulate effective strategies to control them. MATERIALS AND METHODS, AND RESULTS: Basic drug discovery research Our research has revealed that the abnormal expression of regulators of chromosomal stability is a cause of cancers and identified an effective compound against cancers with chromosomal instability. We revealed the molecular mechanism of peritoneal dissemination of cancer cells via the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis to CAR-like cells and identified an MEK inhibitor effective against these tumors. Residual tumor cells after chemotherapy in colorectal cancer are LGR5-positive cancer stem cells and their ability to eliminate reactive oxygen species is elevated. The development of surgical procedures and devices In cases of gastric tube reconstruction for esophageal cancer, we determined the anastomotic line for evaluating the blood flow using ICG angiography and measuring the tissue O2 metabolism. We established a novel gastric reconstruction method (book-binding technique) for gastric cancer and a new rectal reconstruction method focusing on the intra-intestinal pressure resistance for rectal cancer. We established a novel tissue fusion method, which allows contact-free local heating and retains tissue viability with very little damage, and developed an understanding of the collagen-related processes that underpin laser-induced tissue fusion. Strategy to prevent carcinogenesis We succeeded in cleaving hepatitis B virus DNA integrated into the nucleus of hepatocytes using genome editing tools. The development of HCC from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may be prevented by metabolic surgery. CONCLUSION: We believe that these efforts will help to significantly improve the gastrointestinal cancer treatment and survival.

Usability of Intraoperative Fluorescence Imaging with Indocyanine Green During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy After Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Drainage.

BACKGROUND: Patients with persistent symptoms of acute cholecystitis for >72 h who cannot undergo urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) often undergo percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) and delayed LC. However, intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence with indocyanine green (ICG) has recently become available in various surgical settings. Therefore, we evaluated the usability of intraoperative fluorescence imaging with ICG for LC after PTGBD in patients with acute cholecystitis. METHODS: The preoperative and postoperative clinical characteristics of patients who underwent LC after PTGBD were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 130 patients were reviewed. Intraoperative ICG fluorescence imaging was used in 39 (30.0%) patients, and none developed adverse reactions. Patients with ICG fluorescence imaging had a significantly shorter operative time (129 ± 46 vs. 150 ± 56 min, p = 0.0455), markedly lower conversion rate (2.6% vs. 22.0%, p = 0.0017), and lower proportion of subtotal cholecystectomy (0.0% vs. 6.6%, p = 0.0359) than patients without ICG fluorescence imaging. Independent risk factors for conversion to laparotomy during LC after PTGBD were the performance of PTGBD after 48 h from onset (OR 3.52; 95% CI 1.11-12.21; p = 0.0322), an unremoved PTGBD tube on LC (4.48, 1.46-15.00, p = 0.0084), and surgery without ICG (8.00, 1.28-159.47, p = 0.0231). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative ICG fluorescence imaging produced better surgical outcomes without any adverse reactions. Early performance of PTGBD and intraoperative ICG fluorescence imaging can reduce the surgical difficulties in LC after PTGBD for acute cholecystitis.

Prognostic Significance of Postoperative Complications After Curative Resection for Patients With Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to elucidate the impact of postoperative complications on long-term survival after curative resection for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. BACKGROUND: The relation between postoperative complications and long-term survival after curative surgery for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is controversial; thus, this issue should be resolved with a large-scale, well-designed study. METHODS: Clinicopathological features and survival of 580 consecutive patients who received curative resection for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were investigated according to the development of postoperative pulmonary complications and anastomotic leakage. RESULTS: The 5-year survival rates of patients with pStage 0, I, and II disease with postoperative complications (n = 116) were significantly poorer than those of patients without postoperative complications (n = 288) (overall 69.6% vs 46.9%, P < 0.0001; disease-specific; 76.7% vs 58.9%, P < 0.0022), whereas no differences were found in patients with pStage III and IV disease (n = 176). In the univariate and multivariate analyses for disease-specific survival, pT3, pT4, pN positivity, and development of postoperative complications were significant prognostic factors in all patients. Also, when the analysis was limited to the pStage 0, I, and II patients, development of postoperative complications, and pT3, pT4, and pN positivity, were found to be independent poor prognostic factors in multivariate analyses (hazard ratio: 1.56, 95% confidence interval, 1.01-2.41, P = 0.0476). CONCLUSIONS: The development of postoperative complications is an independent disease-specific poor prognostic factor after curative resection for patients with less-advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Clinicopathological Features of Cervical Esophageal Cancer: Retrospective Analysis of 63 Consecutive Patients Who Underwent Surgical Resection.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this retrospective study were to elucidate the clinicopathological features and recent surgical results of cervical esophageal cancer. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Cervical esophageal cancer has been reported to have a dismal prognosis. Accurate knowledge of the clinical characteristics of cervical esophageal cancer is warranted to establish appropriate therapeutic strategies. METHODS: The clinicopathological features and treatment results of 63 consecutive patients with cervical esophageal cancer (Ce group) who underwent surgical resection from 1980 to 2013 were analyzed and compared with 977 patients with thoracic or abdominal esophageal cancer (T/A group) who underwent surgical resection during that time. RESULTS: Among the patients who received curative resection, the 5-year overall and disease-specific survival rates of the Ce patients were significantly better than those of the T/A patients (overall: 77.3% vs 46.5%, respectively, P = 0.0067; disease-specific: 81.9% vs 55.8%, respectively, P = 0.0135). Although total pharyngo-laryngo-esophagectomy procedures were less frequently performed in the recent period, the rate of curative surgical procedures was markedly higher in the recent period (2000-1013) than that in the early period (1980-1999) (44.4% vs 88.9%, P = 0.0001). The 5-year overall survival rate in the recent period (71.5%) was significantly better than that in the early period (40.7%, P = 0.0342). CONCLUSIONS: Curative resection for cervical esophageal cancer contributes to favorable outcomes compared with other esophageal cancers. Recent surgical results for cervical esophageal cancer have improved, and include an increased rate of curative resection and decreased rate of extensive surgery.

Distant lymph node metastases caused by esophageal cancer invasion to the lamina propria: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pathological examination after endoscopic submucosal dissection revealed that a 62-year-old male had esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with lamina propria mucosal invasion and lymphatic permeation. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient underwent subtotal esophagectomy and reconstruction as an additional therapy. At 3 years and 4 months after esophagectomy, enlargement of abdominal para-aortic lymph nodes metastases was detected by computed tomography scanning. A total of 50.4 Gy of radiation and two cycles of 5-fluorouracil plus cisplatin were administered. The lymph node metastases were markedly reduced by chemoradiotherapy; however, at 1 year and 1 month later (4 years and 5 months after esophagectomy), left adrenal gland recurrence was found. Although resection was performed, the patient died from cancer progression at 5 years and 4 months after esophagectomy. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates that esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with invasion to the lamina propria and lymphatic permeation has the potential to cause distant metastases.

Development of fistula between esophagogastric anastomotic site and cartilage portion of trachea after subtotal esophagectomy for cervical esophageal cancer: a case report.

A 65-year-old man with cT3N2M0 stage III cervical esophageal cancer underwent subtotal esophagectomy and gastric tube reconstruction through the retrosternal route after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The anastomosis was located adjacent to the left side of the trachea, and a circular stapler was used for anastomosis. Postoperative anastomotic leakage occurred, and an esophagotracheal fistula between the esophagogastric anastomotic site and cartilage portion of the trachea was observed on postoperative day 44. The patient underwent division of the fistula, direct suturing of the anastomotic leakage site, left pectoralis major muscle flap placement, and tracheotomy. He was discharged home on postoperative day 120 on an oral diet. All previous reports of tracheobronchial fistula describe the occurrence of the fistula at the membranous portion of the trachea. The formation of a fistula between the esophagogastric anastomotic site and cartilage portion of the trachea is considered a possible complication when a high esophagogastric anastomosis is created.

