Lymph node ratio versus number of affected lymph nodes as predictors of survival for resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare the prognostic significance of the lymph node ratio (LNR) with the absolute number of affected lymph nodes for resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Data were collected from 84 patients who had undergone pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma over a 10-year period. Patients were categorized into four groups according to the absolute LNR (0, 0-0.199, 0.2-0.299, > or =0.3). Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the prognostic effect. RESULTS: An LNR of > or =0.2 (median survival 8.1 vs. 35.7 months with LNR < 0.2; p < 0.001) and > or =0.3 (median survival 5.9 vs. 29.6 months with LNR < 0.3; p < 0.001), tumor size (p < 0.017), positive resection margin (p < 0.001), and nodal involvement (p < 0.001) were found to be significant prognostic markers following univariate analysis. Following multivariate analysis, only LNR at both levels [> or =0.2 (p = 0.05; HR 1.8) and LNR of > or =0.3 (p = 0.01; HR 2.7)] were independent predictors of a poor outcome. The number of lymph nodes examined had no effect on overall survival in either node-positive patients (p = 0.339) or node-negative patients (p = 0.473). CONCLUSIONS: The LNR represents a stronger independent prognostic indicator than the absolute number of affected lymph nodes in patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Malignant melanoma of the rectum: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Anorectal melanoma represents an unusual but important presentation of rectal malignancy. There have only been a few cases reported and the optimum management for this condition is still undecided, however, prompt diagnosis is essential. We have outlined current treatment options. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of malignant melanoma of the rectum in a 55-year-old Caucasian man presenting as an emergency with rectal bleeding. Biopsies were taken of the fleshy mass found on digital examination, which confirmed malignant melanoma. No distant metastases were found. He underwent an abdominoperineal resection. We report the surgical management of this rare and aggressive malignancy. CONCLUSION: Treatment options for this condition are divergent. Surgical management varies from wide local excision to abdominoperineal resection. Clinical awareness in both medical and surgical clinics is required for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

An unusual presentation of caecal diverticulitis.

Solitary caecal diverticulitis is a rare and often misdiagnosed cause of abdominal pain. A 63-year-old Caucasian woman was admitted with a 3-day history of left upper quadrant pain and constipation. Preoperative imaging identified a possible transverse colonic tumour. At laparotomy a long, mobile ascending colon resulted in the caecal pole lying in the left upper quadrant and an inflamed gangrenous solitary caecal diverticulum was found. A right hemicolectomy was performed and the patient recovered promptly.

Osseous metaplasia in an ulcerating tubular adenoma of the colon: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Heterotopic bone is rarely found in the gastrointestinal tract. Here we report a rare case of metaplastic ossification within a benign ulcerating adenoma and review the literature concerning the aetiology. CASE PRESENTATION: A 63-year-old woman, who presented with a history of melaena, was found at colonoscopy to have a pedunculated ulcerating polyp. Histological examination demonstrated multiple areas of osseous metaplasia within the polyp stroma. CONCLUSION: Heterotopic ossification in colonic adenomas is a particularly rare phenomenon, with the majority of cases occurring within malignant lesions. The suggested mechanisms for its aetiology still remain unclear.