Ventral hernia repairs in the oldest-old: high-risk regardless of approach

Background

Ventral hernia repairs (VHR) are among the most common procedures performed by general surgeons. Even though the US population is aging, outcomes of VHR in the elderly and oldest-old (≥80 years) are not well documented. Our study aims to evaluate the short-term outcomes of VHR in the oldest-old patients.

Methods

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried for all patients who underwent VHR based on Current Procedural Terminology codes between 2005 and 2011. Chi square, Fisher’s exact and two-tailed Student’s t test were used to compare baseline characteristics and outcomes. Binary logistic regression was used to control for confounding variables. Odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were reported when applicable.

Results

We identified 123,151 patients who underwent a VHR; 4,917 (4 %) were ≥80 years of age. The incidence of laparoscopy increased from 19.8 % in 2009–23.2 % in 2011 (p < 0.001). 30-day unadjusted mortality was 1.7 versus 0.1 % for younger patients (p < 0.001). After controlling for baseline differences, age ≥80 years was an independent predictor of overall morbidity (OR 1.4, 95 % CI 1.3–1.6, p < 0.001), serious morbidity (OR 1.6, 95 % CI 1.4–1.8, p < 0.001) and mortality (OR 3.5, 95 % CI 2.5–4.6, p < 0.001). Oldest-old patients undergoing laparoscopic VHR had a lower incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) compared with patients with open repair (1 vs. 3.4 %, p = 0.001). Mortality, serious morbidity and overall morbidity were not significantly different.

Conclusions

VHR in the oldest-old carried significantly higher 30-day overall morbidity, serious morbidity and mortality, compared with younger patients. The use of laparoscopy was associated with improved SSI. Mortality and morbidity were associated with emergency surgery, wound classification and baseline comorbidities, but not surgical approach.     

Increased mortality with undertriaged patients in a mature trauma center with an aggressive trauma team activation system

Purpose

The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS-COT) has determined that a 5 % pre-hospital undertriage [UT; defined as Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 15 and not sent to a trauma center] is an acceptable rate for pre-hospital transfer to a non-trauma center. We sought to determine if this level of undertriage is acceptable within a mature Level II trauma center as a measure of the adequacy of its trauma activation system.

Methods

Our trauma activation system encompasses anatomic, physiologic, and mechanism of injury criteria. We defined UT as ISS > 15 and no trauma activation. All UT patients during the period 2000–2010 were compared to properly triaged patients (CT). The variables examined were mortality, emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, complications, Coumadin use, and age >64 years.

Results

There were 18,324 patients admitted, with 1,156 (6.3 %) UT. UT is associated with an increase in mortality [odds ratio (OR) 3.0; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.4–3.8; p < 0.001), longer ED LOS (OR 54.5; 95 % CI 45.5–63.5; p < 0.001), and longer hospital LOS (OR 1.7; 95 % CI 1.4–2.1; p < 0.001). In addition, UT patients had a two-fold increase in complications (OR 2.0; 95 % CI 1.6–2.5; p < 0.001). When controlling for age ≥65 years, Revised Trauma Score (RTS) > 7.0, and one or more co-morbidities, UT patients had 2.18 times higher odds of mortality than their CT counterparts (OR 2.18; 95 % CI 1.57–3.01; p < 0.001). Patients on pre-hospital Coumadin (OR 3.61; 95 % CI 3.04–4.30; p < 0.001) and age >64 years (OR 4.93; 95 % CI 4.36–5.58; p < 0.001) were significant predictors of being undertriaged. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered to be significant.

Conclusions

Standard trauma activation criteria may not be adequate to identify the at-risk severely injured trauma patient. Further refinement of in-house trauma triage protocols is necessary if trauma centers are to improve outcomes following trauma.     

A Meta-Analysis to Determine the Effect of Primary Tumor Resection for Stage IV Colorectal Cancer with Unresectable Metastases on Patient Survival

Background

Approximately 20 % of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer will have distant metastases at first presentation (stage IV disease). The effect of removing the primary tumor on survival for patients with stage IV disease with unresectable metastases remains unclear. To address this a meta-analysis of all studies comparing primary tumor resection with chemotherapy alone in cases of stage IV colorectal cancer with unresectable metastases was performed.

Methods

A comprehensive search for published studies examining the effect of primary tumor resection in the setting of colorectal cancer with unresectable metastases was performed. Each study was reviewed and data extracted. Random-effects methods were used to combine data.

