Transpyloric optic navigation of tumor using a laparoscope during totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to describe the technique of intraoperative transpyloric optic navigation (TPON) and determine its efficacy and feasibility during totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) in patients with gastric cancer. @*Methods@#Seventy-nine patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy with transpyloric optic localization of the tumor from January 2016 through December 2018 were enrolled in this study. After resecting the first portion of the duodenum, the distal part of the stomach was exteriorized through an extended supraumbilical trocar site, and a balloon trocar was introduced from the pylorus to determine the location of tumor and determine its resection margin. The clinicopathologic and surgical outcomes were analyzed. @*Results@#The tumor was located in the lower third of the stomach in 39 cases, the middle third in 34 cases, and the upper-third in six cases. Tumor localization was successful in 67 patients. The mean proximal margin was 41.7 ± 26.8 mm. There was no morbidity related to the technique. By the fifth postoperative day, the average white blood cell count was within the normal range and the average level of C-reactive protein showed a decreasing pattern. @*Conclusion@#TPON of the tumor during TLDG is an effective and feasible method to determine the tumor location and to obtain an adequate resection margin.

Transpyloric optic navigation of tumor using a laparoscope during totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to describe the technique of intraoperative transpyloric optic navigation (TPON) and determine its efficacy and feasibility during totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) in patients with gastric cancer. @*Methods@#Seventy-nine patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy with transpyloric optic localization of the tumor from January 2016 through December 2018 were enrolled in this study. After resecting the first portion of the duodenum, the distal part of the stomach was exteriorized through an extended supraumbilical trocar site, and a balloon trocar was introduced from the pylorus to determine the location of tumor and determine its resection margin. The clinicopathologic and surgical outcomes were analyzed. @*Results@#The tumor was located in the lower third of the stomach in 39 cases, the middle third in 34 cases, and the upper-third in six cases. Tumor localization was successful in 67 patients. The mean proximal margin was 41.7 ± 26.8 mm. There was no morbidity related to the technique. By the fifth postoperative day, the average white blood cell count was within the normal range and the average level of C-reactive protein showed a decreasing pattern. @*Conclusion@#TPON of the tumor during TLDG is an effective and feasible method to determine the tumor location and to obtain an adequate resection margin.

The Benefits of Resection for Gastric Carcinoma Patients with Non-curative Factors / 전남의대학술지

The benefits of resection for gastric carcinoma patients with non-curative factors remain controversial. Thus, we evaluated the survival benefits of resection in these gastric carcinoma patients. We reviewed the hospital records of 467 gastric carcinoma patients with non-curative factors who had resection (n=305) and compared their clinicopathological findings with individuals (n=162) who underwent bypass or exploration from 1996 to 2010. The 3-year survival rate of patients who had resection was higher than was that of patients who did not (13.2 vs. 7.2%, respectively p < 0.001). Cox's proportional hazard regression analysis revealed that only one factor was an independent, statistically significant prognostic parameter: the presence of peritoneal dissemination (risk ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.79; p < 0.05). The 3-year survival rate of patients with peritoneal dissemination was higher in individuals who underwent resection compared with those who did not (9.5 vs. 4.7%, respectively; p < 0.001). The current results highlight the improved survival rates of gastric carcinoma patients with non-curative factors who underwent surgery compared with those who did not. Although resection is not curative in this group of patients, we still recommend performing the procedure.

Quantitative analysis of COX-2 promoter methylation in gastric carcinoma

PURPOSE: To determine the occurrence of COX-2 methylation in gastric carcinoma (GC), the status and level of CpG methylation in the promoter region of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were analyzed in early and advanced GCs, as well as in normal gastric tissues. METHODS: The extent of promoter methylation of the COX-2 gene was assessed quantitatively using pyrosequencing in 60 early and 60 advanced GCs samples harvested upon gastrectomy, and 40 normal gastric mucosa samples from patients with benign gastric diseases as controls. RESULTS: The methylation frequency for the COX-2 gene was significantly higher in early than in advanced GCs (40.0% vs. 20.0%, P < 0.05). A significant difference was found in COX-2 methylation between GCs and normal gastric tissues (30.0% vs. 10.0%, by PS; P < 0.05). COX-2 gene methylation was significantly associated with the depth of invasion (P = 0.003), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.009), distant metastasis (P = 0.036), and TNM staging (P = 0.007). The overall survival of patients with COX-2 methylation was significantly lower than that of patients without COX-2 methylation (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that COX-2 promoter methylation was significantly higher in tumor tissues, and was an early event for GC, thus, COX-2 gene methylation may be important in the initial development of gastric carcinogenesis. Thus, GCs with methylation in COX-2 may not be good candidates for treatment with COX-2 inhibitors. Furthermore, COX-2 methylation could be a significant prognostic factor predicting a favorable effect on GC patient outcome when downregulated.

