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LLND in cases with suspected lateral lymph node (LLN) metastasis has been focused on as a novel treatment strategy in recent years. However, the optimal indication for LLND in rectal cancer patients has not been determined. This study aimed to establish the optimal indication for lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) in patients with rectal cancer using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).A total of 209 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent total mesorectal excision and LLND in 13 hospitals were prospectively registered. By matching the sizes of the harvested LNs and those in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the pathological outcome of each LN was confirmed one-by-one. Using parameters of the LLNs in MRI, the optimal diagnostic criteria for LLND were established.Of 3241 harvested LLNs, including 83 metastatic nodes, 1010 (31.1%) were visualized on MRI. Although all parameters assessed showed strong correlations with the presence of metastasis, none of these parameters could discriminate metastatic LLNs from non-metastatic nodes with sufficient sensitivity. However, by using the combination of long axis and short/long ratio in pretreatment MRI, we could establish optimal criteria for LLND. The sensitivity and specificity of the criteria for LLN metastasis were 94.3% and 40.2%, respectively.In conclusion, we established novel criteria for LLND in rectal cancer patients using MRI. Our criteria will be of great clinical use in determining indications for LLND.

Preoperative chemotherapy is efficacious in several cancers. However, it is not an established treatment for locally advanced colon cancer, particularly cases with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H)/deficient mismatch repair. Herein, we report a case of pathological complete response of MSI-H clinical T4b ascending colon cancer to preoperative treatment with pembrolizumab. A 78-year-old man was diagnosed with ascending colon cancer that invaded into the iliacus muscle and enlarged regional lymph nodes. The tumor was classified as T4bN1bM0 stage IIIC according to the 8th Union for International Cancer Control guidelines, with MSI-H status. Based on our initial diagnosis, this tumor could not be resected completely. Thus, the patient underwent preoperative therapy with CAPOX (capecitabine and oxaliplatin combination) plus bevacizumab. After 4 cycles of preoperative CAPOX/bevacizumab, we observed tumor reduction corresponding to a partial response based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria. Nevertheless, tumor invasion of the iliacus muscle persisted. Since oxaliplatin-induced peripheral sensory neuropathy was observed, we discontinued treatment with oxaliplatin and changed the regimen to pembrolizumab in anticipation of the therapeutic effect of this immune checkpoint inhibitor against MSI-H tumors. After 2 cycles of therapy with pembrolizumab (200 mg/body on day 1 every 3 weeks), there was drastic tumor regression. In addition, computed tomography indicated that all lymph node metastases had disappeared. Therefore, the patient underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with D3 lymph node dissection. Analysis of the resected specimen showed pathological complete response.

We report two cases of Schloffer tumor that required resection after radical colon cancer surgery because of suspected lymph node recurrence on contrast-enhanced (CE) CT and 18F-FDG-PET/CT.Case1 is 69-year-old man with sigmoid colon cancer pStage IIA and case 2 is a 67-year-old male with descending colon cancer pStage IIIB.

It has been well recognized that the tumor microenvironment serves important roles in the progression and invasion of cancer. The desmoplastic reaction (DR) is a fibrous tissue reaction around tumor cells, and the prognostic significance of DR in colorectal cancer (CRC) has been established. Tumor deposits (TD) are also an important prognostic indicator of CRC. Notably, immature type DR has been linked to poor prognosis. In addition, immature type DR is significantly associated with a higher pT stage, presence of lymphovascular invasion and lymph node metastasis; however, to the best of our knowledge, the association between DR and TD has not yet been examined. The present study aimed to clarify this association. This study included 443 consecutive patients with pT3 or pT4 CRC who underwent surgical resection. The histopathological features, including DR and TD, were evaluated. Statistical analyses of the presence of TD, DR and other clinicopathological parameters were performed. The present cohort included 205 female and 238 male patients; 293 (66.1%) and 150 (33.9%) patients were classified as pT3 and pT4, respectively. Immature, intermediate and mature DR were noted in 282 (63.7%), 91 (20.5%) and 70 patients (15.8%), respectively. TD was observed in 93 (21.0%) patients. Immature type DR was significantly associated with a higher pT stage (P0.0001), presence of lymph node metastasis (P0.0001), lymphatic (P=0.0007), venous (P0.0001) and perineural invasion (P0.0001), and higher tumor budding (TB) (P0.0001). Moreover, immature type DR was significantly associated with the presence of TD (P0.0001). The present study demonstrated a significant association between immature type DR and the presence of TD, and suggested a close relationship between lymphovascular invasion, DR, TB and TD. Additional studies are required to analyze the detailed mechanism underlying the development of immature DR in CRC to define novel treatment strategies.

