Long-term prognosis after stapled and hand-sewn ileal pouch-anal anastomoses for familial adenomatous polyposis: a multicenter retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The long-term prognosis of stapled and hand-sewn ileal pouch-anal anastomoses in familial adenomatous polyposis patients in Japan remains unknown. This study aimed to compare the overall survival in familial adenomatous polyposis patients who underwent stapled or hand-sewn ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study was conducted at 12 institutions in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. The clinical outcomes of 53 eligible familial adenomatous polyposis patients who underwent stapled (n = 24) and hand-sewn (n = 29) ileal pouch-anal anastomosis were compared. RESULTS: The median follow-up duration was 171.5 months. The incidence of adenoma in the remnant rectum or anal transitional zone and metachronous rectal cancer was significantly more common in stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (adenoma: stapled, 45.8%, vs. hand-sewn, 10.3%, p = 0.005; metachronous rectal cancer: 29.2%, vs. none, p = 0.002). The number of deaths was remarkably higher in stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (p = 0.002). Metachronous rectal cancer was the most common cause of death. Overall survival was worse in stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis than in hand-sewn ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (120 months, 90.7% vs. 96.6%; 240 months, 63.7% vs. 96.6%; p = 0.044). Cox regression analysis revealed the independent effects of preoperative advanced colorectal cancer and stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis on overall survival. CONCLUSION: Stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis negatively affected the overall survival of familial adenomatous polyposis patients. Therefore, hand-sewn ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is recommended for better prognosis in these patients.

Using a multistep approach with multidisciplinary team to increase the diagnosis rate of Lynch syndrome-associated colorectal cancer after universal screening: a single-center study in Japan.

BACKGROUNDS: This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the rates of genetic counseling and genetic testing as well as the diagnosis rate of Lynch syndrome (LS)-associated colorectal cancer before and after multistep approach with multidisciplinary team in Japanese. METHODS: In September 2016, we started universal screening for LS by mismatch repair protein immunohistochemistry and prospectively collected the records. Following patient interviews, we started multistep approach with multidisciplinary team (MA) in January 2020. MA consists of six surgeons, one genetic counselor, one medical geneticist, and six pathologists. MA is set up to compensate for patients' lack of knowledge about genetic diseases and make case selection for elderly colorectal cancer patients with deficient mismatch repair (dMMR). MA is designed as a system that could be performed by a small number of medical genetic specialists. A total of 522 patients were included during the study duration, 323 and 199 patients in the pre-MA (P-MA) and MA groups, respectively. RESULTS: The frequency of dMMR in all patients was 10.0%. The patient interview results indicated a significant lack of patient education regarding genetic diseases. The rates of genetic counseling and genetic testing was significantly higher in MA group than in P-MA group (genetic counseling: MA 34.6% vs. P-MA 7.7%, p = 0.04; genetic testing: MA 30.8% vs. P-MA 3.8%, p = 0.02). Moreover, the diagnosis rate of LS-associated colorectal cancer was significantly higher in MA group (2.5%) than in P-MA group (0.3%) (P = 0.03). In addition, MA could be performed without problems despite the small number of medical and human genetics specialists. CONCLUSIONS: MA has achieved appropriate pickup of suspected hereditary colorectal cancer patients and complemented the lack of knowledge about genetic diseases. The introduction of MA increased LS-associated colorectal cancer after universal screening. MA is an appropriate LS screening protocol for Japanese patients who lag behind in medical and human genetics education.

Long-term Prognostic Impact of Metachronous Rectal Cancer in Patients With Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: A Single-center Retrospective Study.

