Clinical Experience of Primary Retroperitoneal Tumor: Report of 600 Cases

Objective： To summarize the experience of management for primary retroperitoneal tumor （PRPT） and to analyze the factors influencing the outcome after operation. Methods： The data of 600 cases of PRPT in General Hospital of PLA were reviewed retrospectively. Results： Of 600 cases of PRPT, 546 were surgically treated. Among theme 369 were malignant and 177 benign. 366 cases were followed up for 1 month to 15 years. The 1-years 3-year, and 5-year survival rate in the patients subject to complete resection was 90.5%, 73.2% and 53.6%, respectively, and that in incomplete resection patients was 70.6%, 32.0%, 5.7% respectively （P〈0.01）. The Cox multi-various regression analysis revealed showed completeness of tumor resection, sex and histologic type were associated closely with local recurrence. Conclusion： Sufficient preoperative preparation and complete tumor resection play important roles for reducing recurrence and improving survival.

OBSERVATION OF CLINICAL THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS ON HEMIPLEGIA INDUCED BY NEUROSURGICAL OPERATION TREATED WITH ACUPUNCTURE

Objective To probe into the optimum therapy for hemiplegia induced by neurosurgical operation. Methods 50 cases were randomized into treatment group （25 cases） and control group （25 cases）. In control group, the routine western drugs in internal medicine were applied; in treatment group, on the basis of the treatment in control group, acupuncture was supplemented 3 days after the operation. Acupoints were Neiguan （内关 PC 6）, Shuigou （水沟 GV26）, QSchi （ 曲池LI 11）, Hégü （合谷 LI 4）, Sanyinjiao （三阴交 SP 6）, Jiquan （极泉 HT 1）, Weizhong （委中BL 40）, etc. The scalp acupuncture was applied in combination. Such treatment was given for 30 days （once per day）. The functional evaluation was conducted based on neurological functional defect scale （NDS） before and after treatment. Results Acupuncture improved re markably NDS, the total effective rate was 76.0% in treatment group and was 42.4% in control group, indicating significant difference by statistical management （P〈0.05）. Conclusion The therapeutic effect in treatment group is superior to that in control group. The coordinative action is achieved in the combination of acupuncture with western medicine for hemiplegia after neurosurgical operation and the therapeutic effect is much improved.

Model for end-stage liver disease score versus Child score in predicting the outcome of surgical procedures in patients with cirrhosis

AIM： To determine factors affecting the outcome of patients with cirrhosis undergoing surgery and to compare the capacities of the Child-Turcotte-Pugh （CTP） and model for end-stage liver disease （MELD） score to predict that outcome. METHODS： We reviewed the charts of 195 patients with cirrhosis who underwent surgery at two teaching hospitals over a five-year period. The combined endpoint of death or hepatic decompensation was considered to be the primary endpoint. RESULTS： Patients who reached the endpoint had a higher MELD score, a higher CTP score and were more likely to have undergone an urgent procedure. Among patients undergoing elective surgical procedures, no statistically significant difference was noted in the mean MELD （12.8 ＋ 3.9 vs 12.6 ＋ 4.7, P = 0.9） or in the mean CTP （7.6 ± 1.2 vs 7.7 ± 1.7, P = 0.8） between patients who reached the endpoint and those who did not. Both mean scores were higher in the patients reaching the endpoint in the case of urgent procedures （MELD： 22.4 ± 8.7 vs 15.2 ± 6.4, P = 0.0007; CTP： 9.9 ± 1.8 vs 8.5 ± 1.8, P = 0.008）. The performances of the MELD and CTP scores in predicting the outcome of urgent surgery were only fair, without a significant difference between them （AUC = 0.755 ± 0.066 for MELD vs AUC = 0.696 ± 0.070 for CTP, P = 0.3）. CONCLUSION： The CTP and MELD scores performed equally, but only fairly in predicting the outcome of urgent surgical procedures. Larger studies are needed to better define the factors capable of predicting the outcome of elective surgical procedures in patients with cirrhosis.equally, but only fairly in predicting the outcome of urgent surgical procedures. Larger studies are needed to better define the factors capable of predicting the outcome of elective surgical procedures in patients with cirrhosis.

