1.Research progress on proximal resection margins in radical rectal cancer surgery:from the"10-cm rule"to individualized decision-making
Zhaoran YUE ; Weipeng LIU ; Jiayou YE ; Shenghui HUANG ; Yongbin ZHENG ; Xin ZHOU
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(10):2243-2250
Radical resection of mid-and low-rectal cancer requires not only oncologic safety but also preservation of organs and postoperative bowel function.While a 1-2 cm distal resection margin has been largely accepted,the optimal length of the proximal margin remains highly controversial.Clinically,the"10-cm rule"derived from colon cancer is often referenced,yet its applicability to rectal cancer lacks consistent supporting evidence.Previous studies have shown that an excessively long proximal margin may increase anastomotic tension and lead to anastomotic leakage,whereas insufficient resection heightens the risk of positive margins and local recurrence.In addition,the extent of lymph node metastasis,vascular perfusion of the proximal bowel,radiation-induced injury after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy,and postoperative bowel function-particularly low anterior resection syndrome-are all important factors influencing the selection of the proximal margin.In recent years,the application of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging has provided new evidence for intraoperative assessment of bowel perfusion;for patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy,radiation injury presents a gradient pattern,and resecting approximately≥20 cm proximal to the tumor may reduce the incidence of anastomosis-related complications.Based on current literature,this review provides a systematic overview of the historical evolution,influencing factors,and clinical evidence regarding proximal resection margins in rectal cancer surgery,with the aim of informing individualized margin selection and optimizing surgical strategies.
2.AI-enabled metabolic and bariatric surgery:progress,challenges,and future directions
Zhiwei LIN ; Fuqing ZHOU ; Shiliang DONG ; Zhiyong DONG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(10):2251-2257
Obesity has become a global public health challenge,and metabolic and bariatric surgery(MBS)remains one of the most effective treatments for severe obesity.However,substantial variability in patient characteristics,surgical complexity,and postoperative adherence leads to heterogeneous outcomes.The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence(AI)offers new opportunities to address these limitations.By integrating multidimensional clinical,imaging,and longitudinal follow-up data,machine learning and large language models support key aspects of MBS,including candidate selection,surgical decision-making,perioperative risk prediction,skill assessment,and long-term outcome management.Recent studies have demonstrated notable progress in decision support,complication forecasting,robotic surgery optimization,patient counselling,and postoperative weight-trajectory prediction.Nevertheless,challenges remain regarding model generalizability,ethical and regulatory oversight,data privacy,and transparency in AI-assisted decision-making.This review summarizes current advances,limitations,and future directions of AI applications in MBS,providing a reference for clinicians seeking to understand and apply these emerging technologies.
3.Advances in the regulation of orexigenic/anorexigenic neuropeptides and signaling pathways by metabolic bariatric surgery
Yangxingyun WANG ; Hengyu DUAN ; Ruibin LI
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(10):2258-2264
Metabolic bariatric surgery is an effective intervention for obesity and related metabolic disorders.Beyond substantial weight reduction,it modulates orexigenic and anorexigenic neuropeptides and their signaling pathways to improve energy homeostasis and metabolic function.This review summarizes the regulatory effects of various bariatric procedures(such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy)on orexigenic neuropeptides and anorexigenic factors,highlighting the involvement of key signaling pathways including mTOR and AMPK.These mechanisms contribute to weight control,enhanced insulin sensitivity,and remission of metabolic diseases.By integrating central and peripheral regulatory processes,metabolic surgery provides new biological insights into individualized obesity management.Future research should focus on interindividual variability and long-term neuro-metabolic adaptations to optimize surgical outcomes and improve metabolic health.
