Effects of Early Initiation of Polymyxin B Hemoperfusion Therapy in Patients with Cancer with Refractory Septic Shock.

Background: We aimed to analyze the correlation between in-hospital mortality and hemodynamic changes, using polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column direct hemoperfusion (PMX-DHP) initiation time in patients with cancer with refractory septic shock. Methods: Forty-six patients with cancer who received PMX-DHP for refractory septic shock were retrospectively analyzed and classified into early (≤3 h between refractory septic shock and PMX-DHP; n = 17) and late (>3 h; n = 29) initiation groups. The vasopressor inotropic score (VIS), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and lactate clearance before and 24 h post-PMX-DHP were compared. Results: Overall, 52.17% died from multiple organ dysfunction, with a lower mortality rate in the early initiation group. The VIS and SOFA score decreased in both groups, but the magnitude of decrease was not significant. Lactate clearance improved in both groups, with greater improvement in the early initiation group. Univariable analysis identified associations of in-hospital mortality with early initiation, ΔC-reactive protein, lactate clearance, ΔSOFA score, and ΔVIS. Multivariable analysis demonstrated associations of in-hospital mortality risk with ΔSOFA score and early PMX-DHP initiation. Overall survival was higher in the early initiation group. Early initiation of PMX-DHP in patients with cancer with refractory septic shock reduced in-hospital mortality and improved lactate clearance.

Delirium in patients with COVID-19 treated in the intensive care unit.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to acute organ dysfunction, and delirium is associated with long-term cognitive impairment and a prolonged hospital stay. This retrospective single-center study aimed to investigate the risk factors for delirium in patients with COVID-19 infection receiving treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU). A total of 111 patients aged >18 years with COVID-19 pneumonia who required oxygen therapy from February 2021 to April 2022 were included. Data on patient demographics, past medical history, disease severity, delirium, and treatment strategies during hospitalization were obtained from electronic health records. Patient characteristics and risk factors for delirium were analyzed. Old age (P < 0.001), hypertension (P < 0.001), disease severity (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score) (P < 0.001), mechanical ventilator support (P < 0.001), neuromuscular blocker use (P < 0.001), and length of stay in the ICU (P < 0.001) showed statistically significant differences on the univariable analysis. Multivariable analysis with backward selection revealed that old age (odds ratio, 1.149; 95% confidence interval, 1.037-1.273; P = 0.008), hypertension (odds ratio, 8.651; 95% confidence interval, 1.322-56.163; P = 0.024), mechanical ventilator support (odds ratio, 226.215; 95% confidence interval, 15.780-3243.330; P < 0.001), and length of stay in the ICU (odds ratio, 30.295; 95% confidence interval, 2.539-361.406; P = 0.007) were significant risk factors for delirium. In conclusion, old age, ICU stay, hypertension, mechanical ventilator support, and neuromuscular blocker use were predictive factors for delirium in COVID-19 patients in the ICU. The study findings suggest the need for predicting the occurrence of delirium in advance and preventing and treating delirium.

Anastomotic leakage after resection of the rectosigmoid colon in primary ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to evaluate the risk factors of anastomotic leakage (AL) and develop a nomogram to predict the risk of AL in surgical management of primary ovarian cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 770 patients with primary ovarian cancer who underwent surgical resection of the rectosigmoid colon as part of cytoreductive surgery between January 2000 to December 2020. AL was defined based on radiologic studies or sigmoidoscopy with relevant clinical findings. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factor of AL, and a nomogram was developed based on the multivariable analysis. The bootstrapped-concordance index was used for internal validation of the nomogram, and calibration plots were constructed. RESULTS: The incidence of AL after resection of the rectosigmoid colon was 4.2% (32/770). Diabetes (OR 3.79; 95% CI, 1.31-12.69; p = 0.031), co-operation with distal pancreatectomy (OR, 4.8150; 95% CI, 1.35-17.10; p = 0.015), macroscopic residual tumor (OR, 7.43; 95% CI, 3.24-17.07; p = 0<001) and anastomotic level from the anal verge shorter than 10 cm (OR, 6.28; 95% CI, 2.29-21.43; p = 0.001) were significant prognostic factors for AL on multivariable analysis. Using four variables, the nomogram has been developed to predict anastomotic leakage: https://ALnomogram.github.io/ . CONCLUSION: Four risk factors for AL after resection of the rectosigmoid colon are identified from the largest ovarian cancer study cohort. The nomogram from this information provides a numerical risk probability of AL, which could be used in preoperative counseling with patients and intraoperative decision for accompanying surgical procedures and prophylactic use of ileostomy or colostomy to minimize the risk of postoperative leakage. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered.

