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Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is one of the major critical complications after pancreatic resection. Recently, postoperative acute pancreatitis (POAP), a new concept for a pancreatic-specific complication following pancreatic resection, has been advocated, and its association with POPF has been reported. The present study examined the clinical features of POAP and identified the associations of POAP with POPF and other postoperative morbidities in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients undergoing pancreatic resection.A total of 312 consecutive patients who underwent pancreatic resection for PDAC at our institution from 2013 to 2019 were enrolled in this study. POAP was defined as an elevated serum amylase level above the upper limit normal on postoperative day (POD) 0 or 1, based on Connor's definition. The severity of POPF was assessed by the International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery definition.A total of 184 patients (58.9%) had POAP. POAP occurred in 58.5% of subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy patients and 60% of distal pancreatectomy combined with splenectomy patients. The presence of POAP was significantly associated with the development of clinically relevant POPF, higher rates of severe morbidity, and a prolonged hospital stay after pancreatic resection. A multivariate analysis showed that the presence of POAP and elevated C-reactive protein levels on POD 3 were independent predictors of clinically relevant POPF after subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy.POAP is associated with the development of POPF, higher rates of severe morbidity, and a prolonged hospital stay after pancreatic resection and is an independent risk factor for clinically relevant POPF after pancreatoduodenectomy. POAP represents an important indicator for planning treatment strategies to prevent serious complications, including POPF.

We present the case of a 35-year-old man with intractable nausea, vomiting, and severe anemia. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis showed a circumferential lesion thickening of up to 3.5 cm at the level of the third portion of the duodenum. No aortocaval, retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, nor secondary lesion was observed. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed a circumferential mass within the third portion of the duodenum. Histopathology of biopsy materials from the duodenal mass showed it most likely to be a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent a subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy with regional lymph node dissection. Histologically, tumor cells with basophilic cytoplasm and pleomorphic nuclei showed a solid pattern, and expressed CD30 and SALL4 immunohistochemically, leading to a diagnosis of embryonal carcinoma-like tumor. No other primary tumor could be identified, and the location of the tumor, mainly on the mucosal surface, suggested a duodenal origin. The UICC TNM staging was T3N2M0, stage IIB. This is a rare case of primary duodenal carcinoma with features of embryonal carcinoma.

Background Several immune-inflammatory markers are associated with cancer progression. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the influence of the preoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CRP/ALB ratio) on survival of patients with esophageal cancer and recurrence after curative resection. Patients and methods The preoperative CRP/ALB ratio was evaluated in 122 patients who underwent radical resection for esophageal cancer from 2005 to 2018. The correlations between the CRP/ALB ratio and cancer-specific overall (OS), recurrence-free (RFS) survival and the clinicopathological status were analyzed. Results The optimal cut-off value of the CRP/ALB ratio determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was 0.04. Patients were divided into two groups based on this cut-off value: the low CRP/ALB group (n=59) and the high CRP/ALB group (n=50). The OS rate at 5 years after surgery was significantly lower in the group with high CRP/ALB at 40.5% whilst it was 63.5% in the low CRP/ALB group (p=0.005). The corresponding RFS rates at 5 years after surgery were 32.5% and 48.3%, respectively, which was a statistically significant difference (p=0.007). A multivariate analysis showed that a high CRP/ALB ratio was a significant independent risk factor for poorer cancer-specific OS and RFS. Conclusion The preoperative CRP/ALB ratio was a strong prognostic marker for patients with esophageal cancer. The surgical strategy, including procedure and perioperative care should be carefully planned for patients with a high CRP/ALB ratio.

