Landmark vessel in membrane anatomy-based colorectal surgery / 中华胃肠外科杂志

The theory of membrane anatomy has been widely used in the field of colorectal surgery. The key point to perform high quality total mesorectal excision (TME) and complete mesocolic excision (CME) is to identify the correct anatomical plane. Intraoperative identification of the various fasciae and fascial spaces is the key to accessing the correct surgical plane and surgical success. The landmark vessels refer to the small vessels that originate from the original peritoneum on the surface of the abdominal viscera during embryonic development and are produced by the fusion of the fascial space. From the point of view of embryonic development, the abdominopelvic fascial structure is a continuous unit, and the landmark vessels on its surface do not change morphologically with the fusion of fasciae and have a specific pattern. Drawing on previous literature and clinical surgical observations, we believe that tiny vessels could be used to identify various fused fasciae and anatomical planes. This is a specific example of membrane anatomical surgery.

Recent progress and future prospects of treatment for peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Peritoneal metastasis is one of the most frequent patterns of metastasis in gastric cancer, and remains a major unmet clinical problem. Thus, systemic chemotherapy remains the mainstay of treatment for gastric cancer with peritoneal metastasis. In well-selected patients, the reasonable combination of cytoreductive surgery, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), and neoadjuvant intraperitoneal chemotherapy with systemic chemotherapy will bring significant survival benefits to patients with gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis. In patients with high-risk factors, prophylactic therapy may reduce the risk of peritoneal recurrence, and improves survival after radical gastrectomy. However, high-quality randomized controlled trials will be needed to determine which modality is better. The safety and efficacy of intraoperative extensive intraperitoneal lavage as a preventive measure has not been proven. The safety of HIPEC also requires further evaluation. HIPEC and neoadjuvant intraperitoneal and systemic chemotherapy have achieved good results in conversion therapy, and it is necessary to find more efficient and low-toxicity therapeutic modalities and screen out the potential benefit population. The efficacy of CRS combined with HIPEC on peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer has been preliminarily validated, and with the completion of clinical studies such as PERISCOPE II, more evidence will be available.

Advances on pathogenesis of acquired peritoneal ultrafiltration failure in peritoneal dialysis / 中华肝脏病杂志

Peritoneal ultrafiltration failure is a common reason for peritoneal dialysis (PD) withdrawal as well as mortality in PD patients. Based on the three-pore system, inter-cellular small pores and trans-cellular ultra-small pores (aquaporin-1) are mainly responsible for water transfer across the peritoneum. Both small and ultra-small pores-dependent water (free water) transport decline accompanied with time on PD, with more significant decrease in free water, resulting in peritoneal ultrafiltration failure. The reduction of free water transport is associated with fast peritoneal solute transfer, reduced crystalloid osmotic gradient due to increased interstitial glucose absorption, and declined osmotic conductance to glucose resulted from impaired aquaporin-1 function and peritoneal interstitial fibrosis. The decline of small pore-based water is mainly because of fast loss of crystalloid osmotic gradient, decrease of hydrostatic pressure mediated by peritoneal vasculopathy, as well as reduced absolute number of small pores. The current review discusses the advance on pathogenesis of acquired peritoneal ultrafiltration failure in long-term PD.

Situación actual de la laparoscopía de estadificación en pacientes con cáncer gástrico en Colombia: Cómo lo estamos haciendo? / Current situation of staging laparoscopy in patients with gastric cancer in Colombia: How are we doing it?

Introducción. La laparoscopía de estadificación permite identificar con gran precisión el compromiso locorregional avanzado y metastásico a peritoneo en los pacientes con cáncer gástrico. Las guías internacionales aún difieren en las indicaciones para incluir este procedimiento como parte del proceso de estadificación. Métodos. Se diseñó una encuesta dirigida a cirujanos residentes en Colombia, sobre el uso de la laparoscopía de estadificación en los pacientes con cáncer gástrico. Se analizaron los resultados y con base en la evidencia disponible se proponen algunas pautas en las indicaciones y técnica del procedimiento. Resultados. Respondieron la encuesta 74 cirujanos; el 43,8 % considera que el objetivo de la laparoscopía de estadificación es descartar la carcinomatosis peritoneal. El 54,1 % realiza el procedimiento en estadios tempranos, sin embargo, el 48,6 % considera realizarla solo en pacientes con sospecha de carcinomatosis por imágenes. Las áreas evaluadas con mayor frecuencia por los cirujanos (más del 85 %) son la superficie hepática, las cúpulas diafragmáticas, los recesos parietocólicos y la pelvis. Las zonas evaluadas en menor frecuencia son la válvula ileocecal (40,5 %) y el ligamento de Treitz (39 %). El 33 % de los cirujanos no toma rutinariamente citología peritoneal. Conclusión. Este trabajo muestra la tendencia de los cirujanos en el uso de la laparoscopía de estadificación en pacientes con cáncer gástrico. A pesar de encontrar resultados muy positivos en relación con las indicaciones y técnica del procedimiento, es necesario analizar la evidencia disponible para su uso según cada escenario y mejorar la sistematización del procedimiento

