Successful treatment of advanced gastric cancer with liver metastasis by S-1 + CDDP and S-1 therapy without surgery.

It is generally reported that prognosis of patients who have unresectable gastric cancer is from 3 to 5 months with best supportive care. Despite the improvement of survival after the appearance of S-1, the outcome of treatment for advanced gastric cancer is still unfavorable. Here we present a valuable case of advanced gastric cancer with synchronous liver metastasis, which was treated by S-1 + CDDP and S-1 therapy without surgery. A 58-year-old man was referred to our hospital with a diagnosis of advanced gastric cancer with liver metastasis at stage of cT3N0M1. He underwent first-line chemotherapy consisting of S-1 plus cispatin. 3 months later, a follow-up endoscopy revealed complete response (CR) of the gastric lesion. 3 months later, computed tomography (CT) also demonstrated disappearance of liver metastasis. Then he underwent maintenance chemotherapy with S-1 alone for 8 months. To date, there has been no recurrence for 6 years and 6 months since the acquisition of CR.

Gastric Emptying Improved Significantly After PRG Compared to Billroth-I Reconstruction: Assessment of Gastric Emptying With a 13C-Breath Test.

BACKGROUND: We advocated the usefulness of pylorus-reconstruction gastrectomy (PRG) to improve quality of life following surgery for gastric cancer. The current study assessed gastric emptying following PRG in comparison with those who underwent conventional Billroth-I (B-I) reconstruction and in healthy controls using a 13C breath test. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 24 patients who underwent PRG from September 20, 2007 to July 26, 2012 at the Department of Surgery at Daisan Hospital (affiliated with The Jikei University School of Medicine). These patients underwent the 'standard' version of a gastric-emptying study using a 13C breath test at 20.5±11.8 months after surgery. During the study, the half gastric-emptying time (T1/2) and gastric retention at 5 min after ingestion (RR5) were measured. The data of the PRG group were compared to those for 26 patients who underwent conventional B-I reconstruction and with a group consisting of 20 healthy controls. RESULTS: RR5 was 69.6±21.8% in the patients who underwent PRG, 45.3±28.6% in those who underwent B-I reconstruction, and 93.7±5.7% in healthy controls. T1/2 was 17.0±13.0 min in patients who underwent PRG, 5.9±4.0 min in those who underwent B-I reconstruction, and 23.3±4.9 min in healthy controls. Gastric emptying was delayed in patients who underwent PRG compared to those who underwent B-I reconstruction (RR5: p<0.0014, T1/2: p<0.0002), and was comparable to that of healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Gastric emptying improved significantly after PRG compared to B-I reconstruction, and approached that of healthy controls.

Durable Flap-Valve Mitigation of Duodenogastric Reflux, Remnant Gastritis and Dumping Syndrome Following Billroth I Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: We have reported the short-term results of pylorus reconstruction gastrectomy (PRG) that prevents duodenogastric reflux (DGR) and remnant gastritis after distal gastrectomy. We herein report the long-term results of the PRG. PATIENTS AND METHODS: PRG was performed in 37 patients (age 31 to 86 [mean 67.8 ± 12.3] years, male:female = 22:15) with gastric cancer from June 2006 through December 2013. We examined the long-term outcome in 28 patients (age 41 to 86 [mean 67.0 ± 10.7] years, male:female = 18:10) that passed over 3 years after surgery (LTR 44.1 ± 11.7 months), and compared with their short-term result after the operation (STR 13.1 ± 6.9 months). The adverse events of gastric surgery evaluated in this study consisted of the degree of remnant gastritis, the presence of dumping syndrome, and degree of weight loss (%). RESULTS: There was no difference in the degree of DGR and remnant gastritis by gastroscopic finding between LTR and STR after PRG (P = 0.21). Statistically, there was no difference in the bile acid concentration of remnant gastric juice between LTR and STR (108.4 ± 254.1 vs. 94.0 ± 208.6 µmol/L, P = 0.33), and weight loss of LTR was the same as that of STR (5.67 ± 7.08 vs. 4.59 ± 5.63%, P = 0.34). There were few morphological changes in the reconstructed pylorus by the long-term course, but 2 patients showed mild atrophy. CONCLUSION: The form of reconstructed pylorus and the effect that reduces side effects of Billroth I seem to last for a long time.