BACKGROUND The short- and long-term outcomes of esophagectomy for esophageal cancer were fully evaluated in patients older than 75 years of age. PATIENTS AND METHODS The present study selected patients who received esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Patients were divided into non-elderly patients [age

Background/Aim: We investigated the clinical impact of the lymph node ratio (LNR) on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in esophageal cancer patients who underwent curative surgery. Patients and Methods: One hundred twenty patients who underwent curative surgery for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2017 were included in this study. The LNR was defined as the ratio of the number of metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) to the total number of harvested LNs. Results: A lymph node ratio of 10% was regarded as the optimal critical point for classification based on the overall survival rate. The 3-year and 5-year OS rates were 65.5% and 57.0%, respectively, in the LNR10% group; the difference was also statistically significant (p10% group was significantly higher than that in the LNR

Background/Aim: The present study aimed to identify risk factors for anastomosis leak (AL) after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Patients and Methods: One-hundred twenty-two patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between 2008 and 2018 were included. The rate of AL was measured based on the definition of leak as adapted from the Surgical Infection Study Group. To identify the risk factors for AL, logistic regression analysis was used. Results: AL was found in 44 of the 122 patients (36.1%). Among the factors examined, the lymph node dissection status (p=0.007) and preoperative serum albumin level (p=0.022) were significant independent risk factors for AL. The incidence of AL was 26.7% (20 of 75) among patients who received 2-field lymph node dissection and 51.1% (24 of 47) among those who received 3-field lymph node dissection. The incidence of AL was 29.9% (23 of 77) in the preoperative serum albumin levels ≥4.0 g/dl group and 46.7% (21 of 45) in the serum albumin levels

677 Background: Results from the phase III Prep-02/JSAP-05 trial demonstrated the efficacy and safety of gemcitabine plus S-1 as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for resectable pancreatic cancer. However, consensus on neoadjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer has not yet been established, and the effects of neoadjuvant therapy on clinical features of the tumor and improvement in prognosis have not been fully investigated. We aimed to investigate the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on resectable pancreatic cancer. Methods: Between 2013 and 2021, 291 patients who underwent curative resection for resectable pancreatic cancer at our hospital were enrolled. The patients were categorized into groups of those who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC group: n = 91) and those who received up-front surgery (US group: n = 200). Prognostic predictors were examined in (i) all patients, (ii) US group, and (iii) NAC group. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. Results: The median follow-up periods were 20.7 and 33.2 months in the NAC and US groups, respectively. In the NAC group, 84 of the 91 patients (94.5%) received gemcitabine-based chemotherapy, and three (3.3%) received chemoradiotherapy. There was no difference in overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) between the two groups. In the background, the NAC group had lower preoperative CA19-9 levels, lower lymph node ratio (LNR), and smaller tumor size than in the US group. During multivariable analysis of OS, preoperative CA19-9 levels, LNR, modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), resection margin, and tumor size were identified as possible prognostic predictors in all patients and in the US group, whereas LNR and mGPS were identified in the NAC group. Conclusions: The prognostic significance of preoperative CA19-9 level, tumor size, and LNR were counteracted in the NAC group. These findings may indicate the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for resectable pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM To evaluate the outcomes of curative resection for Borrmann type IV gastric cancer through an analysis of the clinical, surgical and pathological data and through identifying which of these prognostic factors are associated with survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 2798 patients who had undergone excision of the primary lesion and 122 patients with type IV gastric cancer undergoing curative resection (R0 or 1) at Yokohama City University Hospital and Kanagawa Cancer Center between November 1995 and May 2016. RESULTS Borrmann type IV gastric cancer had more advanced and unfavorable clinicopathological factors compared to other types. The 5-year overall survival rate was 28%, and the median survival was 21.8 months. The overall survival rate was influenced by the depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, peritoneal lavage cytology (CY), stage and intraoperative blood loss. Of these, independent prognostic factors were intraoperative blood loss (

Background/aim Postoperative pneumonia after esophageal cancer can lead to additional pain, prolonged hospital stay, and respiratory failure. These adverse events might lead to early recurrence and/or death. We investigated the influence of postoperative pneumonia on the esophageal cancer survival and recurrence after curative surgery. Patients and methods This study included 122 patients who underwent curative surgery for esophageal cancer between 2008 and 2018. The patients were classified into: i) those with postoperative pneumonia (pneumonia group) and ii) those without postoperative pneumonia (non-pneumonia group). The risk factors for the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified. The rate of postoperative pneumonia was measured by the revised Uniform Pneumonia Score. Results Postoperative complications were found in 34 of the 122 patients (27.9%). The OS rate at 5 years following surgery was 28.2% in the pneumonia group and 55.1% in the non-pneumonia group (p=0.006). The RFS rate at 5 years after surgery was 18.9% in the pneumonia group and 49.2% in the non-pneumonia group (p=0.061). A multivariate analysis showed that postoperative pneumonia was a significant independent risk factor for OS. Conclusion The development of postoperative pneumonia was a risk factor for a decreased overall survival in patients who underwent curative surgery for esophageal cancer. The surgical procedure, perioperative care and surgical strategy should be carefully planned in order to avoid postoperative pneumonia.

