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Extraperitoneal mesh repair for ventral hernia has garnered attention and its rate has been increasing due to concerns for the potential complications of intraperitoneal mesh repair. Recently, robotic-assisted ventral hernia repair is highlighted as a solution to the technically demanding nature of laparoscopic transabdominal or enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal retrorectus ventral hernia repair. A 78-year-old man, who had undergone robot-assisted radical prostatectomy 10 months earlier, presented with an incisional hernia of European Hernia Society Classification M3W2, length 4 cm, width 5 cm with rectus diastasis. A right single-docking robotic-assisted transabdominal retrorectus repair was performed using a 21 by 14 cm self-gripping mesh and anterior wall reconstruction was done by 0 barbed nonabsorbable running suture. There were no complications and recurrence observed during a 7 months postoperative period. Single-docking robotic-assisted transabdominal retrorectus repair was considered a good option for midline moderate-size incisional hernias from the point of view of the ease of suturing, adequateness of dissection and prevention of bowel injury.

Distant organ metastasis often occurs early in the course of esophageal cancer development and is associated with a poor prognosis. The modes of metastasis include hematological and lymphatic routes. Although in the literature the venous outflow of the esophagus is described to occur through the esophageal vein into the azygous vein, which subsequently joins the superior vena cava, the detained anatomy of the venous and lymphatic systems of the esophagus remains to be further investigated. We aimed to elucidate the regional anatomy of the venous system surrounding the esophagus via mediastinoscopic esophagectomy. Between January 2021 to January 2022, six patients with early esophageal cancer without apparent distant metastasis underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy and posterior mediastinal reconstruction with mediastinoscopy in our hospital. Detailed anatomy was captured and the spatial relationship between the esophageal vein and its draining vein was assessed intraoperatively and thoroughly reviewed postoperatively for any anomalies. A venous anomaly was seen in one out of six patients where the esophageal vein drained into the left pulmonary vein rather than into the azygous vein. This anomaly was not detectable on the preoperative CT images. Hemostasis of the esophageal vein was achieved without major hemorrhage or injury to surrounding tissues. The esophageal specimen showed a localized ulcerative lesion in the midthoracic esophagus that was consistent with moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, pT3N0M0 pStage IIB, with v1 and ly1 invasion. The patient will remain under surveillance for recurrence. Direct venous drainage into the systemic circulation may attribute to its high rates of distant metastasis in esophageal cancer. This mechanism supports the higher prevalence of metastasis to the liver over the lung, and relatively high rates of bone and brain metastases. Close attention should be paid when performing esophagectomy as injuries to the esophageal vein and inadequate hemastasis may result in catastrophic bleeding when a direct connection with the systemic circulation is present.

Introduction The aim of this study was to introduce and examine a modified mechanical end-to-side esophagogastrostomy method (“reverse-Tornado" anastomosis) in laparoscopy-assisted proximal gastrectomy. Methods Five patients with gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopy-assisted proximal gastrectomy were analyzed retrospectively. Esophagogastrostomy in the anterior wall was performed in three patients, and esophagogastrostomy in the posterior wall was performed in two patients. Clinicopathological features, operative outcomes (operative time, operative blood loss), and postoperative outcomes (complications, postoperative hospital stay, reflux esophagitis) were evaluated. Results Operative time was normal (278 min). There was no marked operative blood loss, postoperative complications, prolonged hospital stay, or reflux esophagitis. Conclusion Esophagogastrostomy was completed in a normal time with reverse-Tornado anastomosis. This method can be safe and can enable good postoperative quality of life.

Background: Non-parasitic simple liver cysts are one of the most common benign hepatic lesions. Although most liver cysts are asymptomatic and remain silent throughout the patient’s life, extremely large cysts can become symptomatic by direct compression to adjacent organs. Herein, we report a case of a spontaneously ruptured simple liver cyst, which is a rare presentation of a benign liver cyst. The patient’s liver cyst re-ruptured and was treated with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). Case report: A 62-year-old man presented to our hospital complaining of acute-onset lower abdominal pain. He had undergone laparoscopic fenestration of a huge liver cyst in another hospital 2 years prior. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed spontaneous rupture of a large liver cyst. Laparoscopic exploratory laparotomy showed no signs of ongoing intra-abdominal bleeding from the liver cyst; therefore, the operation was completed with peritoneal lavage. The patient was discharged from our hospital on postoperative day 5. Twelve days after the initial presentation, the patient was re-admitted to our hospital complaining of recurrence of lower abdominal pain. CT scan showed an enlargement of the previously ruptured liver cyst, with intra-abdominal bleeding and massive hematoma in the cyst. Extravasation of the cyst’s wall was also detected. Under the diagnosis of intra-abdominal bleeding from the artery in the wall of the huge cyst, emergent TAE was performed. Although the exact spot of extravasation was not detected, the anterior segment branch of the right hepatic artery, which corresponds to extravasation shown on the CT scan, was embolized. The patient was discharged from our hospital after 7 days, and the liver cyst remained stable without abdominal pain for more than 2 months. Conclusions: This case highlights a rare presentation of spontaneous rupture of a liver cyst with massive bleeding and the efficacy of TAE for the conservative treatment of ruptured liver cysts.

We performed laparoscopic surgery for three cases of colorectal cancer using an 8K ultra-high-definition endoscopic system, which offers 16-fold higher resolution than the current 2K high-definition endoscope. The weight of the camera has been successfully reduced to 370 g. To maximize the advantages of the 8K ultra-high-definition endoscope, surgery was performed by darkening the room and placing a large 85-in. display as close to the surgeon as possible. As a result, the autonomic nerve was preserved, and the membrane structure could be clearly observed. Moreover, we were able to feel the stereoscopic effect near the 3-D image. This suggests the possibility of improved curability and function preservation with the 8K endoscope. Although there are some disadvantages that need to be overcome, the 8K ultra-high-definition endoscope will surely contribute to further progress in laparoscopic surgery.

