Area Of Dissection Research Articles

Evaluation of extended thymectomy approaches based on residual fat tissue.

This study analysed the patterns of extraction ranges, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of median sternotomy (MS) and subxiphoid (SX) approaches for extended thymectomy. This study included patients with anterior mediastinum tumour and myasthenia gravis who underwent extended thymectomy at our institution between 2015 and 2018. There were 5 MS and 6 SX extended thymectomy surgeries with the VINCENT software. On preoperative computed tomography, the thymus area and fat tissue surrounding the thymus, which were planned for extraction, were traced using VINCENT (Ver. 4.0). We then constructed three-dimensional images and calculated the volumes. Evaluation of the extended thymectomy approach based on the residual fat tissue was required to determine the area of extended thymectomy. No significant differences in operation time (min) [SX: 197.3 ± 34.0, MS: 206.6 ± 91.4, drainage duration (days), SX: 2.2 ± 1.0, MS: 2.2 ± 0.4, hospital stay (days), SX: 11.8 ± 1.2, MS: 13.4 ± 2.1, residual rate (%), SX: 29.9 ± 17.5, MS: 58.7 ± 18.0 (P = 0.0519)] were observed between the 2 groups. Bleeding was significantly lower for SX than for MS. The residual rate was lower for SX than for MS. Considering the amount of the residual fat tissue, the SX approach allows an adequate dissection area for extended thymectomy compared with the MS approach.

A new fat-dissociation method to detect lymph nodes in colorectal cancer: a prospective randomized study

Histological examination of the lymph nodes (LNs) is crucial to determine the colorectal cancer (CRC) stage. We previously reported a new fat-dissociation method (FM) to detect LNs from surgically resected mesentery. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of FM compared with that of conventional palpation method (PM) in CRC. This single-center, open-label, randomized controlled study was performed at Osaka International Cancer Institute in Japan in 2014. Randomization was performed using a computer-generated permuted-block sequence. Patients were stratified by surgical procedures and the LN dissection area. The primary endpoint was the time required for LN identification. The secondary endpoint was the number of LNs and 5-year cancer-specific survival. The 130 enrolled patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the FM and the PM groups. LN identification times were 45 (range 15–80) and 15 (range 7–30) minutes in the PM and the FM groups, respectively (P < 0.001). In the PM group, body mass index and identification time were correlated (P = 0.047). The number of LN which could be examined pathologically was 16 (range 2–48) and 18 (range 4–95) in the PM and FM groups, respectively (P = 0.546). In right-sided CRC, the number of LNs was higher in the FM group than in the PM group (P = 0.031). Relapse-free survival rates and cancer-specific survival rates did not differ between the groups. In conclusion, FM reduced the time required for LN detection without reducing the number of detected LNs, making it is a useful method to detect LNs in surgical specimens.

Clinical impact of angiographically insignificant suboptimal poststent findings detected by optical coherence tomography after drug-eluting stent implantation.

Although optical coherence tomography (OCT)-detected suboptimal findings (SF-OCT) such as malapposition, edge dissection, tissue protrusion, thrombus and small minimal stent area (MSA) are frequently observed after the implantation of drug-eluting stents (DES), their clinical implications are controversial. Clinical outcomes may differ between patients with SF-OCTs and without SF-OCTs after DES implantation. A total of 576 patients undergoing OCT analysis after DES implantation were divided into SF-OCT group (n = 379, 379 lesions) and No SF-OCT group (n = 197, 197 lesions). The study population had no significant abnormal finding in final angiography. Quantification was performed for each SF-OCT. The incidences of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, and stent thrombosis) were compared between the two groups. A median follow-up duration was 21.5 months. Among 379 patients with SF-OCT, 32.4% had multiple SF-OCTs. Malapposition (32.1%, IQR of maximal depth 315-580 μm) was the most frequent, followed by small MSA (31.6%), edge dissection (12.5%, IQR of maximal flap of opening 0.27-0.52 mm), thrombus (7.6%, IQR of diameter 1.31-1.97mm) and tissue protrusion (6.8%, IQR of diameter 1.05-1.67 mm). The SF-OCT group showed smaller stent diameter and longer stent length, and lower in-stent lumen expansion rate. The incidence of MACE did not differ between the two groups (3.0% for No SF-OCT vs. 5.0% for SF-OCT; HR 1.601; 95% CI 0.639 to 4.011; P = 0.310). The presence of angiographically insignificant SF-OCTs were not associated with clinical outcomes in this study.

