Chondromodulin-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor-A expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: accelerator and brake theory for angiogenesis at the early stage of cancer progression.

BACKGROUND: Magnifying endoscopy has demonstrated dramatic morphologic changes in the surface microvasculature of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) according to the depth of invasion. We investigated the mechanism of angiogenesis in early-stage ESCC by examining the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and chondromodulin (ChM)-1. METHODS: Using 41 samples of superficial esophageal cancer (EP and LPM 19 cases, MM or deeper 22 cases) and 7 samples of regenerative squamous epithelium, the expression of VEGF-A and ChM-1 was examined in relation to the histological grade or morphology of the surface microvasculature demonstrated by magnifying endoscopy (types A, B, and C correspond to types A, B1, and B2 and B3 of the magnifying endoscopic classification of the Japan Esophageal Society, respectively). We also investigated the correlation between CD31-positive microvessel density (MVD) and VEGF-A or ChM-1 expression. RESULTS: In normal squamous epithelium, regenerative squamous epithelium, EP and LPM cancer, and MM or deeper cancer, the positivity rates for VEGF-A and ChM-1 were 0%, 85.7%, 52.6% and 90.9%, respectively, and 48.5%, 71.4%, 73.7% and 23.8%, respectively. The VEGF-A and ChM-1 positivity rates in type B or type C vasculature were 70.0% and 76.2%, respectively, and 75.0% and 19.0%, respectively. The expression of neither VEGF-A nor ChM-1 in cancer cells was correlated with MVD (P = 0.19 and 0.68, respectively), whereas that of VEGF-A in stromal mononuclear cells (SMCs) was significantly correlated with MVD (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Angiogenesis at the early stage of ESCC progression is configured by the balance between accelerator (angiogenic factors from both cancer cells and SMCs) and brake (angiogenic inhibitor) factors.

Thymidine phosphorylase and angiogenesis in early stage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between thymidine phosphorylase (TP) and angiogenesis at the early stage of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma has been unclear. METHODS: Using 14 samples of normal squamous epithelium, 11 samples of low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, and 64 samples of superficial esophageal cancer, microvessel density (MVD) was estimated using immunostaining for CD34 and CD105. TP expression was also evaluated in both cancer cells and stromal monocytic cells (SMCs). We then investigated the correlation between MVD and TP expression in both cancer cells and SMCs. RESULTS: On the basis of the above parameters, MVD was significantly higher in cancerous lesions than in normal squamous epithelium. In terms of CD34 and CD105 expression, MVD showed a gradual increase from normal squamous epithelium, to low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, and then to M1 and M2 cancer, and M3 or deeper cancer. M1 and M2 cancer showed overexpression of TP in both cancer cells and SMCs. There was no significant correlation between TP expression in cancer cells and MVD estimated from CD34 (rS = 0.16, P = 0.21) or CD105 (rS = 0.05, P = 0.68) expression. Significant correlations were found between TP expression in SMCs and CD34-related (rS = 0.46, P < 0.001) and CD105-related (rS = 0.34, P < 0.01) MVD. In M3 or deeper cancers, there were no significant correlations between TP expression in cancer cells or SMCs and venous invasion, lymphatic invasion, and lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSION: TP expression is activated in both cancer cells and stromal monocytic cells at the very early stage of ESCC progression. TP expression in SMCs, rather than in cancer cells, is significantly correlated with angiogenesis.

Efficacy of Conversion Surgery Following S-1 plus Cisplatin or Oxaliplatin Chemotherapy for Unresectable Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of conversion surgery following S-1 plus cisplatin (CS) or oxaliplatin (SOX) chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinicopathological and survival data of 74 patients with unresectable gastric cancer receiving CS or SOX. RESULTS: Fifty-five and nineteen patients received CS and SOX, respectively. Conversion surgery (odds ratio (OR), 0.17; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.04-0.64; p=0.01) was the only significant independent predictor of longer survival in multivariate Cox regression analysis. Patients (median age, 74 years) receiving SOX were significantly older than those receiving CS (median age=67 years) (p<0.01), although the rates of response, severe toxicity or conversion surgery did not differ significantly between the two treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Conversion surgery after a response to CS or SOX chemotherapy may have survival benefit in selected unresectable gastric cancer patients, for both non-elderly and elderly patients responding to SOX.