Introduction. In patients with gastric cancer, staging laparoscopy allows advanced locoregional and metastatic involvement to the peritoneum to be identified with high accuracy. International guidelines still differ indications to include this procedure as part of the staging process. Methods. A survey was designed for surgeons practicing in Colombia on the use of staging laparoscopy in gastric cancer patients. The results were analyzed and based on the available evidence some guidelines on the indications and technique of the procedure were proposed. Results. 74 surgeons responded to the survey and 39.7% consider that staging laparoscopy is a reliable tool to define resectability. 43.8% of surgeons consider that the objective of staging laparoscopy is to rule out peritoneal carcinomatosis and 54.1% perform the procedure in early stages; however, 48.6% consider performing it only in patients with suspected carcinomatosis by imaging. The areas evaluated by most surgeons (>85%) were the hepatic surface, diaphragmatic domes, parietocolic recesses and pelvis. The least frequently evaluated areas were the ileocecal valve (40.5%) and the ligament of Treitz (39%). Peritoneal cytology is not routinely taken by 33% of surgeons. Conclusions. This study provides insight into surgeons' trends in the use of staging laparoscopy in gastric cancer patients. Despite finding very positive results in relation to the indications and technique of the procedure for many surgeons, it is necessary to analyze the available evidence for the use of staging laparoscopy according to each scenario of gastric cancer patients, and a better systematization of the procedure is necessary

Diagnóstico, manejo y tratamiento de pacientes con peritonitis secundaria en una unidad de cirugía general / Diagnosis, management and treatment of patients with secondary peritonitis in a general surgery unit

La peritonitis es una inflamación aguda o crónica del peritoneo que generalmente tiene un origen infeccioso. Existen varios tipos, siendo la de tipo secundario la más frecuente. El término peritonitis secundaria se define como la inflamación localizada o generalizada de la membrana peritoneal causada por infección polimicrobiana posterior a la ruptura traumática o espontánea de una víscera o secundaria a la dehiscencia de anastomosis intestinales. Esta entidad se caracteriza por la presencia de pus en la cavidad peritoneal o de líquido; que, en el estudio microscópico directo, contiene leucocitos y bacterias. El tratamiento de esta patología constituye una urgencia y puede ser de tipo clínico y/o quirúrgico. El objetivo del manejo operatorio se basa en identificar y eliminar la causa de la infección, recoger muestras microbiológicas, realizar una limpieza peritoneal y prevenir la recidiva. El tratamiento clínico se ocupa de las consecuencias de la infección mediante la reanimación perioperatoria y el tratamiento antibiótico1. A pesar de los avances en diagnóstico, procedimientos quirúrgicos, terapia antimicrobiana y cuidados intensivos, la mortalidad asociada con la peritonitis secundaria grave es aún muy alta. El pronóstico y el manejo oportuno representan la clave para mejorar la sobrevida y reducir la mortalidad asociada a infecciones intraabdominales extensas2. Es importante establecer lineamientos en cuanto al diagnóstico, manejo antibiótico y pautas de tratamiento quirúrgico para disminuir la morbilidad y mortalidad asociada a esta enfermedad. Palabras clave: Peritonitis; Peritoneo; Cavidad Abdominal/cirugía; Cavidad Peritoneal; Líquido Ascítico/patología; Procedimientos Quirúrgicos Operativos.

Peritonitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the peritoneum that generally has an infectious origin. There are several types, with secondary peritonitis being the most frequent. The term secondary peritonitis is defined as localized or generalized inflammation of the peritoneal membrane caused by polymicrobial infection following traumatic or spontaneous rupture of a viscus or secondary to dehiscence of intestinal anastomoses. This entity is characterized by the presence of pus in the peritoneal cavity or fluid which, on direct microscopic examination, contains leukocytes and bacteria. The treatment of this pathology constitutes an emergency and can be clinical and/or surgical. The aim of operative management is based on identifying and eliminating the cause of the infection, collecting microbiological samples, performing peritoneal cleansing and preventing recurrence. Clinical management deals with the consequences of the infection by perioperative resuscitation and antibiotic treatment1 . Despite advances in diagnosis, surgical procedures, antimicrobial therapy and intensive care, mortality associated with severe secondary peritonitis is still very high. Prognosis and timely management represent the key to improving survival and reducing mortality associated with extensive intra-abdominal infections2. It is important to establish guidelines for diagnosis, antibiotic management and surgical treatment guidelines to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease.

Hallazgos incidentales en cirugía abdominal: masas y sarcomas retroperitoneales / Incidental findings in abdominal surgery: Retroperitoneal masses and sarcomas

Introducción. El retroperitoneo es una estructura que se extiende desde el diafragma hasta la pelvis, está delimitado adelante por el peritoneo parietal, atrás y a los lados por la fascia transversalis y se divide en 9 compartimientos. Se pueden encontrar lesiones primarias o secundarias, cuya evolución clínica varía desde un curso indolente hasta rápidamente progresivo, tanto local como a distancia. Su enfoque, desde el hallazgo hasta el tratamiento, es fundamental para el desenlace oncológico. Objetivo. Analizar la evaluación, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de las masas retroperitoneales halladas incidentalmente y brindar un algoritmo de manejo. Métodos. Se hizo búsqueda en bases de datos como PubMed y MedicalKey de literatura referentes a tumores retroperitoneales, su diagnóstico y enfoque terapéutico, con el fin de presentar una revisión sobre el abordaje de las masas retroperitoneales y dar nuestras opiniones. Resultados. Se revisaron 43 referencias bibliográficas internacionales y nacionales, y se seleccionaron 20 de ellas, de donde se obtuvieron datos actualizados, recomendaciones de guías internacionales y experiencias nacionales, con lo cual se estructuró este manuscrito. Conclusiones. Las masas retroperitoneales abarcan un espectro de patologías que establecen un reto diagnóstico por su origen embriológico, localización y baja frecuencia. El diagnostico histológico es de vital importancia desde el inicio, para conocer la evolución natural de la enfermedad, y el manejo multidisciplinario en centros de referencia es fundamental para impactar en los desenlaces oncológicos. Existen variadas modalidades terapéuticas, como quimioterapia, radioterapia y resección quirúrgica con estándares oncológicos

Introduction. The retroperitoneum is an structure that extends from the diaphragm to the pelvis, bounded anteriorly by the parietal peritoneum, posteriorly and laterally by the transversalis fascia, and it is divided into 9 compartments. We can find primary or secondary lesions whose clinical evolution varies from an indolent course to a rapidly progressive one, both local and distant. Its approach from discovery to diagnosis and treatment is essential for the oncological outcomes. Objective. To analyze the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of incidental retroperitoneal masses according to their origin and to provide a management algorithm. Methods. An updated literature search was carried out in databases such as PubMed and Medical Key on retroperitoneal tumors, therapeutic approach and diagnosis, obtaining national and international information to carry out a review article on the approach to retroperitoneal masses.Results. Forty-three international and national bibliographic references were reviewed, based on 20 updated data, recommendations from international guidelines and national experiences were obtained, with which a review and opinion manuscript was structured.Conclusions. Retroperitoneal masses cover a spectrum of pathologies that establish a diagnostic challenge due to their embryological origin, location and low frequency. Histological diagnosis is of vital importance from the beginning to know the natural evolution of the disease and multidisciplinary management in reference centers is essential to impact oncological outcomes. There are many therapeutic modalities from chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical resection with oncological standards

Disseminated Abdominal Echinococcosis: Case Report / Equinococosis abdominal diseminada: reporte de caso

Abstract We describe a case of disseminated abdominal hydatid disease in a 21-year-old man who presented with clinical symptoms of persistent abdominal pain after abscess drainage post-appendectomy. The images showed multiple cystic lesions in the peritoneum, liver, and spleen. Due to pain exacerbation, the patient was taken to laparotomy. Multiple cystic lesions scattered throughout the abdominal cavity were observed, which were diagnosed by histopathology as multiple cystic lesions due to peritoneal and abdominal echinococcosis.

