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We examined the association between pathological lateral pelvic lymph node (LPLN) metastasis and the LPLN diameter in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) who received a neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) regimen based on oxaliplatin as induction chemotherapy. We aimed to determine whether or not the LPLN size predicts LPLN metastasis in NAC cases. We retrospectively examined data from 3 institutes for 60 patients with LARC who received mesorectal excision and LPLN dissection after NAC. We evaluated the LPLN size on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans acquired before and after NAC. We performed multivariate analyses to analyze the relationship between the LPLN size and clinicopathological factors. For patients with visible LPLNs, the median short-axis diameter (SA) was significantly reduced from 5.1 mm (range 2.0–17.4) before NAC to 3.7 mm (range 2.1–19.0) after NAC (p = 0.0479). SA diameters were significantly larger in pathological LPLNs than in healthy LPLNs, both before (p = 0.0002) and after NAC (p

An elemental diet (ED) can suppress inflammation in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD); however, adherence to this diet is difficult. We examined the correlation between ED adherence and the postoperative recurrence of CD. The subjects of this study were 38 patients who underwent intestinal resection with anastomosis. We defined ED adherence as consuming the average daily ED dose (≥900 kcal/day) for 2 years after surgery. Patients who did not adhere to the ED were allocated to the non-ED group. We diagnosed symptomatic recurrence using the CD activity index and endoscopic recurrence using the Rutgeerts’ score. The ED and non-ED groups comprised 21 and 17 patients, respectively, with ED adherence of 55.3% (21/38). At the initial endoscopy, symptomatic and endoscopic recurrence rates were 4.8 and 14.3%, respectively, in the ED group, and 23.5 and 41.2%, respectively, in the non-ED group (P = 0.152 and P = 0.078, respectively). The overall symptomatic recurrence-free duration was significantly longer than the endoscopic recurrence-free duration (P = 0.022). Symptomatic and endoscopic recurrence-free durations were longer in the ED group than in the non-ED group (P = 0.003 and P = 0.021, respectively), and ED adherence was a prognostic factor for endoscopic recurrence (HR = 2.777, 95% CI = 1.036–8.767, P = 0.042). Maintaining ED adherence for 2 years after surgery improved the symptomatic and endoscopic recurrence-free durations.

The impact of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) treatment for Crohn’s disease (CD) on surgical outcomes is still controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of laparoscopic surgery for CD patients treated preoperatively with anti-TNFα agents. We investigated, retrospectively, the clinical features and surgical outcomes of 35 consecutive CD patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery after receiving scheduled anti-TNFα treatment preoperatively. We compared the surgical outcomes of an “early surgery group”, comprised of patients who underwent surgery less than 3 years after the initiation of anti-TNFα treatment, with those of a “late surgery group”, comprised of patients who underwent surgery more than 3 years after the initiation of anti-TNFα treatment. The mean operating time and blood loss were 203 min and 259 mL, respectively. The rates of conversion to open surgery and postoperative complications were 8.6 and 11.4 %, respectively. Operating time and blood loss were correlated with the interval between the initiation of anti-TNFα agent treatment and the time of surgery. The proportion of patients with acquired resistance to anti-TNFα agents and the rate of conversion to open surgery were higher and operating times were longer in the late surgery group than in the early surgery group. Laparoscopic surgery can be performed safely for CD patients treated preoperatively with anti-TNFα agents, although operating times may be longer and estimated blood loss (EBL) greater for those who have been on prolonged anti-TNFα treatment.

