Investigation of the Japanese Classification of Peritoneal Metastasis from Colorectal Cancer Referring to the Correlation with PCI.

OBJECTIVES: In Japan, there are three grades of peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer. The grade depends on the extent and number of lesions (P classification). The P classification is useful for its simplicity but lacks objectivity. On the other hand, the peritoneal cancer index (PCI) objectively indicates the peritoneal metastasis grade. However, the evaluation process is complicated clinically. In this study, we compared these two methods and investigated how to improve the P classification's objectivity by referring to PCI. METHODS: We investigated 150 cases of synchronous peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer. We inspected the correlation between the P classification and the PCI and pointed out the problems which prevented objective evaluation when using the P classification. We also estimated new criteria for extent and number in the P classification. RESULTS: We found the ideal definition for the best alignment between the P classification and the PCI was: ・P1 is metastases confined to one peritoneal region, ・P2 is 19 or fewer peritoneal metastases in two or more regions, and ・P3 is 20 or more metastases in two or more regions. This revision improved the P classification's objectivity and correlated with the PCI. CONCLUSIONS: Grading using the P classification was both imprecise and subjective. We propose a new standard value of extent and number in the P classification based on the PCI. This improvement would provide an objective, simple method of grading for peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer.

Factors affecting R0 resection of colorectal cancer with synchronous peritoneal metastases: a multicenter prospective observational study by the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum.

BACKGROUND: In Japan, R0 resection has been recommended for colorectal cancer patients with peritoneal metastases confined to the adjacent peritoneum and those with a few metastases to the distant peritoneum. R0 resection for M1c disease has drawn attention in Western countries and is currently considered an acceptable therapeutic option in the US National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. However, clinical factors that affect the choice of R0 resection are unknown. METHODS: This multicenter, prospective, observational study was conducted by the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum. Colorectal cancer patients with synchronous peritoneal metastases were enrolled at 28 institutions in Japan from October 2012 to December 2016. To determine factors affecting R0 resection and R1 resection with intended R0 resection, stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed on clinical factors including age, sex, performance status (PS), body mass index, peritoneal cancer index (PCI) score, presence of ascites, presence of distant metastases, and primary tumor site. RESULTS: R0/R1 resection was performed in 36 (31/5; 25%) of 146 patients. No distant metastases [odds ratio (OR) 52.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) 13.3-210.1; p < 0.0001], low PCI score (1-6) (OR 20.0; 95% CI 4.8-83.4; p < 0.0001), and high PS (0) (OR 2.40; 95% CI 0.66-8.68; p = 0.18) were independent factors affecting R0/R1 resection. PCI score and PS were also independent factors affecting R0/R1 resection in M1c patients without non-peritoneal distant metastases (n = 59). CONCLUSION: Distant metastases, PCI score, and PS are three factors which affect R0 resection for M1c disease.

[Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy for Elderly Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer and Gastric Outlet Obstruction - A Case Report].

A 90-year-old female patient was admitted to our hospital with a chief complaint of vomiting.Gastroscopy revealed type 3 gastric cancer and gastric outlet obstruction(GOO).Abdominal computed tomography revealed thickening of the antral wall and suggested the presence of 3 perigastric lymph node metastases, but there was no ascitic fluid or distant metastasis.The clinical diagnosis was T4a(SE)N2H0CYXP0M0, Stage III B, according to the Japanese Classification of Gastric Carcinoma.Her general conditions including kidney and cardiac function were good, we considered that she was able to tolerate radical distal gastrectomy.We planned laparoscopic distal gastrectomy(LDG)and D2 lymphadenectomy after getting sufficient informed consent.The patient experienced an uneventful post-operative recovery, and was discharged in good health 11 days after surgery.

[Diffuse Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma with Secondary Liver Invasion Diagnosed Using Laparoscopy - A Case Report].

A 69-year-old man with right upper quadrant abdominal pain and fever was referred to our hospital. He had a history of asbestosis exposure. Computed tomography(CT)revealed a mass at the right subhepatic space, and an antibiotic was administered after a diagnosis of an abdominal abscess. However, the patient did not respond to the treatment, and finally, exploratory laparoscopy was performed. A sheet of combined white nodules surrounding the right lobe of the liver was found, and the mass was continuous with the covering particles. Biopsy of the mass and immunohistochemical examination was performed. The resulting diagnosis was diffuse epithelial malignant peritoneal mesothelioma(MPM). Postoperative systematic chemotherapy of pemetrexed and cisplatin was administered. Laparoscopy was useful to evaluate the distribution of the MPM, which led to adequate therapeutic determination.