Purpose Patients with esophageal carcinoma (EC) who are treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy (bimodality therapy [BMT]) experience frequent relapses. In a large cohort, we assessed the timing, frequency, and types of relapses during an aggressive surveillance program and the value of the salvage strategies. Patients and Methods Patients with EC (N = 276) who received BMT were analyzed. Patients who had surgery within 6 months of chemoradiotherapy were excluded to reduce bias. We focused on local relapse (LR) and distant metastases (DM) and the salvage treatment of patients with LR only. Standard statistical methods were applied. Results The median follow-up time was 54.3 months (95% CI, 48.4 to 62.4). First relapses included LR only in 23.2% (n = 64), DM with or without LR in 43.5% (n = 120), and no relapses in 33.3% (n = 92) of patients. Final relapses included no relapses in 33.3%, LR only in 14.5%, DM only in 15.9%, and DM plus LR in 36.2% of patients. Ninety-one percent of LRs occurred within 2 years and 98% occurred within 3 years of BMT. Twenty-three (36%) of 64 patients with LR only underwent salvage surgery, and their median overall survival was 58.6 months (95% CI, 28.8 to not reached) compared with those patients with LR only who were unable to undergo surgery (9.5 months; 95% CI, 7.8 to 13.3). Conclusion Unlike in patients undergoing trimodality therapy, for whom surveillance/salvage treatment plays a lesser role, 1 in the BMT population, approximately 8% of all patients (or 36% of patients with LR only) with LRs occurring more than 6 months after chemoradiotherapy can undergo salvage treatment, and their survival is excellent. Our data support vigilant surveillance, at least in the first 24 months after chemotherapy, in these patients.

BACKGROUND Patients with localized esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) who achieve a clinical complete response (clinCR) after preoperative chemoradiation (trimodality therapy; TMT) or definitive chemoradiation (bimodality therapy; BMT) live longer than those who achieve a

Esophageal cancer management is based on baseline clinical stage, location of the tumor, and associated comorbid conditions. In patients with localized esophageal cancer (LEC) with technically resectable tumors and who are medically fit for surgery, the current recommendation is trimodality therapy (chemoradiation followed by surgery). Bimodality therapy (definitive chemoradiation) is reserved for patients with cervical esophageal tumors, technically unresectable tumors, for patients who cannot be recommended surgery due to medical comorbidities, or those who decline surgery. Prospective data from 2 studies suggest that definitive chemoradiation may be sufficient for LEC with squamous cell histology; a definite answer, however, is unclear.

Chemoradiation followed by surgery is the preferred treatment of localized gastroesophageal cancer (GEC). Surgery causes considerable life-altering consequences and achievement of clinical complete response (clinCR; defined as postchemoradiation [but presurgery] endoscopic biopsy negative for cancer and positron emission tomographic (PET) scan showing physiologic uptake) is an enticement to avoid/delay surgery. We examined the association between clinCR and pathologic complete response (pathCR).Two hundred eighty-four patients with GEC underwent chemoradiation and esophagectomy. The chi-square test, Fisher exact test, t-test, Kaplan-Meier method, and log-rank test were used.Of 284 patients, 218 (77%) achieved clinCR. However, only 67 (31%) of the 218 achieved pathCR. The sensitivity of clinCR for pathCR was 97.1% (67/69), but the specificity was low (29.8%; 64/215). Of the 66 patients who had less than a clinCR, only 2 (3%) had a pathCR. Thus, the rate of pathCR was significantly different in patients with clinCR than in those with less than a clinCR (P0.001).clinCR is not highly associated with pathCR; the specificity of clinCR for pathCR is too low to be used for clinical decision making on delaying/avoiding surgery. Surgery-eligible GEC patients should be encouraged to undergo surgery following chemoradiation despite achieving a clinCR.

Background: Although the development of lymphatic invasion by gastric cancer has been solved using 'solitary lymph node metastasis' research, few facts are known about the sequential flow following the sentinel station.Aim: In this study, we investigate the lymphatic spread of gastric cancers using 'triple lymph nodes metastases' analysis.Methods: During January 2001 and December 2015, 402 subsequent patients with gastric cancer underwent gastrectomy with standardized lymph node dissection at our institute. Among them, lymph node involvement was revealed in 234 patients by a histopathological study. The lymphatic spread of gastric cancer was analyzed theoretically based on the probability of additional lymph node metastases from each station.Results: The numbers of cases were 64, 41, 17, 23, 17, 13 and 59 according to the number of metastases of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 or more, respectively. The lesser curvature lymph node (#3) was the key station and skip metastasis was sometimes seen in lymph nodes of the intermediate region at the solitary lymph node metastasis stage. Some lymphatic flows were demonstrated by double and triple lymph node metastasis analysis, especially many flows from perigastric toward intermediate regions.Conclusion: This study demonstrated theoretically a lymphatic route for gastric cancer cells using a novel methodology. The results may be applicable to making preoperative diagnosis and for deciding on optimal lymph node dissection in gastric cancer surgery.

Gastric cancer confers a poor prognosis even when diagnosed as localized disease. Multimodality therapy improves the cure rate of patients with localized cancer. However, adjunctive therapeutic approaches differ in different regions of the world. This review focuses on the current standards and unresolved issues based on updated literature on therapy for localized gastric cancer. In the USA, the Intergroup 0116 trial established the use of postoperative chemoradiotherapy as a standard for patients who have surgery first for treatment of gastric cancer. In Europe, the MAGIC trial investigating perioperative chemotherapy demonstrated a survival benefit for gastric cancer patients. Finally, in Asia, the ACTS-GC and CLASSIC trials investigating postoperative chemotherapy established this as the standard of care after primary surgery that included D2 dissection. It is clear, however, that surgery alone is insufficient to achieve the highest possible cure rates.