Purpose: An entero-neovesical fistula (ENF) is a rare troublesome complication of an orthotopic ileal bladder substitution. We report on a novel, safe technique to close ileal neovesical fistulas without extensive adhesiolysis using an NK-stapler (ENDOPATH® ENDOCUTTER ETS; Johnson & Johnson, Cincinnati, OH, USA). Patients: We treated two cases of postoperative ENF after orthotopic ileal bladder substitution for radical cystectomy. Case 1 was a 63-year-old male with occasional fecaluria, and Case 2 was a 73-year-old male who experienced continuous fecaluria. Surgical procedure After laparotomy, we mobilized the ascending colon to bypass the anastomosis of the primary surgery by an ileo-ileal, ileo-ascending colon anastomosis. The distance between the fistula and bypass was about 10 cm. We made tunnels in the mesentery between the bypass and fistula, without damaging blood vessels, to insert the jaw of the NK-stapler. We closed the afferent and efferent loops using NK-staplers (45 mm ×2), followed by a Lembert anastomosis covering the stapler’s suture lines. Results: They were discharged on the ninth and seventh postoperative days, respectively. In Case 1, we experienced recanalization of the fistula after three postoperative months and required second closure with the same procedure was needed. They have not experienced any symptoms of ENF since. Conclusions: This technique is worth considering for the surgical treatment of ENF because it does not require unnecessary dissection and can ultimately achieve fistula closure.

AIM This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between p62 expression status and tumour regression grade in advanced rectal cancer. METHODS We enrolled 47 consecutive patients with advanced rectal cancer who underwent chemoradiation therapy (CRT) before surgery. p62 expression in the biopsy specimens was immunohistochemically evaluated, and p62 expression score (staining intensity × positive tumour cells, %) was calculated (range 0-300). The relationship between p62 expression score and CRT effect was analysed. RESULTS The staining intensity was +2 and +3 in 29 and 18 patients, respectively. The median proportion of positive neoplastic cells was 87.8%, and that of the p62 expression score was 200. Stronger staining intensity and a higher proportion of p62-positive neoplastic cells were significantly associated with CRT non-effectiveness (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.0116, respectively), and a higher p62 expression score was significantly associated with CRT non-effectiveness (P

The purpose of this study was to reveal whether a transanal tube (TAT) could act as an alternative to a diverting stoma (DS) after laparoscopic low anterior resection. A total of 89 consecutive rectal cancer patients whose tumors were located within 15 cm from the anal verge who underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection without a DS at our institution between May 12, 2015 and August 31, 2019 were included. All patients received a postoperative Gastrografin enema study (GES) through a TAT between the 3rd and 10th postoperative day. We planned two study protocols. From May 12, 2015 to March 31, 2017, we conducted a second operation including a DS construction immediately when radiological anastomotic leakage (rAL) was detected (Group A, n=46). From April 1, 2017 to August 31, 2019, we continued TAT drainage even if rAL was detected and repeated the GES weekly until the rAL was healed (Group B, n=43). In Group A (n=46), 14 cases of rAL were included, 11 of which underwent stoma construction. The remaining 3 patients who refused stoma construction were treated conservatively. In Group B (n=43) rAL was encountered in 10, and 7 of these patients were treated successfully by TAT continuous drainage. The rate of DS in Group B (7.0%) was significantly lower than that in Group A (23.9%) (p=0.028). A TAT could act as a DS to mitigate the symptoms of anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic low anterior resection.

Highlights • The preoperative diagnosis of the solitary fibrous tumors is difficult irrespective of usage of the various imaging modalities. • The technique of lateral pelvic lymph node dissection is useful for the extirpation of SFTs around the obturator cavity. • Immunohistochemical examination of the specimens revealed STAT6 (+) and the NAB2-STAT6 fusion gene was detected in one case., Background We report two resected cases of solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) that were accidentally found in the pelvic cavity. Case presentation Case 1 was a 54-year-old male. A colonoscopy for the examination of intestinal polyps revealed an extramural tumor in the right anterior wall of the low rectum. A preoperative MRI showed a well-demarcated T1 low and T2 mixed intensity extramural tumor (53 × 36 mm) located right lateral to the low rectum and behind the seminal vesicle. Laparoscopic surgery was successful for tumor extirpation. Immunohistochemical examination of the specimen revealed STAT6 (+) and CD34 (+) cells, a Ki67 positivity of 7–8%, a mitotic index of 4–5/50 HPF, and a diagnosis of SFT. There was no recurrence 29 months after surgery. Using RT-PCR and sequencing, we detected the NAB2-STAT6 fusion gene but the locus of genomic inversion was not detected. Case 2 was a 43-year-old male that received conservative treatment for appendicitis. A CT scan accidentally revealed a tumor of 40 mm of length in the left obturator area. A MRI revealed a well-demarcated T1 and T2 high intensity tumor. The patient underwent surgical biopsy. Immunohistochemical examination of the biopsy revealed STAT6 (+) and CD34 (+) cells, Ki67 positive cells < 1%, and a diagnosis of SFT. We could not detect the NAB2-STAT6 fusion gene in the extirpated tumor. Conclusions Two cases of pelvic SFT were diagnosed by immunohistochemical examination, RT-PCR and sequencing and successfully resected by laparoscopic surgery.