To clarify the advantages and disadvantages of stenting as a bridge to surgery (BTS) by comparing the clinical features and outcomes of patients who underwent BTS with those of patients who underwent emergency surgery (ES). We assessed technical success, clinical success, surgical procedures, stoma formation, complications, clinicopathological features, and Onodera’s prognostic nutritional index (OPNI) in patients who underwent BTS and those who underwent ES. Twenty-six patients underwent stenting, which was successful in 22 (BTS group). The remaining four patients with unsuccessful stenting underwent emergency surgery. A total of 22 patients underwent emergency surgery (ES group). The rates of technical and clinical success were 85.0 and 81.0 %, respectively. The proportion of patients able to be treated by laparoscopic surgery (P = 0.0001) and avoid colostomy (P = 0.0042) was significantly higher in the BTS group. Although the incidence of anastomotic leakage in the two groups was not significantly different, it was significantly reduced by colonoscopic evaluation of obstructive colitis (P = 0.0251). The mean number of harvested lymph nodes (P = 0.0056) and the proportion of D3 lymphadenectomy (P = 0.0241) were significantly greater in the BTS group. Perineural invasion (PNI) was noted in 59.1 and 18.2 % of the BTS group and ES group patients, respectively (P = 0.0053). OPNI and serum albumin decreased significantly after stenting (P = 0.0084). The advantages of stenting as a BTS were that it avoided colostomy and allowed for laparoscopic surgery and lymphadenectomy, whereas its disadvantage lay in the decreased PNI and OPNI levels. A larger study including an analysis of prognosis is warranted.

Purpose High-output syndrome (HOS) is a complication of ileostomy, which can affect quality of life significantly; however, its exact cause remains unknown. The aim of this study was to establish the frequency, as well as the preoperative and intraoperative factors predictive of HOS. Methods The subjects of this study were 164 consecutive patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery with ileostomy construction at our institute between January, 2011 and August, 2018. Thirteen patients with postoperative complications reported as causes of HOS, including intraperitoneal abscess, paralytic ileus, and outlet obstruction, were excluded. We used a logistic regression analysis to identify the factors predictive of HOS. Results HOS developed in 36 of the 151 patients (23.8%). There were significantly more diabetic patients in the HOS group (P = 0.03), but other patient factors such as age, gender, body mass index, and use of daily laxatives were not significantly different between the groups. The HOS group had significantly more cases of total proctocolectomy (P = 0.04), but other surgical factors such as operative time, and blood transfusion were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions These results indicate that diabetes and total proctocolectomy are preoperative predictors of HOS, allowing for the possibility of early intervention via post-surgical treatment.

Early detection of a response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer may spare patients from additional toxic but ineffective chemotherapy. Using (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG PET), we evaluated tumor response prospectively in the early course of preoperative chemotherapy.The subjects were 15 patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (XELOX or XELOX plus bevacizumab) for locally advanced rectal cancer. Patients underwent (18)F-FDG PET before chemotherapy, at the end of the first cycle of chemotherapy, and before surgical resection. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed before chemotherapy, after the second cycle of chemotherapy, and before resection. After resection, the SUVmax and diameter were compared and graded according to the tumor regression grade (TRG).The TRG was assessed as TRG1 in one patient, TRG2 in five patients, and TRG3 in nine patients. We divided the patients into two groups: non-responders (NR) included the TRG1 and TRG2 patients, and responders (R) included the TRG3 patients. The tumor size before surgery was significantly smaller in the R group than in the NR group. The SUVmax at the end of the first cycle of chemotherapy and before surgical resection was significantly lower in the R group than in the NR group.Performing (18)F-FDG PET at the end of the first cycle of chemotherapy allowed us to predict the pathological response of locally advanced rectal cancer.

Modern electrosurgical tools have a specific coagulation mode called “soft coagulation”. However, soft coagulation has not been widely accepted for surgical operations. To optimize the soft coagulation environment, we developed a novel suction device integrated with an electrosurgical probe, called the “Suction ball coagulator” (SBC). In this study, we aimed to optimize the SBC design with a prototyping process involving a bench test and preclinical study; then, we aimed to demonstrate the feasibility, safety, and potential effectiveness of the SBC for laparoscopic surgery in clinical settings. SBC prototyping was performed with a bench test. Device optimization was performed in a preclinical study with a domestic swine bleeding model. Then, SBC was tested in a clinical setting during 17 clinical laparoscopic colorectal surgeries. In the bench tests, two tip hole sizes and patterns showed a good suction capacity. The preclinical study indicated the best tip shape for accuracy. In clinical use, no device-related adverse event was observed. Moreover, the SBC was feasible for prompt hemostasis and blunt dissections. In addition, SBC could evacuate vapors generated by tissue ablation using electroprobe during laparoscopic surgery. We successfully developed a novel, integrated suction/coagulation probe for hemostasis and commercialized it.

