Abdominal Wall Invasion Research Articles

SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR ADVANCED COLORECTAL CANCER WITH ABDOMINAL WALL INVASION AND IMPLANTATION

Abstract Aim The prognosis of abdominal wall invasion and implantation from colorectal cancer (CRC) is not good. With radical resection and abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) technique, locally advanced CRC patients with resectable abdominal wall invasion and implantation may achieve longer tumor-free survival time and an improved quality of life. Methods 15 patients were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent preoperative three-dimensional visualization reconstruction of the abdominal wall and evaluation with a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Patient information, including tumor size, defect size, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, length of hospital stays, and other factors, was collected. Results All 15 locally advanced CRC patients with abdominal wall invasion and implantation underwent radical abdominal wall tumor resection followed by AWR. The average tumor dimension and abdominal wall defects after resection were 98.13 ± 71.70 and 270.07 ± 101.95 cm2 respectively; and accurate abdominal wall classification and zoning were obtained for all patients. The average operation time was 431.7 ± 189.2 min, and the average blood loss was 513.3 ± 244.6 ml. The incidence of incisional hernia and CRC recurrence were 6.0% and 13.3%, respectively. Conclusions With comprehensive preoperative evaluation, results of radical resection of abdominal wall invasion and implantation in locally advanced CRC patients is satisfactory and safe.

Abdominal Wall Abscess: An Infrequent Presentation of Colon Adenocarcinoma

Introduction: Colonic carcinoma has a variety of clinical presentations, however, invasion of the abdominal wall arising from the transverse colon is a rare one, as seen in this case report. Case report: 62-year-old patient with diffuse high intensity abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting and an epigastric abscessed heterogeneous mass (8 x 7 x 7cm). A water-soluble contrast enema was performed, showing diverticula, absence of distal colon contrast transition and the apple core sign, compatible with transverse colon obstruction. A transverse colectomy was performed, with primary colo-colonic end-to-end anastomosis, including omentectomy and complete en-bloc resection of the affected abdominal wall area. The histopathological findings showed a transverse colon adenocarcinoma with abdominal wall invasion; all surgical margins were free of disease (R0), and 24 lymph nodes were retrieved. Patients’ recovery was successful. Discussion: Locally advanced colorectal cancers invade adjacent organs without distant metastases. They may result in abscess formation even in unusual locations like the abdominal wall, which is a rare complication (0.3 to 4%). Colon cancer diagnosis before surgery may not always be possible; and a flawed diagnosis can determine an incomplete treatment because the intraoperative macroscopic malignancy recognition is not always achievable. En-bloc resection is the gold standard treatment to accomplish a complete resection, with histologically negative margins and no residual tumor (R0). Conclusion: Colon adenocarcinoma may rarely present as an abdominal wall abscess. Image studies may include CT, radiography, etc. but the patient’s clinical status should always be prioritized; those who present abdominal obstruction with a high risk of sepsis and mortality should be offered immediate surgical treatment. En-bloc resection is the gold standard to accomplish histologically negative margins and no residual tumor.

Benefit of whole-pelvis radiation for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer: An inverse probability treatment-weighted analysis.