[A Case of Metastatic Carcinoma of Anal Fistula].

A 58-year-old man underwent rectal resection(D2 dissection)for rectal cancer and liver/lung metastases in August 2009. Histopathological findings were Ra, type 2, 70×80mm, tub1>tub2, int, pSI(peritoneum), INF b, ly1, v1, pN1(2/13), pPM0, pDM0, M1a(H1, PUL1), fStage IV . The lung metastasis had disappeared on chest CT after postoperative chemotherapy and we were able to perform radical resection of the liver metastasis by performing hepatectomy twice. In October 2013, anal pain appeared and a painful tumor approximately 2 cm in size was found in the 5 o'clock direction of the anus. Biopsy revealed a well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma similar to rectal cancer, and it was diagnosed as a fistula metastasis of rectal cancer.We performed chemoradiotherapy(S-1 120mg/day plus RT 60 Gy/30 Fr)as surgery was recommended but refused. As a result, the tumor reduced markedly in size. In December 2015, the tumor enlarged in size and the patient and family requested surgery. We, therefore, performed abdominoperineal resection. Currently, the patient is alive at 18 months after surgery with no recurrence.

[Early Liver Metastases after Curative Surgery for Stageâ Gastric Cancer with Neuroendocrine Differentiation-A Case Report].

An 87-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with a chief complaint of vomiting. Gastroscopy revealed Type 0-Ⅱc+Ⅱa tumor at the posterior wall in the middle third of the stomach. A biopsy indicated moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. Abdominal CT revealed no lymph node or distant metastases. The clinical diagnosis was cT2(MP), N0, M0, cStage Ⅰ. Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy was performed. The pathological findings revealed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma containing synaptophysin, chromogranin A, and CD56-positive tumor cells. He was then diagnosed with adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation. The pathological diagnosis was pT2(MP), pN0, M0, pStage ⅠB. MRI revealed multiple liver metastases 5 months postoperatively. S-1 alone chemotherapy was started, and the patient showed partial response(PR)after 3 courses, according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor (RECIST).

[Invasive Micropapillary Carcinoma of the Colon That Was Difficult to Diagnose Preoperatively].

A 73-year-old man was admitted with sigmoid colon diverticulitis. Although a biopsy did not indicate malignancy, the sigmoid colon was completely obstructed following conservative treatment. After sigmoidectomy, the histopathological findings revealed a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma localized to the mucosal surface; invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC)accounting for>95% of the tumor volume spread extensively below the submucosal layer. IMPC is highly malignant and difficult to diagnose preoperatively, possibly due to the presence of poorly differentiated histological sub-types in the deepest portions of the tumor.

Prediction of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND: No report has described the predictive factor of surgical difficulty for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) by preoperative computed tomography (CT) findings. This study aimed to investigate whether dynamic CT findings can predict the difficulty of LC for acute cholecystitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-seven patients who underwent emergency LC and dynamic CT preoperatively were enrolled. Difficult LC (DLC) was defined as any patient with an operative time ≥3 h, bleeding volume ≥300 mL, common bile duct injury, partial cholecystectomy, the need for a second surgeon, and/or conversion to open surgery. Patients were assigned to either the DLC (+) or DLC (-) group. We determined the CT attenuation ratio of the arterial phase (ARAP) to represent the degree of transient focal enhancement of the liver adjacent to the gallbladder. The ARAP cutoff value for a DLC predictor was determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Patients' characteristics and CT findings, including the ARAP, were compared between the groups. The Fisher exact test for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables with Bonferroni correction were used to evaluate the significance of differences. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were assigned to the DLC (+) group. The ARAP was significantly higher in the DLC (+) group than in the DLC (-) group (P = 0.006). The ARAP cutoff value was 1.55. Regarding the CT findings, an ARAP ≥1.55 (P = 0.005) was significantly correlated with DLC. CONCLUSIONS: Among dynamic CT findings, an increased ARAP is a predictive factor for DLC.

[A Case of Rectal Cancer Presenting with Schistosomiasis Japonica Eggs].

