Drain Lipase Levels and Decreased Rate of Drain Amylase Levels as Independent Predictors of Pancreatic Fistula with Nomogram After Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has recently been improved due to its increased safety. However, postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a lethal complication of PD. Identifying novel clinicophysiological risk factors for POPF during the early post-PD period would help improve patient morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to evaluate possible risk factors during the early postoperative period after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: Data from 349 patients who underwent PD between 2007 and 2012 were examined retrospectively. All patients were classified into 2 groups: group A, patients without fistulae or biochemical leaks (288 patients), and group B, those with grade B or C POPF (61 patients). Data on various clinicophysiological parameters, including serum and drain laboratory data, were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate POPF predictors. A predictive nomogram was established for these results. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that various serum and drain-related factors, such as white blood cell count, C-reactive protein levels, drain amylase (DAMY) levels, and drain lipase (DLIP) levels, were possible POPF risk factors. Multivariate analysis confirmed that postoperative day (POD) 1 DLIP levels (hazard ratio, 15.393; p = 0.037) and decreased rate (POD3/1) of DAMY levels (hazard ratio, 4.415; p = 0.028) were independent risk factors. Further, POD1 DLIP levels and decreased rate of DAMY levels were significantly lower in group A than in group B. The accuracy of nomogram was 0.810. CONCLUSIONS: POD1 DLIP levels (> 245 U/mL) and decreased rate of DAMY levels (> 0.44) were POPF risk factors, making them possible biomarkers for POPF.

Loss of antibodies to hepatitis E virus in organ transplant patients with hepatitis E.

AIM: Studies regarding changes in antibodies to hepatitis E virus (HEV) after HEV infection in organ transplant patients are limited. This study aimed to clarify HEV infection trends in organ transplant patients who contracted HEV using data from a previous Japanese nationwide survey. METHODS: This study was undertaken from 2012 to 2019. Among 4518 liver, heart, and kidney transplant patients, anti-HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were positive in 164; data were collected from 106 of these patients, who consented to participate in the study. In total, 32 liver transplant patients, seven heart transplant patients, and 67 kidney transplant patients from 16 institutions in Japan were examined for IgG, IgM, and IgM antibodies to HEV and the presence of HEV RNA in the serum. The χ2 -test was used to determine the relationship between the early and late postinfection groups in patients with anti-HEV IgG positive-to-negative conversion rates. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare clinical factors. RESULTS: Anti-HEV IgG positive-to-negative conversion occurred in 25 (23.6%) of 106 organ transplant patients. Of eight patients with hepatitis E who tested positive for HEV RNA, one (14.0%) had anti-HEV IgG positive-to-negative conversion. Twenty-four (24.5%) of 98 patients negative for HEV RNA had anti-HEV IgG positive-to-negative conversion. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed, for the first time, the changes in HEV antibodies in organ transplant patients. Loss of anti-HEV IgG could often occur unexpectedly in organ transplant patients with previous HEV infection.

Leiomyosarcoma of the transverse colon with lymph node metastasis and malignant transformation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The concept of GIST was established in 1998, clearly differentiating between gastrointestinal leiomyosarcoma and GISTs among gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors. Lymph node metastasis is extremely rare in true gastrointestinal leiomyosarcoma, and there are no reports of malignant transformation from leiomyoma. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was an old woman who had undergone endoscopic mucosal resection for an Is polyp on the left side of the transverse colon at the age of 73. She was diagnosed with leiomyoma with positive surgical margins. Subsequently, she presented to our institution with a sensation of pressure in the upper abdominal region as a chief complaint at the age of 76 years. Abdominal computed tomography and colorectal endoscopy showed a tumor lesion with invagination of the intestines in the transverse colon, the same site as that of the previously resected leiomyoma. A biopsy suggested a smooth muscle tumor, and we performed partial left transverse colectomy and lymph node dissection under a diagnosis of recurrence and enlargement of the previously incompletely resected leiomyoma. Histopathological examination revealed spindle-shaped tumor cells, and the mitotic activity was 30-40/10 high-power field. Tumor cells were immunohistologically positive for α-smooth muscle actin and h-caldesmon; partially positive for desmin; negative for c-kit, CD34, DOG-1, and the S-100 protein; and showed a Ki-67 labeling index of 70-80%. She was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma malignantly transformed from leiomyoma. Metastasis was found in 1 of the 14 resected lymph nodes. The patient did not undergo adjuvant chemotherapy, but has survived with no recurrence at 2 years after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: We have reported a case of leiomyosarcoma of the transverse colon with lymph node metastasis that was malignantly transformed from a leiomyoma.

