Evaluation of the prognostic impact of pathologic tumor regression grade on patients with colorectal cancer after preoperative chemoradiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic value of the pathological response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in rectal cancer (RC) remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the predictive value of the response to CRT that was derived from an evaluation of the histological findings (whole-section vs. representative-section sampling) and attempted to determine an objective cut-off value for the tumor regression grade (TRG). METHODS: We examined the association of the TRG with the outcomes (recurrence-free survival [RFS] and overall survival [OS]) of 78 patients with RC. Patients with RC treated with preoperative CRT were divided into development (30 cases) and validation (48 cases) cohorts. The TRG was classified as grades I (Ia, Ib), II, and III. The cut-off value was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: The TRG determined from whole-section sampling versus representative-section sampling was more strongly correlated with patient survival. We found that in both cohorts, patients with a cut-off value of <73% had a poor prognosis. Finally, the cut-off value was found to be an independent predictive factor in both univariate and multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The TRG that was used to evaluate patients with RC who underwent preoperative CRT was an independent prognostic factor for outcome.

Early dynamics of circulating tumor DNA predict chemotherapy responses for patients with esophageal cancer.

We investigated whether early circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) changes, measured using digital PCR (dPCR), can predict later chemotherapy responses in esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC). We compared the dynamics of ctDNA and tumor volumes during chemotherapy in 42 ESCC. The accuracy of predictions of later chemotherapy responses was evaluated by the ratio of the variant allele frequency of ctDNA (post-/pre-ctDNA) and the total tumor volume (post-/pre-volume) before and after an initial chemotherapy cycle using a receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. Total positive and negative objective responses (ORs) were defined as either >50 or ≤50% reductions, respectively, in the total tumor volume at the end of first-line chemotherapy. Mutation screening of 43 tumors from 42 patients revealed 96 mutations. The pretreatment dPCR-ctDNA data were informative in 38 patients, using 70 selected mutations (1-3 per patient). The areas under the curve (AUCs) for the post-/pre-volume and post-/pre-ctDNA levels used in predicting the total OR were 0.85 and 0.88, respectively. The optimal cutoff value of post-/pre-ctDNA was 0.13. In 20 patients with post-/pre-volume ≥50%, the total OR could be predicted by the post-/pre-ctDNA with high accuracy; the AUC by post-/pre-ctDNA was higher than that by post-/pre-volume (0.85 versus 0.76, respectively). Patients with low post-/pre-ctDNA (n = 18) had a significantly better overall survival rate than those with high post-/pre-ctDNA (n = 20; P = 0.03). Early ctDNA changes after an initial cycle of chemotherapy predict later responses to treatment with high accuracy in ESCC patients.

Frequent post-operative monitoring of colorectal cancer using individualised ctDNA validated by multiregional molecular profiling.

BACKGROUND: Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) is known as a tumour-specific personalised biomarker, but the mutation-selection criteria from heterogeneous tumours remain a challenge. METHODS: We conducted multiregional sequencing of 42 specimens from 14 colorectal tumours of 12 patients, including two double-cancer cases, to identify mutational heterogeneity to develop personalised ctDNA assays using 175 plasma samples. RESULTS: "Founder" mutations, defined as a mutation that is present in all regions of the tumour in a binary manner (i.e., present or absent), were identified in 12/14 tumours. In contrast, "truncal" mutations, which are the first mutation that occurs prior to the divergence of branches in the phylogenetic tree using variant allele frequency (VAF) as continuous variables, were identified in 12/14 tumours. Two tumours without founder and truncal mutations were hypermutators. Most founder and truncal mutations exhibited higher VAFs than "non-founder" and "branch" mutations, resulting in a high chance to be detected in ctDNA. In post-operative long-term observation for 10/12 patients, early relapse prediction, treatment efficacy and non-relapse corroboration were achievable from frequent ctDNA monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: A single biopsy is sufficient to develop custom dPCR probes for monitoring tumour burden in most CRC patients. However, it may not be effective for those with hypermutated tumours.

Early renal dysfunction after temporary ileostomy construction.

