多模态影像融合在颅底肿瘤的诊断、治疗中的应用价值

目的探讨多模态影像融合在颅底肿瘤的诊断、治疗中的应用价值。方法 9例颅底肿瘤术前均行DynaCTA检查及MRI薄层(2 mm)增强扫描检查,将多组影像数据输入工作站,采用"双容积重建"技术进行脑血管及MRI的影像融合,通过静态及动态融合影像观察肿瘤与脑结构、血管及颅骨的毗邻关系,并对肿瘤的诊断、手术治疗及预防血管并发症进行分析。结果 9例均获得满意的影像融合、具有很好的空间一致性,在一张影像上可以清晰显示病变及其周围脑结构、血管及颅骨解剖关系,提高精准性诊断,并应用于指导治疗策略、设计手术划及预防并发症。9例均恢复满意出院。结论多模态影像融合对提高颅底肿瘤的诊断精准性、提高肿瘤全切除率、降低病死率和残疾率效果肯定,对血管损伤并发症治疗疗效肯定。

Risk Factors of Early Complications after Pancreaticoduodenectomy in 200 Consecutive Patients

To study the risk factors for early complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy （PD）. Methods： Two hundred patients undergoing PD at our hospital between December 1996 and September 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. Standard PD was performed on 176 cases, standard PD with extended lymphadenectomy on 24 patients, whereas pylorus-preserving PD was not used. An end-toside combined with mucosa-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy was performed on the patients with a hard pancreas and a dilated pancreatic duct, and a traditional end-to-end invagination pancreaticojejunostomy on the patients with a soft pancreas and a non-dilated duct. The risk factors with the potential to affect the incidence of complications were analyzed with SAS 8.12 software. Logistic regression was then used to determine the effect of multiple factors on early complications. Results： The overall rate of the major com- plications was 21% （42/200）, with the failure of pancreaticojejunal anastomosis being the most frequently encountered. Age （odds ratio [OR] 2.162）, diabetes mellitus （OR 4.086）, total serum bilirubin level （OR 7.556）, end-to-end pancreaticojejunostomy （OR 2.616）, T tube through the choledochojejunostomy （OR 0.100）, and blood transfusion over 1000 mL （OR 2.410） were the significant risk factors for the morbidity. Conclusion： The results from published series concerning morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy are not comparable because of lack of homogeneity between them. The knowledge of the complications rate in each particular department turns out essentially to provide the patient with tailored information about risks before surgery. Additionally, management of postoperative complications is essential for improving the results of this operation.

Clinical Application of Exclusive Right-Thoracic Approach in Surgery with or without Laparotomy for Mid-Upper Esophageal Cancer

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical application of a right-thoracic approach with or without laparotomy for mid-upper esophageal cancer. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the data of 34 esophageal cancer patients who received Belsey surgery or a modified Ivor-Lewis surgery from November 1992 to April 2007. Twenty of the patients underwent a Belsey prodecdure （Group A） from November 1992 to January 2001 and 14 underwent a modified Ivor-Lewis prodecdure （Group B） from May 2001 to April 2007. RESULTS Twenty patients with esophageal cancer received an esophagectomy through an exclusive right-thoracic approach （Belsey surgery）, and 14 patients received an esophagectomy through a right-thoracic approach combined with a laparotomy （modified IvorLewis surgery）. The complication rate was 15% （3/20） and 7.1% （1/14） respectively. The survival rate was 42.9% （5-year survival） and 38.7% （5-year survival） respectively for these two groups. CONCLUSION An exclusive right-thoracic approach （Belsey surgery） is associated with more complications. It is not a routine surgery for cancer of the mid-upper thorax of the esophagus, but can be selectively used as palliative esophagectomy for esophageal cancer patients with poor pulmonary function. Modified Ivor-Lewis surgery can simultaneously be utilized to resect the primary tumor and dissect lymph nodes of the thorax and abdomen. With a shorter time period of surgery and postoperative recovery period, modified Ivor-Lewis surgery can achieve better effects with patients who have midupper esophagus cancer.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cystadenocarcinoma:Report of 18 Cases

