Long-Term Functional Outcome of Colonic J-pouch Reconstruction After Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer

Purpose To evaluate the long-term functional outcome of colonic J-pouch reconstruction after low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer in a prospective study. Methods We compared the functional outcome of 46 patients who underwent J-pouch reconstruction (J-group) and 49 patients who underwent straight anastomosis (S-group) after LAR for rectal cancer. We evaluated clinical function using a 17-item questionnaire about different aspects of bowel function. Physiologic reservoir function was evaluated by manovolumetry. Results Among the patients with an ultralow anastomosis (≤4 cm from the anal verge), those in the J-group had fewer bowel movements during the day and at night, and less urgency, soiling, protective pad use, incontinence, and dissatisfaction with bowel function than those in the S-group. Among the patients with a low anastomosis (5–8 cm from the verge), those in the J-group had fewer bowel movements at night, and less urgency and soiling than those in the S-group. Moreover, reservoir function (reflected by the maximum tolerable volume, threshold volume, and compliance) was better in the J-group than in the S-group in both the ultralow and low anastomosis groups. Conclusion J-pouch reconstruction after low anterior resection creates a better stool reservoir than straight anastomosis, especially when the anastomosis is less than 4 cm from the anal verge, resulting in a better quality of life 3 years after rectal cancer resection.     

低位/超低位直肠癌结肛吻合术中运用单吻合器及双吻合器技术的疗效比较

目的比较在低位/超低位直肠癌结肛吻合术中运用单吻合器技术（SST）和双吻合器技术（DST）进行吻合重建的效果。方法回顾性分析2009年1月至2010年12月期间四川大学华西医院胃肠外科中心结直肠外科专业组收治的351例低位/超低位直肠癌患者的临床资料,比较采用SST（n=49）和DST（n=302）进行结肛吻合患者的术中和术后情况。结果与DST组比较,SST组患者的肿瘤下缘距齿状线距离较短（P〈0.05）,远端切缘长度较短〔（1.83±0.59）cm比（2.07±0.56）cm,P〈0.05〕,手术时间较长〔（112.86±39.29）min比（100.10±36.75）min,P〈0.05〕,住院费用较低〔（24 350.48±7 812.73）元比（29 455.32±7 869.33）元,P〈0.05〕。而2组患者的术中出血量,首次下床活动时间,首次排气、排便时间,拔除胃管、尿管及引流管时间,术后住院时间、总住院时间及术后并发症发生率比较差异均无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。术后所有患者的肛门控便功能均恢复良好。术后全部获访,随访时间6～24个月,平均16个月。随访期间,局部复发1例（SST组）;远处转移3例（均为DST组）;死亡15例（4.27%）,其中DST组13例（4.30%）,SST组2例（4.08%）。结论低位/超低位直肠癌结肛吻合术中SST的远端切缘长度较DST短,适用于肿瘤位置较低的患者,并且其住院费用也较DST低。     

Roux-en-Y Drainage of the Pancreatic Stump Decreases Pancreatic Fistula After Distal Pancreatic Resection

Clinically relevant fistula after distal pancreatic resection occurs in 5–30% of patients, prolonging recovery and considerably increasing in-hospital stay and costs. We tested whether routine drainage of the pancreatic stump into a Roux-en-Y limb after distal pancreatic resection decreased the incidence of fistula. From October 2001, data of all patients undergoing pancreatic distal resection were entered in a prospective database. From June 2003 after resection, the main pancreatic duct and the pancreatic stump were oversewn, and in addition, anastomosed into a jejunal Roux-en-Y limb by a single-layer suture (n = 23). A drain was placed near the anastomosis, and all patients received octreotide for 5–7 days postoperatively. The volume of the drained fluid was registered daily, and concentration of amylase was measured and recorded every other day. Patient demographics, hospital stay, pancreatic fistula incidence (≥30 ml amylase-rich fluid/day on/after postoperative day 10), perioperative morbidity, and follow-up after discharge were compared with our initial series of patients (treated October 2001–May 2003) who underwent oversewing only (n = 20). Indications, patient demographics, blood loss, and tolerance of an oral diet were similar. There were four (20%) pancreatic fistulas in the “oversewn” group and none in the anastomosis group (p < 0.05). Nonsurgical morbidity, in-hospital stay, and follow-up were comparable in both groups. Wagner and Gloor both contributed equally in this work.     