Ureteral injury during pelvic surgery is a serious complication that requires special attention. The fluorescent ureteral catheter near-infrared ray catheter sets are 6.0F catheters containing fluorescent substances along their length that can be recognized by a laparoscopic indocyanine green camera. We present our experience using a near-infrared ray catheter in 6 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for recurrent pelvic tumors.The near-infrared ray catheters were inserted into the bilateral ureters in all patients, with the exception of patient 5 (left unilateral), by urologists using a cystoscope with the same technique as that commonly used in placing ureteral stents under general anesthesia. A laparoscopic indocyanine green camera was adapted to identify the ureters. From February 2020 to July 2020, 6 consecutive patients with recurrent pelvic tumors underwent surgery using a near-infrared ray catheter. In 3 patients, recurrent tumors were detected in the pelvic cavity after surgery for colon cancer (1 patient each of peritoneal recurrence behind the seminal vesicles, lymph node metastasis on the residual superior rectal artery, and peritoneal recurrence at the peritoneal reflection). Two patients had postoperative local recurrences of rectal cancer. The last patient had a recurrence of cervical carcinoma invading the rectum.All patients underwent surgery under ureteral image navigation using near-infrared ray catheter not only for ureter preservation during the operation (4 patients) but also for the combined resection of the ureter with recurrent tumors (2 patients). One patient experienced postoperative ureteral stenosis on postoperative day 21 that required a ureteral double J-stent placement in the left ureter.Near-infrared ray catheter has the potential to reduce inadvertent periureteral dissection because the ureter can be identified before approaching it.

117 Background: The usefulness of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II colon cancer with high-risk factors for recurrence has not been established. Methods: This was a prospective, non-randomized controlled study based on patients’ selection of treatment options, including randomized therapeutic decision-making. High-risk factors were defined as having at least one of the following factors: T4, perforation/penetration, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma/mucinous carcinoma, and < 12 dissected lymph nodes. UFT (300 mg/m2/day) plus LV (75 mg/day) were orally administered for 6 months after surgery. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS) after adjusting for risk factors using propensity sore matching (1:2) and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) in the non-randomized arm. The secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and safety. Results: 1902 (98%) and 36 (2%) patients were enrolled in the non-randomized and randomized arms, respectively between May 2012 and April 2016. There were too few patients in the randomized arm and these were therefore excluded from the analysis. Eligible patients were divided into two groups: A, patients who selected surgery alone (n = 641); B, patients who selected UFT/LV treatment (n = 1239). Of the eligible patients, 402 in group A and 804 in group B were propensity score-matched. The 5-year DFS rate (95% confidence interval) was significantly higher in group B (76.3% [73.1-79.1]) than in group A (68.8% [63.9-73.2]) {hazard ratio [HR] 0.66 [0.51–0.84, P = 0.0008]}. The 5-year OS rates were not significantly different between group B and group A [HR 0.74 (95% CI 0.50–1.10, P = 0.1391)]. Using IPTW, significantly higher 5-year DFS [HR 0.71 (95% CI 0.59–0.86, P = 0.0006)] and overall survival [HR 0.66 (95% CI 0.49–0.90, P = 0.0122)] rates were observed in group B compared with group A. Multivariate analysis revealed that male sex, over 70 years old, T4, < 12 dissected lymph nodes, and no adjuvant chemotherapy were significant risk factors for recurrence. Conclusions: Adjuvant chemotherapy with UFT/LV significantly improves DFS. Oral UFT/LV as adjuvant chemotherapy shows efficacy with an acceptable safety profile for stage II colon cancer with risk factors. Clinical trial information: UMIN000007783 .

The metastasis to the ureter in colorectal cancer had been recognized at the stage of an autopsy. These days, according to the progression of diagnostic modalities, a few cases of long-time survival after curative surgery of metastatic ureteral tumor of colorectal cancer were reported. We present a case of a metastatic ureteral tumor of rectal cancer who had 32 months of recurrence-free survival after extirpation. After preoperative chemoradiotherapy, a 47-year-old man underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection and left unilateral pelvic node dissection for lower rectal cancer. He underwent several metastasectomies for recurrent tumors in the liver and lung. At the 42nd postoperative month, a contrast-enhanced CT scan showed thickening of the ureteral wall and left hydronephrosis. Transureteroscopic biopsy revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma of rectal cancer. At the 52nd postoperative month, partial ureteral resection and vesicoureteral neo-anastomosis were performed after confirming negative resection margin with rapid intraoperative pathology. He has 32 months of recurrence-free survival after metastasectomy of the left ureter. We review the literature presenting surgery of the metastatic ureteral tumor of colorectal cancer. Although it is a rare recurrence pattern, curative resection of ureteral metastasis might provide a possibility of long-time recurrence-free survival in such patients.

A 75-year-old woman was treated with TC plus Bev for cancer of unknown primary. During treatment, she presented to the clinic with chief complaints of general malaise and anorexia. On presentation, abdominal distention and upper abdominal tenderness were noted, and sepsis was suspected. A thoracoabdominal CT scan revealed prominent intramural emphysema and mesenteric gas in the ascending colon. An emergency laparotomy was performed for suspected pneumatosis intestinalis non-obstructive intestinal ischemia. However, no intra-abdominal contamination or ischemic changes were observed intraoperatively. Histological examination revealed a small adenocarcinoma on the serous surface of the ascending colon, and immunochemical staining confirmed the diagnosis of serous adenocarcinoma as the patient's primary cancer. This report describes a case in which the patient achieved long-term survival after diagnosis. It also emphasizes the importance of identifying the subset of patients with cancer of unknown primary who have a good prognosis in order to provide appropriate treatment.