Objective： To discuss the diagnosis and treatment of liver cystadenocarcinoma. Methods： The clinical, imaging, and pathological data of 18 patients with liver cystadenocarcinoma between January 2000 and December 2004 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Results： The liver cystadeno- carcinoma was seen in males and females （m/f： 9/9）; mean age was 51 years. Ultrasonography revealed cystic parenchymatous mass echoes of fluid predominance with uneven margins. Nonenhanced CT revealed intrahepatic low-density space occupying shadows with nodular protrusions on the margins in all cases. Enhancement CT revealed that part of the nodular protrusions and tissues around the lesions were enhanced and the delayed phase disappeared. 66.67% （12/18） of the lesions were more than 10 cm in diameter. The diagnosis of liver cystadenocarcinoma was confirmed by postoperative pathology in all cases. Of these patients, 12 lesions were in the left lobe, 3 in the right lobe, 1 in the mid lobe, 1 in the right and left lobe, and 1 in the caudate lobe. Of tile 18 patients, 6 had completely resect the cystadenocarcinoma, 2 were surgically explored, one received TAE＋fine needle aspiration cytology＋injection of chemotherapy drugs, and 9 underwent radical hepatectomy＋choledochostomy or T-tube drainage, in which, one patient underwent choledochostomy＋left hepatectomy＋radical gastrectomy for cancer＋lymphadenectomy; one patient underwent resection of the cystadenocarcinoma, who had relapse 20 months after the initial procedure. The patient received repeat reseet for the recurrent cystadenoeareinoma＋eholangio-jejunostomy. Six months later she had another relapse and received repeat reseet （only PMCT） for the recurrent cystadenoearcinoma. The patient died from eholangiopleural fistula after third time operation （PMCT） was attempted perioperatively. Seven patients died of metastatic disease after operation. The remaining 10 patients were alive without cancer recurrence or metastasis （mean follow-up 20 months）. Conclusion： Liver eystadenocarcinoma is rarely seen and grows slowly. It shows some typical clinical and imaging features. The crux for diagnosing and treating liver cystadenoeareinoma is how familiar the surgeon is with the pathology and clinical features of the condition. Prolonged survival can be achieved by radical resection of the tumor.

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Virilizing and Fem- inizing Adrenal Syndrome

Objective: To inquire into diagnosis, and treatment of virilizing andfeminizing a-drenal syndrome, differential diagnosis between benign and malignant sex hormoneproducing adrenal neo-plasma and, treatment principles of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).Methods: Eight cases of CAH and 5 cases of sex hormone producing adrenal neoplasma were admitted tohospital during 1986-1996. The former included 3 rare cases of 17 a hydroxylase deficiency. Thelatter included 3 cases of feminizing adrenal tumor and 2 cases of virilizing adrenal tumor.Results: Weight, size and CT of the tumor, DHEA, 17 -ks, sex hormone levels, infiltration, andmetastasis were closely related to the degree of differentiation of the tumors. Conclusion:Virilizing and feminizing adrenal neoplasm were removed surgically by different incisions. Modifiedsubcostal incision was recommended as the best choice for huge adrenal mass. Corticoadrenal hormonetreatment fa CAH should be individualized according to the different types of the disease. Sexhormones were not suitable for children suffering from 17 hydroxylase deficiency before puberty.

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.

The Role of Transesophageal Echocardiography for Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defects with the Amplatzer Septal Occluder

