Influence of humanistic care-based operating room nursing on safety,recovery,and satisfaction after radical surgery for colorectal carcinoma

BACKGROUND Radical surgery is a preferred treatment for colorectal carcinoma,wherein nursing intervention is essential for postoperative recovery and prevention of complications.Recently,the application of humanistic care in medical care has attracted attention.Humanistic care emphasizes comprehensive care,with importance attached to patients’physical needs as well as psychological and emotional support to provide more humane and personalized care services.However,no clinical reports have examined the use of humanistic care in patients undergoing radical surgery for colorectal carcinoma.AIM To investigate the influence of humanistic care-based operating room nursing on the safety,postoperative recovery,and nursing satisfaction of patients who have undergone radical surgery for colorectal carcinoma.METHODS In total,120 patients with rectal cancer who underwent surgery in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University between August 2023 and March 2024 were selected and grouped based on the nursing methods employed.Of these patients,55 were treated with routine nursing intervention(control group)and 65 were provided humanistic care-based operating room nursing(research group).The patients’vital signs were recorded,including systolic/diastolic blood pressure(SBP/DBP)and heart beats per minute(BPM),as well as serum stress indices,including norepinephrine(NE),adrenal hormone(AD),and cortisol(Cor).Postoperative recovery and complications were also recorded.Patients’negative emotions,life hope,and nursing satisfaction were evaluated using the Self-rating Depression/Anxiety Scale(SDS/SAS),Herth Hope Index(HHI),and self-deve-loped nursing satisfaction questionnaire,respectively.RESULTS During emergence from anesthesia,SBP,DBP,and BPM levels were found to be lower in the research group than those in the control group,also serum Cor,AD,and NE levels were lower.In addition,the research group had shorter operative,awakening,anal exhaust,first postoperative ambulation,drainage tube removal,intestinal recovery,and hospital times.The total complication rate and the SDS and SAS scores were lower in the research group than those in the control group.The HHI and nursing satisfaction scores were higher in the research group.CONCLUSION Humanistic care-based operating room nursing can mitigate physiological stress responses,reduce postoperative complications,promote postoperative recovery,relieve adverse psychological emotions,and enhance life hope and nursing satisfaction in patients undergoing radical surgery for colorectal carcinoma,which can be popularized in clinical practice.

Diagnostic performance of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging parameters and serum tumor markers in rectal carcinoma prognosis

BACKGROUND Rectal carcinoma(RC),one of the most common malignancies globally,presents an increasing incidence and mortality year by year,especially among young people,which seriously affects the prognosis and quality of life of patients.At present,dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(DCE-MRI)parameters and serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9)and CA125 Levels have been used in clinical practice to evaluate the T stage and differentiation of RC.However,the accuracy of these evaluation modalities still needs further research.This study explores the application and value of these methods in evaluating the T stage and differentiation degree of RC.AIM To analyze the diagnostic performance of DCE-MRI parameters combined with serum tumor markers(TMs)in assessing pathological processes and prognosis of RC patients.METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 104 RC patients treated at Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital from May 2018 to January 2022.Patients were categorized into stages T1,T2,T3,and T4,depending on their T stage and differentiation degree.In addition,they were assigned to low(L group)and moderate-high differentiation(M+H group)groups based on their differentiation degree.The levels of DCE-MRI parameters and serum CA19-9 and CA125 in different groups of patients were compared.In addition,the value of DCE-MRI parameters[volume transfer constant(Ktrans),rate constant(Kep),and extravascular extracellular volume fraction(Ve)in assessing the differentiation and T staging of RC patients was discussed.Furthermore,the usefulness of DCE-MRI parameters combined with serum CA19-9 and CA125 Levels in the evaluation of RC differentiation and T staging was analyzed.RESULTS Ktrans,Ve,CA19-9 and CA125 were higher in the high-stage group and L group than in the low-stage group and M+H Group,respectively(P<0.05).The areas under the curve(AUCs)of the Ktran and Ve parameters were 0.638 and 0.694 in the diagnosis of high and low stages,respectively,and 0.672 and 0.725 in diagnosing moderate-high and low differentiation,respectively.The AUC of DCE-MRI parameters(Ktrans+Ve)in the diagnosis of high and low stages was 0.742,and the AUC in diagnosing moderate-high and low differentiation was 0.769.The AUCs of CA19-9 and CA-125 were 0.773 and 0.802 in the diagnosis of high and low stages,respectively,and 0.834 and 0.796 in diagnosing moderate-high and low differentiation,respectively.Then,we combined DCE-MRI(Ktrans+Ve)parameters with CA19-9 and CA-125 and found that the AUC of DCE-MRI parameters plus serum TMs was 0.836 in the diagnosis of high and low stages and 0.946 in the diagnosis of moderate-high and low differentiation.According to the Delong test,the AUC of DCE-MRI parameters plus serum TMs increased significantly compared with serum TMs alone in the diagnosis of T stage and differentiation degree(P<0.001).CONCLUSION The levels of the DCE-MRI parameters Ktrans and Ve and the serum TMs CA19-9 and CA125 all increase with increasing T stage and decreasing differentiation degree of RC and can be used as indices to evaluate the differentiation degree of RC in clinical practice.Moreover,the combined evaluation of the above indices has a better effect and more obvious clinical value,providing important guiding importance for clinical condition judgment and treatment selection.