Background: Trimodality therapy (TMT; chemoradiation plus surgery) has level-1 evidence for survival advantage for TMT-eligible esophagogastric cancer patients. Some patients, however, decline surgery after preoperative chemoradiation. The question of which patient should have esophagectomy and which one should not is unlikely to be answered by a prospective comparison; therefore, we matched the clinical covariates of several patients who had surgery with those who declined surgery (DS). Methods: Between 2002 and 2011, we identified 623 patients in our databases. Of 623 patients, 244 patients had TMT and 61 TMT-eligible patients were in the DS group. Using the propensity-score method, we matched 16 covariates between 36 DS patients and 36 TMT patients. Results: Baseline characteristics between the two groups were balanced (p = NS). The median overall survival times were: 57.9 months (95% CI: 27.7 to not applicable, NA) for the DS group and 50.8 months (95% CI: 30.7 to NA) for the TMT group (p = 0.28). The median relapse-free survival times were: 18.5 (95% CI: 11.5-30.4) for the DS group and 26.5 months (95% CI: 15.5-NA) for the TMT group (p = 0.45). Eleven (31%) of 36 patients in the DS group had salvage surgery. Conclusions: Our results are intriguing but skewed by the patients who had salvage surgery in the DS group. Until highly reliable predictive models are developed for esophageal preservation, TMT must be encouraged for all TMT-eligible gastroesophageal cancer patients.

SUMMARY Esophageal cancer is a deadly disease and only 40–50% of patients have potentially resectable cancer at diagnosis. Accurate staging and multidisciplinary evaluation are essential before any therapy is started. In locally advanced disease, primary surgery leads to poor long-term survival; however, an R0 resection is essential for cure. Clinical trials investigating multimodality treatments have led to improved outcomes and more options. However, the treatment of localized esophageal cancer based on two major histologic subtypes is a subject of debate. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are included in most of the trials but it may take time to propose different approaches. In general for LEC, preoperative chemotherapy is preferred in some parts of Europe for EAC; however, in the USA, preoperative chemoradiation has been popular and supported by level 1 evidence. For patients who are unsuitable for surgery, definitive chemoradiation is appropriate. For SCC of the cervi...

Background: In patients with localized gastric cancer (LGC) who are unfit for surgery, decline surgery, or have unresectable cancer, chemoradiotherapy may provide palliation; however, data in the literature are sparse. Methods: We identified 66 LGC patients who had definitive chemoradiation but no surgery. All patients had baseline and postchemoradiation staging including an endoscopic biopsy. Multiple statistical methods were used to analyze outcomes. Results: Most patients were men and most had stage III or IV cancer. Five patients were surgery eligible but declined to have surgery. The median follow-up time was 33.9 months (95% CI 18.3–49.6). The median survival time (MST) for 66 patients was only 14.5 months (95% CI 10.8–19.7) and the median relapse-free survival (RFS) was 5.03 months (95% CI 4.67–6.40). The estimated overall survival (OS) and RFS rates at 3 years were 22.6% (95% CI 13.7–37.3) and 7.7% (95% CI 3.2–18.6), respectively. Twenty-three (35%) patients who achieved a clinical complete response (cCR; negative postchemoradiation biopsy and no progression by imaging) fared better than those who achieved less than cCR (Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that in the absence of surgery, outcomes with definitive chemoradiation are only modest. A third of the patients achieved cCR and had a longer OS and RFS than those who achieved

症例は78歳，女性．大腸癌術後2週間目に腹部膨満を主訴として来院．腸閉塞を疑って施行した腹部CTで大腸の壁肥厚および脾彎曲から下行結腸にかけての著明な拡張を認め，中毒性巨大結腸症と診断．さらに大腸内視鏡で偽膜形成を認め，Clostridium difficile（CD）毒素陽性であったため劇症型CD腸炎が原因と判断した．全身状態も安定していたため初期には保存的加療を選択したが，入院後4日目にDICを併発し緊急で結腸全摘術および回腸瘻造設を施行した．術後経過は良好で特に合併症なく術後28日目に退院となった．劇症型CD腸炎は手術を考慮する必要があるが，下痢症状を伴わない場合は早期診断が困難な場合もある．今回は迅速に診断し救命しえた劇症型CD腸炎を経験したため文献的考察を含め報告する．

63 Background: The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with the inflammatory status of patients with some cancers. We hypothesize that increased NLR was associated with prognosis in patients with stage II/III esophagogastric adenocarcinoma. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 220 patients with stage II/III gastric cancer who underwent curative resection with suitable lymphadenectomy at our hospital, between 2000 and 2014. All patients underwent baseline staging, including blood tests, computed tomography, and endoscopic biopsy. The relationship between NLR and clinical outcomes was analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Average age was 67.9 [95% confidence interval (CI); 43.8, 92.1] years, and majority of the patients were male. After surgery, 111 (50.5%) patients underwent adjuvant chemotherapy, most of all patients received S-1 according to Japanese treatment guideline. Median follow-up time was 74.8 (95% CI; 69.9, 79.7) months. The preoperative NLR was 3.2 (95% CI; -4.2, 10.6), whereas the postoperative NLR was 3.0 (95% CI; -6.9, 12.8). In univariate analyses, age, stage, preoperative NLR, baseline CA19-9 levels, postoperative white blood cell (WBC) count, postoperative hemoglobin levels, postoperative NLR, increased NLR after surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy were associated with overall survival (OS). In multivariate analyses, age ( p < 0.001), stage ( p = 0.001), and increased NLR after surgery ( p = 0.048) were associated with OS. The prognosis of patients with increased NLR after surgery was observed to be worse than that of those with decreased NLR after surgery ( p = 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings indicated that increased NLR after curative resection was associated with poor OS in patients with locally advanced esophagogastric adenocarcinoma, suggesting that perioperative increased NLR was a potentially useful marker for individual therapy.