The treatment outcomes for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been improving, but the development of better therapies is needed. Stem cell therapy is promising, but little is known about the differences in adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) between IBD patients and healthy individuals. ADSCs were isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in IBD (Crohn’s disease, 3; ulcerative colitis, 2) and non-IBD (colorectal cancer, 5; breast cancer, 1) patients. We also analyzed the effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α on murine ADSCs. The numbers of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells per gram of SAT were 7.72 ± 3.03 × 105 in IBD and 8.51 ± 8.80 × 105 in non-IBD patients (p > 0.05). The proportions of ADSCs in SVF cells were 4.98 ± 2.61% in IBD and 1.02 ± 0.67% in non-IBD patients. The numbers of ADSCs per gram of SAT were 4.16 ± 2.96 × 104 in IBD and 0.88 ± 1.04 × 104 in non-IBD patients. The proportions and numbers of ADSCs were significantly higher in IBD patients than in non-IBD patients. TNF-α significantly facilitated the proliferation and motility of murine ADSCs. These results showed the potential advantage of freshly isolated autologous ADSCs in IBD patients.

This retrospective study investigates the safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with oxaliplatin capecitabine (CapeOx), followed by laparoscopic surgery, for lower rectal cancer, and its efficacy in preserving the sphincter.Ten patients with diagnosed lower rectal cancer received three or four cycles of neoadjuvant CapeOx chemotherapy, prior to undergoing low anterior resection or intersphincteric resection, with total mesorectal excision. The primary outcomes were R0 resection and the rate of sphincter preservation.Nine patients completed CapeOx as scheduled and a partial response was achieved in four; thus, the overall response rate was 40% (n = 4/10). After surgical intervention, 80% of tumors displayed downstaging. Postoperative anastomosis leakage developed in one patient. The distance from the anal verge to the tumor increased by 60% (median 1.5 cm) after CapeOx treatment. The anal sphincter was preserved in all patients and all pathological distal and radial margins were negative (R0 resections). A pathological complete response was achieved in one patient.Neoadjuvant CapeOx chemotherapy is a promising approach, because it extended the distance from the anus to the tumor. Subsequent laparoscopic intervention for advanced lower rectal cancer could allow for safe preservation of the sphincter.

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL) has been widely accepted as a surgical treatment for right-sided colon cancer. Single-site laparoscopic colectomy (SLC) is associated with reduced pain and improved cosmesis, in comparison to the multi-site laparoscopic colectomy (MCL). Although the feasibility of CME + CVL under MCL has been reported, SLC for right-sided colon cancer is generally challenging. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate our efforts to standardize the SLC for right-sided colon cancer. This retrospective study enrolled 202 consecutive patients with right-sided colon cancer who underwent laparoscopic colectomy for right-sided colon cancer, using an inferior approach and intraoperative navigation surgery, between 2008 and 2014. The patients were divided into 3 groups, based on the period of treatment, as follows: Period I (2008–2009, n = 56), Period II (2010–2011, n = 70), and Period III (2012–2014, n = 76). The patient’s baseline characteristics did not differ among the three periods. The ratio of SLC significantly increased with the passage of the time. The short-term outcomes were similar among the three periods. As for oncological clearance, there was a significant increase in the number of resected lymph nodes with the passage of the time (P