449 Background: Pelvic lymph node irradiation is still under debate for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) planned for curative-intent radiation-based therapy (RT). A previous randomized trial suggested bladder-only (BO)-RT was effective in reducing RT-related toxicity, while associated with non-inferior oncological outcomes – bladder preservation rates, disease-free survival, and overall survival (OS) – compared to whole-pelvis (WP)-RT. In this study, we sought to evaluate the impact of the radiation volume (BO-RT vs. WP-RT) on main oncological outcomes in patients with MIBC. Methods: This nationwide study included patients with urothelial MIBC (cT2-4aN0-2M0) who underwent curative RT at 10 academic centers across Canada. Patients clinically staged with pelvic or abdominal wall invasion (cT4b) or enlarged lymph nodes beyond the common iliac bifurcation (cN3) before RT were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups based on the RT volume: WP-RT vs. BO-RT. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and absolute standardized differences (ASDs) were used to balance baseline covariates across treatment groups. Regression models were used to assess the impact of the RT volume on the rates of complete response (CR) to treatment, cancer-specific survival (CSS), and OS while adjusting for potential confounding variables in the weighted cohorts. Results: A total of 599 patients were analyzed, out of whom 369 (61.6%) underwent WP-RT. Patients in the WP-RT group were younger (mean age 73.2 vs. 77.4; ASD 0.41), and more likely to have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) of 0-1 (82.1% vs. 73.5%; ASD 0.21), clinical node-positive disease (12.5% vs. 2.2%; ASD 0.40), and lymphovascular invasion (26.3% vs. 16.1%; ASD 0.25), compared to BO-RT. In addition, WP-RT patients were more commonly treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (20.9% vs. 10.4%; ASD 0.29) and concurrent chemotherapy (76.7% vs. 56.5%; ASD 0.44), compared to BO-RT. In the IPTW cohort, age, gender, ECOG PS, clinical staging, the proportion of patients with carcinoma in situ, lymphovascular invasion, variant urothelial histologies, hydronephrosis, and whose tumours were completely resected before RT, treated with NAC, and treated with concurrent chemotherapy were well balanced across groups (all ASDs < 0.10). In multivariable analysis, WP-RT did not impact CR rates post-RT (OR 1.14; p=0.526) but was associated with both CSS (HR 0.66; p=0.016) and OS (HR 0.68; p=0.002), independently of other prognostic factors (Table). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated a significant survival benefit with the use of WP-RT compared to BO-RT in patients with MIBC treated with curative intent. Additional randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm our findings.

Colon cancer with extensive invasion of the abdominal wall treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and a free anterolateral thigh flap

BackgroundThe treatment of locally advanced colon cancer is challenging, particularly when there is invasion of the abdominal wall. In such cases, balancing the securing of margins and sufficiently repairing abdominal wall defects is important, but difficult when the extent of invasion is large.Case presentationA 34-year-old male was referred to our hospital with abdominal pain and diagnosed with obstructive transverse colon cancer. He had undergone ileo-sigmoid colostomy at his previous hospital. The tumor was massive and invaded the abdominal wall (maximum diameter: approximately 12 cm), and was accompanied by regional lymph node swelling. No distant metastasis was detected. We diagnosed the tumor as cT4bN2bM0 Stage IIIC locally advanced transverse colon cancer and planned neoadjuvant chemotherapy. After two courses of FOLFOXIRI (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan), he developed an entero-cutaneous fistula due to tumor penetration and required emergency diverting ileostomy construction. After the procedure, contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed good tumor shrinkage. As a result, the planned chemotherapy was canceled and he underwent radical resection of the tumor. En bloc extended right hemicolectomy was performed with excision of the fistula, ensuring a sufficient margin. The post-excision defect at the anterior abdominal wall involved 11 × 16 cm of fascia and 6 × 9 cm of skin located in the middle of the abdomen. A free anterolateral thigh flap was harvested from the right thigh and vascular pedicle was anastomosed to the right gastroepiploic artery and vein. The fascia lata, which was included in the anterolateral thigh flap, was sutured onto the abdominal wall fascia as inlay fashion to reconstruct the abdominal wall defect. Histopathology revealed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the colon with no tumor cells in the abdominal wall tissue [post-chemotherapeutic state, therapy effect: Grade 1b; Stage IIA (ypT3N0M0)]. All resected margins of the specimen were free from adenocarcinoma. He was discharged on postoperative day 16.ConclusionWe report a case of colon cancer extensively invading the abdominal wall, which was completely resected. The abdominal wall defect was reconstructed with a free anterolateral thigh flap after tumor shrinkage with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We present an efficient strategy for managing locally advanced colon cancer with extensive abdominal wall invasion.