Current algorithms for surveillance of patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) after chemoradiation and surgery (trimodality therapy [TMT]) remain empiric. The authors hypothesized that the frequency, type, and timing of relapses after TMT would be highly associated with surgical pathology stage (SPS), and therefore SPS could be used to individualize the surveillance strategy. Between 2000 and 2010, 518 patients with EAC were identified who underwent TMT at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and were frequently surveyed. Frequency, type, and timing of the first relapse (locoregional and/or distant) were tabulated according to SPS. Standard statistical approaches were used. The median follow-up time after esophageal surgery was 55.4 months (range, 1.0-149.2 months). Disease relapse occurred in 215 patients (41.5%). Higher SPS was associated with a higher rate of relapse (0/I vs II/III, P≤.001; 0/I vs II, P=.002; SPS 0/I vs III, P≤.001; and SPS II vs III, P=.005) and with shorter time to relapse (P

Purpose Operable thoracic esophageal/gastroesophageal junction carcinoma (EC) is often treated with chemoradiation and surgery but tumor responses are unpredictable and heterogeneous. We hypothesized that aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 ( ALDH-1 ) could be associated with response. Methods The labeling indices (LIs) of ALDH-1 by immunohistochemistry in untreated tumor specimens were established in EC patients who had chemoradiation and surgery. Univariate logistic regression and 3-fold cross validation were carried out for the training (67% of patients) and validation (33%) sets. Non-clinical experiments in EC cells were performed to generate complimentary data. Results Of 167 EC patients analyzed, 40 (24%) had a pathologic complete response (pathCR) and 27 (16%) had an extremely resistant (exCRTR) cancer. The median ALDH-1 LI was 0.2 (range, 0.01–0.85). There was a significant association between pathCR and low ALDH-1 LI ( p ≤ 0.001; odds-ratio [OR] = 0.432). The 3-fold cross validation led to a concordance index (C-index) of 0.798 for the fitted model. There was a significant association between exCRTR and high ALDH-1 LI ( p ≤ 0.001; OR = 3.782). The 3-fold cross validation led to the C-index of 0.960 for the fitted model. In several cell lines, higher ALDH-1 LIs correlated with resistant/aggressive phenotype. Cells with induced chemotherapy resistance upregulated ALDH-1 and resistance conferring genes ( SOX9 and YAP1 ). Sorted ALDH-1+ cells were more resistant and had an aggressive phenotype in tumor spheres than ALDH-1− cells. Conclusions Our clinical and non-clinical data demonstrate that ALDH-1 LIs are predictive of response to therapy and further research could lead to individualized therapeutic strategies and novel therapeutic targets for EC patients.

Background The contribution of induction chemotherapy (IC) before preoperative chemoradiation for esophageal cancer (EC) is not known. We hypothesized that IC would increase the rate of pathologic complete response (pathCR). Methods Trimodality-eligibile patients were randomized to receive no IC (Arm A) or IC (oxaliplatin/FU; Arm B) before oxaliplatin/FU/radiation. Surgery was attempted ∼5–6 weeks after chemoradiation. The pathCR rate, post-surgery 30-day mortality, overall survival (OS), and toxic effects were assessed. Bayesian methods and Fisher's exact test were used. Results One hundred twenty-six patients were randomized dynamically to balance the two arms for histology, baseline stage, gender, race, and age. Fifty-five patients in Arm A and 54 in Arm B underwent surgery. The median actuarial OS for all patients (54 deaths) was 45.62 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 27.63–NA], with median OS 45.62 months (95% CI 25.56–NA) in Arm A and 43.68 months (95% CI 27.63–NA) in Arm B (P = 0.69). The pathCR rate in Arm A was 13% (7 of 55) and 26% (14 of 54) in Arm B (two-sided Fisher's exact test, P = 0.094). Safety was similar in both arms. Conclusions These data suggest that IC produces non-significant increase in the pathCR rate and does not prolong OS. Further development of IC before chemoradiation may not be beneficial. Clinical trial no.: NCT 00525915 ( www.clinicaltrials.gov ).

Background: It is unclear whether patients undergoing trimodality therapy (TMT) should be screened or surveyed for brain metastases. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed esophageal cancer (EC) patients who underwent TMT between the years 2000 and 2010. All were systematically staged and surveyed but none had screening or surveillance brain imaging. Results: The median follow-up time for 518 patients was 29.3 months (range 1-149.2); all patients had adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Of 188 (36.3%) patients who developed distant metastases, 20 (10.6% of 188 patients or 3.9% of 518 patients) had brain metastases. A higher baseline clinical stage (stage III or IVa) was associated with brain metastases. Most (90%) patients with brain metastases were diagnosed within 24 months of surgery. Sixteen patients had central nervous system symptoms at diagnosis. Twelve (60%) patients had solitary metastasis and 8 (40%) patients had multiple metastases. Although 17 patients received therapy for brain metastases, the median overall survival time of 20 patients was only 10.5 months (95% CI 6.6-14.0). Conclusion: After TMT, 3.9% of EC patients developed brain metastases and their prognosis was poor. Our data suggest that screening and/or surveillance for brain metastases in the EC population undergoing TMT is not warranted.