Laparoscopic surgery for locally advanced colorectal cancer suspected of direct invasion to adjacent organs or structures remains controversial because of its high conversion rate, inadequate oncologic clearance and surgical outcomes. This study retrospectively evaluated the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic multivisceral resection for colorectal cancer and investigated the factors influencing conversion to open surgery. Between 2010 and 2015, 39 patients who underwent laparoscopic multivisceral resection for colorectal cancer intraoperatively suspected of direct invasion to adjacent organs or structures were included. The conversion rate, resection margin status, surgical results, and morbidity and mortality rates were evaluated. We also investigated the factors influencing conversion. The conversion rate was 28 %. The resection margin was negative in all cases. The median operative time was 247 min, and the median blood loss was 80 ml. The postoperative mortality rate was 0 %, and the morbidity rate was 28 %; complications of Grade 3 or more were observed in 2 patients (5 %). The factors influencing conversion were ≥2 adherent organs (p = 0.028) and clinical suspicion of direct invasion to adjacent organs (cT4b) (p = 0.076). Laparoscopic multivisceral resection for colorectal cancer intraoperatively suspected of direct invasion to adjacent organs or structures is feasible in selected patients. Conversion is more likely with ≥2 adherent organs and cT4b.

To examine the regeneration of mesothelium under a bioresorbable membrane. A 1 cm2 piece of peritoneum was resected from both sides of the abdominal wall of retired female mice. A piece of hyaluronate and carboxymethyl-cellulose (Seprafilm®) was placed over the wound on one side and the other side was left uncovered. We evaluated the degree of adhesion and regeneration of mesothelial cells macroscopically and histologically using immunohistochemistry at different times. Macroscopically, the degree of postoperative adhesion in the treated site was significantly less than that in the untreated site. The membrane was left in place for 7 postoperative days (PODs). By POD 5, the regenerated peritoneum mesothelial cells covered part of the area and by POD 7, they had regenerated over almost all of that area in the abdominal wall. The anti-adhesion membrane worked as a physical barrier to prevent postoperative adhesion until the mesothelial cells had regenerated completely. To our knowledge, this is the first study conducted to assess the regeneration of peritoneum mesothelial cells under a bioresorbable membrane using immunohistochemistry.

Adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) transplantation is expected to be a minimally invasive, but effective, treatment for postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas associated with poor blood flow and chronic inflammation. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel ADSC therapy for this condition. We conducted an open-label, single-arm exploratory phase I study to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel ADSC therapy. Using the Celution system, we isolated adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) containing abundant ADSCs from liposuction-obtained gluteal adipose tissue. A mixture of ADRCs and fibrin glue was subsequently transplanted into the fistula, and ADRCs were percutaneously and endoscopically injected around the fistula. We evaluated the safety and feasibility of ADRC transplantation and fistula closure in six patients (UMIN000007316). ADRC transplantation was completed in all patients. The fistula closure rates were 83.3 % at 4 and 12 weeks and 100 % at 24 weeks. All patients had grade 1 pain and subcutaneous hemorrhage at the liposuction sites, but no serious adverse events related to this procedure were observed. Transplantation of autologous ADRCs is safe, feasible and advantageous, as it can secure a sufficient cell count without culture or multiple passages, and will likely be effective for a postoperative enterocutaneous fistula.

We herein report a rare case of esophageal leiomyoma in an 18-year-old woman with azygos continuation of the inferior vena cava. A submucosal tumor was located in the left wall of the esophagus behind the carina. The enlarged azygos vein made video-assisted thoracic surgery so difficult that conversion to a minithoracotomy and transection of the right superior intercostal vein were necessary to fully visualize the tumor. A pathological diagnosis revealed leiomyoma. Our experience suggests that a transection of the right superior intercostal vein is effective for the proper exposure of an esophageal tumor located behind the carina in a patient with an enlarged azygos vein.