Results

There were 21 studies including a total of 44,226 patients that met the inclusion criteria. Resection of the primary tumor in patients with unresectable metastases compared with chemotherapy alone was associated with a lower mortality risk (OR 0.28; 95 % CI 0.165–0.474; P < 0.001), translating into a difference in mean survival of 6.4 months in favor of resection (95 % CI 5.025–7.858, P < 0.001). Patients who underwent resection of the primary tumor were more likely to have liver metastasis only (OR 1.551; 95 % CI 1.247–1.929; P < 0.001), were less likely to have ≥2 metastasis (OR 0.653; 95 % CI 0.508–0.839; P = 0.001), and were less likely to have rectal cancer (OR 0.495; 95 % CI 0.390–0.629; P < 0.001). There was significant cross-study heterogeneity.

Conclusions

Resection of the primary tumor may confer a survival advantage in stage IV colorectal cancer with unresectable metastases but significant selection bias exists in current studies. Randomized controlled trials are essential to validate these findings.     

Increased Postoperative Complications in Bilateral Mastectomy Patients Compared to Unilateral Mastectomy: An Analysis of the NSQIP Database

Background

Recent studies indicate that women with unilateral breast cancer are choosing contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) at an increasing rate. There is limited literature evaluating the postoperative complication rates associated with CPM without breast reconstruction. The objective of this study was to compare postoperative complications in women undergoing unilateral mastectomy (UM) and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) to those undergoing bilateral mastectomy (BM) and SLNB for the treatment of their breast cancer.

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) Participant Use Files between 2007 and 2010 were used to identify women with breast cancer undergoing UM or BM with SLNB. Individual and composite end points of 30-day complications were used to compare both groups by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

We identified 4,219 breast cancer patients who had a SLNB: 3,722 (88.2 %) had UM and 497 (11.8 %) had BM. The wound complication rate was significantly higher in the BM group versus the UM group, 5.8 % versus 2.9 % [unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.1, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.3–3.3, P < 0.01]. The overall 30-day complication rate in UM patients was 4.2 % versus 7.6 % in the BM group (unadjusted OR 1.9, 95 % CI 1.3–2.7, P < 0.01). The adjusted OR for overall complications adjusting for important patient characteristics was 1.9 (95 % CI 1.3–2.8, P < 0.01). Independent predictors of overall postoperative complications were body mass index (OR 1.1, P < 0.01) and smoking (OR 2.2, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

For patients with breast cancer, bilateral mastectomy is associated with an increased risk of wound and overall postoperative complications. Discussion of these outcomes is imperative when counseling women contemplating CPM.     

Systematic review and meta-analysis of endoscopic submucosal dissection versus transanal endoscopic microsurgery for large noninvasive rectal lesions

Background

For almost 30 years, transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has been the mainstay treatment for large rectal lesions. With the advent of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), flexible endoscopy has aimed at en bloc R0 resection of superficial lesions of the digestive tract. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the safety and effectiveness of ESD and full-thickness rectal wall excision by TEM in the treatment of large nonpedunculated rectal lesions preoperatively assessed as noninvasive.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature published between 1984 and 2010 was conducted (Registration no. CRD42012001882). Data were integrated with those from the original databases requested from the study authors when needed. Pooled estimates of the proportions of patients with en bloc R0 resection, complications, recurrence, and need for further treatment in the ESD and TEM series were compared using random-effects single-arm meta-analysis.

Results

This review included 11 ESD and 10 TEM series (2,077 patients). The en bloc resection rate was 87.8 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 84.3–90.6) for the ESD patients versus 98.7 % (95 % CI 97.4–99.3 %) for the TEM patients (P < 0.001). The R0 resection rate was 74.6 % (95 % CI 70.4–78.4 %) for the ESD patients versus 88.5 % (95 % CI 85.9–90.6 %) for the TEM patients (P < 0.001). The postoperative complications rate was 8.0 % (95 %, CI 5.4–11.8 %) for the ESD patients versus 8.4 % (95 % CI 5.2–13.4 %) for the TEM patients (P = 0.874). The recurrence rate was 2.6 % (95 % CI 1.3–5.2 %) for the ESD patients versus 5.2 % (95 % CI 4.0–6.9 %) for the TEM patients (P < 0.001). Nevertheless, the rate for the overall need of further abdominal treatment, defined as any type of surgery performed through an abdominal access, including both complications and pathology indications, was 8.4 % (95 % CI 4.9–13.9 %) for the ESD patients versus 1.8 % (95 % CI 0.8–3.7 %) for the TEM patients (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The ESD procedure appears to be a safe technique, but TEM achieves a higher R0 resection rate when performed in full-thickness fashion, significantly reducing the need for further abdominal treatment.     