Background: The predictive roles of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients after curative resection have not been clarified. We investigated the correlations between the SPARC expression and the postoperative prognosis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data from consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for pancreatic cancer in our institution from 2005 to 2014. Stromal SPARC expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry on tumor tissue microarrays (TMAs) from the patients. Results: A total of 179 patients were enrolled to this study. The median follow-up period of the present study was 62.1 months. Seventy patients had positive SPARC expression (39.1%). There were no significant differences between the positive SPARC-positive group and the SPARC-negative group. In the survival analysis, there was a significant difference between the SPARC-positive and SPARC-negative groups in the 5-year overall survival (OS) rates after surgery, which were 8.1% and 19.8%, respectively (p=0.0316). A univariate analysis showed that the SPARC expression, size of tumor, lymph node metastasis, and residual tumor were possible prognostic factors. A multivariate analysis showed that the SPARC expression (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.017-2.051), lymph node metastasis (HR: 2.019, 95% CI: 1.318-3.091), and residual tumor (HR: 1.648, 95% CI: 1.132-2.401) were independent prognostic factors. Conclusions: The stromal SPARC expression in resectable pancreatic cancer patients might be useful as a prognostic marker.

Background: We investigated the impact of the age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) on the pancreatic cancer survival and recurrence after curative surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients and Methods: This study included 155 patients who underwent curative surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer between 2005 and 2014. The risk factors for the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified. Results: An ACCI of 8 was regarded as the optimum critical point of classification considering the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates. The OS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 25.7% and 19.0% in the ACCI-low group, respectively, and 7.6% and 0% in the ACCI-high group, which amounted to a statistically significant difference (P = 0.019). The RFS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 17.3% and 13.8% in the ACCI-low group, respectively, and 7.1% and 0% in the ACCI-high group, which amounted to a marginally statistically significant difference (P = 0.104). A multivariate analysis showed that the ACCI was a significant independent risk factor for both the OS and RFS. Conclusions: The ACCI was a risk factor for the OS in patients who underwent curative surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. An effective plan is needed for determining the optimum surgical strategy according to the ACCI.

Background Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) originating from the extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD) is very rare but is known for its aggressiveness and poor prognosis. We herein report a case of rapidly progressed NEC in the extrahepatic bile duct. Case presentation An 84-year-old man was referred to our facility with obstructive jaundice and abdominal pain. Imaging studies revealed an irregular filling defect in the middle bile duct by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and an enhanced wall thickening from the middle to distal portion by enhanced computed tomography. The patient was initially diagnosed with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma by a bile duct biopsy and underwent pancreatoduodenectomy with lymph node dissection. The pathological findings showed an NEC with an adenosquamous carcinoma component in the extrahepatic bile duct with lymph node metastases. The patient experienced multiple liver metastases 1 month after surgery and died 3 months after surgery. Due to the rapid progression of his disease, his general condition deteriorated, and he was unable to receive any additional treatments, such as chemotherapy. Conclusion As shown in our case, NEC of the EHBD has an extremely poor prognosis and can sometimes progress rapidly. Multimodality treatment should be considered, even in cases of locoregional disease.

Background/Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the optimal number of harvested LNs (LNs) in patients who were LN metastasis-negative after curative esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Patients and Methods: Sixty-one patients who underwent curative surgery for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2017 and diagnosed as lymph node metastasis-negative were included in this study. Results: The 5-year overall survival rates were 27.8% for 0-20 harvested LNs, 35.7% for 21-30 harvested LNs, 79.4% for 31-40 harvested LNs, and 85.2% for ≥41 harvested LNs. Thirty harvested LNs was regarded as the optimal critical point of classification, considering the 5-year OS rate. The number of harvested LNs was selected as a significant prognostic factor in both univariate and multivariate analyses. The respective 3- and 5-year OS rates were 50.3% and 36.7% for

