Treatment strategies for neuroendocrine carcinoma of the upper digestive tract.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the esophagus and the stomach is aggressive. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal therapeutic strategy. METHODS: Both clinicopathological factors and treatment results were examined in 34 patients with immunohistochemically diagnosed NEC of the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus 22; stomach 12). RESULTS: Twenty-nine tumors showed protruding and localized type, like submucosal tumor. Esophagectomy and gastrectomy were performed in six and eight patients, respectively. Among the six patients with esophageal NEC, three with node metastasis developed recurrence within seven months, while the other three (pT1bN0) had no recurrence. Regarding gastric NEC, three patients with pT3N1 or 2 tumor received adjuvant chemotherapy and achieved a 5-year survival. However, the other five experienced recurrence after gastrectomy. Systemic chemotherapy was performed as the main treatment for 18 patients with advanced NEC. The median survival was 10 months after initial chemotherapy. No marked differences in the response were recognized between the 14 cases with esophageal NEC and the 4 with gastric NEC. The median survival was 14.3 and 5.3 months for the 11 effective and 7 non-effective patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A macroscopically unique appearance, like submucosal tumor, suggests the possibility of NEC. Esophagectomy is an effective treatment option for limited-stage NEC without node metastasis, while gastrectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy may be effective for NEC even with node metastasis when R0 resection can be achieved. Systemic chemotherapy is relatively effective for advanced NEC, although early progression frequently develops.

Wireless Light-emitting Marker Using Magnetic Field Resonance for Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: In laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery, the location of the tumor is identified mainly with marking methods, such as ink tattooing and intraoperative gastrointestinal endoscopy and marking with a metal clip followed by confirmation with intraoperative x-ray fluoroscopy. Each method has disadvantages, such as complexity, instability of ink sticks, and radiation exposure. Thus, a simple and less-invasive marking method is needed. METHODS: We developed a wireless light-emitting marker with a miniature light-emitting diode that uses a magnetic field resonance mechanism. It emits 4 individual colors-red, blue, green, and white. We confirmed the usefulness of this marker system in ex vivo and in vivo animal experiments. RESULTS: In the ex vivo experiment in porcine intestines, use of the wireless marker was successful, as each color of emitted light was recognized from outside the intestine. In the live animal experiment, it was confirmed that the light emitted by the marker system was visible in the porcine intestinal tract during laparoscopic surgery. The light emitted by the wireless marker in the intestinal tract was confirmed with a laparoscope in a simulated animal surgery. CONCLUSION: We have developed an innovative, radiation-free and reliable light-emitting marker system that uses a magnetic field resonance mechanism that emits four colors of light during laparoscopic surgery.

The Preoperative Prognostic Nutritional Index Predicts the Development of Deep Venous Thrombosis After Pancreatic Surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Pancreatic surgery is associated with a high risk of developing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and malnutrition. We aimed to evaluate the factors predicting the development of DVT, focusing on nutrition assessment tools. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred patients who underwent pancreatic surgery were postoperatively examined for DVT. We assessed the risk factors for the development of DVT after surgery. RESULTS: Postoperative DVT was detected in 11 patients (11%). Patients who developed DVT after surgery were significantly older (p=0.016) and had higher preoperative D-dimer levels (p=0.005) than those who did not. The preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) was mostly associated with the development of DVT (p=0.079). Furthermore, PNI ≤44.3, BUN >20 mg/dl, D-dimer ≥1.9 µg/ml were independent predictors for the development of DVT after surgery. CONCLUSION: A poor nutrition status and dehydration should be preoperatively improved for patients who are identified, as having a high risk of developing DVT after pancreatic surgery.

Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy for Remnant Gastric Cancer: A Single-institution Experience and Systematic Literature Review.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The safety and efficacy of laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) for remnant gastric cancer (RGC) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of LTG with open total gastrectomy (OTG) for RGC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients who underwent total gastrectomy for RGC were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: LTG was carried out in seven patients, and OTG was performed in the remaining 15 patients. The mean operation time in the LTG group was longer than that in the OTG group. The estimated blood loss in the LTG group was less than that in the OTG group. No cases in the LTG group required open conversion. Postoperatively, the first meal and defecation were earlier in the LTG group than in the OTG group. The overall survival rates of the two groups were comparable. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic total gastrectomy is a feasible surgical option for RGC.

Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus Synchronously Associated with Head and Neck Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to clarify the treatment strategy for synchronous squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (ESCC) and head and neck cancer (HNC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Treatment outcomes of 91 patients with synchronous ESCC and HNC were evaluated. Thirty-eight patients received simultaneous definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and 15 patients underwent simultaneous resection. RESULTS: Among the patients who received simultaneous CRT, adverse events (grade 3-5) were recognized in 14 patients (40%), including one case of death due to aspiration pneumonia. Complete response was observed in 22 patients with ESCC (58%) and 19 patients with HNC (50%). The five-year survival rate was 44%. There were no in-hospital deaths after simultaneous resection; however, postoperative complications were recognized in 4 patients. The five-year OS was 70%. CONCLUSION: The treatment of synchronous ESCC and HNC must be decided by adopting a strategy that is appropriate for each case. Both simultaneous CRT and simultaneous resection are feasible and effective treatment options.