Oncological outcome after hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion for primarily unresectable versus locally recurrent soft tissue sarcoma of extremities.

INTRODUCTION: The management of locally advanced extremity soft tissue sarcomas, particularly in terms of a limb salvage strategy, represents a challenge, especially in recurrent tumors. In the context of a patient-tailored multimodal therapy, hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion (ILP) is a promising limb-saving treatment option. We report the outcome of patients with primarily irresectable and locally recurrent soft tissue sarcoma (STS) treated by ILP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data about patient demographics, clinical und histopathological characteristics, tumor response, morbidity and oncological outcome of all patients with STS, who underwent an ILP at our institution in a 10-year period, were retrospectively detected and analyzed. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 30 patients. Two patients were treated with ILP for palliative tumor control, 13 patients because of a local recurrent soft tissue sarcoma (rSTS) and 15 patients because of primarily unresectable soft tissue sarcoma (puSTS). 25 of the 28 patients with curative intention received surgery after ILP (11 pts with rSTS and 14 pts with puSTS). Histopathologically we observed complete response in 6 patients (24%) and partial responses in 19 patients (76%) with a significant better remission in patients with puSTS (p = 0,043). Limb salvage rate was 75%. Mean follow-up was 69 months [range 13-142 months]. Seven (7/11; 64%) patients with rSTS and one (1/14; 7%) patient with puSTS developed local recurrence after ILP and surgery, whereas eight (8/13; 62%) rSTS patients and seven (7/15; 47%) puSTS patients developed distant metastasis. During follow-up, eight patients (28.5%) died of disease (5/13; 38%) rSTS and 3/15 (20%) puSTS. ILP in the group of previously irradiated sarcoma patients (n = 13) resulted in a limb salvage rate of 69% and was not associated in an increased risk for adverse events. DISCUSSION: ILP for advanced extremity STS is a treatment option for both puSTS and rSTS resulting in good local control and should be considered in multimodal management. ILP is also a good option for patients after radiation history.

Distant metastases in colorectal carcinoma: A proposal for a new M1 subclassification.

INTRODUCTION: In 2010, the seventh Tumour-Node-Metastasis (TNM) cancer staging system of the International Union for Cancer Control (UICC) and the American Joint Committee of Cancer (AJCC) introduced a subdivision of M1 in the TNM classification of colorectal carcinomas. For the eighth TNM edition which will be released in the autumn of 2016 and will become effective in January 2017 new proposals are appreciated. The aim of our study was to define a new and better proposal for M1 subclassification. METHODS: In a total of 814 patients with stage IV colorectal carcinoma treated between 1995 and 2013 prognostic factors were analysed in univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Advanced age, treatment in the earlier period 1995-2003, involvement of multiple metastatic sites, and non-curative resection were found to be independent prognostic factors. In patients with only one metastatic site, survival was good in patients with liver or lung metastasis, moderate in patients with metastasis of the peritoneum or non-regional lymph nodes and poor in patients with other rarely metastatic involved organs. The new proposal defines M1a, Metastasis confined to one organ: liver or lung (2-year survival 51.6%); M1b, Metastasis confined to one organ: peritoneum or non-regional lymph nodes, or Metastasis confined to liver plus lung (2-year survival 39.4%); and M1c, Metastasis confined to one organ: all other sites, or Metastasis in more than one organ, except liver plus lung (2-year survival 21.6%). CONCLUSION: The new proposal can identify three prognostic groups in stage IV colorectal carcinomas with significant differences in survival.

Prognosis of patients with colonic carcinoma before, during and after implementation of complete mesocolic excision.