Predicting factors associated with prolonged intensive care unit stay of patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Predicting the length of stay (LOS) for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) is essential for efficient use of ICU resources. We analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients with severe COVID-19 based on their clinical care and determined the predictive factors associated with prolonged LOS. METHODS: We included 96 COVID-19 patients who received oxygen therapy at a high-flow nasal cannula level or above after ICU admission during March 2021 to February 2022. The demographic characteristics at the time of ICU admission and results of severity analysis (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment [SOFA], Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHE] II), blood tests, and ICU treatments were analyzed using a logistic regression model. Additionally, blood tests (C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and the PaO2 to FiO2 ratio [P/F ratio]) were performed on days 3 and 5 of ICU admission to identify factors associated with prolonged LOS. RESULTS: Univariable analyses showed statistically significant results for SOFA score at the time of ICU admission, C-reactive protein level, high-dose steroids, mechanical ventilation (MV) care, continuous renal replacement therapy, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and prone position. Multivariable analysis showed that MV care and P/F ratio on hospital day 5 were independent factors for prolonged ICU LOS. For D-dimer, no significant variation was observed at admission; however, after days 3 and 5 days of admission, significant between-group variation was detected. CONCLUSIONS: MV care and P/F ratio on hospital day 5 are independent factors that can predict prolonged LOS for COVID-19 patients.

Expression of Peptidyl Arginine Deiminase 2 Is Closely Associated with Recurrence in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Peptidyl arginine deiminases (PAD) enzymes have been investigated in various cancers. Recently, PAD enzyme, in particular PAD2, has been further implicated in cancers. Although the expression of PAD2 was significantly higher in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue, its diagnostic or prognostic role of PAD2 in HCC patients is unknown. This study investigated whether the expression of PAD2 affects recurrence and survival in HCC patients who underwent hepatic resection. One hundred and twenty-two HCC patients after hepatic resection were enrolled. The median follow-up was 41 months (range 1-213 months) in enrolled patients. To investigate an association between PAD2 expression level and the clinical characteristics of enrolled patients, the recurrence of HCC following surgical resection and survival of the patients were examined. Ninety-eight cases (80.3%) of HCC demonstrated a higher expression of PAD2. The expression of PAD2 was correlated with age, hepatitis B virus positivity, hypertension, and higher alpha-fetoprotein level. There was no association between PAD2 expression and sex, diabetes mellitus, Child-Pugh class, major portal vein invasion, HCC size or number. The recurrence rates in patients with lower PAD2 expression were higher than those with higher PAD2 expression. The cumulative survival rates of patients with higher PAD2 expression were better than those of patients with lower PAD2 expression, but it was not statistically significant. In conclusion, PAD2 expression is closely associated with recurrence of HCC patients following surgical resection.

Effect of a Wireless Vital Sign Monitoring System on the Rapid Response System in the General Ward.

While wireless vital sign monitoring is expected to reduce the vital sign measurement time (thus reducing the nursing workload), its impact on the rapid response system is unclear. This study compared the time from vital sign measurement to recording and rapid response system activation between wireless and conventional vital sign monitoring in the general ward, to investigate the impact of wireless vital sign monitoring system on the rapid response system. The study divided 249 patients (age > 18 years; female: 47, male: 202) admitted to the general ward into non-wireless (n = 101) and wireless (n = 148) groups. Intervals from vital sign measurement to recording and from vital sign measurement to rapid response system activation were recorded. Effects of wireless system implementation for vital sign measurement on the nursing workload were surveyed in 30 nurses. The interval from vital sign measurement to recording was significantly shorter in the wireless group than in the non-wireless group (4.3 ± 2.9 vs. 44.7 ± 14.4 min, P < 0.001). The interval from vital sign measurement to rapid response system activation was also significantly lesser in the wireless group than in the non-wireless group (27.5 ± 12.9 vs. 41.8 ± 19.6 min, P = 0.029). The nursing workload related to vital sign measurement significantly decreased from 3 ± 0.87 to 2.4 ± 9.7 (P = 0.021) with wireless system implementation. Wireless vital sign monitoring significantly reduced the time to rapid response system activation by shortening the time required to measure the vital signs. It also significantly reduced the nursing workload.

