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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide in 2020. Colonoscopy and the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) are commonly used as CRC screening tests, but both types of tests possess different limitations. Recently, liquid biopsy-based DNA methylation test has become a powerful tool for cancer screening, and the detection of abnormal DNA methylation in stool specimens is considered as an effective approach for CRC screening. The aim of this study was to develop a novel approach in biomarker selection based on integrating primary biomarkers from genome-wide methylation profiles and secondary biomarkers from CRC comorbidity analytics. A total of 125 differential methylated probes (DMPs) were identified as primary biomarkers from 352 genome-wide methylation profiles. Among them, 51 biomarkers, including 48 hypermethylated DMPs and 3 hypomethylated DMPs, were considered as suitable DMP candidates for CRC screening tests. After comparing with commercial kits, three genes (ADHFE1, SDC2, and PPP2R5C) were selected as candidate epigenetic biomarkers for CRC screening tests. Methylation levels of these three biomarkers were significantly higher for patients with CRC than normal subjects. The sensitivity and specificity of integrating methylated ADHFE1, SDC2, and PPP2R5C for CRC detection achieved 84.6% and 92.3%, respectively. Through an integrated approach using genome-wide DNA methylation profiles and electronic medical records, we could design a biomarker panel that allows for early and accurate noninvasive detection of CRC using stool samples.

BACKGROUND Hemorrhoidectomy is the standard procedure for treating high-grade hemorrhoids. However, postoperative pain usually causes patients to delay or refuse surgical treatment. Because maximal resting pressure in the internal anal sphincter plays a major role in post-hemorrhoidectomy pain, Botulinum toxin injections have been proposed to reduce it. However, the optimal timing of Botulinum toxin injections is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of early and intraoperative Botulinum toxin injections for postoperative pain control. METHODS In this pilot study, we enrolled patients who had grade III or IV hemorrhoids and underwent Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy at a single tertiary care center from October 1, 2018 to November 30, 2020. The experimental group received 50 U Botulinum toxin injections to the internal anal sphincter 1 week before the operation, and the control group received injections intraoperatively. The primary endpoint was the daily maximal and resting visual analogue scale (VAS) score recorded from postoperative days 0-6. The secondary endpoints were analgesia requirements, number of bowel movements per day, healing time, and postoperative length of stay. Power of the daily resting VAS score is at least 93%, but the power of the daily maximal VAS is a little lower (71%) (calculated by G*Power 3.1.9.2). RESULTS Sixty-two patients (male: female = 27:35; mean age = 47.6 ± 13.1 years) were randomized to the experimental group (n = 31) or control group (n = 31). The experimental group (n = 31) showed significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay than the controls (n = 31; p = 0.019). A generalized estimating equations model revealed that the group that received Botulinum toxin yielded a significantly lower maximal (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-1.0, p = 0.041) and resting (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.7, p

Introduction: Sleep disorders, depression, and cancer have become increasingly prevalent worldwide. However, it is unknown whether coexistence of sleep disorders and depression influences the risk of cancer development. Therefore, we conducted a nationwide population-based study to examine this association among patients in Taiwan. Materials and Methods: A total of 105,071 individuals diagnosed with cancer and 420,284 age- and sex-matched patients without a diagnosis of cancer between 2000 and 2015 were identified from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. The underlying chronic diseases of patients that may developed cancer were gathered and studied as the predictor. A multivariate Cox proportional odds model was used to estimate the crude and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to estimate the interaction effect between sleep disorders and depression on the risk of cancer. Results: After adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, and other covariates, the cancer group was associated with increased exposure to sleep disorders than the non-cancer group (aOR = 1.440, 95% CI = 1.392–1.489, p < 0.001). In addition, patients with both sleep disorders and depression were at an even higher risk for cancer than the general population (aOR = 6.857, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This retrospective cohort study shows that patients with both sleep disorders and depression are at a higher risk of cancer. Clinically, a meticulous cancer risk evaluation is recommended for patients with both sleep disorders and depression.

BACKGROUND: Longer procedure times and bigger wounds can result in more mortality and complications in patients with acute RSCO with one stage surgery. OBJECTIVES:To review two-stage operations for acute right-sided colonic obstruction (RSCO) in a single institution. METHODS: The study reviewed the patients who underwent emergency surgery for acute RSCO in a tertiary center from 2004-2018. First-stage operations other than diverting loop ileostomy, incomplete obstructions that could be treated medically, or pathologies other than adenocarcinomas were excluded. Perioperative data such as operations, operative times, lengths of stay, harvested lymph nodes, and any complications were included. We assessed overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) for the oncologic outcomes. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients were included. Seven patients had surgical complications related to ileostomy. Three of them died within 30 days of first admission. Thirty-one patients received a second-stage 4 operation by right hemicolectomy. None had anastomosis leakage or 30-day mortality. Only 9.7% of patients had fewer than 12 harvested lymph nodes. One-year OS was 34% vs. 89% between the two groups (P < 0.001). For 26 patients underwent curative resection of tumor, their 3-year DFS was 61.5%. CONCLUSIONS: A two-stage operation is associated with low mortality and morbidity rates in an emergency setting. The subsequent right hemicolectomy can harvest more lymph nodes than emergency resection. Long-term survival benefits can be expected.