BACKGROUND: The implementation of complete mesocolic excision (CME) for colonic cancer was accompanied by other important changes, including more patients with early diagnosis by screening and the introduction of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage III disease. The contribution of CME remains unclear. METHODS: In this observational study, data from patients with stage I-III colonic carcinoma were analysed by comparing five time intervals: 1978-1984 (pre-CME), 1985-1994 (CME development), 1995-2002 (CME implementation), 2003-2009 (CME) and 2010-2014 (CME), with a special focus on indicators of process and outcome quality. RESULTS: During the observed periods, the median age of patients increased (from 65 to 67 years), there were more right-sided carcinomas (from 17·0 to 32·4 per cent), more stage I disease (from 14·0 to 27·7 per cent) and fewer patients with regional lymph node metastases (from 42·7 to 32·0 per cent). The proportion of patients with pN0 disease and at least 12 examined regional lymph nodes increased (from 84·8 to 100 per cent) as did the R0 resection rate (from 97·0 to 100 per cent). Overall morbidity increased, whereas the in-hospital mortality rate was stable (range 1·8-3·7 per cent). Use of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III colonic carcinoma increased from 0 to 79 per cent. The improvement in outcome quality was more evident in stage III than in stage I-II tumours. In stage III, the 5-year locoregional recurrence rate decreased from 14·8 to 4·1 per cent (P = 0·046) and the 5-year cancer-related survival rate increased from 61·7 to 80·9 per cent (P = 0·010). CONCLUSION: With CME, the quality indicators of process and outcome quality improved, especially in stage III colonic carcinoma. Adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III and multidisciplinary approaches in patients with metachronous distant metastases contributed to further outcome improvement.

[Avoidance of complications in oncological surgery of the pelvic region : combined oncosurgical and plastic reconstruction measures]. / Komplikationsvermeidung in der onkologischen Chirurgie der Becken-/Leistenregion : Kombiniert onkochirurgische und plastisch-rekonstruktive Maßnahmen.

Prevention of perioperative and postoperative complications resulting from surgical oncology in the pelvic region remains a major interdisciplinary challenge. With modern interdisciplinary concepts joining forces of various surgical specialties, tumor resection can be sufficiently carried out with wide margins and the patients benefit from reduced morbidity even in complex situations. As an example chronic fistulation and secretion from the presacral cavity and sinus may result as potential sequelae from intra-abdominal and intrapelvic tumor resection, especially when neoadjuvant multimodal therapies have been applied. This can be prevented by simultaneous transplantation of for example transpelvic vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap transfer, while extensive perineal skin and soft tissue defects may also be simultaneously reconstructed. In cases of malignant soft tissue tumors in the pelvic region a staged surgical procedure can be performed with a period of time between tumor resection and reconstruction. Thus, a histological R0 status can be secured prior to plastic reconstruction surgery in order to increase oncological safety. In cases of postresectional exposition of e. g. pelvic or femoral vessels or intrapelvic and intra-abdominal organs simultaneous flap procedure is mandatory.The reconstructive armamentarium of the plastic surgeon should contain not only pedicled but also free microsurgical flaps so that no compromise in terms of the extent of the oncological resection has to be accepted. At the same time perioperative and postoperative complications may be avoided and the patient quality of life can be preserved even in more complex cases.

A hundred patients with vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap for pelvic reconstruction after total pelvic exenteration.

PURPOSE: We analysed the outcomes of a series of 100 consecutive patients with anorectal cancer with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and abdominoperineal exstirpation or total pelvic exenteration, who received a transpelvic vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap for pelvic, vaginal and/or perineal reconstruction and compare a cohort to patients without VRAM flaps. METHODS: Within a 10-year period (2003-2013) in our institution 924 patients with rectal cancer stage y0 to y IV were surgically treated. Data of those 100 consecutive patients who received a transpelvic VRAM flap were collected and compared to patients without flaps. RESULTS: In 100 consecutive patients with transpelvic VRAM flaps, major donor site complications occurred in 6 %, VRAM-specific perineal wound complications were observed in 11 % of the patients and overall 30-day mortality was 2 %. CONCLUSIONS: The VRAM flap is a reliable and safe method for pelvic reconstruction in patients with advanced disease requiring pelvic exenteration and irradiation, with a relatively low rate of donor and recipient site complications. In this first study, to compare a large number of patients with VRAM flap reconstruction to patients without pelvic VRAM flap reconstruction, a clear advantage of simultaneous pelvic reconstruction is demonstrated.