Investigation of morphological and functional changes in the liver and pancreas during bevacizumab treatment.

Objectives: Recently, there have been reports regarding the atrophy of various organs caused by molecular targeted drugs. We investigated morphological and clinical changes in the liver and pancreas caused by treatment with bevacizumab.Methods: We investigated 30 patients with colorectal cancer who received bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy (study group) and 11 patients with colorectal cancer who received chemotherapy without bevacizumab (control group) from 2010 to 2014. We obtained computed tomography data of the liver and pancreas and performed three-dimensional image analysis and volumetry. Laboratory data before and after chemotherapy were analyzed.Results: There was no significant difference in liver volume before and after bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy, but the pancreatic volume was found to be significantly reduced after bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy (57.9 ± 16 mL versus 47.4 ± 15.3 mL; p = .005). The liver and pancreatic volume did not change statistically in the control group. With regard to complete blood cell counts and laboratory data, no significant differences were observed in the leukocyte count and hemoglobin, hemoglobin A1c, triglyceride, albumin, and C-reactive protein levels. In contrast, there was a significant decrease in the platelet count, total cholesterol level and a significant increase in the amylase level. A chemotherapy regimen that included bevacizumab reduced pancreatic volume and significantly altered the morphology of the pancreas.Conclusions: Although bevacizumab caused atrophy of the pancreas and reduced pancreatic volume, pancreatic endocrine function showed no change. Future studies should investigate the survival rate and functional changes caused by bevacizumab treatment.

Number of positive lymph nodes and lymphatic invasion are significant prognostic factors after pancreaticoduodenectomy for distal cholangiocarcinoma.

Background: Early recurrence of distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC) may result in a poorer prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological factors that predict survival and recurrence in patients with DCC. Methods: Fifty-five patients with DCC who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2005 and 2015 were studied retrospectively. The following clinicopathological parameters were analyzed as predictors of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS): sex, age, body mass index, presence of biliary tract decompression, macroscopic type, histological type, tumor size, TNM classification, lymph node metastasis ratio, number of positive lymph nodes (PLNs), lymphatic invasion, venous invasion, perineural invasion, proximal bile duct margin, dissected margin, portal system invasion, arterial system invasion, stage, and residual tumor. Results: Univariate analysis showed that contiguous extension of the primary tumor, PLN, lymphatic invasion, venous invasion, perineural invasion, and stage were significant prognostic factors for DFS and OS. Multivariate analysis revealed that PLN and lymphatic invasion were prognostic for DFS and OS (P<0.001). Significant differences in OS and DFS were found in analyses stratified by PLN (0, 1, 2 vs ≥3) and lymphatic invasion (0 vs 1, 2, 3). Conclusion: Among the clinicopathological parameters analyzed, PLN and lymphatic invasion were confirmed as prognostic factors for DCC.

Preoperative high C-reactive protein level is associated with an increased likelihood for conversion from laparoscopic to open appendectomy in patients with acute appendicitis.

Background: Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) has been increasingly adopted for its advantages over the open appendectomy, but there are possibilities of conversion from laparoscopic to open appendectomy (CA) if the patients had complicated appendicitis concurrently, or when the extent of inflammation prohibits successful procedure. In this retrospective study, we aimed to clarify the preoperative predictors for CA. Patients and methods: From January 2010 to April 2016, medical records of 93 consecutive patients who underwent LA for suspected appendicitis were reviewed retrospectively. Factors evaluated were age, gender, body mass index, C-reactive protein (CRP), white cell count, albumin, Neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, preoperative CT imaging (abscess formation: yes/no, appendicolith: yes/no), operative factors (time to operation, amount of bleeding), length of hospital stay, period until oral intake after surgery, and period from initial symptoms to surgery. Results: CA occurred in nine patients (9.7%). The reason for conversion was severe dense adhesion in two cases, inadequate exposure of appendix in two cases, uncompleted appendectomy in two cases, perforated appendicitis in one case, gangrenous appendicitis in one case, and abscess formation in one case. Based on 93 patients evaluated by preoperative CT scan, significant factors in the final multivariate analysis associated with CA was CRP [odds ratio=1.13, 95% CI:1.00-1.28, p=0.04]. Conclusion: Identifying the potential factors for conversion preoperatively may assist the surgeons in making decisions concerning the management of patients with appendicitis and in the judicious use of LA.