Effectiveness of Intraoperative Endoscopy for Localization of Early Gastric Cancer during Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Intraoperative localization of tumors has been considered crucial in determining adequate resection margins during laparoscopic gastrectomy for early gastric cancer (EGC). This study has evaluated the effectiveness of intraoperative endoscopy for localization of EGC during the totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. METHODS: Patients with EGC who received totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy from January 2018 to March 2020 were included in this study. Except the tumors located in the antrum, the patients were categorized into two groups: no localization procedure (n = 144) and intraoperative endoscopy (n = 65). To evaluate the effectiveness of the localization procedure, proximal resection margin (PRM) involvement by the tumor and approximation of optimal PRM were compared, including their postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: There were 3 patients (2.1%) with tumor involvement of the PRM at the initial gastric resection in the no localization group. Distance from the tumor to the PRM was determined to be not significantly different between the no localization group and intraoperative endoscopy group. The PRM distribution pattern and reconstruction method were also not significantly different between the two groups. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Intraoperative endoscopy for localization of EGC is an effective method to avoid tumor involvement at the resection margin during the laparoscopic gastrectomy with intracorporeal gastric resection and reconstruction.

Presepsin in the Rapid Response System for Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Early diagnosis of sepsis is paramount to effective management. The present study aimed to compare the prognostic accuracy of presepsin levels and other biomarkers in the assessment of septic shock and mortality risk in cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 74 cancer patients were evaluated for presepsin, lactic acid, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and white blood cell count (WBC). Specificity and sensitivity values for septic shock and death were compared between four biomarkers in all patients and those with and without acute kidney injury (AKI). RESULTS: A total of 27 and 29 patients experienced septic shock and died, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) and sensitivity and specificity estimated for presepsin levels for septic shock were 60%, 74%, and 51%, respectively. The corresponding values for mortality were 62%, 72%, and 49%, respectively. In patients without AKI, AUC of presepsin levels for septic shock and death were 62% and 65%, respectively; in those with AKI, these values were 44% and 58%, respectively. Presepsin levels showed higher sensitivity and specificity values than WBC and higher specificity than CRP but were similar to those of lactic acid levels. CONCLUSIONS: Presepsin levels are similar to lactic acid levels in the assessment of septic shock and mortality risk in cancer patients. In patients with AKI, presepsin levels should be considered carefully.

Risk factors for lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer without lymphatic invasion after endoscopic submucosal dissection.

BACKGROUND: Lymphatic invasion (LI) is a potent risk factor for lymph node metastasis (LNM) in early gastric cancer (EGC) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). However, there are also other risk factors for LNM. Hence, to identify the need for additional surgery in some case of EGC without LI, the present study aimed to identify the risk factors for LNM in patients with EGC without LI. METHODS: Data from 2284 patients diagnosed with EGC who underwent curative surgery at National Cancer Center in Korea from January 2012 to May 2019 were collected. The clinicopathological characteristics of patients with EGC without LI were compared on the basis of LNM status. RESULTS: There were 339 (17.1%) and 1648 (82.9%) patients with and without LI respectively. Among these patients with and without LI, 118 (34.8%) and 91 (5.5%) patients presented with LNM, respectively. In patients with EGC without LI, tumor size larger than 3 cm (OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.22-3.68; p = 0.007), submucosal invasion (OR = 4.14, 95% CI = 2.57-6.65; p < 0.001), and undifferentiated histologic type (OR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.45-3.76; p < 0.001) were significant risk factors for LNM. Rates of LNM in patients meeting absolute, expanded, and beyond expanded criteria without LI were 0%, 1.5% (OR = 3.27, 95% CI = 0.18-59.41; p = 0.423), and 7.3% respectively. When the expanded criteria were divided into four subtypes patients with EGC, without LI within each subtype did not show significant risk of incidence of LNM compared to the absolute criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The current expanded criteria for endoscopic resection (ER) are tolerable in cases without LI, even though minimal risk LNM exists. Therefore, additional surgery may not be needed for patients meeting expanded criteria for ER.