Risk factors for increased left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with chronic kidney disease

Background

Although left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has been established as a predictor of cardiovascular events in chronic kidney disease (CKD), the relationship between the prevalence of LVH and CKD stage during the predialysis period has not been fully examined.

Methods

We measured left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in a cross-sectional cohort of participants in the Chronic Kidney Disease Japan Cohort (CKD-JAC) study in order to identify factors that are associated with increased LVMI in patients with stage 3–5 CKD. LVH was defined as LVMI > 125 g/m² in male patients and >110 g/m² in female patients.

Results

We analyzed baseline characteristics in 1185 participants (male 63.7 %, female 36.3 %). Diabetes mellitus was the underlying disease in 41.3 % of patients, and mean age was 61.8 ± 11.1 years. LVH was detected in 21.7 % of patients at baseline. By multivariate logistic analysis, independent risk factors for LVH were past history of cardiovascular disease (odds ratio [OR] 0.574; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.360–0.916; P = 0.020), systolic blood pressure (OR 1.179; 95 % CI 1.021–1.360; P = 0.025), body mass index (OR 1.135; 95 % CI 1.074–1.200; P < 0.001), and serum calcium level (OR 0.589; 95 % CI 0.396–0.876; P = 0.009).

Conclusion

Cross-sectional baseline data from the CKD-JAC study shed light on the association between LVH and risk factors in patients with decreased renal function. Further longitudinal analyses of the CKD-JAC cohort are needed to evaluate the prognostic value of LVH in CKD patients.     

Hepatic Pedicle Clamping Does Not Worsen Survival after Hepatic Resection for Colorectal Liver Metastasis: Results from a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Hepatic pedicle clamping (HPC) has been demonstrated to be effective for short-term outcomes during hepatic resection. However, HPC-induced hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury can accelerate the outgrowth of hepatic micrometastases in experimental studies. The conclusive evidence regarding effects of HPC on long-term patient outcomes after hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) has not been determined.

Methods

A comprehensive electronic literature search was performed to identify studies evaluating the oncological effects of HPC after hepatic resection for CRLM. The main outcome measures were intrahepatic recurrence (IHR), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). A meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects models to compute odds ratio (OR) along with 95 % confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Four studies, with a total of 2,114 patients (73.7 % HPC, 26.3 % non-HPC), matched the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses revealed that IHR (OR 0.88; 95 % CI 0.69–1.11; P = 0.27), DFS (OR 0.88; 95 % CI 0.70–1.10; P = 0.27) and OS (OR 0.99; 95 % CI 0.79–1.24; P = 0.90) did not differ significantly between the HPC and non-HPC groups.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis provides persuasive evidence that HPC during hepatic resection for CRLM has no significant adverse oncological outcomes. HPC should be considered an option during parenchymal liver resection from current available evidence.     

In-hospital mortality in patients with renal dysfunction admitted for myocardial infarction: the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy database of hospital admissions

Background

In-hospital mortality of patients with myocardial infarction (MI) in different European populations and renal dysfunction is variable. We aimed to evaluate in-hospital mortality for MI in chronic kidney disease (CKD), in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and in subjects admitted for MI without renal dysfunction living in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.

Methods

We considered all cases of MI (first event) recorded in the database of hospital admissions of the region Emilia-Romagna of Italy, from January 1999 to December 2009. The criterion for inclusion was the presence, as a first discharge diagnosis, of acute MI (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification). The Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), with the exclusion of CKD, was calculated. The outcome variable was in-hospital mortality for MI, and its association with comorbidities, CKD and ESRD, was analyzed.