Resumen Se realiza la descripción de un caso de hidatidosis abdominal diseminada de un hombre de 21 años, quien consultó por cuadro clínico de dolor abdominal persistente después de un drenaje de absceso luego de una apendicetomía. Las imágenes mostraron múltiples lesiones quísticas en peritoneo, hígado y bazo. Por exacerbación del dolor, el paciente se lleva a laparotomía, donde se evidenciaron múltiples lesiones quísticas diseminadas en toda la cavidad abdominal, que se diagnosticaron a la histopatología como lesiones quísticas múltiples por equinococosis peritoneal y abdominal.

Incisional hernia repair in rats: description of the sublay technique under videomagnification system

Purpose: To describe the technique of sublay correction of incisional hernia in Wistar rats under videomagnification system. Methods: Five male rats of the species Rattus norvegicus, of the Wistar lineage, with body weight between 250­350 g and 60 days old were used. Incisional hernia was inducted in all animals. After that, the incisional hernia was immediately corrected by the sublay method. Results: There were no cases of recurrence of the incisional hernia after placement of the polypropylene mesh using the sublay technique. No postoperative complications were observed. Conclusions: The technique is suitable for execution in Wistar rats.

Cognition and reflection on the "lateral ligament of rectum" / 中华胃肠外科杂志

As total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer is widely carried out in China, lateral ligament of rectum, as an important anatomical structure of the lateral rectum with certain anatomical value and clinical significance, has been the focus of attention. In this paper, by comparing and analyzing the characteristics about ligaments of the abdomen and pelvis, reviewing the membrane anatomy and the theory of primitive gut rotation, and combining clinical observations and histological studies, the author came to a conclusion that lateral ligament of rectum does not exist, but is only a relatively dense space on the rectal side accompanied by numerous tiny nerve plexuses and small blood vessels penetrating through it.

Application and prospect of cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the treatment of peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

Colorectal cancer is one of the common malignant tumors in China, and its incidence is increasing with years. As the second most common metastatic site of colorectal cancer, peritoneum is difficult to diagnose early and with a poor prognosis. Systemic intravenous chemotherapy was used as the main treatment strategy for peritoneal metastasis in the past, but its systemic toxic and side effects were obvious, and it could not effectively control tumor progression. In recent years, the continuous development of surgical techniques, concepts, and equipment, as well as the introduction of new chemotherapy drugs and targeted drugs have significantly improved the quality of life and prognosis of patients with peritoneal metastasis of colorectal cancer. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) can effectively eradicated the intraperitoneal free cancer cells and subclinical lesions, while reducing systemic side effects of chemotherapy drugs, and achieve the radical cure of the tumor at the macro and micro levels to the greatest extent. It has been used as the first-line treatment program for peritoneal metastasis of colorectal cancer at home and abroad. This article focuses on the analysis and summary of the survival efficacy, prognostic factor analysis, and chemotherapy safety of CRS+ HIPEC in the treatment of colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis. The existing problems and controversies of HIPEC therapy are discussed simultaneously.

CA-125 and CCL2 may indicate inflammation in peritoneal dialysis patients / CA-125 e CCL2 podem indicar inflamação em pacientes em diálise peritoneal

Abstract Introduction: Progressive structural changes in the peritoneal membrane occur over the course of treatment in peritoneal dialysis (PD), resulting in an increase in cytokines such as CCL2 and structural changes in peritoneal membrane triggering an increase in CA-125 in dialysate, which reflects a probable local inflammatory process, with possible loss of mesothelial cells. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the association between plasma and CCL2 and CA-125 dialysate levels in patients undergoing PD. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted with 41 patients undergoing PD. The assessments of CA-125 and CCL2 levels were performed using a capture ELISA. Correlations were estimated using Spearman's correlation and the investigation of the association between the explanatory variables (CCL2) and response variable (CA-125) was done for crude ratio of arithmetic means and adjusted utilizing generalized linear models. Results: A moderate positive correlation was observed between the levels of CA-125 and CCL2 in the dialysate (rho = 0.696). A statistically significant association was found between the levels in the CCL2 and CA-125 dialysate (RoM=1.31; CI = 1.20-1.43), which remained after adjustment for age (RoM = 1.31; CI=1.19-1.44) and for time in months of PD (RoM=1.34, CI=1.22-1.48). Conclusion: The association of CA-125 levels with CCL2 in the dialysate may indicate that the local inflammatory process leads to temporary or definitive changes in peritoneal membrane. A better understanding of this pathogenesis could contribute to the discovery of new inflammatory biomarkers.