Ramucirumab (IMC-1121B) is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to VEGFR2 and can inhibit angiogenesis, a quintessential mechanism for promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Several antiangiogenesis agents are already approved for cancer therapy; however, ramucirumab’s selectivity for VEGFR2 makes it interesting. The selectivity of an agent can improve safety and efficacy. This article describes the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, safety and clinical trial results of ramucirumab with particular emphasis on gastric cancer.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a major health burden throughout the world, especially in certain endemic regions. GC is commonly diagnosed at an advanced stage because of the lack of early detection strategies and is usually associated with a dismal outcome. For patients with localized GC (LGC), surgery is the best cure: cure rates are highly associated with the surgical pathology stage. Adjunctive therapies improve the cure rates by about an additional 10%. Therefore, a multimodality approach is highly recommended for all patients with LGC. This article highlights some of the therapeutic advances made against GC and features important ongoing trials.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the significance of appendicoliths as an exacerbating factor of acute appendicitis using multivariate analysis. A total of 254 patients with pathologically proved acute appendicitis were enrolled in this retrospective study (male, 51 %; mean age, 40.1 years; range, 15-91 years). Two radiologists performed a consensus evaluation of preoperative CT images for the presence of appendicoliths in consensus. When there were appendicoliths, they assessed the number and location of appendicoliths, and measured the longest diameter of the largest appendicolith. Pathological diagnosis was used for the reference standard. The relationships of appendicoliths to gangrenous appendicitis and to perforated appendicitis were each assessed with multiple logistic regression models, which were adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics of patients. Significant relationships were identified between gangrenous appendicitis and the presence of appendicoliths (OR, 2.2; 95 % CI, 1.2-4.0), the largest appendicolith more than 5 mm in the longest (OR, 3.0; 95 % CI, 1.6-5.7), and location of an appendicolith at the root of the appendix (OR, 2.0; 95 % CI, 1.1-3.8). Among the CT characteristics, the location of an appendicolith at the root of the appendix only showed significant relationship with perforated appendicitis (OR, 4.5; 95 % CI, 1.4-15.4). Size of the largest appendicolith and location of appendicoliths at the root of the appendix are exacerbating factors of acute appendicitis.

Approximately 25% of patients with esophageal cancer (EC) who undergo preoperative chemoradiation, achieve a pathologic complete response (pathCR). We hypothesized that a model based on clinical parameters could predict pathCR with a high (≥60%) probability.We analyzed 322 patients with EC who underwent preoperative chemoradiation. All the patients had baseline and postchemoradiation positron emission tomography (PET) and pre- and postchemoradiation endoscopic biopsy. Logistic regression models were used for analysis, and cross-validation via the bootstrap method was carried out to test the model.The 70 (21.7%) patients who achieved a pathCR lived longer (median overall survival [OS], 79.76 months) than the 252 patients who did not achieve a pathCR (median OS, 39.73 months; OS, P = 0.004; disease-free survival, P = 0.003). In a logistic regression analysis, the following parameters contributed to the prediction model: postchemoradiation PET, postchemoradiation biopsy, sex, histologic tumor grade, and baseline (EUS)T stage. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.662-0.787); after the bootstrap validation with 200 repetitions, the bias-corrected AU-ROC was 0.70 (95% CI 0.643-0.728).Our data suggest that the logistic regression model can predict pathCR with a high probability. This clinical model could complement others (biomarkers) to predict pathCR.

Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) are associated with small-cell lung cancer, breast and gynecological cancers. We describe a gastric neoplasm presented with neurological symptoms. A 74-year-old male presented with tonic–clonic seizures. Initial investigations were normal; however, brain magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormal signal intensity in the hippocampi. A diagnosis of PNS was suspected. The patient was then diagnosed with a gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma with N-type voltage-gated calcium channel antibodies. The neurological impairments improved after the primary was resected and the patient remains free of cancer and paraneoplastic syndrome. We reviewed 10 cases of PNS associated with gastric cancer and found several characteristics: (1) older men, (2) neuroendocrine component or predominance, (3) oncological outcome for patients with PNS is better than for patients without PNS, and (4) neurological impairment is diagnosed 6 months prior to the diagnosis of gastric malignancy. In conclusion, elderly men with symptoms suggestive of PNS should be investigated for a gastric neuroendocrine malignancy.

Background: For patients with localized esophageal cancer (EC) who can withstand surgery, the preferred therapy is chemoradiation followed by surgery (trimodality). However, after achieving a clinical complete response [clinCR; defined as both post-chemoradiation endoscopic biopsy showing no cancer and physiologic uptake by positron emission tomography (PET)], some patients decline surgery. The literature on the outcome of such patients is sparse. Method: Between 2002 and 2011, we identified 622 trimodality-eligible EC patients in our prospectively maintained databases. All patients had to be trimodality eligible and must have completed preoperative staging after chemoradiation that included repeat endoscopic biopsy and PET among other routine tests. Results: Out of 622 trimodality-eligible patients identified, 61 patients (9.8%) declined surgery. All 61 patients had a clinCR. The median age was 69 years (range 47–85). Males (85.2%) and Caucasians (88.5%) were dominant. Baseline stage was II (44.2%) or III (52.5%), and histology was adenocarcinoma (65.6%) or squamous cell carcinoma (29.5%). Forty-two patients are alive at a median follow-up of 50.9 months (95% CI 39.5–62.3). The 5-year overall and relapse-free survival rates were 58.1 ± 8.4 and 35.3 ± 7.6%, respectively. Of 13 patients with local recurrence during surveillance, 12 had successful salvage resection. Conclusion: Although the outcome of 61 EC patients with clinCR who declined surgery appears reasonable, in the absence of a validated prediction/prognosis model, surgery must be encouraged for all trimodality-eligible patients.

The presence of malignant lymph nodes (+ypNodes) in the surgical specimen after preoperative chemoradiation (trimodality) in patients with oesophageal cancer (EC) portends a poor prognosis for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Currently, none of the clinical variables highly correlates with +ypNodes. We hypothesised that a combination of clinical variables could generate a model that associates with high likelihood of +ypNodes after trimodality in EC patients.We report on 293 consecutive EC patients who received trimodality therapy. A multivariate logistic regression analysis that included pretreatment and post-chemoradiation variables identified independent variables that were used to construct a nomogram for +ypNodes after trimodality in EC patients.Of 293 patients, 91 (31.1%) had +ypNodes. OS (p=0.0002) and DFS (p0.0001) were shorter in patients with +ypNodes compared to those with -ypNodes. In multivariable analysis, the significant variables for +ypNodes were: baseline T-stage (odds ratio [OR], 7.145; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.381-36.969; p=0.019), baseline N-stage (OR, 2.246; 95% CI, 1.024-4.926; p=0.044), tumour length (OR, 1.178; 95% CI, 1.024-1.357; p=0.022), induction chemotherapy (OR, 0.471; 95% CI, 0.242-0.915; p=0.026), nodal uptake on post-chemoradiation positron emission tomography (OR, 2.923; 95% CI, 1.007-8.485; p=0.049) and enlarged node(s) on post-chemoradiation computerised tomography (OR, 3.465; 95% CI, 1.549-7.753; p=0.002). The nomogram after internal validation using the bootstrap method (200 runs) yielded a high concordance index of 0.756.Our nomogram highly correlates with the presence of +ypNodes after chemoradiation, however, considerably more refinement is needed before it can be implemented in the clinic.