Background: Conventional hemorrhoidectomy leads to a high urinary retention rate and fluid restriction is commonly recommended to minimize complications. However, the need for postoperative fluid restriction among patients who have undergone stapled hemorrhoidopexy is unclear. We aimed to determine whether fluid restriction after stapled hemorrhoidopexy with/without partial external hemorrhoidectomy could reduce urinary retention and postoperative pain.Patients And Methods: In this prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, we enrolled patients who had grade III or IV hemorrhoids and underwent stapled hemorrhoidopexy with/without partial external hemorrhoidectomy; 250 mL/12 h of sterile 0.9% saline was administered to the fluid restriction group after the operation, and 1000 mL/12 h was given to the non-fluid-restriction group. We focused on the need for fluid restriction after stapled hemorrhoidopexy.Results: Fifty patients were studied in two groups. The surgical outcomes of the two groups were no different. The median subjective pain scores at 0, 8, 16, 24 h after the operation showed no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.55 at 0 h; p = 0.38 at 8 h; p = 0.98 at 16 h; and p = 0.66 at 24 h). The mean times to first urination after the operation were 700.04 ± 455.03 min in the non-fluid-restriction group and 737.16 ± 426.32 min in the fluid-restriction group (no significant difference; p = 0.67). No postoperative urinary retention was found in either group of patients.Conclusions: Fluid restriction after stapled hemorrhoidopexy is unnecessary.Trial registration: This study was reviewed and approved by the Tri-Service General Hospital Institutional Review Board for human subjects (No. 2-106-05-063). This study also had trial registration with clinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04459039).

Background Reported learning curves of colonoscopy vary from 94 to 275 cases and focus on one-person colonoscopy. Our aim was to evaluate the learning curve of two-person non-sedation colonoscopy for trainees in a single tertiary care hospital. Patients and Methods We conducted a retrospective study in 1264 patients who underwent diagnostic or screening colonoscopies in a single institution from August 2012 to January 2013. Most of the patients (1174/1264) did not receive sedation during the procedure. All procedures were performed under two-person control. Two third-year residents who received previous colonoscopic training via a plastic model were the trainees. Results In comparison to the performance of 5 staff members, the colonoscopic outcomes showed no significant differences in the completion rates (77.2% vs. 79.8%, P = .382), average polyp numbers (.9 ± 1.7 vs. 1.0 ± 1.8, P = .453), polyp detection rates (43.5% vs. 46.3%, P = .434), or intubation lengths (96.4 ± 29.3 vs. 96.3 ± 26.7 cm, P = .939). The total procedure times for the 2 groups were 17.2 ± 10.6 minutes (trainees) and 12.9 ± 7.8 minutes (staff) ( P < .001). Conclusion Trainees achieved acceptable outcomes over an 81-97 case learning curve under a two-person non-sedation colonoscopy technique, an approach with potential as a transition to single-operator colonoscopy.

The aim of this study was to retrospectively review the clinical outcomes of laparoscopically assisted and open surgical reversal of Hartmann's procedure (HR). We reviewed all patients undergoing laparoscopic or open HR at Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, between January 2002 and January 2010. A total of 34 perforated diverticulitis patients initially treated by exploratory laparotomy with Hartmann's procedure were enrolled and divided into 2 groups: laparoscopic and open HR. Data relative to patient age at the time of HR, sex, body mass index, operative time, longest incision length, estimated blood loss, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, time to bowel function return, duration of hospitalization, and length of follow-up were reviewed. The median colostomy closure period was significantly higher in the laparoscopic group than in the open group (P = 0.011). The median longest incision length, estimated blood loss, time to first oral intake, and hospital stay were significantly lower in the laparoscopic group compared with the open group. Laparoscopic HR may be a technically safe, feasible approach that provides better cosmesis, less blood loss, and faster recovery compared with open HR.