Background/aim We investigated the impact of the age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) on esophageal cancer survival and recurrence after curative treatment. Patients and methods This study included 122 patients who underwent curative surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2017. The risk factors for the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified. Results An ACCI of 5 was regarded as the optimal critical point of classification considering the survival rates. The OS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 64.2% and 54.4% in the low-ACCI group, respectively, and 42.3% and 29.2% in high-ACCI group, respectively (p=0.035). The RFS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 50.2% and 43.6% in the low-ACCI group, respectively, and 28.5% and 21.3% in high-ACCI group, respectively (p=0.021). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that ACCI was a significant independent risk factor for both the OS and RFS. Conclusion ACCI is a risk factor for survival in patients who undergo curative treatment for esophageal cancer. An effective plan for the perioperative care and surgical strategy should be developed according to ACCI.

Background Pancreatic cancer is a fatal disease with a poor prognosis. Pancreatic cancer is often unresectable at the time of diagnosis, so the analysis of risk factors in patients with indications for surgery is important. We investigated the impact of intraoperative blood loss (IBL) on survival and recurrence in patients with stage II/III pancreatic cancer after curative surgery. Patients and methods This study included 76 patients who underwent curative surgery for stage II/III pancreatic cancer between 2007 and 2012. The risk factors for overall (OS) and recurrence-free (RFS) survival were identified. Results IBL of 1,000 ml was considered to be the optimal cut-off value for classification based on a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The OS rates at 5 years after surgery in the groups with low and high IBL were 36.6% and 11.4%, respectively, which was a statistically significant difference (p=0.003). The RFS rates at 1 year after surgery were 49.8% and 24.6%, respectively, which was a significant difference (p=0.045). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that IBL was a significant independent risk factor for OS. Conclusion IBL is an independent prognostic factor after curative resection of stage II/III pancreatic cancer. The reduction of bleeding during surgery is necessary to improve the results of pancreatic cancer surgery.

Background: The short- and long-term outcomes of gastrectomy in elderly patients with gastric cancer have not been fully evaluated. Patients and Methods: Patients who underwent gastrectomy were classified into two groups: Non-elderly patients (

Background The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical impact of the perioperative use of antiplatelet/anticoagulation therapy for postoperative bleeding after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Patients and methods Patients were selected from the medical records of consecutive patients who were diagnosed with primary esophageal adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma and who underwent complete resection at Yokohama City University from January 2005 to September 2018. The patients were divided into the antiplatelet/anticoagulation treatment group and the non-treatment group. We compared the safety and feasibility of esophagectomy between two groups. Results One hundred and twenty-two patients underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer and were analyzed in the present study. Among them, 18 (14.8%) received anti-thrombotic therapy (anticoagulation group). The incidence of postoperative bleeding in patients overall was 8.2% (10/122). The incidence of postoperative bleeding in the anticoagulation group was 22.2% (4/18), while that in the non-anticoagulation group was 5.8% (6/104). Preoperative anticoagulation therapy was identified as a significant independent risk factor for postoperative bleeding (hazard ratio=4.673, 95% confidence interval=1.170-18.519; p=0.029). Conclusion The perioperative use of anti-thrombotic therapy was a significant risk factor for postoperative bleeding after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Thus, when patients receive perioperative antiplatelet/anticoagulation treatment, careful attention is required after esophagectomy due to their increased risk of postoperative bleeding.

Background: The C-reactive protein (CRP)-to-serum albumin ratio is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with several cancers. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the preoperative CRP/Alb ratio and overall survival of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in patients who received radical surgery and S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients and Methods: We included 117 patients who underwent radical surgery with S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy. We constructed receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) of the CRP/Alb ratio to determine the cut-off value. We analyzed the relationship among the CRP/Alb ratio, clinicopathological status, and survival. Results: The optimal cut-off value of the CRP/Alb ratio was 0.036. All patients were divided into a high-ratio group (CRP/Alb ratio ≥0.036) and low-ratio group (CRP/Alb ratio

