The short-term outcomes of laparoscopic–endoscopic cooperative surgery for colorectal tumors (LECS-CR) in cases involving endoscopically unresectable colorectal tumors Abstract Purpose Laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative colorectal surgery (LECS) is widely used for the removal of endoscopically unresectable colonic polyps. We evaluated the invasiveness of LECS in comparison to conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) for endoscopically unresectable colorectal tumors. Method We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with colorectal adenoma or mucosal cancer and submucosal tumors who underwent either LECS or CLS at a single, high-volume center in Japan between 2004 and 2017. The short-term and oncological outcomes were compared between groups. Results Of the 83 eligible patients, 15 underwent LECS and 68 underwent CLS. There was no conversion to open surgery in either group. En bloc resection was achieved in all cases in both groups. The median time to solid diet intake was the same in both groups (2 days, p = 0.39). The median duration of hospital stay after surgery was 6 days (range 4–12 days) in the LECS group and 10 days (range 5–68 days) in the CLS group (p = 0.01). Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ 3 postoperative complications only occurred in the CLS group (two cases, p = 0.37). Conclusion Our results indicated that LECS is a safe and feasible technique that results in high-quality colorectal polyp resection with quicker recovery and favorable 30-days postoperative outcomes.

Laparoscopic esophagogastrostomy using a knifeless linear stapler after proximal gastrectomy Abstract Proximal gastrectomy should improve the late postoperative function in patients with gastric cancer located in the upper third of the stomach or esophagogastric junction. However, a standard method of esophagogastrostomy has not been established for improving the postoperative function. To prevent reflux and stenosis following proximal gastrectomy, we introduced a novel esophagogastrostomy method using a knifeless linear stapler. The stapler was inserted into holes created in both the esophagus and remnant stomach and fired proximally. A 1.5-cm incision was made from the edge of the entry hole between the staples. The entry hole was then closed with continuous sutures, and fundoplication was performed by wrapping the remnant stomach. We performed this technique in 12 consecutive patients without observing any anastomosis-related complications. The proportion of weight lost 1 year after surgery was 8.8%. Our surgical procedure might be feasible for treating gastric cancer located in the upper third of the stomach or esophagogastric junction.

Association of skeletal muscle loss with the long-term outcomes of esophageal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy Abstract Purpose To investigate the change in skeletal muscle mass and evaluate the prognostic impact of sarcopenia on esophageal cancer (EC) patients Methods The subjects of this retrospective study were 90 EC patients who were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and subsequent esophagectomy. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) was defined according to computed tomography (CT) imaging of the total cross-sectional muscle tissue, measured at the third lumbar level using a volume analyzer before NAC and surgery. The SMI was calculated by normalization according to height, and skeletal muscle loss (SML) was defined as (pre-NAC SMI value − preoperative SMI value) × 100/pre-NAC SMI. Results Sarcopenia was evident in 72 (80.0%) patients before NAC and 77 (85.6%) patients before NAC and surgery. The SMI value was decreased in 28 (68.9%) patients and the median SML was 3.3%. The 3-year overall survival rate was 68.9% in the low SML group and 0% in the high SML group (P < 0.001). Sarcopenia before NAC or surgery was not significantly associated with overall survival. Multivariable analysis identified high SML as an independent prognostic factor. Conclusions These results suggest that skeletal muscle loss is associated with a worse long-term outcome for EC patients treated with NAC.