BACKGROUND A complete cleansing of the bowel is a critical factor that impacts the diagnostic accuracy of colonoscopies. However, the common bowel preparation regimen of two 45 mL doses of sodium phosphate (2×NaP) often leads to uncomfortable symptoms and subsequently lower patient adherence. To improve patient adherence and satisfaction, we proposed a modified regimen composed of two sennoside tablets and one bottle of NaP (S+NaP) and we then evaluated bowel preparation quality and patient satisfaction. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 531 patients who underwent colonoscopies at the outpatient coloproctology clinic from January 2016 to December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Eligible patients were divided into two groups: S+NaP group (n=93) and 2×NaP group (n=60). We compared bowel preparation quality, adenoma detection rate (ADR), self-reported patient satisfaction scores, and adverse events among the two groups. RESULTS Regarding high bowel preparation quality, our results showed that there was no significant difference among the two groups (p=0.775), as well as no significant differences in ADRs (p=0.187). However, a lower proportion of nausea was found in the S+NaP group compared to the 2×NaP group (24.7% versus 41.7%, respectively, p=0.028). In addition, patients in the S+NaP group were more likely to be very satisfied with the regimen compared with patients in the 2×NaP group (odds ratio: 5.58; 95% confidence interval: 2.36-13.213, p

This study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of single sebacoyl dinalbuphine ester (SDE) injection (150 mg/2 mL) when administered intramuscularly to patients who underwent hemorrhoidectomy for postoperative long-acting analgesia.A total of 221 patients scheduled for hemorrhoidectomy from 6 centers in Taiwan were randomly divided into SDE group and placebo group, and received the treatment, vehicle or SDE, 1 day before the surgery. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was recorded up to 7 to 10 days. Pain intensity using VAS AUC through 48 hours after surgery was calculated as the primary efficacy endpoint.Area under the curve of VAS pain intensity scores (VAS AUC) through 48 hours after hemorrhoidectomy was significantly less in SDE group than those in placebo group (209.93 vs. 253.53). VAS AUC from the end of surgical procedure to day 7 was also significantly different between SDE and placebo group (630.79 vs. 749.94). SDE group consumed significantly less amount of other analgesics, such as PCA ketorolac and oral ketorolac. Median time from the end of surgery to the first use of pain relief medication was also shortened in the placebo group than in the SDE group. Most adverse events were assessed as mild and tolerable in both groups.SDE injection demonstrated an extended analgesia effect, with a statistically significant reduction in pain intensity through 48 hours and 7 days after hemorrhoidectomy.

A 79-year-old female with prior history of rectal cancer status post laparotomy with abdominoperineal resection 10 years ago. She presented to emergency room due to abdominal fullness, nausea, and vomiting for 2 days. Physical exams revealed that parastomal hernia and contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated gastric parastomal hernia. She responded well after gastric decompression, intravenous fluid supplement, and nothing per oral at first attack. Elective surgery was arranged after repeated obstruction.

Invasive protozoan infection with ameboma formation is relatively rare in advanced-modern countries and can be mistakenly diagnosed as a neoplasm, which constitutes the majority of conditions in medical centers. The treatment between rectal ameboma and carcinoma is different, in which the former can be treated by effective medication, and the latter may sustain invasively inconvertible surgical intervention. Herein, we present a case of a 66-year-old man with a travel history to Japan who presented with anal pain and diarrhea secondary to ulcerative rectal mass detected by colonoscopy, which resembled colorectal carcinoma. The mass lesion was later determined histopathologically to be amebic infection caused by invasive Entamoeba histolytica, which had remarkable regression after metronidazole therapy. This case highlights the necessity of complete recognition of ulcerative rectal mass before definitive treatment and inadvertent clues from travel history to achieve a good outcome.

Background It is uncertain whether adjuvant chemotherapy (CMT) improves survival in patients with low-risk Stage II colon cancer. We aimed to determine the disease-free survival (DFS) and 5-year overall survival (OS) of low-risk Stage II colon cancer patients treated with adjuvant tegafur/uracil (UFUR). Methods From January 2004 to December 2011, the follow-up status of 278 low-risk Stage II colon cancer patients who underwent surgery in a single medical center was retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into three groups based on whether they received adjuvant CMT with UFUR, adjuvant CMT with 5-fluorouracil, or surgery alone. DFS and 5-year OS curves were calculated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression. Results In the study population, including 278 low-risk Stage II colon cancer patients with a mean age of 68.28 ± 13.01 years, 132 (47.5%) received adjuvant CMT with UFUR, 49 (17.6%) received adjuvant CMT with 5-fluorouracil, and 97 (34.9%) underwent radical surgery alone. At 5 years, the adjusted DFS and OS of low-risk Stage II colon cancer patients were 85.5% and 81.8%, respectively, in the surgery alone group and 97.9% and 96.2%, respectively, in the surgery plus UFUR > 12 months group ( p = 0.004 and p = 0.098, respectively). In multivariate analysis, CMT with UFUR for more than 12 months increased DFS over surgery alone. There was no statistical difference in the 5-year OS. Conclusion Adjuvant CMT treatment of low-risk Stage II colon cancer patients with UFUR for more than 12 months following surgery improves DFS over surgery alone.