VARIATION IN LEAF SHAPE IN A QUERCUS LOBATA COMMON GARDEN: TESTS FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES

Oak leaf morphology is highly variable. Leaf shape in oaks has been shown to covary with climate, and leaf dissection is negatively correlated with hydraulic resistance. Such patterns may reflect local adaptation of genotypes or plastic responses to local environments. We tested two hypotheses regarding variation in leaf shape in Quercus lobata Nee, a widely distributed oak tree endemic to California, using subsamples of trees from a large provenance trial involving source populations throughout the species range. First, we tested the hypothesis that variation in leaf dissection (perimeter · area–1) and specific leaf area could be explained by adaptation to climate. If so, we predicted that the progeny of trees originating from contrasting climates would also contrast in leaf dissection or specific leaf area when grown in a common environment. Second, we tested the hypothesis that variation in leaf dissection is associated with photosynthetic rate. Because dissection affects hydraulic resistance and heat transfer, more dissected leaves are thought to experience lower water stress. If so, we predicted that individuals with more dissected leaves would maintain higher rates of photosynthesis than those with less dissected leaves, especially during hot and dry conditions. We found no association of leaf traits with maternal climate, but we observed a positive relationship between leaf dissection and photosynthetic rates. This result suggests variation in leaf shape may have functional consequences and influence how valley oaks cope with environmental stress in California's Mediterranean climate.

Utility of ICG fluorescence imaging with vessel clamp for ileocecal resection while preserving ileal conduit constructed after previous total cystectomy

BackgroundIndocyanine green (ICG) is useful for evaluating the intestinal perfusion of anastomosis. Especially for patients with prior surgeries, ICG imaging enables surgeons in visualizing the anatomical field. Here, we reported the positive and negative staining techniques of ICG fluorescence with vessel clamp for determining the optimal resection area of vessels and mesentery.Case presentationAn 80-year-old man, who had an ileal conduit constructed after a prior total cystectomy, was diagnosed with ascending colon cancer. Although the tumor-feeding vessel was primarily the ileocecal artery, there was no detailed information about the blood running through the ileal conduit. At first, the ascending colon and the marginal vessels were transected at distal side of the tumor. Next, both, the ileocecal artery and the marginal artery of oral side of the ileal anastomotic site were clamped. Finally, we injected ICG intravenously to assess the blood flow. As a result, the blood flow between the ileal anastomotic site and transected ascending colon was not identified (negative staining). Therefore, we cut the root of the ileocecal artery, and dissected the peripheral mesocolon including the ileal anastomotic site. After the ileo-ascending colon anastomosis, we injected ICG intravenously again. The blood flow to the ileal conduit was preserved (positive staining).ConclusionICG fluorescence imaging with vessel clamp can clearly visualize the demarcation line between ischemic and non-ischemic intestinal tract. In colorectal surgeries, this technique is useful to assess the anastomotic perfusion and determine optimal dissection area of vessels and mesentery in secondary intestinal surgery.

SC257 - Performance characteristics of PET/CT scan in men treated with salvage lymph node dissection for recurrent prostate cancer: a per patient analysis with pathological confirmation according to each area of dissection

SC257 - Performance characteristics of PET/CT scan in men treated with salvage lymph node dissection for recurrent prostate cancer: a per patient analysis with pathological confirmation according to each area of dissection