A Reduction in Delayed Gastric Emptying by Classic Pancreaticoduodenectomy with an Antecolic Gastrojejunal Anastomosis and a Retrogastric Omental Patch

Background  Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) continues to be a major cause of morbidity following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). A change in the method of reconstruction following PD was instituted in an attempt to reduce the incidence DGE. Methods  Patients undergoing PD from January 2002 to December 2008 were reviewed and outcomes determined. Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) with a retrocolic duodenojejunal anastomosis (n = 79) or a classic PD with a retrocolic gastrojejunostomy (n = 36) was performed prior to January 2008. Thereafter, a classic PD with an antecolic gastrojejunal anastomosis and placement of a retrogastric vascular omental patch was undertaken (n = 36). Results  A statistically significant decrease in DGE was noted in the antecolic group compared to the entire retrocolic group (14% vs 40%; p = 0.004) and compared to patients treated by classic PD with a retrocolic anastomosis alone (14% vs 39%; p = 0.016). On multivariate analysis, the only modifiable factor associated with reduced DGE was the antecolic technique with an omental patch, odds ratio (OR) 0.3 (confidence interval (CI) 0.1–0.8) p = 0.022. Male gender was associated with an increased risk of DGE with OR 2.3 (CI 1.1–4.8) p = 0.026. Conclusion  A classic PD combined with an antecolic anastomosis and retrogastric vascular omental patch results in a significant reduction in DGE.     

Long-Term Results of Microscopic Lymphatic Vessel-Isolated Vein Anastomosis for Secondary Lymphedema of the Lower Extremities

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of microscopic lymphatic vessel-isolated vein anastomosis in patients with secondary obstructive lymphedema of a lower extremity, refractory to nonoperative management. Methods Nine women suffered from nonpitting edema of one or both legs (11 limbs) after radical hysterectomy with postoperative irradiation for uterine cancer. The indications for this operation were repeated cellulitis and severe nonpitting edema impairing limb function. Under microscopy of 3.2 on average, the identified lymphatic vessels were anastomosed to an isolated saphenous vein using the pull-through technique with modifications. Results The follow-up period ranged from 21 to 87 months and the operation achieved excellent reduction, of more than 5 cm, in six limbs; good reduction, of 2–5 cm, in two limbs; and poor reduction, of less than 2 cm, in three limbs. The frequency of cellulitis decreased from 2.4 infections per patient per year to 0.2 infections per patient per year. Conclusion These results show that microscopic lymphatic vessel-isolated vein anastomosis is a minimally invasive operation, with good long-term effects, making it the treatment of choice for intractable secondary lymphedema of the lower extremities refractory to physiotherapy.     

支撑吻合法用于低位直肠癌保肛手术的临床研究

目的比较支撑吻合技术与DST双吻合技术(Double Stapling Technique,DST)行低位直肠癌保肛手术的临床效果、适应证选择及卫生经济学优劣。方法将60例肿瘤下缘距肛缘约4～6cm的低位直肠癌保肛手术患者,随机分为治疗组和对照组各30例。治疗组采用支撑吻合法,对照组采用DST双吻合技术,对两组疗效做对比。结果术后病理检测提示治疗组患者无远端肿瘤残留,对照组则有2例。肿瘤远端切除距离显示,治疗组平均为(2.81±0.35)cm,对照组平均为(1.73±0.42)cm。两组比较,具有统计学差异(P0.05)。治疗组术后两年均无吻合口复发,对照组则有4例,对照组复发率高于治疗组。治疗组术后早期排便功能较差,均能在1～3个月内改善。对照组术后排便功能正常,对照组和治疗组在近期肛门功能恢复上无统计学差异。治疗组术后无吻合口漏发生,对照组术后有3例吻合口漏,具有统计学差异(P0.05)。治疗组平均费用为(3.17±4.36)万元,明显低于对照组(4.40±4.72)万元,具有统计学差异(P0.05)。结论支撑吻合术对比DST双吻合技术用于低位直肠癌保肛患者治疗其疗效肯定,小样本临床观察近期复发率低,且制作成本低、操作方法简单,较之双吻合技术能节省1～1.5万元。在低位直肠癌患者术式选择中应根据患者经济条件、体型、骨盆宽窄、肿瘤分化程度及其侵犯肠管的周径合理选择支撑吻合技术或DST双吻合技术。     