Aim We present a para-sacral approach followed by a laparoscopic low anterior resection of gastrointestinal stromal tumours located between the urethra and the low rectum. Method Case 1 is a 56-year-old male patient whose tumour (37 × 28 mm) was located 3.0 cm above the anal verge between the anterior wall of the rectum and the urethra; he underwent surgery after 14 months' administration of imatinib mesylate (400 mg/day). Case 2 is a 68-year-old male patient who presented with dysuria; a tumour (89 × 84 mm) was detected between the urethra and the anterior wall of the low rectum by MRI. He underwent surgery after 5 months' administration of imatinib mesylate (400 mg/day). In order to perform sphincter-preserving surgery and avoid injury not only to the tumour capsule but also to the urethra, a para-sacral approach followed by laparoscopic low anterior resection was adopted in these patients. Restoration of bowel continuity was done by coloanal anastomosis in case 1 and the double stapling technique in case 2. The postoperative course of the patients was uneventful. In case 2, tumour dissection from the urethra caused injury to the posterior wall of the urethra, which could be repaired easily under direct vision. The urethral catheter was removed after 117 postoperative days, and the diverting stoma was closed after 143 postoperative days. Conclusion The para-sacral approach followed by a laparoscopic low anterior resection of an extraluminal gastrointestinal stromal tumour located between the urethra and anterior wall of the low rectum enables R0 resection of the tumour and an appropriate reconstruction of the rectum.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the scar quality associated with different types of subcuticular suture techniques: running or interrupted. Summary of Background Data: Subcuticular suture is a preferred skin closure method even in gastrointestinal surgery. Two methods for subcuticular suture are used: running or interrupted sutures. Methods: Inclusion criteria were as follows: age ≥ 20 years; American Society of Anesthesiologists performance status 1 to 3; histologically proven adenocarcinoma of the stomach; no evidence of distant metastases or disease considered unresectable; no prior upper abdominal surgery; no uncontrolled infections, diabetes, or cardiac disease; and adequate renal function. Patients were randomly assigned to running subcuticular suture or interrupted subcuticular suture. Scar areas were calculated using a digital photograph calculator at about 7 months after surgery. The observer scar assessment scale (OSAS) was used for scar assessment. Results: Between April 10, 2009, and February 28, 2012, 220 patients were enrolled into this study and 201 patients were evaluated. There was no difference in scar area between the interrupted group and the running group [0.97 cm2 (95% CI: 0.73–1.21) in the interrupted group and 1.17 cm2 (95% CI: 0.91–1.42, P = 0.27) in the running group]. Three observers performed the OSAS, for which no significant difference was detected across the closure groups. Conclusions: There were no significant differences in cosmetic outcomes between running and interrupted subcuticular sutures. The final decision about the choice of method should be made balancing surgeon needs (time-saving with running) and surgeon techniques (running might be difficult).

Introduction The increased visceral fat in patients with obesity can increase the technical difficulty of surgery. This study was performed to evaluate a preoperative 20-day very low-calorie diet for obesity before laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Methods This prospective single-center study involved patients with obesity who were planning to undergo laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Obesity was defined according to the Japanese criteria: BMI ≥25 kg/m2 or waist circumference ≥85 cm in men and ≥90 cm in women. The patients underwent a preoperative 20-day very low-calorie diet and received nutritional counseling. Weight loss, body composition, visceral fat mass, and operative outcomes were evaluated. Results Thirty-three patients were enrolled from September 2013 to August 2015. Their median age was 71 years, and 78.8% were men. Their median bodyweight and BMI were 72.3 kg (range, 53.8-82.5 kg) and 26.0 kg/m2 (range, 23.5-31.0 kg/m2 ), respectively. The patients achieved a mean weight loss of 4.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.8-5.1), corresponding to 3.2 kg (95%CI: 2.7-3.7 kg). Body fat mass was significantly decreased by a mean of 2.5 kg (95%CI: 1.9-3.1), whereas skeletal muscle mass was unaffected (mean: -0.20 kg [95%CI: -0.55-0.15]). The visceral fat mass reduction rate was high as 16.8% (range, 11.6%-22.0%). All patients underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy as planned. Severe postoperative morbidity (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III) was seen in only one patient (3.0%). Conclusion The preoperative 20-day very low-calorie diet weight loss program is promising for the treatment of obesity before laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Background We recently selected double-pedicled free jejunal transfer for reconstruction of pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy to reduce the vascular thrombosis-induced necrosis in free jejunal transfer. We herein report our experience with this procedure. Methods Single-pedicled free jejunal transfer for reconstruction of pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy was performed from January 2006 to November 2013, and double-pedicled free jejunal transfer (i.e. two pairs of jejunal arteriovenous anastomoses) was performed from December 2013 to December 2016 in Kansai Medical University Hospital. We compared the perioperative outcomes and complications between these two procedures. Results Sixty-two patients (58 men, 4 women; median age, 66 years; age range, 51–83 years) underwent single-pedicled free jejunal transfer. Twenty-eight patients (25 men, 3 women; median age, 70 years; age range, 47–84 years) underwent double-pedicled free jejunal transfer. Twenty-eight patients received preoperative treatments. Table 1 shows the perioperative outcomes and complications. Conclusion No thrombus of the free jejunum occurred, no anastomotic leakage occurred, and all flaps survived in the double-pedicled free jejunal transfer group. We believe that double-pedicled free jejunal transfer for reconstruction of pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy is a reliable and useful procedure. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to examine the diagnostic value of MRI of the resected specimen (smr) of rectal cancer in terms of pathological circumferential resection margin (pCRM).MethodsTwenty-three patients with middle to low rectal cancer underwent laparoscopic radical surgery from March 2017 to April 2018, and smr was performed. Two radiologists interpreted smr with the pathological findings blinded. We examined two categories in the accuracy comparison with pCRM; 1) correlation betweenzand pCRM and correlation between smr CRM and pCRM. 2) diagnostic accuracy of smr in identifying the mesorectal lymph-nodes (LN) and tumor deposit (TD) that should be taken into consideration in the CRM measurements.ResultsPatient characteristics (median): male 18, female 5, Age 67 years (45-79), Anal verge 8.0cm (0-13.0), pre-operative chemoradiotherapy + / -:10/13, Surgical procedure low anterior reaction (LAR)/ abdominoperineal resection (APR)/ total pelvic exenteration (TPE):20/2/1. pT x/1/2/3:1/1/3/18, pN 0/1a/1b/1c/2b:12/5/2/3/1. pStage X/I/IIA/ IIIA/IIIB/IIIC:1/3/8/1/9/1.1) Sixteen cases of TME surgery were examined correlation between in-vivoCRM, smrCRM and pCRM. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and a simple regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between in-vivoCRM (p smrCRM(p smrCRM and pCRM was stronger than that between in-vivoCRM and pCRM. 2) Ninety-six mesorectal nodules included: pLN (-) 77, pLN (+) 10, TD 9, and kappa value of diagnostic agreement for each radiologist was 0.105 and 0.138. Inter-observer agreement was 0.204.Conclusionsmr could become a tool for assessing CRM accurately.