PURPOSE: Loop ileostomy is often used to prevent complications after colorectal surgery, but it has been reported to cause renal impairment. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the renal function after ileostomy and to compare these with the renal function after low anterior resection without ileostomy (low-ANT). METHODS: The subjects included 58 patients who underwent ileostomy construction and closure for rectal cancer. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated at specific time points after the index surgery. In addition, we conducted a case-matched study on 147 patients who underwent low-ANT. RESULTS: The eGFR was significantly lower at 1 month after ileostomy than at the time of ileostomy construction (78.8 vs. 84.0, p < 0.0001) and did not improve after ileostomy closure. The only risk factor for a reduced eGFR was preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. In the case-matched study, 36 patients were allocated for each of the two groups. The number of ileostomy patients with a reduced eGFR was significantly increased 1 month after the index surgery (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The eGFR began to decrease at one month after ileostomy construction and did not improve after ileostomy closure.

Transumbilical abdominal incision for laparoscopic colorectal surgery does not increase the risk of postoperative surgical site infection.

PURPOSE: Besides antibiotic prophylaxis, antiseptic skin preparation is an important measure to prevent surgical site infection (SSI). No reports have detailed the relationship between SSI and umbilical microflora following laparoscopic colorectal cancer with a transumbilical longitudinal incision. METHODS: Risk factors and the rate of SSI were investigated in 453 patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection over a 3-year period. Microbiological samples were collected from the umbilicus and SSI areas. RESULTS: After laparoscopic procedure, we observed SSIs in approximately 5% of cases, with superficial SSI in 15 (3.3%) patients and organ/space SSIs 7 (1.5%). In univariate analysis, preoperative albumin (Alb) value and anastomosis of enterocolostomy were significantly associated with superficial SSI development. Also, age, blood loss, stoma, tumor site (rectum), and Hartmann/abdominal perineal resection (APR) were significant risk factors for organ/space SSI. In multivariate analysis, the preoperative Alb value was the most significant factor associated with a predisposition to superficial SSI. The bacteria detected in SSI were mostly different from those at wound closure. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria were included in organ/space SSI all cases. CONCLUSIONS: SSI development with laparoscopic surgery reportedly occurs in about 3-15% cases. The SSI rate in this study and other reports was comparable. Using small transumbilical longitudinal incision in laparoscopic colorectal surgery is less likely to cause SSI when sufficient control measures are enacted, even though the umbilicus contains resident bacteria in abundance.

Comparative benefits of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in octogenarians: a case-matched comparison of short- and long-term outcomes with middle-aged patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative short- and long-term outcomes after laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCS) between octogenarians and healthy middle-aged patients. METHODS: Between January 1997 and July 2009, 655 consecutive laparoscopic surgeries for colorectal cancer patients were operated by 1 colorectal surgeon. Ninety-three patients were octogenarians (≥80 years), and 133 patients were case-matched middle-aged (60-69 years) patients. We analyzed the mean operative time, blood loss, type of surgery for rectal cancer, length of hospital stay, mortality, and morbidity. The overall survival curve was constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The American Society of Anesthesiologists classification was significantly higher in the octogenarians than in the middle-aged controls. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the incidence of morbidities (11.7 vs. 9.2 %) and length of hospital stay (12.1 vs. 10.9 days). The number of lymph nodes harvested was significantly fewer (p < 0.05) and the operative time significantly shorter (p < 0.05) in the octogenarians than in the middle-aged controls. At a mean follow-up of 38.2 months, the overall 5-year survival rate was 64.8 % in the octogenarians and 92.4 % in the middle-aged group, whereas the cancer-specific 5-year survival rate was 91 % in the octogenarians and 95.7 % in the middle-aged group. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that advanced age should not be a contraindication for LCS, even for complex procedures, such as laparoscopic rectal resection.

[A Case of Para-Aortic Lymph Node Metastasis of Rectal Cancer Successfully Treated Using Multidisciplinary Therapy].