Development of colorectal cancer (CRC) involves sequential transformation of normal mucosal tissues into benign adenomas and then adenomas into malignant tumors. The identification of genes crucial for malignant transformation in colorectal adenomas (CRAs) has been based primarily on cross-sectional observations. In this study, we identified relevant genes using autologous samples. By performing genome-wide SNP genotyping and RNA sequencing analysis of adenocarcinomas, adenomatous polyps, and non-neoplastic colon tissues (referred as tri-part samples) from individual patients, we identified 68 genes with differential copy number alterations and progressively dysregulated expression. Aurora A, SKA3, and DSN1 protein levels were sequentially up-regulated in the samples, and this overexpression was associated with chromosome instability (CIN). Knockdown of SKA3 in CRC cells dramatically reduced cell growth rates and increased apoptosis. Depletion of SKA3 or DSN1 induced G2/M arrest and decreased migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth. AURKA and DSN1 are thus critical for chromosome 20q amplification-associated malignant transformation in CRA. Moreover, SKA3 at chromosome 13q was identified as a novel gene involved in promoting malignant transformation. Evaluating the expression of these genes may help identify patients with progressive adenomas, helping to improve treatment.

Objective We investigated the necessity of preoperative bowel preparation for gynecological oncology surgery. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent gynecological oncology surgery with simultaneous colon or rectal resection between April 2005 and September 2014 at the Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether preoperative mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) was performed. Patient characteristics, including duration of antibiotic treatment, surgical procedures, and occurrence of surgical and nonsurgical complications, were compared. Results We enrolled 124 patients who underwent gynecological oncology surgery with simultaneous colon or rectal resection, of whom 76 received MBP and 48 did not receive mechanical bowel preparation. On comparison between the two groups, no significant differences were noted in the assessed patient characteristics, including mean age ( p = 0.61), Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage ( p = 0.9), American Society of Anesthesiologists grade ( p = 0.9), body mass index ( p = 0.8), and residual tumor size ( p = 0.86). Furthermore, duration of antibiotic treatment ( p = 0.97), surgical procedures ( p = 0.99), and total hospital days ( p = 0.75), were not different between groups. The risk of surgical ( p = 0.78) or nonsurgical ( p = 1.0) complications was not significantly higher in the non-MBP group than in the MBP group. Conclusion MBP provides no significant benefit during gynecological oncology surgery. Thus, preoperative MBP is not essential before gynecological oncology surgery and can be omitted.

A tobacco-specific component, 4-methylnitrosamino-1-3-pyridyl-1-butanone (NNK), is a major risk factor for many cancers. Recent reports have demonstrated that NNK exposure may be associated with tumor progression and chemoresistance in certain cancers. However, the underlying NNK-induced mechanism contributing to the aggressiveness of colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been thoroughly studied. In this study, we used HT29 cells treated with NNK to simulate the long-term exposure of cigarette smoke. A comparative analysis was performed to evaluate cell proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and drug-resistance genes expression, cancer stem cell (CSC) properties, and anti-apoptotic activity. Signaling pathways related to chemoresistance were also investigated. As a result, NNK exposure dose-dependently stimulates cell proliferation, enhance abilities of migration and invasion, induce EMT phenomenon, and attenuate apoptosis. Furthermore, NNK exposure also promotes the capabilities of sphere formation, upregulation of Snail, and overexpression of CD133, Nanog, OCT4, and the drug-resistant genes. Knockdown of Snail results in upregulation of Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP), increased apoptosis, reversal of EMT phenomenon, and reducation of expression of CSC markers, all of which contribute to a decrease of chemoresistance. Our study demonstrates a number of related mechanisms that mediate the effect of NNK exposure on increasing CRC therapeutic resistance via the Snail signaling pathway. Targeting Snail may provide a feasible strategy for the treatment of CRC.