4.Super-minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery:technical innovations and clinical research progress
Pan LU ; Lin CHEN ; Yingjie HUANG ; Kai LI ; Mingchao YI ; Dean MU ; Qiang WANG ; Wei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(10):2265-2271
With the continuous evolution of minimally invasive surgical concepts,operative techniques are progressively advancing from"minimal injury"toward"scarless"approaches.Super-minimally laparoscopic surgery(SMLS)is a novel surgical modality developed on the basis of conventional laparoscopic techniques through the innovation and recombination of operative elements,aiming to achieve smaller trauma and improved cosmetic outcomes.Utilizing the umbilical skin fold as a natural scar-concealing site,SMLS establishes no more than two primary operating channels(maximum diameter≤15 mm),supplemented by auxiliary ports≤2 mm in diameter on the abdominal wall.Combined with innovative separable surgical instruments and high-definition visualization systems,this approach provides a systematic solution to key issues such as residual access-site scarring.This review summarizes the development,technical innovations,current clinical applications,and potential aesthetic value of SMLS in the evolution of minimally invasive surgery,aiming to offer theoretical insights and research reference for its future promotion and technical refinement.
5.Comparison of random forest and Cox regression models for predicting long-term survival after radical resection of HBV-associated hepatocellu-lar carcinoma
Guang-zhou LI ; Hong-lei WANG ; Xi-quan CHEN ; Yang HE ; Yan-hao CHEN ; Cui HU ; Miao WANG ; De-xiao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2025;28(5):355-360
Objective:To analyze the factors associated with long-term survival after radical resection of hepatitis B virus(HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),and to construct random forest and Cox regression models,to evaluate the two models.Methods:A total of 368 patients with HBV-infected HCC who underwent radical resection were selected retrospectively.These patients were categorized as having a good prognosis(n=266)or a poor prognosis(n=102)based on their survival and mortality status.Univariate and Cox regression analysis were used to identify fac-tors that predict poor prognosis in HCC patients after surgery,and Cox regression and random forest prediction models were constructed and evaluated.Results:There were significant differences in smoking history,Child-Pugh classifica-tion,cirrhosis,microvascular invasion,TNM staging,tumor capsule integrity,platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR),regular antiviral therapy,HBV-DNA load,alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),systemic immune in-flammatory index(SII),and albumin-to-globulin ratio(AGR)between the two groups(P<0.05);Cox regression showed that cirrhosis,microvascular invasion,regular antiviral treatment,HBV-DNA load,NLR,PLR,SII,and AGR were related factors that negatively affected the prognosis of patients with HBV-infected HCC after surgery(P<0.05),with an AUC of 0.870 for predicting prognosis;the importance ranking obtained by the random forest model was HBV-DNA load,cirrho-sis,regular antiviral therapy,microvascular invasion,NLR,PLR,AGR,and SII,with an AUC of 0.926 for predicting prog-nosis;the AUC predicted by the random forest model was greater than that predicted by the Cox regression model(Z=2.411,P=0.016).Conclusion:HBV-DNA load,cirrhosis,regular antiviral therapy,microvascular invasion,NLR,PLR,AGR,and SII are factors that affect the poor prognosis of patients with HBV-related HCC after surgery.The random for-est prediction model constructed based on these factors has high predictive value and is superior to the Cox regression prediction model.
6.A bibliometric analysis of studies related to retroperitoneal tumors
Qian LIU ; Cheng-hua LUO ; Ming-yin ZHOU ; Xing-chen LIU ; Yong-qiang LI ; Hua-zhao XU ; Yu-jun XIONG
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2025;28(5):361-366
Objective:This study aims to analyze the trends,hotspots,and interrelations in research on retroperito-neal tumors through bibliometric methods,providing the latest scientific information support for clinicians and research-ers.Methods:Data were sourced from the SCI-expanded database of the Web of Science Core Collection,covering the period from 2004 to 2023.Statistical analysis and visualization of the number of publications,total citations,average citations per article,countries,institutions,journals,and keywords were conducted using Microsoft Excel 2019,VOS-viewer,and CiteSpace.Results:A total of 6,842 relevant articles were retrieved,with a total of 113 753 citations and an average of 16.63 citations per article.The number of publications had been increasing annually,peaking in 2022.The United States,China,and Japan are the major research countries,with the United States contributing the most.Memo-rial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center are the leading research in-stitutions.The journal with the most publications was the Cureus Journal of Medical Science.Gronchi Alessandro was the most prolific author.The ain keywords were"Management","Surgery",and"Tumor",and the most cited papers focus on surgery and multicenter studies.Conclusion:Research on retroperitoneal tumors is increasing annually,with hot-spots focusing on treatment methods and prognosis analysis.The United States is the main contributor to this field,with significant international collaboration.Future research should further explore the pathogenesis of retroperitoneal tumors and more effective treatment strategies.