Results

During the considered period, 88,014 cases of first MI were recorded. The percentage of patients admitted with MI and died during hospitalization were higher in patients with ESRD (38.3 %) and CKD (16.5 %) than in those without renal dysfunction (14 %) (p < 0.01). In CKD and ESRD patients, data of in-hospital mortality for MI exhibited a twofold increase in the analyzed period. In-hospital mortality for MI was independently associated with age (OR 1.077, 95 % CI 1.075–1.080, p < 0.001), CCI excluding CKD (OR 1.101, 95 % CI 1.069–1.134, p < 0.001), cerebrovascular disease (OR 1.450, 95 % CI 1.349–1.557, p < 0.001), malignancy (OR 1.234, 95 % CI 1.153–1.320, p < 0.001), and ESRD (OR 4.137, 95 % CI 3.511–4.875, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

As for the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, in-hospital mortality for MI is increasing over the last years, and mortality seems to be related with patients’ comorbidities and presence of advanced stages of CKD.     

High Expression of Glucose Transporter 1 on Primary Lesions of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma is Associated with Hematogenous Recurrence

Purpose

Glucose transporter type 1 (Glut1) plays a crucial role in cancer-specific metabolism to adapt to the rapid growth and tumor microenvironment in diverse malignant tumors. This study examined the clinical, pathological, and prognostic features of Glut1 expression on primary lesions of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining of Glut1 and CD34 was performed using paraffin-embedded sections of tissues obtained from 145 resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients without preoperative treatment. Microvessel density was calculated from CD34 staining.

Results

Glut1 positivity was observed in 41 patients (28.2 %) and associated with depth of invasion [odds ratio (OR) 2.984; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.208–7.371; P = 0.018] and vascular invasion (OR 2.771; 95 % CI 1.118–6.871; P = 0.028) in multivariate analysis. Glut1 positivity was a significant disadvantage to both relapse-free survival [hazard ratio (HR) 2.021; 95 % CI 1.100–3.712; P = 0.023] and esophageal cancer-specific survival (HR 2.223; 95 % CI 1.121–4.411; P = 0.022) in univariate Cox hazard analysis, but was not independently associated with relapse-free survival or cancer-specific survival in multivariate analysis. The relationship between Glut1 expression and first relapse site was investigated. Glut1 positivity was not associated with lymph node recurrence (HR 1.009; 95 % CI 0.402–2.530; P = 0.985) but was significantly associated with hematogenous recurrence (HR 3.701; 95 % CI 1.655–8.273; P = 0.001) in univariate Cox hazard analysis. Microvessel density was calculated to evaluate angiogenesis, and it was observed that Glut1 positivity was significantly associated with high microvessel density (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Glut1 expression was associated with hematogenous recurrence. The findings provide evidence of the significance of Glut1 expression as a biomarker.     

Discriminating sarcopenia in community-dwelling older women with high frequency of overweight/obesity: the São Paulo Ageing & Health Study (SPAH)

Summary

The criteria most used for the definition of sarcopenia, those based on the ratio between the appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and the square of the height (h²) underestimate prevalence in overweight/obese people whereas another criteria consider ASM adjusted for total fat mass. We have shown that ASM adjusted for fat seems to be more appropriate for sarcopenia diagnosis.

Introduction

Since the prevalence of overweight and obesity is a growing public health issue, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors associated with sarcopenia, based on these two criteria, among older women.

Methods

Six hundred eleven community-dwelling women were evaluated by specific questionnaire including clinical data. Body composition and bone mineral density were evaluated by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors independently related to sarcopenia by ASM/h² and ASM adjusted for total fat mass criteria.

Results

The prevalence of overweight/obesity was high (74.3 %). The frequency of sarcopenia was lower using the criteria of ASM/h² (3.7 %) than ASM adjusted for fat (19.9 %) (P?<?0.0001). We also note that less than 5 %(1/23) of sarcopenic women, according to ASM/h², had overweight/obesity, whereas 60 % (74/122) of sarcopenic women by ASM adjusted for fat had this complication. Using ASM/h², the associated factors observed in regression models were femoral neck T-score (OR?=?1.90; 95 % CI 1.06–3.41; P?=?0.03) and current alcohol intake (OR?=?4.13, 95 % CI 1.18–14.45, P?=?0.03). In contrast, we have identified that creatinine (OR?=?0.21; 95 % CI 0.07–0.63; P?=?0.005) and the White race (OR?=?1.81; 95 % CI 1.15–2.84; P?=?0.01) showed a significant association with sarcopenia using ASM adjusted for fat.