Secondary rectal linitis plastica caused by prostatic adenocarcinoma-magnetic resonance imaging findings and dissemination pathways:A case report

BACKGROUND Secondary rectal linitis plastica(RLP)from prostatic adenocarcinoma is a rare and poorly understood form of metastatic spread,characterized by a desmoplastic response and concentric rectal wall infiltration with mucosal preservation.This complicates endoscopic diagnosis and can mimic gastrointestinal malignancies.This case series underscores the critical role of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)in identifying the distinct imaging features of RLP and highlights the importance of considering this condition in the differential diagnosis of patients with a history of prostate cancer.CASE SUMMARY Three patients with secondary RLP due to prostatic adenocarcinoma presented with varied clinical features.The first patient,a 76-year-old man with advanced prostate cancer,had rectal pain and incontinence.MRI showed diffuse prostatic invasion and significant rectal wall thickening with a characteristic"target sign"pattern.The second,a 57-year-old asymptomatic man with elevated prostatespecific antigen levels and a history of prostate cancer exhibited rectoprostatic angle involvement and rectal wall thickening on MRI,with positron emission tomography/computed tomography PSMA confirming the prostatic origin of the metastatic spread.The third patient,an 80-year-old post-radical prostatectomy,presented with refractory constipation.MRI revealed a neoplastic mass infiltrating the rectal wall.In all cases,MRI consistently showed stratified thickening,concentric signal changes,restricted diffusion,and contrast enhancement,which were essential for diagnosing secondary RLP.Biopsies confirmed the prostatic origin of the neoplastic involvement in the rectum.CONCLUSION Recognizing MRI findings of secondary RLP is essential for accurate diagnosis and management in prostate cancer patients.

Effects of remifentanil combined with propofol on hemodynamics and oxidative stress in patients undergoing resection of rectal carcinoma