// Chia-Lin Liu 1 , Su-Feng Chen 2, * , Min-Zu Wu 3 , Shu-Wen Jao 4 , Yaoh-Shiang Lin 5 , Chin-Yuh Yang 6 , Tsai-Yu Lee 4 , Lian-Wu Wen 7 , Guo-Lun Lan 7 , Shin Nieh 1, 7, * 1 Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan 2 Department of Dental Hygiene, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan 3 Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, USA 4 Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Medicine & Division of Colon and Rectum Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Yang-Ming University & National Defense Medical Center, Tri-Service General Hospital Songshan Branch, Taipei, Taiwan 5 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 6 Department of Dentistry, Cheng Hsin Hospital & Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan 7 Department of Pathology, National Defense Medical Center & Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan * These authors have contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Shin Nieh, e-mail: niehshin1014@yahoo.com.tw Su-Feng Chen, e-mail: su374065@gmail.com Keywords: cisplatin-based chemotherapy, drug-resistant sphere, lung cancer, heat shock protein 27, treatment strategy Received: November 17, 2015 Accepted: January 29, 2016 Published: February 10, 2016 ABSTRACT Treatment failure followed by relapse and metastasis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer is often the result of acquired resistance to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. A cancer stem cell (CSC)-mediated anti-apoptotic phenomenon is responsible for the development of drug resistance. The underlying molecular mechanism related to cisplatin resistance is still controversial, and a new strategy is needed to counteract cisplatin resistance. We used a nonadhesive culture system to generate drug-resistant spheres (DRSPs) derived from cisplatin-resistant H23 lung cancer cells. The expressions of drug-resistance genes, properties of CSCs, and markers of anti-apoptotic proteins were compared between control cells and DRSPs. DRSPs exhibited upregulation of cisplatin resistance-related genes. Gradual morphological alterations showing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition phenomenon and increased invasion and migration abilities were seen during induction of DRSPs. Compared with control cells, DRSPs displayed increased CSC and anti-apoptotic properties, greater resistance to cisplatin, and overexpression of p-Hsp27 via activation of p38 MAPK signaling. Knockdown of Hsp27 or p38 decreased cisplatin resistance and increased apoptosis in DRSPs. Clinical studies confirmed that the expression of p-Hsp27 was closely associated with prognosis. Overexpression of p-Hsp27 was usually detected in advanced-stage patients with lung cancer and indicated short survival. Summary: DRSPs were useful for investigating drug resistance and may provide a practical model for studying the crucial role of p-Hsp27 in the p38 MAPK–Hsp27 axis in CSC-mediated cisplatin resistance. Targeting this axis using siRNA Hsp27 may provide a treatment strategy to improve prognosis and prolong survival in lung cancer patients.

Background: Controversy exists over whether aggressive surgical resection of the primary tumor without metastasectomy first or chemotherapy first in stage IV colon cancer with unresectable synchronous liver-only-metastases (CLM) improves patients. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of 156 patients initially diagnosed with unresectable synchronous CLM who were under treatment in our institution from January 2004 to December 2012. Patients with extrahepatic diseases or previous hepatic resection were excluded. All patients with a follow-up of at least 3 months were included. Progression-free survival (PFS) and 5-year overall survival (OS) curves were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: Among the 156 patients with CLM, 43 (27.56%) received aggressive surgical resection of the primary tumor without metastasectomy first, 113 (72.43%) received systemic chemotherapy first. At 5 years, the adjusted PFS and OS in stage IV colon cancer with inoperable metastases were 24.2% and 20.4%, respectively, in the surgical resection of the primary tumor first group and 46.0% and 16.9% in the chemotherapy first group ( P = 0.515 and P = 0.742, respectively). In multivariate analysis, there was no statistical difference in the PFS and 5-year OS between the surgical resection of the primary tumor first group and chemotherapy first. Conclusion: Surgical resection of the primary tumor without metastasectomy first in CLM is not associated with improved survival as compared with chemotherapy first. Additional research is necessary to determine which patients may benefit from this intervention.

Background In most institutions, locally advanced rectal cancer is treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery 6–8 weeks later, allowing time for tumor response and recovery from chemoradiotherapy-related toxicities. In our hospital, we continuously administer chemotherapy after the completion of chemoradiotherapy, until 2 weeks before surgery for most patients. Methods This was a retrospective study. Patients received a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the rectum at our hospital between January 2003 and December 2008 and received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and curative surgery. Chemoradiotherapy consisted of continuous infusion of 225 mg/m 2 5-fluorouracil, 5 days per week. Radiation therapy was delivered at 1.8 Gy per day, 5 days per week for 5–6 weeks (median radiation dose, 50.4 Gy). Chemotherapy was continued until 2 weeks before surgery, and surgery was performed 6–8 weeks after completion of chemoradiotherapy. Results The study included 119 patients (median age, 61 years; range, 24–84 years). Twenty-nine patients (24.4%) had a complete response and 65 (54.6%) had a partial response. Over a median follow-up duration of 52 months, 10 patients experienced local recurrence and 18 had distant metastasis. The 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 80.6% and 72.9%, respectively. Grade 3–4 toxicity only occurred in 14 patients (11.8%). Conclusion Continued chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil after completing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy until 2 weeks before surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer results in a good pathological control rate, with low toxicity. Patients who achieved a complete pathological response had a better long-term oncological outcome than those who did not.

