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Mesothelioma is a nearly uniformly fatal tumor. Multimodality therapy including cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy is associated with long-term survival in some patients. Cytoreductive surgery for thoracic disease includes a lung-sparing operation called an "extended pleurectomy/decortication" or a lung-sacrificing surgery called an "extrapleural pneumonectomy." The benefit of cytoreductive surgery for bicavitary disease (chest and abdomen) is poorly understood. Our objective was to evaluate the long-term survivals for patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery for bicavitary disease and to determine whether any prognostic factors were associated with outcome. We reviewed our Institutional Review Board–approved, institutional, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Mesothelioma Staging Project database. Inclusion criteria were all patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery for bicavitary disease. Overall survival was calculated by Kaplan–Meier methodology. All International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer database elements were evaluated by univariable analysis. From February 2014 to August 2021, 440 patients with mesothelioma were evaluated. Fourteen patients (3%) underwent cytoreductive surgery of both chest and abdomen as a planned 2-stage operation. Most patients (13/14; 93%) underwent chest surgery before abdomen surgery. For the entire cohort, the median overall survival was 33.6 months with a 5-year survival of 20%. Extended pleurectomy/decortication was associated with a better outcome compared with extrapleural pneumonectomy, with median overall survivals of 58.2 versus 13.5 months, respectively. For a highly selected group of patients with bicavitary mesothelioma, long-term survival can be achieved with an aggressive, staged surgical approach. The patients who undergo extended pleurectomy/decortication with preservation of the lung appear to have more favorable outcomes compared with patients undergoing extrapleural pneumonectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms are routinely accompanied by peritoneal metastases at the time of diagnosis of the primary appendiceal tumor. In contrast, liver metastases and lymph node metastases are unusual. From an extensive database, patients with lymph node metastases identified at the time of primary appendiceal cancer resection were selected for special study. The clinical, treatment-related and histologic variables of this group of patients were statistically analyzed for their impact on overall survival. From a prospectively maintained database of 685 patients with a complete cytoreduction of a mucinous appendiceal neoplasm with peritoneal dissemination, 39 patients (5.6%) had lymph node metastases at the time of primary diagnosis. The median follow-up was 5.0 years and overall median survival was 6.0 years. Histologically, 6 of these patients (15.4%) had an appendiceal mucinous neoplasm – Intermediate type (MACA-Int). In 5 patients, the involved lymph nodes were not within the ileocolic lymph node group. The 7 patients (17.9%) who had a complete or near complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to definite cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) showed prolonged survival (HR 4.8 (1.1, 20.5) p = 0.0323). A prior right colon resection required repeat resection in 87% of patients. Long-term survival is unusual but occasionally seen in this group of patients. Response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy is an important determinant of a favorable outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For peritoneal metastases from a primary appendiceal mucinous neoplasm to exist, the thin wall of the appendix must perforate to allow mucus or mucus plus tumor cells to gain access to the peritoneal spaces. The proportion of specimens containing tumor cells within mucus as compared to mucus only outside the appendix may have prognostic significance. The histopathology of tumor masses was determined from the specimens resected at the cytoreductive surgery (CRS). The presence versus absence of tumor cells in mucus and the proportion of specimens with tumor cells was determined and correlated with the overall survival of these patients. In 418 patients with a complete cytoreduction for a low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN), the cellularity of all resected specimens was determined. The hazard ratio of overall survival of patients whose specimens had no cells as compared to specimens with cells in mucus by histology was 4.41 (1.61, 12.1) (p = 0.0039). If overall survival of patients with all specimens without tumor cells was compared to patients with specimens with 1–99 % tumor and compared to patients with 100 % of specimens with tumor cells, the hazard ratios were 4.3 (1.34, 13.8) (p = 0.0143) and 9.62 (2.93, 31.6) (p = 0.0002), respectively. The cellularity of mucus within the specimens removed by a complete CRS has strong prognostic implications in LAMN patients. LAMN with acellular specimens (LAMNa) as compared to LAMN with tumor cells in specimens (LAMNb) should be staged as different histologic subtypes of mucinous appendiceal neoplasms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with colorectal cancer die as a result of metastases to liver, lymph nodes or the peritoneal surfaces. The primary is almost always controlled by colon or rectal cancer resection. Consecutive patients with isolated metastases to peritoneal surfaces (no lymph node, liver or systemic metastases) were referred to the Washington Cancer Institute from all over the United States and abroad. The study of this particular group of patients was to determine the impact of clinical and histologic features on overall survival. These variables were collected from the primary colorectal cancer resection performed at the referring institute and from the cytoreductive surgery (CRS) performed at the Washington Hospital Center. The data was prospectively accumulated and retrospectively analyzed. Thirty-one consecutive patients had a complete cytoreduction. This restricted cohort of patients was studied in an attempt to eliminate confounding variables. The median age was 47 years (range 19–80). There were 14 (45%) males. The median overall survival following CRS was 67.9 months with a 5-year and 10-year survival of 51.9% and 43.6%, respectively. None of the clinical or histologic features, including peritoneal cancer index (PCI) and presence of signet ring cells, significantly predicted survival except for carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) (p = 0.0033). None of the involved abdominopelvic regions predicted a guarded outcome. In this restricted group of lymph node negative colorectal PM patients with a complete cytoreduction, a high PCI or the presence of signet ring cells should not exclude patients from CRS and perioperative chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peritoneal metastases is the second most common colorectal cancer dissemination. The anatomic sites at which colorectal peritoneal metastases are located within the abdomen and pelvis has not been previously determined. A prospective database has been maintained on patients treated by cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus perioperative chemotherapy. The patients in this current study all had peritoneal metastases histologically confirmed, and a complete cytoreduction. The patterns of dissemination of the peritoneal metastases recorded after a prior left colon resection or right colon resection at the time of the CRS were analyzed. The major goal was to identify the location of colorectal cancer peritoneal metastases at abdominopelvic anatomic sites. In these 77 patients, by the abdominopelvic regions, the highest incidence of histologically documented cancer was the pelvis (85.7%), central region (75.3%), right upper quadrant (50.6%) and right lower (53.2%). Specific anatomic sites free of disease at the time of primary resection at which cancer was documented at the time of CRS was the abdominal incision or laparoscopy port sites at 57.1% and the anatomic site for the primary cancer resection at 76.6%. Right colon cancer had a statistically significant increase in the right flank region 8 (p = 0.0350) and borderline significant increase of left colon cancer in the left lower region 5 (p = 0.0699). When data is pooled from many patients, physiology of the peritoneal spaces and tumor cell entrapment contribute to the distribution of disease within the abdomen and pelvis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PRODIGE 7-trial investigated the additional value of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) to cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for patients with colorectal peritoneal metastases (CPM). The results of PRODIGE 7 were presented at the 2018 ASCO meeting showing that 30 min oxaliplatin-based HIPEC did not improve overall survival. The current study investigated the impact of PRODIGE 7 on the worldwide practice of CRS and HIPEC. CRS-HIPEC experts from 19 countries were invited through the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International (PSOGI) to complete an online survey concerning the current CRS-HIPEC practice in their hospital and country, and were asked to appraise the effect of PRODIGE 7. The survey was completed by 18/19 experts. Although their personal opinions of CRS-HIPEC were barely influenced by PRODIGE 7, they reported a substantial impact on daily practice. This included a switch towards Mitomycin-C based HIPEC-regimens and prolongation of HIPEC perfusion time, a reduction in the number of referrals from non-HIPEC centers, a reduction in national consensus, the removal of HIPEC from national guidelines, and a reduced reimbursement rate. The PRODIGE 7 has had a major impact on the practice of CRS-HIPEC for CPM worldwide. HIPEC remains an attractive option