A 66-year-old man diagnosed with rectal cancer underwent high anterior resection and received adjuvant chemotherapy (UFT plus UZEL). One year after the surgery, lung and para-aortic lymph node(PLN)metastases were identified. We chose mFOLFOX6 for first-line chemotherapy. After 7 courses, we changed the regimen to sLV5FU2 because of Grade 3 neuropathy. After 5 courses, to treat progressive disease(PD), we changed the regimen to FOLFIRI. Then, the patient had stable disease (SD), and surgical excision was performed for both lung and lymph node recurrence without adjuvant chemotherapy. Six years after the excision, a CT scan revealed PLNagain. We chose FOLFIRI plus cetuximab. After 9 courses, the lymph nodes decreased in size and there was no other recurrence; thus we performed resection. However, a third PLNrecurrence was identified 20 months after the resection. Chemotherapy has continued for 47 courses, and he has maintained SD for more than 2 years.

[A Case of More Than Five-Year Survival of Carcinoma Associated with Anal Fistula Effectively Treated by Combined Modality Therapy].

The patient was a 56-year-old man who presented with perianal pain and a perianal abscess. After admission, he underwent debridement and colostomy due to poor control of the perianal abscess. Following a biopsy of the resected specimens, he was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in the anorectal fistula. CT and MRI revealed that the tumor had invaded into the internal obturator muscle. Therefore, preoperative chemoradiotherapy and chemotherapy were given for locally advanced cancer. Subsequent to tumor shrinkage, we performed an abdominoperineal resection. Histopathologically, no cancer cells were detected on the surgical margin, and the effect of the preoperative therapy was judged to be Grade 1b. There has been no indication of recurrence of cancer after 5 years.

Daikenchuto stimulates colonic motility after laparoscopic-assisted colectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Paralytic ileus after laparoscopic-assisted surgery often occurs. We investigated whether daikenchuto (DKT), a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, improves intestinal motility in patients undergoing laparoscopic-assisted colectomy for colon cancer. METHODOLOGY: Fifty-four patients who underwent colectomy at Iwate Medical University Hospital between October 2010 and March 2012 were randomized to either the DKT group (7.5 g/day, p.o.) or the control group (lactobacillus preparation, 3g/day, p.o.). Primary endpoints included time to first flatus, bowel movement, and tolerance of diet after extubation. Secondary endpoints were WBC count, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, length of hospital stay, and postoperative ileus. Colonic transit time was measured using radiopaque markers and abdominal radiographs. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (DKT, 26 vs. control, 25) were included in the per-protocol analysis. The DKT group had significantly faster time until first flatus (67.5 +/- 13.6h vs. 77.9 +/- 11.8h, P < 0.01) and bowel movement (82.9 +/- 17.8h vs. 99.5 +/- 18.9h, P < 0.01) and colonic transit time (91.9 +/- 19.8h vs. 115.2 +/- 12.8 h, P < 0.05). There were no significant intergroup differences in secondary endpoints and adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: DKT accelerates colonic motility in patients undergoing laparoscopic-assisted colectomy for colon cancer.

Rare strangulated intenal hernia following extraperitoneal colostomy for rectal cancer operation: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Few cases of intestinal obstruction after colostomy are caused by internal hernia. Some institutions perform stomas through the extraperitoneal route because some patients experience an internal hernia outside the stoma performed through the intraperitoneal route. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 72-year-old woman presented with a history of laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (APR). A sigmoid colostomy was performed via the extraperitoneal route during APR. One month after APR, the patient presented to the emergency department of our hospital with abdominal pain and vomiting. Computed tomography revealed that the small intestine had passed through the extraperitoneal tunnel, resulting in strangulated intestinal obstruction, and emergency laparotomy was performed. During surgery, the ileum passed behind the elevated sigmoid colon in a caudal-to-cranial direction and formed an unusual closed loop. The strangulated part of the small intestine showed ischemic change; however, the intestine quickly normalized soon after strangulation was released, and the operation was completed without resection of the intestine. DISCUSSION: The major cause of intestinal obstruction after colostomy is intraperitoneal adhesion. Looseness of the elevated sigmoid colon can cause internal hernia, if under pneumoperitoneum, when a colostomy is created through the extraperitoneal route in laparoscopic APR. Furthermore, the patient had lost more than 5 kg of body weight after the surgery, which may have led to the looseness of the elevated sigmoid colon. CONCLUSION: Releasing the pneumoperitoneum during the elevation of the sigmoid colon is necessary to prevent internal hernia, even with a colostomy performed through the extraperitoneal route.1.