Efficacy of endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection versus endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal neoplastic lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection (ESTD) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in superficial esophageal neoplastic lesions (SENL). A comprehensive search for studies investigating the efficacy of ESTD and ESD for SENL was conducted to search for relevant studies through PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI, and Wanfang.Weighted pooled rates were calculated for en bloc resection rate, R0 resection rate, operation time, dissection area, dissection speed, and adverse events. The 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for effect size were used to calculate the pooled value using the fixed- or random-effects model. A total of seventeen studies with 1161 patients were identified and included in the meta-analysis.The pooled analysis showed that ESTD had significantly higher en bloc resection (OR 3.98; 95% CI 1.74 to 9.12; p = 0.001) and R0 resection rates (OR 2.29; 95% CI 1.54 to 3.46; p < 0.001) than ESD.The operation time in the ESTD group was shorter than that in the ESD group (SMD = -0.57; 95% CI -0.95 to -0.19; p = 0.003). The dissection area of the ESTD group was larger than that in the ESD group (SMD = 0.49; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.83; p = 0.004), and the dissection speed is faster than that in the ESD group (SMD = 1.52; 95%CI 1.09 to 0.83; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in esophageal stenosis (p = 0.94) between the two techniques. However, ESTD was superior to ESD in other adverse events (p < 0.05). ESTD has a significant advantage over ESD in the treatment of SENL. ESTD has significantly higher en bloc and R0 resection rates and reduced adverse events.

Pancreatic body and tail cancer and favorable metastatic lymph node behavior on the left edge of the aorta

BackgroundLymph node (LN) metastasis in pancreatic body-tail cancer is a poor prognostic factor and the optimal LN dissection area for distal pancreatectomy (DP) remains unclear. Lymphatic flow from the tumors is thought to depend on the tumor sites. We examined LN metastasis frequency based on tumor site and recurrent patterns post-DP. MethodsWith a retrospective, single institutional study, we examined 100 patients who underwent DP as an upfront surgery for pancreatic cancer over 17 years. Tumor sites were classified as tumor confined to pancreatic body (and neck) (Pb(n)); and pancreatic tail (Pt). We compared metastatic LN and recurrence patterns based on tumor site. The median overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were analyzed. ResultsLN metastasis occurred in 59/100 (59.0%), with 23 and 25 tumors located in the Pb(n), and Pt, respectively. Those with the tumor in Pt had metastases to #10, #11d/p, and #18 LN mainly. However, the patients with the Pb(n) tumor had metastases to #8a/p, #11p, and #14p/d LN. There was no metastasis to #10 and #11d LN. The OS and DFS were 34 and 15 months, respectively. No significant difference was found in the OS, DFS, and recurrence patterns based on tumor sites. ConclusionDifferences in metastatic LN sites were observed in pancreatic body-tail cancer when tumors were confined to the left or right of the left aortic edge. Although it is necessary to validate this finding with a large-scale study, organ-preserving DP might be a treatment option for selected patients depending on the tumor sites.

Effects of alprostadil in β-aminopropanitrile induced aortic dissection in a murine model