Prognostic analysis of patients suffering from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Objective： The outcome of surgical treatment of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma （ICC） is poor. This study was designed to analyze prognostic factors after surgical procedure for ICCs. Methods： A retrospective clinical analysis was made in 183 cases of ICC, admitted to Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China, from December 1996 to July 2003. Fifteen clinicopathologic factors that could possibly influence survival were selected. A multivariate analysis of these individuals was performed using the Cox Proportional Hazards Model. Results： The accumulative 1-, 3-and 5-year survival rates of the patients were 51.3%, 21.6% and 11.8% respectively. The statistical analysis showed that surgical procedure, lymph node metastasis, serum level of CA19-9 and pathological differentiation grade affected postoperative survival significantly, but transfusion, postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy, diameter of tumor, serum level of AFP, cirrhosis, preoperative total serum bilirubin level （TBIL）, ratio of albumin to globulin （A/G）, sex and age were not significant factors influencing postoperative survival. Conclusion： Major hepatectomy with systematic lymph node dissection may be recommended for the surgical treatment of ICC. Aggressive treatment and prevention on postoperative intrahepatic recurrence and lymph node metastasis are important strategy to improve the survival for ICC.

Solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreatic tail

We report a case of the rare solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas. In contrast to other pancreatic tumors,the solid-pseudopapillary tumor has a favorable prognosis.The 60-year-old female patient we report on here was treated by left pancreatic resection combined with splenectomy for a non-metastasizing tumor of the pancreas. A solid-pseudopapillary tumor was found on histology. The patient had no signs of metastases at present.Since a microscopically invasive tumor growth is assumed,oncologically curative resection should be preferred vs the less radical enucleation. The rare solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas has a good prognosis after successful oncological resection.

Trends and outcomes of pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary tumors: A 25-year single-center study of 1000 consecutive cases

AIM To evaluate the evolution, trends in surgical approaches a n d r e c o n s t r u c t i o n t e c h n i q u e s, a n d i m p o r t a n t lessons learned from performing 1000 consecutive pancreaticoduodenectomies(PDs) for periampullary tumors.METHODS This is a retrospective review of the data of all patients who underwent PD for periampullary tumor during the period from January 1993 to April 2017. The data were categorized into three periods, including early period(1993-2002), middle period(2003-2012), and late period(2013-2017).RESULTS The frequency showed PD was increasingly performed after the year 2000. With time, elderly, cirrhotic and obese patients, as well as patients with uncinate process carcinoma and borderline tumor were increasingly selected for PD. The median operative time and postoperative hospital stay decreased significantly over the periods. Hospital mortality declined significantly, from 6.6% to 3.1%. Postoperative complications significantly decreased, from 40% to 27.9%. There was significant decrease in postoperative pancreatic fistula in the second 10 years, from 15% to 12.7%. There was a significant improvement in median survival and overall survival among the periods.CONCLUSION Surgical results of PD significantly improved, with mortality rate nearly reaching 3%. Pancreatic reconstruction following PD is still debatable. The survival rate was also improved but the rate of recurrence is still high, at 36.9%.

APPLICATION OF LORNOXICAM TO PATIENT-CONTROLLED ANALGESIA IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING ABDOMINAL SURGERIES

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of lornoxicam, one non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries. Methods Thirty-nine patients scheduled for abdominal surgeries were randomly assigned to different PCA treatment groups using either lornoxicam or fentanyl postoperatively. Pain intensity difference (PID) and sum of pain intensity difference (SPID) were used to assess the analgesic efficacy of both drugs during a 24-hour period. Results The analgesic efficacy of lornoxicam is 1/66 of fentanyl, which was shown by SPID value of 3.250 and 3.058, respectively (P > 0.05). Lornoxicam caused fewer adverse events than fentanyl (33% vs. 68%, P < 0.05). Conclusion In clinic, we can use lornoxicam to treat postoperative pain effectively and with less adverse reactions com-pared with fentanyl.