Abdominal wall endometrioma: Case report

Background: Endometriosis is a disease that presents primarily with pelvic pain and infertility. Endometrioma is a cyst consisting of endometrial glands and stoma and is typically an advanced presentation of endometriosis. Endometriomas usually grow benignly. There are few reports of patients with endometrioma with malignant features reported in the literature. A case of infrequent occurrence and low diagnostic rate will be reported but having as its origin a relatively common disease with great impact on the female population in reproductive age. Case Summary: A 54-year-old female patient came in with abdominal wall bulging referring to gradual growth and emergence over the last 4 years. Personal history includes previous cesarean section 2 decades ago. The patient also had hypertension, diabetes, a history of total thyroidectomy for thyroid neoplasia 18 years ago, bile duct lithiasis, uterine myomatosis, obesity and epilepsy that started a few years ago with no defined etiology. We report a case of endometrioid pattern adenocarcinoma of the abdominal wall. The patient was submitted to exploratory laparotomy with resection of the tumor in the abdominal wall besides extended hysterectomy, umbilical herniorrhaphy and cholecystectomy. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia, laparoscopically with a report of cystography and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. The patient was followed up as an outpatient, with adjuvant chemotherapy using the carboplatin and paclitaxel protocol. Conclusion: This report highlights a case of endometriosis with abdominal wall metaplastic invasion, an uncommon finding in everyday medical practice. Core Tip: The study consists of a case report of a patient presenting with endometriosis with abdominal wall invasion with elements of conversion to malignant disease and is considered an atypical case rarely reported in the literature. As a result, it may highlight a condition that in its early stages can be treated relatively easily but often goes unnoticed until advanced stages where it is no longer possible to treat it effectively.

VP01.17: Rare case of type‐2 Caesarean scar ectopic pregnancy

A Caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is implantation of blastocyst in the scarred or fibrosed uterine myometrium of a previous Caesarean delivery scar. Though CSP is rare, ectopic mindedness is very important while performing early pregnancy scans, specifically in women with previous Caesarean delivery. Timely diagnosis is of critical importance for quick intervention of this dangerous condition as undiagnosed CSP may progress to invasive placenta, uterine rupture, hemorrhage and possibly maternal death. Two different types of scar ectopic pregnancies are described. Type 1 is caused by implantation in the previous Caesarean scar with progression towards the cervicoisthmic space or the uterine cavity. This type of pregnancy may progress till term, but associated with complications like morbidly adherent placenta. Type 2 is caused by deep implantation into scar defect with trophoblastic infiltration into the uterine myometrium and to uterine serosal surface which may result into uterine rupture and massive hemorrhage in first trimester of pregnancy. We present an interesting case of type 2 CSP. The intact gestational sac was in the scar with extension beyond the serosa up to the anterior abdominal wall, with invasion of the abdominal muscle layer. The sac was also extending in the intrauterine cavity. The sac showed a demised embryo of 6 weeks. Extensive vascularity noted along the serosal breach as well as at abdominal wall invasion site. The findings were confirmed on laprohysterocopy. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Advanced gastric cancer with abdominal wall invasion treated with curative resection after chemotherapy: a case report

IntroductionIn patients with gastric cancer, 6–27% of patients are diagnosed with T4b disease that invades adjacent organs, and curative resection can improve the prognosis of these patients.Case presentationA 70-year-old Japanese man presented with an abdominal tumor and was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer (L-Circ type 3 T4b N2 M0 H0 stage IVA, based on the 15th edition of the Japanese Classification of Gastric Carcinoma) with extensive abdominal wall invasion. We performed open gastrojejunal bypass for gastric obstruction and initiated a chemotherapeutic regimen comprising S-1 (120 mg/day) and oxaliplatin (100 mg/m2). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy performed after the administration of six courses of the S-1 and oxaliplatin regimen revealed a persistent primary lower gastric wall lesion; however, the diameter of the abdominal wall invasion and metastatic lymph nodes was significantly reduced, in addition to decreased serum carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels. Subsequently, the patient underwent distal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy combined with transverse colon and abdominal wall resection. We performed radical en bloc resection and achieved a tumor-free resection margin. Simple abdominal wall closure was performed without mesh or musculocutaneous flap placement. Histopathological examination of the resected tumor specimen showed direct invasion of the mesocolon and rectus abdominis muscle. The patient was postoperatively diagnosed with L Gre-Ant type5 T4b (SI: rectus abdominis muscle) N2 PM0 DM0 Stage IIIA R0 Grade 2a gastric cancer based on histopathological findings and received S-1 as adjuvant chemotherapy, 2 months postoperatively. No recurrence was detected 6 months postoperatively.ConclusionsWe report a case of advanced gastric cancer with extensive abdominal wall invasion that was successfully treated with gastrectomy combined with resection of adjacent organs showing tumor invasion after effective systemic chemotherapy. A therapeutic approach comprising curative surgery combined with perioperative chemotherapy is useful in patients with T4b gastric cancer.