Objective. Mesorectal excision corresponding to the location of a tumor, termed tumor-specific mesorectal excision (TSME), is commonly performed for resection of upper rectal cancer. We devised a new laparoscopic procedure for sufficient TSME with rectal transection followed by mesorectal excision.Operative Technique. After mobilization of the sigmoid colon and ligation of inferior mesenteric vessels, we dissected the mesorectum along the layer of the planned total mesorectal excision. The rectal wall was carefully separated from the mesorectum at the appropriate anal side from the tumor. After the rectum was isolated and transected using an endoscopic linear stapler, the rectal stump drew immediately toward the anal side, enabling the mesorectum to be identified clearly. In this way, sufficient TSME can be performed easily and accurately. This technique has been successfully conducted on 19 patients.Conclusion. This laparoscopic technique is a feasible and reliable procedure for achieving sufficient TSME.

e15088 Background: The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is related to inflammatory status and/or cellular immunity status of patients with some cancers. We hypothesize that preoperative NLR is ass...

4083 Background: Evidence for definitive chemoradiotherapy (bimodality therapy [BMT]) has been established for patients with esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancer (EGEJC) who do not qualify for surgery. Surveillance for these patients is often recommended but the literature lacks guidance for an evidence-based surveillance strategy after BMT. Methods: We analyzed 276 patients with EGEJC who underwent BMT and had pre- and postchemoradiation endoscopic biopsies and imaging studies available for review. Patients who underwent planned surgery or salvage surgery (SS) within 6 months from BMT were excluded. We reviewed the pattern of relapse over time. Local-regional disease (LRD) after BMT was classified as regional disease (RD) or luminal-only disease (LD). Overall survival (OS) probabilities were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Results: For 276 patients, the median follow-up time was 53.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 47.3-58.7). A total of 184 (66.7%) patients had a persistent disease or relapse after BMT: 120 distant metastases (43.5% of 276) and 64 LRD (23.2% of 276). Of 64 LRD, 58 (91%) were diagnosed within 2 years of BMT and 63 (98%) were diagnosed within 3 years (see Table). Twenty-three of 64 LRD patients underwent SS. For patients with SS, the median OS time from diagnosis of LRD was 58.0 months (95% CI, not reached), and that for patients without SS was 9.0 months (95% CI, 7.3-10.7); this difference was highly significant (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our data suggest that 91% of LRD occurred within 2 years after BMT and the OS with SS for LRD was better than that without SS. These data can contribute to the development of an evidence-based surveillance strategy. [Table: see text]

4085 Background: Follow-up strategy for E-EGA patients after TMT has varied and is debated often due to the lack of evidence. It is an expensive endeavor and the literature provides little guidance. Methods: Between 2000 and 2010, we identified 518 E-EGA patients who had TMT. We reviewed the timing/pattern of recurrence after TMT and grouped them as local-regional (LR) or metastatic (M). Results: The median follow-up time from date of surgery was 29.3 months (range, 0.8 to 149.2 months). 215 (41.5%) had a relapse (M=188 [87.5%] and LR=27 [12.5%]). Among LRs, regional node only in 16 (7.4%) and intra-luminal only occurred in 11 (5.1%). The frequency of relapses was highly associated with the surgical stage (p90% of all relapses occurred within 29.2 months of surgery. In addition, almost all intra-luminal only relapses occurred within 24 months (see Table). Conclusions: Our data suggest that it may be possible to customize surveillance of patients after TMT based on the surgical stage. Additionally, intra-luminal only relapse are rare and are unlikely after 24 months. Our data can contribute to the development of an evidence-based surveillance strategy. [Table: see text]

e15013 Background: Evidence for definitive chemoradiotherapy (bimodality therapy [BMT]) has been established for patients with Esophageal and Gastroesophageal Junction cancers (EGEJC) who do not qualify for surgery. Frequency of relapse over time based on baseline clinical stage is not well described. Methods: We analyzed 276 patients with EGEJC who underwent BMT. All the patients had pre- and post- chemoradiation, endoscopic biopsy and imaging study. The type and timing of first relapse or persistent disease after BMT was analyzed using 12-month intervals and was grouped by the baseline stage. Multiple statistical methods were used. Results: For 276 patients, the median follow-up time was 53.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 47.3-58.7) and the median overall survival was 27.0months (95% CI, 20.7-33.3). A total of 184 (66.7%) patients had a persistent disease or relapse after BMT: 120 distant metastases (43.5% of 276) and 64 local-regional disease (23.2% of 276). The table below demonstrates that baseline clinical stage has a great deal of influence on the frequency and timing of relapse (see Table). Conclusions: These data demonstrate that relapse timing and patterns are associated with the baseline clinical stage. Our data can contribute to an evidence-based surveillance strategy.[Table: see text]

e15053 Background: Preoperative chemoradiation (trimodality therapy) has the strongest evidence in trimodality-eligible patients with esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (E-GEJ) adenocarcinoma. Pathological complete response (pathCR) and clinical complete response (clinCR) are independent prognostic factors. We hypothesized that pathCR is associated with best prognosis. Methods: Patients with E-GEJ adenocarcinoma undergoing trimodality therapy were identified from the prospectively maintained database at our institution. The Log rank test, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were applied for the survival analysis. Variables with p value < 0.15 in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariate analysis, the backward selection procedure was used for the model selection. Variables with P value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: For 314 esophageal cancer patients, the median follow-up time was 44.0 months (95% CI; 34.2-50.9). 107 of 314 patients died at this analysis. 80 patients (25.5%) had a pathCR. 160 patients (51.0%) had a clinCR prior to surgery but did not have pathCR. The remaining 74 (23.6%) had