Treatment guidelines for persistent cloaca, cloacal exstrophy, and Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Häuser syndrome for the appropriate transitional care of patients Abstract We developed treatment guidelines (TGs) for appropriate transitional care of the genitourinary system in patients with persistent cloaca (PC), cloacal exstrophy (CE), or Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Häuser syndrome (MRKH). These TGs are in accordance with the Medical Information Network Distribution Service (Minds), published in 2014 in Japan. Clinical questions (CQs) concerning treatment outcomes of the genitourinary system, pregnancy and delivery, and quality of life in adulthood were prepared as six themes for PC and CE and five themes for MRKH. We were able to publish statements on chronic renal dysfunction, hydrometrocolpos, and pregnancy, based on four CQs about PC, four about CE, and two about MRKH, respectively. However, due to the paucity of proper manuscripts, we were unable to make conclusions about the correct timing and method of vaginoplasty for patients with PC, CE, and MRKH or the usefulness of early bladder closure for patients with CE. These TGs may help clarify the current treatments for PC, CE, and MRKH in childhood, which have been carried out on an institutional basis. To improve clinical outcomes, systematic clinical trials revealing comprehensive clinical data of the urinary and reproductive systems, especially the length of the common channel in PC, are essential.

End-to-end intestinal anastomosis using a novel biodegradable stent for laparoscopic colonic surgery: a multicenter study Abstract Purpose Our animal studies have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of end-to-end intestinal anastomosis using a stent for laparoscopic colonic surgery. Therefore, we designed a non-inferiority trial to investigate the outcomes of stent anastomosis (SA) vs. those of conventional hand-sewn anastomosis (CA). Methods A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted between December, 2016 and April, 2018. The primary outcome was the healing condition of the anastomoses, evaluated by endoscopy 6 months postoperatively. The secondary outcomes were the anastomotic completion time, anastomotic leak, intestinal obstruction, peritoneal effusion, and bleeding. Quality of life (QOL) was evaluated by questionnaires. Results The subjects of this study were 60 patients, randomly divided into a SA group (n = 30) and a CA group (n = 30). There were no differences in anastomotic healing conditions (P = 1.00). The stent procedure was associated with a significantly shorter anastomosis time than the hand-sewn anastomosis (13.517 ± 4.281 vs. 20.333 ± 2.998 min, respectively; P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in anastomotic leakage, intestinal obstruction, peritoneal effusion, or bleeding between the groups. Questionnaires revealed almost no discrepancy between baseline QOL scores and those assessed 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively in either group. Conclusions Intestinal anastomosis with a stent is a non-inferior strategy for laparoscopic colonic surgery, which requires less time for the anastomosis.

Intracorporeal overlap gastro-gastrostomy for solo single-incision pylorus-preserving gastrectomy in early gastric cancer Abstract This report discusses the technique of solo single-incision pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (SIPPG) for early gastric cancer. To overcome difficulties regarding lymph node dissection (LND), a scope holder and an energy device were used, allowing fine dissection in a fixed field of view. The overlap gastro-gastrostomy technique was used for anastomosis. Seventeen patients underwent solo SIPGG. The mean operation time was 150.1 ± 28.7 min, and no patients developed postoperative complications or delayed gastric emptying within 30 days of the operation. Using scope holders and performing fine dissection with the energy device, challenges regarding LND in SIPPG can be overcome. INTACT anastomosis was initially used; however, due to its inconsistency and the high degree of surgical skill required, it was changed to the overlap method. Solo SIPPG with overlap gastro-gastrostomy may be safe and feasible with good cosmetic results and fast patient recovery.

Risk factors associated with increased drainage volumes of chest tubes after transthoracic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer Abstract Purpose Prolonged chest drain placement can extend the postoperative hospital stay after esophagectomy in esophageal cancer (EC) patients. This study aimed to identify whether or not the risk factors associated with this prolonged chest tube placement are clinically important. Methods A total of 138 patients who underwent subtotal esophagectomy for thoracic EC were retrospectively analyzed. Using the 75th percentile of the total drainage volume of chest tubes as a cutoff value, the high-output (HO; n = 35) and low-output (LO; n = 103) groups were compared in terms of the clinicopathological parameters. Results The median durations of right and left chest tube placement were 6 and 9 days, respectively, with a median total drainage volume of 2692 ml. When compared with the LO group, the HO group was significantly associated with male gender, a subcutaneous route for reconstruction, blood transfusion, higher morbidity, and prolonged chest drainage and postoperative hospital stays. A multivariable analysis further identified blood loss (p = 0.03) and the subcutaneous route for reconstruction (p = 0.04) as independent risk factors for increased chest tube drainage after esophagectomy. Conclusion Blood loss and the subcutaneous route of reconstruction are risk factors for increased drainage of chest tube after esophagectomy for EC.