Prognostic subdivision of ypT3 rectal tumours according to extension beyond the muscularis propria.

BACKGROUND: The subdivision of T3 in rectal carcinoma according to the depth of invasion into perirectal fat has been recommended in the TNM Supplement since 1993. This study assessed the prognostic impact of this pathological staging in tumours removed after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (ypT3). METHODS: Data from patients with ypT3 rectal carcinoma (less than 12 cm from the anal verge) treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation and total mesorectal excision were analysed. Tumour category ypT3 was subdivided into ypT3a (5 mm or less) and ypT3b (more than 5 mm), based on histological measurements of maximal tumour invasion beyond the outer border of the muscularis propria. RESULTS: Important differences between ypT3a (81 patients) and ypT3b (43) were found in 5-year rates of locoregional recurrence (7 versus 18 per cent; P = 0·049), distant metastasis (20 versus 41 per cent; P = 0·002), disease-free survival (73 versus 47 per cent; P = 0·001), overall survival (79 versus 74 per cent; P = 0·036) and cancer-related survival (81 versus 74 per cent; P = 0·007). In Cox regression analyses, the ypT3 subclassification was identified as an independent prognostic factor for disease-free (ypT3b: hazard ratio (HR) 2·13, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·16 to 3·89; P = 0·014), observed (ypT3b: HR 2·02, 1·05 to 3·87; P = 0·035) and cancer-related (ypT3b: HR 2·46, 1·20 to 5·04; P = 0·014) survival. Extramural venous invasion was found to be an additional prognostic factor, but the pathological node category after chemoradiotherapy (ypN) did not influence survival. CONCLUSION: In ypT3 rectal carcinomas, the proposed subclassification is superior to ypN in predicting prognosis.

[Principles and technique of lymph node dissection in colorectal carcinoma]. / Prinzip und Technik der Lymphknotendissektion beim kolorektalen Karzinom.

Colorectal carcinoma is a common malignant tumor which shows a standard behavior for lymphogenic metastasis. Depending on the localization of the primary tumor the corresponding lymphatic area also has to be removed because lymph node metastases can already be present by every tumor even if there is no obvious intraoperative evidence. Lymphatic drainage is essentially oriented to the supplying arteries of the corresponding intestinal segment. The anatomy of arterial supply is individually variable and often deviates from the usual textbook presentation. In this review the oncological requirements of an adequate lymph node dissection in colorectal carcinoma are described with emphasis on the technical aspects to obtain an optimal specimen.

[Palliative treatment of metastases in malignant melanoma]. / Palliative Metastasenchirurgie beim malignen Melanom.

Due to the broad variation of clinical presentation in metastasised malignant melanoma, a careful staging and individual treatment of these patients is required. Especially, the occurrence of locoregional or / and distant metastasis presents an important problem. Not only treatment with a curative intent but also sophisticated surgical procedures with a palliative intent are necessary in patients with tumour complications. These procedures do not improve the oncological prognosis. However, they may rescue patients from life-threatening situations. Therefore, palliative surgery of metastases plays an important role and requires assessment by an experienced oncological team.

Expression of chemoresistance-related genes and heat shock protein 72 in hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion of malignant melanoma: an experimental study.

Hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion (HILP) is considered an established treatment for multiple locoregional intransit metastases in malignant melanoma of the extremities. Various mechanisms such as the expression of chemoresistance genes and heat shock proteins by the tumor may be responsible for varying response rates and locoregional recurrences of the treatment. The aim of the experimental animal study was to investigate the direct impact of HILP on such mechanisms of resistance. Tissue temperature, administration of the cytostatic drug, and duration of perfusion were varied. Expression of the chemoresistance genes mdr1, mrp1, mrp2, and lrp and of heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) in the tumor tissue was analysed using RT-PCR and western blot analysis. The untreated SK-MEL-3 tumor expressed mdr1, mrp1, and lrp, but not mrp2. Neither variation of temperature, administration of the cytostatic drug, nor duration of perfusion changed the expression of this "resistance pattern". In contrast to the cytostatic drug, hyperthermia causes a persistent induction of HSP72. Both observations could offer a potential explanation for failure of HILP in malignant melanoma.

[Tumors of the lower gastrointestinal tract : Indication and extent of lymph node dissection]. / Tumoren des unteren Gastrointestinaltrakts : Indikation und Ausmass der Lymphknotendissektion.

Lymph node dissection is almost always indicated in the treatment of advanced colorectal carcinoma with curative intent. Investigation of at least 12 regional lymph nodes is required for adequate staging. The extent and quality of lymph node dissection influence the long-term prognosis, especially locoregional recurrences and long-term survival. The extent of lymphadenectomy depends on the tumour site and the pattern of potential lymphatic spread following the course of the blood vessels supplying the tumour. Important principles are central ligation of the supplying arteries and draining veins right at their roots, preservation of autonomous nerves at the trunk of the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta and preservation of the integrity of the mesocolon or mesorectum. The number of regional lymph nodes examined as well as the number of lymph nodes with metastases influence the prognosis. Systematic lymph node dissection is also recommended for carcinomas of the small bowel and in most neuroendocrine tumours or carcinomas but is not required for gastro-intestinal stromal tumours.

[Malignant melanoma]. / Malignes Melanom.

Malignant melanomas have one of the highest increases in incidence among malignancies. There are four histological types: superficial spreading melanoma, nodular melanoma, acrolentiginous melanoma and lentigo maligna melanoma. The TNM classification considers depth of infiltration (Clark's level), vertical tumor thickness (Breslow's thickness), ulceration of the primary tumor, satellites and in-transit metastases as well as regional lymph node and distant metastases. An adequate margin of clearance is important in primary resection. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is relevant in all melanomas with a Breslow tumor thickness >1 mm without clinically suspicious lymph nodes. In the case of lymph node metastases therapeutic dissection is recommended, in patients with in-transit metastases of the extremities hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion with cytostatic agents may be indicated. Resection of distant metastases can be useful if only one site is affected or a R0 resection is expected to be achieved. Adjuvant, neoadjuvant and palliative procedures, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy are additional treatment options.

[Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy for rectal cancer]. / Neoadjuvante Radiochemotherapie des Rektumkarzinoms.

Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy has become established treatment for rectal cancer. It is indicated when primary R0 resection is not an option, in cases of higher risk of locoregional relapse following surgical treatment alone, and when initially impossible conservation of the anal sphincter becomes possible in conjunction with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. The indication for radiochemotherapy in the upper third of the rectum is still controversial. Reevaluation of the tumor situation following neoadjuvant treatment is necessary before decisions on operative strategy. Modern imaging techniques are limited in this respect, as they hardly allow differentiation between living tumor tissue and lesions. In case of doubt clarity is possible only through surgical exploration, taking R1 resection into account. Overall the recognition of lymph node metastasis is not a sufficient indicator of local relapse. The frequency of postoperative complications following neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy is independent of the operative method. The effect of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy on long-term survival and formation of distant metastases is still not clarified. Current studies seek clarification through the use of new chemotherapies and modified treatment regimes. Further, the correct time interval between the end of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and the following surgical therapy has yet to be determined. This applies also to the management of patients following complete remission.

The influence of abdomino-peranal (intersphincteric) resection of lower third rectal carcinoma on the rates of sphincter preservation and locoregional recurrence.