7.Causes and prevention strategies of surgical complications in laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with mesh and fundoplication:a single-center analysis of 432 cases
Ning MA ; Haonan HUANG ; Haonan ZHOU ; Taicheng ZHOU ; Shuang CHEN
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(4):660-667
Background and Aims:Laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with mesh reinforcement combined with fundoplication has become the standard surgical approach for treating moderate to severe cases.However,intraoperative and postoperative complications remain a significant concern.This study was conducted to explore the causes of common complications and their prevention and management strategies through retrospectively analyzing clinical data from a single center to optimize perioperative care and improve surgical safety.Methods:The clinical data of 432 patients who underwent laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with mesh and fundoplication at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2018 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.All procedures were performed by the same surgical team using the standardized seven-step protocol for laparoscopic repair.Postoperative care followed the enhanced recovery after surgery pathway.The incidences of intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded,and univariate analysis was used to identify risk factors for major postoperative complications.Results:The overall complication rate was 15.3%among 432 patients.The most common intraoperative complication was bleeding(6.9%),primarily from the inferior phrenic vessels(3.2%),short gastric vessels(1.6%),and parenchymal organ injuries(1.9%).The most frequent postoperative complication was dysphagia(12.0%),followed by pneumothorax(3.2%),hernia recurrence(1.9%),mesh infection or erosion(0.7%),gas-bloat syndrome(6.3%),and gastroparesis(0.9%).Most complications were relieved through conservative treatment,endoscopic dilation,or interventional procedures.Two patients with persistent dysphagia underwent reoperation to remove the fundoplication wrap.The median follow-up period was 34 months,with a 6.0%loss to follow-up rate and no perioperative mortality.Univariate analysis showed that patients aged ≥50 years and those who underwent Nissen fundoplication had significantly higher rates of postoperative dysphagia(both P<0.05).Conclusion:Laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with mesh and fundoplication is generally safe and effective.However,intraoperative vascular injuries and postoperative dysphagia require special attention.Accurate dissection and identification of anatomical layers are critical during surgery.Surgical strategy should be tailored based on patient age and esophageal motility,with partial fundoplication(Toupet or Dor)preferred when appropriate.Combined with enhanced postoperative recovery protocols,standardized mesh placement and fixation can reduce complication rates and improve long-term outcomes.
8.Valeric acid inhibits gastric cancer growth and inflammatory response by activating the nrf2 pathway:an experimental study
Qing SHANG ; Jing WANG ; Xiaolei WANG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(4):719-726
Background and Aims:Valeric acid activates the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)pathway.Recent studies have demonstrated its potent antitumor activity in breast and oral cancers.However,its role in gastric cancer treatment remains unclear.This study aimed to investigate the effects of valeric acid on inflammatory responses and survival in a gastric cancer xenograft model in nude mice and to explore the potential underlying mechanisms to provide new insights for gastric cancer therapy.Methods:A xenograft model was established by subcutaneous injection of human gastric cancer MKN-45 cells into 80 Balb/c nude mice,which were then equally randomized into four groups:control and low-,medium-,and high-dose valeric acid groups(10,20,and 40 mg/kg,respectively).The mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of either saline or valeric acid for 30 days.Tumor growth was monitored during the treatment period.Twelve hours after the final administration,five mice from each group were sacrificed by cervical dislocation;blood was collected via eyeball removal,and tumors were excised and weighed.Histopathological changes in the tumors were observed by HE staining.Serum levels of macrophage inflammatory protein-2(MIP-2),interleukin-10(IL-10),and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)were measured by ELISA.mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2 and its downstream molecules,quinone oxidoreductase-1(NQO-1)and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1),were assessed in tumor tissues using qRT-PCR and Western blot.The remaining 15 mice per group were monitored for survival analysis.Results:Compared with the control group,all valeric acid-treated groups showed a significant reduction in tumor volumes at all observation time points and final tumor weight(all P<0.05),with a dose-dependent trend.HE staining revealed densely arranged tumor cells with high cell density in the control group,while various degrees of tumor necrosis and reduced cell density were observed in valeric acid-treated groups,most pronounced in the high-dose group.ELISA results showed that serum levels of MIP-2 and TNF-α were significantly decreased,while IL-10 levels were significantly increased in valeric acid-treated groups compared to controls(all P<0.05),exhibiting dose dependence.qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses demonstrated that the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1,and NQO-1 in tumors were significantly elevated in the valeric acid groups compared with the control group(all P<0.05),also showing dose dependence.Survival analysis indicated that the median survival times were 47 d(control),68 d(low dose),81 d(medium dose),and 90 d(high dose),with all valeric acid groups having significantly prolonged survival compared to the control group(all P<0.05).Conclusion:Valeric acid effectively inhibits the growth of gastric cancer xenografts,attenuates systemic inflammatory responses,and prolongs the survival of nude mice,possibly through activation of the Nrf2 pathway and modulation of the tumor microenvironment.