Conclusions

In women with overweight/obesity, ASM adjusted for fat seems to be the more appropriate criteria for sarcopenia diagnosis. This finding has relevant public health implications, considering the high prevalence of overweight/obesity in older women.     

Antiviral Therapy Decreases Recurrence of Hepatitis B Virus-related Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Curative Resection: A Meta-analysis

Background

The long-term outcome after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unsatisfactory because of the high incidence of recurrence. The present study was intended to assess the impact of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level and nucleos(t)ide analog therapy on posthepatectomy recurrence of HBV-related HCC.

Methods

Eligible studies were identified through a computerized literature search. The pooled relative risk ratio (RR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) was calculated using Review Manager 5.1 Software.

Results

Twenty studies with a total of 8,204 participants were included for this meta-analysis. Pooled analysis showed that high viral load was significantly associated with risk of recurrence (RR: 1.85, 95 % CI: 1.41–2.42; P < 0.001), poorer disease-free survival (DFS) (RR: 1.96, 95 % CI: 1.62–2.38; P < 0.001), and poorer overall survival (OS) (RR: 1.47, 95 % CI: 1.22–1.77; P < 0.001) of HBV-related HCC after surgical resection. Nucleos(t)ide analog therapy significantly decreased the recurrence risk (RR: 0.69, 95 % CI: 0.59–0.80; P < 0.001) and improved both DFS (RR: 0.70, 95 % CI: 0.58–0.83; P < 0.001) and OS (RR: 0.46, 95 % CI: 0.32–0.68; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

High DNA level is associated with posthepatectomy recurrence of HBV-related HCC. Nucleos(t)ide analog therapy improves the prognosis of HBV-related HCC after resection.     

Risk factors for complications and mortality of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: a multicenter, retrospective study

Background

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is performed to provide nutrition to patients with swallowing difficulties. A multicenter study was conducted to evaluate the predictors of complications and mortality after PEG placement.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent initial PEG placement between January 2004 and December 2011 at seven tertiary hospitals in the Republic of Korea.

Results

All 1,625 patients underwent PEG placement by the pull-string method. The median age of the patients was 66 years, and 1,108 of the patients were men. The median follow-up period was 254 days. The common indications were stroke (31.6 %) and malignancy (18.9 %). The complication rate was 13.2 %. The prophylactic use of antibiotics (odds ratio [OR], 0.58; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.38–0.88; p = 0.010) reduced the PEG-related infection rate, but the actual usage rate was 81.1 %. The use of anticoagulants (OR, 7.26; 95 % CI, 2.23–23.68; p = 0.001) and the presence of diabetes mellitus (OR, 4.02; 95 % CI, 1.49–10.87; p = 0.006) increased the risk of bleeding, but antiplatelet therapy did not. The procedural, 30-day, and overall mortality rates were 0.2, 2.4 and 14.0 %, respectively. Serum albumin levels lower than 31.5 g/L (OR, 8.55; 95 % CI, 3.11–23.45; p < 0.001) and C-reactive protein levels higher than 21.5 mg/L (OR, 3.01; 95 % CI, 1.27–7.16; p = 0.012) increased the risk of 30-day mortality, and the patients who had both risk factors had a significantly shorter median survival time than those who did not (1,740 vs 3,181 days) (p < 0.001, log-rank).

Conclusions

The findings showed PEG to be a safe and feasible procedure, but the patient’s nutritional and inflammatory status should be considered in predicting the outcomes of PEG placement.     

Impact of cumulative time on the clinical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection in gastric neoplasm

Background

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can be technically demanding and requires great attention to detail and prolonged concentration. We assumed that clinical outcomes of ESDs may be affected by cumulative time, and we aimed to compare complete resection rates and adverse events according to cumulative ESD time.

Methods

This study involved 1,328 consecutive patients with 1,461 gastric tumors who underwent ESD from January 2008 to July 2011 in a tertiary-care academic medical center. The main outcome measurements were en bloc resection rate, complete resection rate, bleeding rate and perforation rate.