A comparative study of the short-term operative outcome between intracorporeal and extracorporeal anastomoses during laparoscopic total gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported that intracorporeal anastomosis reduces the requirement for the additional incision for anastomosis, resulting in early recovery compared to extracorporeal anastomosis during laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. However, few studies have investigated postoperative outcome after laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG). We compared short-term postoperative outcomes between totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) with intracorporeal anastomosis and conventional laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) with extracorporeal anastomosis for gastric cancer. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study included 202 patients who underwent LTG from January 2012 to June 2019. LATG was performed in the period before July 2015; TLTG was performed in the period after July 2015. Postoperative short-term outcomes and white blood cell (WBC) count, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at 1, 3, and 5 days postoperatively were compared between the groups. RESULTS: One hundred ten patients underwent LATG; 92 underwent TLTG. The pathologic stage was significantly higher in the TLTG group (p = 0.010). Intraoperative estimated blood loss was significantly lower in the TLTG group than in the LATG group (median [range]: 100 [50-150] mL versus [vs.] 50 [30-100], p < 0.001). Postoperative hospital stay duration was significantly longer in the TLTG group than in the LATG group (median [range]: 7 [7-9] days vs. 8 [7-11], p < 0.001). WBC count (6.3 109/L ± 1.9 vs. 8.2 ± 2.5, p = 0.004) and CRP levels (8.3 mg/L ± 6.1 vs. 13.3 ± 9.4, p < 0.001) were lower in the LATG group than in the TLTG group. The overall complication rate was higher in the TLTG group than in the LATG group (16.3% vs. 32.6%, p = 0.007). A higher American Society of Anesthesiologist score was the only significant risk factor for postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Both procedures are feasible, although TLTG has more risk for postoperative complications than LATG. TLTG should be improved to reduce postoperative complications and provide better postoperative outcomes.

The Different Clinicopathological Features of Remnant Gastric Cancer Depending on Initial Disease of Partial Gastrectomy.

Background: The incidence of gastric cancer increases in the remnant stomach after partial gastrectomy; however, its pathogenesis remains controversial. The clinicopathological features and immunohistochemical subtype were evaluated in patients with remnant gastric cancer considering the initial cause of partial gastrectomy. Methods: We categorized 59 cases of remnant gastric cancer who underwent curative surgery between 2001 and 2016 according to initial pathologies of benign (n = 24) or malignant (n = 35). Histological changes including pyloric metaplasia and intestinal metaplasia in the mucosa around the anastomosis site and the background mucosa of carcinomas were compared between the groups. Results: In the malignant group, the proportion of male patients was substantially lower, with a shorter interval. In background mucosa around the carcinomas, incidence of high-grade pyloric metaplasia was significantly higher in the benign group (13/20, 65.0% vs. 10/28, 35.7%), while high-grade intestinal metaplasia was only observed in the malignant group (0/20, 0% vs. 7/28, 25.0%). Conclusions: The cancers in the initial benign disease are mainly associated with pyloric metaplasia at the anastomosis site, reflecting reflux, but not with intestinal metaplasia. On the other hand, in the initial malignant disease group, intestinal metaplasia has an equally important role as reflux-associated pyloric metaplasia.

Prognostic impact of infectious complications after curative gastric cancer surgery.

INTRODUCTION: There have been few studies about the effect of infectious complications on recurrence or long-term survival outcome after curative gastric cancer surgery in large populations. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of infectious complications on long-term survival after curative gastrectomy in high volume center. METHOD: From January 2002 to December 2012, patients who underwent curative gastrectomy were enrolled. Infectious complications were defined as wound infection, intra-abdominal infection or postoperative pneumonia. Five-year overall survival was compared between two groups and followed by multivariable analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULT: Of 6585 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy, 413 (6.2%) had infectious complications after curative gastrectomy. The five-year overall survival rate was 86.0% in non-complication patients and 74.1% in infectious complications patients (P < 0.001). In univariate analysis, Age over 70 years, male sex, higher ASA score, total or proximal gastrectomy, advanced stage and infectious complication had statistically worse survival. A Cox proportional hazards model indicated that the infectious complication was independent prognostic factor (HR = 1.478, CI 95% 1.242-1.757 p < 0.001) as well as age over 70 years (HR = 2.434, CI 95% 2.168-2.734 p < 0.001), male sex (HR = 1.153, CI 95% 1.022-1.302 p = 0.014), higher ASA score (p < 0.001) and advanced Stage (p < 0.001). Local recurrence (P = 0.044), LN recurrence (P = 0.038) and hematologic recurrence (P = 0.033) were significantly associated with infectious complications. CONCLUSION: Postoperative infectious complication was an independent prognostic factor for five-year overall survival after curative gastrectomy as well as known factors. A significant association between infectious complications and recurrence were also noted. The surgeon should try to prevent the infectious complications in gastric cancer surgery to improve the long term survival.