Rectovaginal fistula caused by Behçet's disease is extremely rare, and the clinical course is very unfavorable. We describe rectovaginal fistula of Behçet's disease with successful laparoscopic treatment and review the literature. A 30-year-old woman with Behçet's disease was diagnosed with rectovaginal fistula and treated medically after fecal diversion colostomy. However, the fistula remained, and she underwent radical surgery. Laparoscopically, after mobilization of the rectum, the fistula was removed. The rectum was transected on the anal side of the fistula and removed after extraction through the vaginal incision. The vaginal incision was repaired by suturing, and rectal anastomosis was performed using a double-stapling technique. The omentum was fixed between the rectum and vagina, and the operation was completed. Six months after the laparoscopic surgery, no evidence of fistula recurrence has been seen on colonoscopy. We have reported a rare case of rectovaginal fistula of Behçet's disease treated with an altogether new surgical approach that might prove effective for refractory rectovaginal fistula.

Bevacizumab(Avastin®), a humanized therapeutic monoclonal antibody that targets vascular endothelial growth factor, is widely used in cancer treatment. Patients who are treated with bevacizumab have an increased risk of developing systemic hypertension. However, the relationship between bevacizumab‐induced hypertension and clinical outcome remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the effect of bevacizumab‐induced hypertension in terms of prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer and non‐small cell lung cancer. The study included 632 patients, 317 patients with non‐small cell lung cancer and 315 patients with colorectal cancer. All patients were treated with bevacizumab in combination with standard chemotherapy protocols, between April 2007 and December 2014. Blood pressure was measured before each treatment cycle. In the patient group with colorectal cancer, treated with bevacizumab, Grade 2–3 hypertension was present in 27.6%. In hypertensive patients with colorectal cancer, median overall survival was 42.6 months, compared with 20.6 months for normotensive patients in this group (P = 0.00071). In the patient group with non‐small cell lung cancer, treated with bevacizumab, Grade 2–3 hypertension was present in 20.5%. In hypertensive patients with non‐small cell lung cancer, median overall survival was 43.0 months, compared with 26.3 months for normotensive patients in this group (P = 0.00451). Patients who developed hypertension during treatment with bevacizumab for colorectal cancer and non‐small cell lung cancer had significantly prolonged overall survival when compared with normotensive patients. Bevacizumab‐induced hypertension may represent a biomarker for clinical benefit in cancer patients treated with bevacizumab.

Several image navigation techniques can recognize the route of the urinary tract, but such techniques have not been widely accepted because they require special equipment or the specific adjustment of an indocyanine green (ICG) reagent.1-3 Fluorescent ureteral catheter NIRCTM (Near Infrared Ray Catheter) sets are 6.0-Fr catheters that allow continuous flow from renal calyces to an external collection bag. Such catheters contain fluorescent substances along their length that can be recognized by laparoscopic ICG cameras, available from several companies and which do not require the use of any other devices. Prostate shaving is a surgical option based on a tumor's response to chemoradiotherapy in T4 rectal cancer since pelvic exenteration for a male patient markedly decreases his quality of life.4,5 In this procedure, it was not possible to recognize the prostatic urethra. Discerning the ureter during lateral pelvic lymph node dissection is also important to prevent injury. In this report, we present a case of a 75-year-old male with ycT4b (prostate) N0M1b (liver, bilateral inguinal lymph node, right lateral lymph node) Stage IVB low rectal cancer who underwent an abdominoperineal resection with prostate shaving and right lateral pelvic lymph node dissection. (See Video at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B437 .).