Results

Patients were divided into three groups according to cumulative time intervals (<2 h vs. 2–4 h vs. ≥4 h). Complete resection rate did not differ among the three groups, but early post-ESD bleeding (EPEB) rate was significantly different among the three groups (2.5 vs. 3.5 % vs. 6.6 %, P = 0.040). In multivariate analysis, cumulative time period was an independent predictor of EPEB (2–4 h odds ratio [OR] 2.29, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.05–5.01, P = 0.038; ≥4 h OR 3.99; 95 % CI, 2.15–7.65, P < 0.001). The rate of perforation was higher in ESDs performed after completing prior endoscopies or outpatient clinic session compared to those performed without prior work (3.8 vs. 1.6 %, P = 0.004). Moreover, prior workload before ESD was an independent predictor of perforation in multivariate analysis (OR 2.77, 95 % CI, 1.37–5.60, P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that cumulative ESD time did not influence en bloc or complete resection rate of ESD, but increased the rate of acute bleeding. Moreover, prior workload before ESDs may increase the risk of perforation.     

Resection for Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Analysis of Prognostic Factors and the Impact of Systemic Inflammation on Long-term Outcome

Introduction

Resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma is the single hope for long-term survival.

Methods

Ninety patients underwent curative intent surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma between 1996 and 2012. The potential prognostic factors were assessed by univariate (Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank test) and multivariate analyses (Cox proportional hazards model).

Results

The median overall and disease-free survivals were 26 and 17 months, respectively. The multivariate analysis identified R0 resection (HR?=?0.03, 95 % CI 0–0.19, p?<?0.001), caudate lobe invasion (HR?=?6.33, 95 % CI 1.31–30.46, p?=?0.021), adjuvant gemcitabine-based chemotherapy (HR?=?0.38, 95 % CI 0.15–0.94, p?=?0.037), and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (HR?=?0.78, 95 % CI 0.62–0.98, p?=?0.036) as independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival. The independent prognostic factors for overall survival were R0 resection (HR?=?0.03, 95 % CI 0–0.22, p?<?0.001), caudate lobe invasion (HR?=?11.75, 95 % CI 1.65–83.33, p?=?0.014), and adjuvant gemcitabine-based chemotherapy (HR?=?0.19, 95 % CI 0.06–0.56, p?=?0.003).

Conclusions

The negative resection margin represents the most important prognostic factor. Adjuvant gemcitabine-based chemotherapy appears to benefit survival. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio may potentially be used to stratify patients for future clinical trials.     

PSA-nadir at 1 year as a sound contemporary prognostic factor for low-dose-rate iodine-125 seeds brachytherapy

Objectives

To identify predictors of outcomes in patients with localized prostate cancer treated with iodine-125 brachytherapy in a longitudinal uncontrolled study.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2011, 560 histologically confirmed patients were treated with brachytherapy of whom 305 with ≥24-month follow-up and localized tumor were evaluated after exclusion of those locally advanced and under androgen ablation.

Results

Patients’ mean age was 63.93 years (44–88), mean pretreatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 6.34 ng/mL (0.67–33.09), overall median follow-up was 75.35 months (24–158.37), biochemical recurrence occurred in 17 patients (5.57 %), cancer-specific survival was 100 %, and overall survival was 98.03 %. At multivariate analyses, only PSA-nadir at 1 year and age were related to disease-free survival: To each unit of PSA-nadir, the risk increases 87.3 %—OR 1.87 (p < 0.001; 95 % CI 1.31–2.67), and risk was 4.7 times higher for those under 50 years (vs. >70)—OR 4.69 (p = 0.04; 95 % CI 1.39–18.47). Best cutoff for PSA-nadir at one year was 0.285 (AUC = 0.78; p < 0.001; 95 % CI 0.68–0.89). Kaplan–Meier analysis confirmed PSA-nadir (p < 0.001) as prognostic, while D’Amico’s classification failed (p = 0.24). No grade 3 or 4 complication was reported, and only 31.4 % of patients had grade 2 urinary or rectal toxicity. PSA bounce ≥0.4 ng/mL occurred in 18.4 % with no impact on biochemical recurrence.

Conclusions

Half (50.49 %) of patients in the scenario of localized prostate cancer treated with iodine-125 brachytherapy reach PSA-nadir at 1 year <0.285, recognized as a key independent prognostic factor.

Graphical Abstract

[Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis for PSA-nadir at 1 year]      

Prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms in healthy asymptomatic Japanese adults: differences in gender and age

Background

We aimed to assess the prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) in healthy asymptomatic adults, and investigate the differences in incidence due to gender and age in Japan.