Surgical treatment strategy for locally advanced colorectal cancer with abdominal wall invasion.

BackgroundThe incidence of abdominal wall metastasis from colorectal cancer (CRC) is very low, but it has a poor prognosis. Despite the advances in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, patient prognosis has not improved significantly. Through surgical treatment, some patients with locally advanced CRC with abdominal wall invasion can achieve tumor-free survival or an improved quality of life.MethodsThe clinical data of 15 patients in our department from January 2015 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction of the tumor and abdominal wall after discussion with a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Patient information, including tumor size, defect size, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, hospital stay, and other factors, was collected.ResultsAll 15 patients underwent resection followed by reconstruction for locally advanced CRC with abdominal wall invasion. The average tumor area and abdominal wall defects were 98.13±71.70 and 270.07±101.95 cm2, respectively; and accurate abdominal wall classification and zoning were obtained for all patients. The average operation time was 431.7±189.2 min, and the average blood loss was 513.3±244.6 mL. The recurrence rates in the incisional hernia and abdominal wall were 6.0% and 13.3%, respectively. The patient survival rate was 87.7%.ConclusionsSurgical treatment of locally advanced CRC with abdominal wall invasion is feasible, but requires accurate and comprehensive preoperative evaluation.

A case of colorectal large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma accompanied by disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis

BackgroundNeuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) of the colon are among the rarest types of colorectal cancers. Among these, large cell type neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is particularly rare. Colorectal NEC is an aggressive disease, and there are few reports of long-term survivors. Here, we report a case of LCNEC accompanied by disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis that was difficult to diagnose.Case presentationThe case involves a 62-year-old female found to be positive for fecal occult blood by medical examination. An endoscopy revealed a tumor in the ascending colon, and the biopsy revealed poorly differentiated cancer. Abnormal FDG accumulation with peritoneal thickening was visible on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography (FDG-PET) and suspected to be peritoneal dissemination. Laparoscopic ileocecal resection was performed for the tumor of the ascending colon with abdominal wall invasion. At that time, numerous intra-abdominal nodules were observed, indicating peritoneal dissemination. The pathological diagnosis of the primary lesion was LCNEC, and the patient requested to undergo total peritoneal resection. After one course of chemotherapy with irinotecan plus cisplatin, she underwent total peritoneal resection, uterine annex resection, left inguinal lymph node resection, and intra-abdominal hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with mitomycin C. Because a postoperative pathological examination revealed that the intra-abdominal nodules were leiomyomas, we diagnosed the patient with disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis. The left inguinal lymph node was diagnosed with a metastatic tumor. In summary, the final diagnosis was LCNEC in the ascending colon with inguinal lymph node metastasis. Postoperative chemotherapy has been administered to date. She is currently 18 months post-primary surgery and 15 months post-peritonectomy without apparent recurrence or metastatic findings.ConclusionWe experienced a case of Stage IVa colorectal LCNEC accompanied by disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis. Although the prognosis is generally poor, multidisciplinary treatment for advanced colorectal LCNEC may result in a favorable outcome for some patients. If peritoneal dissemination is suspected during operation, sampling of the nodule to confirm the pathological diagnosis is advisable.