Resumo Introdução: Alterações estruturais progressivas na membrana peritoneal ocorrem no decorrer do tratamento em diálise peritoneal (DP), resultando em um aumento de citocinas como CCL2 e alterações estruturais na membrana peritoneal desencadeando um aumento de CA-125 no dialisato, o que reflete um provável processo inflamatório local, com possível perda de células mesoteliais. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a associação entre CCL2 e CA-125 no plasma e no dialisato de pacientes submetidos à DP. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal com 41 pacientes submetidos à DP. As avaliações dos níveis de CA-125 e CCL2 foram realizadas utilizando ELISA de captura. As correlações foram estimadas usando a correlação de Spearman, e a investigação da associação entre as variáveis explicativas (CCL2) e a variável resposta (CA-125) foi feita pela razão bruta das médias aritméticas e ajustada utilizando modelos lineares generalizados. Resultados: Foi observada uma correlação positiva moderada entre os níveis de CA-125 e CCL2 no dialisato (rho = 0,696). Foi encontrada uma associação estatisticamente significativa entre os níveis no dialisato de CCL2 e CA-125 (RoM=1,31; IC = 1,20-1,43), que permaneceu após ajuste por idade (RoM = 1,31; IC=1,19-1,44) e pelo tempo de DP em meses (RoM=1,34, IC=1,22-1,48). Conclusão: A associação dos níveis de CA-125 com CCL2 no dialisato pode indicar que o processo inflamatório local leva a alterações temporárias ou definitivas na membrana peritoneal. Uma melhor compreensão desta patogênese pode contribuir para a descoberta de novos biomarcadores inflamatórios.

Guía de Práctica Clínica de enfermedad herniaria inguinal de la niñez / Clinical Practice Guidelines children´s inguinal hernia disease

La enfermedad herniaria inguinal de la niñez, comprende un grupo de afecciones de la región inguinal que tienen su génesis en fallos de la obliteración del conducto peritoneo vaginal o conducto vaginal. El propósito de los autores es compartir esta guía con los cirujanos pediátricos a través de su publicación, lo que les permitiría emplearla como referencia en sus instituciones. La enfermedad herniaria inguinal de la niñez, constituye la primera causa de operaciones electivas ‒programadas o planificadas‒ en unidades quirúrgicas pediátricas. Tiene una incidencia que varía entre 1 y 7 por ciento de la población infantil. En el IV Simposio Nacional de Cirugía Pediátrica (Varadero, Matanzas, 1- 3 de juliode 2019) se presentó, discutió y se aprobó esta guía de práctica clínica. Su aplicación en diferentes servicios de cirugía pediátrica beneficiaría a un gran número de niños con esta enfermedad, además de ser útil como orientación a profesionales encargados de la atención sanitaria a niños y adolescentes en la atención primaria de salud(AU)

Children´s inguinal hernia disease comprises a group of conditions in the groin region that have their genesis in failures of peritoneal vaginal duct obliteration or vaginal duct. The purpose of the authors is to share these guidelines with pediatric surgeons through its publication, which would allow them to use it as a reference in their institutions. Children´s inguinal hernia disease is the leading cause of elective operations, programmed or planned, in pediatric surgical units. It has an incidence ranging from 1 to 7 percent of the children population. At the IV National Symposium on Pediatric Surgery (Varadero, Matanzas, 1-3 July 2019) these clinical practice guidelines were presented, discussed and approved. Their application in different pediatric surgery services would benefit a large number of children with this disease, as well as being useful as guidance to professionals in charge of health care for children and adolescents in the primary health care level(AU)

Tuberculosis peritoneal, un diagnóstico diferencial para ascitis en cirrosis / Peritoneal tuberculosis, a differential diagnosis for ascites in cirrhosis

Resumen Se presenta el caso de un paciente con antecedente de consumo crónico de alcohol, que consultó por dolor abdominal inespecífico, fiebre intermitente no cuantificada y pérdida de peso, con posterior aumento del perímetro abdominal. Se encontró ascitis y hallazgos en imágenes que sugerían cirrosis. El estudio del líquido ascítico fue no hipertensivo con predominio de linfocitos y niveles de adenosina-desaminasa (ADA) elevados. La ecografía y tomografía de abdomen mostraron el engrosamiento del peritoneo y la biopsia peritoneal por laparoscopia fue compatible con enfermedad granulomatosa, con reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) positiva para Mycobacterium tuberculosis en un paciente sin otras causas de inmunosupresión. Este caso muestra la necesidad de mantener una alta sospecha clínica de TB en patologías abdominales con clínica inespecífica, aun en pacientes sin inmunocompromiso claro.