BACKGROUND Rectal carcinoma(RC)treatment primarily involves laparoscopic surgery,which may induce significant hemodynamic changes and weaken immune function.Certain anesthetic approaches using opioid drugs(including remifentanil and sufentanil)pose risks,such as hypotension.AIM To determine the effects of remifentanil combined with propofol on hemodynamics and oxidative stress in patients undergoing RC resection.METHODS A total of 211 patients one hundred and four patients with RC treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University between November 2018 and November 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.Among them,the remifentanil group included 45 patients receiving remifentanil with propofol anesthesia and the sufentanil group included 59 patients receiving sufentanil with propofol anesthesia.Changes in the hemodynamic index,oxidative stress index,general data,consumption of remifentanil,and use of vasoactive drugs were compared.The incidences of adverse reactions were calculated.RESULTS The two groups did not significantly differ in terms of operation,anesthesia,and extubation times(P>0.05).At 1 min after intubation,the sufentanil group showed a notably higher heart rate,systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure,and mean arterial pressure(MAP)compared with the remifentanil group(P<0.05),whereas the sufentanil group showed a notably higher SBP and MAP compared with the remifentanil group at 5 min after pneumoperitoneum(P<0.05).Thirty minutes after surgery,the remifentanil group showed significantly lower plasma cortisol,noradrenaline,and glucose levels than the sufentanil group(P<0.001).The remifentanil group consumed significantly less remifentanil than the sufentanil group(P<0.05),and the adoption frequency of ephedrine was lower in the remifentanil group than that in the sufentanil group(P<0.05).The incidence of hypotension was notably higher in the sufentanil group than that in the remifentanil group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Remifentanil combined with propofol can improve hemodynamics and relieve oxidative stress in patients undergoing RC resection.

Anterior resection for rectal carcinoma-risk factors for anastomotic leaks and strictures

AIM:To determine the incidence and factors responsible for anastomotic leaks and stricture following anterior resection(AR)and its subsequent management.METHODS:Retrospective analysis of data from 108 patients with rectal carcinoma who underwent AR or low anterior resection(LAR)to identify the various preoperative,operative,and post operative factors that might have influence on anastomotic leaks and strictures.RESULTS:There were 68 males and 40 females with an average of 47 years(range 21-75 years).The median distance of the tumor from the anal verge was 8 cm(range 3-15 cm).Sixty(55.6%)patients underwent handsewn anastomosis and 48(44.4%)were stapled.The median operating time was 3.5 h(range2.0-7.5 h).Sixteen(14.6%)patients had an anastomotic leak.Among these,11 patients required reexploration and five were managed expectantly.The anastomotic leak rate was similar in patients with and without diverting stoma(8/60,13.4%with stoma and 8/48;16.7%without stoma).In 15(13.9%)patients,resection margins were positive for malignancy.Ninteen(17.6%)patients developed anastomotic strictures at a median duration of 8 mo(range 3-20 mo).Among these,15 patients were successfully managed with per-anal dilatation.On multivariate analysis,advance age(>60 years)was the only risk factor for anastomotic leak(P=0.004).On the other hand,anastomotic leak(P=0.00),mucin positive tumor(P =0.021),and lower rectal growth(P=0.011)were found as risk factors for the development of an anastomotic stricture.CONCLUSION:Advance age is a risk factor for an anastomotic leak.An anastomotic leak,a mucin-secreting tumor,and lower rectal growth predispose patients to develop anastomotic strictures.

Clinical outcome of intersphincteric resection for ultra-low rectal cancer

AIM： To analyze oncological outcome of intersphincteric resection （ISR） in ultra-low rectal cancer with intent to spare colostoma. METHODS： From 1995 to 1998, patients with a nonfixed rectal adenocarcinoma （tumor stage T2） preserving the lower margin at 1-3 cm above the dentate line without distant metastasis was enrolled （period I）. ISR was practiced in eight patients, and their postoperative followup was at least 5 years. In addition, from 1999 to 2003, another 10 patients having the same tumor location as period Ⅰ underwent ISR （period Ⅱ）. Among those, 6 patients with T3-4-staged tumor received preoperative chemoradiotherapy. RESULTS： All patients received ISR with curative intention and no postoperative mortality. In these case series at period Ⅰ, local recurrence rate was 12.5% and metastasis rate 25.0%; the S-year survival rate was 87.5% and disease-free survival rate 75.0%. There was no local recurrence or distant metastases in 10 patients with a median follow-up of 30 （range, 18-47） mo at period Ⅱ. CONCLUSION： As to ultra-low rectal cancer, intersphincteric resection could provide acceptable local control and cancerrelated survival with no permanent stoma in early-staged tumor （tumor stage T2）; more- over, preoperative concurrent chemoradiotheraw would make ISR feasible with surgical curative intent in more advanced tumors （tumor stages T3-4）.