OBJECTIVE: The most extended form of rectal resection, representing the very last option for sphincter preservation is abdomino-peranal intersphincteric resection for tumours of the lower third which otherwise would not be resectable with preservation of the sphincter by an abdominal approach alone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data of 476 patients with a carcinoma in the lower third of the rectum who underwent primary treatment for stage I-III disease by low anterior resection, abdomino-peranal (intersphincteric) resection or abdominoperineal excision between 1985 and 2001 were analysed. The time periods 1985-94 and 1995-2001 were compared. RESULTS: The rate of intersphincteric resections increased from 3% in 1985-94 to 27% in 1995-2001 while abdominoperineal excisions decreased. Postoperative complication rate was not increased in intersphincteric resections (25%) while postoperative mortality did not differ between the operative procedures. The overall 5-year-rate of locoregional recurrence decreased from 18% to 16%. In intersphincteric resections 14.2% of the patients treated with radiochemotherapy developed locoregional recurrence, while this rate was 46.5% (7/18) if adjuvant treatment was not administered (P = 0.0200). The cancer-related 5-year survival rate was not altered by intersphincteric resection. CONCLUSION: In carcinomas of the lower third of the rectum, the application of abdomino-peranal intersphincteric resection can reduce the need for rectal excision by 20%. Neo-/adjuvant radiochemotherapy is required to reduce locoregional recurrence to an acceptable level.

Laparoscopic TME-the surgeon's or the patient's preference.

Since laparoscopic surgery in rectal cancer was introduced ten years ago large patient collectives have been published by several authors in the meantime. The literature was carefully reviewed to analyse data on postoperative complications, long term prognosis and quality of life after laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer to answer the question whether laparoscopic surgery is still just feasible or maybe has even reached the golden standard. The review showed that there is not a single prospectively randomized trial published comparing laparoscopic vs. open surgery for rectal cancer. It is clearly evident that until now the most laparoscopic series are published with patients selected according to criteria that vary significantly especially regarding the kind of procedures performed (anterior, low anterior, intersphincteric resections and abdomino-perineal excision), other demographic items like gender, body mass index, eventual prior laparotomies, emergencies and tumor related characteristics like tumor stage or T-categories. At the moment any data concerning outcome from prospectively randomized trials comparing laparoscopic versus open surgery for rectal cancer are missing. Therefore, there is more speculation and belief concerning the true quality of laparoscopic surgery. The review in the literature only indicates, that laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer is feasible. To prove the potential advantage of laparoscopic surgery in rectal cancer randomized trials are essential. If a surgeon discusses laparoscopic surgery outside a randomized trial, he should go through a questionnaire, presented in the paper which reflects the present situation without any proven advantage and not available long term results and should leave a final decision to the patient.

[Interdisciplinary aspects of surgery of the pelvis minor and retroperitoneum]. / Operative Interdisziplinarität-Kleines Becken und Retroperitoneum.

Surgery of diseases of the pelvis minor and retroperitoneum such as inflammatory disease, malignant tumours, or trauma of pelvic organs need the close interdisciplinary collaboration of visceral surgeons, gynaecologists, and urologists. This collaboration begins in planning diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. It has to be clear who performs which operative step and when. Excellent long-term results in malignant disease show that the greater effort is worthwhile. The rate of postoperative morbidity after these multivisceral resections is high also in specialised centers, but mortality is below 5%. Because of the growing number of long-term survivors, preservation of quality of life becomes more and more important.