A 87-year-old man had used to live in Shizuoka Prefecture. He got colonoscopy due to melena, and a type 1 tumor about 3 cm was detected in the rectum. He was diagnosed with rectal cancer. We performed a laparoscopic low anterior resection with lymphadenectomy. Histopathological findings shows tub1, pSM(7mm), med, INF a, ly1, v0, pPM0, pDM0, pN0(0/7), T1bN0M0, Stage I . Schistosoma japonica eggs were seen in submucosal of the rectum not around the tumor but also normal tissue. The eggs embolized microvessels. It has been 5 year since the operation, the patient has survived without recurrence.

[Esophagogastric Junction Cancer Resection with Bilateral Adrenal Metastasis - A Case Report].

The patient was a 64-year-old man with esophagogastric junction cancer. We performed right thoracotomy-laparotomy for lower esophageal and cardiac gastric resection, D2 lymphadenectomy, and reconstruction of a gastric tube in October 2011. Histopathology confirmed T4aN1M1(LYM), Stage IV cancer(Japanese Classification of Gastric Carcinoma, 14th edition) with R0 resection. Because of preexisting alcoholic cirrhosis, postoperative chemotherapy was not an option. In March 2014, we performed left adrenalectomy for left adrenal metastasis, and in December 2014, we performed right adrenalectomy for metastasis to the right adrenal gland. The patient was prescribed 20mg/day of hydrocortisone postoperatively. Survival from the right adrenalectomy was 2 years and 2 months, and survival from the first operation was 5 years and 4 months, without recurrence. This case of esophagogastric junction cancer resection with bilateral adrenal metastasis is rare, with only one previously reported case in Japan.

Perforated Carcinoma in the Gastric Remnant: A Case of Conservative Treatment Prior to Successful Curative R0 Resection.

An 80-year-old man who had undergone distal gastrectomy and Billroth-II gastrojejunostomy 38 years previously, for a benign gastric ulcer, was diagnosed with remnant gastric cancer based on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings. He presented at our emergency department with acute-onset epigastric pain due to perforated remnant gastric cancer. Conservative medical management was selected, including nasogastric tube insertion, antibiotics, and proton pump inhibitors, because his peritonitis was limited to his epigastrium and his general condition was stable. Twenty-one days after the perforation occurred, curative total remnant gastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy were performed. Adhesion between the lateral segment of the liver and the dissected lesser curvature of the gastric remnant may have contributed to the peritonitis in this case, which was limited to the epigastrium. This is the first report of perforated remnant gastric cancer in which conservative treatment was effective prior to curative resection. The protocol reported here may be of use to other clinicians who may encounter this clinical entity in their practices.

Use of dynamic CT attenuation value for diagnosis of acute gangrenous cholecystitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the increase in transient focal enhancement of the liver adjacent to the gallbladder seen on dynamic computed tomography (CT) is greater in gangrenous cholecystitis than in nongangrenous cholecystitis by determining the CT attenuation value. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 57 patients who underwent emergency cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis and preoperative dynamic CT scans between March 2011 and April 2016. Based on the pathology findings, patients were assigned to a gangrenous group or a nongangrenous group. The CT attenuation ratio (AR) was defined as the ratio of the maximum CT attenuation value in the region of interest in segment 5 (liver parenchyma adjacent to the gallbladder) and that in the control region of interest in segment 8. The patient characteristics and CT findings were compared between the groups. The appropriate AR of the arterial phase (ARAP) cutoff value for a diagnosis of gangrenous cholecystitis was determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: The ARAP was significantly higher in the gangrenous group than in the nongangrenous group (P < .001); the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.849. The ARAP cutoff value of 1.46 had a sensitivity and specificity of 84.6% and 83.9%, respectively (odds ratio, 21.17; 95% confidence interval, 4.90-118.91), and ARAP ≥1.46 was significantly correlated with a diagnosis of gangrenous cholecystitis (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The increase in transient focal enhancement of the liver adjacent to the gallbladder during the arterial phase of dynamic CT was greater in gangrenous cholecystitis than in nongangrenous cholecystitis.

[A Case of a Large Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor with a PDGFRA Exon 18 Mutation].