Effect of blood pressure control on the risk of proteinuria during bevacizumab treatment in patients with colorectal cancer: a single-center retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Pre-existing hypertension is reportedly a major risk factor for bevacizumab-induced proteinuria. However, few studies have focused on the effects of blood pressure (BP) control on proteinuria during bevacizumab treatment. We report a retrospective study of the association between poor BP control and the risk of developing proteinuria in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: Data for CRC patients who received bevacizumab between April 2015 and March 2022 were retrospectively collected. Patients were categorized into two groups based on average systolic blood pressure (SBP) during treatment: normal SBP (< 140 mmHg) and high SBP (≥ 140 mmHg). To evaluate the association between average SBP and grade ≥ 2 proteinuria, we used a 3 month landmark analysis and a Cox regression model. RESULTS: Of the 279 patients analyzed, 109 had high SBP and 170 had normal SBP. The cumulative incidence of grade ≥ 2 and severe proteinuria was significantly higher in the high compared to the normal SBP group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.028, respectively). Landmark analysis indicated significant differences in proteinuria between patients with and without high average SBP during the first 3 months of treatment (p = 0.002 and p = 0.015, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that average SBP ≥ 140 mmHg was a significant independent risk factor for proteinuria (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Landmark analysis showed that BP status during the first 3 months of bevacizumab treatment influences the risk of subsequent proteinuria. Therefore, timely diagnosis and stricter BP control are recommended for at least the first 3 months to avoid severe proteinuria.

Bleeding ileal schwannoma resulting in severe anemia requiring massive blood transfusion: A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION: Melena is a common symptom of schwannoma of the small intestine, a rare type of tumor. Even more rare is schwannoma of the small intestine that requires a massive blood transfusion due to hemorrhage. Herein, we report such a case successfully treated with surgical resection. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 72-year-old woman presented to the previous hospital with melena. The patient was taking antiplatelet drugs for a previous cerebral infarction. The patient had progressive anemia due to continuous melena. Thus, she needed a massive blood transfusion with 12 units of packed red blood cells within 1 week of admission. A diagnosis was not possible based on the esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy findings. Therefore, the patient was referred to our hospital for further examination and treatment. Computed tomography (CT) showed a well-circumscribed tumor with hyperattenuation in the small intestine, and double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) revealed a submucosal tumor (SMT) in the ileum. The patient was diagnosed with a bleeding gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and underwent laparoscopic partial resection of the ileum. The histopathological findings revealed spindle-shaped cell growth and a peritumoral lymphoid cuff. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the tumor cells were negative for c-kit and CD34 but positive for S100 staining. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with ileal schwannoma. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 10. CONCLUSION: This report describes an extremely rare case of ileal schwannoma requiring massive blood transfusion. Furthermore, it highlights that schwannomas of the small intestine can cause severe anemia, especially in patients receiving antiplatelet drugs.

Plasma endothelin-1 may predict bevacizumab-induced proteinuria in patients with colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: Proteinuria is one of the most common adverse events leading to the discontinuation of bevacizumab therapy. We analyzed plasma ET-1 levels as an indicator of renal endothelial dysfunction in colorectal cancer patients, to determine the utility of plasma ET-1 for identification of patients at high risk of proteinuria when treated with bevacizumab. METHODS: Patients (n = 40) were recruited from an outpatient chemotherapy center between December 2020 and January 2022. Blood samples for plasma ET-1 levels were collected before treatment with bevacizumab (baseline), and after treatment for 3 and 6 months, and plasma ET-1 was determined by ELISA. Proteinuria was evaluated based on CTCAE v5.0 using urine protein-creatinine ratio instead of 24-h urine protein. RESULTS: Plasma ET-1 levels at baseline were significantly higher in the group with grade ≥ 2 proteinuria than in the non-proteinuria group (p = 0.019). After adjusting for age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and hypertension following bevacizumab, plasma ET-1 levels at baseline were found to be an independent predictor of development of grade ≥ 2 proteinuria (OR = 17.8, 95% CI 1.42-223, and p = 0.026). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated an optimal cut-off value of the plasma ET-1 level of 1.19 pg/mL for predicting grade ≥ 2 proteinuria, with a sensitivity of 80.0% and specificity of 73.3%. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, higher plasma ET-1 levels before treatment might increase the risk of proteinuria in colorectal cancer patients treated with bevacizumab. This might have important implications in the early detection of the risk of proteinuria.