Clinical Outcome of Resected Remnant Pancreatic Cancer After Resection of the Primary Pancreatic Cancer.

Purpose: Pancreatic cancer (PC) has high morbidity and mortality rates, with a poor prognosis and frequent recurrence. The postresection survival rate has increased but remains low, and remnant PC is becoming more common. This review evaluates the current literature pertaining to the clinical outcomes of patients with resected remnant PC. Material and Methods: We reviewed publications on remnant PC that included repeated and completion pancreatectomy. Clinicophysiological data were analyzed, and survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Remnant PC was defined by negative margins at the initial operation, a cancer-free interval >1 year, and presence in the remnant pancreas. Results: Forty-nine cases of remnant PC selected from the literature were examined. Primary and remnant PCs had the same histopathological features in 29 of 45 patients (64.4%). The median disease-free interval was 44.3 months (12-143 months). The 1- and 3-year survival rates after repeat pancreatectomy were 81.5% and 50%, respectively, and the median survival time was 32 months. The age of the patient at the time of the first operation independently predicted survival in a multivariate analysis. Conclusion: In long-term survivors after curative resection for PC, resectable remnant PCs should be aggressively removed to improve prognosis.

Predictive Early Recurrence Factors of Preoperative Clinicophysiological Findings in Pancreatic Cancer.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the use of preoperative clinicophysiological parameters as predictive risk factors for early recurrence of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) after curative resection. METHODS: A total of 260 patients who underwent pancreatic resection for PDAC between 2007 and 2015 were examined retrospectively. We divided the patients into those with early recurrence (within 6 months; group A, n = 52) and those with relapse within ≥6 months or without recurrence (group B, n = 208). Data regarding clinicophysiological parameters were analyzed as predictors of disease-free survival (DFS). These factors were analyzed by χ2 tests on univariate analysis and Cox proportional hazard models on multivariate analyses. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated using log-rank tests. RESULTS: Groups A and B had significantly different preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, and curability. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that CA19-9 and CEA were independent prognostic factors for early recurrence. Patients with CA19-9 levels > 124.65 U/mL had significantly shorter DFS than those with lower levels, as did patients with CEA levels > 4.45 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that elevated CA19-9 (> 124.65 U/mL) and CEA (> 4.45 ng/mL) were independent predictors of early recurrence after pancreatic resection in PDAC patients.

[A Case of Synchronous Liver Metastasis of Ascending Colon Cancer with Pathological Complete Response to S-1/Oxaliplatin (SOX) and Bevacizumab].

A 77-year-old man was diagnosed with ascending colon cancer with synchronous liver metastasis. Per our policy we first only performed a right hemicolectomy (pSSN2H2M0, stage IV). We then planned S-1 and oxaliplatin (SOX) plus bevacizumab (Bmab) chemotherapy as a neoadjuvant for the resection of liver metastasis. After 4 courses, enhanced CT and EOB-MRI findings showed the liver tumor had significantly decreased in size with no side effects, and we performed a partial liver resection for the S7 lesion. Postoperatively, histopathological analysis revealed only a fibrotic lesion and no cancerous cells in the resected specimen, indicating that chemotherapy had downgraded the tumor to Grade 3. Adjuvant chemotherapy was not continued owing to the patient's refusal, but no recurrence was noted 18 months after the second operation. SOX plus Bmab chemotherapy is, therefore, effective in terms of its anti-tumor effects, tolerance, and accessibility. We believe SOX plus Bmab chemotherapy can be considered as an effective option for cases with synchronous liver metastasis of colon cancer as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for interval liver resection.

Comparison of clinical outcome of laparoscopic versus open appendectomy, single center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is now a treatment of choice in patients with appendicitis. This study compares the treatment outcomes of LA and open appendectomies (OA) in our department. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2006 to April 2016 a total of 185 patients underwent appendectomy at our institution. We divided the patients into two groups; LA group (LAG) and OA group (OAG). Following parameters were analyzed: age, gender, preoperative clinicolaboratory characteristics, operative factors, interval appendectomy, length of hospital stay (LHS), and surgical site infections (SSI). RESULTS: There were 93 patients in LA G and 92 in OAG. According to the Univariate analysis, there were statistically significant differences among age (p = 0.037), LHS (p = 0.0001), duration till resuming oral intake (p = 0.016), blood loss (p = 0.038), SSI ratio (p = 0.044) and CRP level (p = 0.038) between the LAG and the OAG. According to the Multivariate analysis, blood loss (p = 0.038) and LHS (p = 0.023) were significantly different between both groups. CONCLUSION: LA was decreasing blood loss and LHS.