Methods

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) results of healthy asymptomatic adults who underwent the procedure for examination of the brain, from April 2010 to March 2012, were retrospectively examined. Patients with a history of ruptured aneurysm and UIAs were excluded. UIAs greater than 2.0 mm in size were counted. In accordance with these criteria, 8,696 people with a mean age of 52.2?±?9.5 years were examined, and 37.4 % of these individuals were women.

Results

The overall prevalence of UIAs was 3.2 %. The prevalence in women was higher than that in men (4.4 % versus 2.5 %, OR, 1.81; 95 % CI, 1.4 to 2.31). The prevalence increased with age in both genders. In under 49 years, the prevalence in women and men were 2.7 % and 1.9 %, respectively, with no significant differences (OR, 1.47; CI, 0.91 to 2.37). In over 50 years, the prevalence in women was higher than that in men (5.4 % versus 2.8 %, OR, 2.01; CI, 1.52–2.67). There were significant differences in the locations of UIAs by gender (P?<?0.001); Internal carotid artery was more frequent in women, whereas anterior cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery were more common in men.

Conclusions

This study provides etiological data on the prevalence of UIAs in healthy asymptomatic Japanese adults, and may be useful in determining therapeutic managements for UIAs.     

The effect of low concentrations versus high concentrations of local anesthetics for labour analgesia on obstetric and anesthetic outcomes: a meta-analysis

Introduction

The influence that different concentrations of labour epidural local anesthetic have on assisted vaginal delivery (AVD) and many obstetric outcomes and side effects is uncertain. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine whether local anesthetics utilized at low concentrations (LCs) during labour are associated with a decreased incidence of AVD when compared with high concentrations (HCs).

Methods

We searched PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, clinicaltrials.gov, and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials of labouring patients that compared LCs (defined as ≤ 0.1% epidural bupivacaine or ≤ 0.17% ropivacaine) of epidural local anesthetic with HCs for maintenance of analgesia. The primary outcome was AVD and secondary outcomes included Cesarean delivery, duration of labour, analgesia, side effects (nausea and vomiting, motor block, hypotension, pruritus, and urinary retention), and neonatal outcomes. The odds ratios (OR) or weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random effects modelling. An OR < 1 or a WMD < 0 favoured LCs.

Results

Eleven studies met our criteria (eight bupivacaine and three ropivacaine studies), providing 1,145 patients in the LCs group and 852 patients in the HCs group for analysis of the primary outcome. Low concentrations were associated with a reduction in the incidence of AVD (OR = 0.70; 95% CI 0.56 to 0.86; P < 0.001). There was no difference in the incidence of Cesarean delivery (OR 1.05; 95% CI 0.82 to 1.33; P = 0.7). The LCs group had less motor block (OR 3.9; 95% CI 1.59 to 9.55; P = 0.003), greater ambulation (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.1 to 7.14; P = 0.03), less urinary retention (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.73; P = 0.002), and a shorter second stage of labour (WMD ?14.03; 95% CI ?27.52 to ?0.55; P = 0.04) compared with the HCs group. There were no differences between groups in pain scores, maternal nausea and vomiting, hypotension, fetal heart rate abnormalities, five-minute Apgar scores, and need for neonatal resuscitation. One-minute Apgar scores < 7 favoured the HCs group (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.07 to 2.21; P = 0.02), and there was more pruritus in the LCs group (OR 3.36; 95% CI 1.00 to 11.31; P = 0.05).

Conclusion

When compared with HCs of local anesthetics, the use of LCs for labour epidural analgesia reduces the incidence of AVD. This may be due to a reduction in the amount of local anesthetic used and the subsequent decrease in motor blockade. We therefore recommend the use of LCs of local anesthetics for epidural analgesia to optimize obstetric outcome.     

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing Laparoscopic Versus Open Gastric Resections for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors of the Stomach

Background

This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis that compares the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic gastric resection (LR) versus open gastric resection (OR) for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).

Methods

Comparative studies reporting the outcomes of LR and OR for GIST were reviewed.