Do pathological variables have prognostic significance in rectal adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery?

To clarify which factors may influence pathological tumor response and affect clinical outcomes in patients with locally advanced rectal carcinoma treated with neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery.METHODSTumor regression grade (TRG) according to the Dworak system and yTNM stage were assessed and correlated with pre-treatment clinico-pathological variables in 215 clinically locally advanced (cTNM stage II and III) rectal carcinomas. Prognostic value of all pathological and clinical factors on disease free survival (DFS) and cancer specific survival (CSS) was analyzed by Kaplan Meier and Cox-regression analyses.RESULTScN+ status, mucinous histotype or poor differentiation in the pre-treatment biopsy were significantly associated with lower pathological response (low Dworak grade and TNM remaining unchanged/upstaging). Cases showing acellular mucin pools in surgical specimens all had unremarkable clinical courses with no deaths or recurrences during follow-up. Dworak grade had prognostic significance for DFS and CSS. However, compared to the 5-tiered system, a simplified two-tiered grading system, in which grades 0, 1 and 2 were grouped as absent/partial regression and grades 3 and 4 were grouped as total/subtotal regression, was more reproducible and prognostically informative. The two-tiered Dworak system, yN stage, craniocaudal extension of the tumor and radial margin status were significant independent prognostic variables.CONCLUSIONOur data suggest that caution should be applied in using a conservative approach in rectal carcinomas with cN+ status, extensive/lower involvement of the rectum and mucinous histotype or poor differentiation. Although Dworak TRG is prognostically significant, a simplified two-tiered system could be preferable. Finally, cases with acellular mucin pools should be carefully evaluated to definitely exclude residual mucinous carcinoma.

Evaluation of a rabbit rectal VX2 carcinoma model using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

AIM： To establish a rabbit rectal VX2 carcinoma model for the study of rectal carcinoma.METHODS： A suspension of VX2 cells was injected into the rectum wall under the guidance of X-ray fluoroscopy. Computed tomography （CT） and magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） were used to observe tumorgrowth and metastasis at different phases. Pathological changes and spontaneous survival time of the rabbits were recorded.RESULTS： Two weeks after VX2 cell implantation, the tumor diameter ranged 4.1-5.8 mm and the success implantation rate was 81.8%. CT scanning showed low-density loci of the tumor in the rectum wail, while enhanced CT scanning demonstrated a symmetrical intensification in tumor loci. MRI scanning showed alow signal of the tumor on T1-weighted imaging anda high signal of the tumor on T2-weighted imaging.Both types of signals were intensified with enhanced MRI. Metastases to the liver and lung could beobserved 6 wk after VX2 cell implantation, and a largearea of necrosis appeared in the primary tumor. The spontaneous survival time of rabbits with cachexia and multiple organ failure was about 7 wk after VX2 cell implantation.CONCLUSION： The rabbit rectal VX2 carcinoma model we established has a high stability, and can be used in the study of rectal carcinoma.

Neoadjuvant Therapy for Advanced Rectal Carcinoma in China:Whether Radiochemotherapy Is Superior to Radiotherapy?

Objective： To verify whether the 30 Gy preoperative radiotherapy regimen is effective to advanced rectal cancer, and whether the preoperative chemoradiation offers an advantage in sphincter preservation and tumor control compared with irradiation alone. Methods： A total of 141 patients administered neoadjuvant treatment with resectable lower rectal carcinoma from 2002 to 2006 were collected retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups： preoperative radiotherapy alone （30Gy by 10 fractions） （PRT group） and preoperative chemoradiotherapy （PCRT group）. All patients underwent radical surgery after neoadjuvant treatment. Results： The overall sphincter-preservation rate was 68.8% （97/141）, with no significant difference between the two groups. The overall downstaging rate was 48.2% （68/141）, including 4 patients completely response （2.8%）. The T and N downstaging rate were 30.5% （43/141） and 53.8% （57/106） respectively, showing no statistically difference between the two groups. The 2-year overall survival rate was 93.6%; no survival benefit were observed in PCRT group. The 2-year cumulative local recurrence rates were similar as well （4.2% vs 6.7%, P=0.63）. Two patients with severe marrow suppression higher than grade 3 and 1 patient with severe perineum ulcer was observed in PCRT group, which did not occur in PRT group. Conclusion： The preoperative adjuvant treatment of 30Gy radiotherapy alone may be an optional treatment for Chinese lower rectal carcinoma. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy does not show actual superiority compared with radiotherapy alone.