Objective: To investigate the protective role of alprostadil on aortic dissection. Methods: 26 C57BL6 male mice were divided into control group (normal drinking water, n=13) and model group (1 g·kg-1·d-1 BAPN via drinking water, n=13). On day 14, mRNA expression of inflammatory-related genes as well as EP receptor families were detected by RT-PCR (n=6 each) and EP4 protein levels were determined by Western blot (n=7 each). Another 88 mice were divided into 3 groups: control group (n=22), model group (n=33) and treatment group (n=33). The mice in model group and treatment group were applied with BAPN (1 g·kg-1·d-1) via drinking water. The mice in treatment group received additional intraperitoneal injection with alprostadil (80 μg·kg-1·d-1) for 28 days. The mice in the control and model group received equal volume intraperitoneal injection with 0.9% saline respectively. The body weight and systolic blood pressure, the mortality and morbidity were monitored from the beginning until the designed end of the study. On day 28, the mice were sacrificed and aorta were fixed, embedded and sliced, followed by staining with HE and Victoria Blue. The distribution of EP4 was determined by immunohistochemistry in control (n=6) and model group (n=6). Furthermore, the concentration of PGE1 were tested among model (n=3) and treatment group (n=4). EP4 protein expression was determined in model group (n=7) and treatment group (n=6). Results: On day 14, mRNA expression level of MCP-1 ((2.74±1.55) vs. (1.00±0.49),<0.05) and MMP2((1.38±0.42) vs. (1.00±0.27), P<0.05) was significantly upregulated in model group compared with control group. Protein expression of EP4 receptor also increased in aorta in model group compared with control group (1.48±0.51 vs. 1.00±0.19, P<0.05). In the dissection area, the EP4 expression was also enriched compared with non-dissection area, particularly in endothelial cells and inflammatory cells on day 28. BAPN applied in drinking water (model and treatment groups) successfully induced the aortic dissection in mice, some mice died of the rupture. The elastic fibers were fractured, and the infiltrated immune cells were visible in dissected tissue. False lumen was formed. There was no dissection and death in the control group. Compared with control group, the morbidity and mortality rates were significantly increased in the model group (60.6%, 20/33, 30.3%, 10/33) and the treatment group (72.7%, 24/33, 24.2%, 8/33). The mortality and morbidity rates were similar between model and treatment groups. There is no difference in terms of SBP among three groups (P>0.05). Further study showed that after alprostadil injection, the blood concentration of PGE1 was increased in treatment group ((0.540±0.041 vs. 0.436±0.012)μmol/L, P<0.05). Besides, the EP4 receptor expression was downregulated in the treatment group compared to model group (0.60±0.30 vs. 1.00±0.20, P<0.05). Conclusion: EP4 expression is upregulated in BAPN induced aortic dissection mouse model. No protective effects are observed post alprostadil treatment in this model probably due to the reduced expression of EP4.

Pattern of recurrence of pN2 non-small-cell lung cancer: should postoperative radiotherapy be reconsidered?

The prognosis of patients with mediastinal lymph node (LN) metastasis (pN2 stage III disease) is still unsatisfactory. Both systemic and local recurrence should be prevented after curative surgery. The aim of this study was to explore the pattern of recurrence in patients with completely resected pN2 non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the era of adjuvant chemotherapy. We investigated 337 patients with completely resected cN0-1 and pN2 NSCLC from 2005 to 2016 at National Cancer Center Hospital, Japan. The patterns of recurrence were compared between patients who were managed by observation alone and those with adjuvant chemotherapy. In patients with regional LN recurrence, the pattern and site of recurrence were also explored. There were 195 (58.5%) men and 142 (41.5%) women with a mean age of 63.2 years. Fifty-five (16.3%) patients developed only regional LN recurrence, 116 (32.6%) patients developed only distant recurrence and 65 (19.3%) patients developed both regional LN recurrence and distant recurrence. The difference in the pattern of recurrence between patients with observation alone and those with adjuvant chemotherapy was not statistically significant (P = 0.145). As for the pattern of regional LN recurrence, 68 (20.2%) patients had LN recurrence inside the systematic nodal dissection area. Regional LN recurrence was observed in >30% of patients with completely resected pN2 NSCLC. About 20% of patients had recurrence inside the systematic nodal dissection area. Postoperative radiotherapy might be considered as an additional treatment strategy for these patients.

Avoiding iatrogenic injuries to the vertebral artery: A morphometric study of the vertebral artery-free dissection area

ObjectiveTo determine the area of a safety window that excludes the vertebral artery for the safe access of the occipital condyle screws during occipitocervical fixation. MethodsThis study included 138 cervical computed tomography angiograms. Six measurements per side were made in each imaging study. These measurements are from the vertebral artery to (A) the mastoid process, (B) the mastoid incisura, (C) the posterior condylar fossa, (D) the occipital condyle in its midline, and (E) the medial border of the condyle. We also measured from the tip of the mastoid process to the lower border of the occipital condyle on its lateral side (F). ResultsA total of 276 areas from 138 individuals were included, of which 51.4 % were men. The mean age was 54.2 ± 18.63 years. The mean variable measurements (mm) for all the population were 21 ± 4, 16 ± 3, 6 ± 2, 3 ± 2, 2 ± 1 and 35 ± 4 for variables A-F, respectively. We found significant differences between sex when we compared measurements A (p = 0.003), C (p = 0.001), D (p = 0.000) and F (p = 0.000). The incidence rate of dominance for the vertebral artery was 18.8 % and 30.4 % for right and left respectively. ConclusionWomen had significantly smaller measures than men. This could indicate a higher risk of iatrogenic injury secondary to a smaller vertebral artery-free area. Results may guide surgeons in the pre-surgical planning aiming to reduce the risk of iatrogenic injuries to the vertebral artery.

