Bariatric surgery versus medical therapy in Korean obese patients: prospective multicenter nonrandomized controlled trial (KOBESS trial)

Purpose@#The aim of this study was to show that bariatric surgery (BS) is more effective than medical therapy (MT) in Asian obese patients. @*Methods@#In this prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized, controlled trial, obese patients with body mass index of ≥35 kg/m2 or 30.0–34.9 kg/m2 with obesity-related comorbidities were assigned to undergo BS, such as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, or MT. Patients who underwent BS were evaluated 4, 12, 24, and 48 weeks after surgery, whereas patients who received MT were monitored at a hospital every 6 weeks for 1 year. At each visit, weight, waist and hip circumference, and blood pressure were measured, and patients underwent physical examination and laboratory testing. Health-related quality of life (HQOL) was investigated using Euro QOL-5 Dimension, Impact of Weight on Quality of Life questionnaire-Lite and Obesity-related Problems scale. @*Results@#The study included 264 patients from 13 institutions; of these, 64 underwent BS and 200 received MT. Of the patients who underwent BS, 6.3% experienced early complications. Relative weight changes from baseline to 48 weeks were significantly greater in the BS than in the MT group (26.9% vs. 2.1%, P < 0.001), as were the rates of remission of diabetes (47.8% vs. 16.7%, P = 0.014), hypertension (60.0% vs. 26.1%, P < 0.001), and dyslipidemia (63.2% vs. 22.0%, P < 0.001). HQOL was better in the BS than in the MT group at 48 weeks. @*Conclusion@#BS was safe and effective in Korean obese patients, with greater weight reduction, remission of comorbidities, and quality of life improvement than MT.

Removal of Large Urinary Stone Using Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in a Patient with Crohn's Disease / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Extraintestinal manifestation (EIM) of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is approximately 36%. Of genitourinary complications as an EIM of Crohn’s disease (CD), nephrolithiasis is the most common urinary complication in patients with CD. CD patients have been shown to have decreased urinary volume, pH, magnesium, and excretion of citrate, all of which are significant risk factors for nephrolithiasis. Genitourinary complications often occur in case of a severe longstanding disease and are associated with, the activity of bowel disease, especially in those who have undergone bowel surgery. As uncontrolled nephrolithiasis could impair renal function as well as adversely affect quality of life, proper monitoring, early detection, and prevention of the occurrence of urologic complications in CD is crucial. Few data are available about urolithiasis in patients with CD. Herein we report a case of a successful removal of a 2.7 cm calcium oxalate stone using percutaneous nephrolithotomy from a patient with long-standing CD with a previous surgery for small intestinal and colonic stricture.

The pattern of postoperative quality of life following minimally invasive gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a prospective cohort from Korean multicenter robotic gastrectomy trial

Purpose@#Quality of life (QOL) has become important in the trend of emphasizing patient satisfaction. This study aimed to evaluate the QOL in patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. @*Methods@#A prospective trial was performed involving patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic gastrectomy for primary gastric cancer at 11 hospitals in Korea. Within this comparative trial, QOL, postoperative pain, and long-term complications were exanimated. The quality-of-life questionnaire (QLQ)-C30 and QLQ-STO22 developed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer were used for the QOL survey. We compared the data after dividing it into several types of characteristics as follows; device (robotic or laparoscopic), operation type, pathological stage, and sex.Biased components were extracted by logistic regression analysis. Propensity score matching was applied to the data set with the biased components. @*Results@#In total, 434 patients (211 for laparoscopic surgery and 223 for robotic surgery) were enrolled, out of which 321 patients who responded to both preoperative and postoperative surveys were selected for analysis. Robotic gastrectomy was not different from laparoscopic gastrectomy with respect to postoperative QOL. Distal gastrectomy showed better scores than total gastrectomy in terms of role functioning, social functioning, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, pain, dyspnea, constipation, financial difficulties, dysphagia, eating restrictions, anxiety, taste, and body image. Male patients showed better scores on the 19 scales compared to female patients. @*Conclusion@#Robotic and laparoscopic approaches for gastric cancer surgery did not differ from each other with respect to QOL. Distal gastrectomy resulted in better QOL than total gastrectomy.