["Let's become the surgeon" the present status of the medical course beside teaching in Department of surgery, Daisan Hospital the Jikei University School of medicine: based on the experience OF clinical Clark ship for 5 years].

In Department of Surgery, Daisan Hospital, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Clinical Clark ship (C.C.) is positively taken in the bedside teaching of the medical course fifth and sixth grader from April, 2010. We think that the C.C. is a good opportunity to tell the charm of the surgeon to the students. We introduce a bedside teaching going in our Department, based on the experience of the C.C. for 5 years. In the bedside teaching of our department, there are many tasks not to advance before when students do not have discussion with preceptors, about participation in surgery, presentation of the preoperative conference, visiting of outpatient care and night practice. Moreover, students decide the theme about submitting report and research presentation. For our department which built a bedside teaching with on the job training as a concept from 2010, "students in the C.C." is welcome and beneficial for the doctors, the students itself and the patients. When C.C. will be introduced into all Department of our university in earnest from 2016, we have to examine the merits and demerits in future so that C.C. functions going well.

Usefulness of pyloric reconstruction without compromising curative resection in gastric cancer treatment.

INTRODUCTION: We herein report the short-term results of the newly developed modified technique of Billroth I (modified B-I; pylorus reconstruction) that prevents duodenogastric reflux (DGR) and remnant gastritis after distal gastrectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Distal gastrectomy with this technique was performed in 20 patients (age, 41 to 86 years [mean, 68.5 ± 11.8 years], male/female = 12:8) with gastric cancer from June 2006 through December 2009. These patients were compared with another 20 patients who underwent conventional B-I after distal gastrectomy (age, 41 to 85 years [mean, 69.3 ± 8.69 years], male/female = 11:9). The side effects of gastric surgery evaluated in this study were the degree of remnant gastritis, the presence of dumping syndrome, and the degree of weight loss. RESULTS: By gastrografin contrast imaging on the fifth day after pylorus reconstruction, the remnant stomach was not dilated and gastrografin flowed physiologically to the duodenum without backward reflux into the remnant stomach. By gastroscopy at 6 months after the operation, DGR and the degree of remnant gastritis after pylorus reconstruction was lower than those of conventional B-I (P = 0.00068). The bile acid concentration of remnant gastric juice of pylorus reconstruction was lower than that of conventional B-I (55.5 ± 93.5 vs. 1,369.5 ± 2,502.1 µmol/L, P = 0.0415). Weight loss at 1 year after distal gastrectomy was less in pylorus reconstruction compared with conventional B-I (6.2 ± 5.2% vs. 9.8 ± 8.7%, P = 0.0725). CONCLUSION: Pylorus reconstruction is a simple and safe anastomotic technique that reduces the side effects of B-I reconstruction.

Disadvantage of operation cost in laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy under the national health insurance system in Japan.

BACKGROUND: The utility and problems including the socioeconomic aspect of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer have not been fully evaluated. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We compared open distal gastrectomy and laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy for the clinical benefit, quality of life, and problems of operation cost by the reference documents in which the difference between open distal gastrectomy and laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy was examined in detail. The reference documents retrieved by the key words 'gastric, cancer, laparoscopic, surgery' were 22 in PubMed with the following limits activated: Humans, Clinical Trial, Meta-Analysis, Randomized Controlled Trial, Review, English, Core clinical journals, published in the last 10 years. RESULTS: The operation time of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy is longer than that of open distal gastrectomy. However, if skilled, the blood loss of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy is less, the hospitalization days and the duration of fasting after laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy are shorter than those after open distal gastrectomy. The number of excised lymph nodes and the incidence of postoperative complications were similar between laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy and open distal gastrectomy. On the other hand, in the national health insurance system, the operation fee of open distal gastrectomy was USD 6,637 as compared to USD 7,586 for laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy. In spite of the USD 949 difference in the operation fee, the use of disposable instruments for laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy results in a deficit of USD 1,500 over open distal gastrectomy. CONCLUSION: In spite of the medical superiority of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy over open distal gastrectomy (if a skilled surgeon operates) as less invasive surgery, laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy is associated with less financial benefit to the hospital as compared to open distal gastrectomy in the current Japanese health insurance system.

