Standardize the surgical technique and clarify the oncologic significance of robotic D3-D4 lymphadenectomy for upper rectum and sigmoid colon cancer with clinically more than N2 lymph node metastasis

BACKGROUND

The territory of D3-D4 lymphadenectomy for upper rectal and sigmoid colon cancer varies, and its oncological efficacy is unclear. This prospective study aimed to standardize the surgical technique of robotic D3-D4 lymphadenectomy and clarify its oncologic significance.

METHODS

Patients with upper rectal or sigmoid colon cancer with clinically suspected more than N2 lymph node metastasis were prospectively recruited to undergo standardized robotic D3-D4 lymphadenectomy. Immediately postsurgery, the retrieved lymph nodes were mapped to five N3-N4 nodal stations: the inferior mesenteric artery, para-aorta, inferior vena cava, infra-renal vein, and common iliac vessels. Patients were stratified according to their nodal metastasis status to compare their clinicopathological data and overall survival. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the relative prognostic significance of the five specific nodal stations. Surgical outcomes and functional recovery of the patients were assessed using the appropriate variables.

RESULTS

A total of 104 patients who successfully completed the treatment protocol were assessed. The standardized D3-D4 lymph node dissection harvested sufficient lymph nodes (34.4±7.2) for a precise pathologic staging. Based on histopathological analysis, 28 patients were included in the N3-N4 nodal metastasis-negative group and 33, 34, and nine patients in the single-station, double-station, and triple-station nodal metastasis-positive groups, respectively. Survival analysis indicated no significant difference between the single-station nodal metastasis-positive and N3-N4 nodal metastasis-negative groups in the estimated 5-year survival rate [53.6% (95% CI: 0.3353-0.7000) vs. 71.18% (95% CI: 0.4863-0.8518), P=0.563], whereas patients with double-station or triple-station nodal metastatic disease had poor 5-year survival rates (24.76 and 22.22%), which were comparable to those of AJCC/UICC stage IV disease than those with single-station metastasis-positive disease. Univariate analysis showed that the metastatic status of the five nodal stations was comparable in predicting the overall survival; in contrast, multivariate analysis indicated that common iliac vessels and infra-renal vein were the only two statistically significant predictors (P<0.05) for overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a robotic approach, D3-D4 lymph node dissection could be safely performed in a standardized manner to remove the relevant N3-N4 lymphatic basin en bloc, thereby providing significant survival benefits and precise pathological staging for patients. This study encourages further international prospective clinical trials to provide more solid evidence that would facilitate the optimization of surgery and revision of the current treatment guidelines for such a clinical conundrum.

Nationwide Outcomes After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Sigmoid Colon Cancer-A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in advanced sigmoid colon carcinoma remains to be further characterized. Rationale for NAC includes downstaging on final pathology and optimization of microscopically negative margins (R0 resection). We investigated rates of neoadjuvant chemotherapy use in advanced sigmoid colon cancer at academic cancer centers and assessed factors associated with likelihood of NAC administration.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried from 2004 to 2017 for patients with clinical T3 or T4, N0-2, M0 sigmoid colon cancer who underwent surgical resection. Those with neoadjuvant radiation or metastatic disease were excluded. The outcomes of patients who did and did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy were evaluated for this retrospective cohort study.

RESULTS

There were 23,597 patients of whom 364 (1.5%) received NAC. More patients received NAC at academic (41%, P < .001) and high-volume centers (27%, P < .001). Patients with Medicare/Medicaid (39%) and private insurance (52%) were more likely to receive NAC (P < .001). There was a significantly higher rate of N2 to N1 downstaging in the NAC group. Propensity-score matching demonstrated comprehensive community cancer programs (CCCP) were less likely to provide NAC (OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.23, 0.70, P < .001). There was no difference in survival (P = .20), R0 resection (P = .090), or 30-day readmission rates (P = .30) in the NAC cohort compared to the non-NAC cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Access to centers offering multi-disciplinary care with NAC prior to surgical resection is important. This care was associated with academic and high-volume centers and private or government-sponsored insurance. There was no difference in survival between NAC and non-NAC cohort.

[A Case of Sigmoid Colon Cancer with Horseshoe Kidney]

We reported a case of sigmoid colon cancer with horseshoe kidney. A 79-year-old man had lower abdominal pain and underwent colonoscopy. The results of colonoscopy revealed sigmoid cancer. Preoperative computed tomography revealed horseshoe kidney. He underwent radical laparoscopic surgery. The histopathological diagnosis was pStage Ⅱa(The 9th Edition). He has not recurred 22 months later after operation. Surgery for colorectal cancer with congenital anomalies of the urinary tract requires attention to intraoperative secondary injuries. Therefore, preoperative evaluation using 3D-CT is useful tool for safety. Operating the proper dissecting normal layer would make safe laparoscopic operation possible without unexpected injuries.

Risk factors that impact long-term outcomes in sigmoid colon cancer with urinary bladder involvement

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify the risk factors impacting long-term outcomes in patients diagnosed with sigmoid colon cancer with urinary bladder involvement.

METHODS

A comprehensive analysis was conducted on a retrospective cohort of 118 patients who underwent multivisceral resection for sigmoid colon cancer with urinary bladder involvement between June 2002 and May 2017. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to identify risk factors associated with long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

Among the included patients, 10 (8.5%) experienced grade III-IV complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification, with 4 (3.4%) presenting anastomotic leaks. The postoperative mortality was 0.8%. R0 resection was achieved in 108 (91.6%) patients. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administrated to only 31 patient (26.3%). Local recurrence was observed in 8 (6.8%) cases. Risk factors for local recurrence-free survival and disease-free survival were CCI>3, grade III-IV postoperative complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification, positive resection margins, stage III of the disease, additional resected organs (excluding colon and bladder) and the absence of adjuvant chemotherapy. The same risk factors, with the exception of CCI, were associated with overall survival.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights that negative resection margins, a postoperative period without grade III-IV complications, and the implementation of adjuvant chemotherapy are crucial factors contributing to improve overall, disease-free and local recurrence-free survival in patients with sigmoid colon cancer with urinary bladder involvement.