95 Background: The surveillance strategy for E-EGJ cancer patients after TMT is currently not based on evidence and varies considerably. Literature does not provide guidance. Methods: Between 2000 and 2010, 579 patients with E-EGJ cancer who underwent TMT were analyzed. The type and timing of first relapse using 12-month intervals and their association the post-TMT surgical stage. Various statistical methods were utilized. Results: For 579 patients, the median follow-up time was 57.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 51.5-63.3 months). A total of 232 (40%) patients had a relapse. First relapses were: distant metastases (199 patients; 34.4%) and local-regional metastases (33 patients; 5.7%). Irrespective of the surgical stage, 95% of all relapses occurred within 36 months of surgery. The timing and frequency of relapses were significantly associated with the surgical stage (see Table; stage 0 or I vs. II or III; p=

111 Background: Localized EC patients should receive chemoradiation followed by surgery (TMT). Nevertheless, some patients decline surgery after preoperative chemoradiation. Reports on the outcome of such patients are scant. Methods: Between 2002 and 2011, we identified 622 TMT-eligible EC patients in our databases. Of 622 patients, 425 achieved clinical complete response (negative biopsy and PET in the physiologic range) after preoperative chemoradiation. Of 425, 244 patients underwent surgery but 61 patients declined surgery. We were able to matched 16 covariates between 36 patients who declined surgery and 36 patients who had TMT. Results: Baseline characteristics between the two groups were well-balanced (p=NS). Within this matched cohort, the median overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival were 57.9 months (95% CI, 27.7-NA), and 18.5 (95% CI, 11.5-30.4) for the declined surgery group and those were 50.8 months (95% CI, 30.7-NA), and 26.5 months (95% CI, 15.5-NA) for the TMT group. OS and RFS for both groups were not different (p=0.28, and 0.45, respectively). However, 11 of 36 patients in the declined surgery group had salvage surgery (median OS was 66.1 months). Conclusions: These provocative results are in a small series but need to be interpreted with caution. Nevertheless, the results reinforce a possibility of esophageal preservation strategy that could encompass biomarkers and sophisticated imaging. Currently, however, trimodality remains the gold standard. Supported by UTMDACC and generous donors.

120 Background: Preoperative chemoradiation (trimodality therapy) has the strongest evidence in trimodality-eligible patients with E-GEJ adenocarcinoma. Pathological complete response (pathCR) and clinical complete response (clinCR) are favorable prognostic factors. We hypothesized that pathCR is associated with best prognosis. Methods: Patients with E-GEJ adenocarcinoma undergoing trimodality therapy were identified from the prospectively maintained databases at our institution. Multiple statistical methods were used. Results: For 314 esophageal cancer patients, the median follow-up time was 44.0 months (95% CI; 34.2-50.9). 107 of 314 patients died at this analysis. 80 patients (25.5%) had a pathCR. 160 patients (51.0%) had a clinCR prior to surgery but did not have pathCR. The remaining 74 (23.6%) had

79 Background: For local-regional E-EGJ cancer patients, the preferred therapy is chemoradiation (CTRT) followed by surgery (TMT). Following TMT, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and imaging studies are routinely performed but the literature lacks guidance for an evidence-based surveillance strategy. Methods: Between 2000 and 2010, 579 patients with local-regional E-EGJ cancer underwent TMT. We reviewed the patterns of relapse over time. Local-regional relapse was classified as regional or luminal-only. Overall survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: For 579 patients, the median follow-up time was 57.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 51.5-63.3 months). First relapses were as follows: 199 patients (34.4%) with distant metastases and 33 (5.7%) with local-regional relapse (of these only 10 [or 1.7% of 579] had a luminal-only relapse). 3 out of 33 patients underwent salvage surgery and survived >2 years from relapse. Sixteen out of 33 patients received CTRT and only 4 survived >2 years. Therefore, 7 (21% of patients with local-regional relapse or 1.2% of 579 patients) survived >2 years. For the 33 patients with local-regional relapse, the median overall survival from relapse was 15.3 months (95% CI: 11.0-19.6). Conclusions: After TMT therapy, local-regional relapses are uncommon ( 2 years despite therapy. These data can contribute to an evidence-based surveillance strategy for E-EGJ cancer patients after TMT. Supported by UTMDACC and generous donors.

108 Background: Brain metastases in E-EGJ cancer patients following TMT are considered rare. We reviewed the cumulative incidence of brain metastases in a large cohort of patients who underwent TMT and had a long follow-up. Methods: Data were analyzedretrospectively for 579 E-EGJ cancer patients who underwent TMT between years 2000 and 2010. None had screening or surveillance brain imaging. Results: Median follow-up time was 57.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 51.5-63.3 months). Common patient characteristics were as follows: median age: 59.5 years (range, 39-74 years), Caucasian ethnicity (90%), male gender (85%), pre-treatment clinical stage III (65%), and adenocarcinoma histology (90%). 197 (34%) of 579 patients developed distant metastases and of these 20 (3% of 579 and 10% of 197) patients developed brain metastases. 18 (90%) patients had brain metastases within the first 24 months (12 in the first 12 months and 6 in the following 12 months) of surgery. 18 (90%) of patients were symptomatic at diagnosis. 15 (75%) of 20 patients had a single metastasis, however, only 4 (25%) patients survived >20 months (overall survival times were [in months]: 20, 30, 92 and 137). The median overall survival time of all 20 patients was 10.8 months (95% CI: 4.7-16.9). Conclusions: 3% of patients with E-EGJ cancer developed brain metastases after TMT and 90% of these occurred within the first 24 months of surgery. A few patients survived ≥20 months. These data rule out the use of screening and surveillance brain imaging for TMT-eligible patients. Supported by UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Clinical Research and Generous Donors.