with potential for control and eradication of disease and further studies into the optimal HIPEC-regimen are urgently needed. Meanwhile, given the complexity of the treatment of patients with CPM, and the proven benefits of optimal CRS, referral of patients with potentially resectable CPM to expert centers is recommended whilst the precise role of HIPEC is further evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is an aggressive local-regional disease with dissemination to all parts of the abdomen and pelvis at the time of diagnosis. Recently, cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been used and improved survival was documented with this local-regional treatment strategy. Concerning CT features were described that were specific for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. The incidence of concerning radiologic features and their impact on survival was determined. The prognostic assessment of concerning CT features was compared to the peritoneal cancer index (PCI) and the completeness of cytoreduction score (CC score). One hundred patients with a preoperative CT were evaluated by 11 concerning CT features. The incidence of these CT features varied between 5% and 41%. Nine of the 11 CT features statistically significantly predicted a reduced survival in these patients treated in a uniform manner. When concerning radiologic features were grouped as none, a single feature or two or more features, a significant composite analysis was achieved with p < 0.001. The prognostic information from concerning CT features compared favorably with the prognostic implications of PCI and CC score. The availability of the concerning CT features to predict prognosis at the initiation of treatments for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma shows that this radiologic assessment may be of great value to the clinician in planning a treatment strategy for an individual patient. Synopsis: Preoperative CT findings, quantitatively evaluated, showed a statistically significant impact on outcome of treatment with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This objective prognostic information was available to the multidisciplinary team at the time of the patient's evaluation for an aggressive surgical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rare appendiceal malignancy is characterized by both glandular and neuroendocrine histology. It often presents with dissemination of the perforated tumor to peritoneal surfaces. Current treatments involve systemic chemotherapy, cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The impact of clinical, histological and treatment-related characteristics on survival were evaluated and subjected to univariate statistical analyses. All patients had stage IV disease and were treated by a uniform treatment strategy. Survival was determined from onset of disease until death or most recent follow-up. There were 47 patients available for study of whom 17 were male. Median age was 48 with a range of 27–65. None or a single symptom vs. 2 or more symptoms had a significant effect on survival. Median survival of the entire cohort was 45 months and 34.88% and 8.72% of patients survived 5 and 10 years, respectively. The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy showed no impact on survival. Patients with a peritoneal cancer index (PCI) of 0–20 as compared to PCI > 20 survived longer (p = 0.012). The survival of patients able to have a complete resection as compared to an incomplete resection of disease was significant (p = 0.0087). The type of perioperative chemotherapy did not alter survival. These data show that patients with a lesser extent of disease with a complete cytoreduction had an improved prognosis. No benefit from systemic or perioperative regional chemotherapy was apparent. With long-term follow-up, patients with the combined glandular and neuroendocrine histology exhibiting peritoneal metastases have a guarded prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have suggested benefit for heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the treatment of peritoneal metastases from colon cancer. However, the PRODIGE 7 trial that randomized 265 colon cancer patients to surgery plus HIPEC vs. surgery alone after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) did not confirm benefit. These data were published as an abstract and not as a peer-reviewed manuscript. One concern is that prior drug exposure may select for drug resistance and blunt HIPEC efficacy. A database query identified colon cancer specimens evaluated for chemotherapy sensitivity by ex-vivo analysis of programmed cell death (EVA/PCD), a primary culture platform that examines drug-induced cell death (apoptotic & non-apoptotic) by morphologic, metabolic and histologic endpoints. Of 87 fresh colon cancer specimens, 54 (62%) were untreated and 33 (38%) had received prior folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) or capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX). In an apoptosis assay, the lethal concentration of 50% (LC50) in untreated patients was significantly lower than in patients treated by FOLFOX (p = 0.002). Then to approximate PRODIGE 7, treated patients were separated by having received oxaliplatin treatment less than or greater than 2 months before EVA/PCD analysis. The degree of resistance increasing significantly for patients who received treatment less than 2 months prior to EVA/PCD (p < 0.002). Activity for mitomycin and irinotecan was not significantly different for untreated vs. treated patients, but 5-FU was more resistant (P = 0.048). The failure of PRODIGE 7 to improve survival with surgery plus HIPEC following NACT may reflect diminished oxaliplatin cytotoxicity in patients whose residual disease has been selected for oxaliplatin and 5-FU resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peritoneal surfaces are a common site for the dissemination of gastrointestinal and gynecologic malignancy. Often, the surgeon can achieve a complete response. Unfortunately, current perioperative chemotherapy regimens fail to maintain control of cancer nodules within the abdomen and pelvis. More effective perioperative chemotherapy is needed. The nanoparticle pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) was instilled directly into the peritoneal space in peritoneal metastases patients following maximal efforts of cytoreductive surgery to resect abdominal and pelvic disease. Pharmacokinetics were determined intraoperatively during hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) conditions and postoperatively during early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC) at normothermic conditions. The retention of PLD within the peritoneal tissues over a 90-min HIPEC was only approximately 20% and 180 min of HIPEC 40%. The median area under the curve ratio of peritoneal fluid concentration times time as compared to plasma concentration times was over 1000 and increased with dose escalation from 50 to 100 mg/m2. When PLD was instilled for EPIC, the area under the curve ratios were very similar to the HIPEC but retention of drug within the peritoneal tissues with access to cancer nodules was maintained for 24 h with approximately 80% drug utilization. Adverse events were tabulated and found to be absent. No evidence of peritoneal dysfunction from sclerosis was evident with a 1 year of follow-up. The nanoparticle PLD is slowly absorbed into the intraperitoneal tissues and not appropriate for HIPEC. EPIC is the preferred methodology for administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Delayed leak from a ureter can occur following pelvic surgery. • Stenting the ureteral defect through the bladder or kidney is often unsuccessful. • A rendezvous procedure may be successful to reestablish ureteral continuity. • A sequence of collaborative efforts by urologist and interventional radiologist is required. Iatrogenic damage to the ureter as a result of an abdominal or pelvic surgical procedure is unusual. However, it does occur and the surgeon must be prepared to deal knowledgeably with the injury. Leaks that are recognized within the operating theater are managed, for the most part, at the same surgical procedure oftentimes with urologic consultation. A delayed leak presents unique problems in that direct access to the site of the leak is not possible except by a reoperative procedure. Delayed leaks present a clinical situation involving the urologist, interventional radiologist, as well as the surgeon. A patient who developed delayed urine leakage following a partial sacrectomy to remove recurrent mucinous appendiceal malignancy was studied. The leakage was controlled using a nephroureteral stent. Placement of the nephroureteral stent was made possible by the rendezvous procedure. The sequence of procedures to reestablish ureteral continuity following a delayed leak are important in the successful placement of a nephroureteral stent. After establishing the site of the injury a percutaneous nephrostomy must be placed. Then, through the nephrostomy, a guidewire is placed in the ureter to be recovered and advanced into the bladder using a ureteroscope and grasping forceps. A nephroureteral stent is placed over the guidewire to bridge the gap and stent the ureteral defect. The rendezvous procedure can be successful a large percentage of the time with a delayed ureteral leakage. Successful recovery of a guidewire in the ureter by ureteroscopy requires a combined interventional radiology and urologic procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peritoneal carcinomatosis may be diagnosed by cytology or CT-guided biopsy, but routine radiologic and endoscopic workup not reveal a primary site. The clinical condition is referred to as peritoneal carcinomatosis of unknown primary site. Over a 30-year time interval all patients treated with an initial diagnosis of carcinomatosis of unknown primary site were managed on a special clinical pathway. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, colonoscopy, and abdominal and pelvic CT were performed. Immunostains suggested a gastrointestinal origin of the carcinomatosis. After these tests, exploratory laparotomy was performed. Twenty-five patients fulfilled the criteria for peritoneal carcinomatosis of unknown primary site and all 25 of these patients underwent an exploratory laparotomy. Special attention to the anatomic site of the appendix occurred during the exploratory laparotomy. No site within the gastrointestinal tract including a non-cancerous appendix was observed in 9 patients (36%). In 7 patients (28%), the carcinomatosis was so extensive that an adequate exploration to determine a primary site was not possible. In a third group of 9 patients (36%), exploratory laparotomy revealed an occult appendiceal malignancy. Peritoneal carcinomatosis of unknown primary site was caused by an occult appendiceal adenocarcinoma in 36% of our patients. This error in diagnosis may lead to suboptimal treatment. Surgical exploration to visualize the anatomic site of the appendix should occur prior to making a definitive diagnosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis of unknown primary site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer are lethal. • Cytoreductive surgery plus perioperative chemotherapy is a treatment option. • A perioperative FOLFOX regimen with intraperitoneal oxaliplatin was described. • The pharmacokinetic studies suggested efficacy. Colorectal cancer can disseminate malignant cells to the peritoneal surfaces which over time progress to peritoneal metastases. Management of this type of metastatic disease has been approached using a combined treatment that consists of cytoreductive surgery and perioperative chemotherapy. To optimize these treatments a more effective chemotherapy that is used as planned part of the surgical procedure is required. Pharmacologic studies to initiate a new perioperative chemotherapy treatment were modeled after the successful systemic treatments of metastatic colorectal cancer referred to as FOLFOX. A management plan that included all of the essential features of successful systemic chemotherapy was formulated. Pharmacokinetic studies of 5-fluorouracil given both intravenously and intraperitoneally and oxaliplatin given intraperitoneally were investigated. The compatibility of 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin was documented showing no degradation of either drug when they were mixed in-vitro over 24 h. The pharmacokinetic analysis of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with oxaliplatin showed cytotoxic concentrations for 120 min. In order to maximize oxaliplatin's effect, both intravenous bolus and continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil was combined with early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC). In total, 200 mg/m2 of oxaliplatin was combined with a minimum of 1600 mg of 5-fluorouracil over the 24 -h treatment plan. This perioperative FOLFOX treatment was completed in 2 patients and the clinical effectiveness as a result of this in-depth case reports was presented. Formal phase II studies, as a result of these pharmacokinetic and clinical investigations, have been initiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Diverticuli are found throughout the gastrointestinal tract from esophagus to rectum. • In the jejunum diverticuli are most commonly proximal, multiple and asymptomatic. • A large solitary jejunal diverticulum caused life endangering midgut volvulus. • In the absence of timely surgical intervention the condition would have been fatal. Jejunal diverticula are a rare subtype of false diverticula found in the gastrointestinal tract. When present, they are usually multiple, in the proximal jejunum and asymptomatic. Rarely, they can cause acute complications that can develop into an acute abdomen requiring surgical intervention. We present the rare manifestation of a single jejunal diverticulum causing midgut volvulus and bowel ischemia. Early surgical intervention with small bowel derotation allowed complete recovery. Data regarding the case, operative intervention, and patient follow-up was prospectively accumulated with permission of the patient at an academic institution. All patient identifiers were removed. All research steps were performed under guidance outlined in the SCARE criteria. We present the case of a 78-year-old man who presented to our institution with an acute abdomen. CT imaging demonstrated a whirlpool sign without an obvious lead point. The patient was without prior surgical intervention. Urgent exploratory laparotomy revealed a midgut volvulus with associated bowel ischemia and impending infarction secondary to adhesive disease from a large single jejunal diverticulum. Derotation resulted in gradual recovery of bowel vascularity. Resection of the portion of the jejunum containing the diverticulum resulted in full clinical recovery of the patient. Complications of jejunal diverticula, although rare, should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of an acute abdomen of unknown etiology. Urgent surgical intervention was required to avoid a potential catastrophic outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Determine metastases as hematogenous, lymphatic or transcoelomic. • In the past splenic metastases was assumed to be hematogenous. • Splenic metastases may occur in the absence of hematogenous dissemination. • Gastrointestinal or gynecologic splenic metastases are likely implants. Metastases from gastrointestinal and gynecologic malignancy may occur through lymphatic channels, through venules of the cancer or into the peritoneal space. The metastatic process involves lymphatic, hematogenous or transcoelomic dissemination. Two patients with splenic metastases are presented. Their clinical course is presented in an attempt to identify the route of cancer dissemination to the spleen. Lymphatic, hematogenous, or transcoelomic patterns of cancer dissemination are possible. Transcoelomic cancer dissemination into the peritoneal space results in peritoneal metastases. In a woman with ovarian cancer peritoneal metastases, a large lesion within the parenchyma of the spleen was described. This disease was present at multiple other sites as peritoneal metastases but no hematogenous or lymphatic metastases. A second patient with mucinous appendiceal neoplasm with peritoneal metastases was studied. Hematogenous metastases from this malignancy is extremely rare and lymphatic metastases were not present at the time of right colon resection. After studying these two patients, our hypothesis is that splenic metastases result from transcoelomic dissemination to the splenic hilum or splenic notches with progression of disease into the parenchyma of the spleen. When oncologists are considering aggressive local-regional treatments for peritoneal metastases important patient management decisions are influenced by the presence versus absence of hematogenous metastases. We suggest that the presence of splenic metastases does not indicate systemic (hematogenous) or lymphatic metastatic process but an extension of peritoneal metastases at the hilum of the spleen or within splenic notches deep into the parenchyma of the spleen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 0.5 % of appendectomy specimens show neuroendocrine and 0.5 % show epithelial malignancy. • In 2 patients these two malignancies were in the same appendectomy specimen. • Patients peritoneal metastases occurred from the mucinous epithelial malignancy only. • Rather than routine right hemicolectomy, radical appendectomy is suggested. Although uncommon, neoplasms of the appendix do exist. The two most common types are neuroendocrine tumors and mucinous appendiceal neoplasms. In two patients unusual gross and microscopic findings in an appendectomy specimen were recorded. Special immunocytochemistry studies were used to determine the histologic type of the tumors in the appendix. The clinical features and histopathology of two patients who had both a neuroendocrine tumor and a low grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm in the same appendectomy specimen were described. Possibilities for the causation and treatment of this unusual condition were discussed. The incidence of this double malignancy was estimated at 2.5 in 1000 appendectomy specimens. Although extremely unusual, a neuroendocrine tumor and a mucinous appendiceal neoplasm can exist in the same appendix. This condition is reported in two young patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pelvic exenteration is an unusual procedure in patients with peritoneal metastases from appendiceal cancer. • Pelvic exenteration may be considered in a fit patient who is made visibly disease-free by surgery. • More intensive local-regional chemotherapy may be considered in patients who fail cytoreductive surgery plus HIPEC and EPIC. • Surgical features noted intraoperatively provide important information regarding a decision to proceed. Surgery which includes peritonectomy, visceral resections, and perioperative chemotherapy has been used extensively to treat peritoneal metastases from appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma. The results of treatment vary with the grade of the neoplasm, the extent of abdominal and pelvic disease and the completeness of tumor removal. The clinical features, surgical procedures and outcome of two patients with mucinous appendiceal neoplasms were reviewed. The decision to move to total pelvic exenterative surgery after prior treatment failure was critically evaluated. Patient 1 had three extensive surgical procedures prior to total pelvic exenteration and one surgical procedure after. Patient 2 had one 16-h surgical procedure prior to total pelvic exenteration. Patient 1 had 8 years and 1 month survival from onset of disease until death. Patient 2 is free of disease at 27 years from onset of pseudomyxoma peritonei. After recovery of the patients from the extensive surgery, their quality of life was acceptable. Total pelvic exenteration surgery is seldom used in patients with peritoneal metastases from appendiceal neoplasms. These two patients were studied in an attempt to determine the indications for this procedure with this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sarcomatosis is the progression of visible malignant nodules on peritoneal surfaces. • Long-term disease-free survival is unusual if high grade sarcomatosis is treated by CRS and HIPEC. • In two patients prolonged disease-free survival has been observed with complete resection of low grade disease plus HIPEC. • The lack of deep tissue invasion with low grade sarcoma may account for the long-term success of CRS and HIPEC. Sarcomatosis results from the dissemination of cells from an abdominal or pelvic primary sarcoma to the peritoneal surfaces. In most patients this is a lethal condition. The clinical and radiologic features of two patients with sarcomatosis were reviewed. Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) were used for treatment. Current status of these two patients was available. These two patients had a large extent of disease. In one, a myxoid sarcoma filled the pelvis. In another, all quadrants of the abdomen and pelvis were involved by peritoneal metastases from a uterine leiomyosarcoma. The grade of these two tumors was moderate and low. Surgical resection of all sarcomatosis was performed and this was followed by HIPEC. Clinical and radiologic follow-up at 37 and 58 months after complete cytoreduction show no evidence of disease. An effort to identify patients with sarcomatosis who are predicted to have a complete cytoreduction should occur when these patients are evaluated. Patients with a complete resection and a sarcoma-specific HIPEC may have prolonged disease-free survival. No other treatments for these patients have been described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Peritoneal carcinomatosis from unknown primary site must be a diagnosis of exclusion. • Peritoneal metastases in the absence of a primary site by definitive radiologic and endoscopic tests does occur. • An occult appendiceal adenocarcinoma may be the cause of the peritoneal carcinomatosis. • Visualization of a normal appendix by exploratory laparotomy or laparoscopy is a new requirement for the diagnosis. Peritoneal carcinomatosis is sometimes diagnosed by cytology or by biopsy, but routine radiologic and endoscopic workup may not reveal a primary site. This clinical condition is called adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site. The clinical findings of two patients with adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site were presented and the implications for management of similar patients were suggested. The patient had the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site made when cancer was discovered at the time of umbilical hernia repair or laparoscopy. Radiologic and endoscopic tests were not definitive in providing the primary site for the malignancy. Exploratory laparotomy was performed which revealed an appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma as the cause of the peritoneal carcinomatosis. Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) were used at the time of the exploratory laparotomy to treat the appendiceal adenocarcinoma with peritoneal metastases. Peritoneal carcinomatosis of unknown primary site may be caused by an occult appendiceal adenocarcinoma. This error in diagnosis may lead to suboptimal treatment. Surgical exploration to visualize a normal appendix should occur prior to making a definitive diagnosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis of unknown primary site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The goal of cancer surgery is complete removal and absolute containment of the malignant process. • Laparoscopy performed with cancer cells within the peritoneal space may cause cancer progression within trochar sites. • This unintended adverse consequence of laparoscopy may be reduced by limiting trochar sites to the midline. • Prospective data regarding the incidence of trochar site disease is not available but it does continue to occur. Cancer surgery has as its goal complete clearance and absolute containment of the malignant disease as it is being resected. Any aspect of the procedure which allows the escapes of malignant cells may result in disease recurrence. The patient presented to an emergency room with left-sided abdominal pain. Pelvic sonogram suggested the diagnosis of a ruptured left ovarian cyst. A uterine biopsy showed high grade serous carcinoma. Definitive treatment of the primary ovarian cancer wasen bloc laparoscopic resection of her uterus, Fallopian tube and ovaries. CT showed port site recurrence in both right and left upper abdominal trochar sites. The right-sided port site recurrence was through the fascia just lateral to the right rectus muscle and was small. A much larger port site metastases was present at the right trochar site that was through the left rectus muscle. The incidence of midline and lateral port site recurrence after laparoscopy for diagnosis or resection of ovarian cancer has not been determined. Limitation of trochar sites to the midline may reduce the extent of abdominal wall disease spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A margin of resection for an advanced right colon cancer is the second portion of the duodenum. • Recurrence of right colon cancer may involve the anterior aspect of the duodenum. • Resection of the duodenum may occur without resection of the ampulla of Vater. • Reimplantation of the ampulla of Vater into the proximal jejunum was accomplished without adverse events. Local or regional recurrence of colon or rectal cancer frequently occurs if there is a positive margin of resection or spillage of cancer cells during the operation. The clinical course of a patient with right colon cancer recurrent within the resection site and on the anterior aspect of the duodenum was reviewed. Resection of recurrent right colon cancer was accomplished by subtotal duodenectomy. Reconstruction was with jejunal advancement and reimplantation of the ampulla of Vater. No postoperative complications occurred and palliation was excellent. Prevention of recurrent right colon cancer is an import consideration for primary resection. However, if this duodenum is involved by recurrence, techniques for resection exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• For long-term benefit to result from cytoreductive surgery, all visible disease must be removed. • Peritoneal metastases obscured from visible detection by the surgeon will not be resected. • Peritoneal tunnels in the inguinal and porta hepatis regions were identified. • For optimal cytoreduction, peritoneal tunnels must be opened and tumor resected. Peritoneal metastases from gastrointestinal cancer can be treated by a combination of surgery to remove visible evidence of disease and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy to eradicate microscopic disease. Complete cytoreduction is necessary for long-term benefit. Two sites for incomplete cytoreduction because tumor is hidden from visual inspection were identified. Patients who developed recurrence at these anatomic sites were studied. A peritoneal tunnel along a patent processus vaginalis allowed tumor to be sequestered along the inguinal canal in a female patient. A peritoneal tunnel beneath a hepatic bridge over the round ligament obscured mucinous tumor in a male patient. Peritoneal tunnels in the inguinal region or at the porta hepatis should be opened by surgical dissection so that all foci of peritoneal metastases are removed at a complete cytoreductive surgery and these sites treated with chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Meckel's diverticulum is an outpouching of the distal small bowel. • This diverticulum may contain ectopic gastric epithelium which can become malignant. • A patient with gastric cancer with peritoneal metastases had the cancer origin in a Meckel's diverticulum. • Systemic cancer chemotherapy followed by cytoreductive surgery provided 4 years of disease-free survival. Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting from incomplete obliteration of the omphalomesenteric duct in early fetal development. The diverticulum frequently contains ectopic gastrointestinal epithelial tissue, most commonly gastric or pancreatic. Adenocarcinoma can arise from either of these epithelia but is extremely rare, with less than 50 cases reported in the world literature. In a patient with peritoneal metastases from ectopic gastric mucosae in a Meckel's diverticulum a multidisciplinary treatment plan was initiated. Diagnosis was evident from study of the resected specimen of small bowel in a patient with acute abdominal pain. A multiagent chemotherapy regimen using oxaliplatin, mitomycin C, doxorubicin, and capecitabine (O-Max) resulted in a clinical and radiologic response. A second surgery with extensive sampling of tissues from the abdomen and pelvis confirmed a complete response to systemic chemotherapy. At four years from onset of disease the patient has no evidence of recurrence. Peritoneal metastases from malignant degeneration of ectopic gastric epithelium in a Meckel's diverticulum was reported. Multidisciplinary treatments were beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy as in hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has limited efficacy. It should not be expected to eradicate even the smallest vascularized tumor nodules. Neither should it be used in an attempt to eradicate tumor cells from within scar tissue. Perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy can be expected to eradicate free cancer cells or minute cancer nodules free floating in the fluid within peritoneal spaces. Also, loosely adherent tumor cells on peritoneal surfaces or within a resection