Long-term outcomes of single-incision plus one-port laparoscopic surgery versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for rectosigmoid cancer: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Though our previous study has demonstrated that the single-incision plus one-port laparoscopic surgery (SILS + 1) is safe and feasible for sigmoid colon and upper rectal cancer and has better short-term outcomes compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS), the long-term outcomes of SILS + 1 remains uncertain and are needed to evaluated by an RCT.

METHODS

Patients with clinical stage T1-4aN0-2M0 rectosigmoid cancer were enrolled. The participants were randomly assigned to either SILS + 1 (n = 99) or CLS (n = 99). The 3-year DFS, 5-year OS, and recurrence patterns were analyzed.

RESULTS

Between April 2014 and July 2016, 198 patients were randomly assigned to either the SILS + 1 group (n = 99) or CLS group (n = 99). The median follow-up in the SILS + 1 group was 64.0 months and in CLS group was 65.0 months. The 3-year DFS was 87.8% (95% CI, 81.6-94.8%) in SILS + 1 group and 86.9% (95% CI, 81.3-94.5%) in CLS group (hazard ratio: 1.09 (95% CI, 0.48-2.47; P = 0.84)). The 5-year OS was 86.7% (95% CI,79.6-93.8%) in the SILS + 1 group and 80.5% (95% CI,72.5-88.5%) in the CLS group (hazard ratio: 1.53 (95% CI, 0.74-3.18; P = 0.25)). There were no significant differences in the recurrence patterns between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no significant difference in 3-year DFS and 5-year OS of patients with sigmoid colon and upper rectal cancer treated with SILS + 1 vs. CLS. SILS + 1 is noninferior to CLS when performed by expert surgeons.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02117557 (registered on 21/04/2014).

[Curative Resection of Sigmoid Colon Cancer with Multiple Liver Metastases by Long-Term Multidisciplinary Treatment]

A male patient in his 80s underwent colonic stenting for obstructive sigmoid colon cancer with multiple liver metastases. With systemic chemotherapy for approximately 1 year, the liver metastasis disappeared, so laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy was performed for the primary lesion. No recurrence was observed for a while, although CT revealed liver metastasis in the liver S4, and radiofrequency ablation was performed. Radiation therapy was performed for the liver metastasis of liver S2 that subsequently appeared. After a recurrence-free period of approximately 2 years, a rapid regrowth of liver metastasis in liver S2 was observed. Thus, 4 years and 3 months after the initial diagnosis, lateral segmentectomy of the liver was performed. Five years have passed since the first visit, and he is alive without recurrence. The patient had obstructive colorectal cancer with unresectable liver metastasis, and as the obstruction was released by a colonic stent, systemic chemotherapy was prioritized. Hence, liver metastasis was controlled, and the primary lesion was resected. Furthermore, for the liver metastasis that appeared later, various loco-regional cancer therapies were provided to achieve a cancer-free state.

[A Case of the Metastatic Colonic Carcinoma from an Endometrial Carcinoma]

A woman in her 80s, had undergone radical surgery for an endometrial carcinoma 9 years earlier, and her 5-year postoperative follow-up had been completed without recurrence. She consulted an orthopedic surgeon with a chief complaint of a mass in the left inguinal region, and was referred to surgery after MRI scan revealed lymph node metastases in the left inguinal and external iliac region and a sigmoid colon tumor. Due to postoperative adhesion of the uterine cancer, the colonoscope could not be inserted to the tumor, and no tissue diagnosis was made. CT and PET scans revealed a sigmoid colon tumor plus periungual lymph node metastasis, and it was determined that radical surgery was possible, and the patient underwent resection. Surgery was performed by laparoscopic resection of the sigmoid colon and lymphadenectomy, with R0 resection. The sigmoid colon tumor and lymph nodes were of the same histology as the 9-year-old endometrial carcinoma, leading to the diagnosis of colon and lymph node recurrence 9 years after endometrial carcinoma surgery.

[A Case of Sigmoid Rectal Cancer with a Vesicoconstrictor Fistula Curatively Resected after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy]

A 50-year-old man presented with fecaluria and was diagnosed with sigmoid colon cancer with a colovesical fistula. Total bladder resection was determined to be necessary for curative resection at the time of diagnosis. In anticipation of bladder preservation, 6 courses of mFOLFOX6 plus panitumumab were administered after transverse colostomy, resulting in marked tumor regression and a decision to proceed with surgery. The patient underwent robotic-assisted low anterior resection of the rectum and partial cystectomy, which yielded pathological radical treatment. We report a case of sigmoid colon cancer with a colovesical fistula complicated by bladder invasion, in which preoperative chemotherapy was effective and total cystectomy was avoided, allowing bladder preservation.

[A Case of the Rectal Cancer with Metastatic Skin Cancer after Inguinal Hernia Surgery]

A woman in her 90s underwent laparoscopic hernia repair for a recurrent left inguinal hernia with abdominal wall defect 2 years ago. She came to our department with a complaint of a mass in the hernia wound, which was suspected to be a skin cancer, and the pathology diagnosis was adenocarcinoma. A colonoscopy was performed and she was diagnosed with sigmoid rectal cancer with only skin metastasis and the operation was performed. Laparoscopic anterior resection of the rectum, excision of the skin tumor, mesh removal, and rectus abdominis skin grafting were performed, and these were radical surgery. Simultaneous cutaneous metastasis of rectal cancer is extremely rare, being part of the 2.0% of other sites, and is reported with some literature review.

[A Case of MSI-High Sigmoid Colon Cancer in Which Long-Term Survival Was Achieved by Pembrolizumab for Recurrent Lesions Resistant to Conventional Chemotherapy]

The patient underwent sigmoidectomy with D3 lymph node dissection and partial bladder resection for sigmoid colon cancer(cT4bN1M0, cStage Ⅲa), after preoperative chemotherapy with mFOLFOX plus panitumumab, and FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was performed by 8 courses of CAPOX. He relapsed hilar lymph nodes and peritoneal dissemination after 13 months after surgery, he underwent resection of the recurrent lesions. Four months after, he developed recurrence in liver and peritoneum. Although he was treated with FOLFIRI plus ramucirumab or aflibercept, resulted in progression of disease, then he received trifluridine tipiracil hydrochloride plus bevacizumab. At this point, the Japanese health insulance had started to cover pembrolizumab, this therapy was started as the fourth chemotherapy after the diagnosis of high frequency microsatellite instability(MSI), and then tumor markers rapidly declined. He underwent 38 courses of pembrolizumab, the recurrent lesions both liver and peritoneum disappeared. He had stoma closure, peritoneal dissemination disappeared not only intraoperatively but also in histologically from the peritoneal scar. He has received pembrolizumab for 4 years without another recurrence. Here, we report a case of MSI-high sigmoid colon cancer in which long-term survival was achieved by pembrolizumab for recurrent lesions resistant to conventional chemotherapy.