Local anesthesia with ropivacaine for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

AIM:To investigate the effect of pain relief after infu-sion of ropivacaine at port sites at the end of surgery.METHODS:From October 2006 to September 2007,72 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC) were randomized into two groups of 36 patients.One group received ropivacaine infusion at the port sites at the end of LC and the other received normal saline.A visual analog scale was used to assess postoperative pain when the patient awakened in the operating room,6 and 24 h after surgery,and before discharge.The amount of analgesics use was also recorded.The demographics,laboratory data,hospital stay,and perioperative complications were compared between the two groups.RESULTS:There was no difference between the two groups preoperatively in terms of demographic and lab-oratory data.After surgery,similar operation time,blood loss,and no postoperative morbidity and mortality were observed in the two groups.However,a significantly lower pain score was observed in the patients undergo-ing LC with local anesthesia infusion at 1 h after LC and at discharge.Regarding analgesic use,the amount of meperidine used 1 h after LC and the total used during admission were lower in patients undergoing LC with local anesthesia infusion.This group also had a shorter hospital stay.CONCLUSION:Local anesthesia with ropivacaine at the port site in LC patients signif icantly decreased post-operative pain immediately.This explains the lower meperidine use and earlier discharge for these patients.

THE ANALYSIS OF CHANGES AND INFLUENCING FACTORS OF EARLY POSTTHORACOTOMY PULMONARY FUNCTION

Objective. To investigate the changes and influencing factors of early postoperative pulmonary functionof thoracotomy.Methods. Pre-and early postoperative pulmonary function was studied in 64 consecutive cases withoptimal thoracotomy. Pain assessment was done before pulmonary function test, and the chief complaintsof patients were recorded after the procedure. The changing curves of pulmonary function were done andthe differences associated with groups, surgical styles, pain assessment, epidural analgesia, chief com-plaint and preoperative conditions were analyzed.Results. Pulmonary function was severely lowered to about 40% of the base line on the first day,and it was rehabilitated to about 60% of the base line on the eighth day. There was a greater gradienton the recovery curve on the 3rd and 4th days. Epidural analgesia was able to improve pain relaxationand pulmonary function in some degree. Single-factor analysis showed that postoperative pain, postopera-tive day and surgical style were the significant influencing factors for early postoperative pulmonary func-tion. By multiple-factor analysis, preoperative pulmonary function, age and postoperative pain were themain factors, while surgical style had only weak effect on it.Conclusions. Early postoperative pulmonary function is severely impaired by thoracotomy. It rehabili-tate gradually with time. Improvement of preoperative pulmonary function, reducing surgical procedure in-juries, especially injury to respiratory muscle system, and enough postoperative pain relief are the mostimportant means that would reduce pulmonary function impairment and consequently reduce postoperativepulmonary complications.

Effect of lymphadenectomy extent on advanced gastric cancer located in the cardia and fundus

AIM： To analyze the prognostic impact of lymphade-nectomy extent in advanced gastric cancer located in the cardia and fundus. METHODS： Two hundred and thirty-six patients with advanced gastric cancer located in the cardia and fundus who underwent D2 curative resection were analyzed retrospectively. Relationships between the numbers of lymph nodes （LNs） dissected and survival was analyzed among different clinical stage subgroups. RESULTS： The 5-year overall survival rate of the entire cohort was 37.5%. Multivariate prognostic variables were total LNs dissected （P 〈 0.0001; or number of negative LNs examined, P 〈 0.0001）, number of positive LNs （P 〈 0.0001）, T category （P 〈 0.0001） and tumor size （P = 0.015）. The greatest survival differences were observed at cutoff values of 20 LNs resected for stage Ⅱ（p = 0.0136）, 25 for stage Ⅲ（P 〈 0.0001）, 30 for stage Ⅳ（P = 0.0002）, and 15 for all patients （P = 0.0024）. Based on the statistically assumed linearity as best fit, linear regression showed a significant survival enhancement based on increasing negative LNs for patients of stages Ⅲ （P = 0.013） and Ⅳ（P = 0.035）. CONCLUSION： To improve the long-term survival of patients with advanced gastric cancer located in the cardia and fundus, removing at least 20 LNs for stage Ⅱ,25 LNs for stage Ⅲ, and 30 LNs for stage N patients during D2 radical dissection is recommended.