Realizing the Wishes of Terminal Patients: Caregiving Transport Efforts for End of Life in the Kuji Area of Japan.

Background: There are some restrictions in Japan regarding end-of-life care. For example, only physicians can legally issue death certificates. By law, ambulance staff members perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for all patients with cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA). Therefore, it is difficult to transport patients to hospitals without CPR, even in cases of terminal patients with do-not-attempt-resuscitation (DNAR) order. Furthermore, there is no 24-hour home care nursing system in our area. Therefore, terminal patients are unable to spend their last moments at their home in the Kuji area. Objective: To design a system in which terminal patients who wish to spend their final moments at their home can be transported to the hospital without CPR after at-home CPA and a system to avoid confusion between ambulance staff and family members using instructions provided by the physician. Setting/Subjects: The subjects were terminal patients with DNAR order who wanted to stay at home. The instruction to not perform CPR after CPA was created as a document by physicians. Patient information was shared with the fire department; patients were transported to our hospital without CPR after at-home CPA. Results: In total, 26 patients died during the study period; eight received emergency transport to the hospital without CPR after CPA. CPR was not performed for any patient. Conclusion: A system transporting terminal patients without CPR after CPA was necessary in our area. This instruction allows terminal patients to spend their last moments where they wish and avoids unwanted CPR and troubles after CPA.

Advanced synchronous rectal and prostate cancers diagnosed by lateral lymph node dissection: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Rectal and prostate cancers are common cancers occurring globally, and both can metastasize to the pelvic lateral lymph nodes (LLNs). PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 69-year-old man, presenting with blood in stool, was diagnosed with rectal cancer. Computed tomography revealed a 7-mm LLN in the right internal iliac artery region, leading to the suspicion of metastasis. The patient underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection and LLN dissection. Histopathological findings of the metastatic tissue in the LLN were different than that of rectal cancer, and endocrine tumor was suspected. Immunostaining performed based on high serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level revealed positivity for PSA and α-methylacyl-CoA racemase in the dissected LLN. Thus, he was diagnosed with synchronous rectal and prostate cancers and received hormonal therapy for stage IV prostate cancer, which led to a dramatic reduction in PSA level after three months. He was followed regularly and did not relapse or experienced disease progression for either cancer for approximately four years after the initial diagnosis. DISCUSSION: Few studies reported synchronous rectal and prostate cancers, both of which can metastasize to pelvic LLNs. However, preoperative diagnosis of the primary cancer metastasizing to the LLNs is challenging. Treatment of synchronous rectal and prostate cancers requires a strategy to diagnose each tumor stage and corresponding degree of progression because lymph node metastases affect staging in both cancers. CONCLUSION: Lymph node dissection may be useful in determining progression and treatment plan in cases of concurrent rectal and prostate cancers with suspected LLN metastasis.

Laparoscopic colectomy for persistent descending mesocolon in sigmoid colon cancer: A case report.

A 55-year-old-man underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for sigmoid colon cancer. Preoperative barium enema showed a slightly medial displacement of the descending colon, and the sigmoid colon was quite long. The operative findings showed that the descending colon was not fused with the retroperitoneum and shifted to the midline and the left colon adhered to the small mesentery and right pelvic wall. Thus, a diagnosis of persistent descending mesocolon (PDM) was made. The left colon, sigmoid colon, and superior rectal arteries often branch radially from the inferior mesenteric artery. The sigmoid mesentery shortens, and the inferior mesenteric vein is often close to the marginal vessels. By understanding the anatomical feature of PDM and devising surgical techniques, laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for sigmoid colon cancer with PDM could be performed without compromising its curative effect and safety.