Abstract This is the case of a patient with a history of chronic alcohol consumption, who consulted for nonspecific abdominal pain, intermittent fever, and weight loss, with subsequent increase in the abdominal perimeter. Ascites and imaging findings suggestive of cirrhosis were found. The study of ascitic fluid was non-hypertensive with a predominance of lymphocytes and elevated adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels. Ultrasound and abdominal tomography showed peritoneal thickening. Laparoscopic peritoneal biopsy was compatible with granulomatous disease, with positive PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a patient with no other causes of immunosuppression. This report shows the importance of keeping a high index of suspicion for TB in patients with abdominal pathology, even in those without evident inmunocompromise.

Training model in abdominal wall endoscopic surgery for ventral hernias. Extended totally extra-peritoneal approach (e-tep)

ABSTRACT Purpose: To develop a reproducible training program model covering the steps of the extended totally extraperitoneal approach (e-tep) technique for correction of ventral or incisional hernia repair. Methods: Training sessions with surgeons in the laboratory using both porcine specimens and a new ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) model simulating the operative steps of the e-tep technique. Students were interviewed and asked to answer a questionnaire pre and post the sessions to assess their performance and evaluated the course and model. Results: A total of 25 trained abdominal wall surgeons was evaluated at the end of the course. It was obtained a 100% satisfaction score of the training, as well as increased confidence levels up to 9 and 10 in all technical aspects of the surgery, having 96% of the surgeons performed a surgery under supervision of the proctors after the course. Conclusions: This training model is simple, effective, low cost, and replicable in guidance on the beginning of e-tep technique adoption, and performance. As a result, surgeons can get more confident and more able to perform surgeries employing this technique.

Effect of peritoneum reconstruction on postoperative complications after laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To determine the effect of peritoneum reconstruction on postoperative complications after laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer. Methods: Retrospective cohort study and propensity score matching were conducted. Case inclusion criteria: (1) pathologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma; (2) 18 to 80 years; (3) patients with middle to low rectal cancer undergoing laparoscopic LAR; (4) patients staging cT1-4aN0-2M0 or ycT1-4aN0-2M0 after neoadjuvant therapy; (5) the distance of 4-10 cm from tumor low margin to anal verge. Exclusion criteria: (1) abdominal surgery history (except appendicitis, cholecystitis, ectopic pregnancy); (2) anastomosis above the peritoneal reflection; (3) tumor distant metastasis or clinical staging of T4b during surgery; (4) conversion to open surgery; (5) severe incapacitating disease (American Society of Anesthesiologists classification IV or V, ASA). A total of 666 patients with middle to low rectal cancer undergoing laparoscopic LAR in The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from January 2017 to June 2020 were enrolled. There were 473 males and 193 females with the median age of 59 (18-80) years. Laparoscopic LAR with peritoneum reconstruction was performed in 188 cases (PR group), and laparoscopic LAR without peritoneum reconstruction was performed in 478 cases (NPR group). After 1:1 propensity score matching according to 1:1 based on age, gender, body mass index, TNM staging, ASA classification, intraoperative blood loss, distance from tumor low margin to anal edge, 153 cases were included in each group. Postoperative complications were classified according to Clavien-Dindo classification. Anastomotic leakage was defined and graded according to the International Study Group of Rectal Cancer (ISGRC) criteria. Results: After propensity score matching, there were no significant differences in baseline demographic characteristics between the 2 groups (all P>0.05), indicating that these two groups were comparable. (1) Operative conditions: All the patients in both groups completed operation successfully. Compared with the NPR group, the PR group had longer operation time [(181.3±60.3) minutes vs. (168.9±51.5) minutes, t=2.185, P=0.029], shorter postoperative median hospital stay [8 (7, 10) days vs. 9 (7, 11) days, Z=-2.282, P=0.022], and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). (2) Postoperative complications: The overall morbidity of postoperative complication in PR group and NPR group was 20.3% (31/153) and 24.2% (37/153) respectively, and the incidence of anastomotic leakage was 9.8% (15/153) and 11.1%(17/153) respectively, whose differences were not statistically significant (both P>0.05). Compared with NPR group, PR group had lower morbidity of grade III to IV complications [3.9% (6/153) vs. 11.1% (17/153), χ(2)=5.688, P=0.017] and lower secondary operation rate [1.3% (2/153) vs. 5.9% (9/153), χ(2)=4.621, P=0.032], the differences were statistically significant (both P<0.05). Though PR group had lower incidence of grade C anastomoic leakage [1.3% (2/153) vs. 3.9% (6/153), χ(2)=2.054, P=0.152], but the differences were not statistically significant. (3) Postoperative inflammation: The difference of the procalcitonin level of both PR and NPR groups at postoperative 1-d, 3-d, and 5-d was statistically significant (F=5.222, P=0.010) in time-dependent manner, while the difference was not significant in the interaction effect (P>0.05). No statistically significant differences in the C-reactive protein level between two groups at postoperative 1-d, 3-d, and 5-d were found (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Peritoneum reconstruction in laparoscopic LAR can decrease the morbidity of postoperative complication of grade III to IV and the reoperation rate, and plays an important role in controlling the inflammatory reaction, which has great clinical value.

Strategies of chemotherapy for peritoneal metastasis of gastrointestinal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Peritoneal metastasis of gastrointestinal cancer is an independent factor that seriously affects the prognosis of patients. The "seed-soil" theory is considered to be the main theory to explain peritoneal metastasis. Because of the small size of peritoneal metastatic nodules at the initial stage, early diagnosis is particularly difficult, therefore, the risk assessment of peritoneal metastasis is very important. Recently, the diagnosis methods have gradually developed from clinicopathological factors to cytology and molecular level. In addition, the integrated assessment of multiple groups including radiomics further enriches the accurate diagnosis of peritoneal metastasis. Peritoneal metastasis is a big challenge in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer which may also lead to refractory malignant ascites, intestinal obstruction, cachexia and other related complications. At present, the treatment is based on systemic chemotherapy. The combination of surgery, intraperitoneal chemotherapy and HIPEC is an effective treatment for peritoneal metastasis of gastrointestinal cancer. How to enrich peritoneal metastasis patients with potential benefits, how to determine the timing of conversion surgery, how to further optimize the existing treatment plan, especially how to formulate treatment plan for patients after conversion surgery, call for improved study design and prospective randomized controlled trials. The goal of continuous efforts is to effectively prolong the survival of gastrointestinal cancer trials patients with peritoneal metastasis.

Strategies and challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Peritoneum is a common metastatic site of colorectal cancer and has worse prognosis compared with other metastatic sites. Peritoneal metastasis was previously considered as a terminal state of the disease, and palliative treatment with systemic chemotherapy was the main treatment method. With the gradual acceptance of the cytoreductive surgery (CRS) + hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) treatment model by surgeons and the application of targeted and immunotherapeutic drugs, the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis has been greatly improved. However, the diagnosis and treatment of peritoneal metastasis still face many challenges and controversies. Based on the evolution of the understanding of colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis, the possible mechanisms of peritoneal metastasis are discussed, including the theory of "oligometastases" and the theory of "seed and soil". Besides, we further investigate the diagnosis and treatment strategies of colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis and the facing challenges, including the limitations of imaging examination, the controversy of laparoscopic exploration, the difficulty in assessing peritoneal metastatic load, the limited means of postoperative recurrence monitoring and efficacy evaluation, and the significant variation in the diagnosis and treatment level among different regions of China. Meanwhile, we emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary perioperative management of CRS+HIPEC, and propose that the basic and clinical transformation research of peritoneal metastasis should be strengthened, and the promotion of standardized diagnosis and treatment of peritoneal metastasis is the key to improve the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis.

Current status of diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Peritoneal metastasis is the most common distant metastasis of gastric cancer. As an end-stage event of gastric cancer, patients with peritoneal metastasis often have lost the chance of radical resection, and even after palliative surgical resection, the long-term outcomes are still not satisfactory. In recent years, with the application and promotion of laparoscopic technology, neoadjuvant intraperitoneal and systemic chemotherapy, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and cytoreductive surgery, through perioperative comprehensive treatment strategies by multidisciplinary team, the quality of life and survival of patients with peritoneal metastasis have been significantly improved. Some patients with gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis diagnosed by laparoscopy even get the opportunity to have radical cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy after neoadjuvant intraperitoneal and systemic chemotherapy. Taking into account the progress in the treatment of gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis in recent years, this article intends to combine current clinical evidence and to discuss the key issues in the course of clinical diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer peritoneal implantation and metastasis, including the imaging diagnosis of peritoneal metastasis, laparoscopic examination, evaluation of peritoneal metastasis and comprehensive treatment plan.