Evaluation of analgesic effect and safety of fentanyl transdermal patch for cancer pain as the first line.

BACKGROUND: Initial treatment with morphine followed by fentanyl transdermal patch is the standard in Japan, since even the smallest patch (2.5 mg) could deliver too high an initial dose for Japanese patients. We evaluated the analgesic effect and safety of using the fentanyl transdermal patch as a first-line strong opioid for cancer pain that is resistant to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: For 20 hospitalized patients with cancer pain that could not be controlled by NSAIDs, the fentanyl transdermal patch (1.25 mg; half of a 2.5-mg patch) was administered as a first-line strong opioid. We used rescue medications depending on the degree of pain, and the dose of fentanyl transdermal patch was adjusted every 3 days. To evaluate analgesic efficacy of the patch, the degree of pain was assessed twice a day, in the morning and at night, using a face rating scale. The formulation and dose of morphine used during observation period were recorded. The safety of treatment was evaluated by measuring vital signs once a day, and the severity of side effects were evaluated. Any abnormal findings in blood and urine test were recorded. RESULTS: The median pain score before administration of fentanyl transdermal patch was 3 + or - 0.58 and was decreased to 2 + or - 0.71 on day 9 of administration. The mean dose of fentanyl transdermal patch on day 9 of administration was 2.31 + or - 1.34 mg, and the mean dose of morphine as rescue therapy was 4.62 + or - 7.76 mg. No clinically significant changes in vital signs were observed. No severe adverse events were present when the dose of the fentanyl transdermal patch was 1.25 mg, but two patients experienced dizziness when the dose was increased from 2.5 to 5 mg. No abnormal laboratory data appeared during the administration. CONCLUSION: The use of 1.25-mg fentanyl transdermal patch (50% of a 2.5-mg patch) seems to be safe and efficient as a first-line strong opioid. The use of 3.75-mg fentanyl transdermal patch may be necessary since adverse events including nausea and sleepiness are likely to occur by increasing from 2.5 to 5 mg.

The advantages and disadvantages of a Roux-en-Y reconstruction after a distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

In Japan, the Billroth I and Billroth II operations have been used for reconstruction after a distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. However, a Roux-en-Y reconstruction is increasingly performed to prevent duodenogastric reflux. We herein discuss the indications for Roux-en-Y in gastric surgery and review the literature to determine its advantages and disadvantages. Indications for Roux-en-Y reconstruction after a distal gastrectomy are: (a) When the primary lesion has directly invaded the duodenum or head of the pancreas, the Billroth I operation is likely to result in local recurrence near the anastomosis; (b) in addition, the Billroth I operation is not indicated after a subtotal gastrectomy due to an unacceptable anastomotic tension; reconstruction using a nonphysiological route is therefore preferred. The advantages of Roux-en-Y reconstruction after a distal gastrectomy include a reduction of reflux gastritis and esophagitis, a decreased probability of gastric cancer recurrence, and a reduction in the incidence of surgical complications such as ruptured suture lines. The disadvantages of Roux-en-Y reconstruction include the possible development of stomal ulcer, an increased probability of cholelithiasis, increased difficulty with an endoscopic approach to the ampulla of Vater, and the possibility of Roux stasis syndrome. The principal advantage of a Roux-en-Y reconstruction is that it is less likely than the Billroth I operation to result in duodenogastric reflux. Roux-en-Y reconstruction or Billroth I operation can only be selected after considering their respective advantages and disadvantages.

The use of nonpharmacological interventions to reduce anxiety in patients undergoing gastroscopy in a setting with an optimal soothing environment.