Postoperative bleeding in patients on antithrombotic therapy after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection

To investigated the relationship between postoperative bleeding following gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and individual antithrombotic agents. METHODSA total of 2488 gastric neoplasms in 2148 consecutive patients treated between May 2001 and June 2016 were studied. The antithrombotic agents were categorized into antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, and other antithrombotic agents, and we included combination therapies [e.g., dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT)]. The risk factors associated with post-ESD bleeding, namely, antithrombotic agents overall, individual antithrombotic agents, withdrawal or continuation of antithrombotic agents, and bleeding onset period (during the first six days or thereafter), were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTSThe en bloc resection and complete curative resection rates were 99.2% and 91.9%, respectively. Postoperative bleeding occurred in 5.1% cases. Bleeding occurred in 10.3% of the patients administered antithrombotic agents. Being male (P = 0.007), specimen size (P < 0.001), and antithrombotic agent used (P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for postoperative bleeding. Heparin bridging therapy (HBT) (P = 0.002) and DAPT/multidrug combinations (P < 0.001) were independent risk factors associated with postoperative bleeding. The bleeding rate of the antithrombotic agent continuation group was significantly higher than that of the withdrawal group (P < 0.01). Bleeding within postoperative day (POD) 6 was significantly higher in warfarin (P = 0.015), and bleeding after POD 7 was significantly higher in DAPT/multidrug combinations (P = 0.007). No thromboembolic events were reported. CONCLUSIONWe must closely monitor patients administered HBT and DAPT/multidrug combinations after gastric ESD, particularly those administered multidrug combinations after discharge.

Pure red cell aplasia due to parvovirus B19 infection after liver transplantation:A case report and review of the literature

Pure red cell aplasia （PRCA） due to parvovirus B19 （PVB19） infectiori after solid organ transplantation has been rarely reported and most of the cases were renal transplant recipients, Few have been described after liver transplantation. Moreover, little information on the management of this easily recurring disease is available at present. We describe the first case of a Chinese liver transplant recipient with PVB19-induced PRCA during immunosuppressive therapy. The patient suffered from progressive anemia with the lowest hemoglobin level of 21 g/L. Bone marrow biopsy showed selectively inhibited erythropoiesis with giant pronormoblasts. Detection of PVB19-DNA in serum with quantitative polymerase chain reaction （PCR） revealed a high level of viral load. After 2 courses of intravenous immunoglobulin （IVIG） therapy, bone marrow erythropoiesis recovered with his hemoglobin level increased to 123 g/L. He had a lowlevel PVB19 load for a 5-too follow-up period without recurrence of PRCA, and finally the virus was cleared. Our case indicates that clearance of PVB19 by IVIG in transplant recipients might be delayed after recovery of anemia.

Negative oncologic impact of poor postoperative pain control in left-sided pancreatic cancer