Objective: To evaluate of the role of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)in percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) with the Amplatzer septal occluder. Methods:Sixty- two patients (10 to 55 years of age) were selected for percutaneous closure of ASD bytrans-esophageal echocardiography, which was also used to monitor the procedure, to select theappropriate size of the Amplatzer device, to verify its position, and to access the immediateresults of the procedure. During the follow-up, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) or TEE was usedto evaluate the presence and magnitude of residual shunt (RS), device position, and right cardiacchamber diameters. Results: The mean ASD diameter by TTE ([19. 1 +- 5. 8] mm) was significantlysmaller (P< 0. 001) than the stretched diameter of the ASD (25. 1 +- 6. 4) mm. There are nosignificant differences between the TEE -measured value (23. 5+_6. 2) mm and the stretched diameterof the ASD (P > 0. 05). Due to proper patient selection all procedures were successful. There wasimmediate and complete closure in 61/62 patients, only one patients had trivial residual shunt.Follow- up was performed using TTE or TEE right after operation, 1 d, 1 month, 3 months, 6 monthsand yearly thereafter. Ail, patients remain asymptomatic without any clinical or technical problems.Conclusion: With the aid of TEE, percutaneous closure of ASD can be performed successfully, safely,and effectively.

Inactivated Bone Replantation with Preservation of the Epiphysis in Children with Osteosarcoma:Clinical Report of Two Cases

Objective: To evaluate the value of inactivated bone replantation with preservation of the epiphysis following the effective chemotherapy in avoiding postoperative discrepancy of the affected limb in children with osteosarcoma. Methods: Two children (aged 5 and 10 years, 1 male and 1 female) with osteosarcoma underwent inactivated bone replantation with preserving epiphysis following chemotherapy (MMIA protocol, including high-dose methotrexate, adriamycin and ifosfamide). After two cycles of preop-erative chemotherapy, pain vanished, the local mass shrank and there was no pain on pressing the affected parts. Sera AKP and LDH were reduced to normal levels; marked shrinkage and sclerotic changes and good margin of lesions were seen on plain radiographs and MR images. Two courses of the same protocol as preoperative chemotherapy were administered postoperatively. Results: Postoperative histological examination of the specimens demonstrated absence of vital tumor cells. Incisions healed well and no complications occurred. The replanted inactivated bone healed with host at 6 months after operation. In the two patients, no evidence was seen of metastasis and recurrence and discrepancy of the affected limbs in postoperative 36 and 48 months. Functions of the affected limbs were satisfactory. Conclusion: Inactivated bone replantation with preserving epiphysis was a viable option for osteosarcoma in children. The long-term outcomes remain to be further proven.

Treatment of Primary Liver Cancer with Postoperative After-Loading Radiotherapy and Gemcitabine

Objective： To evaluate the curative effectiveness of postoperative after-loading radiotherapy with the use of gemcitabine in 22 patients with primary liver cancer. Methods： From Oct. 1999 to Dec. 2001, 22 patients with primary liver cancer underwent postoperative after-loading radiotherapy 3-10 days after hepatectomy and chemotherapy using gemcitabine （1400 mg every week for 3 weeks, repeated after one week interval, total cycles were 6） and compared with 22 cases of sole hepatectomy. Three-six catheters were placed for irradiation after hepatectomy. The single-dose of after-loading radiotherapy was 10 Gy, 24 sessions per person. Results＇. The rate of AFP negative-reversion was 100% （17/17） in the treated group, higher than in control group （62.5%, 10/16, P〈0.05）. In the treated group, the 1-year relapse rate, metastasis rate and survival rate were 18.2% （4/22）, 0 and 100% （22/22） respectively, while in the control group they were 45.5% （10/22）, 13.6% （3/22） and 77.3% （17/22） respectively. There were significant differences between the two groups in relapse rate, metastasis rate and survival rate within a year （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Postoperative after-loading radiotherapy with gemcitabine is an effective way for the treatment of primary liver cancer.

Application of Superselective Artery Embolization in Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma before Operation

Objective： To evaluate the clinical application of superselective transcatheter arterial embolization （TAE） in nasopharyngeal angiofibroma before operation. Methods： Superselective angiography was done via femoral. TAE with polyvinyl alcohol particles and/or gelfoam （GF） was performed in 12 patients with nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. All patients underwent surgical removal of devascularized tumors in 3 to 7 days after TAE. Results： During digital subtraction angiography, tumor staining was seen in 12 patients. Embolization of maxillary artery was performed in 12 cases and additional embolization of ascending pharyngeal artery in 8 cases. Conclusion： Superselective angiographic diagnosis, embolization and appropriate embolic particle size are important for successful treatment of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. TAE is safe and effective in decreasing haemorrhage during surgical operation for nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.

