Which preoperative immunonutritional index best predicts postoperative mortality after palliative surgery for malignant bowel obstruction in patients with late-stage cancer? A single-center study in Japan comparing the modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and the controlling nutritional status (CONUT).

PURPOSE: To compare the utility of preoperative immunonutritional parameter measures for predicting postoperative mortality following palliative surgery (PS) for malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) in patients with late-stage cancer. METHODS: The subjects of this retrospective study were 83 late-stage cancer patients with MBO who underwent PS between January, 2005 and December, 2018, at a single institution in Japan. We compared the modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) for predicting postoperative mortality following PS in these patients. RESULTS: The most prevalent cancer in the patients who underwent PS was colorectal cancer (54.2%), followed by gastric cancer (24.1%). Postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo classification grade ≥ 2 developed in 32 (38.6%) patients and stoma-related complications developed in 26 (31.3%) patients. There were 15 (18.1%) patients with 60-day mortality, 22 (26.5%) with 90-day mortality, and 4 (4.8%) with 30-day mortality. Multivariable analysis identified only mGPS as being associated with 60-day mortality (odds ratio, 9.387; 95% confidence interval, 0.001-4.478; p = 0.049). The overall survival of patients with a mGPS score of 2 was significantly worse than that of those with a mGPS score of < 2 (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the mGPS is a good predictor not only of 60-day mortality, but also of the overall survival of patients with late-stage cancer and MBO.

[Successful Continuation of Treatment in Advanced Colorectal Cancer by Switching to a Prior Biologic Agent after Emergence of Bevacizumab Allergy to a Biosimilar Drug-A Case Report].

Biosimilar(BS)drugs have recently been introduced owing to concerns with healthcare economics. In this report, we present a case in which a patient discontinued bevacizumab treatment following an allergic reaction to a BS formulation of bevacizumab but was able to safely continue treatment by switching to an original bevacizumab formulation in the late-line setting. The patient was a 66-year-old man diagnosed with unresectable colorectal cancer with synchronous multiple liver metastases. After primary tumor resection, chemotherapy including the original bevacizumab formulation was initiated. Allergic reactions to the BS formulation of bevacizumab occurred during the second-line treatment; however, in the late-line setting, switching back to the original bevacizumab formulation enabled the safe continuation of therapy. Overall, our case study suggests that switching of biologic agents may contribute to the ongoing management of chemotherapy.

Efficacy and safety of preoperative chemoradiotherapy with S-1 for advanced rectal cancer: a phase II study.

Background: Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for patients with rectal cancer is not yet established in Japan. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of preoperative CRT with S-1, a fixed-dose combination of tegafur, gimeracil, and oteracil potassium. Materials and methods: We conducted a prospective, interventional, non-randomized single-center study. Radiotherapy was administered at a total dose of 45 Gy (1.8 Gy in 25 fractions) for five weeks. S-1 was administered orally for nine weeks (five weeks during and four weeks after radiotherapy) at a dose of 80 mg/m2/day. The endpoint was the pathological complete response (pCR) rate. Results: Twenty-eight patients were finally enrolled. The following patient characteristics were recorded: clinical Stage (II: n = 12, III: n = 16), median age (66 years, range 40-77 years), male/female ratio (20/8), and lesion site (Ra-Rb:3/Rb:23/Rb-P:2). Preoperative treatment was completed in 27 patients (96%). Treatment abandonment occurred because of diarrhea. Grade 3 or higher adverse events were observed in one (4%) patient with two events. No serious adverse events occurred in the ≥ 70 years group. The response rate was 68% in all patients and 68% among elderly patients. Radical resection was achieved in all patients, including 19 (68%) who underwent sphincter-preserving surgery. The pCR rate was 11% (three patients). The five-year disease-free survival rate was 68%, and the overall survival rate was 82%. Local recurrence occurred in only one patient five years after surgery. Conclusion: Preoperative CRT with S-1 alone may be a safe and acceptable regimen from the perspective of adverse events and oncological outcomes. Trial registration: UMIN Clinical Trial Registry: UMIN000013598. Registered 1 April 2014, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recpt-no=R000015887.

Transanal down-to-up dissection of the distal rectum as a viable approach to achieve total mesorectal excision in laparoscopic sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer near the anus: a study of short- and long-term outcomes of 123 consecutive patients from a single Japanese institution.