Spade-Shaped Anastomosis Following a Proximal Gastrectomy Using a Double Suture to Fix the Posterior Esophageal Wall to the Anterior Gastric Wall (SPADE Operation): Case-Control Study of Early Outcomes.

PURPOSE: Proximal gastrectomy (PG) is a function-preserving surgery in cases of proximally located early-stage gastric cancer. Because gastroesophageal reflux is a major pitfall of this operation, we devised a modified esophagogastrostomy (EG) anastomosis to fix the distal part of the posterior esophageal wall to the proximal part of the anterior stomach wall to produce an anti-reflux mechanism; we named this the SPADE operation. This study aimed to show demonstrate the clinical outcomes of the SPADE operation and compare them to those of previous PG cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Case details of 56 patients who underwent PG between January 2012 and March 2018 were retrospectively reviewed: 30 underwent conventional esophagogastrostomy (CEG) anastomosis using a circular stapler, while 26 underwent the SPADE operation. Early postoperative clinical outcome-related reflux symptoms, endoscopic findings, and postoperative complications were compared in this case-control study. RESULTS: Follow-up endoscopy showed more frequent reflux esophagitis cases in the CEG group than in the SPADE group (30% vs. 15.3%, P=0.19). Similarly, bile reflux (26.7% vs. 7.7%, P=0.08) and residual food (P=0.01) cases occurred more frequently in the CEG group than in the SPADE group. In the CEG group, 13 patients (43.3%) had mild reflux symptoms, while 3 patients (10%) had severe reflux symptoms. In the SPADE group, 3 patients (11.5%) had mild reflux symptoms, while 1 had severe reflux symptoms (absolute difference, 31.8%; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-29.64; P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A novel modified EG, the SPADE operation, has the potential to decrease gastroesophageal reflux following a PG.

Factors associated with metastasis in superior mesenteric vein lymph node in subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: Retrospective case control study.

OBJECTIVE: The revised Japanese treatment guideline for gastric cancer recommends dissection of the superior mesenteric vein lymph node (No. 14v LN) if there is metastasis in infrapyloric lymph node (No. 6 LN). However, it is still controversial whether LN dissection is necessary. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with metastasis in No. 14v LN. METHODS: Patients who underwent D2 lymphadenectomy between 2003 and 2010 were included. We excluded patients who underwent total gastrectomy, had multiple lesions, or had missing data about the status of metastasis in the LNs that were included in D2 lymphadenectomy. Clinicopathologic characteristics and the metastasis in regional LNs were compared between patients with No. 14v LN metastasis (14v+) and those without (14v-). RESULTS: Five hundred sixty patients were included in this study. Univariate analysis showed that old age, larger tumor size, tumor location, differentiation, lymphatic invasion, venous invasion, perineural invasion, T classification, and N classification were related to metastasis in No. 14v LN. Multivariate analysis showed differentiation (P=0.027) and N classification (P<0.001) were independent related factors. Metastasis in infrapyloric lymph node (No. 6 LN) and proxiaml splenic lymph node (No. 11p LN) was independently associated with metastasis in No. 14v LN. CONCLUSIONS: Differentiation and N classification were independent factors associated with No. 14v LN metastasis, and No. 6 and No. 11p LN metastasis were independent risk factors for No. 14v LN metastasis.

Prognostic implications of the eighth edition of the union for international cancer control - classification for gastric cancer patients from specialized treatment centers in Germany and Korea: A STOBE-Compliant large-scale cohort study.