Fundamental pathological mechanisms underlying gastro-intestinal cancer peritoneal metastasis / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Gastrointestinal cancer peritoneal metastasis(GICPM) is one of the biggest challenges of clinical treatment. The ultimate solution to the problem requires the clinicians to accurately understand cytologic and molecular pathological mechanisms behind GICPM, and apply such knowledge in the clinical decision-making process for diagnosis and treatment of individual patient, so as to realize "prevention" and "treatment" proactively. The core cytopathological mechanisms behind GICPM, which are closely related to clinical treatment decisions, are as follows: (1) free cancer cells or clusters in peritoneal cavity colonize the peritoneum, resulting in irreversible pathological damage to peritoneal mesothelial cells; (2) the colonized cancer cells further invade the specific structure of the peritoneal milky spots and initiate an accelerated invasive growth process; (3) the process of peritoneal interstitial fibrosis aggravates the structural destruction of the peritoneum; (4) the interaction between cancer cells and immune cells in the milk spots forms a permissive immune microenvironment that promotes the growth of peritoneal metastatic cancer. These four core cytopathological mechanisms are mutually causal and promote each other, forming a vicious circle of GICPM development. As long as clinicians accurately understand these four points, it is possible to grasp the opportunity of clinical diagnosis and treatment, change reactive and passive treatment into preventive and proactive treatment, and improve the clinical diagnosis and treatment landscape of GICPM.

Anatomical observation of the left parietal peritoneum and its clinical significance in left retro-mesocolic space dissection / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the anatomic characteristics of the left parietal peritoneum and its surgical implementation while dissecting in left retro-mesocolic space. Methods: A descriptive case series research methods was used. (1) surgical videos of 35 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical resection (complete mobilization of splenic flexure) of colorectal cancer in Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University between January 2018 and December 2018 were reviewed; (2) four specimens after radical resection of rectal cancer performing in June 2020 were prospectively enrolled and reviewed; (3) five specimens of left parietal peritoneum from 5 cadaveric abdomen (3 males and 2 females) were enrolled and reviewed as well; Tissues of 3 unseparated regions, namely the root of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), the medial region and the lateral region (including kidney tissue), from above the 5 cadaveric abdominal specimens were selected to perform Masson staining and histopathological examination. Results: (1) Surgical video observation: "Staggered layer phenomenon" and typical left parietal peritoneum was found in 77.1% (27/35) of patients when the left retro-mesocolic space was separated from the lateral and central approaches. The left parietal peritoneum presented as a rigid fascia barrier between the lateral and central approaches, which was a translucent dense connective tissue fascia. After the splenic flexure were completely mobilized, the left parietal peritoneum stump continued to the cephalic side. (2) Observation of 4 surgical specimens: The dorsal side of the left mesocolon specimen was studied, and the left parietal peritoneum stump edge was identified. The outside of the stump edge was the left hemicolon dorsal layer, which was continuously downward to the rectal fascia propria. (3) Cadaveric abdominal specimens: The left retro-mesocolic space was separated through lateral and central approaches, and the rigid fascia barrier, essentially the left parietal peritoneum and Gerota fascia, was encountered. Cross-section view showed that the left parietal peritoneum could be further detached from the dorsal layer of the left mesocolon from the outside, but could not be further detached from the inside out. (4) Histological examination: There was no obvious fascia structure in the IMA root region, while outside the IMA root region, the left bundle of inferior mesenteric plexus penetrating Gerota fascia was observed. There were 4 layers of fascias in the medial region, including the ventral layer of the left mesocolon, the dorsal layer of the left mesocolon, left parietal peritoneum and Gerota fascia. Small vessels were observed between the dorsal layer of the left mesocolon and the left parietal peritoneum. In lateral region, renal tissue and renal fascia were observed. Three layers of fascia structures were observed clearly under high power field, including the dorsal layer of the left mesocolon, left parietal peritoneum, and Gerota fascia. Conclusions: The left parietal peritoneum is the anatomical basis of the "staggered layer phenomenon" from the lateral or central approaches during the separation of left retro-mesocolic space. The small vessels in the dissection plane are the anatomical basis of intraoperative microbleeding, which need pre-coagulation. The central part of Gerota fascia is penetrated by the branches of the inferior mesenteric plexus, which results in a relatively dense surgical plane. Thus, during the dissection through the central approach, it is easy to involve in wrong surgical plane by deeper dissection.