Digestive System Surgical Procedures ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Robotic Surgical Procedures ; Robotics

Objective To explore the safety and feasibility of vagus nerve-preserving Da Vinci robotassisted radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.Methods The retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted.The clinicopathological data of 12 gastric cancer patients who underwent vagus nerve-preserving Da Vinci robotassisted radical gastrectomy at the Southwest Hospital of the Third Military Medical University from January 2015 to November 2016 were collected.All patients underwent vagus nerve-preserving Da Vinci robot-assisted radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.During operation,lymph node dissection of the pyloric region,the right side of the cardia and the superior margin of the pancreas were noticed,and other surgical procedures were the same as the traditional Da Vinci robot-assisted radical gastrectomy.Observation indicators:(1) intra-and post-operative situations:surgical methods,digestive tract reconstruction,operation time,volume of intraoperative blood loss,number of lymph node dissected,results of postoperative pathological examination,recovery time of gastrointestinal function,time for liquid diet intake,duration of postoperative hospital stay,short-term surgery-related complications (postoperative bleeding,anastomotic fistula,obstruction and intra-abdominal infection);(2)follow-up situations:postoperative long-term complications (gastric retention,alkaline reflux gastritis,dumping syndrome,gallbladder disease and cholelithiasis),postoperative quality of life (diet,upper abdominal discomfort,nausea,vomiting and diarrhea),postoperative nutritional status [body weight,hemoglobin (Hb),total protein (TP),albumin (Alb)] and tumor recurrence.Follow-up using telephone interview and outpatient examination was performed up to December 2016.Telephone interview included detecting diet of patients,digestive tract symptoms and body weight.Routine blood test,liver and kidney functions,tumor markers,chest X-ray,abdominal computed tomography (CT) or color Doppler ultrasound and gastroscopy of outpatient examinations were performed to detect tumor recurrence and metastasis.Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as x±s and measurement data with skewed distribution were described as M (range).Results (1) Intra-and post-operative situations:all the 12 patients underwent successful vagus nerve-preserving Da Vinci robot-assisted radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer,without conversion to laparoscopic surgery or open surgery,including 2 patients with D1 lymphadenectomy,2 patients with extended D1 lymphadenectomy and 8 patients with D2 lymphadenectomy.Five and 7 patients underwent respectively Billroth Ⅰ anastomosis and Billroth Ⅱ anastomosis of digestive tract reconstruction.Operation time,volume of intraoperative blood loss and number of lymph node dissected of 12 patients were (247± 34) minutes,(94 ± 23) mL and 27 ± 7,respectively.Results of postoperative pathological examination showed that distal and proximal surgical margins of 12 patients were negative and achieved R0 resection;326 lymph nodes were dissected,6 patients didn't have lymph node metastasis and 18 positive lymph nodes were detected in 6 patients.Recovery time of gastrointestinal function,time for liquid diet intake and duration of postoperative hospital stay in 12 patients were (57±14)hours,(64± 14)hours and (7.3±0.9)days,respectively.There was no occurrence of short-term surgery-related complications.(2) Follow-up situations:12 patients were followed up by telephone interview (10 receiving outpatient exaninations) for 9 months (range,1-20 months).Of 12 patients with long-term complications,2 had loss of appetite,1 had diarrhea,without occurrence of cholelithiasis,cholecystitis,gastric retention and dumping syndrome.Of 10 patients receiving outpatient examinations,body weight,Hb,TP and Alb were (56± 12) kg,(126± 10) g/L,(69.9±5.1) g/L,(43.2±3.3)g/L at 1 month postoperatively and (52±13)kg,(126±10)g/L,(72.1±2.4)g/L,(45.2±1.6)g/L at 3 months postoperatively,respectively,with negative carcinoembryonic antigen.There was no tumor recurrence and metastasis in 12 patients.Conclusion Vagus nerve-preserving Da Vinci robot-assisted radical gastrectomy is safe and feasible for gastric cancer,which has not affected the lymph node dissection and incidence of surgeryrelated complications,and it also can improve the postoperative quality of life and maintain good nutritional status.

In recent years, the medical graduates who take part in postgraduate examination have been increasing each year. The preparation for postgraduate examination affects the clinical practice, but not yet has a quantitative report. This article studied the students in general surgery, which were divided into postgraduate examination group and clinical practice group. By comparing the theoretical knowledge results and the clinical practice skills between the two groups we found that there was no difference between the two groups in the theoretical and operating skill when they were just in the department, and the operating results in the clinical practice group were better than the postgraduate examination group when they were out of the department.