AIM: To evaluate the risk factors and long-term prognosis of metachronous rectal cancer in the remnant rectum of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-five patients (49 families) who underwent prophylactic surgery, including bowel resection, for FAP between January 1976 and August 2022 at Hamamatsu University Hospital were included and divided into two groups based on the presence of metachronous rectal cancer. Risk factors for metachronous rectal cancer development were analysed in cases treated with total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) and stapled total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) (IRA, n=22; stapled IPAA n=20; total, n=42). RESULTS: The median surveillance period was 169 months. Twelve patients developed metachronous rectal cancer (IRA, n=5; stapled IPAA, n=7), of which six with advanced cancer died. Patients who temporarily dropped out of surveillance were significantly more likely to have metachronous rectal cancer (metachronous vs. non-metachronous rectal cancer: 33.3% vs. 1.9%, p<0.01). The mean duration of surveillance suspension was 87.8 months. Cox regression analysis revealed that temporary surveillance drop-out independently affected the risk (p=0.04). The overall survival associated with metachronous rectal cancer was 83.3% at 1 year and 41.7% at 5 years. Overall survival was significantly worse in advanced cancer than in early cancer cases (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Temporary drop-out from surveillance was a risk factor for metachronous rectal cancer development, and advanced cancer had a poor prognosis. Continuous surveillance of patients with FAP, without temporary drop-out, is strongly recommended.

Prevention of ureteral injury during laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery with horseshoe kidney using fluorescent ureteral catheters: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Horseshoe kidney is one of the most common congenital renal fusion anomalies and is characterized by abnormalities in the position, rotation, vascular supply, and ureteral anatomy of the kidney. When performing surgery for colorectal cancer in patients with horseshoe kidneys, anatomical identification is important to avoid organ injuries. Several reports on surgery for colorectal cancer with horseshoe kidneys have described the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) angiography for detecting abnormalities in vascular supply. However, few reports have focused on the prevention of ureteral injury in surgery for colorectal cancer with horseshoe kidney, despite abnormalities in the ureteral anatomy. Here, we report a case in which laparoscopic sigmoid colon resection for sigmoid colon cancer with a horseshoe kidney was safely performed using fluorescent ureteral catheters. CASE PRESENTATION: A 60-year-old Japanese man presented to our hospital testing positive for fecal occult blood. Colonoscopy revealed sigmoid colon cancer, and CT confirmed a horseshoe kidney. The 3D-CT angiography showed aberrant renal arteries from the aorta and right common iliac artery, and the left ureter passed across the front of the renal isthmus. A fluorescent ureteral catheter was placed in the left ureter before the surgery to prevent ureteral injury. Laparoscopic sigmoid colon resection with D3 lymph node dissection was performed. The fluorescent ureteral catheter enabled the identification of the left ureter that passed across the front of the renal isthmus and the safe mobilization of the descending and sigmoid colon from the retroperitoneum. The operative time was 214 min, with intraoperative bleeding of 25 mL. The patient's postoperative course was good: no complications arose and she was discharged on the seventh postoperative day. CONCLUSION: In patients with horseshoe kidney, the use of fluorescent ureteral catheters and 3D-CT angiography enables safer laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer. We recommend the placement of fluorescent ureteral catheters in such surgeries to prevent ureteral injury.

Analysis of external pressure on the left calf in the Lloyd-Davies position during colorectal surgery.

PURPOSE: Well-leg compartment syndrome (WLCS) is a potentially life-threatening postoperative complication related to the Lloyd-Davies surgical position, which can place increased external pressure on the calf region. We conducted this study to analyze external pressure changes, by applying a leg holder system to the left calf region of patients placed in the Lloyd-Davies position during laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: The study participants were 50 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in the Lloyd-Davies position. We assessed the maximum external pressure (MEP) on the left calf region using a pressure-distribution measurement system. Intraoperative measurements were taken continuously, and the MEP was evaluated with the patient horizontal and every 30 min during surgery in the head and right-down tilt position. RESULTS: The intraoperative MEP increased gradually when the patient was in the head and right-down tilt position and decreased when the patient was returned to the horizontal position. The MEP was higher in patients aged < 60 years, those who were obese, and those with a thick calf circumference. Both body mass index (BMI) and the maximum left calf circumference (MLCC) were found to correlate with the MEP. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to a high BMI, which is a well-known risk factor for WLCS, a high MLCC should be considered another risk factor, especially for patients under 60 years.

Long-term prognosis of familial adenomatous polyposis with or without mucosectomy.