site can be eradicated. This is a prevention of tumor cell entrapment. In so doing postoperative tumor progression within adhesions, within a resection site, and within scar tissue is prevented and result in improved survival. Tumor cells entrapped within scar tissue is relatively resistant to systemic chemotherapy. By eliminating tumor cell entrapment in scar HIPEC can increase the benefit of systemic chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The surgical removal of a primary colon cancer demands complete clearance and absolute containment of the malignant process. • Not all colon cancers are the same although the resection strategy varies little or not at all with the clinical features of the disease. • The patient may enter the operating theater with a contained malignant process and leave with disseminated disease. • Clinical and radiologic features of colon cancer indicate a high risk for cancer dissemination as a result of the resection. • The surgeon must document in the medical record preoperatively the likelihood of clearance and containment. Abstract Background The resection of a primary colon cancer has the opportunity to cure the patient of cancer by complete clearance and absolute containment of disease. Alternatively, if the cancer resection does not provide clearance and containment it will eventuate in local recurrence and peritoneal dissemination. Methods Culpability of recurrence of colorectal cancer is difficult to determine. Are the management strategies of the primary cancer evaluation and treatment at fault or is the underlying disease process is to be held responsible? The clinical and radiologic findings that could have been evaluated by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) were critically evaluated in 2 patients with right colon adenocarcinoma. Strategies to accomplish complete clearance and absolute containment of the primary malignancy as resectable for cure were suggested. Results Clinical evaluation of these 2 patients suggested that more knowledgeable preoperative evaluation by the multidisciplinary team (MDT) should have placed them in a high risk group for local recurrence and/or peritoneal dissemination. High carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) tumor marker and by CT a large primary cancer infiltrating adjacent structures can be used to select advanced pre- and intraoperative treatment strategies. Conclusions Two patients who had an approximately 50% possibility of long-term survival with optimal preoperative evaluation and expert surgical resection techniques may have been converted to a greatly reduced survival because of tumor dissemination and positive margins of resection at the time of primary cancer resection. Neither patient was evaluated by an MDT preoperatively. It is possible that these two patients entered the operating room with a contained malignancy but as result of suboptimal pre- and intraoperative management left the operating room with disseminated intraperitoneal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is being used increasingly for peritoneal metastases. • The distribution of intraperitoneal chemotherapy to target tissues remains poorly described. • Access of intraperitoneal doxorubicin to mesenteric lymph nodes was available for determination by HPLC. • Data suggests direct access of intraperitoneal doxorubicin to mesenteric lymph nodes in high concentration. • High concentrations of intraperitoneal chemotherapy to mesenteric lymph nodes suggests expanded treatment options. Abstract Background Intraperitoneal chemotherapy has been used extensively to treat cancers that metastasize to the peritoneal surfaces. In the operating room the intraperitoneal chemotherapy is administered with moderate heat. The chemotherapy is used after surgery when there is minimal residual disease. Alternatively, intraperitoneal chemotherapy can be used long-term in an attempt to prevent the progression of disease in patients at high risk for peritoneal metastases to occur during follow-up. Methods Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with doxorubicin was used to treat peritoneal metastases in two patients. These two patients required generous sampling of mesenteric lymph nodes because involvement of these lymph nodes was suspected on preoperative radiologic studies by computed tomography (CT). The lymph nodes, peritoneal fluid and plasma along with tumor tissue in one patient were subjected to a determination of doxorubicin chemotherapy concentrations by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results The ratio of doxorubicin present in peritoneal fluid as compared to plasma was 80 in patient 1 and 50 in patient 2. There was an increased doxorubicin concentration within lymph nodes as compared to plasma. The accumulation of doxorubicin in lymph nodal tissue was 40 times that of plasma in patient 1 and 30 times that in patient 2. In patient 2, the concentration of doxorubicin in lymph nodes was very similar to the concentration of chemotherapy within tumor nodules. Conclusion Doxorubicin chemotherapy was not only present in peritoneal surface tissue but also a surprisingly high level was present in mesenteric lymph nodes in patients treated by HIPEC. This observation may have implications for interpreting clinical future studies performed with HIPEC. To our knowledge, this is the first time this pharmacologic information regarding intraperitoneal chemotherapy access to mesenteric lymph nodes has been reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare entity characterized by encapsulation of the small bowel and/or the colon by a fibrous tissue that forms a shell. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) has been reported to be a potential causative factor of secondary SEP. However, few studies have reported on secondary SEP related to cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Here, we review results from four clinical cases of SEP associated with CRS and HIPEC. In all four patients, additional surgery was necessary to alleviate recurrent episodes of small bowel obstruction. These obstructions can occur as early as several weeks after CRS plus HIPEC or as late as 3 years after treatment. Of utmost importance is the prevention of fistulization which can result in enteric contamination of the peritoneal space. To date, no solution to SEP has been identified except additional surgery but it is evident that these reoperative experiences are difficult for both surgeon and patient. The etiopathogenesis of SEP in this setting remains unknown but it is clear that it is related to chronic inflammation of the peritoneum. Large studies are needed to identify the incidence and potential common causes of SEP after CRS and HIPEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Progression of peritoneal metastases to cause bowel obstruction may occur in the absence of systemic cancer spread. • Bowel obstruction has a profound effect on the quality of life of these patients prior to their demise. • Drainage of gastrointestinal secretions has been shown to add palliative benefit to the management of these patients. • Total parenteral nutrition can assist in improving the quality of life of these patients. • In selected patients the optimal method for gastrointestinal decompression is a cervical esophagostomy tube. Abstract Background Patients with gastrointestinal or gynecologic malignancy may show disease progression within the abdomen and pelvis causing bowel obstruction in the absence of clinical evidence of disease outside of the peritoneal space. Bowel obstruction eventually results and has a profound effect on quality of life eventually leading to the demise of these patients. Methods In order to improve the quality of life and combat the requirement for a nasogastric tube, a combination of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) to allow adequate caloric intake plus cervical esophagostomy to drain intestinal secretions was utilized as a palliative treatment long-term for patients with malignancy-associated bowel obstruction. Results In 2 patients with appendiceal malignancy no cancer spread outside of the peritoneal space occurred. Unfortunately, total obstruction of the bowel caused unremitting nausea, vomiting, and pain accompanied by an inability to take adequate nutrition by mouth. In these 2 patients TPN long-term was initiated and a cervical esophagostomy tube placed percutaneously. Relief of malnutrition and the symptoms of nausea and vomiting were well treated using this combined approach. Pain management continued as an ongoing problem. Conclusions Long-term management of malignancy-associated bowel obstruction is possible with improvement in quality of life using a combination of TPN and a cervical esophagostomy tube. In these two cases the cervical esophagostomy tube was placed with limited adverse events, and adequate drainage of intestinal secretions long-term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Peritoneal metastasis (PM) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) without distant spread are rare. The related prognosis is poor without standard treatment available. The role of cytoreduction surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is poorly documented. Methods An international multicentric cohort was constituted by retrospective analysis of 21 patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC for PM of HCC between 1992 and 2016 from 10 reference centers of PSOGI. Data on clinical features, treatment strategies, and survival outcomes were analyzed. Results The median time interval from the diagnosis of PM to the procedure was 4.5 months. The median peritoneal cancer index was 14. Sixteen patients had complete cytoreduction (CCR0-1). Ten patients had grades 3 to 4 complications. The median duration of follow-up was 52.2 months. The median OS was 46.7 months. The projected 3y-OS and 5y-OS were 88.9 and 49.4% respectively. The median OS for patients with CCR0-1 resection was