BACKGROUND: In rectal cancer (RC) surgery, the complexity of total mesorectal excision (TME) in laparoscopic sphincter-preserving surgery (lap-SPS) for RC near the anus has been a critical issue. Recently, technical assistance via the anus for complete TME has been receiving attention. This study aimed at clarifying the transanal down-to-up dissection viability for achieving TME in lap-SPS for RC near the anus. METHODS: We evaluated surgical and oncological outcomes of a total of 123 consecutive patients undergoing either a transanal rectal dissection (TARD) under direct vision mobilizing the most difficult portion of TME via the anus or the transanal TME by using an endoscopic system (TaTME) for achieving TME in lap-SPS for RC near the anus between January 2006 and February 2021. RESULTS: A total of 123 consecutive patients (83 men) with a median age of 66 years (range 33-86 years) were included. TARD and TaTME were performed for 50 (40.7%) and for 73 (59.3%) patients, respectively. Preoperative treatment was performed for 40 (32.5%) patients, resulting in a complete pathological response in 5 (12.5%) patients. Intersphincteric resection was performed significantly more in the TARD group (p<0.001). Although the TaTME group needed a longer operative time at the transanal portion (p<0.001), the median blood loss was lower (p<0.001). Postoperative complications with the Clavien-Dindo classification grade ≧2 developed in 52 (42.3%) patients. Urinary dysfunction and stoma-related complications were found most frequently. More patients needing medication for urinary dysfunction were found in the TARD group, but a significant difference was not observed (10.0% vs. 6.8%, p=0.526). The quality of TME was good for almost all patients. Recurrence developed in 18 (14.6%) patients. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) rates in 123 patients were 95.8% and 88.8%, respectively. The 5-year OS and RFS between the two groups were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggested that a transanal down-to-up dissection of the distal rectum might be a viable approach in lap-SPS for RC near the anus. Further studies are needed to examine the differences between TARD and TaTME.

What is the recommended procedure for recurrent rectal prolapse? A retrospective cohort study in a single Japanese institution.

PURPOSE: The choice of surgical procedure for rectal prolapse (RP) is challenging because of the high recurrence and morbidity rates. We aimed to clarify whether laparoscopic suture rectopexy (lap-rectopexy) is suitable for Japanese patients with recurrent RP. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 77 recurrent RP patients who had been treated on average 1.5 times between June 2008 and April 2016. Forty-one patients underwent lap-rectopexy and 36 underwent perineal procedures. We compared surgical outcomes and recurrence rate following surgery between the two groups. The multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors of recurrent RP. RESULTS: In patients' characteristics, significant differences were observed in the type of anesthesia (p < 0.01) and length of recurrent RP (p = 0.030). The mean operative time was significantly longer in the lap-rectopexy group (p < 0.001). Blood loss, length of hospitalization, and postoperative complications were similar. The recurrence rate was significantly lower in the lap-rectopexy group (17.1% vs. 38.9%, p = 0.032). Multivariate analysis showed that only the laparoscopic approach was significantly associated with a low recurrence following surgery (odds ratio 0.273, 95% CI - 2.568 to - 0.032). CONCLUSION: Lap-rectopexy is recommended for recurrent RP because its low recurrence rate and safety profile are similar to those of perineal procedures.

Incisional negative pressure wound therapy to reduce perineal wound infection after abdominoperineal resection.

We explored the effects of incisional negative pressure wound therapy in perineal wound infections after abdominoperineal resection. We retrospectively evaluated 146 patients who underwent abdominal perineal resection from December 2004 to December 2019 and compared conventional gauze dressing (controls) with incisional negative pressure wound therapy. We compared patients' characteristics, surgical factors, and perineal infection rates between groups, and patients' characteristics, surgical factors, and negative pressure therapy use between perineal infection vs non-infection groups, as well as the risk factors for perineal infections. In the negative pressure therapy group, compared with controls, the number of men, smoking prevalence, blood transfusion, drainage via the perineal wound, and intraoperative blood loss were significantly lower (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.001, p < 0.01, respectively), and operation time was significantly longer (p < 0.05). Infections were significantly less common in the negative pressure group (p < 0.05). In the univariate analysis, the infection-positive group had significantly higher laparoscopic surgery (p < 0.01) and negative pressure wound therapy-free rates (p < 0.01), and significantly more intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis using these three factors and preoperative radiotherapy showed that incisional negative pressure wound therapy-free status was a risk factor for infection. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy was beneficial in managing perineal wound infections after abdominoperineal resection.

[Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Associated with Bevacizumab during Chemotherapy for Clinical Stage â £ Sigmoid Colon Cancer-A Case Report].

The case is a 59‒year‒old woman. A detailed examination of fecal occult blood revealed a diagnosis of cStage Ⅳ sigmoid colon cancer cT3N1M1b(liver H2, hilar liver and celiac artery lymph nodes). After excision of the primary lesion, decided to give chemotherapy. The gene test was RAS gene mutation negative and EGFR positive, and mFOLFOX6 plus panitumumab (pani)was started as the first‒line treatment. Imaging tests at the end of 13 courses showed that the maximum diameter of liver metastases was reduced from 54 mm to 16 mm, and CEA was normalized from 93.9 ng/mL. However, metastasis was found in the hilar lymph nodes, it was judged that hepatectomy is not indicated, radiofrequency ablation therapy was performed. But FOLFIRI plus pani was restarted because metastatic liver tumor relapsed on CT 5 months later. After 6 courses, she felt tired, so I consulted her and changed to TAS‒102 plus bevacizumab. Sudden headache and vomiting appear during 3 courses, head CT revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage. No brain metastases or organic lesions such as cerebral aneurysms and stenotic lesions, the relationship with bevacizumab was strongly suspected.

Noninvasive assessment of bowel blood perfusion using intraoperative laser speckle flowgraphy.

PURPOSE: Laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) is a noninvasive method for quantitative evaluation of blood flow using the mean blur rate (MBR) as the blood flow index. We investigated whether LSFG can intraoperatively detect the demarcation line after vessel dissection and reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage (AL). METHODS: This study included 36 patients who underwent left-sided colorectal surgery. First, we compared the demarcation line (determined by LSFG) with the transection line (TL) at which the marginal vessels were divided. We then measured the MBR on both sides of the TL to determine where the MBR changed significantly. We investigated the presence or absence of significant differences between the MBR on the proximal side and that on the distal side of the TL. Finally, we retrospectively compared the patient characteristics and AL rates in the LSFG group (n = 36) and control group (n = 87). RESULTS: In total, 58.3% (21/36) of the demarcation lines determined by LSFG matched the TL. The median distance between the demarcation line determined by LSFG and the TL was 0.0 mm (0.0-12.1 mm). The MBR sharply decreased at the TL in 80.6% (29/36) of cases. The median MBR was significantly lower on the distal than proximal side. The AL rate was not significantly lower in the LSFG group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: LSFG accurately detected the demarcation line during surgery. However, LSFG did not reduce the incidence of AL.

Changing pattern of tumor markers in recurrent colorectal cancer patients before surgery to recurrence: serum p53 antibodies, CA19-9 and CEA.

BACKGROUND: The clinical impact of monitoring serum p53 antibodies, carbohydrate antigen19-9, and carcinoembryonic antigen in patients with colorectal cancer has not been fully evaluated. METHODS: A total of 420 surgically treated stage II/III colorectal cancer patients were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 101 patients developed disease recurrence. The prognostic impact of preoperative and recurrence levels of serum p53 antibodies, carbohydrate antigen19-9, and carcinoembryonic antigen status was evaluated. RESULTS: Although preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen- and carbohydrate antigen19-9-positive status was significantly associated with recurrence, preoperative serum p53 antibody levels were not. Among two marker combinations, carcinoembryonic antigen + serum p53 antibodies showed the highest positive rate at recurrence. Although carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen19-9 frequently converted from preoperative-negative status to positive status at recurrence, serum p53 antibodies converted to positive status in only one patient. Carcinoembryonic antigen- and carbohydrate antigen19-9-positive status were significant prognostic factors for overall survival after recurrence, but the presence of serum p53 antibodies at recurrence was not. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative serum p53 antibody status should only be followed in patients with preoperative-positive status. Carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen19-9 should be followed even in preoperative-negative patients. Unlike carcinoembryonic antigen- and carbohydrate antigen19-9-positive status, serum p53 antibody-positive status as recurrence was not a poor prognostic indicator.

What is the advantage of rectal amputation with an initial perineal approach for primary anorectal carcinoma?