Transition from Conventional to Reduced-Port Laparoscopic Gastrectomy to Treat Gastric Carcinoma: a Single Surgeon's Experience from a Small-Volume Center

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the surgical outcomes and investigate the feasibility of reduced-port laparoscopic gastrectomy using learning curve analysis in a small-volume center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 269 patients who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) for gastric carcinoma between 2012 and 2017. Among them, 159 patients underwent reduced-port laparoscopic gastrectomy. The cumulative sum technique was used for quantitative assessment of the learning curve. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline characteristics of patients who underwent conventional and reduced-port LDG, and the operative time did not significantly differ between the groups. However, the amount of intraoperative bleeding was significantly lower in the reduced-port laparoscopic gastrectomy group (56.3 vs. 48.2 mL; P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the first flatus time or length of hospital stay. Neither the incidence nor the severity of the complications significantly differed between the groups. The slope of the cumulative sum curve indicates the trend of learning performance. After 33 operations, the slope gently stabilized, which was regarded as the breakpoint of the learning curve. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical outcomes of reduced-port laparoscopic gastrectomy were comparable to those of conventional laparoscopic gastrectomy, suggesting that transition from conventional to reduced-port laparoscopic gastrectomy is feasible and safe, with a relatively short learning curve, in a small-volume center.

Prognosis of early mucinous gastric carcinoma

PURPOSE: Little is known about the clinicopathological features of early mucinous gastric carcinoma (MGC). The purpose of this study was to compare the clinicopathological features and prognosis between patients with early MGC and those with early nonmucinous gastric carcinoma (NMGC). METHODS: We reviewed the records of 2,732 patients diagnosed with gastric carcinoma who were treated surgically. There were 14 patients (0.5%) with early MGC and 958 with early NMGC. RESULTS: Early MGC patients had a higher prevalence of elevated type (71.4%) compared with early NMGC patients (29.5%). More early MGC patients had submucosal carcinoma, compared with early NMGC patients (78.6% vs. 64.1%). The overall 5-year survival of the patients with early MGC was 97.2% as compared with 92.7% for the patients with early NMGC (P < 0.01). The statistically significant prognostic parameters influencing the 5-year survival rate according to Cox's proportional hazard regression model were: age (risk ratio, 2.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.62-3.04; P < 0.01); sex (risk ratio, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.42-2.73; P < 0.01); and lymph node metastases (risk ratio, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.28-2.77; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients with early MGC had a better prognosis than those with early NMGC. Mucinous histology itself appears not to be an independent prognostic factor. Therefore, early detection is important for improving the prognosis for patients with gastric carcinoma regardless of tumor histology.

A Distribution Weighted Prognostic Scoring Model for Node Status in Advanced Rectal Cancer / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: There are various lymph node-based staging systems. Nevertheless, there is debate over the use of parameters such as the number of involved lymph nodes and the lymph node ratio. As a possible option, the distribution of metastatic lymph nodes may have a prognostic significance in rectal cancer. This study is designed to evaluate the impact of distribution-weighted nodal staging on oncologic outcome in rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a prospectively maintained colorectal cancer database of our institution, a total of 435 patients who underwent a curative low anterior resection for mid and upper rectal cancer between 1995 and 2004 were enrolled. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the location of apical metastatic nodes. A location-weighted prognostic score was calculated by a scoring model using a logistic regression test for location based-statistical weight to number of lymph nodes. All cases were categorized in quartiles from lymph node I to lymph node IV using this protocol. RESULTS: The location of lymph node metastasis was an independent factor that was associated with a poor prognostic outcome (p<0.001). Based on this result, the location-weighted-nodal prognostic scoring model did not show lesser significant results (p<0.0001) in both overall survival and cancer-free survival analyses. CONCLUSION: The location of apical nodes among the metastatic nodes does not have a lesser significant impact on oncologic result in patients with advanced rectal cancer. A location-weighted prognostic scoring model, which considered the numbers of involved lymph nodes as the rate of significance according to the location, may more precisely predict the survival outcome in patients with lymph node metastasis.

Is Laparoscopy-assisted Radical Gastrectomy Safe in Patients with Child-Pugh Class A Cirrhosis?

PURPOSE: We investigated early postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis who had undergone radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 41 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy at the Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital (Hwasun-gun, Korea) between August 2004 and June 2009. There were few patients with Child-Pugh class B or C; therefore, we restricted patient selection to those with Child-Pugh class A. RESULTS: Postoperative complications were observed in 22 (53.7%) patients. The most common complications were ascites (46.3%), postoperative hemorrhage (22.0%) and wound infection (12.2%). Intra-abdominal abscess developed in one (2.4%) patient who had undergone open gastrectomy. Massive ascites occurred in 4 (9.8%) patients. Of the patients who underwent open gastrectomy, nine (21.9%) patients required blood transfusions as a result of postoperative hemorrhage. However, most of these patients had advanced gastric cancer. In contrast, most patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy had early stage gastric cancer, and when the confounding effect from the different stages between the two groups was corrected statistically, no statistically significant difference was found. There was also no significant difference between open and laparoscopic gastrectomy in the occurrence rate of other postoperative complications such as ascites, wound infection, and intra-abdominal abscess. No postoperative mortality occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic gastrectomy is a feasible surgical procedure for patients with moderate hepatic dysfunction.

Preoperative predictors of malignant gastric submucosal tumor / 대한외과학회지

PURPOSE: The preoperative prediction of malignant potential in patients with gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) plays an important role in decisions regarding their surgical management. METHODS: We evaluated the predictors of malignant gastric SMTs in 314 patients with gastric SMTs who underwent surgery in Chonnam National University Hospital. RESULTS: The malignant SMTs were significantly associated with age (odds ratio [OR], 1.067; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.042 to 1.091; P < 0.0001), presence of central ulceration (OR, 2.690; 95% CI, 1.224 to 5.909; P = 0.014), and tumor size (OR, 1.791; 95% CI, 1.483 to 2.164; P < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that tumor size was a good predictor of malignant potential. The most relevant predictor of malignant gastric SMT was tumor size with cut-offs of 4.05 and 6.40 cm. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that age, central ulceration, and tumor size were significant preoperative predictors of malignant SMTs. We suggest that 4 cm be selected as a threshold value for malignant gastric SMTs. In patients with a gastric SMT larger than 4 cm with ulceration, wide resection of the full thickness of the gastric wall or gastrectomy with adequate margins should be performed because of its malignant potential.

The Influence of Nutritional Assessment on the Outcome of Ostomy Takedown

PURPOSE: Ostomy takedown is often considered a simple procedure without intention; however, it is associated with significant morbidity. This study is designed to evaluate factors predicting postoperative complications in the ostomy takedown in view of metabolism and nutrition. METHODS: A retrospective, institutional review-board-approved study was performed to identify all patients undergoing takedown of an ostomy from 2004 to 2010. RESULTS: Of all patients (150), 48 patients (32%; male, 31; female, 17) had complications. Takedown of an end-type ostomy showed a high complication rate; complications occurred in 55.9% of end-type ostomies and 15.7% of loop ostomies (P 1.3 mg/dL) was associated with postoperative complications, particularly surgical site infection (SSI). Marked weight loss such as body mass index downgrading may be associated with the development of complications. CONCLUSION: A temporary ostomy may not essentially result in severe malnutrition. However, a postoperative significant decrease in the albumin concentration is an independent risk factor for the development of SSI and complications.

Clinicopathological Features of Female Gastric Carcinoma Patients with Curative Resection: Comparison with Male Patients / 전남의대학술지

Little is known about the clinicopathological features of female gastric carcinoma (FGC) patients. We compared the clinicopathologic features and outcomes of FGC patients with curative resection with those of male gastric carcinoma (MGC) patients. We reviewed the hospital records of 940 FGC patients between 1986 and 2005 at Chonnam National University Hospital. Multivariate analysis showed that presence of serosal invasion, lymph node metastasis, and operative type were significant prognostic factors for survival of FGC patients with curative resection. Furthermore, the overall 5-year survival rate of FGC patients with curative resection (53.4%) was higher than that of MGC patients (47.6%, p<0.05). In advanced cases, no significant difference was observed in the overall 5-year survival rate between the FGC and MGC patients (41.6% vs 37.4%, p>0.05). Therefore, serosal invasion, lymph node metastasis, and type of operation were statistically significant parameters associated with survival. Early detection is more important for improving the prognosis of female patients with gastric cancer than for male patients.

Clinicopathological Features of Female Gastric Carcinoma Patients with Curative Resection: Comparison with Male Patients / 전남의대학술지

Little is known about the clinicopathological features of female gastric carcinoma (FGC) patients. We compared the clinicopathologic features and outcomes of FGC patients with curative resection with those of male gastric carcinoma (MGC) patients. We reviewed the hospital records of 940 FGC patients between 1986 and 2005 at Chonnam National University Hospital. Multivariate analysis showed that presence of serosal invasion, lymph node metastasis, and operative type were significant prognostic factors for survival of FGC patients with curative resection. Furthermore, the overall 5-year survival rate of FGC patients with curative resection (53.4%) was higher than that of MGC patients (47.6%, p0.05). Therefore, serosal invasion, lymph node metastasis, and type of operation were statistically significant parameters associated with survival. Early detection is more important for improving the prognosis of female patients with gastric cancer than for male patients.

Multivisceral resection for locally advanced rectal cancer: adequate length of distal resection margin / 대한외과학회지

PURPOSE: Locally advanced rectal cancer may require an intraoperative decision regarding curative multivisceral resection (MVR) of adjacent organs. In bulky tumor cases, ensuring sufficient distal resection margin (DRM) for achievement of oncologic safety is very difficult. This study is designed to evaluate the adequate length of DRM in multiviscerally resected rectal cancer. METHODS: A total of 324 patients who underwent curative low anterior resection for primary pT3-4 rectal cancer between 1995 and 2004 were identified from a prospectively collected colorectal database. RESULTS: Short lengths of DRM ( or =2 cm) showed 72.4% and 60.2% (P = 0.03, 0.044). In multivariate analysis of MVR, poorly differentiated histology, ulceroinfiltrative growth of tumor, and short DRM (<2 cm) were significant factors for prediction of poor survival outcome, although short DRM was not significantly related to local and systemic recurrence. CONCLUSION: In locally advanced rectal cancer of pT3-4, a short length of DRM (< or =1 cm) did not compromise essentially poor oncologic outcome. In rectal cancers invading adjacent organs and requiring MVR, a shorter DRM (<2 cm) was found to be related to poor survival outcome.

Recurring gastrointestinal stromal tumor with splenic metastasis / 대한외과학회지

Malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare non-epithelial, mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract that metastasize or recur in 30% of patients who undergo surgical resection with curative intent. A 59-year-old man visited our hospital for an examination of a palpable mass in the left abdomen. Fourteen months prior to his visit, the patient underwent gastric wedge resection to remove a GIST of the gastric cardia. At the time of surgery, no evidence of metastatic disease was observed and the pathological interpretation was a high-risk GIST. A follow-up computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed a partially necrotic solid mass (9.8 x 7.6 cm) and enhancing mass in the spleen (2.3 cm). On exploration, multiple masses were found in the liver, greater omentum, and mesentery. Here, we report a case of recurring GIST of the stomach that metastasized to the spleen. To the best of our knowledge, few reports of metastasis to the spleen exist.

Inguinal hernia repair in patients with liver cirrhosis accompanied by ascites / 대한외과학회지

PURPOSE: We describe the clinical characteristics and assess the outcomes and stability of inguinal hernia repair under local anesthesia for patients with liver cirrhosis accompanied by ascites. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 22 patients with cirrhosis and ascites who underwent mesh plug hernia repair performed by a single surgeon from January 2002 to August 2009, and the clinical characteristics and outcomes of the patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included in the study. Fifteen (68.2%) were Child's class B and seven (31.8%) were Child's class C. Hernia repairs were successful without major complications or recurrence in all patients. Minor complications occurred in only three patients, consisting of two hematomas and one case of scrotal swelling. Complications were resolved spontaneously without the need for blood transfusion or reintervention. Thirteen patients died during follow-up (59.1%); eight of these patients died within 1 year after hernia repair. However, there was no 30-day postoperative mortality. Five of the eight patients who died were Child's class B and the remaining three patients were Child's class C. Deaths were all related to cirrhotic complications, and there was no operation-related mortality. CONCLUSION: Inguinal hernia repairs under local anesthesia in patients with cirrhosis accompanied by ascites were performed safely and effectively. Therefore, surgical repair is recommended even in patients with refractory ascites and poor hepatic function to prevent life-threatening complications or severe pain and improve quality of life.

Inguinal hernia repair in overweight and obese patients / 대한외과학회지

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes after inguinal hernia repair in overweight and obese patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 636 adult patients who underwent mesh plug inguinal hernia repair performed by one surgeon from November 2001 to January 2009.The clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of the patients were analyzed. According to the body mass index, patients higher than 23 were defined as overweight and obese patient group (O group) and patients between 18.5 and 23 were defined as normal weight patient group (N group). Seventeen underweight patients were excluded in this study. RESULTS: Of 619 cases, the number for O group was 344 (55.6%) and for N group was 275 (44.4%). The mean age was significantly higher in N group (62.2 +/- 12.6 vs. 64.4 +/- 14.8, P = 0.048). Underlying diseases were present in 226 (65.7%) of the O group and 191 (69.5%) of the N group (P = 0.322). Anesthesia method, operative time and postoperative hospital stay had no significant difference between the two groups. Postoperative complications developed in 41 (11.9%) of the O group and in 28 (10.2%) of the N group, respectively, and no major complications developed in either group. CONCLUSION: Adult inguinal hernias developed at a relatively younger age in overweight and obese patients than in normal weight patients. There were no specific differences in other clinical characteristics and outcomes between the two groups. Therefore inguinal hernia repair in overweight and obese patients is a safe procedure as in normal weight patients.

Clinicopathologic characteristics of serosa-positive gastric carcinoma in elderly patients / 대한외과학회지

PURPOSE: The relationship between the prognosis and the age of patients with gastric carcinoma is controversial. This study examined the clinicopathologic features of elderly gastric carcinoma patients with serosal invasion. METHODS: We reviewed the hospital records of 136 elderly gastric carcinoma patients with serosal invasion retrospectively to compare the clinicopathologic findings in the elderly (aged > 70 years) and young (aged < 36 years). RESULTS: The 5-year survival rates of elderly and young patients with curative resection did not differ statistically (33.9% vs. 43.3%; P = 0.318). Multivariate analysis showed that two factors were independent, statistically significant parameters associated with survival: histologic type (risk ratio, 1.805; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.041 to 3.132; P < 0.05) and operative curability (risk ratio, 2.506; 95% CI, 1.371 to 4.581; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that elderly gastric carcinoma patients with serosal invasion do not have a worse prognosis than young patients. The important prognostic factor was whether the patients underwent curative resection.

Intraperitoneal Bronchogenic Cyst Misidentified as Gastric Submucosal Tumor

Most bronchogenic cysts originate in the mediastinum, while 15% to 20% occur in the lung parenchyma. According to the literature, most intrapulmonary cysts occur in the lower lobes. But, they are rarely located in an extrathoracic site, such as subdiaphragmatic retroperitoneal area. We describe a paraesophageal intra-abdominal bronchogenic cyst, first considered as gastric submucosal tumor. Resection was successfully realized by laparoscopy. A 20-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with incidentally detected gastric submucosal tumor. At operation, there was a 2.5x2 cm sized cystic tumor that was isolated from the gastric wall. We performed tumor resection laparoscopically. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the second postoperative day. Histological examination reported a bronchogenic cyst. We, herein, report this case.

Discrepant Bowel Perforation from a Primary Lesion after Chemotherapy of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is the most common type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, representing approximately one-third of all cases and involving the gastrointestinal tract in about 18%. With the development of modern chemotherapeutic regimens and advances in medical care, the prognosis for malignant lymphoma can be excellent. However, because of the aggressive adjuvant therapy required, complications such as bowel perforation may be fatal. In cases of chemotherapy for malignant lymphoma, we should keep in mind the possibility of perforation of the bowel after chemotherapy. Early detection is important to save patients.

The Surgical Diagnosis for Detecting Early Gastric Cancer and Lymph Node Metastasis: Its Role for Making the Decision of the Limited Surgery

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of surgically diagnosing early gastric cancer (EGC) and lymph node metastasis, and to determine its role for performing limited surgery for EGC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 369 patients who underwent gastrectomy for primary gastric carcinoma. The surgical diagnosis was evaluated by determining its sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, and this was compared with the preoperative examinations. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the intraoperative diagnosis for EGC were 74.5%, 95.7% and 83.7%, respectively. The predictive value for EGC according to the intraoperative diagnosis was 95.7%. The surgical diagnosis of EGC showed higher specificity and a higher predictive value than preoperative examinations, which significantly reduced the risk of underestimating advanced gastric cancer (AGC) to EGC. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for lymph node metastasis according to the surgical diagnosis were 73.2%, 78.1% and 76.4%, respectively. For 70 patients with a discrepancy in the diagnosis of EGC between the pre- and intra-operative diagnosis, the surgical diagnosis was correct in 63 (90%) patients, but the preoperative examinations were correct in only 7 (10%) patients. CONCLUSION: The surgical diagnosis showed better accuracy than the preoperative examinations for detecting EGC and lymph node metastasis. Our results suggest that the decision for conducting limited surgery based on the surgical diagnosis might reduce the risk of under-treatment of AGC to EGC better than the preoperative examinations.