A newly developed continuous zoom-focus endocytoscope.

Background and study aims We report the features of a newly developed endocytoscopy system (ECS), the GIF-Y0074. Patients and methods The GIF-Y0074 offers high-definition resolution with a consecutive increase of magnification to × 500. Using ECS, we observed 32 cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), 11 cases of gastric cancer, and five cases of duodenal adenoma. Results The images of cells obtained using the GIF-Y0074 at maximum magnification were brighter and clearer than those obtained with previous ECS systems. For diagnosis of ESCC, clearer visualization of the nucleus made nuclear abnormality easier to recognize. Cancer cells were visualized in 10/11 cases of gastric cancer, but removal of mucus still remained a problem. Duodenal adenomas were found to have atypical cells with villi and tubules at the mucosal surface, thus assisting their histological diagnosis in vivo. Conclusion The GIF-Y0074 is an excellent ECS in terms of ease of use, satisfactory resolution, and magnification power, and therefore achieves a level of utility that makes its commercial release justifiable. This ECS heralds a new era of endoscopic and histological diagnosis.

Efficacy of Nab-Paclitaxel as Second-line Chemotherapy for Unresectable or Recurrent Gastric Cancer.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nanoparticle albumin-bound-paclitaxel (nab-PTX) as second-line chemotherapy (CT) for patients with unresectable or recurrent gastric cancer (GC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinicopathological and survival data of 37 patients with unresectable or recurrent GC who underwent nab-PTX monotherapy as second-line CT, were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The median number of cycles and relative dose intensity administered per patient were 5 and 90%, respectively. Their overall response rate was 24.3% and the disease control rate was 59.5%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were 4.8 months and 10.4 months, respectively. Thirteen patients had grade 3 or 4 toxicities and were managed. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, cycles of chemotherapy ≥5 (odds ratio, 0.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.50; p<0.01) was the only significant independent predictor of longer PFS. CONCLUSION: Nab-PTX may effectively prevent disease progression as second-line CT by increasing treatment cycles and managing adverse effects.

Improved Efficacy by Addition of Protein-bound Polysaccharide K to Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Advanced Gastric Cancer.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of protein-bound polysaccharide K (PSK) added to S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy for treatment of advanced gastric cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively examined clinicopathological and recurrence-free survival (RFS) data for 136 patients with stage II or III advanced gastric cancer who underwent S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy with or without PSK. RESULTS: Among 13 clinicopathological factors, non-T4 stage (odds ratio (OR)=0.61; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.41-0.89; p<0.01), N0-1 (OR=0.65; 95% CI=0.43-0.95; p=0.03) and number of treatment cycles ≥7 (OR=0.37; 95% CI=0.20-0.67; p<0.01) were significant independent factors for better RFS. The number of treatment cycles of S-1 plus PSK was significantly higher than that of S-1 alone (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy combined with PSK may reduce recurrence by prolonging the treatment cycles in patients with advanced non-T4 or N0-1 gastric cancer.

Prognostic Factors for Gastric Cancer with Cancer Cells in the Peritoneal Cavity.