BACKGROUND: Rectal amputation (RA) remains an important surgical procedure for salvage despite advances in sphincter-preserving resection, including intersphincteric resection. The aim of this study was to compare short- and long-term outcomes of RA with an initial perineal approach to those of RA with an initial abdominal approach (conventional abdominoperineal resection (APR)) for primary anorectal cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the short- and long-term outcomes of 48 patients who underwent RA with an initial perineal approach (perineal group) and 21 patients who underwent RA with an initial abdominal approach (conventional group). RESULTS: For the perineal group, the operation time was shorter than that for the conventional group (313 vs. 388 min, p = 0.027). The postoperative complication rate was similar between the two groups (43.8 vs. 47.6%, p = 0.766). Perineal wound complications (PWCs) were significantly fewer in the perineal group than in the conventional group (22.9 vs. 57.1%, p = 0.006). All 69 patients underwent complete TME, but positive CRM was significantly higher in the conventional group than in the perineal group (0 vs. 19.0%, p = 0.011). There were no significant differences in the recurrence (43.8 vs. 47.6%, p = 0.689), 5-year disease-free survival (63.7% vs. 56.7%, p = 0.665) and 5-year overall survival rates (82.5% vs. 66.2%, p = 0.323) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that RA with an initial perineal approach for selective primary anorectal carcinoma is advantageous in minimizing PWCs and positive CRMs. Further investigations on the advantages of this approach are necessary.

[Five-Year Local Control by Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy(SBRT)for Liver Metastasis from Colorectal Cancer-A Case Report].

An 84-year-old woman presented with a 9mm sized solitary liver metastasis in liver S8 18 months after the surgery for sigmoid colon cancer. The patient was treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy(SBRT)for local control, because the patient chose not to undergo surgery or chemotherapeutic treatment for metastatic liver cancer. SBRT is a minimally invasive treatment with a very short treatment period. Therefore, it may be considered as an alternative treatment for patients who are not suitable for surgery.

Comparative study between colonic metallic stent and anal tube decompression for Japanese patients with left-sided malignant large bowel obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of malignant bowel obstruction carries with high morbidity and mortality. Placement of a trans-anal decompression tube (TDT) has traditionally been used for malignant bowel obstruction as a bridge to surgery. Recently, colonic metallic stent (CMS) as a bridge to surgery for malignant bowel obstruction, particularly left-sided malignant large bowel obstruction (LMLBO) caused by colorectal cancer, has been reported to be both a safe and feasible option. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the clinical effects of CMS for LMLBO as a bridge to surgery compared to TDT. METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2015, we retrospectively evaluated outcomes of 59 patients with LMLBO. We compared the outcomes of 26 patients with CMS for LMLBO between 2013 and 2015 (CMS group) with those of 33 patients managed with TDT between 2003 and 2011 (TDT group) by the historical study. LMLBO was defined as a large bowel obstruction due to a colorectal cancer that was diagnosed by computed tomography and required emergent decompression. RESULTS: All patients in the CMS group were successfully decompressed (p = 0.03) and could initiate oral intake after the procedure (p <  0.01). Outcomes in the CMS group were superior to the TDT group in the following areas: duration of tube placement (p <  0.01), surgical approach (p <  0.01), operation time (p <  0.01), number of resected lymph nodes (p <  0.001), and rate of curative resection (p <  0.01). However, no significant differences were found in the overall postoperative complication rate (p = 0.151), surgical site infection rate (p = 0.685), hospital length of stay (p = 0.502), and the need for permanent ostomy (p = 0.745). The 3-year overall survival rate of patients in the CMS and TDT groups was 73.0% and 80.9%, respectively, and this was not significant (p = 0.423). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with CMS for patients with LMLBO as a bridge to surgery is safe and demonstrated higher rates of resumption of solid food intake and temporary discharge prior to elective surgery compared to TDT. Oncological outcomes during mid-term were equivalent.