Unusual presentation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with rectal metastasis

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) is a rare tumour that mainly metastasizes in lymph nodes,bones,lungs and liver.Colorectal metastases of NPC are extremely rare phenomenon and associated with a poor prognosis.We reported here a case of NPC with rectal metastasis,we discussed the treatment modalities and the prognosis after reviewing the similar cases described in the literature.

Study of circumferential resection margin in patients with middle and lower rectal carcinoma

AIM: To clarify the relationship between circumferential resection margin status and local and distant recurrence as well as survival of patients with middle and lower rectal carcinoma. The relationship between circumferential resection margin status and clinicopathologic characteristics of middle and lower rectal carcinoma was also evaluated. METHODS: Cancer specimens from 56 patients with middle and lower rectal carcinoma who received total mesorectal excision at the Department of General Surgery of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital were studied. A large slice technique was used to detect mesorectal metastasis and evaluate circumferential resection margin status. RESULTS: Local recurrence occurred in 12.5% (7 of 56 cases) of patients with middle and lower rectal carcinoma. Distant recurrence occurred in 25% (14 of 56 cases) of patients with middle and lower rectal carcinoma. Twelve patients (21.4%) had positive circumferential resection margin. Local recurrence rate of patients with positive circumferential resection margin was 33.3% (4/12), whereas it was 6.8% (3/44) in those with negative circumferential resection margin (P = 0.014). Distant recurrence was observed in 50% (6/12) of patients with positive circumferential resection margin; conversely, it was 18.2% (8/44) in those with negative circumferential resection margin (P = 0.024). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed significant improvements in median survival (32.2 ± 4.1 mo, 95% CI: 24.1-40.4mo vs 23.0 ± 3.5 mo, 95% CI: 16.2-29.8 mo) for circumferential resection margin-negative patients over circumferential resection margin-positive patients (log-rank, P < 0.05). 37% T3 tumors examined were positive for circumferential resection margin, while only 0% T1 tumors and 8.7% T2 tumors were examined as circumferential resection margin. The difference between these three groups was statistically significant (P = 0.021). In 18 cancer specimens with tumor diameter ≥ 5 cm 7 (38.9%) were detected as positive circumferential resection margin, while in 38 cancer specimens with a tumor diameter of < 5 cm only 5 (13.2%) were positive for circumferential resection margin (P = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that circumferential resection margin involvement is significantly associated with depth of tumor invasion and tumor diameter. The circumferential resection margin status is an important predictor of local and distant recurrence as well as survival of patients with middle and lower rectal carcinoma.

The Impact of Neutrophil to Lymphocytic Ratio (NLR) as a Predictor of Treatment Outcomes in Rectal Carcinomas: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background and aim: The prognostic role of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been shown in many solid tumors included in a recent meta-analysis of one hundred studies. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in treatment outcomes;response and survival of patients with different stages of rectal cancers. Patients and methods: All patients with pathologically confirmed cancer rectum presented to our department during the period from January 2012 to the end of 2014 were included in this retrospective study, these recruited patients were evaluated through their files to determine different objectives of our study. Results: The median overall survival was 31 ± 4.676 months while disease free survival was 40 ± 2.346 for the whole study group;neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio was negatively correlated with overall survival with r = –0.743, P disease free survival with r = –0.717, P total number of lymph nodes dissected ratio with r = +0.254, P = 0.028. Roc curve was used to find the accurate cut point of NLR for these patients and was found to be of 4.5. Conclusion: Elevated pre-treatment NLR is an independent predictor of shorter survival in patients with rectal cancer. This parameter is a simple, easily accessible laboratory test for identifying patients with poorer prognosis.