Results

A total of 11 nonrandomized studies reviewed 765 patients: 381 LR and 384 OR. A higher proportion of high-risk tumors and gastrectomies were in the OR compared with LR (odds ratio, 3.348; 95 % CI, 1.248–8.983; p = .016) and (odds ratio, .169; 95 % CI, .090–.315; p < .001), respectively. Intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the LR group [weighted mean difference (WMD), ?86.508 ml; 95 % CI, ?141.184 to ?31.831 ml; p < .002]. The LR group was associated with a significantly lower risk of minor complications (odds ratio, .517; 95 % CI, .277–.965; p = .038), a decreased postoperative hospital stay (WMD, ?3.421 days; 95 % CI, ?4.737 to ?2.104 days; p < .001), a shorter time to first flatus (WMD, ?1.395 days; 95 % CI, ?1.655 to ?1.135 days; p < .001), and shorter time for resumption of oral intake (WMD, ?1.887 days; 95 % CI, ?2.785 to ?.989 days; p < .001). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with regard to operation time (WMD, 5.731 min; 95 % CI, ?15.354–26.815 min; p = .594), rate of major complications (odds ratio, .631; 95 % CI, .202–1.969; p = .428), margin positivity (odds ratio, .501; 95 % CI, .157–1.603; p = .244), local recurrence rate (odds ratio, .629; 95 % CI, .208–1.903; p = .412), recurrence-free survival (RFS) (odds ratio, 1.28; 95 % CI, .705–2.325; p = .417), and overall survival (OS) (odds ratio, 1.879; 95 % CI, .591–5.979; p = .285).

Conclusions

LR results in superior short-term postoperative outcomes without compromising oncological safety and long-term oncological outcomes compared with OR.     

Exercise habits during middle age are associated with lower prevalence of sarcopenia: the ROAD study

Summary

The present cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of sarcopenia and clarified its associated factors in 1,000 elderly participants of Japanese population-based cohorts. Exercise habit in middle age was associated with low prevalence of sarcopenia in older age, suggesting that it is a protective factor against sarcopenia in older age.

Introduction

The present study investigated the prevalence of sarcopenia using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) definition, and clarified the association of sarcopenia with physical performance in the elderly participants of Japanese population-based cohorts of the Research on Osteoarthritis/osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) study.

Methods

We enrolled 1,000 participants (aged ≥65 years) from the second visit of the ROAD study who had completed assessment of handgrip strength, gait speed, and skeletal muscle mass measured by bioimpedance analysis. Presence of sarcopenia was determined according to the EWGSOP algorithm. Information collected included exercise habits in middle age.

Results

Prevalence of sarcopenia was 13.8 % in men and 12.4 % in women, and tended to be significantly higher according to increasing age in both sexes. Factors associated with sarcopenia, as determined by logistic regression analysis, were chair stand time (odds ratio [OR], 1.09; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.04–1.14), one-leg standing time (OR, 0.97; 95 % CI, 0.96–0.99), and exercise habit in middle age (OR, 0.53; 95 % CI, 0.31–0.90). Exercise habit in middle age was associated with low prevalence of sarcopenia in older age. Furthermore, linear regression analysis revealed that exercise habits in middle age were significantly associated with grip strength (P?<?.001), gait speed (P?<?.001), and one-leg standing time (P?=?.005) in older age.

Conclusions

This cross-sectional study suggests that exercise habit in middle age is a protective factor against sarcopenia in older age and effective in maintaining muscle strength and physical performance in older age.     

Metaplastic Breast Cancer: To Radiate or Not to Radiate?

Background

The role of radiation therapy (RT) is unclear for metaplastic breast cancer (MBC). We hypothesized that RT would improve overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS).

Materials and Methods

We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to identify MBC patients diagnosed from1988 to 2006. Univariate analyses of patient, tumor, and treatment-specific factors on OS and DSS were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method and differences among survival curves assessed via log rank. Variables assessed included patient age, race/ethnicity, histologic subtype, tumor grade, T stage, N stage, M stage, hormone receptor status, surgery type, and use of RT. Cox proportional hazards models used all univariate covariates. Risks of mortality were reported as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI); significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.

Results

Among 1501 patients, RT was given to 580 (38.6%). Ten-year OS and DSS were 53.2, and 68.3%, respectively. In the overall analysis, RT provided an OS (HR 0.64; 95% CI, 0.51–0.82; P < 0.001) and DSS (HR 0.74; CI, 0.56–0.96; P < 0.03) benefit. When patients were stratified according to type of surgery, RT provided an OS but not a DSS benefit to lumpectomy (HR 0.51; CI, 0.32–0.79, P < 0.01) and mastectomy patients (HR 0.67; CI, 0.49–0.90; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our findings support the use of RT for patients with MBC following lumpectomy or mastectomy. These retrospective findings should be confirmed in a prospective clinical trial.