Risk Factors and Clinical Outcome for Anastomotic Leakage After Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer

BACKGROUND: Anastomosis leakage is a major complication of rectal surgery. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection (LAR) in rectal cancer patients and study its impact on long-term prognosis and disease-free survival and overall survival in rectal cancer patients. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent rectal resection with primary anastomosis below the pelvic peritoneal reflexion for rectal cancer between October 1996 to February 2006 were included. RESULTS: Anastomosis leakage after LAR occurred in 51 patients (4.0%). The median time to leakage was 4 days (range = 2-30 days). In univariate analysis, gender, level of anastomosis less than 4 cm, preoperative concomitant chemoradiation (CCRT), and length of operation greater than 120 min were significantly associated with anastomosis leakage. In a multivariate analysis, gender (p = 0.041; relative risk = 2.007; 95% CI = 1.030-3.912) and preoperative CCRT (p = 0.003; relative risk = 2.861; 95% CI = 1.417-5.778) were identified as independent prognostic factors. The overall survival of the nonleakage group and the leakage group was 80.2% and 64.9%, respectively (p = 0.170). The 5-year disease-free survival rates were not significantly different between the nonleakage and leakage groups (78.1% vs. 65.9%, p = 0.166). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection is relatively low. Male gender and preoperative CCRT were associated with increased risk for anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery. No effect of anastomosis leakage on local recurrence was found in this series.     

Functional results after “high” coloanal anastomosis and “low” coloanal anastomosis with a colonic J-pouch for rectal carcinoma

The aim of this study was to determine the postoperative function of neorectoanal components using two different types of very low coloanal reconstruction. The two groups of patients assessed were 22 who underwent abdominal rectal resection and stapled “high” coloanal anastomosis without a pouch, being the HCAA-P group; and 34 who underwent anoabdominal rectal resection and “low” coloanal anastomosis with a colonic J-pouch, being the LCAA+P group. Manometric metric examination was performed 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and the patients were also assessed by a questionnaire. The LCAA+P group had remarkably less daily stool frequency and urgency, but there were no significant differences in the other functional parameters. Maximum resting pressure (MRP) was significantly less, while threshold volume (TV) and maximum tolerable volume (MTV) were greater in the LCAA+P group than in the HCAA-P group. The colonic J-pouch compensated for decreased MRP. Thus, when HCAA-P is performed, 3.0 cm of residual rectum with internal anal sphincter may be required, and construction of the pelvic pouch is desirable in low coloanal anastomosis.     

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in patients with previous abdominal biliary tract operations

A history of abdominal biliary tract surgery has been identified as a relative contraindication for laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE), and there are very few reports about laparoscopic procedures in patients with a history of abdominal biliary tract surgery. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical outcomes of 227 consecutive patients with previous abdominal biliary tract operations at our institution between December 2013 and June 2019. A total of 110 consecutive patients underwent LCBDE, and 117 consecutive patients underwent open common bile duct exploration (OCBDE). Patient demographics and perioperative variables were compared between the two groups. The LCBDE group performed significantly better than the OCBDE group with respect to estimated blood loss [30 (5–700) vs. 50 (10–1800) ml; p = 0.041], remnant common bile duct (CBD) stones (17 vs. 28%; p = 0.050), postoperative hospital stay [7 (3–78) vs. 8.5 (4.5–74) days; p = 0.041], and time to oral intake [2.5 (1–7) vs. 3 (2–24) days; p = 0.015]. There were no significant differences in the operation time [170 (60–480) vs. 180 (41–330) minutes; p = 0.067]. A total of 19 patients (17%) in the LCBDE group were converted to open surgery. According to Clavien’s classification of complications, the LCBDE group had significantly fewer postoperative complications than the OCBDE group (40 vs. 57; p = 0.045). There was no mortality in either group. Multiple previous operations (≥ 2 times), a history of open surgery, and previous biliary tract surgery (including bile duct or gallbladder + bile duct other than cholecystectomy alone) were risk factors for postoperative adhesion (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, and p = 0.000, respectively). LCBDE is ultimately the least invasive, safest, and the most effective treatment option for patients with previous abdominal biliary tract operations and is especially suitable for those with a history of cholecystectomy, few previous operations (< 2 times), or a history of laparoscopic surgery.     