1615 Rare Case of Abdominal Wall Metastasis Secondary to Colon Cancer

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer(CRC) with direct abdominal wall and skin invasion is an extremely rare finding. We present a unique case of CRC with an oligometastatic lesion in the abdominal wall. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: Patient is a 56-year-old male who presented to the gastroenterology clinic with 2 months of constipation and hematochezia, in the absence of melena,weight loss, anorexia and abdominal pain. A screening colonoscopy revealed severe stenosis in the descending colon(50 cm proximal to the anus) with inability to further advance the scope. This area was biopsied and tattooed; pathological diagnosis was confirmed to be moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma.Tumor markers were negative and CT of the abdomen/pelvis was done which showed lymphadenopathy around the descending colon with no evidence of metastasis. 2 weeks later he underwent a robotic-assisted left colon resection with intracorporeal anastomosis, with no immediate postoperative complications.The histopathology of the resected mass was consistent with the initial biopsy findings and lymph nodes were negative for malignancy. Patient underwent adjuvant chemotherapy with capecitabine and oxaliplatin for 4 cycles which was well tolerated.A year later he developed a slowly progressive asymptomatic mass in the right abdominal wall.CT of the abdomen revealed a focal soft tissue mass measuring 3 × 3cm, involving the right lower anterolateral abdominal wall and rectus abdominis muscle.CT guided biopsy revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma consistent with primary CRC. PET scan was devoid of any metastatic or recurrent disease in other locations. Hence proceeded with resection of the mass and mesh placement for the abdominal wall defect. Patient tolerated the procedure well. The follow up scans have shown no evidence of recurrence or metastatic disease, and patient is symptom free. DISCUSSION: CRC often metastasizes to regional lymph nodes,liver, lung or bone via lymphatic and hematogenous routes. Abdominal wall metastasis is very rare and can be caused by direct invasion, lymphatic or hematogenous routes, and direct cancer cell implantation during prior surgical intervention which is the probable source in our patient. Laparoscopic resection is a feasible treatment option for solitary abdominal wall metastasis along with the advantage of assessing the abdomen for other metastases; especially in patients with advanced CRC who are at higher risk of developing fatal complications like peritoneal dissemination that may affect management.

Radical Cystectomy in Pathological T4a and T4b Bladder Cancer Patients: Is There Any Space for Sub Stratification?

Introduction: According to TNM staging, pathological T4ab are comprehensive of the invasion of prostate, seminal vesicles, uterus or vagina and pelvic or abdominal wall. However, few data are available on the perioperative and oncological outcomes of specific organ invasion. Materials and Methods: A total of 917 consecutive bladder cancer (BCa) patients treated with radical cystectomy (RC) at a single institution between 1990 and 2015 were studies. Cox regression analyses were used to stratify pT4ab according to the site of invasion and survival. Results: Overall, 176 (19.2%) and 40 (4.4%) patients harbored pT4a or pT4b disease. Specifically, 84 (9.2%) patients reported prostate and/or SVI invasion, 62 (6.8%) prostate only, 16 (1.7%) uterus, 14 (1.5%) vaginal, 24 (2.6%) pelvic wall, and 16 (1.7%) abdominal wall invasion. The median follow-up in pT4 patients was 48 months. The 1-year cancer-specific mortality (CSM) rates were 71, 65, 24, 50, 50, and 72%, for vaginal, uterus, prostate only, prostate and/or seminal vesicles, pelvic wall, and abdominal wall invasions, respectively. At multivariable Cox regression, the invasion of prostate only (hazard ratio [HR] 3.53), prostate and/or SVI (HR 4.98), uterus (HR 7.16), vagina (HR 6.12), pelvic (HR 11.81), abdominal (8.36) were associated with adverse CSM. Conclusions: Our study described the differences in survival related to invasion site in pT4 patients, confirming poor survival expectancies in this subgroup. Patients with prostate invasion only seem to be associated with better survival than those affected by concomitant invasion of seminal vesicles. Uterus and vaginal invasions were associated with poor survival outcomes. Patients Summary: In this study, we looked at the outcome of locally advanced invasive BCa (stage pT4) in patients treated with RC at a tertiary referral hospital. We analyzed the differences in survival related to the specific organ invasion. We confirmed poor survival in this subgroup of patients. Only patients who had prostate invasion only seem to have a better survival.