not reached whereas it was 5.9 months for those with CCR2-3 resection after CRS (p = 0.0005). The median RFS was 26.3 months and projected RFS at 3 years of 36.5 months Three prognostic factors were associated with improved RFS in the univariate analysis: preoperative chemotherapy (p = 0.0156), PCI >15 (p = 0.009), Number of chemotherapy agents used for HIPEC (p = 0.005). Conclusion CRS/HIPEC is a safe and effective approach in selected patients with PM of HCC. CRS/HIPEC gives the patient a chance for a good relapse free and overall survival and should be considered as an option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Morbidly obese patients do get cancer and require laparotomy for resection of the malignancy. • Sleeve gastrectomy can follow a successful oncologic intervention with minimal increase in morbidity and mortality. • Doing the oncologic procedure, HIPEC, and then sleeve gastrectomy helps prevent tumor seeding at the gastric staple line. • Patient satisfaction is high with a favorable prognosis expected from a simultaneous oncologic and bariatric intervention. Abstract Introduction Morbidly obese patients may require a laparotomy to resect a malignancy. In some patients the cancer resection can be combined with the bariatric procedure to concomitantly treat both diseases. Presentation of case A morbidly obese patient with peritoneal metastases from an appendiceal mucinous neoplasm was evaluated and definitively treated with Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), at the same time the patient was treated for morbid obesity with sleeve gastrectomy and removal of a previous laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Discussion The clinical features and treatments of a cancer patient who underwent a combined surgical oncologic and bariatric procedure is presented. A second-look cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) preceded a sleeve gastrectomy. At the time of surgical exploration the prognosis from an oncologic perspective was acceptable. The near total gastric resection was performed without complications. Conclusions With short term follow-up, this patient's outcome was favorable suggesting that surgical oncologic and bariatric procedures can be combined. Further, clinical investigations are indicated in this common clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcomatoid-predominant biphasic peritoneal metastases is a rapidly progressing and deeply invasive variant of this disease with survival measured in months. Although cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a standard of care for epithelioid peritoneal mesothelioma, the sarcomatoid variant is so aggressive, the standard treatment is not recommended. Immunotherapy has recently been utilized for pleural mesothelioma. Partial responses to immunotherapy may be combined with CRS to achieve a favorable outcome in sarcomatoid-predominant peritoneal mesothelioma. A 39-year-old woman developed an expanding abdomen. A 10 cm pelvic mass was removed by hysterectomy. With an initial diagnosis of advanced ovarian cancer, she was treated with cisplatin plus paclitaxel. Disease progression led to a review of her original pathology and a repeat biopsy which showed biphasic peritoneal mesothelioma with sarcomatoid predominance. Treatment with Nivolumab was transiently beneficial. Repeat CT 8 months later showed partial bowel obstruction and necrotic expanding tumor masses that were partially calcified. CRS with HIPEC and normothermic long-term intraperitoneal pemetrexed (NIPEC) plus intravenous cisplatin resulted in a 5-year disease-free survival. The specimens removed at CRS showed marked progression within large masses. Smaller masses resected with CRS showed fibrosis and calcification. The response to Nivolumab was heterogeneous with smaller masses with good blood supply adequately treated but larger masses markedly progressed. A combination of partial response to immunotherapy with a complete CRS plus HIPEC and NIPEC can result in a long-term favorable outcome. • Epithelioid peritoneal mesothelioma is treated by CRS, HIPEC and NIPEC. • Peritoneal mesothelioma with a biphasic pathology has few treatment options. • Monoclonal antibodies used as PD-1 antagonists can activate an immune response. • Partial response with Nivolumab combined with complete CRS showed benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progress in the management of pancreas cancer has been slow to occur. Resection of the primary cancer in the head of the pancreas is possible and has become a standard of care in operable patients. Unfortunately, long-term survival after this extensive surgical procedure is nearly nonexistent. A 55-year-old man was diagnosed with cancer within the pancreas head. He underwent a successful pancreaticoduodenectomy. Hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with gemcitabine was added in an attempt to eliminate cancer cells present within the peritoneal space at the time of the resection. Also, six cycles of normothermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (NIPEC) delivered through an intraperitoneal port were completed. The patient developed a solitary liver metastasis which was removed with adequate margins. The patient remains alive and well and working ten years following treatments. Pancreas cancer shows treatment failures on peritoneal surfaces, as liver metastases, and as systemic and distant lymph nodal disease. The pharmacology of intraperitoneal gemcitabine suggests that it can eliminate peritoneal metastases as a site for treatment failure. Radical surgery can remove lymph nodes in and around the malignancy that are likely to cause a recurrence. Eliminating other sites of treatment failure in this patient allowed the liver resection to result in a long-term survival. In patients with resectable cancer of the head of the pancreas, local-regional and distant peritoneal recurrence may be reduced as a result of HIPEC and NIPEC gemcitabine being added to the treatments. Additional chemotherapy agents are available to supplement the intraoperative and long-term intraperitoneal gemcitabine treatments. A strategy for bidirectional (both intravenous and intraperitoneal) chemotherapy for pancreas cancer remains as a viable option for improved survival. • Despite radical surgery pancreas adenocarcinoma has a poor prognosis. • Local recurrence with or without peritoneal metastases occurs in 60 % of patients. • Perioperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal gemcitabine can eliminate stray cancer cells. • Combined intraperitoneal and intravenous chemotherapy may improve outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cancers that occur within the abdomen and pelvis may present within a hernia. • Cancer presenting within a Spigelian hernia has not been previously reported. • Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma presented within a Spigelian hernia. • Peritoneal mesothelioma progressed rapidly within a hernia sac. Gastrointestinal cancer, gynecologic cancer and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma may disseminate widely to the surfaces of the abdomen and pelvis. In some patients this spread of the disease may find its way into a hernia sac. The Spigelian hernia is caused by a protrusion of the peritoneum of the anterior abdominal wall into the abdominal wall muscle. This peritoneal defect occurs through the semilunar line of Spiegel in or closely associated with the semicircular line of Douglas. A patient presented with a large (11 cm greatest diameter) mass in the left lower quadrant. The mass was composed of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma and was anatomically located within the Spigelian hernia belt. At the time of cytoreductive surgery numerous other sites of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma were present within the abdomen and pelvis. The left lower quadrant mass was a malignant peritoneal mesothelioma presenting within a Spigelian hernia defect. This phenomenon has not been previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cancer progression within a laparotomy incision or laparoscopy port site may create a large abdominal wall defect. • In patients with abdominal or pelvic cancer, mesh repair of a hernia may be contraindicated. • Autologous tissue to repair a large abdominal wall hernia may provide a superior result. • A rectus abdominus muscle transplant can be used to repair a large contralateral abdominal wall hernia defect. Cancer cells from peritoneal metastases may gain access to tissues of the abdominal wall. If laparotomy or laparoscopy is performed in a patient with peritoneal metastases, the abdominal incision or trochar sites may become seeded by cancer cells. Progression of disease may require resection if cancer at other sites can be controlled. Metastases in an appendectomy incision occurred from peritoneal metastases of an appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma. The clinical features and treatment strategy of this condition in a single patient was studied. In this patient, cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) was used to eradicate the peritoneal metastases. The cancer isolated within the appendectomy site was resected leaving a large abdominal wall defect. The defect was closed by a rectus abdominis muscle flap dissected from the contralateral side of the abdominal wall. No mesh was required. Abdominal wall defects from resection of cancerous masses of the abdominal wall can be closed with a contralateral rectus abdominis muscle transplant in the absence of mesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Primary gastric cancer presenting with peritoneal metastases has limited successful treatment options. • Treatments utilize aggressive systemic cancer chemotherapy with profound negative impact on quality of life. • A simplified management plan using gastrectomy, HIPEC, and long-term intraperitoneal and systemic chemotherapy was used. • Her quality of