胃肠道浆肌层吻合、黏膜外吻合、一层吻合和二层吻合的实验比较研究

目的比较胃肠道浆肌层吻合、黏膜外吻合、一层吻合和二层吻合对吻合愈合的影响。方法家兔分成4组,即浆肌层吻合组、二层吻合组、一层吻合组和黏膜外吻合组。每组10只,每只动物行1个胃十二指肠侧侧吻合、2个回肠端端吻合和2个结肠端端吻合。术后第3和7d,每组分别各取5只动物,测定吻合破裂压（ABP）、组织羟脯氨酸（HP）含量并做病理检查。结果术后第3d,各组ABP间差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。术后第7d,二层吻合、一层吻合和黏膜外吻合的ABP间差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;胃十二指肠浆肌层吻合的ABP高于二层吻合和一层吻合（P〈0.05）;回肠浆肌层吻合的ABP高于二层吻合（P〈0.01）;结肠浆肌层吻合的ABP高于二层吻合、一层吻合和黏膜外吻合（P〈0.05）。术后第3d,胃十二指肠和回肠吻合的各组HP含量无明显差异,结肠二层吻合HP含量高于一层吻合（P〈0.05）;术后第7d回肠、结肠吻合的各组HP含量差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）,胃十二指肠浆肌层吻合HP含量高于二层吻合（P〈0.025）。术后第3d,胃十二指肠和回肠吻合的各组炎症程度相似,结肠黏膜外吻合的炎症反应轻于二层吻合（P〈0.05）;术后第7d,胃十二指肠和结肠吻合的各组炎症程度相似,回肠浆肌层吻合炎症反应轻于二层吻合（P〈0.05）。术后第7d,胃肠道吻合各组黏膜愈合指数差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论胃肠道浆肌层吻合和其他手工吻合一样安全可靠,但更加简便。     

Comparison between straight and J-pouch coloanal anastomoses in surgery for rectal cancer

Abstract. Purpose: This study was designed to compare the long-term results of straight and J-pouch coloanal anastomoses after resection of rectal cancers located in the critical position of 5–6 cm from the anal verge. Methods: The subjects of this study were 81 patients who underwent radical resection of rectal cancers located 5–6 cm from the anal verge, followed by straight or J-pouch coloanal anastomosis, performed in 41 and 40 patients, respectively. Careful clinical and manometric follow-up was conducted and the results were compared. Results: There were no differences in the incidence of local recurrence, the disease-free survival rate, postoperative stool frequency, continence, sphincter pressures, or functional length between the two groups. Both groups had a high incidence of clustering or fragmented defecation; however, the J-pouch patients had better urgency control, a greater capacity before feeling the urge to defecation, superior rectal tolerance, and better compliance. Conclusions: Both straight and J-pouch coloanal anastomoses are oncologically and functionally acceptable for the treatment of rectal cancer located 5–6 cm from the anal verge, but the J pouch has slight superiority in urgency control, as a result of larger urge threshold and tolerable volume, and better compliance. The reason for the high incidence of clustering defecation in both groups needs to be investigated. Received: May 29, 2001 / Accepted: November 20, 2001     

Functional outcome after low anterior resection for rectal cancer using the colonic J-pouch

The functional outcome after low anterior resection (LAR) using the colonic J-pouch was compared with that after LAR using straight anastomosis. Colonic J-pouch construction was performed in 58 patients who underwent resection of tumors located 5–10 cm from the anal verge (J-pouch group). Functional assessment was performed 1 year postoperatively. Clinical function was evaluated using a scoring system, while physiologic sphincter and reservoir function were evaluated by anorectal manometry. The historical control group consisted of 20 patients who underwent LAR with straight anastomoses (straight group). The functional score of the J-pouch group was significantly better than that of the straight group. Although sphincter function was similar in the two groups, reservoir function was significantly better in the J-pouch group than in the straight group. These results demonstrated that the functional outcome following LAR for rectal cancer is improved by the colonic J-pouch construction.     