AIM: To identify the prognostic factors for gastric cancer with positive peritoneal cytology (CY1) or peritoneal metastasis (P1). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinicopathological and survival data of 78 patients who had undergone gastrectomy and/or S-1 based chemotherapy for CY1 or P1 gastric cancer. RESULTS: The median overall survival (OS) did not differ significantly between patients with CY1P0, CY0P1 and CY1P1 disease (24, 17 vs. 14 months, respectively). Among 12 clinicopathological factors, clinical N3 (odds ratio [OR]=2.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.22-4.00; p=0.01) and gastrectomy not performed (OR=1.80; 95% CI=1.29-2.51; p<0.01) were significant independent prognostic factors. The median OS significantly differed between patients who had undergone gastrectomy plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone (22 vs. 10 months, respectively; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Gastrectomy and perioperative chemotherapy may both be indicated in CY1 or P1 gastric cancer patients with clinical N0-2.

Coexpression of COX-2 and iNOS in Angiogenesis of Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Using immunohistochemical staining, the present study was conducted to examine whether cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) affect angiogenesis in early-stage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We also analyzed the correlation between these two factors. Cyclooxygenase 2, iNOS, and angiogenesis in early-stage ESCC are unclear. Using 10 samples of normal squamous epithelium, 7 samples of low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), and 45 samples of superficial esophageal cancer, we observed the expression of COX-2 and iNOS. We then investigated the COX-2 and iNOS immunoreactivity scores and the correlation between COX-2 or iNOS scores and microvessel density (MVD) using CD34 or CD105. The intensity of COX-2 or iNOS expression differed significantly according to histological type (P < 0.001). The scores of COX-2 and iNOS were lowest for normal squamous epithelium, followed in ascending order by LGIN, carcinoma in situ and tumor invading the lamina propria mucosae (M1-M2 cancer); and tumor invading the muscularis mucosa (M3) or deeper cancer. The differences were significant (P < 0.001). Cancers classified M1-M2 (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively); M3; or deeper cancer (P < 0.01) had significantly higher COX-2 and iNOS scores than normal squamous epithelium. There was a significant correlation between COX-2 and iNOS scores (P < 0.001, rs = 0.51). Correlations between COX-2 score and CD34-positive MVD or CD105-positive MVD were significant (rs = 0.53, P < 0.001; rs = 0.62, P < 0.001, respectively). Inducible nitric oxide synthase score was also significantly correlated with CD34 MVD and CD105 MVD (rs = 0.45, P < 0.001; rs = 0.60, P < 0.001, respectively). Chemoprevention of COX-2 or iNOS activity may blunt the development of ESCC from precancerous lesions.

Factors predicting recurrence in patients with Siewert type II carcinoma treated with curative resection.

AIM: To evaluate the recurrence risk for Siewert type II esophagogastric junction carcinoma treated with curative resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinicopathological and recurrence-free survival (RFS) data of 52 patients after curative resection for Siewert type II carcinoma focusing on the role of lymph node metastasis around the greater curvature or parapyloric area. RESULTS: Recurrence was observed in 21 (40%) patients; the median time-to-recurrence was 11 months (range=3-33 months). According to multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, involvement of nodes no. 4sa, 4sb, 4d, 5 and/or 6 (odds ratio (OR)=6.62; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.27-41.1; p=0.04) and younger age (OR=2.10; 95% CI=1.25-3.82; p<0.01) were significant independent risk factors affecting RFS. CONCLUSION: Involvement of no. 4-6 nodes appears to predict recurrence of Siewert type II carcinoma treated with curative resection. Patients with this risk factor may benefit from effective use of perioperative chemotherapy.

[Minilaparotomy in Pancreas-Preserving Total Duodenectomy for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Associated with Spigelman Stage â £ Duodenal Polyposis].

INTRODUCTION: Reports on pancreas-preserving total duodenectomy (PPTD) for duodenal polyposis (DP) in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients are rare. We herein report a case of PPTD performed by minilaparotomy for DP in an FAP patient. CASE: A 27-year-old female FAP patient was diagnosed with Spigelman classification (SC) stage Ⅳ DP on gastroduodenoscopy. She underwent PPTD through a 7 cm upper abdominal incision. All polyps were confirmed as adenomas histopathologically. After 6 months of follow-up, complications related to total duodenectomy, such as weight loss, diabetes mellitus, and fatty liver have not been observed. DISCUSSION: SC stage Ⅳ refers to non-advanced cancers, and PPTD is basically prophylactic surgery. Therefore, pancreatoduodenectomy seems too aggressive for SC stage Ⅳ patients. PPTD by minilaparotomy is suitable for young female patients for its curability, esthetic outcome, and safety.

[Efficacy of Postoperative Chemotherapy in Stage â £ Colorectal Cancer with Perforation].

The clinical outcome and efficacy of postoperative chemotherapy in patients with Stage Ⅳ colorectal cancer with perforation were investigated. We compared the clinical outcomes between 11 patients with Stage Ⅳ colorectal cancer (perforation group), who underwent emergency surgery for colonic perforation between September 2005 and March 2012, and 22 matched patients (matching group) who underwent elective colorectal surgery during the same period. The colostomy rate in the perforation group was significantly higher than that of the matching group: patients with perforation received stoma construction surgery more frequently (p<0.01). Seven patients (64%) in the perforation group received postoperative chemotherapy, while 20 patients (91%) in the matching group received chemotherapy (p=0.15). Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy was administered to all patients in both groups. There was no difference in the median relative dose intensity of oxaliplatin between these groups (p=0.37). No significant difference was observed between the cumulative 3-year overall survival rate in the perforation group and that of the matching group (35% and 54%, respectively; p=0.35). Moreover, the 3-year overall survival rates of patients who received oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy were 51%in the perforation group and 57% in the matching group (p=0.74). Our results suggest that postoperative oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy may improve the prognosis of patients with Stage Ⅳ colorectal cancer with perforation.

[Problems in the Treatment of Stage â ¢ Colorectal Cancer with Perforation].

We retrospectively investigated clinical outcome and treatment strategies in Stage Ⅲcolorectal cancer patients who underwent emergency surgery because of tumor-related perforation. We compared the clinical outcome of 6 patients (perforation group) who underwent emergency surgery for colonic perforation due to Stage Ⅲ colorectal cancer with 12 matched patients (matching group) who underwent elective colorectal surgery, between April 1998 and March 2012. Patients in the perforation group underwent colostomy procedures more frequently (p=0.02), had longer operative times (p=0.02), and more bleeding (p=0.04) than those in the matching group. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the introduction rate of chemotherapy, recurrence rate, or recurrence pattern. The 3-year disease-free survival rate was 44% in the perforation group and 81% in the matching group, resulting in no significant differences between these groups (p=0.28). The 3-year disease-free survival rates in the perforation and the matching groups were 44% and 81%, respectively (p=0.07). The 3-year overall survival rates in the perforation and the matching groups were 17% and 81%, respectively (p<0.01). The 3-year overall survival rate of patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy was 50% in the perforation group and 88%in the matching group (p=0.03). We concluded that patients with perforated Stage Ⅲ colorectal cancer had a significantly poorer prognosis compared with patients with non-perforated Stage Ⅲ colorectal cancer.

Prognostic role of gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer with positive peritoneal cytology.

This retrospective study identified the optimal treatment strategy for patients with gastric cancer with positive peritoneal cytology. We analyzed clinicopathologic and survival data for 54 patients who had undergone gastrectomy and/or chemotherapy for treatment of gastric cancer with positive peritoneal cytology with (n = 40) or without (n = 14) metastatic disease. The median overall survival did not differ significantly between patients with gastric cancer with positive peritoneal cytology with and without metastatic disease (19 versus 13 months, respectively). Among 14 clinicopathologic variables, the lack of gastrectomy was the only significant independent unfavorable factor for survival (odds ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-2.57; P = 0.03). The median overall survival significantly differed among patients who had undergone gastrectomy plus chemotherapy, chemotherapy alone, and gastrectomy alone (25, 10, and 17 months, respectively; P < 0.01). Gastrectomy may be optimal for patients with (gastric cancer with positive peritoneal cytology), considering its favorable prognostic effect with respect to perioperative chemotherapy.

Production of intraperitoneal interleukin-6 following open or laparoscopic assisted distal gastrectomy.

The interleukin (IL)-6 concentration in plasma or serum has been considered to represent the degree of stress resulting from surgery. However, IL-6 in peritoneal fluid has rarely been considered. The aim of this study was to assess the concentration and amount of IL-6 in peritoneal fluid as indicators of surgical stress. To obtain basic data on peritoneal release of IL-6 during gastric cancer surgery, we measured IL-6 in peritoneal drainage samples, stored for up to 72 hours postoperatively, from patients who had undergone conventional open (ODG group, n = 20) and laparoscopic-assisted (LADG group, n = 19) distal gastrectomy. Within 24 hours, 61 and 77% of the IL-6 was released into the peritoneal cavity in the LADG and ODG groups, respectively. In both groups, the concentration and amount of peritoneal fluid IL-6 were significantly correlated with each other (LADG group: Spearman's rank correlation test [rS] = 0.48, P = 0.04; ODG group: rS = 0.58, P = 0.01). The concentration and amount of IL-6 in peritoneal fluid was 2.8- and 3.6-fold higher in the ODG than in the LADG group, respectively (P < 0.01). With regard to the relationship between the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) peak and the concentration or amount of peritoneal fluid IL-6 released within 24 hours, only the concentration of peritoneal fluid IL-6 in the LADG group was significantly correlated (rS = 0.60, P = 0.01) with the serum CRP peak. Our findings suggest that the amount and concentration of IL-6 released into the peritoneal cavity for up to 24 hours after surgery can each be a reliable parameter for assessment of surgical stress.

Predicting the amount of intraperitoneal fluid accumulation by computed tomography and its clinical use in patients with perforated peptic ulcer.

The correlation between the amount of peritoneal fluid and clinical parameters in patients with perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) has not been investigated. The authors' objective was to derive a reliable formula for determining the amount of peritoneal fluid in patients with PPU before surgery, and to evaluate the correlation between the estimated amount of peritoneal fluid and clinical parameters. We investigated 62 consecutive patients who underwent emergency surgery for PPU, and in whom prediction of the amount of accumulated intraperitoneal fluid was possible by computed tomography (CT) using the methods described by Oriuchi et al. We examined the relationship between the predicted amount of accumulated intraperitoneal fluid and that measured during surgery, and the relationship between the amount of fluid predicted preoperatively or measured during surgery and several clinical parameters. There was a significant positive correlation between the amount of fluid predicted by CT scan and that measured during surgery. When patients with gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer were analyzed collectively, the predicted amount of intraperitoneal fluid and the amount measured during surgery were each associated with the period from onset until CT scan, perforation size, the Mannheim peritoneal index, and the severity of postoperative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Our present results suggest that the method of Oriuchi et al is useful for predicting the amount of accumulated intraperitoneal fluid in patients with PPU, and that this would be potentially helpful for treatment decision-making and estimating the severity of postoperative complications.

[Evaluation of immunity in elderly patients with unresectable gastric cancer receiving S-1/Lentinan combination chemotherapy].

PURPOSE: This retrospective study evaluated immunity in elderly patients with unresectable gastric cancer receiving S-1/ Lentinan combination chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 10 patients aged≥70 years with unresectable gastric cancer who received S-1/Lentinan combination chemotherapy between October 2008 and December 2012. All patients gave written informed consent. Immune parameters for regulatory T cell(Treg)ratio, prostaglandin E2(PGE2), C3, CH50, and granulocyte/lymphocyte ratio were measured before chemotherapy initiation and at 7 weeks after it. Clinicopathological or immune parameters affecting overall survival(OS)were consequently evaluated. RESULTS: A high Treg ratio(p=0.02) and low PGE2(p=0.05)levels at 7 weeks after chemotherapy and a decrease in the Treg ratio(p=0.02)were found to be significant favorable factors affecting OS. CONCLUSION: The outcome of elderly patients with unresectable gastric cancer receiving S-1/Lentinan combination chemotherapy seemed to be correlated with the change in immunity.