AIMTo investigate the association between postoperative pain control and oncologic outcomes in resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).METHODSFrom January 2009 to December 2014, 221 patients were diagnosed with PDAC and underwent resection with curative intent. Retrospective review of the patients was performed based on electronic medical records system. One patient without records of numerical rating scale (NRS) pain intensity scores was excluded and eight patients who underwent total pancreatectomy were also excluded. NRS scores during 7 postoperative days following resection of PDAC were reviewed along with clinicopathologic characteristics. Patients were stratified into a good pain control group and a poor pain control group according to the difference in average pain intensity between the early (POD 1, 2, 3) and late (POD 5, 7) postoperative periods. Cox-proportional hazards multivariate analysis was performed to determine association between postoperative pain control and oncologic outcomes.RESULTSA total of 212 patients were dichotomized into good pain control group (n = 162) and poor pain control group (n = 66). Median follow-up period was 17 mo. A negative impact of poor postoperative pain control on overall survival (OS) was observed in the group of patients receiving distal pancreatectomy (DP group; 42.0 mo vs 5.0 mo, P = 0.001). Poor postoperative pain control was also associated with poor disease-free survival (DFS) in the DP group (18.0 mo vs 8.0 mo, P = 0.001). Patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy or pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD group) did not show associations between postoperative pain control and oncologic outcomes. Poor patients&#x02019; perceived pain control was revealed as an independent risk factor of both DFS (HR = 4.157; 95%CI: 1.938-8.915; P &#x0003c; 0.001) and OS (HR = 4.741; 95%CI: 2.214-10.153; P &#x0003c; 0.001) in resected left-sided pancreatic cancer.CONCLUSIONAdequate postoperative pain relief during the early postoperative period has important clinical implications for oncologic outcomes after resection of left-sided pancreatic cancer.

Clinical utility of the platelet-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of postoperative complications after radical gastrectomy for clinical T2-4 gastric cancer

AIMTo identify simple and sensitive markers for postoperative complications after gastrectomy, the predictive values were compared among candidate preoperative factors.METHODSThree-hundred and twelve patients with previously untreated clinical T2-4 gastric cancer who underwent a D2 standard gastrectomy (distal gastrectomy or total gastrectomy) were included in the analysis. Correlations between 21 parameters that can be determined by preoperative routine blood tests and clinically relevant postoperative complications (grade II or higher according to the Clavien-Dindo classification) were evaluated. The optimal cutoff values and clinical significance of the selected markers were further evaluated by subgroup analyses according to age, body mass index, operative procedure and clinical disease stage.RESULTSSixty-six patients (21.1%) experienced grade II or higher postoperative complications. The platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR, total lymphocyte count/platelet count × 100) exhibited the highest area under the curve value (0.639) for predicting postoperative complications among the 21 parameters, and the optimal cutoff value was determined to be 0.71 (sensitivity = 70%, specificity = 56%). In the univariate analysis, the odds ratio of a low PLR for the occurrence of postoperative complications was 2.94 (95%CI: 1.66-5.35, P < 0.001), and a multivariate binomial logistic analysis involving other potential risk factors identified a low PLR as an independent risk factor for postoperative complications (OR = 3.32, 95%CI: 1.82-6.25, P < 0.001). In subgroups classified according to age, body mass index, operative procedure and clinical disease stage, the low PLR group exhibited an increased incidence of postoperative complications.CONCLUSIONThe preoperative PLR is a simple and useful predictor of complications after curative gastrectomy in patients with clinical T2-4 gastric cancer.

Glutamine and recombinant human growth hormone protect intestinal barrier function following portal hypertension surgery

AIM： To evaluate the effects of combined treatment of glutamine （Gln） and recombinant human growth hormone（rhGH） on intestinal barrier function following portal hypertension surgery. METHODS： This study was designed as a prospective, randomized and controlled clinical trial. Forty two patients after portal hypertension surgery were randomly assigned into 2 groups： control group （n = 20） and supplemental group （adding Gin and rhGH, n = 22）. Every patient received isocaloric and isonitrogenous standard total parenteral nutrition （TPN） starting 3 d after surgery for 7 d. Blood samples were obtained before surgery and at the 3rd and 10th day postoperatively. Host immunity was evaluated by measuring levels of CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8, IgG, IgM and IgA, and the inflammatory responses were determined by assessing IL-2, TNF-α and C-reactive protein （CRP） levels. Intestinal permeability and integrity was evaluated by L/M test and histological examination, respectively. RESULTS： On postoperative d 10, CD4, CD4/CD8, IgG and IL-2 levels in supplemental group were significantly higher than those in control group （33.7±5.5 vs 31.0 ± 5.4, P 〈 0.05, （1.17±0.32 vs 1.05 ± 0.15, P 〈 0.05, 13.94±1.09 vs 12.33±1.33, P 〈 0.05, and 368.12 ± 59.25 vs 318.12 ± 45.65, P 〈 0.05, respectively）, whereas the increase in serum TNF-α concentration was significantly reduced （41.02 ± 27.56 vs 160.09 ± 35.17, P 〈 0.05）. The increase in L/M ratio was significantly lower in the supplemental group than in the control group （0.0166 ± 0.0017 vs 0.0339 ± 0.0028, P 〈 0.05）. Moreover, mucosal integrity in the supplemental group was better than in the control group.CONCLUSION： Postoperative administration of TPN supplemented with Gin and rhGH in patients after portal hypertension surgery improves immune function, modulates inflammatory response, prevents the intestinal mucous membrane from atrophy and preserves intestinal integrity.