[A Case of Resected Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Diagnosed with Liver Metastasis and Peritoneal Dissemination after Surgery for Sigmoid Colon Cancer]

We experienced a case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)that developed around the kidney about 1 year after surgery for sigmoid colon cancer. In this case, imaging findings suggestive of liver metastasis were also observed at the same time of diagnosis, therefore, diagnosis was difficult because the possibility of peritoneal dissemination could not be ruled out. The lesion was excised by surgery and a definitive diagnosis was obtained by tissue diagnosis, leading to appropriate treatment. However, one wrong step could lead to the wrong treatment policy. Therefore, when there is any doubt about the diagnosis, it is considered important to proactively perform tissue diagnosis.

[A Case of Locally Advanced Giant Sigmoid Colon Cancer Successfully Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy]

A 51-year-old woman presented to our hospital complaining of a lower abdominal mass and dysuria. She was diagnosed with advanced sigmoid colon cancer. The tumor was large, involving the bladder, and occupying the pelvic cavity. She received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 4 courses of mFOLFOX6, in addition to panitumumab. The treatment resulted in a marked reduction of the tumor. A laparoscopic sigmoid colon resection, total cystectomy, neobladder reconstruction, complete uterine and bilateral adnexa resection and partial ileal resection were performed. The histopathological diagnosis was ypT4b(bladder), ypN0, ypStage Ⅱc, all with negative surgical margins. Adjuvant chemotherapy was not administered owing to the patient's refusal. She remained recurrence-free for 3 years of postoperative follow up.

[Brain Metastasis Following Conversion Surgery for Sigmoid Colon Cancer-A Case Report]

A 64-year-old man was diagnosed with KRAS-mutant type sigmoid colon cancer with metastasis in the lung, liver, left adrenal gland, and para-aortic lymph node(T3N1M1b, Stage ⅣB[Union for International Cancer Control 8th edition]). Laparoscopic transverse colostomy was performed to treat colonic obstruction. Subsequently, a combination regimen of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin plus bevacizumab was administered. After 5 courses of chemotherapy, the S8 liver tumor disappeared completely. Sigmoidectomy, para-aortic lymph node dissection, and left adrenal gland resection were performed. After 3 months, right S3 segmental pneumonectomy and right S8 and S10 partial pneumonectomy were performed. R0 resection for the primary lesion and metastatic lesions of the chest and abdomen was achieved. Following the conversion surgery, he was administered the adjuvant chemotherapy regimen of uracil-tegafur plus Leucovorin. After 2 courses of chemotherapy, he presented to our hospital complaining of vomiting and dizziness. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple brain metastases. Thus, we should be mindful of the possibility of brain metastasis in cases of unresectable colon cancer showing satisfactory response to chemotherapy with an indication of conversion surgery.

[A Case of Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery for Stenotic Sigmoid Colon Cancer with Simultaneous Lateral Lymph Node Metastasis]

The patient is a 63-year-old man. He visited his previous physician for abdominal pain. After close examinations, he was diagnosed with stenotic sigmoid colon cancer with left lateral lymph node metastasis. On the same day, colonic stenting was performed to relieve the symptoms of stenosis. After 1 month of stenting, a robot-assisted laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy and left lateral lymph node dissection were performed. Postoperative pathological examination revealed regional lymph node metastasis and left lateral lymph node metastasis(#283); the patient was diagnosed with pT4aN1bM1a(LYM), fStage Ⅳa. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 10, and is stable 5 months after surgery without recurrence. This case suggests that robot-assisted laparoscopic lateral lymph node dissection can be effective even in atypical cases of sigmoid colon cancer with lateral lymph node metastasis.

[A Case of Double Cancer of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Rectum and Adenocarcinoma of the Sigmoid Colon]

A 72-year-old male was transported to our hospital with complaints of heart palpitations and dyspnea since a month earlier and was immobile. Blood examination showed severe anemia, and colonoscopy revealed circumferential tumors in the rectum and the sigmoid colon. Histopathologic examination revealed the tumors as squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum and adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon. Therefore, they were diagnosed as double colorectal cancers. CT and MRI showed that rectal cancer invaded the seminal vesicles and the prostate; therefore, the patient underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy(oral capecitabine and concomitant radiation therapy: a total dose of 50.4 Gy/28 Fr)followed by total pelvic exenteration. Subsequent specimen pathology revealed a tumor regression grading of Grade 2 for the rectal and sigmoid colon cancers, and both were staged as ypT3N0M0, ypStage Ⅱa. Herein, we report a rare case of double cancer of adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon and squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum with a literature review.

Management of Perforated Sigmoid Colon Cancer in an Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia Using a Combined Abdominal and Inguinal Approach

The ideal management of perforated colorectal cancer in the hernia sac remains a challenge for general surgeons. We report such a case requiring a combined-incision surgical approach and two-stage operation. A male patient in his 80s presented with fatigue and a bulge in his left groin. Contrast-enhanced CT scan revealed a sigmoid colon perforation within the left inguinal hernia sac. A combination of midline abdominal and inguinal incisions was performed for the iliopubic tract repair and Hartmann procedure. Six months later, the recurrent inguinal hernia was repaired using the Kugel mesh. The treatment strategy for colonic perforation into the inguinal hernia remains nonstandardized, compared to those for nonperforated cases. Combined inguinal and midline abdominal incisions might be necessary for infected lesion removal and colon mesentery resection; using mesh to repair hernia is a rare option. Hernia repair using mesh can be performed in two stages when recurrence occurs.