[Significance of the granulocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic predictor in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy].

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of the granulocyte-to-lymphocyte(G/L)ratio as a prognostic predictor in patients with Stage IV colorectal cancer. A total of 83 patients who underwent oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for Stage IV colorectal cancer were enrolled in the study. Univariate analysis indicated that the G/L ratio; number of involved organs(more than one organ); performance status ≥1; noncurability; and levels of hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, and lactate dehydrogenase before chemotherapy were significant prognostic factors. Noncurability was identified to be an independent, unfavorable factor for survival on multivariate analysis. When patients were divided into 2 groups according to the G/L ratio(the median was considered the cut-off value), the median survival time of patients with a high G/L ratio(≥3.0)was significantly worse than that of patients with a low G/L ratio(<3.0; 16.1 months vs 25.4 months, p=0.03). Further studies with more patients are required to examine whether the G/L ratio is a convenient biomarker affecting survival in patients with Stage IV colorectal cancer.

[Significant prognostic factors in stage IV gastric cancer].

The aim of this study was to evaluate clinicopathological variables, including the granulocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio(G/L ratio), as prognostic factors for Stage IV gastric cancer patients. A total of 70 patients treated for Stage IV gastric cancer were enrolled in this study. Univariate analysis indicated that age ≥70 years, performance status >2, resection not being performed, chemotherapy not being administered, high C-reactive protein(CRP)levels, and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels were significantly associated with poor survival. Multivariate analysis of these factors identified resection not being performed, chemotherapy not being administered, and high CRP levels as independent unfavorable factors of survival. Although the G/L ratio was not a prognostic factor for Stage IV gastric cancer patients in this study, further studies with greater number of patients are required to determine whether the G/L ratio is a significant biomarker associated with survival.

Heterotopic mesenteric ossification after a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurism: case report with a review of literatures.

Heterotopic mesenteric ossification (HMO) is a rare disease that results in intra-abdominal ossification of unknown origin. An 88-year-old man developed an intestinal obstruction 2 weeks after undergoing an operation for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, resulting in intestinal obstructions those did not improved concervatively. During relaparotomy performed 30 days after the first operation, hard adhesions of the small intestine and mesentery were found; these adhesions were difficult to separate without damaging the serosa of the small intestine. We removed 240 cm of the small intestine and performed a jejuno-ileo anastomosis. Microscopically, trabecular bone tissue had increased irregularly in the fat tissue of the nodules with fibrosis, which were partially lined with osteoblasts. Accordingly, we histopathologically diagnosed the patient as having HMO. The patient was treated with NSAIDs and cimetidine to prevent the recurrence of HMO. No signs of recurrence have occurred as of one year after the second operation.

Comparison between transverse mini-incision and longitudinal mini-incision for the resection of locally advanced colonic cancer.

We performed a retrospective review of non-overweight (body mass index ≤ 25 kg/m(2)) patients scheduled to undergo a curative resection of locally advanced colon cancer via a transverse mini-incision (n = 62) or a longitudinal mini-incision (skin incision ≤7 cm, n = 62), with the latter group of patients randomly selected as historical controls matched with the former group according to tumor location. Extension of the transverse mini-incision wound was necessary in 3 patients (5%). Both groups were largely equivalent in terms of demographic, clinicopathological, and surgical factors and frequency of postoperative complications. Postoperative analgesic was significantly less (P = 0.04) and postoperative length of the hospital stay was significantly shorter (P < 0.01) in the transverse mini-incision group. Concerning a mini-incision approach for locally advanced colonic cancer, a transverse incision seems to be advantageous with regard to minimal invasiveness and early recovery compared with a longitudinal incision.