Pre-therapy CT scan showing peritoneal thickening from metastatic renal pelvis carcinoma patients

We investigated clinical significance of peritoneal thickening from metastatic renal pelvis based on pretherapy computed tomography (CT) scan findings. The criteria for inclusion were as follows: (1) pathology and CT scan confirmed metastatic renal pelvis carcinoma and (2) peritoneal thickening based on pre-therapy CT scan findings. We investigated the route of spread, gastrointestinal (GI) complications, and response to chemotherapy. A total of 68 cases were enrolled in this study, including seven patients with liver metastases and three with abdominal wall invasion. GI complications included obstruction in ten patients and bleeding in three. Response to chemotherapy demonstrated by reduced peritoneal thickening was noted in 24 patients. In conclusion. peritoneal thickening with clinical suspicion of peritoneal involvement can get indirect evidence from route of spread (liver or abdominal wall), GI complications (obstruction or bleeding) or response to chemotherapy (obvious decrease peritoneal thickening) from metastatic renal pelvis carcinoma patients. Pretherapy CT scan with peritoneal thickening should be alert that tumor has spread to the peritoneum.

METASTASIS AND LOCAL INVASION PATTERN OF BLADDER CANCER IN HASAN SADIKIN HOSPITAL

Objective: The aim of this study is to provide database about local invasion and metastasis pattern, as well as the disease characteristics of bladder cancer in Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung. Material & Methods: Between January 2011 and December 2016 there were 321 cases of bladder cancer recorded in our hospital. Of all cases, 106 patients included in this study, with evident of local invasion or distant metastasis either radiologically (contrast abdominal pelvic CT scan) or pathologically. Results: The study group consist of 106 patients (86 men [81.7%], 20 women [28.3%]); with mean age of 56.78 ± 13.19 (4-76) years old. Histopathology findings of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) consist of 82 (77.3%) patients and the atypical histology features group of 24 (22.7%) patients. Local invasion was found in 99 patients of 321 (30.8%), with the most common organ invasion to the prostate in male (n=38 [35.8%]). Lymph node metastasis were found in 47 patients (44.3%), with the most common nodal metastasis to obturator lymph nodes (n=21 [19.8%]). Distant metastasis was found in 24 patients (22.6%) with the most common site for distant metastasis was the liver (n=12 [11.3%]). In TCC group, 12 patients (63.1%) had a distant organ metastasis with nodal metastasis, whereas in atypical group, majority of the patients with distant organ metastasis (n=5 [83.3%]) had no lymph node involvement. Moreover, in transitional cell group, not all patient (n=17 [73.1%]) had local invasion of the tumor, while all patients with distant organ metastasis in atypical group (n=6 [100%]) had abdominal or pelvic wall invasion (cT4b). Conclusion: TCC is the most common pathology findings and with Prostate is the most common site for local tumor invasion. Obturator lymph nodes is the most common nodal metastasis and liver is the most common site for distant metastasis in bladder cancer.

Long-lasting complete response status of advanced stage IV gall bladder cancer and colon cancer after combined treatment including autologous formalin-fixed tumor vaccine: two case reports