Neck dissection for recurrent and persistent lymph nodes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy： effect and choice

Objective： To investigate the best surgical mode for the patients of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with recurrent and persistent lymph nodes after radiotherapy. Methods： The clinical data of 88 patients of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with recurrent and persistent lymph nodes after radiotherapy were analyzed retrospectively. The levels of involved lymph nodes and the relationship among the levels were analyzed; the survival rate and recurrent rate of the surgical modes including radical neck dissection （RND）, modified radical neck dissection （MRND）, selective neck dissection （SND）, and lymph node resection （LNR） were analyzed; the role of postoperative radiotherapy was evaluated. Results： （1） The recurrent and persistent lymph nodes mainly located in level Ⅱ（55.6% and 58.6%, respectively）, next was level Ⅲ and rarely in level Ⅳ, Ⅴ, and Ⅰ, but the number of levels Ⅳ Ⅴ, and Ⅰ with cancer-bearing lymph nodes was relatively more than that of clinical measurement. （2） Patients with lymph nodes involved in level Ⅲ and Ⅳ, usually, have other levels involved simultaneously; the percentages were 63.6% and 88.9%, respectively. However, the lymph nodes in level Ⅱ and Ⅴ were mainly isolated. （3） The 5-year survival rate and recurrent rate of the whole group were 42.77% and 22.7%, respectively. （4） The 5-year survival rates of RND, MRND, SND, and LMR groups were 39.75%, 60.00%, 37.87%, and 44.10%, respectively; the differences were insignificant （Log-rank = 1.0, P = 0.8011）; the recurrent rate between the extensive and local surgery groups were insignificant （X^2 = 0.470, P = 0.493）. （5） The 5-year survival rates of the patients with and without postoperative radiotherapy were 39.06% and 45.26%, respectively; the difference was insignificant （Log-rank = 0.06, P = 0.8138）. Conclusion： The extensive surgery was recommended when the recurrent and persistent lymph nodes were more than one level involved or very large or immovable, otherwise, the SND should be performed and postoperative radiotherapy was important compensation if necessary.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin:Incidence,prognosis and treatment options

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is one manifestation of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). Tumor growth on intestinal surfaces and associated fluid accumulation eventually result in bowel obstruction and incapacitating levels of ascites, which profoundly affect the quality of life for affected patients. PC appears resistant to traditional 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy, and surgery was formerly reserved for palliative purposes only. In the absence of effective treatment, the histori-cal prognosis for these patients was extremely poor, with an invariably fatal outcome. These poor outcomes likely explain why PC secondary to CRC has received little attention from oncologic researchers. Thus, data are lacking regarding incidence, clinical disease course, and accurate treatment evaluation for patients with PC. Recently, population-based studies have revealed that PC occurs relatively frequently among patients withCRC. Risk factors for developing PC have been identi-fied:right-sided tumor, advanced T-stage, advanced N-stage, poor differentiation grade, and younger age at diagnosis. During the past decade, both chemother-apeutical and surgical treatments have achieved prom-ising results in these patients. A chance for long-term survival or even cure may now be offered to selected patients by combining radical surgical resection with intraperitoneal instillation of heated chemotherapy. This combined procedure has become known as hy-perthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This edito-rial outlines recent advancements in the medical and surgical treatment of PC and reviews the most recent information on incidence and prognosis of this disease. Given recent progress, treatment should now be considered in every patient presenting with PC.