Objective To investigate the expression of Ezrin in gastric cancer tissues and its clinical significance.Methods Gastric cancer tissues and adjacent normal gastric tissues from 60 patients with gastric cancer were collected from June 2008 to May 2009 at the Southwest Hospital.The mRNA and protein expressions of Ezrin were detected by using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot.The relationship between Ezrin and the gender and age of patients,and tumor differentiation,pathological staging,depth of invasion and lymph node metastasis was analyzed.All data were analyzed using the t test,chi-square test and Spearman rank correlation.Results The Ezrin mRNA expression level was increased in 33 (55％) cases of adjacent normal gastric tissues and 21 (35％) cases of gastric cancer tissues; the Ezrin protein expression level was increased in 45 (75％) cases of adjacent normal gastric tissues and 22 (37％) cases of gastric cancer tissues.The mRNA and protein expressions of Ezrin in the normal adjacent gastric tissues were 1.30 ± 0.04 and 3.57 ± 0.45,respectively,which were significantly higher than 0.53 ± 0.36 and 0.96 ± 0.18 in the gastric cancer tissues ( t =5.309,22.617,P ＜ 0.05 ).The mRNA expression of Ezrin was positively correlated with the protein expression of Ezrin (r =0.602,P ＜ 0.05 ).The mRNA and protein expressions of Ezrin were related to the pathological stages,depth of invasion and state of lymph node metastasis (x2 =6.41,6.49,4.62; 5.40,8.87,4.12,P ＜ 0.05),but not to the gender,age and tumor differentiation (x2 =0.50,0.07,1.07 ; 0.01,1.16,1.96,P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion The mRNA and protein expressions of Ezrin are significantly decreased in the gastric cancer tissue,which might be responsible for genesis,development and metastasis of gastric cancer.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of single-port Da Vinci robotic surgical system in the radical gastrectomy of gastric cancer.Methods The retrospective descriptive study was conducted.The clinical data of the first patient in China who underwent single-port radical gastrectomy of gastric cancer using Da Vinci robotic surgical system in the Southwest Hospital of the Third Military Medical University in June 2017 were collected.Patient underwent radical gastrectomy of gastric cancer using single-port Da Vinci robotic surgical system +D2 lymph node dissection + Billroth Ⅱ anastomosis.Observation indicators:(1) intra-and post-operative situations;(2) follow-up and patients' survival.Follow-up using outpatient examination and telephone interview was performed to detect the patients' postoperative survival up to July 2017.Results (1) Intra-and postoperative situations:patient underwent radical distal subtotal gastrectomy of gastric cancer using single-port Da Vinci robotic surgical system.Operation time and volume of intraoperative blood loss were respectively 303 minutes and 100 mL.There was no intraoperative complication.The distances from tumor to proximal margin and distal margin were 5 cm and 6 cm.Number of lymph node dissected and length of abdominal incision were 51 and 3 cm.Time of gastric tube removal,time for out-of-bed activity,time of gastrointestinal function recovery,time of drainage tube removal and postoperative pain score were 17 hours,24 hours,36 hours,36 hours and 3,respectively.Patient took a little fluid diet after gastric tube removal.There was no occurrence of postoperative complication.Results of pathological examination showed that tumor invaded deep muscular layer,with 2 positive lymph nodes in No.3 and negative proximal and distal margins.Pathological staging was pT2N1M0 (Ⅱa staging).Duration of hospital stay was 6 days.(2) Follow-up and patients' survival:patient was followed up for 1 month,with a good survival.Conclusion The single-port Da Vinci robotic surgical system is safe and feasible in the radical gastrectomy of gastric cancer,with good short-term outcomes.