World's first report of sigmoidectomy for sigmoid cancer using the Saroa surgical system with tactile feedback

Increasing evidence based on the safety and benefits of robot-assisted surgery indicates the disadvantage of the lack of tactile feedback. A lack of tactile feedback increases the risk of intraoperative complications, prolongs operative times, and delays the learning curve. A 40-year-old female patient presented to our hospital with a positive fecal occult blood test. A colonoscopy revealed type 2 advanced cancer of the sigmoid colon, and histological examination showed a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a tumor in the sigmoid colon and several swollen lymph nodes in the colonic mesentery without distant metastases. The patient was diagnosed with cStage IIIb (cT3N1bM0) sigmoid cancer and underwent sigmoidectomy using the Saroa Surgical System, which was developed by RIVERFIELD, a venture company at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University, and the Tokyo Institute of Technology. Based on adequate simulation, surgery was safely performed with appropriate port placement and arm base-angle adjustment. The operating time was 176 min, with a console time of 116 min and 0 ml blood loss. The patient was discharged 6 days postoperatively without complications. The pathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma, tub1, tub2, pT2N1bM0, and pStage IIIa. Herein, we report the world's first surgery for sigmoid cancer using the Saroa Surgical System with tactile feedback in which a safe and appropriate oncological surgery was performed.

Infantile inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the sigmoid colon: a diagnostic dilemma

An inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT) is an uncommon neoplasm composed of inflammatory cells and myofibroblasts in a fibrous stroma. They are mostly seen in the lungs and rarely involve the gastrointestinal tract. An 8-month-old infant presented with a history of lower abdominal lump for 2 months. Her CT scan confirmed a large, lobulated mass in the retroperitoneum arising from the pelvis. The mass was found to be arising from the sigmoid colon on laparotomy which was excised. Histopathology showed a cellular tumour composed of spindle cells and inflammatory lymphocytic infiltrate. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive staining for anaplastic lymphoma kinase and smooth muscle actin, confirming the diagnosis of IMT. The patient is doing well at her 6-month follow-up. Ours is the youngest case of sigmoid IMT among the only other series of eight cases reported in the literature indicating its rarity.

[Laparoscopic Low-Anterior Resection for Sigmoid Colon Cancer and Rectosigmoid Adenoma in a Patient with Situs Inversus]

A 63-year-old woman, who were in a nursing house, visited our hospital with complaints of bloody stools and anemia. Some investigations were performed, CS and CT revealed her diagnosis with sigmoid colon cancer(cT3N0M0)and rectosigmoid adenoma with situs inversus(SI). Laparoscopic low-anterior resection was performed. Postoperative course was good without any complications, and she discharged our hospital at the day 7 after the operation. In surgery, we had to be conscious of mirror image and set operative equipment and operative staffs inversely from normal setting. Some previous reports suggested that some surgical process such as cutting and separating with left hand(non-dominant hand), especially at interior separation, were effective in laparoscopic surgery for SI patients. However, in our operation, we used ultrasonic coagulator with short-pitched incision with surgeon's right hand(dominant hand)instead of left-handed process, and it could be useful for laparoscopic surgery for SI patients. In intrapelvic processes, we proceeded with the surgery as usual because of the symmetric structure of intrapelvic organs. We could complete the laparoscopic low-anterior resection for SI patient with several ingenuity for operative processes.

A new lymph node ratio-based staging system for rectosigmoid cancer: a retrospective study with external validation

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the clinical value of a new American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging prediction model based on lymph node ratio (LNR) in rectosigmoid cancer (RSC).

METHODS

The analysis included 1444 patients with nonmetastatic RSC diagnosed pathologically between 2010 and 2016 who were collected from the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Results database. The AJCC N-stage was redefined according to the LNR cutoff point, and the ability of the new staging system to predict prognosis was compared with that of the AJCC TNM staging system. Data from 739 patients from our hospital were used for external validation.

RESULTS

According to the number of examined lymph nodes and LNR, the N stage was divided into five groups (LNR0-5). The 5-year OS of patients divided according to the new T lymph node ratio M (TLNRM) staging into stage I (T1LNR1, T1LNR2), IIA (T1LNR3, T2LNR1, T2LNR2, T2LNR3, T1LNR4, T3LNR1), IIB (T2LNR4), IIC (T3LNR2, T4a LNR1, T1LNR5), IIIA (T3LNR3, T2LNR5, T4b LNR1, T4a LNR2, T3LNR4), IIIB (T3LNR5, T4a LNR3, T4a LNR4, T4b LNR2), and IIIC (T4b LNR3, T4a LNR5, T4b LNR4, T4b LNR5) was significantly different ( P <0.05). Decision curve analysis showed that the net income of the new TLNRM staging system for different decision thresholds was higher than the prediction line of the traditional eighth TNM staging system. The smaller Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information suggested that the new staging system had a higher sensitivity for predicting prognosis than the traditional staging system. TLNRM II and III patients benefited from adjuvant chemotherapy, while adjuvant chemotherapy did not improve the prognosis of TNM II patients. These findings were confirmed by the external validation data.

CONCLUSION

The new TLNRM staging system was superior to the eighth edition AJCC staging system for staging and predicting the prognosis of patients with RSC and may become an effective tool in clinical practice.

Radiation Oncologists' Approach to Rectosigmoid Junction Tumors in Turkey: The Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology Gastrointestinal Group Survey Study (TROD 02-007)

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The objective was to determine the preferences and perspectives regarding preoperative evaluation and treatment strategies for rectosigmoid junction cancer among radiation oncologists using a questionnaire survey.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Since defining the correct origin of the neoplasm is essential in tailoring the most appropriate treatment scheme in the rectosigmoid junction region, we surveyed Turkish radiation oncologists about clinical decisions in rectosigmoid junction cancer patients via a 20-point questionnaire.

RESULTS

Based on responses from 130 radiation oncologists surveyed across the country, 119 (91.5%) used the anterior peritoneal reflection as the landmark, while 111 (85.4%) used the distance from the anal verge to the boundary between the rectum and sigmoid. This indicates that most of the participants decided to consider both pretreatment evaluation methods. Although distance at colonoscopy can be very variable, when the discrepancy was observed between these methods, 66 (50.8%) participants made the final decision according to the distance from the anal verge in our questionnaire. The conclusion from the questionnaire is that there is difficulty in interpreting magnetic resonance imaging findings, and there is a need for anatomic landmarks relevant to the limit between the rectum and sigmoid so that clinicians can confidently facilitate the diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a wide variation in the diagnosis and decision-making of rectosigmoid junction cancer among radiation oncologists in Turkey, according to our survey, because of several definitions of the rectosigmoid junction boundaries. Considerable attention is required to clarify whether the first preoperative treatment or surgery for rectosigmoid junction cancer.

Resection of sigmoid cancer with bladder invasion using laparoscopic combined with a cystoscopic holmium laser: an innovative surgical procedure

The aim of this study was to introduce a new surgical procedure for the resection of sigmoid colon tumours invading the bladder by combining laparoscopy and cystoscopy, and the feasibility and safety of the method were verified. The data of 6 patients with sigmoid colon cancer invading the bladder in a tertiary hospital in Chongqing from January 2020 to October 2022 were collected, sigmoid colon tumour resection was performed by this procedure, and the data related to the surgery were recorded. All six patients successfully underwent sigmoid colon tumour resection, and all sigmoid colon and bladder resections had negative margins. The mean total operative time was 211.66 ± 27.33 min, and the mean resection time of the bladder tumour was 22.16 ± 4.63 min. The median blood loss was 100 ml, and the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was nineteen. There were no serious intraoperative complications in any of the cases. After operation, the first flatus and defecation were 4 and 4.5 days, respectively. The mean time of drainage tube retention and the time of bladder flushing were 3 and 1.5 days, respectively. The mean time of urinary tube retention was 7.5 days. There were no intestinal obstructions, dysuria, or other complications. For patients with sigmoid colon tumours invading the bladder, this method can effectively resect sigmoid colon tumours and minimize the loss of bladder tissue at the same time, which helps to prolong the survival of these patients. The surgical method is safe, reliable, and feasible.

[A Case of Local Recurrent Liver Metastasis from Sigmoid Colon Cancer after Complete Histological Remission, Treated with Rehepatectomy]

We report a case of a patient with sigmoid colon cancer and multiple liver metastases who underwent hepatectomy after chemotherapy and pathological results showed complete remission. However, after chemotherapy was discontinued, the patient developed a local recurrence of the liver metastasis and underwent rehepatectomy. The patient came to our hospital with lower abdominal pain. Colonoscopy revealed a circumferential type Ⅱ, well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy with lymph node dissection was performed. Postoperative CT scan showed multiple liver metastases at S5, S7, and S8. 11 cycles of bevacizumab plus modified FOLFOX(mFOLFOX)were subsequently performed. The liver metastases shrank at all sites, and the patient underwent right hepatectomy. The resected specimen was considered to be in complete remission, with no evidence of viable malignant cells. Postoperatively, bevacizumab plus mFOLFOX was resumed for 6 cycles and the patient remained in remission. However, 3 months after stopping chemotherapy and 1 year and 6 months after hepatectomy, a follow-up CT scan showed local recurrence of the liver edge, and a diagnosis of local recurrence of liver metastasis was made, and a partial hepatectomy was performed. The patient is recurrence-free and resuming modified FOLFOX 9 months after surgery.

Comparison of Postoperative Outcome and Prognosis Among Laparoscopic Left Colectomy and Laparoscopic Sigmoidectomy in Sigmoid Colon Cancer Patients: A Propensity Score Matching Study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of laparoscopic left colectomy (LLC) and laparoscopic sigmoidectomy (LSD) on short-term outcomes and prognosis of sigmoid colon cancer (SCC) patients using propensity score matching (PSM).

METHODS

In this retrospective study, the SCC patients who underwent LLC or LSD surgery were collected from a single clinical center from Jan 2011 to Dec 2019. Short-term outcomes and prognosis were compared between patients who received LSD surgery and LLC surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 356 patients were included in this study. After 1:1 PSM analysis, there were 50 patients who underwent LLC surgery and 50 patients who underwent LSD surgery left in this study. No significant difference was found in baseline characteristics after PSM (P > .05). In comparison with the LLC surgery group, the LSD surgery group had shorter operation time (P = .003) after PSM. Moreover, the surgical procedure was not an independent predictor for overall survival (OS) (P = .918, 95% CI = .333-2.688) and disease-free survival DFS (P = .730, 95% CI = .335-2.150), but age (OS: P = .009, 95% CI = 1.010-1.075; DFS: P = .014, 95% CI = 1.007-1.061) and tumor stage (OS: P = .004, 95% CI = 1.302-3.844; DFS: P < .01, 95% CI = 1.572-4.171) were the independent risk factors for OS and DFS in SCC patients.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference between the two surgical procedures for prognosis of SCC patients. However, the possible reasons for changing the surgical procedures should be cautious by surgeons.

Poorer Survival in Patients with Cecum Cancer Compared with Sigmoid Colon Cancer

Background and Objectives: An increasing number of studies have shown the influence of primary tumor location of colon cancer on prognosis, but the prognostic difference between colon cancers at different locations remains controversial. After comparing the prognostic differences between left-sided and right-sided colon cancer, the study subdivided left-sided and right-sided colon cancer into three parts, respectively, and explored which parts had the most significant prognostic differences, with the aim to further analyze the prognostic significance of primary locations of colon cancer. Materials and Methods: Clinicopathological data of patients with colon cancer who underwent radical surgery from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database were analyzed. The data was divided into two groups (2004−2009 and 2010−2015) based on time intervals. Two tumor locations with the most significant survival difference were explored by using Cox regression analyses. The prognostic difference of the two locations was further verified in survival analyses after propensity score matching. Results: Patients with right-sided colon cancer had worse cancer-specific and overall survival compared to left-sided colon cancer. Survival difference between cecum cancer and sigmoid colon cancer was found to be the most significant among six tumor locations in both 2004−2009 and 2010−2015 time periods. After propensity score matching, multivariate analyses showed that cecum cancer was an independent unfavorable factor for cancer specific survival (HR [95% CI]: 1.11 [1.04−1.17], p = 0.001 for 2004−2009; HR [95% CI]: 1.23 [1.13−1.33], p < 0.001 for 2010−2015) and overall survival (HR [95% CI]: 1.09 [1.04−1.14], p < 0.001 for 2004−2009; HR [95% CI]: 1.09 [1.04−1.14], p < 0.001 for 2010−2015) compared to sigmoid colon cancer. Conclusions: The study indicates the prognosis of cecum cancer is worse than that of sigmoid colon. The current dichotomy model (right-sided vs. left-sided colon) may be inappropriate for the study of colon cancer.

Rectosigmoid Cancer-Rectal Cancer or Sigmoid Cancer?

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine the optimal treatment for patients with locally advanced rectosigmoid cancers, and to determine whether this can be guided by distance from anal verge (AV) and/or anatomic landmarks such as the sacral promontory and peritoneal reflection (PR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients with T3-T4 and/or node-positive rectosigmoid cancers who underwent surgery from 2006 to 2018 with available pelvic imaging. We included tumors at 9 to 20 cm from the AV on either staging imaging, or colonoscopy. Patients were stratified into those who received neoadjuvant therapy, and those who underwent upfront surgery. Comparisons of characteristics were performed using χ 2 test and Fischer exact test. Locoregional failure (LRF) and overall survival were compared using Cox regressions and Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-one patients were included. Ninety-seven patients had neoadjuvant therapy, and 64 patients had upfront surgery. Median follow-up time was 45.1 months. Patients who had neoadjuvant therapy had tumors that were higher cT stage ( P <0.01) with more positive/close circumferential resection margins seen on imaging by radiologists (28.9% vs. 1.6% , P =0.015). The 2-year rate of LRF, distant metastases, or overall survival was not significantly different between the 2 groups. None of 15 patients with tumors below the PR treated with neoadjuvant therapy had LRF, but 1 (25%) of 4 patients with tumors below the PR treated with adjuvant therapy experienced LRF ( P =0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with tumors below the PR may benefit more from neoadjuvant therapy. The PR on imaging may be a reliable landmark in addition to the distance from the AV to determine the most appropriate treatment option.

[Comparison between laparoscopic-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction surgery and conventional laparoscopic surgery for left colorectal cancer: a randomized controlled study with 3-year follow-up results]

Objective: To evaluate the mid-term efficacy of laparoscopic-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) colectomy using the Cai tube in the treatment of left colorectal cancer. Methods: A prospective randomized control trial (China Clinical Trials Registration Number: ChiCTR-OOR-15007060) was performed. Sixty patients with left colorectal cancer at Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of Zhongshan Hospital from September 2015 to August 2017 were prospectively enrolled. Case inclusion criteria: (1) left colorectal adenocarcinoma (rectal cancer with distance ≥ 8 cm from tumor low margin to anal edge, sigmoid colon cancer, descending colon cancer and left transverse colon cancer) confirmed by preoperative pathology; (2) satisfactory conditions of conventional laparoscopic surgery; (3) maximum diameter of the tumor < 4.5 cm confirmed by preoperative abdominal and pelvic CT or MRI; (4) BMI < 30 kg/m². Case exclusion criteria: (1) benign lesions, mucinous adenocarcinoma, signet-ring cell carcinoma and other special pathological types of tumors confirmed by preoperative pathological examination; (2) multiple or recurrent cancers; (3) with a history of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy; (4) obvious regional infiltration or distant metastasis indicated by preoperative imaging examination; (5) intestinal obstruction, intestinal perforation, etc. Participants were randomly assigned to NOSES group (using the Cai tube) and conventional laparoscopy (CL) group by random number table method. Clinical data between two groups were compared and analyzed, including perioperative conditions, tumor exfoliation cell detection and bacterial culture results of intraperitoneal lavage fluid, postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grading), postoperative pain [visual simulation scoring (VAS) assessment], anal function (Kirwan anal function grading assessment), and postoperative 3-year disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), overall recurrence rate, and local recurrence rate. Results: A total of 60 patients were enrolled, with 30 in the NOSES group and 30 in the CL group. All the patients in the NOSES group successfully completed operation with Cai tube. Baseline data between the two groups were not significantly different (all P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between two groups in conversion rate to open surgery, number of lymph node harivested, proximal and distal resection margin of tumor, negative rate of circumferential margin, operation time, blood loss, inflammatory indexes, postoperative anal function, postoperative hospital stay, hospitalization cost, morbidity of postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade II or above) (all P>0.05). Compared to the CL group, the NOSES group had lower maximum postoperative VAS score (2.5±0.3 vs. 5.1±0.4, t=3.187, P<0.01), and fewer use of additional postoperative analgesia [6.7% (2/30) vs. 33.3% (10/30),χ²=6.670, P=0.02]. The postoperative time to gas passage was shorter in the NOSES group [(2.2±1.4) days vs. (3.1±1.2) days,P=0.026]. No tumor cells and bacterial contamination were found in abdominal lavage fluid before and after operation in either group. The anal function at postoperative 3-month of all the patients in the NOSES group was Kirwan grade I to II, while in the CL group, anal function of 2 cases (6.7%) was Kirwan grade III, and of 28 cases was also Kirwan grade I to II, whose difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). In the NOSES group and the CL group, 3-year DFS was 96.7% and 83.3% (P=0.090), OS was 100% and 90% (P=0.096), overall recurrence rate was 3.3% and 10.0% (P=0.166), and local recurrence rate was 3.3% and 3.3% (P=0.999), respectively, whose differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Conclusions: In the treatment of left colorectal cancer, compared with conventional laparoscopic colectomy, NOSES colectomy using Cai tube exhibits less scar, less postoperative pain, shorter recovery of gastrointestinal function, and similar mid-term outcomes. Given proper surgical indications, the surgical procedure is safe and feasible.

[Long-Term Response to UFT/UZEL/Bevacizumab Therapy for Lung Metastasis after Surgery for Early-Stage Colon Cancer in a Late-Stage Elderly Patient]

Late-stage elderly patients have low tolerance to chemotherapy, and they have difficulties when they are treated with standard chemotherapy. We report a case of a late-stage elderly patient who had a long-term response to UFT/UZEL/bevacizumab( Bev)therapy for lung metastasis after surgery for early-stage colon cancer. He was 82-years-old and underwent laparoscopy-assisted sigmoid colectomy for sigmoid colon cancer at another hospital. The pathological diagnosis was pT1b, ly1, v0, N0, M0, pStage Ⅰ. Six months after the surgery, a small nodule was noted in the middle lobe of the right lung. It grew five months later and was definitely diagnosed as lung metastasis. Considering his physical condition and tumor size, we opted to introduce less invasive chemotherapy instead of standard chemotherapy. UFT/UZEL/Bev was started 14 months after surgery. Although he required dose reduction due to anorexia, he safely continued the treatment with partial response (PR), which was maintained for 2 years and 6 months. While UFT/UZEL/Bev has no convincing evidence, it may be an option for vulnerable patients, especially those with non-life-threatening disease.

[A Case of UFT/LV-Induced Acute Liver Failure after Surgery for Sigmoid Colon Cancer]

Oral uracil and tegafur plus Leucovorin(UFT/LV)therapy is one of the standard adjuvant chemotherapies for colorectal cancer, and is widely used without any serious adverse events. Herein, we describe a case of UFT/LV-induced acute liver failure in a 75-year-old woman who underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for sigmoid colon cancer. She was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer and lymph node metastasis by postoperative histopathological analysis, and adjuvant chemotherapy was initiated. After 30 days of commencing the therapy, the patient visited our hospital with complaints of severe diarrhea and difficulty in food intake. The apparent cause of these symptoms was unclear on computed tomography(CT), and mild liver damage was revealed in blood test results. The hepatic disorder gradually progressed after the hospitalization, and the condition was diagnosed as acute hepatic insufficiency. Additionally, obvious atrophy of the liver parenchyma and significant ascites were confirmed on CT. Two months later, the platelet count decreased markedly, but fortunately, no bleeding occurred. There has been no recurrence since 2 years after the surgery without any additional adjuvant therapy.

[A Case of Laparoscopic Total Pelvic Exenteration for Sigmoid Colon Cancer Using Infrared Illumination System (IRIS)]

The patient was 80s woman, whose chief complaint of fever and abdominal pain. She visited our hospital, and further evaluation revealed sigmoid colon cancer invading the uterus and abdominal wall. The pooling of pus in the uterus was formed and we diagnosed as pyometra. The clinical diagnosis was T4b(uterus, abdominal wall)N0M0, cStage Ⅱc. We performed laparoscopic sigmoidectomy, uterus and bilateral ovaries. We report a case in which the intraoperative infrared illumination system(IRIS)was used to support the identification of the ureter by near-infrared light and total pelvic exenteration could be safely performed.

[A Case of Synchronous Solitary Splenic Metastasis of Sigmoid Colon Cancer Treated with Laparoscopic Resection]

An 82-year-old woman presented to our hospital with chief complaints of lower abdominal pain and nausea. Contrast- enhanced CT showed ileus of sigmoid colon cancer and a solitary splenic tumor. A metallic stent was placed for the primary lesion. FDG-PET showed high FDG accumulation in the solitary splenic tumor, and synchronous solitary splenic metastasis was diagnosed. Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy and laparoscopic splenectomy were performed without changing the intraoperative position or port arrangement. Postoperative progress was favorable. The patient was discharged 9 days after surgery, and no sign of recurrence has been observed to date, at 4 months after surgery. Solitary splenic metastasis of colorectal cancer is extremely rare. This is the first case report of synchronous solitary splenic metastasis of colorectal cancer treated with laparoscopic resection in Japan. This procedure is considered effective and minimally invasive. We review and discuss the Japanese literature on this rare disease.

[A Case of Sigmoid Colon Cancer with Bladder Fistula Treated by Laparoscopic Radical Resection]

The patient was a woman in her 70 s. Computed tomography(CT)showed a sigmoid colon tumor invading the uterus and ovaries, and a fistula to the bladder. The patient was scheduled to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC), but while waiting for treatment, generalized peritonitis due to perforation of the tumor was observed, and a laparoscopic transverse colostomy was performed. After NAC with CAPOX and FOLFIRI plus panitumumab, the tumor was found to have shrunk, and a laparoscopic posterior pelvic exenteration was performed. The bladder including the fistula was partially resected, and the tumor, uterus, and right ovary were resected in combination as R0, besides the ureter and remaining bladder could be preserved. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient is alive without recurrence to date. In this article, we report a case of a patient with sigmoid colon cancer with a bladder fistula who underwent laparoscopic surgery after NAC, and bladder function could be preserved, with some discussion of the literature.

[A Case of Metastatic Liver Tumor from Colon Cancer with Preoperative Diagnosis Obtained by Immunohistochemical Analysis of Cytologic Specimen]

A woman in her 50s underwent sigmoid colectomy and D3 lymph node dissection for sigmoid cancer(pT3, N0, M0, Stage Ⅱ: Japanese Classification of Colorectal, Appendiceal, and Anal Carcinoma 9th). She received adjuvant chemotherapy with capecitabine. Seven months after surgery, contrast-enhanced computed tomography( CECT) scan revealed a small mass in the segment 2 (S2) of the liver with dilation of peripheral intrahepatic bile duct, and the size of this mass and the bile duct dilatation were gradually increased. FDG positron emission tomography(FDG-PET)/CT showed abnormal FDG uptakes in the lesion of S2, and EOB-MRI detected other small lesions in the S6 and S7. Considering the results of image examinations, multiple lesions intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma was firstly assumed. However, immunohistochemistry of the tumor obtained by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) showed cytokeratin 7-negative. Based on preoperative diagnosis of liver metastasis from colon cancer rather than intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, we performed left lobectomy, partial hepatectomy of S6 and S7 and cholecystectomy. In the resected specimen, the tumor was macroscopically located in the intrahepatic bile ducts. Microscopically, there existed atypical epithelial cells with glandular duct-like structure, and the lesions was histopathologically diagnosed as metastasis from colon cancer. She was discharged on the 10th postoperative day, and she is alive without recurrence one year after surgery.

A Rare Occurrence: Triple 'True' Metachronous Endometrial, Nasal Cavity and Recto-Sigmoid Cancer

Incidence of multiple primary malignancies is reportedly increasing globally. Limited cases of triple metachronous cancers are available in the literature. Here, we report a case of a female with an unusual combination of triple metachronous malignancy over a span of 15 years involving endometrium, nasal cavity and rectosigmoid that has not been reported before in the literature. Keywords: multiple primary malignancy; triple metachronous cancer; nasal squamous cell cancer; endometrial cancer; recto-sigmoid cancer; Lynch Syndrome.

[A case of ischemic proctitis caused by impaired venous blood flow 11 months after surgery for sigmoid colon cancer]

A Japanese male in his 50s was presented to our hospital with the chief complaint of positive fecal immunochemical test. He had a history of hypertension. He underwent colonoscopy and was diagnosed with sigmoid colon cancer. He also underwent laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy with D3 lymph node dissection for sigmoid colon cancer. The inferior mesenteric artery and inferior mesenteric vein were amputated at the root of the vessels. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy and was recurrence-free. Eleven months after the surgery, lower abdominal pain during defecation appeared. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and colonoscopy showed marked rectal mucosal edema and increased fatty tissue density (dirty fat sign) around the anorectal side of the anastomosis. Intestinal blood flow was maintained. There were many fine blood vessels around the rectal wall, and the amputated distal part of the superior rectal artery was retrogradely contrasted. Amputated superior rectal artery and superior rectal vein were dilated than before. Colonoscopy revealed mucosal redness, edema, and easy bleeding on the anorectal side of the anastomosis. Abdominal contrast-enhanced 3D-CT showed increased arterial blood flow and increased fine blood vessels around the rectal wall. It suggested the presence of an arteriovenous fistula and venous congestion. Conservative treatment with total parenteral nutrition and prednisolone infusion did not improve the patient's condition, and a colostomy was performed. After colostomy, the pain improved, and the CT scan of the abdomen showed improvement in arterial blood flow and venous congestion. Colostomy was closed after 10 months. There has been no relapse since the closure of the colostomy. There are few reports on ischemic proctitis on the anorectal side of the anastomosis after colon cancer resection due to impaired venous blood flow.

[Irreducible Indirect Inguinal Hernia Caused by Sigmoid Colon Cancer Entering Right Groin:A Case Report]

We reported a case of irreducible indirect inguinal hernia caused by sigmoid colon cancer entering the right groin.The patient complained about a right groin mass for more than 60 years with progressive enlargement for 3 years and pain for half a month.Abdominal CT examination at admission showed rectum and sigmoid colon hernia in the right inguinal area and thickening of sigmoid colon wall.Electronic colonoscopy and pathological diagnosis showed sigmoid colon cancer.Therefore,the result of preliminary diagnosis was irreducible indirect inguinal hernia caused by sigmoid colon cancer entering the right groin.We converted laparoscopic exploration to laparotomy followed by radical sigmoidectomy and employed end-to-end anastomosis of descending colon and rectum in combination with repair of right inguinal hernia.The patient recovered well after operation and was discharged.

A new spray-type adhesion barrier (AdSpray) improves condition for surgical treatment in the reversal of Hartmann procedure: A case report

RATIONALE

Hartmann procedure (HP) often causes severe postoperative adhesions in the pelvic space; therefore, the reversal of Hartmann procedure (RHP) is a challenging surgery. A new spray-type antiadhesion agent, AdSpray, has been reported to be useful in three-dimensional fields such as the liver. However, there are no reports of its use in HP. We present a case of a male patient with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic HP with AdSpray to prevent postoperative adhesions.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 52-year-old man presented with melena and constipation.

DIAGNOSIS

Colonoscopy revealed an almost obstructive type II tumor at the rectosigmoid colon, and histopathological examination revealed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography revealed slightly enlarged regional lymph nodes but no ascites around the tumor, and there was no metastasis to the liver or lungs. Therefore, we diagnosed clinical stage T4aN1bM0 rectosigmoid colon cancer. Intraoperatively, a metastatic tumor of the liver surface and a high degree of valve retention in the oral colon were identified.

INTERVENTIONS

After performing laparoscopic HP with AdSpray, we scheduled a laparoscopic RHP with staged hepatic surgery for synchronous liver metastasis from colorectal cancer 1 month later.

OUTCOMES

No postoperative inflammatory adhesions were observed in the pelvis or around the rectal stump, allowing us to perform RHP by a single-incision laparoscopic surgery from the stoma site without any problem. The operation time for RHP was 80 minutes; the patient was in good general condition after the operation, and he was discharged on postoperative day 7.

LESSONS

In laparoscopic HP, Adspray was easy to use for three-dimensional fields such as the pelvis and effectively prevented postoperative inflammatory adhesions. Thus, RHP may become less risky and be performed more as a minimally invasive surgery.

[A Case of Multiple Hepatic Metastases after Surgery for Low Differentiated Mucous Cancer of Sigmoid Colon with Notable Mesenteric Infiltration in Which Chemotherapy Was Effective]

Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colon occasionally develops from the submucosa, depending on the pattern of onset; therefore, in many cases, it is already advanced at the time of diagnosis. This type of cancer is known to have a poor prognosis. We report the case of a 59-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain on defecation for 1 month. A mass was palpable in the lower part of her abdomen. On computed tomography(CT), an extrinsic mass was seen in the sigmoid colon, and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy findings suggested an invasive tumor originating from another organ outside the intestinal wall. A high level of the tumor marker CEA(40.8 ng/mL)was observed. No findings suggestive of malignancy were present on biopsy examination, Colorectal cancer was suspected, for which a sigmoidectomy was performed. On histopathological examination, though there was little to indicate a primary colon tumor on HE staining, due to strong CDX2 positivity it was suspected to be an intestinal-type adenocarcinoma. The final clinical diagnosis was unclassifiable, poorly differentiated, mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colon. Multiple liver metastases appeared 4 months postoperatively, which were treated with XELOX plus BV and FOLFIRI plus BV. CT evaluation 24 months postoperatively showed a complete response radiographically. This case of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colon, in which chemotherapy was successful and long-term survival of 5 years and 2 months was achieved postoperatively, is reported together with a discussion of the literature.