life throughout treatment was excellent and resulted in a 20-year survivor of these treatments. Primary gastric cancer that presents with peritoneal metastases has few options for successful treatment. A simplified treatment plan started with total gastrectomy and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. After placement of an intraperitoneal port combined intraperitoneal and systemic chemotherapy was given for six months. The treatments were tolerated well and associated with an acceptable quality of life and no adverse events. The patient is a 20-year survivor of her disease. Gastric cancer with peritoneal metastases was successfully treated with a combination of gastrectomy plus intraperitoneal and systemic chemotherapy. Further studies using this simplified approach may be indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The hepatic bridge forms a tunnel of liver parenchyma that may obscure peritoneal metastases associated with the round ligament. Visualization and then resection of nodules associated with this structure is necessary. Materials and methods The incidence of a hepatic bridge and the extent that it covered the round ligament was determined in consecutive patients. Extent of coverage of the round ligament by the hepatic bridge was determined: Class 1 indicates up to one-third of the round ligament obscured, Class 2 up to two-thirds and Class 3 more than two-thirds. Results In 102 patients in whom the round ligament of the liver could be completely visualized, 50 had a hepatic bridge. Class 1 was 22 (44%) of the bridges, Class 2 was 16 (32%) and Class 3 was 12 (24%). A hepatic bridge was more frequently present in 28 of 45 male patients (62%) vs. 22 of 57 female patients (38%). Conclusions Approximately one-half of our patients having cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal metastases were observed to have a hepatic bridge. Up to 56% of these patients have Class 2 or 3 hepatic bridge and may require division of the hepatic bridge to completely visualize the contents of the tunnel created by this structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mucinous appendiceal neoplasms have a pattern of metastases that is different from the other gastrointestinal cancers. The first site for cancer dissemination is the peritoneal space surrounding the primary tumor and this is followed by increasingly extensive peritoneal spread. Invasion of the psoas and iliacus muscle is an unusual phenomenon. Method: From a prospective database of appendiceal mucinous neoplasms treated by cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and perioperative hyperthermic chemotherapy (HIPEC), patients with psoas muscle invasion were reviewed. Their clinical features and treatments were tabulated. Results: Three patients with ages 33, 60, and 63 were identified. Two patients had disease progression into the psoas muscle 33 and 95 months after CRS plus HIPEC. One had dissecting mucinous tumor into psoas, iliacus and quadratus lumborum muscle at the time of diagnosis of the appendiceal mucinous neoplasm. All three survived at least five years from their initial treatment. Conclusion: Despite the fact that mucinous tumor invasion was outside the peritoneal cavity, long term benefit from psoas muscle resection with a mucinous appendiceal neoplasm is possible and resection possibly with HIPEC should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The progression of cancer from its primary site has been the focus of study of surgeons and oncologists for many decades. Why the primary disease goes on to take the life of some patients while others live out their normal lives after a surgical procedure is only partially understood. Methods In a patient with caecal cancer metastatic to the right ovary the clinical, radiologic, surgical and histopathologic findings are presented. Efforts were made to confirm that the disease process was from a single primary site (colon cancer) and not two primary sites (colon cancer and ovarian cancer). Results In this patient there was progression of ovarian metastases from a right colon cancer simultaneous with near complete disappearance of the primary malignancy. The marked difference in control of the metastatic disease as compared to the primary cancer occurred as multiple treatments of systemic chemotherapy were administered over one year. The specimens of disease removed by surgery showed profound histologic differences at the two sites of cancer. Conclusions The primary colon cancer regressed to a small nodule while the ovarian metastases progressed. Efforts to understand and interpret the pathobiology of these observations were made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) may be of greatest benefit if all visible evidence of disease is resected. In some male patients the peritoneal metastases within the pelvis are invasive into the seminal vesicles and complete cytoreduction requires resection of these structures. Patients and methods From a prospective database of colorectal and appendiceal cancer patients who had CT evidence of seminal vesicle involvement and then had cytoreduction including resection of the seminal vesicles were reviewed. Their clinical features were tabulated. Results Five patients were identified between ages 52 and 60. Three of 5 were appendiceal mucinous neoplasms and 4 of 5 had complete cytoreduction. Two of the patients are long-term survivors of 120 and 28 months. All patients are impotent and reported no return of sexual function over time. All five patients report normal micturition. Conclusions Resection of the seminal vesicles in a patient with invasion of these structures by peritoneal metastases is possible and should be considered in selected patients. This resection causes impotence but normal urination is to be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Appendectomy is an extremely common surgical procedure usually performed for an inflammatory process within this organ. Upon occasion, the pathology within the appendix is a neoplastic process which requires definitive oncologic management. Methods: The optimal management strategies for appendiceal neoplasms were reviewed and pertinent literature critically evaluated. The technology for appendectomy for an inflammatory process and an appendectomy for a neoplastic process were compared and contrasted. Results: A new surgical procedure called "radical appendectomy" was described and its merits for optimizing the management of an appendiceal neoplasm enumerated. The technology of radical appendectomy was described. The possible shortcomings that may be encountered in performing a new surgical methodology for appendectomy was presented and the results of a technically perfect radical appendectomy enumerated. The integration of a radical appendectomy with perioperative hyperthermic chemotherapy was described. Conclusions: When a malignancy exists as the cause of appendiceal pathology, the radical appendectomy will provide the maximal amount of information required for optimal decisions regarding patient management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Only approximately one in ten pancreas cancer patients is a candidate for potentially curative resection of this disease. Even this small fraction of patients has a poor prognosis following pancreatico-duodenectomy. The disease has an anatomic location that makes it difficult for the surgeon to maintain adequate margins of resection and prevent tumor spillage at the time of resection. Also, the disease is biologically aggressive and even with a complete visible resection of the disease, micrometastases are likely to remain behind. Methods: A survey of the sites for surgical treatment failure of resected pancreas cancer was performed. Also, the multiple modalities used in an attempt to improve the results of cancer resection are scrutinized. Results: The surgical treatment failures are regional in nature and occur at the resection site and on peritoneal surfaces, within the liver, and within the regional lymph nodes. These anatomic sites account for nearly 100% of the initial sites of disease progression. Current hypothesis suggests that micrometastases released from the cancer specimen by the trauma of surgery account for the high incidence of resection site progression and peritoneal metastases. Although surgical trauma may contribute to micrometastases within the liver and lymph nodes, these are most likely present though not detected by preoperative radiologic studies. Adjuvant treatments such as neoadjuvant chemotherapy or combination systemic chemotherapy have not been associated with improved survival. Extended resections such as total pancreatectomy or extended lymphadenectomy have not been associated with benefit. However, resection with a negative margin of excision along with the removal of at least 12 lymph nodes in and around the pancreaticoduodenectomy specimen is associated with superior outcomes. A regional chemotherapy treatment that consists of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with gemcitabine and long-term normothermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (NIPEC-LT) gemcitabine for 6 months postoperatively is suggested as a new treatment that has demonstrated decreases in localregional failure and promises to more adequately target micrometastases in the peritoneal space, in the liver and lymph nodes. Conclusions: Pancreas cancer surgery should attempt to achieve negative margins of resection with the removal of at least 12 lymph nodes. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal gemcitabine can adequately eradicate malignant cells dislodged from the cancer specimen into the bed of the resection at high density and on distant peritoneal surfaces as peritoneal metastases. Long-term intraperitoneal gemcitabine may act on micrometastases in the liver through absorption into the portal vein blood and the lymph nodes as a result of gemcitabine absorption by subperitoneal lymphatic channels. The use of HIPEC and NIPEC-LT gemcitabine may improve local control of resected pancreas cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peritoneal metastases from gastrointestinal cancer was, in the past, accepted as an inevitable component of the natural history of these diseases. It is a major cause of intestinal obstruction, fistula formation, and bowel perforation as the recurrent malignancy progresses to a terminal condition. Peritoneal metastases may be caused by full thickness penetration of the bowel wall by the primary cancer or by spilled cancer cells released into the peritoneal space by surgical trauma. Two new surgical technologies that have evolved to manage peritoneal metastases are cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). This combined treatment strategy uses peritonectomy procedures and visceral resections to reduce the disease in the abdomen and pelvis to a macroscopic volume. Then, HIPEC is used to preserve the complete cytoreduction by controlling the minimal residual disease. Since the extent of peritoneal metastases, as measured by the peritoneal cancer index (PCI), is crucial to a favorable outcome, prognostic indicators are used to select patients for treatment. The combined treatment may be used to prevent peritoneal metastases in gastrointestinal cancer patients having a resection of the primary malignancy. This is especially important in gastric cancer patients with serosal invasion. The combined treatment may be used synchronously with the primary cancer resection if peritoneal metastases are already apparent. The treatment is most frequently used with metachronous peritoneal metastases diagnosed in follow-up. Cure of peritoneal metastases is an option in selected patients and its knowledgeable use is progressing towards a new standard of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Complete cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has changed the therapeutic landscape, improving overall survival in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis with a colonic origin. The main limitation of this aggressive locoregional procedure, however, is extra-abdominal or distant spread. The objective of this study was to identify the prognostic value of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of colonic origin undergoing CRS + HIPEC. Patients and methods Fourteen patients diagnosed with peritoneal carcinomatosis from colon cancer and suitable for potentially curative treatment with CRS + HIPEC were included in this study. CTCs were isolated from the peripheral blood by immunomagnetic techniques by the use of a multi-cytokeratin−specific antibody and detected via immunocytochemical methods. The phenotypic characterization of EGFR on CTCs was analyzed by immunofluorescence. Results At baseline, 50% of the patients were positive for CTCs, with a mean value of 5.5 CTCs per 10 mL of peripheral blood. After surgery, 28.57% of the patients presented CTCs, with a mean value of 6.75 CTCs per 10 mL. A positive correlation was found between the presence of CTC-negative, epidermal growth factor receptor-positive at baseline and the patients who had symptoms of intestinal obstruction (21.4%). In addition, the presence of CTCs identified patients with distant dissemination and was also significantly correlated with progression-free survival ( P = .0024). Conclusion The detection and characterization of CTCs are good prognostic and predictive markers in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis resulting from colon cancer. These analyses could be used as a new tool to identify subpopulations of patients who could benefit from CRS + HIPEC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past, mucinous appendiceal neoplasms (MAN) greater than 2 cm in diameter were treated by a right colon resection. New data shows that treatment options are to be determined by the histopathologic grade of the appendiceal tumor and the condition of the wall of the appendix (intact vs. breached). A 39-year-old woman had an incidental diagnosis of a low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN) at the time of a hysterectomy. The appendiceal tumor had small quantities of mucus surrounding an enlarged appendix. No tumor cells were seen in the mucus by histologic study. The patient was placed in follow-up. Eighteen years later she required treatment for advanced pseudomyxoma peritonei. When 5 different histopathologic types of MAN are considered with an intact vs. perforated wall of the appendix, four different treatment options develop. With LAMN and well or moderately differentiated mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma (MACA), the patient does not require operative intervention if the wall of the appendix is intact. If mucus or mucus plus tumor cells are identified outside the appendix an intervention is indicated. In patients, as the one presented, in whom only small amounts of mucus are outside the appendix, surveillance may be recommended. In patients with a diagnosed low-grade MAN, dissemination to regional lymph nodes is rare. Dissemination to the peritoneal space places the patient at risk to develop pseudomyxoma peritonei. As this case report illustrates, if surveillance is recommended, long-term follow-up is required. • A non-perforated low-grade mucinous appendiceal neoplasm requires surveillance. • A perforated low-grade mucinous appendiceal neoplasm presents a dilemma. • If epithelial cells are in the peritoneal space, reoperation with HIPEC is required. • If only a small volume of acellular mucus has escaped, follow-up may be adequate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a local-regional disease process that requires a comprehensive treatment plan including complete cytoreductive surgery and regional chemotherapy. Treatments used in our patient began with a complete cytoreductive surgery. This required visceral resections, parietal peritonectomy, peritonectomy of the small bowel and its mesentery, and a peritoneal resection of the colonic mesentery with sparing of the major vasculature of the large bowel. Peritoneal resection of the colonic mesentery and other treatments were performed in the absence of major complications. A 20-day hospitalization was required. The patient shows no internal hernias and no evidence of disease by CT follow-up at 4 years postoperatively. Her quality of life is excellent. Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma was in the past a disease of limited survival without effective treatment options. Peritoneal resection of the colonic mesentery may be required for complete cytoreduction. A sequence of cytoreductive surgical procedures and regional chemotherapy treatments has made long-term survival possible. • Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma has treatment options that combined surgery and regional chemotherapy. • A major surgical challenge is complete mesenteric peritonectomy. • Complete cytoreduction of the large bowel mesentery requires its resection with sparing major vasculature. • Long-term survival is possible with low perioperative morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although lymph node and liver metastases are recognized as indications for resection of metastatic disease from colorectal cancer, carcinomatosis has not traditionally been regarded as having surgical treatment options. Reports have suggested that complete surgical removal of carcinomatosis combined with thorough irrigation of the peritoneal cavity with chemotherapy could result in longterm survival in selected patients. Proper selection factors are important because palliative surgery in these patients has not proved beneficial. Study design: From a database of 156 patients with carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer, a retrospective analysis of data prospectively recorded in 70 patients with complete cytoreduction was performed. Eleven clinical and treatment factors were studied in univariate and multivariable analyses using survival as an end point. Results: By univariate analysis, patients with peritoneal cancer index (PCI) of<20 had a median survival of 41 months compared with 16 months for patients with PCI>20 (p=0.004). The difference in negative versus positive lymph nodes was also significant; differences in survival that were improved but not significant were present for age greater than 30 years, mucinous histology, location within the colon versus rectum, and absence of an adverse factor such as cancer perforation or obstruction present at the time of primary cancer resection. Only PCI<20 versus PCI>20 and lymph node status were significant in the multivariable analysis. Conclusions: Favorable longterm results of complete cytoreduction in patients treated for carcinomatosis are associated with a limited volume of carcinomatosis observed at the time of cytoreduction and in patients with negative lymph nodes at the time of primary operation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms sometimes present with peritoneal dissemination, which was previously a lethal condition with a median survival of about 3 years. Traditionally, surgical treatment consisted of debulking that was repeated until no further benefit could be achieved; systemic chemotherapy was sometimes used as a palliative option. Now, visible disease tends to be removed through visceral resections and peritonectomy. To avoid entrapment of tumour cells at operative sites and to destroy small residual mucinous tumour nodules, cytoreductive surgery is combined with intraperitoneal chemotherapy with mitomycin at 42°C. Fluorouracil is then given postoperatively for 5 days. If the mucinous neoplasm is minimally invasive and cytoreduction complete, these treatments result in a 20-year survival of 70%. In the absence of a phase III study, this new combined treatment should be regarded as the standard of care for epithelial appendiceal neoplasms and pseudomyxoma peritonei syndrome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]