Long-term Follow-up Study on Perthes Disease

Objective: To analyze the efficacy of various therapies on Perthes diseaseand summarize a systematic treatment strategy. Methods: One hundred and sixty-five cases merelong-term followed. The advantages and disadvantages of various therapies were compared. Results:Each method had its advantage and disadvantage; the effects were correlated with the stages andtypes of the patients and the therapy they were given. Simple treatment is recommended for type Ⅰcases . For type Ⅱ , simple procedures can be used in stage Ⅰ of the patients and surgery wasusually contraindicated for stage Ⅲ cases . For type Ⅲ, vascularized fibula grafting may beconsidered for cases of stage Ⅰ , Ⅱ and Ⅲ. For type Ⅳ cases, combined therapies should beenconsidered. Conclusion: The therapy should be individualized to patient.

Evaluation of MRI in Diagnosing Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Objective： To investigate the clinical application of MRI in the diagnosis and preoperative evaluation of hilar cholangiocarcinoma （HC）. Methods： Thirty-four cases of HC were examined with 1.5T super-conduct MR unit. The plain MRI and MRCP were followed by dynamic Gd-DTPA （0.1 mmol/kg） contrast-enhanced scanning, which was repeated at 30 s intervals in the first 3 min with the patient being remained in the same position. Delayed scanning was done at 5, 8, 10, 12 and 15 min respectively. 3D- DCE-MRA was performed in arterial and portal venous phase with an additional bolus injection of 15-20 mL Gd-DTPA （0.15-0.20 mmol/kg）. The contrast time-signal curve of both the liver and the tumor was drawn from DCE imaging, and both arterial and portal venous phase imaging were reconstructed with MIP. MRI findings were compared with surgical findings and pathology. Results： Hilar lesion, intrahepatic ducts dilatation and disconnect of main hepatic duct were shown in all cases. Thirty-one cases had tumor-delayed enhancement. In 3D-DCE-MRA, spiral artery deformed was displayed in 6 cases, infiltration, encasement or occlusion of portal vein was displayed in 18 cases. The accuracy of assessing tumor unresectability and resectability by preoperative MRI was 95.0% （19/20） and 78.6% （11/14） respectively. The total accuracy rate of MRI assessing was 88.2% （30/34）. Conclusion： All-in-one MR, including plain MR, MRCP, MR DCE and 3D-DCE-MRA, can accurately show the lesions and involvement of neighbouring tissues. It was of great value in diagnosis and preoperative evaluation of HC.

Current surgical treatment for bile duct cancer

Since extrahepatic bile duct cancer is difficult to diagnose and to cure, a safe and radical surgical strategy is needed. In this review, the modes of infiltration and spread of extrahepatic bile duct cancer and surgical strategy are discussed. Extended hemihepatectomy, with or without pancreatoduodenectomy （PD）, plus extrahepatic bile duct resection and regional lyrnphadenectomy has recently been recognized as the standard curative treatment for hilar bile duct cancer. On the other hand, PD is the choice of treatment for middle and distal bile duct cancer. Major hepatectomy concomitant with PD （hepatopancreatoduodenectomy） has been applied to selected patients with widespread tumors. Preoperative biliary drainage （BD） followed by portal vein embolization （PVE） enables major hepatectomy in patients with hilar bile duct cancer without mortality. BD should be performed considering the surgical procedure, especially, in patients with separated intrahepatic bile ducts caused by hilar bile duct cancer. Right or left trisectoriectomy are indicated according to the tumor spread and biliary anatomy. As a result, extended radical resection offers a chance for cure of hilar bile duct cancer with improved resectability, curability, and a 5-year survival rate of 40%. A 5-year survival rate has ranged from 24% to 39% after PD for middle and distal bile duct cancer.