Background Recent studies suggest that long-term exposure of the carcinogen 4-methylnitrosamino-1–3-pyridyl-1-butanone (NNK) found in tobacco smoke is involved in the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The underlying nicotine-mediated mechanism remains unclear. Methods An analysis of SCC-25 and Fadu cells with or without NNK exposure focusing on the evaluation of migration and invasion abilities, the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition, drug-resistance-related genes, properties of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and anti-apoptosis was performed. Results Long-term NNK exposure enhances migration and invasion with morphological alterations in a dose-dependently manner. Furthermore, NNK exposure also upregulates Snail, promotes sphere-forming ability, and overexpresses aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), Nanog, OCT4, ABCG2, and MDR1. Conclusion The current study confirmed that long-term NNK exposure plays a role in HNSCC by increasing anti-apoptosis and therapeutic resistance via the Snail-RKIP signaling pathway. Our data also suggest that α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) inhibition or targeting Snail may provide a feasible rationale for preventing the progression of HNSCC. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1712–1721, 2015

The purpose of this study was to estimate the impact of metronomic therapy with oral tegafur-uracil (UFUR) following an intravenous FOLFOX regimen as surgical adjuvant chemotherapy on the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of stage III colon cancer patients. From the retrospective database of patients who underwent a surgical resection for colorectal cancer at the Tri-Service General Hospital from October 2008 through December 2014, stage III colon carcinomas treated with radical R0 resection were reviewed. One hundred thirty two patients were treated with a FOLFOX regimen (comparison group), and 113 patients were treated with the same regimen followed by additional oral UFUR (UFUR group). The clinical characteristics and mean age of the comparison and UFUR groups were similar. Furthermore, for all study patients, DFS was not significantly different between the two groups. However, 5-year OS rates were 86.8% and 68.5% in the UFUR and comparison groups, respectively (p = 0.0107). Adding UFUR to a FOLFOX regimen was found to significantly improve the OS in patients with stage III colon cancer. UFUR as a maintenance therapy following FOLFOX regimen as an alternative therapeutic option for the treatment of stage III colon cancer patients.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. The prognosis of HNSCC is usually poor because of its propensity for extensive invasion, local recurrence and frequent regional lymph node metastasis, even at initial diagnosis. Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a major type of tumour-surrounding stromal cell, generate mediators through which they interact with tumours and contribute to cancer progression. The orchestration between CAFs and cancer cells is complex. Despite recent studies demonstrating the paracrine effect of stromal cells in the tumour microenvironment on initiation and progression of cancer cells, the major mediator related to CAFs and its underlying mechanism remain unknown. In the present study, we used organotypic culture to investigate CAFs that promote aggressive behaviour of HNSCC cells. Using microarray analysis, we detected abundant expression of interleukin-33 (IL-33) in CAFs and identified IL-33 as a critical mediator in CAF-induced invasiveness. Counteracting IL-33 activity diminished the aggressive phenotype of cancer cells induced by CAFs. Administration of IL-33 promoted cancer cell migration and invasion through induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transdifferentiation and increased IL-33 gene expression in cancer cells. In 40 patients with HNSCC, IL-33 expression in CAFs correlated with IL-33 expression in cancer cells. Most cases with a low invasion pattern grading score (IPGS) showed low or no expression of IL-33, whereas most HNSCC cases with high IPGS displayed over-expression of IL-33 in CAFs and cancer cells. High IL-33 expression associated with poor prognosis in terms of nodal metastasis-free survival. These results indicate that CAFs promote cancer invasiveness via paracrine and autocrine effects on microenvironmental IL-33 signalling, and suggest that IL-33 is a potential prognostic biomarker that could be considered in therapeutic strategies for the treatment of patients with HNSCC.

Colonoscopy is widely performed for the diagnosis and treatment of various colonic disorders and the screening and surveillance of colorectal neoplasia. According to research evidence, up to one-third of patients had at least 1 minor and transient gastrointestinal symptom after colonoscopy. Although severe complications developed uncommonly, they are potentially serious and life threatening. Here, we present the case of a 95-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who developed bilateral tension pneumothorax during therapeutic colonoscopy for sigmoid volvulus. In this case, air trapping resulting from the Valsalva maneuver under inadequate pain control may be the mechanism for fatal tension pneumothorax during colonoscopy.

Despite development in therapeutic strategies, such as neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), the prognosis of colorectal cancer remains relatively poor. Cancer stem cells (CSC) with several characteristics can lead to therapeutic resistance. CD133 has been identified as a putative CSC marker in colorectal cancer; however, its functional role still needs elucidation. We verified the role of CD133 with emphasis on expression location and correlated the results of CD133 with clinical outcome in colorectal cancer. We used immunohistochemistry to investigate the expression of CD133 in samples from 157 patients with colonic adenocarcinoma and from 76 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma who received neoadjuvant CCRT. We also correlated the expression location of CD133 with the clinicopathological parameters and prognosis. CD133 protein was variably overexpressed in colorectal cancer tissues and was present in three locations: apical and/or endoluminal surfaces, cytoplasm, and lumen. Cytoplasmic CD133 expression level correlated significantly with tumor local recurrence (P = 0.025) and survival of patients with colorectal cancer (P = 0.002), and correlated inversely with tumor regression grading (P = 0.021) after CCRT in patients with rectal cancer. The expression of CD133 in the cytoplasm is closely associated with local recurrence and patient survival, and may provide a reliable prognostic indicator of tumor regression grading in patients with rectal cancer after CCRT. Cytoplasmic CD133 expression may also help identify the surviving cancer cells in areas with nearly total regression after CCRT.