Effects of acute normovolemic hemodilution on healing of gastric anastomosis in rats

PURPOSE: Acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) is an autologous transfusion method, using blood collected during surgery, to reduce the need for allogeneic blood transfusion. ANH is controversial because it may lead to various complications. Among the possible complications, anastomotic leakage is one that would have a significant effect on the operation outcome. However, the relationship between ANH and anastomotic site healing requires additional research. Therefore, we conducted this prospective study of ANH, comparing it with standard intraoperative management, undergoing gastric anastomosis in rats. METHODS: Sixteen Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups: group A, surgery with ANH; group N, surgery with standard intraoperative management; and group C, sham surgery with standard intraoperative management. ANH was performed in group A animals by, removing 5.8–6.6 mL of blood and replacing it with 3 times as much crystalloid. All rats were enthanized on postoperative day 6, and histopathologic analyses were performed. RESULTS: The mean hematocrit values, after hemodilution were 22.0% (range, 18.0%–29.0%), group A; 33.0% (29.0%–35.0%), group N; and 32.5% (29.0%–34.0%), group C. There were significant differences between groups A and N (P = 0.019, P = 0.009, P = 0.004, P = 0.039, and P = 0.027), and between groups N and C (P = 0.006, P = 0.027, P = 0.04, P = 0.008, and P = 0.009) with respect to inflammatory cell numbers, neovascularization, fibroblast numbers, edema and necrosis, respectively; there were no differences between groups A and N. CONCLUSION: In rat model, anastomotic complications did not increase in the ANH group, compared with the standard intraoperative management group.

2014–2017 Nationwide Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Report in Korea

PURPOSE: The information committee of the Korean Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (KSMBS) performed the nationwide survey of bariatric and metabolic operations to report IFSO (International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders) worldwide survey annually. This study aimed to report the trends of bariatric and metabolic surgery in Korea in 2014–2017. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the accumulated nationwide survey data conducted for annual ISFO survey from 2014 to 2017. Trends such as the number of operations by hospital type and the number of operations by surgical method were analyzed. RESULTS: The number of operations has decreased sharply in 2015 comparing to 2014 (913⇒550). The number of operations performed in private hospitals dropped sharply from 529 to 250, 198, and 103 cases. The number of revisional surgeries increased to 223 in 2015. The primary surgery number fell from 757 in 2014 to 327 in 2015. In primary surgery, sleeve gastrectomy was gradually increased from 2014 to 143 (18.9%), 105 (32.1%), 167 (47.2%) and 200 (56.3%) and became the most frequently performed surgery. On the other hand, the incidence of adjustable gastric band decreased gradually from 439 (58.0%) to 117 (35.8%), 112 (31.6%) and 59 (16.6%). CONCLUSION: The overall number of obesity metabolic operations has decreased since 2014, especially the number of adjustable gastric band, and the number of operations in private hospitals declined sharply. On the other hand, the number of operations in university hospitals did not change much, and the number of sleeve gastrectomy increased.

Characteristics of Bariatric Surgery Patients in a Single University Hospital

PURPOSE: The study aimed to analyze changes in patient indicators and surgical indices in relation to bariatric surgery performed at a university hospital and determine the development direction of its obesity center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2010 to June 2018, a total of 35 obese patients underwent surgery at the center. Patients' height, weight, body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference, and hip circumference before surgery were measured. Laboratory tests were performed to observe changes before and after surgery. Patients underwent Roux-en Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients underwent obesity surgery: 23 with RYGB and 12 with LSG. Postoperative complications occurred: bleeding in one case, abscess in one case, respiratory failure in one case, and incisional hernia in two cases. The mean preoperative weight was 105.1±27.2 kg and postoperative weight was 84.3±19.9 kg. The difference was 20.7±13.5 kg. BMI also decreased from 38.3±8.4 preoperatively to 31.0±6.4 postoperatively by 7.3±4.6. CONCLUSION: Through our study, we determined that in this hospital, a multidisciplinary team approach to postoperative weight management and health care should be undertaken as well as continuous and systematic management after surgery.