The Clinical Outcomes after Total Pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Total pancreatectomy (TP) is not more beneficial than less aggressive resection techniques for the treatment of pancreatic neoplasms and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. However, with advances in surgical techniques and glycemic monitoring, and the development of synthetic insulin and pancreatic enzymes for postoperative treatment, TP has been increasingly indicated. This is a review of the recent literature reporting the clinical outcomes after TP. METHODS: We reviewed the publications reporting the use of TP starting 2007. The clinicophysiological and survival data were analyzed. RESULTS: Few studies evaluated the differences in clinical outcomes between TP and pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with inconsistent results. It was reported that while the perioperative morbidity did not decrease, the mortality decreased compared to previous literature. All patients who underwent TP required insulin and high dose of pancreatic enzyme supplements. The 5-year survival rates after TP and PD for pancreatic cancer were similar. CONCLUSION: The perioperative mortality decreased in patients who underwent TP with advances in the operative procedures and perioperative care. The long-term survival rates were similar for TP and PD. Therefore, treating pancreatic neoplasms using TP is feasible. Patients undergoing TP should receive adequate treatment with synthetic insulin and pancreatic enzyme supplements.

Heterotopic Ossification in Rectal Carcinoma: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature.

Heterotopic ossification in colorectal carcinoma is extremely rare. This report presents the case of a 57-year-old male who had undergone a low anterior resection following a diagnosis of rectal carcinoma. Histological examination showed heterotopic ossification in the tumor. The patient was referred to Ibaraki Medical Center, Tokyo Medical University, with a diagnosis of rectal carcinoma by a local physician. Abdominal computed tomography revealed thickening of the rectal wall with calcified deposits, and virtual colonoscopy showed stenosis with a mass in the rectum. The patient underwent a low anterior resection and diverting ileostomy in May 2014. Histological examination of the excised tumor showed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma and an infiltration of spindle cells with numerous foci of osteoid and ossification, with osteoblastic rimming in the stroma. Immunohistochemical analysis of these spindle cells and osteoblasts revealed negative staining for AE1/AE3, suggesting a reactive change. There was metastasis in 1 of the 12 lymph nodes, and the tumor was diagnosed as stage IIIB (T4a, N1a, M0) rectal carcinoma. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was followed up at our outpatient clinic. In conclusion, the malignant potential of heterotopic ossification in rectal carcinoma has not been determined. However, heterotopic ossification is induced by tumor progression in a microenvironment, suggesting a high tumor malignity. The patient should be carefully monitored after surgery in terms of improved patient outcome.

Emergency surgery for hemorrhagic shock caused by a gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the ileum: A case report.

In this report, a case of hemorrhagic shock caused by a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) of the ileum, which was successfully treated by emergency surgery, is presented. A 67-year-old male patient presented to the Ibaraki Medical Center, Tokyo Medical University (Ami, Japan) in July 18, 2014, with dizziness and blood in the stool. Upper endoscopy and colonoscopy failed to reveal the source of the hemorrhage, although abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed extravasation of the contrast medium into the small intestine. The patient developed hemorrhagic shock; thus, double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) was performed, which revealed a Meckel's diverticulum and a submucosal tumor with excessive bleeding at 60 and 100 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve, respectively. Subsequent emergency partial resection of the ileum, including the tumor and the Meckel's diverticulum, was performed in July 20, 2014. Histological examination of the excised tumor revealed proliferation of spindle-shaped cells, and immunohistochemical staining of the tumor was positive for CD34, KIT and α-smooth muscle actin, but negative for S-100 protein. These immunohistological results supported the diagnosis of GIST of the ileum. The patient had an uneventful recovery and has been monitored at our outpatient clinic for 14 months after surgery. This case demonstrated the efficacy of DBE for the diagnosis of small intestinal bleeding, and immediate emergency surgery should be considered for cases of small intestinal GISTs with excessive bleeding.

Synchronous ovarian metastasis from colorectal cancer: A report of two cases.