BackgroundThe prognosis of advanced (stage IV) cancer of the digestive organs is very poor. We have previously reported a case of advanced breast cancer with bone metastasis that was successfully treated with combined treatments including autologous formalin-fixed tumor vaccine (AFTV). Herein, we report the success of this approach in advanced stage IV (heavily metastasized) cases of gall bladder cancer and colon cancer.Case presentationCase 1: A 61-year-old woman with stage IV gall bladder cancer (liver metastasis and lymph node metastasis) underwent surgery in May 2011, including partial resection of the liver. She was treated with AFTV as the first-line adjuvant therapy, followed by conventional chemotherapy. This patient is still alive without any recurrence, as confirmed with computed tomography, for more than 5 years.Case 2: A 64-year-old man with stage IV colon cancer (multiple para-aortic lymph node metastases and direct abdominal wall invasion) underwent non-curative surgery in May 2006. Following conventional chemotherapy, two courses of AFTV and radiation therapy were administered sequentially. This patient has had no recurrence for more than 5 years.ConclusionWe report the success of combination therapy including AFTV in cases of liver-metastasized gall bladder cancer and abdominal wall-metastasized colon cancer. Both patients experienced long-lasting, complete remission. Therefore, combination therapies including AFTV should be considered in patients with advanced cancer of the digestive organs.

Locally advanced colon cancer with cutaneous invasion: case report

BackgroundLocally advanced colon cancer with direct abdominal wall and skin invasion is an extremely rare finding with most data being derived from case reports, historical autopsy-based or single-center retrospective studies. We present a unique case of a colon cancer with direct cutaneous invasion and colocutaneous fistulization.Case presentationEighty-six year old Caucasian female with multiple comorbidities, referred to Surgical Consultation due to ulcerated skin lesion in the abdomen. She had a long-standing large umbilical hernia but with no previous episodes of incarceration or occlusive symptoms. She denied any digestive or constitutional symptoms. Physical examination showed a large non-reducible umbilical hernia, with an associated painless firm mass within the hernia sac and cutaneous ulcerated growth. Colonoscopy revealed transverse colon cancer (endoscopic biopsy of the tumor and skin punch biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma of the colon). Computed tomography showed a tumoral mass within the umbilical hernia, with cutaneous infiltration and enlarged regional lymph nodes. Rapid local progression led to colocutaneous fistula with total fecal diversion. We performed an extended right hemicolectomy with en bloc excision of the hernia sac and infiltrating cutaneous mass.ConclusionsIn the current era of widespread use of screening colonoscopies, initial diagnosis of locally advanced colon cancer is decreasing. However, this unique case presented an opportunity to recall the advantages of multivisceral resections.

Hepatic hydatid disease complications: review of imaging findings and clinical implications.

Hydatid disease is a zoonotic parasitic disease. The liver is the most commonly affected organ, and hepatic hydatid disease complications are not uncommon. Hydatid cyst superinfection, intrabiliary rupture, and direct rupture into the thoracic or abdominal cavities are the frequently encountered complications. Other exceedingly rare complications include rupture of the cyst into hollow viscera, abdominal wall invasion, and hepatic vasculature-related complications such as portal vein thrombosis and Budd-Chiari syndrome. These complications have variable clinical presentations and imaging findings and require different medical and surgical managements. We aim to provide a spectrum of imaging findings of different common and uncommon complications of hepatic hydatid disease with emphasis on their clinical implications.

A Case Report on Primary Gastro-Intestinal Aspergilloma with Abdominal Wall Invasion

A Case Report on Primary Gastro-Intestinal Aspergilloma with Abdominal Wall Invasion