Treatment results of two-stage operation for the patients with esophageal cancer concomitant with liver dysfunction.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to clarify the usefulness of two-stage operation for the patients with esophageal cancer who have liver dysfunction. METHODS: Eight patients with esophageal cancer concomitant with liver dysfunction who underwent two-stage operation were analyzed. The patients initially underwent an esophagectomy, a cervical esophagostomy and a tube jejunostomy, and reconstruction with gastric tube was performed after the recovery of patients' condition. RESULTS: The average time of the 1(st) and 2(nd) stage operation was 410.0 min and 438.9 min, respectively. The average amount of blood loss in the 1(st) and 2(nd) stage operation was 433.5 ml and 1556.8 ml, respectively. The average duration between the operations was 29.8 days. The antesternal route was selected for 5 patients (62.5%) and the retrosternal route was for 3 patients (37.5%). In the 1(st) stage operation, no postoperative complications were observed, while, complications developed in 5 (62.5%) patients, including 4 anastomotic leakages, after the 2(nd) stage operation. Pneumonia was not observed through two-stage operation. No in-hospital death was experienced. CONCLUSION: A two-stage operation might prevent the occurrence of critical postoperative complications for the patients with esophageal cancer concomitant with liver dysfunction.

Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy for RGC: Four Case Reports.

Surgery for RGC can generally be difficult because of the severity of intra-abdominal adhesion due to past gastrectomy. Laparoscopic gastrectomy for RGC has been reported in some cases, but the adequacy of this procedure is still unclear. Herein we report four cases of RGC that underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy at our Hospital and discuss the benefit of the laparoscopic approach for RGC.

[Indocyanine green injection method for evaluating blood flow of gastric tube on esophageal cancer surgery].

The blood flow of esophageal substitute has been subjectively evaluated by surgeons. HyperEye Medical System (HEMS) allows for the visualization of the fluorescent image of indocyanine green (ICG) enhanced by near-infrared light among the surrounding vivid color images. We applied HEMS for evaluating the blood flow of right gastroepiploic artery and tissue blood flow of whole gastric tube during operation. Quantification of arterial blood flow and venous return has also been now developing for objective evaluation. We hope HEMS contributes to development of surgical results on various fields by establishing quantification of blood flow and clinical application.

Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors after surgery for non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: To date, no large-scale study has been undertaken to understand the clinical features of non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) after surgery. We thus performed a multicenter investigation to clarify the clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of NOMI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical databases from 22 Japanese facilities were reviewed for evaluation of patients who received surgery for NOMI between 2004 and 2012. NOMI patients (n = 51) were divided into two groups: group I (n = 28) consisted of patients who survived, and group II (n = 23) consisted of patients who did not survived. Prognostic factors were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: NOMI surgery represented 0.04% of the total number of operations performed in this time period. The overall mortality rate for NOMI surgery was 45%. Hemodialysis was a significant negative prognostic factor (p = 0.027). Preoperative elevation of transaminases, potassium, and white blood cell count, as well as metabolic acidosis and colon ischemia was poor prognostic factors. The mean Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity (POSSUM) score of group I versus group II was 54.5 ± 3.6 and 85.2 ± 4.1, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Currently, NOMI surgery has a 45% mortality rate. POSSUM scores can be used to predict the clinical outcome of patients who receive NOMI surgery.

Prospective randomized controlled trial investigating the type of sutures used during hepatectomy.

AIM: To determine whether absorbable sutures or non-absorbable sutures are better in preventing surgical site infection (SSI), in this paper we discuss the results of a randomized clinical trial which examined the type of sutures used during hepatectomy. METHODS: All hepatic resections performed from January 2007 to November 2008 at the Department of Surgery at Iizuka Hospital in Japan were included in this study. There were 125 patients randomly assigned to an absorbable sutures (Vicryl) group or non-absorbable sutures (Silk) group. RESULTS: SSI was observed in 13.6% (17/125) patients participating in this study, 11.3% in the Vicryl group and 15.8% in the Silk group. Incisional SSI including superficial and deep SSI, was observed in 8% of the Vicryl group and 9.5% of the Silk group. Organ/space SSI was observed in 3.2% of the Vicryl group and 6.0% of the Silk group. There were no significant differences, but among the patients with SSI, the period for recovery was significantly shorter for the Vicryl group compared to the Silk group. CONCLUSION: The incidence of SSI in patients receiving absorbable sutures and silk sutures is not significantly different in this randomized controlled study; however, the period for recovery in patients with SSI was significantly shorter for absorbable sutures.