Animal Experimentation for Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is considered the most effective treatment for reducing and maintaining weight for morbid obesity. Moreover, this surgery not only reduces weight but also improves comorbidity. However, concern about the safety of the surgery has grown with the favorable effects and has been heightened by high-profile reports in the death of a famous singer after bariatric surgery in Korea. In the beginning of the era of bariatric surgery, animal experiments had been conducted to improve surgical techniques in bariatric surgery. Among animals, a large animal such as pig and rabbit was used to develop and assess surgical skill. Recently, many researchers have been trying to investigate the mechanism of bariatric surgery for the resolution of morbid obesity and related comorbidities. An experimental model employing small animal has been developed to study underlying mechanism. We expect that this experiment will pave the way for developing a novel morbid obesity treatment.

Postoperative mechanical small bowel obstruction induced by V-Loc barbed absorbable suture after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy

When performing laparoscopic gastrectomy, suturing the intestinal anastomosis presents one of the greatest challenges. The V-Loc unidirectional barbed suture has been introduced to eliminate the need to tie knots during closure. This device offers a fast, secure, and effective alternative to conventional suture repair during laparoscopic surgery. However, there have been reported cases of surgical complications associated with the use of barbed suture devices. We describe here a case of small bowel obstruction resulting from improper use of barbed suture during total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy performed for gastric cancer. Following diagnosis of small bowel obstruction, the patient underwent immediate laparoscopic repair that identified the cause and relieved the small bowel obstruction. This case highlights the need for surgeons to carefully perform proper suturing technique in order to prevent complications. Surgeons should maintain a high index of suspicion for diagnosing and treating potentially severe complications when using barbed sutures.

Can Bariatric Surgery Be a Surgical Treatment to Prevent the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease?

Obesity is a serious worldwide health problem causing numerous obesity-related comorbidities such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular dysfunctions. Recently, many studies indicate that obesity is strongly related with high rate of renal lesions and reducing weight with surgical intervention can improve renal parameters in obese patients, but the effect of bariatric surgery on obesity-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) is hardly documented. This review study shows that bariatric surgery demonstrates beneficial reduction in proteinuria and albuminuria leading to improve both glomerular hyperfiltration and chronic kidney disease in obese population. Yet, bariatric surgery is not a definite treatment of choice for the obese patients with CKD because of lack of evidence explaining the risk of complications following bariatric surgery and clarification on estimating glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in obese patients. Future, high quality studies with a long term follow up are required to determine the effective durability of bariatric surgery on obese-related CKD patients.

Characterizing the Profile of Obese Patients: Example from the Newly Opened Obesity Clinic at a Single University Hospital

PURPOSE: An obesity clinic was newly opened at a single university hospital in South Korea. We aimed to characterize the profile of patients and current status of the clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 60 patients who have visited the obesity clinic from October 2015 to April 2016 were included in this study. Baseline examination included anthropometric measurement, bioelectrical impedance analysis, blood sampling, and abdominal computed tomography (CT) analysis to estimate abdominal fat distribution. Weight loss program of the clinic constituted of 8 sessions of physician encounter and nutrition counselling. Data on the profile of patients and their completion status were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty obese adults (21 males and 39 females) were included in the study. The mean (±standard deviation [SD]) body mass index was 31.1±5.7, and abdominal circumference was 100.2±18.3. The mean±SD percentage of body fat measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis was analyzed 35.7±6.2% in males, and 40.6±6.2% in females. The average intra-abdominal fat area was 243.7 cc in males, and 142.5 cc in females. Among 60 subjects, 37 patients (61.7%) are currently on their sessions; 11 patients (18.3%) completed 8 sessions of the program; 8 patients (13.3%) dropped out; 4 patients (6.7%) did not register the program session with initial evaluation only. The mean weight loss (kg) of 11 completers was 5.1 kg. CONCLUSION: Using the strengths of a university hospital as multidisciplinary team care, effective treatment strategies for overweight and obesity are the future directions of our clinic.