We report our experience of resecting sternal tumors, followed by reconstruction of the skeletal and soft-tissue defects, and discuss the usefulness of sandwiched Marlex and stainless-steel mesh. Fifteen patients underwent resection of a sternal tumor and chest wall reconstruction with autologous bone grafts, sandwiched Marlex and stainless-steel mesh or a titanium plate, and musculocutaneous flaps. The sternal tumors were from locally recurrent breast carcinoma in ten patients, metastasis from other organs in three, and primary chondrosarcoma in two. All patients were extubated without paradoxical respiration just after surgery. There was no operative mortality. A wound infection developed in the acute phase after a sandwiched Marlex and stainless-steel mesh reconstruction in one patient. A second repair with Marlex and stainless-steel mesh was required in two patients; for flail chest after an autologous bone graft in one; and following re-recurrence of breast carcinoma in another patient who had undergone a musculocutaneous flap repair. No signs of breakdown, dislodgment, severe depression, or deformity were seen in any of the six patients who underwent reconstruction with Marlex and stainless-steel mesh during a median follow-up period of 56 months. Wide resection of sternal tumors provides good local control. Reconstruction with Marlex and stainless-steel mesh seems to be the most effective technique for repairing a wide anterior chest wall defect.

To access the clinical outcome of patients with superior sulcus tumor. We reviewed the records of 16 patients who underwent surgery for a superior sulcus tumor between 1988 and 2003, focusing on the type of surgery. All 16 patients underwent en bloc lung and chest wall resection, which was done as pneumonectomy in 1 patient and lobectomy in 15. Complete resection was achieved in 11 patients, but incomplete resection was done in 5 patients because microscopic examination revealed positive surgical margins. Eight patients underwent partial vertebrectomy and 1 patient had combined resection of the subclavian artery. There was no postoperative mortality. All patients received pre- or postoperative adjuvant therapy, or both. The overall 5-year survival rate was 31.0%. The 5-year survival rate was higher after complete resection than after incomplete resection (59.3% vs 0%, P = 0.08). Patients who underwent complete resection for vertebral invasion and those who did not had 5-year survival rates of 66.7% and 0%, respectively (P = 0.17). Patients who underwent preoperative induction therapy followed by complete resection and those who did not had 5-year survival rates of 80% and 0%, respectively (P = 0.009). Although superior sulcus tumors are still complex, preoperative induction therapy followed by complete resection seemed effective for prolonging survival.

We analyzed the risk factors predisposing elderly patients to develop postoperative respiratory complications (PRCs) and investigated the possibility of predicting the postoperative pulmonary function and PRC rate. The postoperative pulmonary functions were predicted according to a simplified system, which we developed using plain chest roentgenograms from patients with primary lung cancer. Both univariate and multivariate analyses of PRCs were performed in 39 elderly patients with lung cancer from July 1982 to March 1991 (the early period). Based on the results obtained, the permissible extent of lung resection to achieve a predicted postoperative % forced expiratory volume in 1 s (ppo%FEV1.0) and a predicted postoperative % vital capacity (ppo%VC) of more than 55% was selected as the basic criteria for undergoing such an operation after April 1991 (the recent period). A ppo%FEV1.0 and/or ppo%VC of 55% or less was the most significant risk factor for developing PRCs. The PRC rate decreased from 33.3% to 9.8% (P = 0.0251) and the operative mortality rate decreased from 10.3% to 0%. The survival rates for stage I, II. and III cases were not significantly different between the early and recent periods. Decisions made on the operability and the permissible extent of lung resection based on our system using plain chest roentgenograms therefore appeared to reduce the PRC rate and operative mortality rate in elderly patients.

A retrospective study on compromised patients who underwent a lobectomy by a standard thoracotomy for stage I non-small cell lung cancer revealed them to show a poor prognosis and quality of life due to their deteriorated physical conditions. Therefore, a lobectomy by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS lobectomy) was performed on some of these patients according to the provisional indications based on our retrospective study which indicated that it may be beneficial. Fourteen patients underwent VATS lobectomies (VATS group). Sixteen patients who underwent lobectomy by standard thoracotomy (ST group) were compared with those of the VATS group as historical controls. Although the mean operating time for the VATS group was longer than that for the ST group, there was no significant difference. The mean amount of blood loss for the VATS group was significantly less than that for the ST group. The mean maximal postoperative serum CPK level of the VATS group was slightly less than that of the ST group. A significant difference was observed regarding the changes in performance status both before and after operation between the VATS group and the ST group. We thus considered a VATS lobectomy to be beneficial for aged patients, especially in those with restricted physical conditions.