Risk factors for local recurrence of middle and lower rectal carcinoma after curative resection

AIM： To explore the risk factors for local recurrence of middle and lower rectal carcinoma after curative resection. METHODS： Specimens of middle and lower rectal carcinoma from 56 patients who received curative resection at the Department of General Surgery of Guangdong Provincial People＇s Hospital were studied. A large slice technique was used to detect mesorectal metastasis and evaluate circumferential resection margin status. The relations between clinicopathologic characteristics, mesorectal metastasis and circumferential resection margin status were identified in patients with local recurrence of middle and lower rectal carcinoma. RESULTS： Local recurrence of middle and lower rectal carcinoma after curative resection occurred in 7 of the 56 patients （12.5%）, and was significantly associated with family history （Х^2= 3.929, P = 0.047）, high CEA level （Х^2 = 4.964, P = 0.026）, cancerous perforation （Х^2 = 8.503, P = 0.004）, tumor differentiation （Х^2 = 9.315, P = 0.009） and vessel cancerous emboli （Х^2 = 11.879, P = 0.001）. In contrast, no significant correlation was found between local recurrence of rectal carcinoma and other variables such as age （Х^2 = 0.506, P = 0.477）, gender （Х^2 = 0.102, Z2 = 0.749）, tumor diameter （Х^2 = 0.421, P = 0.516）,tumor infiltration （Х^2 = 5.052, P = 0.168）, depth of tumor invasion （Х^2 = 4.588, P = 0.101）, lymph node metastases （Х^2 = 3.688, P = 0.055） and TNM staging system （Х^2 = 3.765, P = 0.152）. The local recurrence rate of middle and lower rectal carcinoma was 33.3% （4/12） in patients with positive circumferential resection margin and 6.8% （3/44） in those with negative circumferential resection margin. There was a significant difference between the two groups （Х^2 = 6.061, P = 0.014）. Local recurrence of rectal carcinoma occurred in 6 of 36 patients （16.7%） with mesorectal metastasis, and in 1 of 20 patients （5.0%） without mesorectal metastasis. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups （Х^2 = 1.600, P = 0.206）. CONCLUSION： Family history, high CEA level, cancerous perforation, tumor differentiation, vessel cancerous emboli and circumferential resection margin status are the significant risk factors for local recurrence of middle and lower rectal carcinoma after curative resection. Local recurrence may be more frequent in patients with mesorectal metastasis than in patients without mesorectal metastasis.

Effect of immune-enhancing enteral nutrition application before radical resection of rectal carcinoma on postoperative immune response level and trauma endurance capacity

Objective:To study the effect of immune-enhancing enteral nutrition application before radical resection of rectal carcinoma on postoperative immune response level and trauma endurance capacity.Methods:A total of 94 patients who received radical resection of rectal carcinoma in our hospital between May 2013 and October 2015 were selected and randomly divided into EN group and control group, the EN group received preoperative immune-enhancing enteral nutrition preparations, and the control group received routine preoperative nutrition intervention. The same day after operation, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected to determine CD69 and HLA-DR levels, and serum was collected to determine the levels of IgM, IgG, inflammatory response indexes and stress response indexes.Results:CD69 and HLA-DR levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells as well as IgM, IgG, TP, ALB, PA and TF levels in serum of EN group were significantly higher than those of control group, and serum CRP, YKL-40, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, HSP70, ACTH, Cor and HO-1 levels of EN group were significantly lower than those of control group.Conclusion:Immune-enhancing enteral nutrition application before radical resection of rectal carcinoma can improve the immune function and nutritional status, strengthen trauma endurance capacity and relieve postoperative inflammatory response and stress response.