Bezoars are the uncommon result of ingestion of indigestible or poorly digestible substances. Phytobezoars are the most common bezoars in children. Small bowel obstruction, especially of the terminal ileum, is the most common complication. Colonic obstruction is rare. Most reviewed intestinal phytobezoars with obstruction necessitate laparotomy with enterotomy. Here, we report a rare case of giant rectosigmoid phytobezoar with near-total colonic obstruction. Successfully, removal of this bezoar by an alternative way of fragmentation with colonoscopy, not conventional enterotomy is needed. The patient recovered well and then discharged without any morbidity 2 days later.

Chang Y-C, Nieh S, Chen S-F, Jao S-W, Lin Y-L & Fu E (2010) Histopathology Invasive pattern grading score designed as an independent prognostic indicator in oral squamous cell carcinoma Aims: To test the validity of an invasive pattern grading score (IPGS) developed for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) as a prognostic indicator and to elucidate the relationship between the IPGS and clinical parameters. Methods and results: The IPGS was applied to a total of 153 cases of OSCC. There were significant correlations between IPGS and distant metastasis (P = 0.01) or recurrence (P = 0.001). However, there were no significant correlations between IPGS and gender, age, size or extent, location, status of lymph node metastasis, clinical staging, or histological grading. Cases of OSCC with higher IPGS were associated with poor patient survival (P < 0.001) and higher probability of tumour recurrence (P = 0.001). Intraobserver (j = 0.74) and interobserver agreement (j = 0.67) were very satisfactory. Conclusions: Our study confirms the validity of the IPGS, an indicator that is simple and easy to use. IPGS not only provides histological assessment of biological behaviour, but also offers an independent prognostic factor that may influence the treatment of OSCC.

Colonoscopy is currently a standard and widespread technique used in screening for colorectal cancer. Iatrogenic colonic perforation during colonoscopy is an unfortunate complication that can induce significant morbidity and even death. Here, we reviewed the clinical results of iatrogenic colonoscopic perforation in our hospital. This was a retrospective review of 35,186 colonoscopies performed in the Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan from January 1998 to December 2007. Patient demographic data, indications, comorbidities, operative history, perforation site, time of diagnosis, management, complications, hospital stay, and outcomes were recorded. In this 10-year period, 23 cases of iatrogenic colonic perforation were recorded (0.065%) affecting 11 men and 12 women. The mean age was 71.2 years. There were 13 patients in American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classifications 1 or 2 (low anesthetic risk, group A), and ten patients in ASA classes 3 or 4 (high anesthetic risk, group B). The mean hospital stay was 12 days in group A versus 23.5 days in group B (P = 0.002). Moreover, four patients in group B died (17%; P = 0.024). Colonoscopy-related perforation can progress to peritonitis and sepsis, resulting in serious morbidity or death. High-anesthetic risk patients with colonic perforation have a longer hospital stay and a poor prognosis. Hence, patients need to be informed of the complications of colonoscopy, and clinicians must be cautioned about the potential problems for patients with a high-anesthetic risk when performing the procedure.

Various types of incisions have been applied in simultaneous resections of colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases. We describe our experience with the reversed L-shaped incision for simultaneous right hemicolectomy and liver resection.We applied the reversed L-shaped incision in nine patients who underwent simultaneous right hemicolectomy and right liver resection or left hepatectomy. A reversed L-shaped incision of the abdomen was consisted of midline and transverse incisions with the junction of the umbilicus. The operative field was kept open using Kent retractors. First, right colon mobilization was performed easily and right hemicolectomy was performed. Subsequently, liver mobilization with identification of hepatic vessels was achieved and right liver resection or left hepatectomy was performed.The reversed L-shaped incision successfully provided a good and rapid exposure in nine patients. There were no complications, such as wound infection, lung atelectasis/pneumonia, or incisional hernia, in patients with the reversed L-shaped incision.Our preliminary experience demonstrated that the reversed L-shaped incision might be a good choice in a subset of patients with simultaneous right hemicolectomy and right liver resection or left hepatectomy. However, a large, prospective, controlled study comparing different incision types in the same procedure with variables, such as operating time, postoperative pain scores, patient's satisfaction, and postoperative complication, is needed to support the benefit of the reversed L-shaped incision.