Laparoscopic versus open repair for inguinal hernia in children: a retrospective cohort study Abstract Purpose We compared the outcomes of laparoscopic surgery (LS) with those of open surgery (OS) for unilateral and bilateral pediatric inguinal hernia. Methods Using a nationwide claim-based database in Japan, we analyzed data from children younger than 15 years old, who underwent inguinal hernia repair between January 2005 and December 2017. Patient characteristics, incidence of reoperation, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and duration of anesthesia were compared between LS and OS for unilateral and bilateral hernia. Results Among 5554 patients, 2057 underwent LS (unilateral 1095, bilateral 962) and 3497 underwent OS (unilateral 3177, bilateral 320). The incidence of recurrence was not significantly different between OS and LS (unilateral: OS 0.2% vs. LS 0.3%, p = 0.44, bilateral: OS 0.6% vs. LS 0.6%, p = 1.00). The incidence of metachronous hernias was significantly higher in the OS group than in the LS group (4.8% vs. 1.0%, p < 0.001). The surgical site infection rate was significantly lower after OS than after LS for unilateral surgeries (0.9% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.002). There was no difference between OS and LS in the length of hospital stay. Conclusion Both OS and LS had a low incidence of recurrence in children; however, the incidence of metachronous hernias was lower for LS, which may influence operative technique decisions.

The impact of cervical lymph node dissection on acid and duodenogastroesophageal reflux after intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy following transthoracic esophagectomy Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of cervical lymph node dissection on acid reflux and duodenogastroesophageal reflux (DGER) in patients undergoing transthoracic esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction and intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy. Methods Thirty-one patients receiving transthoracic esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction by intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy were divided into the following two groups: a two-field lymph node dissection group (2F group) and a three-field lymph node dissection group (3F group). All patients underwent 24-h pH and bilirubin monitoring and gastrointestinal endoscopy at 1 year after surgery. The 24-h pH and bilirubin monitoring results, endoscopic findings, and reflux symptoms were compared between the 2 groups. Results No acid reflux was observed in the 2F group, whereas it was observed in 6 (40%) patients in the 3F group (p = 0.007). DGER was found in 2 patients (13%) in the 2F group and in 8 (53%) in the 3F group (p = 0.023). Four patients (25%) in the 2F group and 9 (60%) in the 3F group (p = 0.048) had reflux esophagitis. Conclusion Cervical lymph node dissection increases acid reflux and DGER and can lead to an increase in the incidence of reflux esophagitis in patients undergoing intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy.

Collagen gel droplet-embedded culture drug sensitivity test (CD-DST) predicts the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on pancreatic cancer Abstract Purpose We evaluated the clinical effectiveness of collagen gel droplet-embedded culture drug sensitivity tests (CD-DSTs) in predicting the efficacy of adjuvant chemo-therapeutic treatments for pancreatic cancer (PC). Methods The clinicopathological characteristics and prognoses of 22 PC patients who underwent CD-DST after pancreatectomy at Tohoku University between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. Eligibility criteria were resectable or borderline resectable PC, successful evaluation for 5-fluorouracil sensitivity by CD-DST, treatment with S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy, and no preoperative chemotherapy. Results The rate of successful evaluation by CD-DST was 52.3% in PC. The optimal T/C ratio, defined as the ratio of the number of cancer cells in the treatment group (T) to that in the control group (C), for 5-fluorouracil was 85% using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The sensitive group (T/C ratio < 85%; n = 11) had a better recurrence-free survival rate than the resistant group (T/C ratio ≥ 85%; n = 11; P = 0.029). A Cox proportional hazards regression model demonstrated that sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil was an independent predictor of recurrence on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 3.28; 95.0% CI 1.20–9.84; P = 0.020). Conclusions CD-DSTs helped to predict PC recurrence after S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy.