Para-aortic Area Research Articles

Laparoscopic Surgery for isolated lymph nodes recurrence in gynecology. Experience in Argentina.

to describe the perioperative and oncological outcomes of a serie of cases treated with laparoscopic surgery for isolated nodal metastasis of gynecologic malignancies at the Gynecology Service of Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires and conduct a literature review on the surgical treatment provided to patients with this condition. A search was conducted in the surgery records of the Gynecology Service of Hospital Italiano of patients who underwent laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery for isolated nodal recurrence of a gynecologic primary tumor in the period 2009-2015. The medical records were reviewed and data on the patients’ characteristics, the tumor, the surgery and its complications were collected and analyzed. A literature search was conducted in Pubmed by the term “isolated nodal recurrence in gynecology” and a subsequent snowball search was performed. As results, nine patients are presented. The median age was 66 years old (RI 7). The initial cancer location was: ovary (n=3), endometrium (n=3), cervix (n=2) and breast (n=1). The location site of the single nodal recurrence was the para-aortic area (n=8) and the pelvic area (n=1). The median of the disease-free interval to recurrence was 42.8 months (RI 40.2). Either the retroperitoneal or the transperitoneal approach was used based on the location of the recurrence. The median surgery time was 120 minutes (RI 36). No conversion to laparotomy was performed in any patient. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported, nor any requirement for blood transfusion. The median hospital stay was 36 hours. Adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy was applied to 8/9 patients. Only one patient recurred in para-aortic lymph nodes and peritoneal carcinomatosis after eight months and died of her disease. The literature review confirms the possibility of laparoscopic resection of the single nodal recurrence with low complication rate. The laparoscopic lymph node cytoreductive surgery is a valid and safe treatment option considering the perioperative and oncological outcomes in our hospital.

Neglected areas on thorax computed tomography evaluation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Paravertebral muscles and para-aortic adipose tissue.

This study, investigated the para-aortic adipose tissue cross-sectional area, a novel predictor of cardiovascular diseases and degenerative changes in the paravertebral muscles, in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). One hundred cases diagnosed as COPD and 50 healthy individuals with similar demographic characteristics were evaluated. Para-aortic adipose tissue cross-sectional area (mm2 ), subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness (mm), paravertebral muscle area (mm2 ) and fat deposition in muscle tissue were assessed radiologically. Paravertebral muscle mass was lower in the patient group compared to the healthy individuals (471.41±157.71mm2 and 561.58+151.03mm2 , respectively; P=0.001). Paravertebral muscle attenuation values were also lower in the patient group, and the grade of deposition increased (P=0.012 and P=0.045, respectively). Although subcutaneous adipose tissue thicknesses were similar in the patient and control groups, para-aortic adipose tissue cross-sectional area was higher in the patients with COPD than in the control group (439.34±267.17mm2 and 333.82±165.23mm2 , respectively, P=0.012). The correlation between subcutaneous adipose tissue and para-aortic adipose tissue observed in the healthy group was not present in the subjects with COPD. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease causes morphological changes in paravertebral muscles and para-aortic adipose tissue. Degenerative changes in the paravertebral muscles occur secondary to systemic inflammation, comorbidity and drugs used in COPD. Factors such as insulin resistance and steroid use result in an increase in para-aortic adipose tissue mass.

Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Para-Aortic Lymphadenectomy in Para-Aortic Staging of Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer

Study ObjectiveTo review/learn a surgical technique not very well-known by gynecologic oncologists. DesignLevel of evidence III. SettingA review of a surgical technique with emphasis on the para-aortic sentinel lymph nodes using indocyanine green. InterventionThe film features the following steps to perform the procedure:1. Creating a retroperitoneal window.2. What to do if the peritoneum is torn.3. Finding the psoas muscle, right ureter, and common iliac artery. Dissecting the right common iliac artery caudally to the bifurcation of the external iliac artery and internal iliac artery and cranially to the inferior mesenteric artery, the ovarian arteries, and the left renal vein.4. A view of all of the nodes with fluorescence when indocyanine green is injected into the cervix. At present, the sentinel lymph nodes are not the standard of care for locally advanced cervical cancer. If the nodes are metastatic at this stage, all the para-aortic area will undergo radiation therapy.5. Dissecting the inferior vena cava from the intersection with the right uterer to the right and left renal veins.6. Performing the lateroaortic, preaortic, and precaval lymphadenectomy.7. A final view with all of the elements (i.e., bifurcation of the common iliac artery, the left renal vein, and both ureters).8. In the final part of the video, we open the peritoneal window to decrease the incidence of lymphoceles. ConclusionThe real novelty of this video is how the para-aortic area nodes are seen when green indocyanine is injected into the cervix. This video shows a simplified technique of retroperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy using an advanced bipolar sealant. Some tips and tricks to facilitate the procedure are emphasized, especially in cases of accidental peritoneal tears. To decrease the incidence of lymphoceles before completing the surgery, the peritoneal window should be opened. This surgical technique is especially useful in endometrial cancer for staging the para-aortic area in obese patients and in advanced cervical cancer to determine the field of radiotherapy.

Analysis of A Single Para-Aortic Lymph Node Metastasis in Endometrial Cancer

Objective: To determine the indication for lymph node dissection in patients with endometrial cancer, we investigated the incidence and distribution of single metastatic lymph nodes in patients who underwent systematic pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection.Methods: This study involved 910 patients with endometrial cancer who were treated at the Cancer Institute Hospital, Japan, between January 1994 and December 2015. All patients underwent an open hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes dissection.Results: Lymph node metastasis was observed in 199 patients (21.9%), 45 (5%) of whom had single lymph node metastasis. Single lymph node metastasis accounted for 22.6% of all metastatic cases. Myometrial invasion >50% was observed in 30 patients, whereas 15 patients had <50% myometrial invasion. When mapping single lymph node metastatic sites, the para-aortic area had a frequency of 31.1% (14 cases). The distribution of single metastatic lymph nodes spanned a wide area between the pelvic and para-aortic regions. Considering single metastatic nodes and myometrial invasion, 8 patients (53.3%) who had myometrial invasion <50% had a single metastatic node in the para-aortic region. Four of 9 patients (45%) considered low-risk (endometrioid Grade 1-2, invasion depth <50%, no lymphovascular space invasion) showed metastasis to the para-aortic areas.Conclusion: Single metastatic lymph nodes were widely distributed between the pelvic and para-aortic regions, suggesting that detection of a sentinel lymph node in patients with endometrial cancer could be problematic.

Prophylactic extended-field irradiation with concurrent chemotherapy for pelvic lymph node-positive cervical cancer.

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate whether prophylactic extended-field pelvic radiotherapy (EF-PRT) yields better results than standard whole pelvic radiotherapy (WPRT) in patients with pelvic lymph node-positive cervical cancer treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).Materials and MethodsA total of 126 cases of stage IB-IVA cervical cancer that had pelvic lymph node involvement in magnetic resonance imaging and were treated with CCRT between 2000 and 2016 were reviewed. None of the patients had paraaortic lymph node (PALN) metastases. The patients were classified to two groups, namely, those treated with EF-PRT, including prophylactic para-aortic radiotherapy, and those treated only with WPRT. The median dose to the PALN area in patients treated with EF-PRT was 45 Gy. All patients received concurrent cisplatin-based chemotherapy.ResultsOverall, 52 and 74 patients underwent EF-PRT and WPRT, respectively. Patient characteristics and irradiated dose were not significantly different, except the dose to the para-aortic area, between the two groups. The median follow-up period was 75.5 months (range, 5 to 195 months). The 10-year cumulative recurrence rate of PALN for EF-PRT vs. WPRT was 6.9% and 10.1% (p = 0.421), respectively. The 10-year disease-free survival and overall survival for EF-PRT vs. WPRT were 69.7% vs. 66.1% (p = 0.748) and 71.7% vs. 72.3% (p = 0.845), respectively. Acute gastrointestinal complications were significantly higher in EF-PRT (n = 21; 40.4%) than WPRT (n = 26; 35.1%) (p = 0.046). Late toxicities were not significantly different in both groups.ConclusionIn this study, prophylactic radiotherapy for PALN does not have an additional benefit in patients with pelvic lymph node-positive cervical cancer treated with CCRT.

Clinical Utility of Preoperative Computed Tomography in Patients With Endometrial Cancer.

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical utility of routine preoperative pelvic and abdominal computed tomography (CT) examinations in patients with endometrial cancer (EC). We retrospectively reviewed records from patients with EC who underwent a preoperative endometrial biopsy and had surgery at our institution from January 1999 through December 2008. In the subset with an abdominal CT scan obtained within 3 months before surgery, we evaluated the clinical utility of the CT scan. Overall, 224 patients (18%) had a preoperative endometrial biopsy and an available CT scan. Gross intra-abdominal disease was observed in 10% and 20% of patients with preoperative diagnosis of endometrioid G3 and type II EC, respectively, whereas less than 5% of patients had a preoperative diagnosis of hyperplasia or low-grade EC. When examining retroperitoneal findings, we observed that a negative CT scan of the pelvis did not exclude the presence of pelvic node metastasis. Alternately, a negative CT scan in the para-aortic area generally reduced the probability of finding para-aortic dissemination but with an overall low sensitivity (42%). However, the sensitivity for para-aortic dissemination was as high as 67% in patients with G3 endometrioid cancer. In the case of negative para-aortic nodes in the CT scan, the risk of para-aortic node metastases decreased from 18.8% to 7.5% in patients with endometrioid G3 EC. Up to 15% of patients with endometrioid G3 cancer had clinically relevant incidental findings that necessitated medical or surgical intervention. In patients with endometrioid G3 and type II EC diagnosed by the preoperative biopsy, CT scans may help guide the operative plan by facilitating preoperative identification of gross intra-abdominal disease and enlarged positive para-aortic nodes that are not detectable during physical examinations. In addition, CT may reveal other clinically relevant incidental findings.

Assessing the risk of pelvic and para-aortic nodal involvement in apparent early-stage ovarian cancer: A predictors- and nomogram-based analyses.

To estimate the prevalence of lymph node involvement in early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer in order to assess the prognostic value of lymph node dissection. Data of consecutive patients undergoing staging for early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer were retrospectively evaluated. Logistic regression and a nomogram-based analysis were used to assess the risk of lymph node involvement. Overall, 290 patients were included. All patients had lymph node dissection including pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Forty-two (14.5%) patients were upstaged due to lymph node metastatic disease. Pelvic and para-aortic nodal metastases were observed in 22 (7.6%) and 42 (14.5%) patients. Lymph node involvement was observed in 18/95 (18.9%), 1/37 (2.7%), 4/29 (13.8%), 11/63 (17.4%), 3/41 (7.3%) and 5/24 (20.8%) patients with high-grade serous, low-grade-serous, endometrioid G1, endometrioid G2&3, clear cell and undifferentiated, histology, respectively (p=0.12, Chi-square test). We observed that high-grade serous histology was associated with an increased risk of pelvic node involvement; while, histology rather than low-grade serous and bilateral tumors were independently associated with para-aortic lymph node involvement (p<0.05). Nomograms displaying the risk of nodal involvement in the pelvic and para-aortic areas were built. High-grade serous histology and bilateral tumors are the main characteristics suggesting lymph node positivity. Our data suggested that high-grade serous and bilateral early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer are at high risk of having disease harboring in the lymphatic tissues of both pelvic and para-aortic area. After receiving external validation, our data will help to identify patients deserving comprehensive retroperitoneal staging.

Laparoscopic Minimally Invasive Approach to Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping of the Ovary Using the Near-infrared Fluorescent S1 HD Pinpoint System with Indocyanine Green Dye

Study ObjectiveTo show a novel minimally invasive approach to sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection of the ovary with near-infrared–guided surgery using indocyanine green (ICG). DesignA step by step description of the technique with video and figures (educational video). SettingThe standard surgical staging of early-stage I-II ovarian cancer includes systematic pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy even in the absence of clear evidence regarding the survival benefits associated with comprehensive retroperitoneal staging. The ideal candidates are all women undergoing a surgical approach with frozen section analysis for highly suspicious ovarian masses or patients in whom an adnexal mass has been removed that appeared to be malignant and an open or laparoscopic surgical staging procedure is planned. PatientA 31-year-old woman with occult ovarian cancer after simple left ovarian cystectomy. InterventionsLaparoscopic surgical staging including simple hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, pelvic and aortic bilateral lymphadenectomy, and sentinel node biopsy from the left ovary. Measurements and Main ResultsThe surgical intervention was performed with the PinPoint 0 degree HD S1 SPY fluorescence camera (PinPoint Endoscopic Fluorescence Imaging System; NOVADAQ, Mississauga, ON, Canada). After the induction of the pneumoperitoneum, ICG was injected with 2 separate injections in the proper ovarian ligament and the infundibulopelvic ligament, just below the peritoneum, at a concentration of 1.25 mg/mL. A total amount of 0.4 mL ICG solution was injected using a percutaneous abdominal approach with a 12-cm-long 22-G spinal needle. SLN mapping should be preceded by the exposure of the aortic region with a gentle dissection on both sides along the Toldt fascia up to the left renal vein. Two SLNs were identified in the left inframesenteric para-aortic and superficial left common areas. Both SLNs were negative. ConclusionThe minimally invasive approach in combination with the ICG near-infrared fluorescence S1 PinPoint fluorescence system seems feasible, and, in our opinion, even if preliminary, this approach can further extend the range of indications of SLN mapping. In the future, this combined approach can prospectively involve ovarian SLN detection.

Natural Orifice–Assisted Laparoscopic Meckel Diverticulectomy Incidentally Found During Para-Aortic Mass Resection

Study ObjectiveTo show a surgical video in which an incidentally found Meckel diverticulum was resected with a natural orifice–assisted laparoscopic approach during para-aortic resection of a retroperitoneal schwannoma. DesignCase report (Canadian Task Force classification III). SettingTertiary referral center in New Haven, Connecticut. InterventionsThis is a step-by-step illustration for resection of a retroperitoneal para-aortic schwannoma and of an incidentally found Meckel diverticulum. The patient was a 39-year-old white woman diagnosed with stage IV choriocarcinoma with metastasis to the lungs and left para-aortic area. She received chemotherapy in the form of etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin-D, cyclophosphamide, oncovine (EMA-CO) and had an excellent clinical response with resolution of all metastatic disease except for the para-aortic mass. Therefore, she was taken to the operating room for laparoscopic resection of the persistent left para-aortic mass. After placement of four 5-mm abdominal ports, the pelvis and abdomen were explored and revealed an incidental Meckel diverticulum as well as the 5 cm left para-aortic mass. The peritoneum overlying the para-aortic mass was incised and the retroperitoneum explored. Given the proximity to the mass, left ureterolysis was performed. The retroperitoneal attachments were resected, and the left para-aortic mass was removed without any complications. At this point attention was turned to the Meckel diverticulum. In order not to extend the abdominal incisions, a posterior colpotomy was performed in the cul-de-sac equidistant from the uterosacral ligaments. Endo-GIA (Covidien, New Haven CT) was introduced through the 10-mm port site at the posterior colpotomy. Meckel diverticulum was resected without narrowing the lumen of the distal ileum. The specimen was removed in a contained manner through posterior colpotomy. Measurements and Main ResultsThe procedure was performed without any complications. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged home on postoperative day 0. Pathology revealed a retroperitoneal schwannoma with negative margins and benign Meckel diverticulum without ectopic gastric or pancreatic tissue. The patient has been disease-free since the completion of surgery. ConclusionLaparoscopic resection of the retroperitoneal schwannoma and Meckel diverticulum were successfully performed in this patient with history of stage IV choriocarcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing a natural orifice–assisted laparoscopic approach for resection of Meckel diverticulum. Natural orifice–assisted laparoscopy should be considered when the surgeon needs to remove a large specimen and/or to introduce >5-mm diameter instruments into the peritoneal cavity without having to extend the abdominal incisions.

Sentinel Node and Ovarian Tumors: A Series of 20 Patients.

Intraoperative detection of ovarian sentinel nodes has been shown to be feasible. We examined the detection rate and locations of sentinel nodes in patients with ovarian tumors. We also aimed to assess the reliability of sentinel node method in predicting regional lymph node metastasis. Twenty patients scheduled for laparotomy because of a pelvic mass were recruited to the study. In the beginning of the laparotomy, radioisotope and blue dye were injected under the serosa next to the junction of the ovarian tumor and suspensory ligament. The number and locations of the hot and/or blue nodes/spots were recorded during the operation. If the tumor was malignant according to the frozen section, systematic lymphadenectomies were performed, the sentinel nodes sampled separately, and their status compared with other regional lymph nodes. Eleven patients had a right-sided ovarian tumor, 7 patients a left-sided tumor, and 2 patients had bilateral tumors. A median of 2 sentinel nodes/locations per patient (range, 1-3) were found. Sixty percent of all sentinel nodes were located in the para-aortic region only, compared with 30% in both para-aortic and pelvic areas and 10% in pelvic area only. Both unilateral and bilateral locations were found. In 83% of the cases with more than 1 sentinel node location, they were located in separate anatomical regions. In 3 patients, systematic lymphadenectomies were performed. One of them had nodal metastases in 2 regions and also a metastasis in 1 of her 2 sentinel nodes in 1 of those regions. In patients with ovarian tumor(s), the detection of sentinel nodes is feasible. They are located in different anatomic areas both ipsilaterally and contralaterally, although most of them are found in the para-aortic region. The reliability of the sentinel node concept should be evaluated in the framework of a multicenter trial.

Comparaison de la survie et de la toxicité chronique gastro-intestinale chez les patientes atteintes de cancer du col de l’utérus localement évolué, traité par irradiation classique ou avec modulation d’intensité

PurposeTo evaluate prospectively chronic gastrointestinal toxicity in patients with cervical cancer treated with conventional irradiation or with intensity-modulated irradiation (IMRT). Patients and methodsBetween June 2005 and September 2013, 109 patients underwent external radiotherapy followed by brachytherapy for cervical cancer at the “Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine”. Each patient receiving IMRT was paired with a patient receiving conventional radiotherapy on the following criteria: concomitant chemotherapy, additional nodal dose, treatment of para-aortic lymph node area, age. The toxicity collection was prospective using the RTOG scale. The main objective was to compare the incidence of gastrointestinal toxicity chronic between the two groups. In a second time, the influence of dosimetric parameters on chronic GI toxicity was investigated. Comparisons of acute toxicity, chronic genitourinary toxicities, overall survival, disease-free survival were secondary objectives. ResultsSixty-six patients were able to be matched. Overall survival at 36 months was 71% in the conventional radiotherapy group against 73% in the IMRT group (P=0.54). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of digestive chronic toxicity (P=0.17), nor in terms acute gastrointestinal toxicities (P=0.6445) and genitourinary (P=0.5724). IMRT spared significantly small bowel (P=0.0006) and rectum (P=0.0046) from 30Gy dose, and bladder from 45Gy (P<0.001). The incidence of genitourinary toxicity was significantly different between the two groups (P=0.03) in favor of conventional radiotherapy. ConclusionOur study does not seem to show significant difference in the occurrence of chronic gastrointestinal toxicities between the two groups. Clinical efficacy seems comparable. Larger studies with longer follow-up period should be conducted.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic transperitoneal infrarenal lymphadenectomy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer by single docking: Do we need a backup procedure?

To present our initial experience on the feasibility of robotic transperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy up to left renal vein via single docking approach by high port insertion technique followed by left shoulder docking as a rescue backup procedure in surgically obstructed patients undergoing surgical staging because of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). Prospective observational preliminary study. Canadian Task Force classification II-3. Tertiary-care academic affiliated private hospital. Ten patients with LACC who underwent robotic transperitoneal infrarenal para-aortic lymphadenectomy between January 2012 and December 2014. All patients with pathologically proven cervical cancer underwent a PET/CT scanning in a similar fashion at the department of nuclear medicine. PET/CT scans were evaluated by the nuclear medicine specialist. Following pre-operative work-up, robot-assisted transperitoneal infrarenal para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed up to left renal vein by the same experienced surgeon. Sections of 5mm were performed and stained with routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and node count was done separately by experienced gynecopathologist. During the study period, 12 consecutive patients with LACC were counseled for pre-therapeutic robot-assisted transperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Two patients declined the procedure and underwent standardized chemo-radiation therapy whereas remaining ten patients constituted the study group. In the study group, the median age was 46years (range 33-59years), and the median body mass index 28.5kg/m2 (range 18.5-35.1kg/m2). Clinical staging was stage IIB in four patients, IIIB in four, and IVA in one. Histopathological diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma in nine patients, and adenocarcinoma in one. On PET/CT scans, seven out of ten patients were positive for pelvic lymph node metastasis. With respect to para-aortic area, only one of the ten patients had suspected metastasis in PET/CT. For nine patients with LACC, the median docking time was 6.5min (range 4-15min), and the median operating time for para-aortic lymphadenectomy was 120min (range 60-165min). The median trocar time was 14.5min (range 5-45min). In two out of ten patients, the surgical removal of whole lymphatic tissue between inferior mesenteric artery and left renal vein was not completely possible by a single docking of robotic column. Therefore, a new optic trocar was placed in the umbilicus and the robotic column was relocated over the left shoulder of the patient and residual lymphatic tissue measuring approximately 2cm in the long axis immediately below the left renal vein was removed and the surgery was completed up to the left renal vein. All para-aortic lymphadenectomies have been completed by robotic route. There were no intra-operative complications. No patient received a blood transfusion. Early post-operative grade 2 and 3a complications according to Dindo classification occurred in two patients: one symptomatic lymphocyst and one local infection on assistant port site in one patient. The patient with suspected para-aortic lymph node metastasis in PET/CT showed no metastatic disease on histopathologic exam of para-aortic lymph nodes. The patient with recurrent disease and negative para-aortic lymph nodes on frozen section examination underwent robot-assisted total pelvic exenteration. Five of the residual eight patients had histologically proven metastasis in the para-aortic lymph node(s). Treatment modification occurred in six patients related to pre-treatment staging surgery. According to pathological results, extended field radiation therapy has been added in five patients and it was omitted in one patient. The median time interval between surgery and initiation of radiotherapy was 12days (range 6-23days). Robotic transperitoneal infrarenal para-aortic lymphadenectomy up to left renal vein by high port insertion technique is a safe and feasible option for staging and treatment planning. However, technically, it is obstructed in a small group of patients and nodal staging surgery up to left renal vein can be completed by consecutive left shoulder docking approach as a backup rescue plan.

Lymphedema Associated With Primary Amyloidosis: A Case Study.

We reported on a 60-year-old man presenting lymphedema of both lower extremities and scrotum for 3 years with unknown cause. We took a computed tomography scan of the lower extremities as a follow-up. There were diffuse subcutaneous edema in both lower extremities and multiple enlarged lymph nodes along the para-aortic and bilateral inguinal areas. For further evaluation, biopsy of an enlarged inguinal lymph node was taken, yielding a diagnosis of primary amyloidosis. A treatment of chemotherapy for amyloidosis was recommended for him. To our knowledge, this is the first report of lymphedema presenting with primary amyloidosis in Asia. This case suggests that primary amyloidosis could be one of the differential diagnoses in patients with lymphedema in the lower extremities.

ВОЗМОЖНОСТИ МУЛЬТИСПИРАЛЬНОЙ КОМПЬЮТЕРНОЙ ТОМОГРАФИИ В ДИАГНОСТИКЕ ЗАБРЮШИННЫХ ОПУХОЛЕЙ У ДЕТЕЙ

The goal of this work was the assessment of capability for multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the diag-nostics of retroperitoneal tumors in children. We studied the results of multidetector computed tomography of 63sick children (36 boys (58%) and 27 girls (42%)) between the ages of 1 month to 16 years, from 2012 to 2015. The aver-age age of the patients was 4.9±4.5 years, with a predominance of boys (2:1.4). Among retroperitoneal tumors in children most often we found neuroblastoma (50.8%): in 38.1% it was detected in boys, in 12.7% – in girls (p&amp;#60;0.05). Nephroblastoma was detected in 10%, the other retroperitoneal tumors accounted for 40%. In 56% neuroblastoma was located at the upper level of retroperitoneal space. In 44% tumors localized in para-aortic area, in paravertebral space or in the pelvis. Neuroblastomas on MDCT scans were presented by heterogeneous formations, unevenly accumu-lating contrast. In 62% of cases we detected calcifications, in 19% we observed cysts and in 56% of cases there were metastatic involvements detected. Thus, the MDCT is a method able to accurately specify the localization of the tumor, to clarify the character and volume of destruction, to determine the exact size of a tumor and its relationship with the surrounding tissues, as well as to reveal metastatic lesions in the abdominal cavity and in other organs.

Neutrophilia in locally advanced cervical cancer: A novel biomarker for image-guided adaptive brachytherapy?

ObjectiveTo study the prognostic value of leucocyte disorders in a prospective cohort of cervical cancer patients receiving definitive chemoradiation plus image—guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT).Results113 patients were identified. All patients received a pelvic irradiation concomitant with chemotherapy, extended to the para-aortic area in 13 patients with IVB disease. Neutrophilia and leukocytosis were significant univariate prognostic factors for poorer local failure-free survival (p = 0.000 and p = 0.002, respectively), associated with tumor size, high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) and anemia. No effect was shown for distant metastases but leukocytosis and neutrophila were both poor prognostic factors for in-field relapses (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, HR-CTV volume (p = 0.026) and neutrophils count > 7,500/μl (p = 0.018) were independent factors for poorer survival without local failure, with hazard ratio (HR) of 3.1.Materials and methodsWe examined patients treated in our Institution between April 2009 and July 2015 by concurrent chemoradiation (45 Gy in 25 fractions +/− lymph node boosts) followed by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided adaptive pulse-dose rate brachytherapy (15 Gy to the intermediate-risk clinical target volume). The prognostic value of pretreatment leucocyte disorders was examined. Leukocytosis and neutrophilia were defined as a leukocyte count or a neutrophils count exceeding 10,000 and 7,500/μl, respectively.ConclusionsNeutrophilia is a significant prognostic factor for local relapse in locally advanced cervical cancer treated with MRI-based IGABT. This biomarker could help identifying patients with higher risk of local relapse and requiring dose escalation.

Embryonic kidney function in a chronic renal failure model in rodents

Rapid advancements have been made in alternative treatments for renal diseases. Our goal for renal regeneration is to establish a kidney graft derived from human embryonic tissues. In this study, we investigated the effects of host renal failure on the structure and activity of transplanted embryonic kidney and bladder, and found that diuretics effectively induced urine production in the transplanted kidney. Uremic conditions were reproduced using a 5/6 renal infarction rat model. An embryonic kidney plus bladder (embryonic day 15) was isolated from a pregnant Lewis rat and transplanted into the para-aortic area of a 5/6 renal-infarcted Lewis rat. Following growth, the embryonic bladder was successfully anastomosed to the host ureter. We assessed graft function in terms of survival rates and found no differences between normal (n=5) and renal failure (n=8) groups (median survival: 70.5 vs 74.5h; p=0.331) in terms of survival, indicating that the grafts prolonged rat survival, even under renal failure conditions. Furosemide (n=9) significantly increased urine volume compared with saline-treated controls (n=7; p<0.05), confirming that the grafts were functional. We also demonstrated the possibilities of an in vivo imaging system for determining the viability of transplanted embryonic kidney with bladder. The results of this study demonstrate that transplanted embryonic kidney and bladder can grow and function effectively, even under uremic conditions.

Lymphatic mapping and sentinel node biopsy in ovarian tumors: a study using intra-operative Tc-99m-Phytate and lymphoscintigraphy imaging

BackgroundExperience on sentinel node mapping in ovarian tumors is very limited. We evaluated the sentinel node concept in ovarian tumors using intra-operativeTc-99m-Phytate injection and lymphoscintigraphy imaging.MethodsThirty-five patients with a pelvic mass due to an ovarian pathology were included in the study. The radiotracer was injected just after laparotomy and before removal of the tumor either beneath the normal cortex (10 patients) or in the utero-ovarian and suspensory ligaments of the ovary just beneath the peritoneum two injections of the radiotracer (25 patients). For malignant masses, the sentinel nodes were identified using a hand held gamma probe. Then standard pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed. In case of benign pathologies or borderline ovarian tumors on frozen section, lymphadenectomy was not performed. The morning after surgery, all patients were sent for lymphoscintigraphy imaging of the abdomen and pelvis.ResultsSentinel node was identified only in 4 patients of the cortical injection group. At least one sentinel node could be identified in 21 patients of the sub-peritoneal group. Sentinel nodes were identified only in the para-aortic area in 21, pelvic/para-aortic areas in 2, and pelvic only area in 2 patients. Three patients had lymph node involvement and all had involved sentinel nodes (no false negative case).ConclusionSentinel node mapping using intra-operative injection of the radiotracer (in the utero-ovarian and suspensory ligaments of the ovary just beneath the peritoneum) is feasible in ovarian tumors. Technical aspects of this method should be explored in larger multicenter studies in the future.

Operation treatment method of Bismuth-Corlette Ⅲ, Ⅳ hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) is also known as cancer at the upper part of bile duct, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma or Klatskin tumor, etc.Bismuth-Corlette type Ⅲ hilar cholangiocarcinoma refers to tumor invading right hepatic duct (Ⅲa) or left hepatic duct (Ⅲb). While Bismuth-Corlette type Ⅳ hilar cholangiocarcinoma refers to both left and right intrahepatic bile ducts being invaded. Under the premise of strictly grasping the indications of surgery, if preoperative management is conducted carefully, extended hepatic resection is a safe and feasible surgery to remove Bismuth-Corlette type Ⅲ and type Ⅳ hilar cholangiocarcinoma. When conducting extended hepatic resection, right hepatectomy and combined caudate lobectomy should be conducted depending on the circumstances. Routine skeletization lymph node dissection of the hepatoduodenal ligament is performed, which could be expanded into celiac trunk, para-aortic area and the rear of pancreatic head. In the premise of radical resection, invaded vessels should be removed and then reconstructed depending on circumstances.

Manual Lymph Drainage and Fascial Release for the Treatment of Chylous Ascites Following Radical Nephrectomy: A Case Report

Background: Chylous ascites is “a rare complication of retroperitoneal and mediastinal surgery caused by the unrecognized interruption of major retroperitoneal lymphatic channels and establishment of a lymphoperitoneal fistula.” Chylous ascites occurs 1% to 2% of the time and typically only after surgical injury to the retroperitoneal lymph glands, vessels, or cysterna chyle. Risk factors include manipulation of the para-aortic and superior mesenteric artery root areas, retroperitoneal invasion, focal chronic pancreatitis, having more than 32 lymph nodes removed, several positive lymph nodes, and early enteral feeding. Case Description: Six weeks postradical nephrectomy with complete lymphadenectomy of the periaortic nodes, a 60-year-old otherwise healthy, independent woman was found to have a high-volume chylous ascites. The leakage was attempted to be controlled by a low-fat diet, but she still required 4 paracentesis procedures to remove chylous fluid from her abdomen. Total parenteral nutrition was advised, and the patient declined and referred herself to physical therapy. Other than diet restrictions, she was active and had no functional deficits. Clinical Impression: It had been 6 months since her nephrectomy with lymphadenectomy, it was probable that there was fascial restriction that was preventing closure of the lymphatic vessel wound and allowing chyle to continually leak into the abdomen. Intervention: The chylous ascites was addressed by physical therapy with manual lymph drainage to facilitate the evacuation of fluid out of the abdomen plus fascial releases to mobilize adhesions that may have been impacting the healing of the deep abdominal lymphatic vessels. Measurements and Results: Upon initial examination, her abdomen measured 102 cm at the umbilicus and had multiple large pockets of fluid on the ultrasound scan. On her fourth visit 16 days later, her abdomen measured 81 cm with no appreciable pockets of fluid noted. An 8-week follow-up visit revealed no return of fluid in the abdomen. She was able to return to a normal diet. Discussion: Further research is warranted to determine if fascial release and manual lymph drainage is a viable treatment of chylous ascites.

Whole body MRI (WB-MRI) assessment of metastatic spread in prostate cancer: Therapeutic perspectives on targeted management of oligometastatic disease.

To determine the proportion of prostate cancer (PCa) patients with oligometastatic disease (≤3 synchronous lesions) using whole body magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion-weighted imaging (WB-MRI/DWI). To determine the proportion of patients with nodal disease confined within currently accepted target areas for extended lymph node dissection (eLND) and pelvic external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Two radiologists reviewed WB-MRI/DWI studies in 96 consecutive newly diagnosed metastatic PCa patients; 46 patients with newly diagnosed castration naive PCa (mHNPC) and 50 patients with first appearance of metastasis during monitoring for non-metastatic castration resistant PCa (M0 to mCRPC). The distribution of metastatic deposits was assessed and the proportions of patients with oligometastatic disease and with LN metastases located within eLND and EBRT targets were determined. Twenty-eight percent of mHNPC and 50% of mCPRC entered the metastatic disease with ≤3 sites. Bone metastases (BM) were identified in 68.8% patients; 71.7% of mHNPC and 66% mCRPC patients. Most commonly involved areas were iliac bones and lumbar spine. Enlarged lymph nodes (LN) were detected in 68.7% of patients; 69.6% of mHNPC and 68.0% of mCRPC. Most commonly involved areas were para-aortic, inter-aortico-cava, and external iliac areas. BM and LN were detected concomitantly in 41% of mHNPC and 34% of mCRPC. Visceral metastases were detected in 6.7%. Metastatic disease was confined to LN located within the accepted boundaries of eLND or pelvic EBRT target areas in only ≤25% and ≤30% of patients, respectively. Non-invasive mapping of metastatic landing sites in PCa using WB-MRI/DWI shows that 28% of the mHNPC patients, and 52% of the mCRPC can be classified as oligometastatic, thus challenging the concept of metastatic targeted therapy. More than two thirds of metastatic patients have LN located outside the usually recommended targets of eLND and pelvic EBRT. Prophylactic or salvage treatments of these sole areas in patients with high-risk prostate cancer may not prevent the emergence of subsequent metastases. Prostate 76:1024-1033, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.