Feeding jejunostomy tube (FJT) is one option for enteral nutrition after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD); however, controversy regarding its clinical outcome(s) persists. The aim of the present study was to determine the safety and efficacy of FJT management.Data from 156 consecutive patients, who underwent PD between January 2015 and December 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. Safety was assessed according to postoperative and tube-related complications. Nutritional efficacy was evaluated based on improvement in serum albumin levels.Thirty-day morbidity and mortality rates were 61.0% (n = 95) and 1.9% (n = 3), respectively. The rates of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula and delayed gastric emptying were 30.8% and 9.0%, respectively. In total, nine (5.8%) patients experienced complications directly related to FJT. Eight patients experienced surgical site infection adjacent to the catheter/skin interface. Although all required catheter removal at the bedside or in the office, none required reoperation. The improvement in serum albumin level 1 month after PD was 40.7% compared with 1 week after PD.FJT was useful in improving nutritional intake and status. Although FJT was associated with minor self-limiting complications, they could be managed by simple bedside or office treatment. As such, results of this study support the safety and efficacy of the FJT protocol used in the authors' department for nutritional management.

Purpose: This study assessed whether our enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program for distal pancreatectomy (DP) is safe and feasible. Patients and Methods: The subjects were patients who underwent consecutive DP between 2012 and 2014 at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Kanagawa Cancer Center. They received perioperative care according to ERAS program. All data were retrieved retrospectively. Outcome measures included postoperative mortality, morbidity, hospitalization, and 30-day readmission rate. Our ERAS program included 12 elements (4 preoperative elements, 3 intraoperative elements, and 5 postoperative elements). Results: A total of 44 patients were studied. The overall incidence of morbidity was 29.5%, the incidence of mortality was 0%, and the incidence of readmission was 0%. Four preoperative elements and 3 intraoperative elements seemed feasible. Among the 5 postoperative elements, 4 elements seemed feasible, accounting 90%< performance rate however the early removal of catheters and drain seemed not feasible. The median postoperative hospital stay was 14 days (range: 8–39 days). The median postoperative hospital stay was 13 days (range: 8–27 days) in patients without postoperative complications while the median postoperative hospital stay was 26 days (range: 14–39 days) in patients with postoperative complications. Conclusion: This study results suggested that our ERAS program is safe and feasible in patients who undergo DP. However, achieving compliance on the postoperative element, especially the removal of catcher and drain, was more challenging.

Background: The factors associated with the survival and prognosis of peritoneal cytology (CY)-positive pancreatic cancer patients who undergo curative resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy have not been established. Patients and Methods: Both overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were examined in 23 peritoneal CY-positive pancreatic cancer patients who underwent curative resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy between 2005 and 2015. Results: When the length of OS was evaluated using a log-rank test, significant differences were observed in the number of metastatic lymph nodes. In addition, univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that the number of metastatic lymph nodes was a significant independent risk factor for OS and a marginally significant risk factor for RFS. The 3-year OS rate was 20.2% in patients with ≤8 metastatic lymph nodes, and it was 0% in those with the ≥9 metastatic lymph nodes (P = 0.017). The 3-year RFS rate was 6.3% in patients with ≤8 metastatic lymph nodes, whereas it was 0% in those with ≥9 metastatic lymph nodes (P = 0.062). Conclusions: The number of metastatic lymph nodes is the most important prognostic factor for OS and RFS in peritoneal CY-positive pancreatic cancer patients who underwent curative resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. To improve the survival of these patients, it is necessary to establish optimal treatments.

The predictive roles of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) in patients who undergo curative resection and adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1, which is the oral 5-fluorouracil prodrug tegafur combined with oteracil and gimeracil, remain unclear. In the present study, the clinical data from 66 consecutive patients who underwent curative resection and received adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 for the treatment of pancreatic cancer at Kanagawa Cancer Center (Yokohama City, Japan) from April 2005 to March 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. The association between the DPD status and the survival and clinicopathological features were investigated. Of the 66 patients, 34 patients exhibited positive DPD expression (51.5%). Although a significant increase in DPD expression in male patients was observed, no significant differences were identified for other clinicopathological parameters, including tumor factor or node factor, between the DPD-positive expression group and the DPD-negative expression group. The median follow-up period of the present study was 29.2 months. There was no significant difference in the 3-year overall survival (OS) rates following surgery, which were 12.6 and 14.5% in the DPD-positive and DPD-negative expression groups, respectively (P=0.352). However, in a subgroup analysis, a significant difference in the 3-year OS rates following surgery was noted, which were 58.9 and 14.5% in the DPD-high and DPD-low expression groups, respectively (P=0.019). The intratumoral DPD expression in curatively resected pancreatic cancer patients treated with S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy was identified to not be useful as a predictive marker, whereas the level of DPD expression is a potential predictive marker. The results of the present study require confirmation in another cohort or in a prospective multicenter study.