Hepaticojejunostomy vs. End-to-end Biliary Reconstructions in the Treatment of Iatrogenic Bile Duct Injuries

Background  Retrospective comparison of short- and long-term results and quality of life in patients treated for iatrogenic bile duct injuries (IBDI) with Roux-Y hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) or end-to-end ductal anastomosis (EE). Methods  Between January 1990 and March 2005, 94 patients underwent reconstructive surgery for IBDI: 49, Roux-Y HJ, and 45, EE. Results  Early postoperative complications were observed in 12 (24.5%) patients undergoing HJ and three (6.7%) undergoing EE (p = 0.0239). Reoperations in the early postoperative period were performed in four (8%) patients after HJ and in zero patients after EE. Following HJ, one (2%) hospital death occurred due to acute circulatory insufficiency. Long-term results were evaluated in 69 (72%) patients. Postoperative mean weight gain was significantly higher after EE than HJ (p = 0.0191). Recurrent stricture was observed in two (5.3%) patients after HJ and three (9.6%) after EE (p = 0.6509). Terblanche long-term results were comparable in both groups (p = 0.3173). Good Karnofsky quality of life was comparable in both groups (p = 0.8377). Conclusions  More early complications occurred after HJ than after EE. Long-term results were comparable after both reconstructive methods. After EE, patients achieved a higher weight gain than after HJ. Quality of life in both groups was comparable.     

Supraorbital keyhole versus pterional craniotomies for ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms: a propensity score–matched analysis

The safety and efficacy of the supraorbital keyhole approach for aneurysm surgery have not been well researched through a high-quality controlled study. The objective of the study was to compare the safety and efficacy of the supraorbital and pterional approaches for ruptured anterior communicating aneurysm (AComAn). A total of 140 patients, with 70 patients in each group, were enrolled after 1:1 propensity score matching. Clinical variables, postoperative complications, and long-term outcomes were retrospectively compared. Baseline characteristics were equivalent between the two groups. Significantly shorter operative time and less intraoperative blood loss were observed in the supraorbital group compared to the pterional group (141.9 min vs. 184.5 min, P < 0.001; 160.4 ml vs. 250.7 ml, P = 0.008). The incidence of intraoperative aneurysm rupture was similar between the groups (20% vs. 18.6%, P = 0.830). The rate of procedural complications involving subdural hematoma and intracranial infection was lower in patients treated through the supraorbital (10.0%) vs. the pterional approach (32.9%, P < 0.001), but no significant difference was observed for the incidence of ischemic events (15.7% vs. 18.6%, P = 0.654). Within a median 33.4-month (range, 11–67 months) follow-up, a similar proportion of patients achieved a favorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale IV or V) across the two groups (83.6% vs. 80.0%, P = 0.285), while better cosmetic results were observed in the supraorbital group (94.0%) vs. the pterional group (86.2%, P = 0.129). According to our results, we recommend the keyhole approach for AComAn surgery for neurosurgeons who have gained sufficient experience with this technique due to its advantages over the pterional approach.     

Laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer: Review of published literature 2000–2009

We reviewed seven reports of laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) alone for rectal cancer and 18 reports of laparoscopic surgery, including LAR. We examined the length of surgery, blood loss during surgery, conversion rate to open surgery, incidence of anastomotic leakage, morbidity, mortality, and local recurrence, and the 5-year overall survival rates. The values were as follows (range): length of surgery, 107–540 min vs 23–780 min; blood loss, 0–600 ml vs 0–1800 ml; conversion to open surgery, 0%–14.0% vs 1.0%–21.9%; anastomotic leakage, 0%–23.0% vs 3.0%–17.0%; morbidity, 6.1%–38.6% vs 5.8%–40.0%; mortality, 0%–2.0% vs 05–5.8%; and local recurrence, 1.4%–6.8% vs 0.95%–20.8%, respectively, in the LAR alone vs laparoscopic surgery groups. The 5-year overall survival rates of patients with stage I, II, III, and IV disease were 92%–98%, 79%–81%, 67%–89%, and 0%–15%, respectively, in the LAR alone group versus 85.4%–100%, 61.7%–94.4%, 53.7%–78%, and 0%–44.6%, respectively, in the laparoscopic surgery group. Thus, we demonstrated the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer.     

The effects of increased intraabdominal pressure on colonic anastomoses

Background: This experimental, randomized, controlled study was designed to investigate the effects of increased intraabdominal pressure (IAP) on colocolic anastomoses. To our knowledge, this is the first study to address this important issue. Methods: For this study, 50 Wistar albino rats were randomized into five groups. The animals in all the groups underwent laparotomy and colocolic anastomosis. The rats in the control group were not subjected to increased IAP. Accordingly, IAP's of 14, 20, 25, and 30 mmHg were established by carbon dioxide insufflation and maintained for 60 min in study groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Colocolic anastomosis was realized after these periods of IAP in the study groups. Half of the surviving rats in all the groups were sacrificed on postoperative days 7 and 14 to allow comparison between the control and study groups with respect to their mean body weights, mean anastomosis bursting pressures, and histopathologic characteristics of their anastomosis sites. Results: The mean body weights of all the groups were comparable at all times during the study. The anastomosis bursting pressures of the animals subjected to increased IAP were lower than that of the control group, with the differences reaching statistical relevance for the animals subjected to an IAP of 20 mmHg or higher on postoperative day 7 (p <0.0005 for study groups 2, 3, and 4 vs the control group) and becoming more pronounced by the day 14 (p <0.0005 for study groups 2, 3, and 4 vs the control group). The anastomosis bursting pressure showed an inverse correlation with IAP. The adequacy of mucosal layer formation at the anastomosis line was lower and the degree of inflammation was higher in the groups exposed to an IAP of 20 mmHg or higher in the control group (p <0.05 for both comparisons among study groups 2, 3 and 4 vs the control group). Conclusions: An IAP increased to 20 mmHg and higher was found to result in impaired strength and wound healing in colocolic anastomoses, as reflected by the decreased bursting pressure and mucosal layer formation, and by the increased inflammation at the anastomosis sites of animals subjected to high IAP values.     

Predictors of postoperative early recurrence of extrahepatic bile duct cancer

Resected bile duct cancers often relapse during postoperative follow-up. The aim of this study was to detect predictors of early recurrence in patients with extrahepatic bile duct cancer. Consecutive cases (n = 162) of extrahepatic bile duct cancer in which R0 or R1 resection was achieved in Kobe University Hospital between 2000 and 2016 were divided into three groups [early recurrence (ER), within 6 months of surgery, late recurrence (LR), and no recurrence (NR)] and their clinicopathological features were compared. Twenty-two patients (14%) developed ER and 69 (43%) developed LR after surgery. The rates of lymph node metastasis and residual cancer status were similar in all three groups. Liver metastasis was more common in the ER group than in the LR group (59% vs. 32%, p = 0.02). ER had a significantly worse prognosis than LR and NR (7% vs. 44% vs. 85% at 1 year, p < 0.01, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that age > 75 years, serum CA19-9 > 1008 U/ml and perineural invasion were independent predictors of early recurrence. High serum CA19-9 values (> 1008 U/ml) were an independent predictor of early recurrence. Neoadjuvant therapy and aggressive adjuvant therapy may be beneficial for patients who show highly elevated CA19-9 values before surgery.     

Can nonpenetrating vascular closure staples and hepatocyte growth factor prevent intimal hyperplasia following ePTFE grafting of the carotid artery in rabbits?