The validity of the 8th edition of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) staging system for gastric cancer has been evaluated only in Asian cohorts and not in European cohorts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic performance of the 8th edition of the UICC staging system in German and Korean cohorts independently and compare it with that of the 7th edition.A total of 6121 patients (526 from Germany and 5595 from Korea) who underwent upfront surgery for gastric cancer were retrospectively reclassified according to the 8th edition. Survival according to the UICC stages was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log-rank tests. A Cox proportional hazards model was fitted after adjusting for clinicopathological factors, and receiver operating characteristics analysis was conducted.The 8th edition showed significant differences in survival between each adjacent stage in the Korean cohort but not in the German cohort. Multivariate analyses revealed that the 8th edition staging was an independent prognostic factor, and its C-statistics were >0.76 in both German and Korean patients. The results were comparable to those observed with the UICC seventh edition (C-statistics was 0.768 vs 0.767 in the German cohort and 0.789 vs 0.785 in the Korean cohort for the 7th vs the 8th edition).The 8th edition showed prognostic value in predicting the survival of gastric cancer patients in both German and Korean cohorts. However, the predictive ability of the 8th and 7th edition was similar.

Omental Free-Shaped Flap Reinforcement on Anastomosis and Dissected Area (OFFROAD) Following Reconstruction after Gastrectomy: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

Purpose: We devised omental free-shaped flap reinforcement on anastomosis and dissected area (OFFROAD) following reconstruction after gastrectomy. This study aimed to evaluate its safety and early clinical outcomes. Methods: One hundred fifty-six patients who underwent totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with delta anastomosis from July 2016 to April 2018 were divided into the OFFROAD group (80 patients) and non-OFFROAD group (76 patients). Differences in short-term operative outcomes and surgical complications were compared between the groups. All patients' inflammatory marker levels were measured to monitor flap necrotic change and inflammatory reactions. The clinical features of both groups in terms of anastomotic leakage were transcribed. Results: Pain score in postoperative day1 was significantly lower in OFFROAD group. The serum WBC count on POD 1 was significantly lower in OG than in NOG. The mean duration of OFFROAD was shorter than five minutes. There were no statistical differences in short-term outcomes and surgical complications between two groups. Anastomotic leakage occurred in three patients in each group and there was no statistical difference in incidence. However, clinical features were notable when anastomotic leakage occurs. Unlike all three patients of non-OFFROAD group manifested every features of peritonitis, each patient of OFFROAD group just manifested only one of the three. Conclusion: This study showed the safety and feasibility of OFFROAD procedure. It might mitigate septic complications when there is an anastomotic leakage. Additional large-scale study is needed to assess the versatile usefulness of OFFROAD aside from its role as a physical barrier.

Clinical Outcome of Novel Reconstruction of Double Shouldering Technique after Proximal Gastrectomy.

Purpose: Various reconstruction methods have been proposed to reduce reflux after proximal gastrectomy, and we report here a double shouldering technique. The purpose of this study is to compare the novel double shouldering technique with conventional esophagogastrostomy in terms of short term and 3-year clinical outcome. Methods: A retrospective observational case control study was performed on 63 patients for cT1N0 upper third gastric cancer who underwent proximal gastrectomy from January 2012 to November 2016 at the National Cancer Center, Korea. There were 26 patients with conventional esophagogastrostomy, and 37 patients with novel double shouldering technique. The primary outcome was endoscopic reflux esophagitis findings one and three year after surgery according to Los Angeles classification. Secondary outcomes were short term surgical outcome and reflux symptom. Results: There was no significant difference in reflux esophagitis on endoscopic findings at 1 and 3 years after surgery between the two group. The double shouldering (DS) technique group showed significantly better postoperative outcomes with bile reflux at one and three years via endoscopic findings versus conventional esophagogastrostomy (CEG). Operative time and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the CEG group than the DS group. There was no significant difference in terms of reflux symptoms and complications. Conclusion: This novel DS technique is a reconstruction method for use after proximal gastrectomy. It did not show a significant clinical benefit. Development of surgical techniques and further study is needed to identify the optimal reconstruction method after proximal gastrectomy.