A 49-year-old man visited our hospital with a chief complaint of abdominal pain that began 1 day before his visit.An approximately 30 cm tumor that was extensively in contact with the gastric wall in the abdominal cavity was detected on computed tomography(CT).An elevated lesion covered with normal mucosa on the posterior wall of the greater curvature was detected on upper endoscopy.He was diagnosed with a submucosal tumor of the stomach, and he underwent surgery. Surgical findings revealed an elastic soft tumor with a maximal dimension of 38 cm that projected from the posterior wall of the stomach beyond the gastric wall.No invasion and metastasis to other organs were detected.Partial gastrectomy was performed.On histopathological examination, proliferation of atypical round and spindle cells was found, and immunostaining was negative for KIT but positive for CD34.In the gene search, an Asp842Val mutation was detected in exon 18 of the PDGFRA gene.Currently, the patient has survived for 7 months after surgery without recurrence.

Continuous Administration of Vancomycin through a Long Intestinal Tube for Clostridium difficile Infection.

A 76-year-old previously healthy Japanese man experienced severe diarrhea (8,000 mL per day) after undergoing laparotomy for small bowel obstruction and was diagnosed with Clostridium difficile infection. Although he developed a maculopapular rash secondary to the systemic absorption of enteral vancomycin (VCM), the patient was successfully treated with the continuous administration of VCM through a long intestinal tube placed in the terminal ileum. This method ensured the reliable delivery of VCM to the colon, while the continuous administration maintained high fecal levels of the drug. This treatment approach is an effective minimally invasive option for patients with severe diarrhea.

[A case of HER2-positive breast cancer for which preoperative chemotherapy with pertuzumab resulted in a pathological complete response].

A right breast tumor was identified during screening in a 56-year-old woman, and she was then diagnosed with Stage II B breast cancer (T2N1M0) of Luminal -HER2 type. She was treated with preoperative chemotherapy with pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel followed by epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, and fluorouracil. She was judged to have achieved a clinical complete response after 4 courses of pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel, and she then underwent partial resection of the right breast and sentinel lymph node dissection. Pathological examination revealed that a pathological complete response was achieved. Combination therapy with pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel seems to be a useful preoperative chemotherapy regimen for HER2-positive breast cancer.

[Three-day-type transdermal fentanyl patch conversion by rapid titration method with short-acting oral oxycodone for cancer pain].

This study compared the efficacy and safety of a 3-day-type transdermal fentanyl patch conversion by the rapid titration method to short-acting oral oxycodone for cancer pain.We evaluated seven hospitalized cancer patients who had moderate to severe cancer pain.Pain intensity was rated using an 11-point(0-10)numerical rating scale(NRS).All 7 patients initially reported their pain intensity at rest as NRS≥4 during treatment by Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs(NSAIDs).Short - acting oral oxycodone(OxiNorm®)5 mg was administered to all patients.One hour after short-acting oral oxycodone was administered, pain assessment was carried out using NRS by the author.Short -acting oral oxycodone was administered four times a day periodically, and as a rescue dose.If the total daily dose of short-acting oral oxycodone was stable for 2 days, we switched to the 3-day-type transdermal fentanyl patch.The optimal dosage of the 3-day-type transdermal fentanyl patch was determined by titration of short-acting oral oxycodone.All 7 patients reported mild levels(NRS≤2)of cancer pain for 2 days.No serious side effects were reported.The 3-day-type transdermal fentanyl patch conversion by the rapid titration method with short-acting oral oxycodone can be accomplished safely and effectively for patients with moderate cancer pain.

Modified triangulating stapling technique for closure of a temporary loop stoma.

PURPOSE: To describe a new stapling technique for closure of a temporary loop stoma and report the results of a retrospective investigation of its efficacy. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients underwent a total of 40 loop stoma closure procedures, performed by the same surgeon using the same method, between 2004 and 2009. Thirty-six procedures were performed after rectal surgery, 1 was done for rectal malignant lymphoma, 2 were performed in the same patient after resection of rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and 1 was performed after colonic surgery. The short-term outcomes were evaluated retrospectively. For this technique, after the minimum necessary dissection of both limbs of the bowel from the abdominal wall, the everted part of the oral limb is returned to its proper anatomy. The stoma is closed in the vertical direction using two lines of staples in an everted fashion. RESULTS: The stoma was located in the terminal ileum (n = 36), transverse colon (n = 3), or sigmoid colon (n = 1). The mean operating time was 55 min and the estimated blood loss was 32 g. There were two postoperative wound infections and one anastomotic stenosis. CONCLUSION: Stapling closure of a temporary loop stoma with two lines of staples may be a feasible alternative that decreases morbidity and reduces the operating time.