Effect of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on prognosis and surgery for esophageal carcinoma

AIM:To investigate the role of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in prognosis and surgery for esophageal carcinoma by a meta-analysis.METHODS:PubMed and manual searches were done to identify all published randomized controlled trials(RCTs) that compared neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy plus surgery(CRTS) with surgery alone(S) for esophageal cancer.According to the test of heterogeneity,a fi xed-effect model or a random effect model was used and the odds ratio(OR) was the principal measure of effects.RESULTS:Fourteen RCTs that included 1737 patients were selected with quality assessment ranging from A to C(Cochrane Reviewers' Handbook 4.2.2).OR(95% CI,P value),expressed as CRTS vs S(values>1 favor CRTS arm),was 1.19(0.94-1.48,P=0.28) for 1-year survival,1.33(1.07-1.65,P=0.69) for 2-year survival,1.76(1.42-2.19,P=0.11) for 3-year survival,1.41(1.06-1.87,P=0.11) for 4-year survival,1.64(1.28-2.12,P=0.40) for 5-year survival,0.82(0.39-1.73,P<0.0001) for rate of resection,1.53(1.33-2.84,P=0.007) for rate of complete resection,1.78(1.14-2.78,P=0.79) for operative mortality,1.12(0.89-2.48,P=0.503) for all treatment mortality,1.33(0.94-1.88,P=0.04) for the rate of adverse treatment,1.38(1.23-1.63,P=0.0002) for local-regional cancer recurrence,1.28(0.85-1.58,P=0.60) for distant cancer recurrence,and 1.27(0.86-1.65,P=0.19) for all cancer recurrence.A complete pathological response to chemoradiotherapy occurred in 10%-45.5% of patients.The 5-year survival benefi t was most pronounced when chemotherapy and radiotherapy were given concurrently(OR:1.45,95% CI:1.26-1.79,P=0.015) instead of sequentially(OR:0.85,95% CI:0.64-1.35,P=0.26).CONCLUSION:Compared with surgery alone,neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy can improve the long-term survival and reduce local-regional cancer recurrence.Concurrent administration of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was superior to sequential chemoradiotherapy.

Systematic review on the surgical treatment for T1 gallbladder cancer

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy of simple and extended cholecystectomy for mucosa(T1a) or muscularis(T1b) gallbladder(GB) cancer. METHODS:Original studies on simple and extended cholecystectomy for T1a or T1b GB cancer were searched from MEDLINE(PubMed) ,Cochrane Library,EMBase,and CancerLit using the search terms of GB,cancer/carcinoma/tumor/neoplasm. RESULTS:Twenty-nine out of the 2312 potentially relevant publications met the eligibility criteria.Of the 1266 patients with GB cancer included in the publications,706(55.8%) and 560(44.2%) had T1a and T1b GB cancer,respectively.Simple cholecystectomy for T1a and T1b GB cancer was performed in 590(83.6%) and 375(67.0%) patients,respectively(P<0.01) .In most series,the treatment of choice was simple cholecystectomy for T1a GB cancer patients with a 5-year survival rate of 100%.Lymph node metastasis was detected in 10.9% of the T1b GB cancer patients and in 1.8%of the T1a GB cancer patients,respectively(P<0.01) .Eight patients(1.1%) with T1a GB cancer and 52 patients(9.3%) with T1b GB cancer died of recurrent GB cancer(P<0.01) . CONCLUSION:Simple cholecystectomy represents the adequate treatment of T1a GB cancer.There is no definite evidence that extended cholecystectomy is advantageous over simple cholecystectomy for T1b GB cancer.