Severe Fournier's gangrene in a patient with rectal cancer: case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Fournier's gangrene in the setting of rectal cancer is rare. Treatment for Fournier's gangrene associated with rectal cancer is more complex than other cases of Fournier's gangrene. We report on a patient with severe Fournier's gangrene in the setting of locally advanced rectal cancer who was treated with a combined modality therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old man presented with general fatigue and anal pain. The medical and surgical histories were unremarkable. A black spot on the perineal skin surrounded by erythema was found on physical examination, suspicious for Fournier's gangrene. Computed tomography scan showed a rectal tumor invading into the bladder (clinically T4bN2M0) and abscess formation with emphysema around the rectum. He was thus diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer and Fournier's gangrene with a severity index score of 12 points. We created a diverting loop colostomy of the transverse colon and performed extensive debridement of the perineum and perianal area. Fifty days later, the patient underwent radical total pelvic exenteration with sacrectomy. In addition, reconstruction of the soft tissue defect was performed using the rectus muscle, the gluteus maximus muscle, and the femoral muscle. Histopathological findings of the specimen were as follows: the tumor was a moderately adenocarcinoma with invasion to the bladder and the prostate (T4b), metastases to four resected lymph nodes (N2), and lymphovascular invasion. There were no major postoperative complications, and the patient was discharged 108 days postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: We report a rare case of locally invasive rectal cancer associated with Fournier's gangrene. This case highlights a usual cause of Fournier's gangrene. Physicians should be cognizant not only of the more common condition but also of the rare presentations including those associated with rectal cancer.

[A Case of Aortoesophageal Fistula Rupture Due to Descending Thoracic Aortic Dissection with Recurrent Colon Cancer during Chemotherapy Containing Bevacizumab].

We report a case of aortoesophageal fistula rupture during the course of chemotherapy following colon cancer resection. The patient was a 77-year-old woman. Following recurrence of cancer of the sigmoid colon, the patient received a course of XELOX plus bevacizumab(Bmab)to treat peritoneal dissemination and lung metastases. She was brought by ambulance to our hospital's emergency department 55 days after the last dose of Bmab, with a chief complaint of hematemesis. Hematolo- gy results showed severe anemia with a hemoglobin level of 4.0 g/dL. Descending thoracic aortic dissection was noted on chest CT with contrast, and the patient was diagnosed with an aortoesophageal fistula rupture. She underwent emergent endovascular chest stent grafting to control the bleeding. Although the ruptured esophagus was a potential source of infection, the patient and family members chose palliative treatment. Therefore, conservative treatment was administered without removing the esophagus. The patient's postoperative course was good; instead of resuming oral intake, the patient was discharged on home IVH 59 days after surgery. Outpatient follow-up continued, but multiple metastases led to gradual worsening of the patient's general condition. She died 168 days after being admitted for surgery.

Potential tumor spread of lateral pelvic lymphatic flow in low rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In Japan lateral pelvic lymph node dissection has been actively performed with total mesorectal excision for low rectal cancer. However, its definitive efficacy remains unclear. This study is to evaluate clinical significance of lateral pelvic lymphatic drainage in low rectal cancer patients by 99mTc-Sn colloid radioactive tracers. METHODOLOGY: Intraoperatively detecting rectal lymphatic drainage using 99mTc-Sn colloid radioactive tracer in 39 low rectal cancer patients, we performed lateral pelvic lymph node dissection in lateral pelvic lymphatic flow-positive patients. RESULTS: Lateral pelvic lymphatic flow was detected in 11 patients (28%). In four (36%) of 11 patients, tumor cells were histologically identified in lateral pelvic lymph nodes. A median size of metastatic lateral pelvic lymph nodes was 7.5 (range, 2-150) mm, and all but one overlooked patient could not be detected by routine preoperative imaging scans retrospectively. The five-year disease-free survival rate of lateral pelvic lymphatic flow-positive patients was significantly poorer (45% vs. 75%, p = 0.0044). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor cells potentially extended beyond the fascia propria recti in low rectal cancer with lateral pelvic lymphatic flow. Preoperative chemoradiation therapy and adjuvant therapy are considered to be reasonable to improve a poor prognosis of low rectal cancer patients with lateral pelvic lymphatic flow.

[A case of pancreatic cancer with distant metastasis successfully resected after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with a combination of S-1 and gemcitabine].

The patient was a 70-year-old man with a chief complaint of cough.After careful examination, he was diagnosed with pancreatic body cancer with metastasis to the liver and right pleura and with early gastric cancer.He was treated with S-1 and gemcitabine combination chemotherapy.After completing 3 courses, the distant metastasis could no longer be observed. After completing 4 courses, the tumor marker level in the serum was normalized.The pancreatic lesion was restricted by the end of 10 courses, and the pancreas body and tail were resected.After additional chemotherapy with S-1, he was switched to weekly paclitaxel therapy because of peritoneal dissemination.The patient survived for 15 months after surgery.In cases of unresectable pancreatic cancer with distant metastasis, it may be possible to consider the surgical option when chemotherapy is effective.