Optimized drug-coated balloon angioplasty of the superficial femoral and proximal popliteal arteries using the Tack Endovascular System: TOBA III 12-month results

ObjectiveThe Tack Endovascular System (Intact Vascular, Wayne, Pa) combines low-metallic content with focal delivery to seal areas of dissection associated with balloon angioplasty. The device system is designed to treat vascular dissections in the superficial femoral and proximal popliteal arteries. Tack implants exert low radial force and are associated with minimal metal burden, which reduces the mechanical stress on the arterial wall in treating dissections after balloon angioplasty. This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of the Tack Endovascular System in patients with dissections after drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty. MethodsThe Tack Optimized Balloon Angioplasty III (TOBA III) study is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm study in which patients who underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with the Medtronic IN.PACT Admiral DCB (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) and experienced dissection after angioplasty were treated with Tack implants. The primary end points were freedom from major adverse events at 30 days and primary patency at 12 months. ResultsA total of 201 patients were enrolled in the trial, 169 with standard-length lesions (≥20 mm and ≤150 mm) and 32 with long-length lesions (>150 mm and ≤250 mm). Safety and effectiveness results were favorable compared with historical benchmarks at 12 months in the standard-lesion cohort. Notably, patients in the standard-lesion cohort experienced 95.0% primary patency, 97.5% freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization, 100% freedom from amputation, and 100% survival at 12 months (P < .0001). Primary patency in long-lesion patients was 89.3%, freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization was 96.8%, and freedom from amputation was 100% at 12 months. Device success was achieved in 95.8% (182/190) and 97.7% (43/44) of devices deployed into standard-lesion and long-lesion patients, respectively. Procedural success was 99.4% (168/169) and 100% (44/44) in the standard-lesion and long-lesion cohorts, respectively, with only one bailout stent placed in the entire population. ConclusionsThe Tack Endovascular System is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with dissections after angioplasty in the superficial femoral and proximal popliteal arteries, with high patency, low rates of secondary intervention, and low incidence of bailout stenting when it is used in combination with DCB.

Shape and Enhancement Analysis as a Useful Tool for the Presentation of Blood Hemodynamic Properties in the Area of Aortic Dissection.

The aim of this study was to create a mathematical approach for blood hemodynamic description with the use of brightness analysis. Medical data was collected from three male patients aged from 45 to 65 years with acute type IIIb aortic dissection that started proximal to the left subclavian artery and involved the renal arteries. For the recognition of wall dissection areas Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data were applied. The distance from descending aorta to the diaphragm was analyzed. Each time Feret (DF) and Hydraulic (DHy) diameter were calculated. Moreover, an average brightness (BAV) was analyzed. Finally, to describe blood hemodynamic in the area of aortic wall dissection, mathematical function combining difference in brightness value and diameter for each computed tomography (CT) scan was calculated. The results indicated that DF described common duct more accurately compare to DHy. While, DHy described more accurately true and false ducts. Each time when connection of true and false duct appeared, true duct had lower brightness compare to common duct and false duct. Moreover, false duct characterized with higher brightness compare to common duct. In summary, the proposed algorithm mimics changes in brightness value for patients with acute type IIIb aortic dissection.

MP79-02 PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF PET/CT SCAN IN MEN TREATED WITH SALVAGE LYMPH NODE DISSECTION FOR RECURRENT PROSTATE CANCER: A PER PATIENT ANALYSIS WITH PATHOLOGICAL CONFIRMATION ACCORDING TO EACH AREA OF DISSECTION

MP79-02 PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF PET/CT SCAN IN MEN TREATED WITH SALVAGE LYMPH NODE DISSECTION FOR RECURRENT PROSTATE CANCER: A PER PATIENT ANALYSIS WITH PATHOLOGICAL CONFIRMATION ACCORDING TO EACH AREA OF DISSECTION