Analysis of mutational and proteomic heterogeneity of gastric cancer suggests an effective pipeline to monitor post-treatment tumor burden using circulating tumor DNA.

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is released from tumor cells into blood in advanced cancer patients. Although gene mutations in individual tumors can be diverse and heterogenous, ctDNA has the potential to provide comprehensive biomarker information. Here, we performed multi-region sampling (three sites) per resected specimen from 10 gastric cancer patients followed by targeted sequencing and proteomic profiling using reverse-phase protein arrays. A total of 126 non-synonymous mutations were identified from 30 samples from 10 tumors. Of these, 16 (12.7%) were present in all three regions and were designated as founder mutations. Variant allele frequencies (VAFs) of founder mutations were significantly higher than those of non-founder mutations. Phylogenetic analysis also demonstrated a good concordance between founder and truncal mutations, defined as mutations shared by all simulated clones at the trunk of the tumor phylogenetic tree. These findings led us to prioritize founder mutations for quantitative ctDNA monitoring by digital PCR with individually-designed primer/probe sets. In preoperative plasma, the average ctDNA VAF of founder mutations was significantly higher than that of non-founder mutations (p = 0.039). Proteomic heterogeneity was present across the tumor regions both within and between patients independent of mutational status. Our results suggest that, in practice, mutations having high VAF identified without multi-regional sequencing may be immediately useful for quantitative ctDNA monitoring but do not provide sufficient information to predict the proteomic composition of tumors.

Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection with Two Planned Stapler Fires.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage during laparoscopic low anterior resection (Lap-LAR) for rectal cancer remains challenging for colorectal surgeons. Firing linear staplers multiple times has been reported as a risk factor for iatrogenic anastomotic leakage. Our institute usually performs rectal transection using 2 planned stapler fires followed by anastomosis with the double-stapling technique. METHODS: Between November 2009 and September 2016, a total of 272 consecutive patients underwent Lap-LAR with double-stapling anastomosis for rectal cancer. We inserted a linear 45-mm stapler cartridge from a port in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. The first transection was made up to three-quarters of the rectal wall, and the remaining rectum was completely resected using a second stapler. During this procedure, the intersection of the 2 staple lines, which might otherwise cause anastomotic leakage, was located in the center of the stump of the distal rectum, so the intersection at the rectal stump was able to be easily removed using a circular stapler. RESULTS: None of our patients were converted to open surgery. Among the 272 Lap-LAR procedures for which use of 2 stapler fires was planned, 3 fires occurred in error only once (0.4%). Rectovaginal fistula and anastomotic leakage occurred in 1 patient (0.4%) and 9 patients (3.3%), respectively, and 49 (18.0%) patients required protective diverting stoma. CONCLUSION: Rectal transection with 2 planned stapler fires appears safe, practical, and straightforward to standardize, and reduces the need for multiple linear fires and the incidence of anastomotic leakage.

Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for a patient with situs inversus totalis: effect of changing operator position.

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare congenital condition in which the abdominal and thoracic organs are on the opposite sides to their normal anatomic positions. Reports of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer with SIT are very few. Due to the mirror-image transposition of organs and vascular abnormalities, laparoscopic surgery for patients with SIT is technically complicated. Therefore, it has been reported as easier for left-handed surgeons. This report presents that operative procedures can be conducted as usual by changing the positions of the operator and assistants, even if the operator is right-handed. A 71-year-old woman visited our hospital with a 2-month history of hematochezia. Colonoscopy revealed an ulcerative tumor in the sigmoid colon and biopsy confirmed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy radical lymphadenectomy was performed. The operating time was 189 minutes and blood loss was 13 mL. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 7, without any complications. We report that complicated surgical procedures for patients with SIT can be simplified by changing viewpoints. Due to the altered anatomy in SIT, the positions of the operator and assistants are very important. Location of the pelvis is almost the same as in orthotopic patients, by moving the operator from the left side to the right side of the patient. Changing the position of the operator to the right side seems to be effective for patients with SIT during pelvic procedures.