Palliative second-line treatment with weekly high-dose 5-fluorouracil as 24-hour infusion and folinic acid (AIO) plus oxaliplatin after pre-treatment with the AIO-regimen in colorectal cancer (CRC).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of second-line treatment with weekly high-dose 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) as a 24-hour infusion (24-h inf.) and folinic acid (FA) (AIO-regimen) plus Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) after pre-treatment with the AIO regimen, focusing in particular on the efficacy of palliative first- and second-line treatment in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with non-resectable distant CRC metastases were enrolled in a prospective phase II study for palliative second-line treatment after previous palliative first-line treatment in accordance with the AIO regimen. On an outpatient basis, the patients received a treatment regimen comprising biweekly 85 mg/m2 L-OHP in the form of a 2-hour intravenous (i.v.) infusion and 500 mg/m2 FA as a 1 to 2-hour i.v. infusion, followed by 2,600 mg/m2 5-FU administered as a 24-h inf. i.v. once weekly. A single treatment cycle comprised 6 weekly infusions followed by 2 weeks of rest. RESULTS: During second-line treatment, a total of 26 patients received 340 chemotherapy applications. As the main symptom of toxicity, diarrhoea (NCI-CTC toxicity grade 3+4) presented in 5 patients (19%; 95% CI: 4-34), followed by nausea (CTC grade 3) in one patient (4%; 95% CI: 0-11). Twenty-three patients were evaluable for treatment response. The remission data can be summarised as follows: Complete remission (CR): n=1 (4%; 95% CI: 0-13); partial remission (PR): n=3 (13%; 95% CI: 0-27); stable disease (SD): n=11 (48%; 95% CI: 27-68) and progressive disease (PD): n=8 (35%; 95% CI: 15-54). The median progression-free survival (PFS) rate (n=26) was 3.3 months (range 0-11.5), the median survival time counted from the start of second-line treatment (n=26) 11.6 months (range 2.1-33.0) and the median survival time counted from the start of first-line treatment (n=26) 19.9 months (range 7.7-49.8). CONCLUSION: Palliative second-line treatment according to the AIO regimen plus L-OHP is feasible in an outpatient setting and well tolerated by the patients. Tumour control (CR + PR + SD) was achieved in 65% of the patients, the median survival time being 11.6 months. The AIO regimen followed by the 'AIO regimen plus L-OHP' therapy sequence led to a promising median survival time of 19.9 months (range 7.7-49.8).

Functional outcome after intersphincteric resection of the rectum with coloanal anastomosis in low rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Anterior rectal resection with partial removal of the internal sphincter is an option for low rectal cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome after this intersphincteric rectal resection. METHODS: Anal continence was evaluated by anorectal manometry and a standardized questionnaire (Wexner Score) in 33 patients 28+/-15 weeks and 100+/-45 weeks, respectively, after intersphincteric resection. Nineteen of the 33 patients were reconstructed with a straight anastomosis; 12 received a colonic J-pouch. RESULTS: Post-operatively, 25.8% of the patients were incontinent to solid stool and 54.8% were incontinent to liquid stool at least once a week. Mean and maximum resting tone (24+/-10 and 40+/-13 mmHg), maximum tolerable volume (77+/-28 ml) and rectal compliance (1.4+/-1.2 ml/mmHg) were reduced in anorectal manometry. Squeeze pressures remained unchanged. Only the maximum tolerable volume correlated significantly with the continence score (r=-0.45, p<0.05). The Wexner score and maximum tolerable volume were significantly better after colonic J-pouch reconstruction than after straight anastomosis (9.9+/-4.5 vs 13.4+/-4.0, p<0.05, 65+/-20 ml vs 100+/-27 ml, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Intersphincteric resection of the rectum leads to impaired post-operative continence. The functional outcome is improved with a colonic J-pouch.

Can neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy improve the results of multivisceral resections in advanced rectal carcinoma (cT4a).