The predictive roles of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT-1) in patients who undergo curative resection and adjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine alone have not been established. The present study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data from 101 consecutive patients who underwent curative resection and who received gemcitabine adjuvant chemotherapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer at Kanagawa Cancer Center (Yokohama, Japan) between 2005 and 2014. The associations between the hENT-1 status and the survival and clinicopathological features of the patients were investigated. Of the 101 patients, 60 patients (59.4%) had high levels of hENT-1 expression. A significant association was observed between hENT-1 status and sex; however, for all the other clinicopathological parameters, including tumor and node stages, no differences were observed between the high and low hENT-1 expression groups. The median follow-up period of the present study was 67.3 months. Between the high and low hENT-1 expression groups, there was a statistically significant difference in the 5-year overall survival (OS) rates following surgery (20.6 and 8.9%, respectively; P=0.019). In addition, a significant difference was observed in the recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates at 5 years following surgery (P=0.049). hENT-1 status was one of the important predictive factors for OS and RFS in patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent curative resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine. Adjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine alone may be insufficient, particularly in patients with certain relevant risk factors.

Objective The study objective was to assess the predictive value of C-reactive protein (CRP) for the early detection of postoperative infectious complications (PICs) after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Summary of Background Data The incidence of PICs after pancreaticoduodenectomy still remains high and a clinically relevant problem, despite improvements in the surgical procedure. Methods We examined 110 consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for primary pancreatic cancer between 2006 and 2014. The predictive value was assessed by estimating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Clinical and laboratory data, including CRP, were analyzed with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify predictors of PICs of grade III or higher according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Results PICs of grade III or higher occurred in 13 patients [11.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 6.45%–19.36%]. CRP level on postoperative day 3 (POD 3) was a good predictor of PICs (AUC, 0.815; 95% CI, 0.651–0.980), showing the highest accuracy among clinical and laboratory data. A cutoff value of 13.2 mg/dL yielded a sensitivity of 0.846 and a specificity of 0.794. On multivariate analysis, a POD 3 CRP level of 13.2 mg/dL or higher (odds ratio, 20.0; 95% CI, 4.07–97.9; P = 0.002) was a significant predictor of PICs after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Conclusions CRP elevation above 13.2 mg/dL on POD 3 is a significant predictive factor for PICs and should prompt an intense clinical search and therapeutic approach for PICs.

Background We investigated the clinical influence of anastomotic leak (AL) on esophageal cancer survival and recurrence after curative surgery. Patients and methods This study included 122 patients who underwent curative surgery for esophageal cancer between 2008 and 2018. The patients were classified into those with AL and those without. The risk factors for overall (OS) and recurrence-free (RFS) survival were identified. Results AL was found in 44 out of the 122 patients (36.1%). The respective OS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 43.9% and 40.2% in the AL group and 63.9% and 53.2% in the non-AL group, which were significantly different (p=0.0049). In contrast, the respective RFS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 44.8% and 29.8%, and 44.9% and 42.4%, which were not significantly different (p=0.2306). A multivariate analysis showed that AL was a significant independent risk factor for both poorer OS and RFS in patients who underwent curative surgery for esophageal cancer. Conclusion To improve survival of patients with esophageal cancer, the surgical procedure, perioperative care and surgical strategy must be carefully planned in order to prevent AL.