Ovarian metastasis of colorectal cancer is relatively rare. The present study reports two cases of synchronous ovarian metastasis from colorectal cancer, which were managed by cytoreductive surgery. In case one, a 60-year-old female patient presented with a multilocular pelvic tumor and ascites. Virtual colonoscopy revealed a mass in the sigmoid colon; however, no tumor cells were identified on histological examination. Ovarian metastasis from sigmoid colon cancer was suspected and adnexectomy was subsequently performed. Histological examination of the excised tumor revealed adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis of the resected tumor revealed positive staining for cytokeratin (CK)20 and caudal-type homeobox 2 (CDX2), and negative staining for CK7, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and inhibin. The immunohistological results supported the diagnosis of ovarian metastasis from sigmoid colon cancer. In case two, a 56-year-old female patient presented with a multilocular pelvic tumor and ascites. Colonoscopy identified a rectal tumor, and histological examination revealed moderately-differentiated adenocarcinoma, which was confirmed by cytological analysis of ascites. Subsequently, ovarian metastasis from rectal cancer with peritoneal dissemination was diagnosed, and left ovariectomy and transverse colostomy were performed. Histological examination of the excised tumor revealed moderately-differentiated adenocarcinoma, and immunohistochemical investigation revealed positive staining for CK20 and CDX2, but negative staining for CK7. These immunohistological results indicated ovarian metastasis from rectal cancer. Both patients recovered well and are currently undergoing regular follow-up examinations. The observations from the two cases indicate that ovarian metastases of primary colorectal cancer may present as pelvic tumors and, thus, preoperative examination of the gastrointestinal tract is required. Furthermore, even in cases of widespread colorectal cancer metastases, excision of the ovarian tumor is required to establish a histological diagnosis for the selection of appropriate treatments.

A giant solitary fibrous tumor of the mesentery: a case report and literature review.

We report on an extremely rare case of a giant solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the mesentery in a 65-year-old male who was admitted to our hospital because of lower abdominal pain and abdominal fullness. Computed tomography demonstrated a well-defined solid mass of 25 × 11 cm located in the lower abdomen, which was completely resected during surgery. Histopathologically, this lesion had a heterogeneous cell population, mainly comprising spindle cells with fibrous collagen proliferation, and various other cell populations exhibiting patternless growth. Immunohistochemically, the tumor revealed strong and diffuse staining for CD34, bcl-2, and vimentin, and a high mitotic index (seven mitoses per 10 high-power fields). We diagnosed this case as an SFT of the mesentery, which is unusual according to a PubMed search that reported only nine such cases. Our case may be the largest tumor reported to date, and only one retrieved case reported recurrence, although the lesion was exceptionally large with deep invasion. Nonetheless, the lesion in our case was larger than that in the reported case of recurrence and invasive to the ileum. Since surgery, there has been no evidence of recurrence. Hence, we propose that a large SFT and high mitotic index may present risk factors for recurrence. Therefore, long-term careful follow-up is necessary in such cases, although our case exhibited few risk factors for recurrence. A follow-up at 12 months after surgery found no indications of recurrence.

Pre-operative granulocyte/lymphocyte ratio as a predictive marker of post-operative complications in patients with colorectal cancer.

The aim of the present study was to assess the clinical relevance of the pre-operative granulocyte/lymphocyte (G/L) ratio as a predictive marker of post-operative complications in patients with colorectal cancer. In total, 85 patients (59 males and 26 females; mean age, 68.9 years) underwent surgery for colorectal cancer at the Department of Surgery, Ibraki Medical Center, Tokyo Medical University (Ami, Japan), and were divided into post-operative complication and non-complication groups. Clinical data, including age, gender, body mass index, tumor localization, tumor pathological type, cancer staging, surgery time, volume of surgical bleeding, pre-operative G/L ratio and further pre-operative laboratory data, including levels of albumin and C-reactive protein, Glasgow Prognostic Score, white blood cell count and levels of hemoglobin, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 were analyzed between these groups. The total post-operative complication rate was 18.8%. On univariate analysis, the amount of surgical bleeding and the pre-operative G/L ratio were significantly higher in the complication group than in the non-complication group (299.8±361.7 vs. 155.6±268.6 ml, P<0.05; and 6.73±10.38 vs. 3.49±2.78, P<0.05, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis for the risk factors of post-operative complications, determined using univariate analysis, demonstrated that the amount of surgical bleeding and the pre-operative G/L ratio were independent risk factors of post-operative complications in patients with colorectal cancer. In conclusion, the G/L ratio may be a clinically relevant pre-operative predictive marker for post-operative complications.

Complete response of lung metastases from rectal cancer to combination first-line therapy of S-1 and irinotecan plus bevacizumab: A case report and review of the literature.