Narrow-band imaging optical chromocolonoscopy: Advantages and limitations

Narrow-band imaging （NBI） is an innovative optical technology that modifies the center wavelength and bandwidth of an endoscope＇s light into narrow-band illumination of 415 ：1： 30 nm. NBI markedly improves capillary pattern contrast and is an in vivo method for visualizing microvessel morphological changes in superficial neoplastic lesions. The scientific basis for NBI is that short wavelength light falls within the hemoglobin absorption band, thereby facilitating clearer visualization of vascular structures. Several studies have reported advantages and limitations of NBI colonoscopy in the colorectum. One difficulty in evaluating results, however, has been nonstandardization of NBI systems （Sequential and nonsequential）. Utilization of NBI technology has been increasing worldwide, but accurate pit pattern analysis and sufficient skill in magnifying colonoscopy are basic fundamentals required for proficiency in NBI diagnosis of colorectal lesions. Modern optical technology without proper image interpretation wastes resources, confuses untrained endoscopists and delays interinstitutional validation studies. Training in the principles of ＂optical image-enhanced endoscopy＂ is needed to close the gap between technological advancements and their clinical usefulness. Currently available evidence indicates that NBI constitutes an effective and reliable alternative to chromocolonoscopy for in vivo visualization of vascular structures, but further study assessing reproducibility and effectiveness in the colorectum is ongoing at various medical centers.

Consensus statement AIGO/SICCR diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation and obstructed defecation(Part Ⅱ:Treatment)

The second part of the Consensus Statement of the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists and Italian Society of Colo-Rectal Surgery reports on the treatment of chronic constipation and obstructed defecation. There is no evidence that increasing fluid intake and physical activity can relieve the symptoms of chronic constipation. Patients with normal-transit constipation should increase their fibre intake through their diet or with commercial fibre. Osmotic laxatives may be effective in patients who do not respond to fibre supplements. Stimulant laxatives should be re- served for patients who do not respond to osmotic laxatives. Controlled trials have shown that serotonin- ergic enterokinetic agents, such as prucalopride, and prosecretory agents, such as lubiprostone, are effec- tive in the treatment of patients with chronic constipa- tion. Surgery is sometimes necessary. Total colectomy with ileorectostomy may be considered in patients with slow-transit constipation and inertia coil who are resistant to medical therapy and who do not have defecatory disorders, generalised motility disorders or psychological disorders. Randomised controlled trials have established the efficacy of rehabilitative treat- ment in dys-synergic defecation. Many surgical proce- dures may be used to treat obstructed defecation in patients with acquired anatomical defects, but none is considered to be the gold standard. Surgery should be reserved for selected patients with an impaired quality of life. Obstructed defecation is often associated with pelvic organ prolapse. Surgery with the placement of prostheses is replacing fascial surgery in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, but the efficacy and safety of such procedures have not yet been established.

Impact of postoperative omega-3 fatty acid-supplemented parenteral nutrition on clinical outcomes and immunomodulations in colorectal cancer patients

AIM: To investigate the effect of omega-3 fatty acid parenteral supplementation postoperatively on clinical outcomes and immunomodulation in colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: Forty-two patients undergoing radical colorectal cancer resection with an indication for total parenteral nutrition postoperatively were enrolled in this prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled study. Patients received total parenteral nutrition supplemented with either soybean oil (LCT; Intralipid, Fresenius-Kabi, SO group, n = 21) or a combination of omega-3 fish oil and soybean oil (LCT:fish oil = 5:1, fish oil; Omegaven, Fresenius-Kabi, FO group, n = 21), up to a total of 1.2 g lipid/kg per day for 7 d postoperatively. A same volume calorie and nitrogen was administrated. Routine blood test, biochemistry, systemic levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, percentage of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ lymphocytes were evaluated preoperatively and on postoperative d 1 and 8. Patient outcome was evaluated considering mortality during the hospital stay, length of postoperative hospital stay, and occurrence of infectious complications. RESULTS: Both lipid regimens were well tolerated. No differences between the two groups were noticed in demographics, baseline blood test, biochemistry, serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, percentage of CD4+, CD8+ lymphocytes, and ratios of CD4+/CD8+. Compared with those on postoperative d 1, serum IL-6 levels onpostoperative d 8 were significantly depressed in the FO group than in the reference group (-44.43 ± 30.53 vs -8.39 ± 69.08, P = 0.039). Simultaneously, the ratios of CD4+/CD8+ were significantly increased in the FO group (0.92 ± 0.62 vs 0.25 ± 1.22, P = 0.035). In addition, depression of serum TNF-α levels (-0.82 ± 2.71 vs 0.27 ± 1.67, P = 0.125) and elevation of CD3+ and CD4+ lymphocyte percentage (12.85 ± 11.61 vs 3.84 ± 19.62, P = 0.081, 17.80 ± 10.86 vs 9.66 ± 17.55, P = 0.084, respectively) were higher in the FO group than in the reference group. Patients in the FO group trended to need a shorter postoperative hospital stay (17.45 ± 4.80 d vs 19.62 ± 5.59 d, P = 0.19). No statistically significant difference was found when stratified to mortality and occurrence of infectious complications. CONCLUSION: Postoperative supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids may have a favorable effect on the outcomes in colorectal cancer patients undergoing radical resection by lowering the magnitude of inflammatory responses and modulating the immune response.