[An analysis of cases with malignant pyloroduodenal obstruction from unresectable pancreatic cancer who underwent palliative gastrojejunostomy].

The aims of this study were to examine the effectiveness of palliative gastrojejunostomy in terms of the postoperative food intake and hospital stay in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Retrospective data from 17 consecutive patients who underwent gastrojejunostomy from 2008 to 2013 in Toho University Omori Medical Center were analyzed. In our analysis, patients without peritoneal dissemination and distant metastasis were associated with poor oral intake and patients with lower neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were associated with rate of discharge.

[A case of preoperative "bridge to chemotherapy" expandable metallic stent insertion and neoadjuvant therapy for obstructive colorectal cancer].

A 74-year-old woman was diagnosed with advanced rectal cancer and stenosis. To resolve the rectal stenosis, we successfully placed an expandable metallic stent across the stenosis. After stent placement, food intake improved, and a good quality of life was maintained. Subsequently, the patient received systemic chemotherapy with modified FOLFOX6 (mFOLFOX6). The tumor responded remarkably to chemotherapy, and the patient did not experience any complications. After 2 courses of mFOLFOX6, the patient underwent high anterior resection. The postoperative course was satisfactory, and she has now been disease-free for 6 months after surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery for palliative resection of the primary tumor in incurable stage IV colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic palliative resection in patients with incurable stage IV colorectal cancer. METHODS: We reviewed 100 patients with incurable stage IV colorectal cancer who underwent palliative resection of the primary tumor between 2002 and 2009 at National Cancer Center Hospital East (NCCHE). Outcomes and postoperative course were compared between patients who underwent open and laparoscopic surgery. RESULTS: Of the 100 patients, 22 were treated with a laparoscopic procedure and 78 underwent an open surgical procedure. There was no difference in the preoperative characteristics of the two groups. In the laparoscopic group, the mean operation time was significantly longer (177 vs. 148 min, p = 0.007) and the amount of blood loss was significantly lower (166 vs. 361 ml, p = 0.002). Postoperative complications occurred in 5 patients (22.7 %) after laparoscopic surgery and in 21 patients (26.9 %) after open surgery, with no significant difference between the two groups. Time to flatus, time to start of food intake, and hospital stay were all shorter after laparoscopic surgery (3.0 vs. 3.8 days, p = 0.003; 3.6 vs. 5.0 days, p < 0.001; and 12.0 vs. 15.0 days, p = 0.005; respectively). Significantly more patients in the laparoscopic group had >15 % lymphocytes on postoperative day 7 (p = 0.049). Overall survival rates were 73.7 and 75.5 % at 1 year after laparoscopic surgery and open surgery, respectively (p = 0.344). CONCLUSIONS: A laparoscopic procedure should be considered for palliative resection of the primary tumor for incurable stage IV colorectal cancer, because the results of this study indicate that the procedure is safe and effective.

Postoperative chylous ascites after colorectal cancer surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnosis, epidemiology, risk factors, and treatment of chylous ascites after colorectal cancer surgery. METHODS: Among 907 patients who underwent colorectal cancer resection at our institution between 2006 and 2009, chylous ascites developed in 9. We analyzed the clinical data for these 9 patients. RESULTS: Five of the nine patients with chylous ascites had undergone right hemicolectomy and seven had undergone D3 lymph node dissection. In all patients, chylous ascites began to develop the day after commencement of oral intake or the next day. Two patients had no change in diet, one was started on a high-protein and low-fat diet, and six were put on intestinal fasting. Drainage tubes were removed within 5 days after treatment in seven patients. The hospital stay was about 2 weeks after surgery and 1 week after treatment. We found that the tumor area, tumors fed by the superior mesenteric artery, and D3 lymph node dissection were significantly associated with chylous ascites. CONCLUSIONS: Chylous ascites after colorectal cancer surgery occurred at an incidence of 1.0%, but was significantly more frequent after surgery for tumors fed by the superior mesenteric artery and after D3 lymph node dissection. Conservative treatment was effective in all cases.