// Takatsugu Ogata 1 , Hironaga Satake 2 , Misato Ogata 1 , Yukimasa Hatachi 1 , Hayato Maruoka 3 , Daisuke Yamashita 4 , Hiroki Hashida 5 , Madoka Hamada 6 and Hisateru Yasui 1 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan 2 Cancer Treatment Center, Kansai Medical University Hospital, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan 3 Department of Clinical Laboratory, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan 4 Department of Pathology, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan 5 Department of Surgery, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan 6 Department of Surgery, Kansai Medical University Hospital, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan Correspondence to: Hironaga Satake, email: takeh1977@gmail.com Keywords: metastatic colorectal cancer; FOLFOXIRI therapy; triplet; anti-EGFR antibodies; anti-VEGF antibodies Received: November 02, 2018 Accepted: January 11, 2019 Published: February 01, 2019 ABSTRACT Introduction: FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab has a promising efficacy as first-line systemic chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of FOLFOXIRI plus antibodies. Results: Fifty-five patients were enrolled (median age: 60 years, males: 25, females: 30). Twenty-six subjects had RAS mutations and 29 had RAS wild-type. Anti-VEGF and anti-EGFR antibodies were administered to 38 and 17 patients, respectively. The most common severe adverse event was neutropenia (51%). The overall response rate (ORR) was 69% (55% with anti-VEGF antibodies and 100% with anti-EGFR antibodies; P = 0.190), and the disease control rate was 98% (stable disease: 16 patients). With a median follow-up period of 18.4 months, the median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 11.0 months and the median overall survival (mOS) was 41.9 months. The mPFS and mOS did not significantly differ between patients treated with anti-EGFR antibodies and those with anti-VEGF antibodies. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from mCRC patients treated with FOLFOXIRI plus antibodies between March 2014 and December 2017. Conclusions: FOLFOXIRI plus antibody therapy was effective in patients with mCRC. The response rate was higher in patients treated with anti-EGFR antibodies than in those treated with anti-VEGF antibodies.

Aggressive angiomyxoma is an uncommon mesenchymal tumor that mostly involves the pelvic and perineal regions in young women.We herein report an extremely rare case of aggressive angiomyxoma in a 75-year-old man. The patient had undergone follow-up for an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm.In September 2015, CT detected a tumor measuring 33 mm in diameter around the pelvis, and the tumor showed gradual increase in size.MRI revealed a relatively sharply marginated tumor with low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and high signal intensity on T2-weighted images.For treatment and diagnosis, we laparoscopically resected the tumor. Histopathologically, the specimen showed spindle tumor cells within a myxoid background and vascular structures.The tumor was diagnosed as aggressive angiomyxoma, and surgical margins were negative for tumor cells. The patient is currently doing well without any signs of recurrence as of 18 months postoperatively.

// Takatsugu Ogata 1 , Hironaga Satake 2 , Misato Ogata 1 , Yukimasa Hatachi 1 , Kentaro Inoue 3 , Madoka Hamada 3 and Hisateru Yasui 1 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan 2 Cancer Treatment Center, Kansai Medical University Hospital, Shinmachi, Hirakata City, Osaka, 573-1191, Japan 3 Department of Surgery, Kansai Medical University Hospital, Shinmachi, Hirakata City, Osaka, 573-1191, Japan Correspondence to: Hironaga Satake, email: takeh1977@gmail.com Keywords: advanced gastric cancer; nivolumab; neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio; predictive factors; prognostic factors Received: May 28, 2018 Accepted: September 08, 2018 Published: October 02, 2018 ABSTRACT Introduction: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is effective as a predictive factor for lung cancer treated with nivolumab. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of NLR for patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) treated with nivolumab. Methods: This was a multicenter, retrospective study of patients with AGC treated with nivolumab from June 2017 to December 2017. The NLRs were calculated before the first cycle (NLR pre ) and two weeks after the first administration (NLR post ). Results: Twenty-six patients were enrolled (males 19, females 7) with a median age of 64 years. The overall response rate was 15%. The median PFS was 80 days (range, 11 – 265) and the median OS was 290 days (range, 21 – 332). Stratified with high NLR (≥5) and low NLR (

We herein report 2 cases of successful surgical treatment of reconstructed gastric tube-bronchial fistulas caused by leakage after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. One patient was a 56-year-old man who developed a reconstructed gastric tube-bronchial fistula, and the fistula was closed by conservative treatment. However, he developed pneumonia on postoperative day 117, and the reconstructed gastric tube-bronchial fistula was found to have recurred. Fibrin glue was endoscopically injected into the fistula, but this treatment was unsuccessful. The other patient was a 60-year-old man who developed a reconstructed gastric tube-bronchial fistula and severe pneumonia, and his condition did not improve by conservative treatment. We performed a reoperation for both patients using a pedunculated latissimus dorsi flap, and both patients recovered well.