PURPOSE: This study primarily aimed to compare the long-term prognosis of patients who underwent total colectomy/proctocolectomy with or without mucosectomy to the dentate line for the diagnosis of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). METHODS: Patients who underwent total colectomy/proctocolectomy for FAP between January 1979 and December 2020 and were followed up at Hamamatsu University Hospital were included in this study. Those who underwent total proctocolectomy with hand-sewn ileal pouch-anal anastomosis were defined as the mucosectomy group. Those who underwent total colectomy or total proctocolectomy using the stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis approach were defined as the no mucosectomy group. RESULTS: A total of 61 individuals (37 families) were diagnosed during the surveillance period (median, 191 months). Between the mucosectomy (n = 24) and no mucosectomy groups (n = 34), metachronous rectal cancer was significantly more common in the no mucosectomy group (21% in no mucosectomy vs. 0% in mucosectomy, P = 0.02). Overall survival in the no mucosectomy group was worse than that in the mucosectomy group (84.5% in no mucosectomy vs. 100% in mucosectomy at 120 months, 81.1% vs. 90.0% at 240 months, 50.6% vs. 75.0% at 360 months, P = 0.09). Cox regression analysis revealed an independent effect of not performing mucosectomy on overall survival (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Long-term surveillance revealed that colectomy or total proctocolectomy without mucosectomy had a negative impact on the overall survival of patients with FAP. Therefore, we recommend total proctocolectomy with mucosectomy, i.e., hand-sewn ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, for FAP.

Mismatch repair proteins immunohistochemical null phenotype in colon medullary carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: In mismatch repair (MMR) immunohistochemistry, four MMR proteins' staining pattern reveals which particular gene may be defective. However, in the null phenotype, four MMR proteins are lost; consequently, it will be challenging to assume the target gene by immunohistochemistry and to determine whether deficient MMR was sporadic or germline. CASE REPORT: A 70-year-old man underwent right hemicolectomy with the diagnosis of ascending colon cancer. The postoperative histopathology revealed the diagnosis of medullary carcinoma and the loss of all four MMR expressions in immunohistochemistry. The mutation analysis using a peripheral blood sample showed no germline mutations in the four genes. DISCUSSION: This clinical case presents an unusual colon carcinoma that showed a MMR protein immunohistochemistry null phenotype. The cause of expression loss of MMR proteins can be explained by the loss of MLH1 and MSH2 functions associated with somatic loss of function mutations, functional loss in all four MMR proteins associated with somatic loss of function mutations, or Lynch-like syndrome. Correct interpretation and accumulation of relevant cases are necessary to unveil unusual cases in the era of universal screening.

Daikenchuto increases blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery in humans: A comparison study between four-dimensional phase-contrast vastly undersampled isotropic projection reconstruction magnetic resonance imaging and Doppler ultrasound.

Respiratory-gated four-dimensional phase-contrast vastly undersampled isotropic projection reconstruction (4D PC-VIPR) is magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technique that enables analysis of vascular morphology and hemodynamics in a single examination using cardiac phase resolved 3D phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging. The present study aimed to assess the usefulness of 4D PC-VIPR for the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) flowmetry before and after flow increase was induced by the herbal medicine Daikenchuto (TJ-100) by comparing it with Doppler ultrasound (DUS) as a current standard. Twenty healthy volunteers were enrolled in this prospective single-arm study. The peak cross-sectionally averaged velocity was measured by 4D PC-VIPR, peak velocity was measured by DUS, and flow volume (FV) of SMA and aorta were measured by 4D PC-VIPR and DUS 25 min before and after the peroral administration of TJ-100. The peak cross-sectionally averaged velocity, peak velocity, and FV of SMA measured by 4D PC-VIPR and DUS significantly increased after administration of TJ-100 (4D PC-VIPR: the peak cross-sectionally averaged velocity; p = 0.004, FV; p = 0.035, DUS: the peak velocity; p = 0.003, FV; p = 0.010). Furthermore, 4D PC-VIPR can analyze multiple blood vessels simultaneously. The ratio of the SMA FV to the aorta, before and after oral administration on the 4D PC-VIPR test also increased (p = 0.015). The rate of change assessed by 4D PC-VIPR and DUS were significantly correlated (the peak cross-sectionally averaged velocity and peak velocity: r = 0.650; p = 0.005, FV: r = 0.659; p = 0.004). Retrospective 4D PC-VIPR was a useful modality for morphological and hemodynamic analysis of SMA.