DIAGNOSTIC FACTOR OF N STAGING IN RECTAL CARCINOMA:A COMPUTERED TOMOGRAPHY STUDY CORELATED WITH PATHOLOGICAL FINDING

Objective： To investigate the characteristic findings in CT images associated with N-staging of rectal carcinoma. Methods： Fifty nine patients underwent radical resection for rectal carcinoma after preoperative CT examinations, pN0, pN1, and pN2 were classified based on the pathological examination of excised specimens according to the AJCC N-staging criterion. Images were reviewed by two radiologists using CT cine blindly, reaching a consensus on size, number and distribution of lymph nodes, serosa behavior and circumferential infiltration of rectal carcinoma. The relationship between lymph node metastases and CT findings was analyzed statistically with SAS using k-w test and x^2 test. Results： Lymph nodes were depicted in all node-positive cases. The mean diameters of the largest nodes displayed in the groups of pN0, pN1, pN2 were 3.84 mm, 5.60 mm and 6.79 mm respectively; the diameters showed a statistically significant increase with N-stage developing （H=23.842, P〈0.01）. The mean numbers of lymph nodes in the groups of pN0, pN1 and pN2 were 3.0, 4.5 and 9.0 respectively, which also showed an increasing trend and significant differences from each other （H=21.834, P〈0.01）. The summation diameters of all depicted nodes also showed a significant difference in the NO, N1 and N2 groups （H=32.037, P〈0.001）. Positive nodes were seen in 25% （3/12） of cases with perirectaUy displayed nodes, in 58.6%（17/29） of cases with lymph nodes distributed both perirectally and along the superior rectal artery, and in 72.7%（8/11） of cases with nodes detected along iliac vessels combined with either one of the previous two distributions patterns. The distribution patterns of lymph nodes were significantly different in NO, N1 and N2 groups （x^2=19.517, P〈0.05）. The disorder of serosa behavior and circumferential infiltration of rectal carcinoma were more likely to occur in node positive group than negative group with statistical significance （x^2=8.979, P〈0.01, x^2=5.107, P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Comprehensively considering the size, number, distribution of depicted lymph node, as well as serosa disorder and circumferential infiltration of rectal carcinoma would be helpful for improving the N-staging of CT in patients with rectal carcinoma preoperatively.

Complete pathologic response after chemoradiotherapy in a patient with rectal squamous cell carcinoma： a case report

Squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)of the rectum is a rare disease.A 59-year-old man presented with SCC of the middle rectum located 10 cm from the anus.The stage of the tumor was revealed to be T3N+M0.The patient received a combined treatment with cisplatin and fluorouracil in concomitance with external radiation therapy.He then underwent an anterior resection of the rectum.The postoperative histopathological findings classified the tumor as yp T0N0 with cancer-free margins and lymph nodes.Treatment of SCC remains very challenging,and the acquisition of more consistent data is needed.

Expression and role of Tie-2 in rectal carcinoma

Objective To investigate the expression of Tie-2 in rectal carcinoma and its relationship with invasion and metastasis in rectal carcinoma.Materials S-P immunohistochemical assay was used to detect the expression of Tie-2 in 40 cases of rectal carcinoma and 10 cases of normal rectal tissues.Results Tie-2 was mainly localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus of vascular endothelial cells in cancerous tissues and partly in the cytoplasm of some cancerous cells.The expression of Tie-2 in rectal carcinoma was significantly higher than that in normal rectal tissues(P<0.05);however,Tie-2 expression was not associated with differentiation,invasion depth and Dukes stage(P>0.05),but with lymphatic metastasis(P<0.05).Conclusion Tie-2 plays a key role in carcinogenesis and lymph node metastasis of rectal carcinoma.