Background The usefulness of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II colon cancer has not been established. Meanwhile, the presence of stage II colon cancer with high-risk factors for recurrence has been reported. To our knowledge, no prospective study of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II colon cancer with high-risk factors has been implemented to date. Patients and Methods This study is a prospective nonrandomized controlled study based on patients' selection of treatment option, including randomized therapeutic decision-making, to evaluate the usefulness of adjuvant chemotherapy with tegafur-uracil (UFT) with leucovorin (LV) for stage II colon cancer with high-risk factors for recurrence, compared with surgery alone. Five courses of UFT/LV therapy will be given as follows: UFT (300 mg/m2/d) with LV (75 mg/d) will be orally administered in 3 doses per day. Treatment will be received daily for 28 days, followed by a 7-day rest or will be received daily for 5 days, followed by a 2-day rest. For both regimens, 1 course will last 5 weeks, and 5 courses will be given. The primary end point is disease-free survival. A propensity score matching will be conducted based on 7 variables that represent risk factors to minimize selection bias in a comparison between the nonrandomized arms. For this nonrandomized comparison, a target sample size is set at 1200 (400 and 800 patients for the surgery alone and UFT/LV groups, respectively) and 1720 patients will be enrolled. In this study we aim to evaluate the therapeutic usefulness of adjuvant chemotherapy with UFT/LV for stage II colorectal cancer with risk factors for recurrence.

This study aimed to assess the effect of intraoperative blood loss (IBL) on short- and long-term outcomes of colorectal cancer surgery for very elderly patients.We acquired the data of consecutive patients aged 80 years or older who underwent elective radical surgery for stage I to III colorectal cancer between January 2003 and December 2007 in 41 institutions. The patients were divided into high and low IBL groups, and the differences in postoperative morbidity and survival between the two groups were primarily assessed. Eleven factors were treated as potential confounders in multivariate analyses.A total of 1554 patients were eligible for this study, with an age range of 80-103 years. Median IBL was 71 ml (interquartile range, 25 to 200 ml), and 412 patients had IBL ≥200 ml. Morbidity was 46% among patients with IBL ≥200 ml, compared with 30 % among those with IBL200 ml (p 0.001). Patients with IBL ≥200 ml had worse overall survival rates and recurrence-free survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years than those with IBL200 ml. In multivariate analyses, IBL ≥200 ml was identified as an independent risk factor for postoperative adverse events (odds ratio (OR) 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08 to 1.86), overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) 1.34, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.72), and recurrence-free survival (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.62).The degree of IBL is significantly associated with postoperative morbidity and survival in very elderly colorectal cancer patients.

Introduction The increased visceral fat in patients with obesity can increase the technical difficulty of surgery. This study was performed to evaluate a preoperative 20‐day very low‐calorie diet for obesity before laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Methods This prospective single‐center study involved patients with obesity who were planning to undergo laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Obesity was defined according to the Japanese criteria: BMI ≥25 kg/m2 or waist circumference ≥85 cm in men and ≥90 cm in women. The patients underwent a preoperative 20‐day very low‐calorie diet and received nutritional counseling. Weight loss, body composition, visceral fat mass, and operative outcomes were evaluated. Results Thirty‐three patients were enrolled from September 2013 to August 2015. Their median age was 71 years, and 78.8% were men. Their median bodyweight and BMI were 72.3 kg (range, 53.8–82.5 kg) and 26.0 kg/m2 (range, 23.5–31.0 kg/m2), respectively. The patients achieved a mean weight loss of 4.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.8–5.1), corresponding to 3.2 kg (95%CI: 2.7–3.7 kg). Body fat mass was significantly decreased by a mean of 2.5 kg (95%CI: 1.9–3.1), whereas skeletal muscle mass was unaffected (mean: −0.20 kg [95%CI: −0.55–0.15]). The visceral fat mass reduction rate was high as 16.8% (range, 11.6%–22.0%). All patients underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy as planned. Severe postoperative morbidity (Clavien–Dindo grade ≥III) was seen in only one patient (3.0%). Conclusion The preoperative 20‐day very low‐calorie diet weight loss program is promising for the treatment of obesity before laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Background Chylothorax after thoracic surgery is initially managed conservatively, but when persistent high-output chylothorax (> 1000 mL/day) is managed conservatively, the mortality rate exceeds 50%. The objective of this study was to examine the clinical results of thoracic duct embolization (TDE) in cases of chylothorax after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Methods The data of 9 patients (7 men, 2 women) whounderwent TDE for persistent high-output chylothorax after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer were gathered retrospectively. Lymphangiography was used to identify the supply route of lymphatic fluid from the lumbar lymphatics to the leakage site and lipiodol extravasation and its site. Transcatheter thoracic ductography was used to identify communication between the thoracic duct and the leakage site and extravasation of the iodinated contrast agent. TDE was performed by percutaneous transabdominal approach to cut off the supply route. The technical success and clinical success (drainage volume ≥ 10mL/kg/day within 7 days after TDE) of TDE were evaluated. Results The technical and clinical success rates of TDE were 89.9%, with no serious complications observed. In 44% of patients, the thoracic duct had ruptured. In the other 56%, the ruptured was in a collateral route bypassing the thoracic duct; the leaking lymphatic fluid was supplied without passing through the thoracic duct in 50% of these patients, but clinical success was achieved even in such patients. Conclusion TDE was found to be a safe method of treatment, with no serious complications. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