Usefulness of a finger-mounted tissue oximeter with near-infrared spectroscopy for evaluating the intestinal oxygenation and viability in rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the utility of the device for evaluating intestinal oxygenation and viability using an animal model. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats underwent laparotomy under general anesthesia, and the blood vessels in the terminal ileum were clamped to create ischemia. We measured the regional tissue oxygenation saturation (rSO2) using an oximeter after 1, 3, and 6 h of vessel clamping. Ischemic tissue damage was assessed using a histological score. The intestine was reperfused after each clamping period, and intestinal rSO2 and survival rate were evaluated. RESULTS: When reperfusion was performed at 1 and 3 h after ischemia, rSO2 increased after 10 min, and it improved to the same level as for normal intestine after 1 h; all rats survived for 1 week. In contrast, after 6 h of ischemia, rSO2 did not increase after reperfusion, and all animals died within 2 days. The histological scores increased after 1 h of reperfusion, with longer clamping periods. CONCLUSION: A finger-mounted tissue oximeter could evaluate intestinal ischemia and the viability, which is thus considered to be a promising result for future clinical application.

Successful laparoscopic approach for idiopathic adult colo-colonic intussusception: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Adult intussusception is recognized as an abdominal emergency. More than 90% of adult patients with intussusception have distinct causes that are related to benign or malignant tumors. In contrast, idiopathic intussusceptions, which are observed in children, are rare conditions in adult. Especially, colo-colonic idiopathic intussusceptions are rare among them. Surgery is traditionally considered the primary treatment option. Recently, laparoscopic surgery has been reported to be safe and feasible. However, laparoscopic surgical reduction, which is a common procedure in pediatric surgery, is not common in adult intussusception. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 34-year-old man who presented with sudden abdominal pain. Computed tomography revealed the target sign in the transverse colon. There was no evidence of bowel obstruction, bowel wall edema, or tumor. We diagnosed idiopathic intussusception and selected laparoscopic procedure because of the strong abdominal pain experienced by the patient. There were no signs of perforation, bowel wall ischemia, or tumor in abdominal cavity. We confirmed idiopathic colo-colonic anterograde intussusception. Laparoscopic surgical reduction was achieved by a combination of delicate direct pressure on the anal side of the transverse colon and gentle pulling on the oral side. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: We achieved successful surgical reduction laparoscopically because of an accurate preoperative diagnosis based on characteristic computed tomography features and appropriate surgical technique. Laparoscopic procedure and surgical reduction is considered to be an effective treatment strategy for adult idiopathic intussusceptions with severe symptoms.

A rectal neuroendocrine tumor in a patient with Crohn's disease: a case report and literature review.

Crohn's disease is recognized to increase the risk of gastrointestinal malignances. Adenocarcinoma is the most common malignancy in these patients. Association between Crohn's disease and adenocarcinoma in the small intestine has already been established, however, the association between neuroendocrine tumor and Crohn's disease remains uncertain. We report a 39-year-old man with Crohn's disease, who was diagnosed with NET in the rectum. He had suffered from fever and anal pain due to the anal fistula and abscess. The disease state was considered to be resistant to medical treatment. He underwent total proctocolectomy, small bowel resection, anal fistula drainage with ileostomy. Postoperative histology revealed a neuroendocrine tumor in the rectum. His postoperative course was uneventful, and he followed a good course under treatment with infliximab and mercaptopurine hydrate. This case highlights the need of careful observation of resected specimens in light of the possibility of NET, especially those with anal disorders.