Background/aim We investigated the impact of Beppu's nomogram on colorectal liver metastasis in patients receiving perioperative chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy. Patients and methods This study included 43 patients who underwent primary hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastasis at the Kanagawa Cancer Center from June 2006 to March 2011. The patients were classified as having a Beppu's nomogram score ≤9 (low-risk group) or ≥10 (high-risk group). The risk factors for the disease-free survival (DFS) were identified. Results The respective DFS rates at 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery were 72.0%, 43.3%, and 17.3% in the low-risk group and 27.8%, 16.7%, and 8.3% in the high-risk group, the difference being significant (p=0.009). The multivariate analysis showed that Beppu's nomogram score ≥10 was a significant independent risk factor for the DFS. Conclusion Beppu's nomogram score was an independent prognostic factor for colorectal liver metastasis in patients receiving perioperative chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy. Thus, Beppu's nomogram might be a useful tool for predicting the risk of recurrence after hepatectomy, even in the era of newly-developed chemotherapy.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the short- and long-term outcomes were affected by the age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) in patients who underwent curative resection for gastric cancer. Methods: The patients were retrospectively selected from among the medical records of consecutive patients who underwent curative gastrectomy with nodal dissection for gastric cancer at Yokohama City University and Kanagawa Cancer Center from January 2000 to August 2015. Results: A total of 2254 patients were eligible for inclusion in the present study. One thousand six hundred fifty-six patients had an ACCI of

A 63-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for examination and treatment of a pancreatic head tumor detected at a nearby hospital. After CT, EUS-FNA, and PET-CT, he was diagnosed with unresectable pancreatic cancer with liver metastasis. After 9 courses of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel therapy, the primary tumor was dramatically reduced in size and the liver metastasis had disappeared. He underwent subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. The postoperative diagnosis according to the General Rules of the Study of Pancreatic Cancer(7th edition)was Ph, TS1(15mm), adenosquamous carcinoma, ypT3, ypRP1, ypPL1, R0, ypN0(0/29), M0, CY0, ypStage ⅡA. The histological response was Grade 2. The patient remains alive without recurrence 5 months after surgical resection.

This study assessed whether our enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is safe and feasible. The subjects included 109 consecutive patients who underwent PD between 2012 and 2014 at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Kanagawa Cancer Center. They received perioperative care according to the ERAS program. All data were retrieved retrospectively. Outcome measures included postoperative mortality, morbidity, hospitalization, and 30-day readmission rate. Our ERAS program included 12 elements (4 preoperative, 3 intraoperative, and 5 postoperative elements). Of the 109 patients studied, the overall incidence of morbidity was 51.4%, the incidence of mortality was 1.8%, and the incidence of readmission was 1.8%. The median postoperative hospital stay (23 days) was significantly shorter than the pre-ERAS value (29 days). Though 4 preoperative and 2 intraoperative elements were feasible, only 1 among 5 postoperative elements was applicable. Our ERAS program for PD has succeeded in shortening the postoperative hospital stay without increasing the risk of morbidity or mortality. The cutoff values of postoperative ERAS elements, however, were not feasible and should be reconsidered.

Postoperative morbidity is high after pancreatic surgery. Recently, a simple and easy-to-use surgical complication prediction system, the surgical Apgar score (SAS), calculated using 3 intraoperative parameters (estimated blood loss, lowest mean arterial pressure, and lowest heart rate) has been proposed for general surgery. In this study, we evaluated the predictability of the SAS for severe complications after pancreatic surgery for pancreatic cancer. We investigated 189 patients who underwent pancreatic surgery at Kanagawa Cancer Center between 2005 and 2014. Clinicopathologic data, including the intraoperative parameters, were collected retrospectively. In this study, the patients with postoperative morbidities classified as Clavien-Dindo grade 2 or higher were classified as having severe complications. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for morbidity. Postoperative complications were identified in 73 patients, and the overall morbidity rate was 38.6%. The results of both univariate and multivariate analyses of various factors for overall operative morbidity showed that an SAS of 0 to 4 points and a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 were significant independent risk factors for overall morbidity (P = 0.046 and P = 0.013). The SAS and body mass index were significant risk factors for surgical complications after pancreatic surgery for pancreatic cancer.