Short-term clinical outcomes of laparoscopic vs open rectal excision for rectal cancer: A systematic review and metaanalysis

AIM To review evidence on the short-term clinical outcomes of laparoscopic(LRR) vs open rectal resection(ORR) for rectal cancer.METHODS A systematic literature search was performed using Cochrane Central Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Open Grey and Clinical Trials.gov register for randomized clinical trials(RCTs) comparing LRR vs ORR for rectal cancer and reporting short-term clinical outcomes. Articles published in English from January 1, 1995 to June, 30 2016 that met the selection criteria were retrieved and reviewed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis(PRISMA) statements checklist for reporting a systematic review was followed. Random-effect models were used to estimate mean differences and risk ratios. The robustness and heterogeneity of the results were explored by performing sensitivity analyses. The pooledeffect was considered significant when P < 0.05.RESULTS Overall, 14 RCTs were included. No differences were found in postoperative mortality(P = 0.19) and morbidity(P = 0.75) rates. The mean operative time was 36.67 min longer(95%CI: 27.22-46.11, P < 0.00001), the mean estimated blood loss was 88.80 ml lower(95%CI:-117.25 to-60.34, P < 0.00001), and the mean incision length was 11.17 cm smaller(95%CI:-13.88 to-8.47, P < 0.00001) for LRR than ORR. These results were confirmed by sensitivity analyses that focused on the four major RCTs. The mean length of hospital stay was 1.71 d shorter(95%CI:-2.84 to-0.58, P < 0.003) for LRR than ORR. Similarly, bowel recovery(i.e., day of the first bowel movement) was 0.68 d shorter(95%CI:-1.00 to-0.36, P < 0.00001) for LRR. The sensitivity analysis did not confirm a significant difference between LRR and ORR for these latter two parameters. The overall quality of the evidence was rated as high. CONCLUSION LRR is associated with lesser blood loss, smaller incision length, and longer operative times compared to ORR. No differences are observed for postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Rational Operation for Primary Gastric Carcinoma with Liver Metastasis

OBJECTIVE To investigate the prognosis of advanced gastric carcinoma patients with liver metastasis, and provide a foundation for rational operations. METHODS The operations and prognosis of 102 primary gastric carcinoma patients with liver metastasis were studied retrospectively. RESULTS In gastric carcinoma patients with H1 metastasis who underwent a resection operation, the 6-month, 1- and 2-year post-operative survival rates were 61%, 42% and 7%. There was a statistically significant difference in survival between resected and non-resected patients （P=0.000） in gastric carcinoma cases with H2 metastasis, resection operations resulted in 54%, 16% and 8% respective survival rates, with no significant difference compared to patients not receiving a resection （P=0.132）. Gastric carcinoma patients with H3 metastasis who received a resection operation showed 25%, 13% and 0% respective survivals with no significantly better prognosis compared to the non-resected cases （P=0.135）. There was no statistically significant difference in survival between the cases with or without peritoneal metastasis （P=0.152）. CONCLUSION A resection operation provides a better prognosis for gastric carcinoma patients with H1 metastasis independent of peritoneal metastasis, but resection has no benefit for gastric carcinoma cases with H2 or H3 metastasis. Peritoneal metastases are not the significant influencing factor for the prognosis of gastric cancer with liver metastasis.

Postmyotomy dysphagia after laparoscopic surgery for achalasia

AIM: To determine predictive factors for postoperative dysphagia after laparoscopic myotomy for achalasia.METHODS: Logistic regression was used to investigate the possible association between the response (postoperative dysphagia, with two levels: none/mild and moderate/severe)and several plausible predictive factors.RESULTS: Eight patients experienced severe or moderate postoperative dysphagia. The logistic regression revealed that only the severity of preoperative dysphagia (with four levels; mild, moderate, severe, and liquid) was a marginally significant (P=0.0575) predictive factor for postoperative dysphagia.CONCLUSION: The severity of postoperative dysphagia is strongly associated with preoperative dysphagia. Preoperative symptomatology can significantly impact patient outcome.