The distance of proximal resection margin dose not significantly influence on the prognosis of gastric cancer patients after curative resection

PURPOSE: It is well known that the curative resection with an adequate proximal margin length is the most effective treatment in gastric cancer. However, despite surgeon's effort to achieve a sufficient proximal margin length, it is often difficult to obtain a recommended proximal margin length in some cases. Therefore, this study was planned to investigate the impact of the length of proximal margin on prognosis of overall survival. METHODS: Between June 1992 and December 2010, 1,888 gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy with curative intent were reviewed. According to tumor's location (total vs. subtotal gastrectomy), pathologic T staging, and differentiation, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of the discrepancies of proximal margin length on overall survival. Also, the impact of the discrepancies of proximal margin length on local recurrence was assessed. RESULTS: The 5-year survival rate of positive proximal margin group was 5.9%. In negative proximal margin groups, multivariate analysis showed that the discrepancies of proximal margin length have no impact on overall survival. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that there is no association between discrepancy of proximal margin length and local recurrence. CONCLUSION: It takes effort to secure a negative proximal margin in the surgical treatment of gastric cancer because of the poor prognosis of positive proximal margin. In negative proximal margin patients, there's no need to achieve an additional proximal margin length for long-term survival benefit because there was no impact of proximal margin length on overall survival and local recurrence.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes between the Hem-o-lok Clip and Endoloop Ligature in Securing the Base of the Appendix

PURPOSE: There are various techniques for securing the base of the appendix during performance of laparoscopic appendectomy. Many studies have reported that Endo-GIA is useful for securing the base of the appendix; however, it is costly. Many hospitals now use Endoloop ligature (ELL) for securing the base of the appendix. Many studies have demonstrated the many advantages of the Hem-o-lok clip (HLC) for securing the base of the appendix. The aim of this study is to compare the surgical outcomes of securing the base of the appendix between HLC and ELL during performance of laparoscopic appendectomy. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted for comparison between HLC and ELL for securing the base during performance of laparoscopic appendectomy. From May 2008 to October 2011, 102 patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy performed by a single surgeon. Thirty one patients were excluded for various reasons. In 38 patients, the base of the appendix was secured by HLC, and in 33 patients, ELL was applied. Data included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), cost of materials, preoperative white blood count (preoperative WBC), preoperative c-reactive protein (preoperative CRP), preoperative fever, operation time, hospital days, diameter of the appendiceal base, number of perforated appendicitis, and intraoperative or postoperative complication. RESULTS: HLC was used in 38 patients, with a meanage of 36.4 years old. ELL was applied in 33 patients, with a meanage of 19.3 years old. Significant difference in age of patients was observed between the groups (p<0.001). The groups were comparable with regard to sex, BMI, preoperative WBC, preoperative CRP, preoperative fever, operation time, hospital stay, diameter of the appendiceal base, perforated appendicitis, and intraoperative or postoperative complication. The cost of six HLCs was 32,940 won, and that for one ELL was 29,610 won, therefore, there was no significant difference in the cost of material between the tw o groups of patients. CONCLUSION: Except for age, no difference was observed between the two groups. If a single HLC set is available for securing the base of the appendix, there will be a significant difference of the material cost between the two groups. ELL is more useful for securing the appendiceal base, with a larger diameter, which is inappropriate for use of HLC.

Prognostic Factors on Overall Survival in Lymph Node Negative Gastric Cancer Patients Who Underwent Curative Resection

PURPOSE: To assess independent prognostic factors for lymph node-negative metastatic gastric cancer patients following curative resection is valuable for more effective follow-up strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 1,874 gastric cancer patients who received curative resection, 967 patients were lymph node-negative. Independent prognostic factors for overall survival in lymph node-negative gastric cancer patients grouped by tumor invasion depth (early gastric cancer versus advanced gastric cancer) were explored with univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the distribution of recurrence pattern between lymph node-negative and lymph node-positive group. In the lymph node-negative group, the recurrence pattern differed by the depth of tumor invasion. In univariate analysis for overall survival of the early gastric cancer group, age, macroscopic appearance, histologic type, venous invasion, lymphatic invasion, and carcinoembryonic antigen level were significant prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis for these factors showed that venous invasion (hazard ratio, 6.695), age (> or =59, hazard ratio, 2.882), and carcinoembryonic antigen level (> or =5 ng/dl, hazard ratio, 3.938) were significant prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis of advanced gastric cancer group showed that depth of tumor invasion (T2 versus T3, hazard ratio, 2.809), and age (hazard ratio, 2.319) were prognostic factors on overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, independent prognostic factors such as venous permeation, carcinoembryonic antigen level, and age, depth of tumor invasion on overall survival were different between early gastric cancer and advanced gastric cancer group in lymph node-negative gastric cancer patients. Therefore, we are confident that our results will contribute to planning follow-up strategies.