Abstract. Purpose: To evaluate whether nonpenetrating vascular closure staples (VCS) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) can effectively prevent anastomotic intimal hyperplasia. Methods: An expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft, 2 mm in diameter, was implanted in the common carotid artery of rabbits divided into three experimental groups. In the control group, distal anastomosis was performed with interrupted suturing; in the VCS group, clips were applied along the lateral suture line after the placement of stay sutures; and in the VCS + HGF group, the same anastomotic technique was performed as in the VCS group, followed by the administration of the HGF for 4 days. Results: The time taken to complete the anastomosis was significantly less in both the VCS groups than in the control group (P < 0.0001). On postoperative day (POD) 28, the patency rate was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the VCS group (42.9%) than in the control group (100%), but the rate in the VCS + HGF group (100%) was the same as that in the control group. Intimal thickness was significantly less in the control group than in either the VCS or VCS + HGF groups (P < 0.05). The percentage of area stenosis was significantly less (P < 0.01) in the control group than in the VCS group. Conclusion: The VCS clip failed to suppress intimal thickness or reduce the percentage of stenosis at the anastomotic site. Received: July 13, 2001 / Accepted: November 20, 2001     

Long-Term Outcome After Resection of Non-small Cell Lung Carcinoma Complicated by Pneumoconiosis

Purpose Lung cancer resection in patients with respiratory complications is associated with a high surgical risk and the operative indications are usually serious. Consequently, the long-term results are unclear. We aimed to clarify the validity of surgery for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with pneumoconiosis. Methods We reviewed the clinical and pathological data of 122 patients undergoing resection of NSCLC with pneumoconiosis (n = 34: group A) or without pneumoconiosis (n = 88: group B) to assess treatment outcomes and prognostic factors. Results Among the treatment factors, intraoperative blood loss was significantly greater in group A (723.2 ± 647.3 ml) than in group B (466.4 ± 450.7 ml) (P = 0.0067), although the operative times (207 ± 103.4 min vs 196.1 ± 53.5 min, respectively) and postoperative drainage period (8.3 ± 4.2 days vs 8.5 ± 5.7 days, respectively) did not differ significantly between the two groups (P = 0.9466 and P = 0.6355, respectively). Among the postoperative complications, the incidence of hemorrhage was significantly higher in group A (29.4%) than in group B (7.9%) (P = 0.0022). The 5-year survival rates did not differ significantly between the two groups, (45.9% and 55.7% for groups A and B respectively) (P = 0.9424). Conclusions The coexistence of pneumoconiosis does not adversely affect postoperative survival or the treatment of NSCLC, although it is associated with increased intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hemorrhage. Thus, if precautions are taken to minimize hemorrhage, surgery cannot be excluded as a treatment option for NSCLC in patients with pneumoconiosis.     

Effect of Obesity on Technical Feasibility and Postoperative Outcomes of Laparoscopy-Assisted Distal Gastrectomy—Comparison with Open Distal Gastrectomy

Objective The aim of this study was to compare outcomes between laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) and open distal gastrectomy (ODG) in obese and non-obese patients. Methods Subjects comprised 248 consecutive patients who underwent distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer between January 1999 and December 2005. Patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m² were defined as obese, and patients with BMI < 25 kg/m² were defined as non-obese. Parameters analyzed included patients characteristics, tumor characteristics, operative details, postoperative outcomes, and prognosis. Results For LADG, 35 patients were considered obese, and 106 patients were non-obese. For ODG, 25 patients were considered obese, and 82 patients were non-obese. Mean operative times in each procedure were significantly longer for the obese group than for the non-obese group (ODG: 241.4 min vs. 199.5 min, p < 0.0001; LADG: 279.6 min vs. 255.3 min, p = 0.03). Blood loss was significantly higher for the obese group than for the non-obese group in ODG (300 ml vs. 400 ml, p = 0.024), but no significant differences were observed between obese and non-obese groups for LADG. Incidence of major postoperative complications, number of retrieved lymph nodes, and disease-free survival rates were similar in obese and non-obese groups for each procedure. Conclusions Our analysis revealed that LADG can be safely performed in obese patients, with complication rates and operation outcomes similar to those for non-obese patients.