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (nRCT) in advanced rectal carcinoma (cT4a), the prospectively collected data of all patients treated by extended multivisceral resections during the last 16 years were analysed. METHODS: Between 1985 and 2000, 113 patients with clinical T4a rectal carcinoma (invasion of adjacent organs or structures), were treated by extended multivisceral surgery. In 1995 nRCT was introduced as a standardized treatment modality in cT4a carcinomas and applied in 32 patients. Six weeks after completion of nRCT, resection was performed. In all patients at least one additional organ was removed because of clinically evident tumour infiltration. In one third of patients (36/113) more than one organ had to be removed. RESULTS: The rate of curative (R0) resections was 89% (101/113). It was similar in patients with and without nRCT (91 vs. 89%). In 40 (35%) patients histopathological examination could verify tumour invasion in adjacent organs (34% with vs. 36% without nRCT). The 3-year rate of locoregional recurrence after R0-resection was 12.7%. In multivariate Cox regression analysis the regional lymph node status was the most important prognostic factor (relative risk 5.8, P = 0.007). Neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment reduced the risk by factor 0.4 (P = 0.211). The 3-year cancer-related survival rate of all patients with curative resection was 72.9%. It was 89.4% in the series treated with nRCT, while it was only 66.7% in patients with neither neoadjuvant nor adjuvant therapy. The relative risk for patients with lymph node metastases was 7.0 (P < 0.001) while it was only 0.2 in patients treated with nRCT (P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Together with curative extended multivisceral resection nRCT can improve prognosis in patients with advanced rectal carcinoma (cT4a).

[Changes and complication rate in surgery for thoracic esophageal carcinoma]. / Veränderungen und Komplikationsrate in der Chirurgie des thorakalen Osophaguskarzinoms.

AIM: In an analysis over 22 years it was investigated which parameters have changed in the operative treatment of thoracic esophageal carcinoma over time and in how far they have influenced complication rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1978 and 1999 386 patients (350 men, 36 women) underwent resection for thoracic esophageal carcinoma (squamous cell carcinoma n=300, adenocarcinoma n=86). Cervical tumors were excluded from analysis. The time periods from 1978 to 1988 (n=242) and from 1989 to 1999 (n=144) were separately analyzed and compared with respect to age, sex, histological type, main tumor location, neoadjuvant therapy, method of operation, esophageal substitute and positioning of the substitute, R-status, pT/pN classification, UICC stage, number of dissected lymph nodes, complication rate, postoperative mortality and survival. RESULTS: Comparison of the two time periods showed a significant increase in adenocarcinomas and main tumor location in the lower thoracic third of the esophagus. Furthermore, significant changes concerning the indication of neoadjuvant chemoradiation, operative approach, esophageal substitute, R-status and number of dissected lymph nodes were observed. Tumor stage (pT/pN classification and UICC stage) significantly shifted towards earlier stages. Total complication rate dropped tendentially form 68.5 % to 59.0 % (p=0.061). Hospital mortality was significantly reduced from 24 % to 12.5 %, whereas anastomotic leakages and multiorgan failure remained on a constant level. Median survival of R0 resected patients was significantly prolonged from 19 months to 34 months. CONCLUSIONS: The increase of esophageal adenocarcinoma, a more strict patient selection (staging, functional status), standardization of operative technique as well as an optimized intensive care management are among the important changes in the operative management of thoracic esophageal carcinoma that have resulted in an improvement of prognosis of curatively resected patients. In spite of a more aggressive operative approach, i. e. lymph node dissection, operative mortality could be reduced by nearly 50 % in the face of a tendentially declining total complication rate.

[Angiomyolipoma of the colon - case report and review of the literature]. / Das Angiomyolipom des Kolons - Fallbericht und Literaturübersicht.

Angiomyolipoma is one of the benign hamartomas that is found sporadically or associated with tuberous sclerosis. It is a rare soft tissue tumor involving mostly the kidneys, sometimes other visceral organs. The tumor is composed of smooth muscle cells, adipocytes and small sized hyalinized vessels. We present the case of a 74-year-old man with a bifocal angiomyolipoma of the colon. This diagnosis was confirmed at surgery, where a partial colectomy was performed. Histologic examination disclosed the tumor. The patient had no signs of family history of tuberous sclerosis. Extrarenal angiomyolipoma is rare and this may be the first report of bifocal colonic angiomyolipoma.