Tumor Size as a Prognostic Factor in Gastric Cancer Patient

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the prognostic significance of tumor size for 5-year survival rate in patients with gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,697 patients with gastric cancer, who underwent potentially curative gastrectomy, were evaluated. Patients were divided into 4 groups as follows, according to the median size of early and advanced gastric cancer, respectively: small early gastric cancer (tumor size 3 cm), small advanced gastric cancer (tumor size 6 cm). The prognostic value of tumor size for 5-year survival rate was investigated. RESULTS: In a univariate analysis, tumor size is a significant prognostic factor in advanced gastric cancer, but not in early gastric cancer. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size is an independent prognostic factor for 5-year survival rate in advanced gastric cancer (P=0.003, hazard ratio=1.372, 95% confidence interval=1.115~1.690). When advanced gastric cancer is subdivided into 2 groups, according to serosa invasion: Group 1; serosa negative (T2 and T3, 7th AJCC), and Group 2; serosa positive (T4a and T4b, 7th AJCC), tumor size is an independent prognostic factor in Group 1 (P=0.011, hazard ratio=1.810, 95% confidence interval=1.149~2.852) and in Group 2 (P=0.033, hazard ratio=1.288, 95% confidence interval=1.020~1.627), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor size is an independent prognostic factor in advanced gastric cancer irrespective of the serosa invasion, but not in early gastric cancer.

A Prospective Study of Non-Prophylatic Antibiotics for Totally Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Repair of Inguinal Hernia

PURPOSE: The role of prophylactic antibiotics in totally extraperitoneal (TEP) laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia is unclear. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of antibiotic therapy for surgical site infection (SSI) in post TEP laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia. METHODS: We prospectively reviewed data collected from 280 patients with inguinal hernias who were treated by TEP laparoscopic repair between August 2008 and July 2012. None of the patients received prophylactic antibiotics. Patients with a history of recurrent hernias, immune suppressive disease or diabetes mellitus were excluded from the study. RESULTS: There were 265 male patients and 15 female patients aged 19 to 82 years. There were 240 indirect, 38 direct, and 2 pantaloon hernias. The mean operating time was 49 minutes, and the mean length of hospital stay was 1.4 days. The most frequent complications of TEP laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia were ecchymosis (32.85%), followed by wound pain (16.42%). Surgery related complications occurred in two cases (0.71%) of SSI and 13 cases (8.65%) of wound hematoma. No additional surgical treatment for complications were required. No mesh infection occurred in patients during the follow up period. CONCLUSION: Non-prophylactic antibiotics for elective TEP laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia appear to be acceptable. Randomized controlled trials of the efficiency of antibiotic therapy in SSI in patients with inguinal hernia should be conducted.

Acquired Ileal Atresia in a Preterm Infant

Acquired ileal atresia is a rare but life-threatening complication that can occur after recovery from necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. We present an unusual case of acquired ileal atresia in the distal ileum injured by ischemia after intestinal perforation in an extremely low-birth-weight infant. A 900 g (25 weeks gestation) premature infant developed a pneumoperitoneum without the radiologic manifestations of necrotizing enterocolitis on day 9 of life. Primary peritoneal drainage without further need for surgery was performed in the neonatal intensive care facility. Gastrointestinal gastrografin studies confirmed normal intestinal continuity and regular stools. Several weeks later, while the patient was receiving all nutrition orally with no medical problems, the patient's condition suddenly deteriorated, along with clinical signs of intestinal obstruction including emesis of bilious contents and stools. Laparotomy (on day 45 of life) revealed ileal atresia with V-shaped gap mesenteric defect.

Acquired Ileal Atresia in a Preterm Infant

Acquired ileal atresia is a rare but life-threatening complication that can occur after recovery from necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. We present an unusual case of acquired ileal atresia in the distal ileum injured by ischemia after intestinal perforation in an extremely low-birth-weight infant. A 900 g (25 weeks gestation) premature infant developed a pneumoperitoneum without the radiologic manifestations of necrotizing enterocolitis on day 9 of life. Primary peritoneal drainage without further need for surgery was performed in the neonatal intensive care facility. Gastrointestinal gastrografin studies confirmed normal intestinal continuity and regular stools. Several weeks later, while the patient was receiving all nutrition orally with no medical problems, the patient's condition suddenly deteriorated, along with clinical signs of intestinal obstruction including emesis of bilious contents and stools. Laparotomy (on day 45 of life) revealed ileal atresia with V-shaped gap mesenteric defect.