We herein report on a 62-year-old man who developed extraadrenal pheochromocytoma and von Meyenberg complexes of the liver (bile duct microhamartoma). The patient identified preoperatively as having a paraaortic mass which was subsequently diagnosed to be a pheochromocytoma. During the operation, small multiple nodules were unexpectedly recognized in the liver. Some of the liver nodules were resected by a wedge biopsy, and then were pathologically identified to be von Meyenberg complexes. This may be the first reported case of the coexistence of pheochromocytoma and von Meyenberg complexes. It is therefore necessary for surgeons to be aware of von Meyenberg complexes in the differential diagnosis of multiple liver metastases in malignant disease.

Although the idea was originally proposed decades ago, it has recently emerged that cancer can arise from small cell populations that differ from other progenies. These populations have the ability not only to renew themselves, but also to give rise to diverse phenotypes through the process of differentiation. The result is the formation of clinically observed heterogeneous tumors. Because of their similarity to somatic stem cells, these small cell populations have been termed cancer stem cells (CSCs). The involvement of CSCs was demonstrated in leukemia and has since been noted in other solid tumors, such as brain, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers. We support the notion that a curative operation serves as the most beneficial means to make a prognosis of malignancies. However, currently, chemotherapy is another of the promising strategies for the successful treatment of some malignancies. It is thought, however, that CSCs play a role in resistance to anticancer therapy, thus leading to the occurrence of metastasis, a common characteristic of intractable tumors. As a result, the study of CSCs is expected to improve the effectiveness of current therapies and lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for such cancers in the future.

There are differences between lung cancer alone and multiple primary malignancies associated with lung cancer (MPMLC) in terms of clinical characteristics. However, the importance of these differences has not yet been clarified.Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on 123 patients with MPMLC and 815 patients with lung cancer alone who underwent operative procedures for lung cancer from August 1982 to March 2004.Age, number of family with a family history of other malignancies except for smoking-related cancers, and pathological early stage of lung cancer were significantly high in patients with MPMLC based on univariate analyses (P0.0001, P0.05, and P0.05, respectively). Age and family history of malignancy were thus found to be significant factors based on a multivariate analysis.MPMLC demonstrated a significant association with advanced age and stronger hereditary factors in comparison with lung cancer alone, indicating the need for different approaches to properly manage and follow up risk patients.

To assess the degree of penetration of intravenous (i.v.) ciprofloxacin into the lung parenchyma resected for lung carcinoma in Japanese patients.Ciprofloxacin was given i.v. over 1 h to ten Japanese patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma. We took 1 g of normal lung parenchyma and 1 ml of blood serum for analysis when the lung was resected. Ciprofloxacin concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography.The mean time from the end of ciprofloxacin administration to lung resection was 135 +/- 55 min (range, 75-223 min). The mean concentrations of ciprofloxacin in the lung parenchyma and blood serum were 4.9 +/- 2.0 microg/g (range, 2.1-7.9) and 1.5 +/- 0.7 microg/ml (range, 0.8-2.7). The mean tissue per serum concentration ratio was 3.6 +/- 2.2 (range, 1.9-8.7).The concentrations of ciprofloxacin in the lung parenchyma after i.v. administration in Japanese patients were above the minimal inhibitory concentration for bacteria from at least 75 min until 4 h later.

We report a case of a large gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), greater than 5 cm in diameter, in the stomach. Microscopically, high levels of mitosis were observed, indicative of a high-grade malignancy. We analyzed the c-kit gene mutations by a replication competent retrovirus assay and DNA sequencing, which revealed a c-kit mutation in exon 11. Liver metastases were detected 7 months after surgery. Patients with an exon 11 mutation of the c-kit gene are reported to have a high response to STI571 (imatinib mesylate, Glivec). Accordingly, a 1-month course of STI571 treatment clearly changed the characterization of the metastatic tumors radiographically. Thus, it may be important to analyze c-kit gene mutations in patients presenting with GISTs to predict the effectiveness of STI571 in suppressing GISTs, especially tumors thought to have malignant potential.