Selecting Inter-city Transportation Routes in Complex Terrains Using Quantitative Methods – A Case Study from Northern Yunnan, China

A variety of factors are involved in inter-city transportation route selection in the areas of complex terrain. With the help of Geographic Information System (GIS), three quantitative methods were employed to determine the transport routes between 44 cities in Northern Yunnan (China), an area with alpine valleys, Karst mountains, and plateau basins. The network analysis in GIS was used to find the routes based on the Transport Suitability Evaluation (TSE) map, which was produced from several factors, including population density, terrain slope, vertical terrain dissection, landslide and mud-flock area, land cover types, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Grey Relational Analysis (GRA), and Delphi analysis were used to collect and calculate suitability values of these factors. Finally, all the routes connecting 44 cities of Northern Yunnan formed a network which could provide reference for route selection planning in the area.&#x0D;

Utility of PET-CT CMR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with DCF for esophageal cancer as a predictive factor of recurrence.

434 Background: PET-CT is considered as standard modality for evaluating metastasis of esophageal cancer before treatment. On the other hand, it is unclear whether PET-CT CMR (complete metabolic response) could be useful for assessment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. To clarify the utility of PET-CT CMR as an adequate modality of prediction for recurrence after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with DCF for esophageal cancer. Methods: Fifty-eight cases of esophageal cancer (cStageII-IVa) who received the esophagectomy with neoadjuvant chemotherapy of DCF since June 2013 in Oita University. We evaluated the clinicopathological factors, RFS and OS between CMR group (n=22, 38%) and non-CMR group (n=36, 62%). Results: In the clinical stage before chemotherapy, T-factor was higher in the non-CMR group (p = 0.044), but there were no significant differences of lymph node metastasis (p = 0.27) and stage (p = 0.94) between the two groups. There was no significant difference of the SUV max (16.4 ± 6.5 vs 15.7 ± 6.5, p = 0.98) of the main lesion before chemotherapy and the FDG accumulation rate of lymph nodes (14 cases (63.6%) vs 21 cases) (58.3%), p = 0.69) between the two groups. There were no significant differences of the surgical procedure, lymph node dissection area, number of harvested lymph nodes, amount of bleeding, operation time, curability, and intra/post-operative complications between the two groups. There were 5 cases (15%) with postoperative recurrence in the CMR group (lung 1 case, extra-regional lymph nodes 3 cases, bone 1 case), 17 cases (47%) in the non-CMR group (local 4 cases, lung 3 cases, livers 5 cases, extra regional lymph nodes 6 cases, bone 4 cases, pleura 2 cases), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.062). There were significant differences between the two groups for 3-year RFS (81.3 vs 65.3 months, p=0.021) and 3-year OS (93.8 vs 61.6 months, p=0.011). Conclusions: PET-CR CMR could not predict recurrence at present. PET-CR CMR cases had better prognosis compared to non-CMR cases in terms of 3-year RFS and 3-years OS.

Extralevator abdominoperineal excision

Extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) has been introduced to alleviate the disappointing results of conventional abdominoperineal excision (APE) with respect to inadvertent bowel perforation, positive circumferential resection margins (CRM), and local recurrence rates. The main principle of this operation is to shift the resection plane away from the anorectal junction, which is the area at highest risk of perforation and CRM positivity. This is accomplished by resection of the levator ani muscle, which is followed at its outer surface close to its origin at the pelvic side wall. The anterior region is also addressed with comfortable access to the dissection area by placement of the patient in prone jackknife position. All measures aim to avoid a waist at the anorectal junction. This article describes the procedure in detail, including strategies to close the perineal defect. In a brief review of the literature, the favorable results of ELAPE are discussed. Conclusion. It can be concluded that the perineal phase of ELAPE is highly standardized and can be taught in a step-by-step fashion. There is evidence that ELAPE results in lower rates of inadvertent bowel perforations, lower rates of positive CRM, and lower rates of local recurrence.