370 Background: We examined the association between postoperative pneumonia and prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer after curative surgery. Methods: We enrolled 122 patients who underwent curative resection for esophageal cancer between 2008 and 2018. The patients who had postoperative pneumonia were categorized into the pneumonia group, while those without postoperative pneumonia were classified into the non-pneumonia group. We identified the risk factors for the recurrence-free survival (RFS) and the overall survival (OS). Postoperative pneumonia was defined using the revised Uniform Pneumonia Score. Results: Thirty-four of the 122 patients (27.9%) had postoperative pneumonia. The 5-year OS rate after surgery in the pneumonia group was significantly lower than that in the non-pneumonia group (28.2% versus 55.1%, p = 0.006). Although not significant, the 5-year RFS rate after surgery in the pneumonia group tended to be lower than that in the non-pneumonia group (18.9% versus 49.2%, p = 0.061). A multivariate analysis identified postoperative pneumonia as a significant independent risk factor for the OS (hazard ratio = 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.25 to 3.68; P = 0.006). Conclusions: Our analysis showed postoperative pneumonia was an independent risk factor for worse overall survival in patients who underwent curative resection for esophageal cancer. This finding suggests that we should plan the surgical procedure, perioperative care and surgical strategy to prevent postoperative pneumonia.

Body temperatures in elderly patients undergoing a pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD)for treatment of pancreatic cancer have not been fully evaluated. We aimed to compare body temperature during a PD between elderly(75 years old)and non-elderly patients.This retrospective study included patients who underwent PD between April 2012 and April 2014 at the Kanasgawa Cancer Center. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: elderly patients(≥75 years of age: group A)and non-elderly patients(75 years of age: group B). Body temperatures were compared between the groups.We evaluated 58 patients-14 were classified into group A, and 44 into group B. Preoperative clinicopathological outcomes demonstrated no significant differences between patients. A comparison of body temperatures between the groups showed 36.3°C(before surgery)/36.1°C(at 1 hr)/36.3°C(at 2 hr)/36.7°C(at 3 hr)/36.8°C(at 4 hr)/37.1°C(at 5 hr)/37.4°C(at 6 hr)in group A compared to 36.2°C(before surgery)/36.2°C(at 1 hr)/36.4°C(at 2 hr)/36.6°C(at 3 hr)/ 36.9°C(at 4 hr)/37.0°C(at 5 hr)/37.3°C(at 6 hr)in group B. Results did not significantly differ between the groups.Our study suggests that body temperature is not affected by a patient's age.

The safety and feasibility of administering S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer has not yet been fully evaluated in elderly patients.This retrospective study selected patients who underwent curative surgery for pancreatic cancer, were diagnosed with stage II disease or lower or stage III disease with combined resection of the celiac artery, and received adjuvant S-1 at our institution. The patients were categorized into two groups: non-elderly patients (70 years of age: group A) and elderly patients (70 years of age: group B). The toxicity and S-1 continuation rates were compared between the two groups.A total of 76 patients were evaluated in the present study. There were no grade 4 toxicities. The incidences of grade 3 hematological and non-hematological toxicities were5 % in both groups, and the differences were not significantly different. The continuation rate at 6 months was 60.5 % in group A and 72.7 % in group B, which was also not significantly different.These results suggest that S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer is safe and feasible, regardless of the age of the patient, especially for elderly patients who may be candidates for clinical trials.

A 72-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to an abdominal mass. Ultrasound sonography and computed tomography revealed liver tumors in liver segments 2 and 3. The preoperative diagnosis was hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient underwent an extended left lobectomy. Histological examination of resected specimens revealed that the tumors were hepatic leiomyosarcoma. We report our experience of this hepatic leiomyosarcoma, along with the literature on this tumor type.

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of pancreatic surgery for pancreatic cancer in elderly patients.In total, 9 patients underwent pancreatic surgery for pancreatic cancer between April 2005 and March 2014. The surgical complications were evaluated by Clavien-Dindo classification.The median operating time was 420(range: 354-503)min and the median blood loss was 640(range: 350-1,170)mL. Grade 2 or higher complications were observed in 3 patients. Pancreatic fistula(Grade 3b)was observed in 1 patient, delirium was observed(Grade 2)in 1 patient, and portal vein thrombosis(Grade 2)was observed in 1 patient. No surgical mortality was observed.Our results suggest that pancreatic surgery is a safe and feasible treatment for pancreatic cancer in elderly patients.