Ovarian cancer: imaging in treatment selection and planning with FIGO update

The International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO) has recently revised the staging of ovarian cancer [1]. It includes a revision of the stage III patients and allotment to stage IIIA1 is based on spread to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes without intraperitoneal dissemination, because an analysis of these patients indicates that their survival is significantly better than those who have intraperitoneal dissemination [1]. The FIGO staging system for ovarian cancer is surgically based. It does not formally include imaging but the FIGO committee encourages the use of imaging techniques if available to assess the important prognostic factors such as disease resectability and lymph node status. The standard of care for patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer has been comprehensive staging laparotomy and primary optimal surgical cytoreduction followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. However, the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS) as a suitable alternative is supported by multicenter randomized controlled trials [2]. Imaging is therefore of paramount importance in helping triage patients for appropriate management by accurately evaluating the extent and anatomical location of peritoneal spread, which in turn dictates the feasibility of cytoreductive surgery and predicts the likelihood of optimal primary cytoreduction. Optimal cytoreductive surgery (residual disease <1 cm) is a very strong predictor of survival, and even after the threshold for optimal cytoreduction has been reached, it is important to remove as much of the residual tumor as possible. CT is the primary imaging modality used to stage ovarian cancer. It is complimentary to surgical staging identifying possible sites of unsuspected disease such as pelvic peritoneum, paraaortic nodes, diaphragm and chest [3,4]. The thorax frequently harbors undiagnosed pleural disease at the time of the initial diagnosis which is likely to affect survival even in cases of optimal debulking [5,6]. Accurate imaging helps guide the surgeon to areas of disease that may be difficult to identify surgically. Relative criteria for non-optimally resectable disease have been developed [7]. They include lymph node enlargement above the renal hilum, presence of abdominal wall invasion, parenchymal liver and subcapsular liver metastases, peritoneal implants of >2 cm along the diaphragm, lesser sac, porta hepatis, intersegmental fissure, gall bladder fossa, gastrosplenic, gastrohepatic ligament and small bowel mesentery. However, it is important to realize that these criteria may vary and will depend on the aggressiveness of the surgical procedure and on the performance status of the patient. Therefore, they should only be used as a basis for a multidisciplinary consensus. It is important to note that upper abdominal disease and pleural metastases can be surgically resected, but this requires careful planning as it involves a team of surgeons (e.g. liver surgeons for hepatic resection). There has been a growing awareness of the potential of diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) in improving the mapping of the extent of ovarian cancer [8,9]. There is also growing evidence that FDG-PET/CT may play a role in pre-operative staging of patients with advance ovarian cancer [10].

Curatively resected isolated inguinal lymph node metastasis from cecum cancer: report of a case

We herein report the case of a curatively resected solitary inguinal lymph node metastasis from cecum cancer. Our patient was a 67-year-old male with cecum cancer with abdominal wall invasion. Three years after surgery, inguinal lymph node swelling was detected by a computed tomography examination. Further examination revealed no other metastases. Surgical resection was performed to remove the lesion, and microscopic examination revealed that cancer cells had metastasized. No recurrence was detected 3 years after the salvage surgery. Inguinal lymph node metastasis of cecum cancer has not been reported in the literature, but in our case salvage surgery resulted in a good outcome.

Management of Full-Thickness Abdominal Wall Defects Following Tumor Resection

Abdominal wall reconstruction continues to evolve with improvement in technique and technology. This study reviews our experience with challenging full thickness (skin, muscle, and fascia) defects following tumor resections often in high-risk patients. All patients who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction following full thickness tumor resection were included in the series. Data queried included patient demographics, indications, tumor defect, risk factors, type of repair, complications, and recurrence of the hernia. A total of 30 patients underwent reconstruction after full thickness resection of abdominal wall tumors or tumors of intra-abdominal organs involving abdominal wall. The indications included desmoid tumors (n=6); abdominal wall sarcoma (n=7); colon cancer invading abdominal wall (n=10); pancreatic, ovarian, and retroperitoneal sarcoma with abdominal wall invasion (n=3); and other (n=4). In all, 17 patients underwent simultaneous resection of one or more intra-abdominal organs. The type of repair included primary closure (±components separation), or mesh-assisted closure (±primary fascial closure). Acellular dermal matrix was used more commonly in the patients with tumors of gastrointestinal origin. The average follow-up period was 23 months. Postoperative complications developed in 6 patients (20.6%). Incidence of postoperative complications was higher in patients with colon cancer invading the abdominal wall or those with bowel anastomosis or radiation therapy. An abdominal bulge or hernia developed in 4 patients (13.7%); it was higher in patients who did not have mesh reconstruction. Abdominal wall reconstruction after full thickness tumor resection is challenging. It can be performed safely and effectively with attention to surgical technique, patients' risk of infection, and type of mesh. Acellular dermal matrix graft has been a useful addition to minimize morbidity and recurrence in these high-risk patients.