Tenascin-C Produced by Intestinal Myofibroblasts Promotes Colitis-associated Cancer Development Through Angiogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Colitis-associated cancer (CAC) is one of the prognostic factors in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and prevention of CAC is a critical concern for patients with IBD. Component cells of the microenvironment, especially myofibroblasts, are known to affect tumor development, but the role of intestinal myofibroblasts (IMFs) in CAC has not been clarified. Here, we explored the role of IMFs in CAC and sought to identify candidate genes as novel therapeutic targets for the prevention of CAC. METHODS: We used the azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) model for dysplasia and CAC. Flow cytometry and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) were performed to obtain an unbiased gene expression profile of IMFs. The transcriptome of significantly differentially expressed genes was analyzed by RNA-seq, quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Comparison of normal intestinal fibroblasts and IMFs revealed 1045 genes with significantly differential expression. Among them, we focused on tenascin-C (TNC; q = 0.00232, Log2(Fold Change) = 3.87). Tenascin-C gene expression was markedly increased in the dysplasia model compared with control and CAC model (P < 0.05). Tenascin-C protein was barely expressed in normal and nondysplastic mucosa but strongly expressed in the stroma around dysplastic lesions. Moreover, TNC surrounded and enclosed integrin αvß3-positive microvessels. Administration of ATN-161, an antagonist of αvß3-integrin, significantly suppressed tumorigenesis of CAC through inhibition of angiogenesis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the early stages of CAC, TNC produced by IMFs affects tumor development via integrin αvß3-mediated angiogenesis. Intestinal myofibroblasts might be a novel therapeutic target for preventing CAC.

Hemodynamic Analysis of Endoleaks After Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair by Using 4-Dimensional Flow-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

BACKGROUND: An endoleak is a common complication of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), and it can be associated with aneurysmal growth. This pilot study used 4-dimensional flow-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (4D-flow) to assess the hemodynamics of different types of endoleaks (I-IV). METHODS AND RESULTS: Magnetic resonance angiography, 4D-flow, and computed tomography angiography (CTA) were performed in 31 patients after nitinol-based stent-graft deployment. With 4D-flow, the 3D streamlines of endoleaks appear as integrated traces along the instantaneous velocity vector field that are color-coded according to the local velocity magnitude of the leak. The 4D-flow analysis identified endoleaks in 18 patients (58.1%), whereas CTA identified endoleaks in 13 patients (41.9%). The 4D-flow analysis created a characteristic image of each type of endoleak. Among patients with endoleaks, 4D-flow identified concomitant multiple endoleaks in 7 (39%) patients, and it further differentiated type II endoleaks from type IIa endoleaks (to-and-fro biphasic flow pattern from a branch vessel) and from type IIb endoleaks (monophasic flow pattern with a connection between the inflow and outflow branches). CONCLUSIONS: The 4D-flow analysis was more sensitive than CTA for detecting an endoleak, and it could subclassify type II endoleaks. In addition, 4D-flow differentiated between concomitant endoleak types in a single patient. (Circ J 2016; 80: 1715-1725).

Laparoscopic partial hepatectomy of focal nodular hyperplasia.

Focal nodular hyperplasia is a benign liver lesion incidentally discovered with increasing frequency because of the proliferation of imaging studies. Radiographic characterization can diagnose this pathologic lesion and nonoperative therapy is the standard of care. However, surgical resection may be required for diagnostic reasons or symptomatic patients. Depending on the anatomic location of the lesion, biopsy and/or resection can be performed laparoscopically. We herein report the case of a 26-year-old Japanese woman with a hepatic tumor who required a medical examination. Her medical history was negative for alcohol abuse, oral contraceptive administration and trauma. Clinical examination showed no significant symptoms. Ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass located in the left lateral segment of the liver with a diameter of about 40 mm. It was difficult to diagnose the tumor definitively from these imaging studies, so we performed laparoscopic partial hepatectomy with successive firing of endoscopic staplers. The histopathological diagnosis was focal nodular hyperplasia. Surgical procedures and postoperative course were uneventful and the patient was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 5.