The optimal extent of lymph node dissection in gastroesophageal junctional cancer: retrospective case control study.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the incidence of gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer has been increasing in Eastern countries. Mediastinal lymph node (MLN) metastasis rates among patients with GEJ cancer are reported to be 5-25%. However, survival benefits associated with MLN dissection in GEJ cancer has been a controversial issue, especially in Eastern countries, due to its rarity and potential morbidity. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 290 patients who underwent surgery for GEJ cancer at the National Cancer Center in Korea from June 2001 to December 2015. Clinicopathologic characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between patients without MLN dissection (Group A) and patients with MLN dissection (Group B). Prognostic factors associated with the survival rate were identified in a multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-nine (10%) patients underwent MLN dissection (Group B). Three of 29 patients (10.3%) showed a metastatic MLN in Group B. For abdominal LNs, the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 79.5% in Group A and 33.9% in Group B (P < 0.001). The multivariate analysis revealed that abdominal LN dissection, pT category, and pN category were statistically significant prognostic factors. LNs were the most common site for recurrence in both groups. CONCLUSION: Abdominal LN dissection and pathologic stage are the important prognostic factors for type II and III GEJ cancer rather than mediastinal lymph node dissection.

A Comparison of Totally Laparoscopic Pylorus Preserving Gastrectomy and Laparoscopy-Assisted Pylorus Preserving Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer.

Purpose: Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) is known to have both nutritional and functional advantages over distal gastrectomy for the treatment of early gastric cancer. Although laparoscopic surgery is a popular choice, intracorporeal anastomosis is a newly developed technique that is gaining popularity. This study aimed to determine any differences in the oncological, surgical, and functional outcomes of intracorporeal and extracorporeal anastomosis after PPG. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 90 patients for cT1N0 gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic pylorus preserving gastrectomy from January 2015 to June 2017 at the OOO, Korea; 38 patients underwent intracorporeal (TLPPG) and 52 underwent extracorporeal (LAPPG) anastomosis. The postoperative oncological, surgical, and functional outcomes were compared between the two groups. In order to compare the outcomes in obese patients, the postoperative and functional outcomes in patients with a BMI of ≥25, and in those with abdominal wall thickness measuring ≥28 mm, were evaluated. Results: The TLPPG group showed a significantly reduced wound size (4 cm (3~4) vs 5 cm (5~6), p<0.001) and had fewer wound complaints than the LAPPG group (0.0% vs 15.4%, p=0.01). Postoperative complications were not significantly different between the two groups. In the BMI ≥25 subgroup, the first flatus time after operation was shorter in the TLPPG group (2.9±0.5 vs 3.5±0.8 days, p=0.04). Conclusion: The study demonstrates that both TLPPG and LAPPG are safe and feasible, and that there is a potential benefit for obese patients.

Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of internal hernia after gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients: retrospective case control study.

BACKGROUND: Although the internal hernia is rare after gastric cancer surgery, it is a serious complication, and prompt surgical treatment is essential. However, internal hernia has not been studied because of low incidence and difficulty of diagnosis. This study investigated the clinical characteristics and proper management of internal hernia after gastrectomy. METHODS: From June 2001 to June 2016, patients who underwent gastrectomy, either open or laparoscopic (robotic) surgery, with potential internal hernia defect were enrolled. The hernia defect was not closed in any of the enrolled patients. The clinicopathological data of internal hernia patients were compared to patients without internal hernia to identify risk factors. Surgical outcomes of internal hernia were compared between patients who underwent early and late intervention group according to time interval from symptom onset to operation. RESULTS: Of 5777 patients who underwent gastrectomy with possible internal hernia, 24 (0.4%) underwent emergency or scheduled surgery for internal hernia. Internal hernia through the Petersen space was observed in 15 cases, and through the jejunojejunostomy mesenteric defect in 9 cases. Low body mass index (odds ratio [OR] 4.403, p = 0.003) and laparoscopic approach (OR 6.930 p < 0.001) were statistically significant factors in multivariate analysis. Postoperative complication rate (16.7% vs. 50% p = 0.083) and mortality rate (8.3% vs. 25.0% p = 0.273) were slightly higher in the late intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: Although internal hernia is a rare complication, it is difficult to diagnose and cause serious complications. To prevent internal hernia, the necessity of hernia defect closure should be investigated in the further studies. Early surgical treatment is necessary when it is suspected.