LOOSENING AND LENGTHENING OF INTESTINAL TRACT AFTER RECTAL ISOLATION IN ANUS－SAVING RESECTION FOR RECTAL CARCINOMA

In low rectal cancer surgery,the section of rectum destal to the lower tumor maigin is relaxed and lengthened after fully isolation of the organ. This would facilitate the adoption of anus saving operation.Before and after fully isolation of the rectum in low ratal cancer surgery, the distance between the lower tumor margin and the anorectal line was measured by the same rectuscope introduced through the anus.The two results were compared .The average lengthening was less than 1 cm if the lower tumor marginanorectal line distance was 5 cm.It was 1─2 cm if the lower tumor margin-anorectal distance was 6 cm.It was more than 2 cm if the distance was 7─9 cm.The loosening and lengthening of the rectal canal was related to the presence of lymphnode metastasis and the skill of the operator.The lengthening was also influenced by the body build of the patient,involvement of the rectal circumference and the Dukes stage. Modified Park's operation,trans abdominosacral resection with anastormosis of rectum,and anterior resection on transpubic approach are indicated for those in whom the lower tumor margin-anorectal line distance was 5 cm The rectectomy-anastomosis in the abdominal cavity(Dixon's operation)is indicated for those in whom the lower tumor margin-anorectal line was 6 cm.If manual anastomosis is difficult,stapling device may be used. The anus saving resection is easy if the distance was 7─9 cm.

SIGNIFICANCE OF CEA AND CA242 IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF COLORECTAL CARCINOMA

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is frequently used in the diagnosis of the colorectal carcinoma. CA242 is a novel unique tumor-associated antigen characterized by higher tumor specificity and sensitivity for colorectal cancer, as compared with other mucin antigens. In this study, preoperative levels of serum CEA and CA242 were measured in 63 cases of colorectal carcinoma. It was disclosed that the positive rate of CA242 was higher than that of CEA, particularly in patients with colon cancer.The combined determination of CEA and CA242 significantly increased the sensitivity and accuracy in the detection of colorectal cancer as compared with the use of CEA alone (P<0.o1). In patients with advanced disease the positive rate was markedly elevated, especially in patients with liver metastasis. The results indicate that the combined use of CEA and CA242 assays is an useful adjunct diagnostic measure for colorectal carcinoma, and is helpful in the assessment of the stage of the disease as well as in making treatment Plan.

Expressions of Connexin and Par-3 in the Distal Margin of Rectal Cancer after Ultra-low Anterior Resection

This study examined the expression of connexin and protease-activated receptor 3 （par-3） in the distal resection margin of rectal cancer and the correlation of the expression of the two proteins with tumor relapse. A total of 40 patients with rectal cancer underwent ultra-low anterior resection with curved cutter stapler. The pathological specimens were divided into 3 groups in terms of sampling sites： tumor group, 2.0-cm group （in which the tissues were harvested 2.0 cm distal to the tumor tissues）, 3.0-cm group （in which the tissues were taken 3.0 cm away from the tumor tissues）. All the samples were pathologically observed and then measured for the expression of connexin and par-3 by employing immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The operations in this series went uneventfully. No anastomotic stoma bleeding, stenosis and death occurred postoperatively. Histopathologically, in the tumor group, epithelial cells lost normal pattern of arrangement and polarity, and were loosely connected and even detached. In the 3.0-cm group, the epithelia had normal appearance, obvious cell polarity and essentially intact cell junction. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting indicated that the 3.0-cm group had the strongest expression of connexin and par-3, and the expression in the 2.0-cm group and the tumor group was relatively weak. There existed significant difference in the expression of the two proteins among the three groups （P〈0.05 for all）. It was concluded that the down-regulated connexin and par-3 in the distal margin of rectal cancer tissues may indicate the progression of the disease and high likelihood of recurrence and metastasis. Although no tumor cells were found in the sections of the 2.0cm group, the decreased expression of connexin and par-3 may suggest the development of anaplasia and the increased odds of tumor relapse. Therefore, we are led to speculate that tumor resection only including 2.0 cm of unaffected rectum could not completely avoid the distant metastasis and local relapse.