9.Current status and advances in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory breast cancer
Wenjing ZENG ; Juan HUANG ; Shouman WANG ; Yangyi LI ; Weizhi XIA ; Yulong ZHANG ; Jun WU ; Taohong SHEN ; Fangli ZHOU ; Ayong CAO
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(5):1044-1055
Inflammatory breast cancer(IBC)is a rare but highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer characterized by rapid clinical progression and poor prognosis.Although it accounts for only 2%-4%of all breast cancer cases,it is responsible for 8%-10%of breast cancer-related mortality.The etiology of IBC is multifactorial,involving genetic,hormonal,environmental,and socioeconomic factors.Pathologically,IBC is marked by the presence of dermal lymphatic tumor emboli,and molecular subtypes are predominantly HER2-positive and triple-negative,indicating high tumor invasiveness.Diagnosis relies on characteristic clinical manifestations and histopathological confirmation,while imaging techniques such as MRI and PET/CT play important roles in evaluating disease extent and metastasis.Given that IBC is often diagnosed at a locally advanced or metastatic stage,there is currently no specific treatment protocol.Instead,management generally follows the treatment paradigm of non-IBC,emphasizing systemic therapy within a multidisciplinary framework.HER2-positive IBC benefits from chemotherapy combined with dual-targeted anti-HER2 therapy;triple-negative IBC may respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors;and CDK4/6 inhibitors show potential efficacy in hormone receptor-positive subtypes.Despite advancements,the prognosis remains poor,with a high risk of early recurrence and distant metastasis.Prognostic factors include lymph node involvement,molecular subtype,and response to neoadjuvant therapy.As research into the tumor microenvironment and molecular mechanisms deepens,targeted and individualized therapies hold promise for improving outcomes.This review summarizes the epidemiology,pathology,diagnostic criteria,treatment strategies,and prognostic factors of IBC,aiming to inform clinical practice and future research.
10.The application of artificial intelligence technology in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer
Lingyun LIU ; Tianhao XIE ; Yan FU ; Xiaoshi JIN ; Sining HA ; Yang LIU ; Xiaoshuang LIU ; Qingxu MENG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(5):1018-1026
The incidence of thyroid cancer has been increasing,and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving patient prognosis.With the advancement of artificial intelligence(AI)technology,significant progress has been made in its application in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer.AI technology has notably enhanced the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid cancer.By optimizing imaging examinations such as ultrasound and CT scans,it can more precisely identify malignant features of thyroid nodules.In fine-needle aspiration biopsy,the integration of AI with genetic testing technologies has improved both the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis.In terms of treatment,AI assists in intraoperative functional preservation,reducing the risk of surgical trauma.For instance,it can accurately identify the locations of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid glands.Additionally,AI is capable of predicting the efficacy of 131I treatment and the risk of complications,thereby guiding postoperative follow-up and management.The core strength of AI technology lies in its powerful data processing and analytical capabilities,enabling it to uncover latent patterns within data and provide a scientific basis for treatment decision-making.Looking ahead,with continuous technological advancements,AI is expected to propel the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer towards greater intelligence and precision.However,challenges such as data privacy and algorithm transparency need to be addressed.This article provides a review of the research progress of AI technology in the fields of diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis prediction of thyroid cancer,explores the current strengths and weaknesses of AI technology,and looks forward to its future development directions while acknowledging challenges like data privacy and algorithm transparency.

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