4086 Background: TMT strategy has the highest level-1 evidence for treating localized GEC. High rates of cCR (defined as post-chemoradiation negative endoscopic biopsy and physiologic uptake on PET) are common and have questioned the benefit from surgery in patients with cCR after chemoradiation. We hypothesized that cCR would be associated with a high rate of pathCR than < cCR. Methods: The data were analyzed retrospectively in 563 patients who had esophagectomy for GEC in between 2002 and 2010 at UTMDACC. Among them, 284 had TMT and post-chemoradiation endoscopic biopsies and PET (before surgery). Multiple statistical methods were used. Results: Of these 284 TMT patients, 218 (77%) patients achieved a cCR. However, only 67 (31%) of 218 had a pathCR. The sensitivity of cCR for pathCR was 97.1 % (67/69) but the specificity was low, 29.8 % (64/215). Intriguingly, 66 patients who had < cCR, only 2 patients (3%) had a pathCR. The difference in the rate of pathCR between the cCR and < cCR groups was significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Our data show that cCR is frequent after chemoradiation but the pathCR rate is not high and it is associated with specificity that is too low for clinical implementation. Therefore, all TMT-eligible patients, irrespective of the achievement of cCR or < cCR must be encouraged to undergo surgery. Therapies that overcome chemoradiation resistance and could increase the pathCR rate are needed for esophageal preservation in select GEC patients. Supported by UTMDACC and generous donors. [Table: see text]

4069 Background: Patients with localized esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) receive preoperative chemoradiation followed by surgery (trimodality [TM] therapy) or definitive chemoradiotherapy (bimodality [BM] therapy) based on comorbidities and tumor geography. However, we cannot individualize recommendations beyond these parameters. We hypothesized that iSUV could customize therapy. Methods: Data source was our prospective database of fully staged EAC patients (2002-2010). All patients had a cCR (post-chemoradiation negative biopsy and post-chemoradiation physiologic uptake on PET). iSUV cut-point was derived by recursive partitioning. Results: For 323 cCR patients, the median follow-up was 40.8 months. 206 (63.8%) patients had TM and 117 (36.2%) had BM therapy. Median OS of TM patients and BM patients were 94.8 months (95 % CI; NA-NA) and 36.5 months (95% CI; 30.5-42.4; p6 had a better OS (94.8 months; 95% CI; 39.1-150.5) and RFS (94.8 months; 95% CI; 18.2-171.4) compared to BM patients with iSUV of >6 OS (31.4 months; 95% CI; 21.0-41.9; p=

4078 Background: For patients with EC who can withstand surgery, the preferred therapy is trimodality. However, after achieving a cCR (defined as post-chemoradiation negative endoscopic biopsy for cancer and post-chemoradiation physiologic FDG uptake by PET), some patients are tempted to decline surgery. Literature is sparse on the outcome of such patients. Methods: Between 2002 and 2011, we identified 621 trimodality-eligible EC patients in our prospective database. All patients had to be trimodality-elgible and must have received preoperative chemoradiation and completed preoperative staging that included a repeat endoscopic biopsy and PET-CT prior to surgery among other routine tests. Results: Of 621 trimodality-eligible patients identified, 58 patients declined surgery after completing chemoradiation. All patients had a cCR. The median age was 69 (range, 47-85). Male (84.5%) and Caucasian (91.4%) were dominant. Baseline stage was II (44.8%) or III (51.7%) and histology was adenocarcinoma (67.2%) or squamous cell carcinoma (29.3%). 40 patients remain alive at a median follow up of 50.4 months (95% CI, 38.6-62.1). 5-year OS and relapse-free survival were 56.7±9.0% and 32.9±7.7%. Of 12 patients with local recurrence during surveillance, 11 had salvage resection. Conclusions: Although, the outcome of EC patients with cCR who declined surgery appears reasonable, in the absence of a validated prediction/prognosis model, only trimodality therapy must be encouraged for trimodality-eligible patients. Supported by UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center grants and generous donors.

6 Background: Patients with localized EC eligible for resection at presentation should receive trimodality therapy (chemoradiation and surgery). However, surgical resection is not always performed in these patients because of poor performance status or reluctance in eligible patients to proceed with surgical resection after preoperative chemoradiation. Reports on the outcome of such patients are rare. Methods: Between 2002 and 2010, we identified 599 trimodality-eligible EC patients in our prospective database. All patients had extensive baseline staging, preoperative chemoradiation, and preoperative staging that included endoscopic biopsy and PET-CT. Of 599 patients, 32 patients declined surgery. Results: The median age was 70 years (range, 55-81), 29 patients (90.6%) were men and 30 (93.8%) were Caucasian. Majority had baseline stage II (44%) or III (38%) cancer. All 32 patients had an adenocarcinoma (moderate: 53.1%, poorly: 46.9%) and reached a clinical complete response (negative biopsy and PET in the physiologic range) post-chemoradiation. Four patients had salvage surgery and 3 are alive. Overall, 22 patients remain alive at a median follow up of 33.1 months (95% CI, 28.1-38.1). 3-year overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) were 65.1±10.4% and 37.5±10.3%. Median OS and RFS were 54.2 months (95% CI, 25.7-82.7), 30.4 months (95% CI, 16.3-44.5). Conclusions: Although the outcome of patients with EC who decline surgical resection after chemoradiation is reasonable, the lack of a validated approach to esophageal preservation dictates that trimodality therapy remains the standard of care in patients with potentially resectable EC.