Patients develop anxiety before undergoing gastroscopy. By removing such distressing feelings, patients are more likely to experience gastroscopy more smoothly. This study was designed to examine changes in anxiety levels in patients undergoing gastroscopy and the effect of an optimal soothing environment (OSE) as a new nonpharmacological intervention to reduce patient anxiety prior to gastroscopy. During a 6-month period, 50 outpatients referred for gastroscopy were randomly assigned to two groups (control group, n = 24 patients; OSE group, n = 26 patients). This study was performed at the digestive endoscopy service of a 150-bed acute care hospital in Japan. The patient anxiety was assessed using the Face Scale score. Pre- and postprocedural systolic blood pressures were measured and values were compared with blood pressure upon arrival at the hospital. The tools for an OSE, including a safe essential oil burner with lavender essential oil and a digital video disk program entitled "Flow" manufactured by NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) software, were provided to patients in the waiting room before gastroscopy. The score for self-assessed anxiety level just before gastroscopy was significantly higher than that on arrival at the hospital but returned to baseline after gastroscopy in the control group, whereas the score did not increase before starting gastroscopy in the OSE group. Systolic blood pressure measurements just before and after gastroscopy were significantly higher than those on arrival at the hospital and the baseline values in the control group, whereas it was not increased before starting gastroscopy in the OSE group. Providing an OSE before and during gastroscopy is useful to minimize patient anxiety regarding experiencing a gastroscopy. This nonpharmacological method is a simple, inexpensive, and safe method of minimizing anxiety before and during gastroscopy.

Blood transfusion requirement for gastric cancer surgery: reasonable preparation for transfusion in the comprehensive health insurance system.

We investigated the necessity of preparation for blood transfusion in gastric cancer surgery to save costs for blood typing, antibody screening, cross-matching, and disposal of the blood product. The subjects of the study were 52 patients who underwent gastric cancer surgery at our department between 2000 and 2004. The requirement for blood transfusion during surgery was investigated in terms of patient characteristics, hemoglobin before surgery, and performance status as well as treatment regimen. Furthermore, economic effects were investigated when typing and screening (T&S) were performed instead of typing and cross-matching (T&X). Of 9 patients who received blood transfusion, 8 had gastric cancer of stage IIIB or higher, or underwent combined resection. Blood transfusion was not used in surgery for patients with early gastric cancer. The volumes of blood prepared, lost, and disposed of in 28 patients who underwent T&X were 831.3+/-249.4, 219.3+/-228.5 and 600+/-333.1 ml, respectively, whereas the blood loss in 24 patients who underwent T&S was 161.1+/-95.6 ml; this difference had a major economic effect. The practice of T&S for patients undergoing gastric surgery in the absence of combined resection for early gastric cancer seems to be a safe and cost-effective practice that abrogates disposal of blood in hospital management.

Palliative surgical treatment for enterostasis caused by recurrent gastric cancer: analysis of survival and QOL based on pathological features.

To improve quality of life (QOL) and prolong survival, enterostasis caused by recurrent gastric cancer must be treated appropriately. We reviewed the current treatment retrospectively. The subjects were 43 patients with enterostasis caused by recurrent gastric cancer and treated by surgical procedures at our hospital from 1988 to 1997. Survival and QOL were analyzed in relation to the mode of recurrence, the pathological diagnosis at the initial operation, and surgical procedures. The patients treated by colostomy, ileostomy, or bypass for local occlusion caused by isolated peritoneal recurrence or lymph node recurrence had significantly better quality of life and longer survival [discharge rate: colostomy and ileostomy, 81.8% (9/11); bypass, 77.8% (14/18); survival time: colostomy and ileostomy, 223.5 +/- 171.9 days; bypass, 129.6 +/- 91.0 days] than those who underwent exploratory laparotomy, gastrostomy, or enterostomy and had diffuse disseminated lesions of peritoneal recurrence [discharge rate: 21.4% (3/14); survival time: 44.6 +/- 31.5 days; P < 0.05]. In the patients in whom the pathological diagnosis at initial surgery was differentiated type or poorly solid type, the risk of exploratory laparotomy alone was low (5.6%; 1/18; P < 0.01). Enterostasis with pathological diagnosis at initial surgery of differentiated type or poorly solid type should be treated with aggressive laparotomy and colostomy, ileostomy, or bypass to improve survival and QOL.