The individualized strategy for lateral pelvic lymph node dissection in advanced rectal cancer

Recently, with the development and widespread application of total mesorectal excision and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, the long-term overall survival and disease-free survival of patients with middle & low rectal cancer have been greatly improved. Moreover, there are also researches in minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy and robotic surgical system in the radical rectal surgery, as well as the combination of tumor molecular targeting markers and gene sequencing technology. Nowadays, the treatment of rectal cancer has entered a new era of individualized precise medicine. However, there are still some controversies in lateral lymph node dissection. The criteria of diagnosis and treatment, neoadjuvant therapy, indications of lateral lymph node dissection, the area of dissection and neuroprotection are still unsatisfactory. It is necessary to explore the personalized treatment strategies of lateral lymph node dissection in the precise medical era.

Post-operative pain after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, the impact of mesh soakage with bupivacaine solution versus normal saline solution: A randomised controlled trial (HAPPIEST Trial).

Background and Aims:Early postoperative pain after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair remains a concern for patients. Local application of anaesthetic agent in the surgical dissection area can potentially overcome this problem. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of soaking mesh in 0.5% bupivacaine solution as compared to normal saline solution on the post-operative pain.Methodology:We conducted a parallel-design double-blind randomised controlled trial. Adult patients with uncomplicated ventral abdominal wall hernias were included in the trial. Mesh was soaked in 0.5% solution of bupivacaine before application in patients in the intervention arm, whereas it was soaked in normal saline solution for patients in the control arm. Post-operative pain was assessed by trained staff at 6 h and 24 h from surgery. It was graded on visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 to 10.Results:Trial was conducted from 16 November, 2015, to 15 September, 2017. During the study period, a total of 114 patients were randomised. Nine patients were excluded after randomisation. A total of 55 patients were analysed in the intervention arm and 50 patients were analysed in the control arm. Mean pain score at VAS at 6 h after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in the intervention arm was 5.05 ± 1.2, whereas in the control arm, it was 5.54 ± 1.1 and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.03-independent sample t-test). Mean pain score at VAS at 24 h after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in the intervention arm was 3.16 ± 1.2, whereas in the control arm, it was 3.58 ± 1.4 and the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.11-independent sample t-test).Conclusion:Soakage of mesh in 0.5% bupivacaine solution before application in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair significantly reduces early post-operative pain.Trial Registration: Trial was registered with clinicaltrials. gov (NCT03035617)URL: https://clinicaltrials. gov

Eliminating microscopic lymph node metastasis by performing pelvic lymph node dissection during radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.

The oncological benefit of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) for prostate cancer (PCa) remains unclear. The therapeutic effect of PLND on the elimination of microscopic metastases during radical prostatectomy (RP) for PCa was examined in the current study. A total of 348 Japanese patients with high- or intermediate-risk PCa without lymph node metastasis, who underwent antegrade RP at the Kyushu Cancer Center (Fukuoka, Japan) between August 1998 and May 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the standard (obturator + internal iliac nodes) group and the expanded (standard + additional nodes) group according to the extent of PLND. Preoperative and postoperative characteristics were also analyzed to determine the factors associated with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) failure. Standard and expanded PLND were performed in 70.9% (247/348) and 29.1% (101/348) of cases, respectively. The results revealed that preoperative PSA levels were the only marked difference between the two groups. No differences were observed in the other preoperative and postoperative characteristics. Furthermore, the rate of PSA recurrence in each group did not differ to a statistically significant extent (P=0.3622). Reducing the area of dissection from expanded PLND to standard PLND significantly reduced the number of dissected lymph nodes (P<0.0001). Additionally, the PSA level, clinical tumor stage, Gleason score of the biopsy specimen, pathological tumor stage and extent of PLND were all associated with PSA recurrence, as determined via multivariate Cox hazards regression analysis (P=0.0177, P=0.0023, P=0.0027, P<0.0001 and P=0.0164, respectively). In high- and intermediate-risk patients without lymph node metastasis, a greater number of lymph nodes were dissected when the extent of dissection was greater. Furthermore, the extent of PLND was a significantly associated with PSA failure. The results indicated that PLND exerted a therapeutic effect by eliminating microscopic pelvic lymph node metastases that were not detected by routine pathological examinations.