This report presents the case of a 72-year-old male who had undergone abdominoperineal resection following a diagnosis of lower rectal cancer with multiple lung metastases. Pathologically, the resected specimen exhibited advanced rectal cancer with regional lymphoid metastases and was classified as stage IV disease. S-1 and irinotecan (IRIS) plus bevacizumab combination therapy was used to treat the lung metastases following the surgery. S-1 (100 mg/body) was administered orally on days 1-14 of a 28-day cycle, and irinotecan (125 mg/m2) and bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg) were administered by intravenous infusion on days 1 and 15. Computed tomography revealed a marked decrease in the size of the metastases following three therapeutic courses, and no lung metastases or new lesions were detected following nine therapeutic courses. The response was declared clinically complete. The patient refused additional treatment following nine therapeutic courses, and there was no recurrence 36 months after the final course of therapy. This case demonstrates the efficacy of IRIS plus bevacizumab as a first-line combination therapy against lung metastases of rectal cancer.

Removal of an intra-abdominal desmoplastic small round cell tumor by repetitive debulking surgery: A case report and literature review.

In the current study, a case of recurrent desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is presented, which was successfully treated by repetitive debulking surgery. In May 2010, a 39-year-old male, with a history of surgical resection of intra-abdominal DSRCT, visited the Ibaraki Medical Center, Tokyo Medical University Hospital (Ami, Japan) with severe lower abdominal discomfort. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a large tumor in the pouch of Douglas with a small number of nodules in the abdominal cavity. The recurrent DSRCT was diagnosed and removed via lower anterior resection; however, complete resection was impossible due to multiple peritoneal metastases. One year later, the patient developed pain in the right groin due to the growth of metastasized tumor cells in the groin lymph nodes. The affected lymph nodes were removed utilizing an extra-peritoneal approach. At the time of writing, the patient continues to survive without any symptoms 60 months since the initial surgery. In conclusion, surgical debulking is a significant procedure for relieving patient symptoms as well as improving the survival time of patients with metastatic and recurrent DSRCT.

Postoperative arterial blood lactate level as a mortality marker in patients with colorectal perforation.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the clinical relevance of postoperative arterial blood lactate (LAC) level as a prognostic factor in patients with colorectal perforation. METHODS: Forty-two patients (22 males, 20 females; mean age, 70.8 years) underwent emergency surgery for colorectal perforation. The patients were divided into mortality and survivor groups. As a prognostic scoring system, Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome criteria were calculated. These scores, postoperative LAC level, and other data, including site and etiology of perforation, elapsed time from onset to surgery (eTIME), preoperative white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts, preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP), and preoperative arterial blood base excess were assessed between the groups. RESULTS: The total mortality rate was 33.3 %. On univariate analysis, the APACHE-II and SOFA scores were significantly higher, and eTIME was significantly longer in the mortality group than in the survivor group. The postoperative LAC level was significantly higher in the mortality group (43.1 ± 14.1 mg/dl) than in the survivor group (23.8 ± 12.7 mg/dl; p < 0.001), and the preoperative WBC was significantly lower in the mortality group than in the survivor group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis using the mortality risk factors determined by univariate analysis (eTIME, APACHE-II score, SOFA score, preoperative WBC count, and postoperative LAC) demonstrated that postoperative LAC level was an independent risk factor for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: High postoperative LAC level was a useful factor for predicting high mortality rate in patients with colorectal perforation.

In patients with colorectal cancer, preoperative serum interleukin-6 level and granulocyte/lymphocyte ratio are clinically relevant biomarkers of long-term cancer progression.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical significance of the serum inflammatory cytokines and the blood granulocytes/lymphocytes (G/L) ratio in patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: Forty-six patients underwent surgery for colorectal cancer. The G/L ratio and serum inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) were measured before surgery and correlated with the Tumour Node Metastasis classification and overall survival. RESULTS: Serum IL-6 in T3-4, N1-2, M1 cases and cancer stages III-IV sub-groups was significantly higher than in Tis-2, N0, M0 and cancer stages 0-II sub-groups. The G/L ratio, serum M-CSF and TNF-α in T3-4 cases were significantly higher than in Tis-2 cases. Furthermore, the G/L ratio and serum IL-6 showed a significant inverse correlation with the overall survival, while the G/L ratio showed a significant positive correlation with serum IL-6, TNF-α and M-CSF. Multivariate analysis showed that the serum IL-6 level and G/L ratio were independent risk factors for poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: In this investigation, a pre-operative high level of serum IL-6 and the G/L ratio appeared to be significant predictive factors for cancer progression and poor prognosis. Accordingly, these variables might be clinically relevant biomarkers in patients with colorectal cancer.