Prognostic Factors on Overall Survival in Lymph Node Negative Gastric Cancer Patients Who Underwent Curative Resection

PURPOSE: To assess independent prognostic factors for lymph node-negative metastatic gastric cancer patients following curative resection is valuable for more effective follow-up strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 1,874 gastric cancer patients who received curative resection, 967 patients were lymph node-negative. Independent prognostic factors for overall survival in lymph node-negative gastric cancer patients grouped by tumor invasion depth (early gastric cancer versus advanced gastric cancer) were explored with univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the distribution of recurrence pattern between lymph node-negative and lymph node-positive group. In the lymph node-negative group, the recurrence pattern differed by the depth of tumor invasion. In univariate analysis for overall survival of the early gastric cancer group, age, macroscopic appearance, histologic type, venous invasion, lymphatic invasion, and carcinoembryonic antigen level were significant prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis for these factors showed that venous invasion (hazard ratio, 6.695), age (> or =59, hazard ratio, 2.882), and carcinoembryonic antigen level (> or =5 ng/dl, hazard ratio, 3.938) were significant prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis of advanced gastric cancer group showed that depth of tumor invasion (T2 versus T3, hazard ratio, 2.809), and age (hazard ratio, 2.319) were prognostic factors on overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, independent prognostic factors such as venous permeation, carcinoembryonic antigen level, and age, depth of tumor invasion on overall survival were different between early gastric cancer and advanced gastric cancer group in lymph node-negative gastric cancer patients. Therefore, we are confident that our results will contribute to planning follow-up strategies.

A Case of Gastric Adenocarcinoma Arising from Ectopic Pancreas showing Gastric Outlet Obstruction / 대한소화기내시경학회지

An ectopic pancreas in the gastrointestinal tract is mostly found incidentally and its malignant transformation is extremely rare. We report herein a rare case of malignant transformation of ectopic pancreas in the stomach, associated with gastric outlet obstruction. A 69-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital, complaining of vomiting. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed an encircling submucosal tumor-like lesion on the prepyloric antrum showing outlet obstruction. Abdominal CT showed an enhancing mass on the antrum and PET CT showed hypermetabolic wall thickening. So we performed a subtotal gastrectomy. Surgical specimens showed a moderately differentiated ductal adenocarcinoma, and the tumor cells were strongly positive for cytokeratin 7. The tumor was located close to the ectopic pancreas tissue. The tumor showed subserosal and omental invasion. There was one lymph node metastasis and no distant metastasis. The patient is being followed up in the outpatient department.

Evaluation of the 7th AJCC TNM Staging System in Point of Lymph Node Classification

PURPOSE: The 7th AJCC tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging system modified the classification of the lymph node metastasis widely compared to the 6th edition. To evaluate the prognostic predictability of the new TNM staging system, we analyzed the survival rate of the gastric cancer patients assessed by the 7th staging system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 2,083 patients who underwent resection for gastric cancer at the department of surgery, Hanyang Medical Center from July 1992 to December 2009, This study retrospectively reviewed 5-year survival rate (5YSR) of 624 patients (TanyN3M0: 464 patients, TanyNanyM1: 160 patients) focusing on the number of metastatic lymph node and distant metastasis. We evaluated the applicability of the new staging system. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in 5YSR between stage IIIC with more than 29 metastatic lymph nodes and stage IV (P=0.053). No significant differences were observed between stage IIIB with more than 28 metastatic lymph nodes and stage IV (P=0.093). Distinct survival differences were present between patients who were categorized as TanyN3M0 with 7 to 32 metastatic lymph nodes and stage IV. But patients with more than 33 metastatic lymph nodes did not show any significant differences compared to stage IV (P=0.055). Among patients with TanyN3M0, statistical significances were seen between patients with 7 to 30 metastatic lymph nodes and those with more than 31 metastatic lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: In the new staging system, modifications of N classification is mandatory to improve prognostic prediction. Further study involving a greater number of cases is required to demonstrate the most appropriate cutoffs for N classification.