The occurrence of leiomyoma of the colon is uncommon. Most of these lesions are clinically silent and are found incidentally during laparotomy or endoscopic procedures for unrelated conditions. Symptomatic leiomyomas of the colon are encountered less frequently, with only sporadic reports in the literatures. We describe a heretofore unreported case of a large extraluminal leiomyoma of the sigmoid colon presenting as massive lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Because it was extraluminal in position, it was difficult to make an accurate diagnosis endoscopically and the condition was easily misdiagnosed as angiodysplasia of the colon until CT scan results were seen. Although rare and benign in nature, leiomyoma of the colon may cause life-threatening complications that require emergency surgery and should be included in the differential diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

The aim of the present study was to discuss the possible risk factors related to the parastomal infection after the patients received emergent stoma creation in colorectal obstruction that was caused by adenocarcinoma, diverticulitis, or a variety of other miscellaneous causes. A total of 360 patients with colorectal obstruction underwent emergent stoma creation, including diversion and Hartmann’s procedure between January 1996 and January 2005. We analyze the patients’ records to document the possible risk factors associated with parastomal infection. Patients’ demographics, indication for ostomy, ostomy type/location, and risk factors were recorded. Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Twenty patients (5.6%) with emergent stoma creation had parastomal infection. Descending colostomy had the highest incidence (6.7%) of parastomal infection, followed by transverse colostomy (6.1%) and ileostomy (3.2%). Significant predictors of parastomal infection as presented with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals include obstruction period, obesity, operative time, serum albumin, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP). Parastomal infection is also highly associated with abdominal surgical wound infection. We concluded that risk factors for parastomal infection include obstruction period, obesity, operative time, serum albumin, and serum CRP. Furthermore, the abdominal surgical wound infection predispose to parastomal infection. Therefore, prolonged and specific antibiotics for results of culture should be used for patients with the above risk factors to prevent parastomal infection.

Current medical treatments for slow transit constipation (STC) are often ineffective, and total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis has been the procedure of choice for selected patients with refractory STC. Today, minimally invasive approaches are being utilized in a greater number of procedures as surgeons become more familiar with the techniques involved. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and utility of hand-assisted laparoscopic total colectomy for STC. From January 2002 to December 2005, 44 women presented with complaints of intractable constipation and failed to respond to medical treatment. Slow transit constipation was diagnosed after a series of examinations, including a colonic transit test, anal manometry, balloon expulsion test, and barium enema. All eligible patients underwent a hand-assisted laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis. Main outcome measures included the operative time, conversion to open procedure, blood loss, time to return of flatus, length of postoperative hospital stay, and complications. The mean operative time was 197 min (range, 125–295 min). The mean estimated blood loss was 113 ml (range, 100–300 ml). The mean day of first time to flatus was 2 days, and the mean hospital stay was 7.6 days. There was no conversion to an open procedure and no surgical mortality. In the following period, two patients developed intestinal obstruction, which underwent exploratory laparotomy. However, some 39 patients (88.6%) expressed excellent or good in satisfaction. Hand-assisted laparoscopic total colectomy could be a safe and efficient technique in the treatment of STC.

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine our experience with Hartmann’s procedure including the reversal rate and the results of the second-stage operation for restorati

Intestinal intussusception in adults is rare and the optimal management of this problem remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the causes of intussusceptions in adults and to assess their treatment.A retrospective review of patients older than aged 18 years who were diagnosed with intestinal intussusception at Tri-Service General Hospital between July 1984 and July 2004 was conducted.During the 20-year period, there were 292 patients with intussusception, 24 (8.2 percent) of which were adults. Abdominal pain was the most common presenting complaint (79.2 percent). The diagnosis of adult intussusception was made preoperatively in 18 cases (75 percent) and intraoperatively in 6 cases (25 percent). Of the 24 patients, 20 (83.3 percent) had a defined lesion; 11 (55 percent) lesions were benign and 9 (45 percent) were malignant. In eight patients (33.3 percent), the intussusception was reduced; perforation occurred in one patient (12.5 percent). Segmental resections were performed on 14 patients (58.3 percent), right hemicolectomies on 6 patients (25 percent), laparoscopic low anterior resection on 1 patient (4.2 percent), appendectomy on 1 patient (4.2 percent), and diverticulectomy on 1 patient (4.2 percent). Intraoperative colonoscopy was performed on three patients (12.5 percent) before reduction (lipomas were noted in 2 of the patients (66.7 percent) with limited resection of the ileum and preservation of the antireflux ileocecal valve. There was one perioperative mortality (4.2 percent) and seven postoperative morbidities (29.2 percent).Adult intussusception is an unusual and challenging condition and is a preoperative diagnostic problem. We discuss our 20 years of experience in treatment strategies for dealing with such unusual problems.