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery in patients with prior abdominal surgery.

PURPOSE: We retrospectively investigated the impact of prior abdominal surgery on the outcome of laparoscopic colorectal surgery. PATIENTS: Among 607 colorectal cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery, 192 patients had previously undergone abdominal surgery (S group) and 415 had not (non-S group). RESULTS: The percentage of female patients was higher in the S group than in the non-S group. The incidence of conversion to open surgery was higher in the S group (5.2%, 10/192) than in the non-S group (2.6%, 11/415), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.108). Although the mean operating time and estimated blood loss were similar in the two groups, right and transverse colectomy after prior gastrectomy and ipsilateral colectomy after prior colectomy took longer and were associated with greater blood loss. The morbidity rates of the two groups were similar (S group: 15.6%, 30/192; non-S group: 14.5%, 60/415). There were 5 intraoperative small-bowel injuries or postoperative small-bowel perforations in the S group, especially in the patients with prior gastrointestinal-tract surgery. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that there is no reason to avoid laparoscopic procedures in most patients with prior abdominal surgery despite a higher conversion rate, but caution is warranted in patients who have undergone major gastrointestinal-tract surgery.

Effects of intraperitoneal chemotherapy with mitomycin C on the prevention of peritoneal recurrence in colorectal cancer patients with positive peritoneal lavage cytology findings.

BACKGROUND: The detection of intraperitoneal free cancer cells in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is associated with a poorer prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) with mitomycin C (MMC) on preventing peritoneal recurrence in CRC patients with positive peritoneal lavage cytology findings. METHODS: A total of 52 CRC patients who had no clinically confirmed peritoneal dissemination and whose status of peritoneal lavage cytology was positive were investigated. Conventional peritoneal lavage cytology was performed. Overall, 31 of the 52 patients (59.6%) were administered IPC with MMC. Before closure of the abdomen, 4 silicon catheters were inserted into peritoneal cavity. After closure, the perfusate (diluting 20 mg MMC with 500 ml saline) was instilled from the catheter, and all catheters were clumped. All catheters were opened 1 h later. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 83.1 months. According to univariate analyses of all 52 patients and the subgroup of 36 patients with stage II or III tumors, patients with IPC had a significantly better peritoneal recurrence-free survival and cancer-specific survival than patients who did not receive IPC (P < 0.005). In multivariate analysis, IPC remained an independent prognostic factor for peritoneal recurrence-free survival in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that IPC with MMC is an effective treatment to prevent peritoneal recurrence and prolong the cancer-specific survival in CRC patients without peritoneal dissemination, but who have positive peritoneal lavage cytology. It is necessary to verify the effectiveness of IPC with MMC in a prospective trial.

Characteristics of recurrence after curative resection for T1 colorectal cancer: Japanese multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Because the rate of recurrence after curative resection for T1 colorectal cancer is low, the characteristics of recurrence remain obscure. This multicenter study attempted to clarify the characteristics of recurrence after curative resection for T1 colorectal cancer. METHODS: We analyzed the associations between recurrence and various clinicopathological features in 798 patients who had undergone curative resection alone for T1 colorectal cancer at 14 hospitals between 1991 and 1996. RESULTS: The rate of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with T1 colorectal cancer was 10.5% (84/798), and 18 (2.3%) of the 798 patients developed recurrence during the median follow-up of 7.8 years. The recurrence rates in patients with colon cancer with and without LNM were 3.6 and 1.3%, respectively (p = 0.19). These rates in patients with cancer of the rectum were 25.0 and 1.1% (p < 0.0001). Among various parameters, histological grade (p < 0.0001), location (p = 0.025), LNM (p < 0.0001), and venous invasion (p = 0.0013) were risk factors for recurrence. Among them, LNM (p = 0.0008) and histological grade (p = 0.041) were independent risk factors for recurrence after curative resection for T1 colorectal cancer. Time to recurrence was more likely to be shorter for patients with, than without nodal involvement. In patients with an unfavorable histological grade, all recurrences developed within 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: The recurrence rate after curative resection for node-negative T1 colorectal cancer was very low. The effectiveness of surveillance to detect recurrence after curative resection for T1 colorectal cancer should be validated in further studies.