150 Background: The ATTRACTION-2 study showed that nivolumab is effective in treating advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Many studies have examined the effectiveness of predictive factors. We previously suggested that neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the changes of NLR for AGC treated with nivolumab. Methods: Data on patients with AGC treated with nivolumab from November 2014 to December 2017 were collected at two centers. NLRs were calculated before the first cycle (NLRpre) and 2 weeks after the first cycle (NLRpost) of nivolumab, and the changes in NLR (cNLR) was calculated by NLRpost/NLRpre. The association of NLRpre and cNLR with the disease control rate (DCR) and PFS were assessed. Results: Forty-one patients (pts), with the median age of 64 years, were enrolled. Twenty-seven pts were men and 14 were women. Regarding ECOG PS, 34 pts had scores of 0-1 and 7 had a score of 2. The median NLRpre, NLRpost, and cNLR were 2.01 (range, 0.79–18.4), 2.76 (1.27–12.3), and 1.22 (0.16–5.20), respectively. With a median follow-up period of 6.1 months, DCR was 34.1% (complete response [CR], 1 pt; partial response [PR] 3 pts, stable disease [SD], 10 pts). Patients were divided into 3 classes: 8 in Class I (NLRpre≤5 and cNLR≤ 1); 17 in Class II (NLRpre ≤ 5 and 1 < cNLR≤ 2); and 16 in Class III (NLRpre> 5 or cNLR > 2). There were 8 pts, 17 pts, and 16 pts in Class I, II, and III, respectively. DCRs of Class I, II, and III was 87.5% (CR, 1 pt; PR, 2 pts; SD 4 pts), 29.4% (PR, 1 pts; SD 4 pts), and 12.5% (SD 2 pts), respectively. The median PFS was 2.0 months (mo), and it was longer in Class I than in Classes II+III (5.6 vs. 1.4 mo; p = 0.017) and shorter in Class III than in Classes I+II (3.1 vs. 1.3 mo; p = 0.008). The median PFS was 2.0 months (mo). The median PFS was longer in Class I compared with in Class II+III (5.6 vs 1.4 mo; p = 0.017). The median PFS was shorter in Class III compared with in Class I+II (3.1 vs 1.3 mo; p = 0.008). Conclusions: The combined use of NLRpre and cNLR seemed to be effective in predicting the response of AGC to nivolumab.

We report a duodenal stump reinforcement procedure in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction.We retrospectively reviewed the data of 223 patients who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction for gastric cancer. We compared 2 groups: group NR (not reinforced, n=102, June 2009 to December 2011) when we did not perform reinforcement of the duodenal stump, and group R (reinforced, n=121, January 2012 to July 2014) when we did the reinforcement. The duodenum was divided with an endoscopic linear stapler. In group R, the duodenal staple line was reinforced by hand-sewn Lembert's sutures.There were no significant differences between group NR and R in patients' characteristics. Duodenal stump leakage occurred in 2 patients in group NR (2.0%). By contrast, in R group, no patients had duodenal stump leakage or fistula.Duodenal stump leakage can be avoided by using reinforcement with Lembert's sutures.

Hospital factors along with various patient and surgeon factors are considered to affect the prognosis of colorectal cancer. Hospital volume is well known, but little is known regarding other hospital factors. We reviewed data on 853 patients with stage IV colorectal cancer who underwent elective palliative primary tumor resection between January 2006 and December 2007. To detect the hospital factors that could influence the prognosis of incurable colorectal cancer, the relationships between patient/hospital factors and overall survival were analyzed. Among hospital factors, hospital type (Group A: university hospital or cancer center; Group B: community hospital), hospital volume, and number of colorectal surgeons were examined. In univariate analysis, Group A hospitals showed significantly better prognosis than Group B hospitals (p = 0.034), while hospital volume and number of colorectal surgeons were not associated with overall survival. After adjustment for patient factors in multivariate analysis, hospital type was significantly associated with overall survival (hazard ratio: 1.31; 95 % confidence interval: 1.05–1.63; p = 0.016). However, there was no significant difference in short-term outcomes between hospital types. Hospital type was identified as a hospital factor that possibly affects the prognosis of stage IV colorectal cancer patients.

A woman in her 50s visited our hospital in February 2015 with a complaint of dull abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant. She had a medical history of appendectomy for appendicitis in her 20s. Computed tomography(CT)revealed a tumor 90 mm in diameter near the ileocecum. Elective surgery was planned under the suspicion of gastrointestinal tumor, malignant lymphoma, or ileal cancer. She was emergently hospitalized 1 day earlier than scheduled because of high fever and severe abdominal pain. CT revealed that the tumor had increased to 120 mm in diameter without free air. Her white blood cell count was not elevated, and her symptoms improved readily with medical treatment. Thus, we performed the operation as scheduled. A tumor with a dark red recess on the surface had invaded the transverse colon intraoperatively, and a small amount of purulent ascites was present at the pouch of Douglas. We performed ileocecal resection with partial transverse colectomy. Histopathological examination led to the diagnosis of desmoid tumor in the mesentery of the terminal ileum. The surgical margins were negative for tumor cells. The tumor surface around the recess showed peritonitis, and the ascites showed no bacteria or tumor cells. The patient had been doing well without recurrence after discharge. Some cases of desmoid tumor with peritonitis have been reported, but most were caused by tumor penetration into the intestinal tract. We report herein a rare case of intra-abdominal desmoid tumor with abacterial peritonitis.