Modern management of rectal cancer: A 2006 update

The goal of this review is to outline some of the important surgical issues surrounding the management of patients with early (T1/T2 and NO), as well as locally advanced (T3/T4 and/or N1) rectal cancer. Surgery for rectal cancer continues to develop towards the ultimate goals of improved local control and overall survival, maintaining quality of life, and preserving sphincter, genitourinary, and sexual function. Information concerning the depth of tumor penetration through the rectal wall, lymph node involvement, and presence of distant metastatic disease is of crucial importance when planning a curative rectal cancer resection. Preoperative staging is used to determine the indication for neoadjuvant therapy as well as the indication for local excision versus radical cancer resection. Local excision is likely to be curative in most patients with a primary tumor which is limited to the submucosa (T1N0M0), without high-risk features and in the absence of metastatic disease. In appropriate patients, minimally invasive procedures, such as local excision, TEM, and laparoscopic resection allow for improved patient comfort, shorter hospital stays, and earlier return to preoperative activity level. Once the tumor invades the muscularis propria (T2), radical rectal resection in acceptable operative candidates is recommended. In patients with transmural and/or node positive disease (T3/T4 and/or N1) with no distant metastases, preoperative chemoradiation followed by radical resection according to the principles of TME has become widely accepted. During the planning and conduct of a radical operation for a locally advanced rectal cancer, a number of surgical management issues are considered, including: (1) total mesorectal excision (TME); (2) autonomic nerve preservation (ANP); (3) circumferential resection margin (CRM); (4) distal resection margin; (5) sphincter preservation and options for restoration of bowel continuity; (6) laparoscopic approaches; and (7) postoperative quality of life.

Evaluation of contrast-enhanced helical hydro-CT in staging gastric cancer

AIM： TO discuss the helical computed tomography （CT） characteristics of gastric cancer and evaluate the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced helical hydro-CT （HHCT） in staging gastric cancer. METHODS： A total of 50 patients with gastric cancer were included in this study. The CT findings in them were retrospectively analyzed and correlated with pathologic findings at surgery. All patients were preoperatively imaged by plain and contrast-enhanced helical CT afer orally ingesting 1 000-1 500 mL water. Peristalsis was minimized by intravenous administration of spasmolytics. RESULTS： The foci of gastric cancer became more prominent in all the 50 patients and showed strong enhancement in contrast-enhanced HHCT. The tumor was located at the gastric cardia in 14 cases, at the gastric fundus in 3 cases, at the gastric body in 8 cases, at the gastric antrum in 4 cases, at the gastric fundus and the body in 8 cases, at the gastric body and antrum in 11 cases, and at three segments of the stomach in 2 cases. The CT features of gastric cancer were focal or diffuse mural thickening, soft tissue mass, cancerous ulcer, stenosis of stomach, infiltration to adjacent tissues, lymph node and distant metastases. Strong contrast enhancement of the gastric wall was closely related to gastric cancer. The accuracy rate of contrast-enhanced HHCT in staging gastric cancer was 86% （43/50）. The detection rate of lymph node metastases by CT was 60% （12/20）. CONCLUSION： Contrast-enhanced HHCT is a reliable method to diagnose and stage gastric cancer.