Objective To investigate the effect of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the gastric cancer cell migration and invasion via regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its potential function.Methods (1) Human gastric cancer cell MGC-803 lines in the logarithmic growth phase were stimulated by 0, 1 ng/mL, 10 ng/mL,100 ng/mL and 1μg/mL of IL-17 for 48 hours, and the phenotypic changes were observed.The concentration of IL-17 was selected for follow-on experiments based on the most obvious phenotypic changes.Gastric cancer cell MGC-803 which were stimulated by 100 ng/mL of IL-17 and PBS for 48 hours were allocated into the experimental group and control group, respectively.(2) The expressions of E-cadherin and Vimentin mRNA in gastric cancer cells were assayed through real-time PCR (RT-PCR).(3) The relative expressions of E-cadherin and Vimentin proteins in gastric cancer cells were assayed by the Western blot.(4) The scratch test and Transwell detection were also utilized to study the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cell MGC-803 in vitro.Measurement data with normal distribution were presented as-x ± s and comparison between groups was analyzed using the t test.Results (1) There were significant phenotypic changes in the gastric cancer cell after the different concentration of IL-17 stimulated gastric cancer cell MGC-803 for 48 hours.Cells were changed from polygonal and tight junction to spindle and loosely junction with a deterioration of cell adhesion.Cell phenotypes were gradually changed as the concentration of IL-17 was changed from 0 to 100 ng/mL.Phenotypic changes were the most obvious when 100 ng/mL of IL-17 was used, but these were non-significant as the concentration of IL-17 increased to 1 μg/mL with the death and floating of some cells.(2) The relative expressions of E-cadherin mRNA and Vimentin mRNA in RT-PCR were 0.45 ±0.13 and 1.06 ±0.23 in the experimental group and 2.39 ±0.55 and 1.23±0.41 in the control group, respectively, with significant differences (t =3.811, 2.923, P ＜0.05).(3) The results of Western blot showed the relative expressions of E-cadherin and Vimentin proteins were 0.86 ± 0.17 and 1.56 ± 0.29 in the experimental group and 1.01 ± 0.12 and 0.56 ± 0.17 in the control group, respectively, with significant differences (t =3.551, 3.601, P ＜ 0.05).(4) Cell migration in the 2 groups were detected by the scratch test at 36 hours after scratch test, and the width of scratch in the experimental and control groups were (0.76 ± 0.13) mm and (0.40 ± 0.15) mm, showing a significant difference (t =3.095, P ＜ 0.05).Transwell detection showed number of transmembrane cell in the experimental and control groups were 159 ±28 and 94 ± 18, respectively, with a significant difference (t =3.307, P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion IL-17 can promote the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells via stimulating alteration of EMT.

Objective To investigate the effects of the microbubbles combined with different mechanical index ultrasound irradiation on ultrastmcture and migration of colon cancer cells.Methods The experimental study was conducted.Colon cancer cells inn vitro (Lovo ceils) were cultured and divided into 4 groups,ceils in the A group were not treated and cells in the B,C and D groups were treated by microbubbles combined with different mechanical index ultrasound irradiation (mechanical index were 0.20,0.80 and 1.45).The changes of ultrastructure and migration of cells were observed using laser scanning confocal microscope and MilliceIl-PCF cell culturechamber method,respectively.Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as (x)±s.Comparisons among groups were analyzed by the one-way ANOVA.Pairwise comparisons were done by the t test.Results (1)Effects of the microbubbles combined with different mechanical index ultrasound irradiation on ultrastructure of Lovo cells:Lovo cells in the A group showed big nucleus,less plasma,regular arrangement,jagged-like or more irregular varicosity surrounding nucleus,twisted euchmmatin,expansion of nucleus cisternal space,homogeneous distribution and normal development of granular soil and clear mitochondrial ridge-like structures.Lovo cells in the B group showed big nucleus with regular arrangement,obvious nucleolus margination,endoplasmic reticulum dilatation,normal development of mitochondrion and clear mitochondrial ridge-like structures.Lovo cells in the C group showed broadening nucleus space,abnormal nucleus with karyopycnosis,chromatin condensation,a few remaining or obvious dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum,typically consisting of different fragments or bubbles,cytoplasmic vacuoles changes and decreasing mitochondrial ridge-like structures.Lovo cells in the D group showed big and irregular nucleus,nucleolus margination,obvious endoplasmic reticulum dilatation,fewer mitochondrion with extended cell area and swelling shape,rare mitochondrial ridge-like structures with disordered or broken arrangement,even disappearing.(2) Effects of the microbubbles combined with different mechanical index ultrasound irradiation on migration of Lovo cells:Millicell-PCF cell culture chamber method showed that number of migration of Lovo cells were respectively 63±7,61±4,21±3 and 19±5 in the A,B,C and D groups,with a statistically significant difference (F=55.040,P＜0.05).There were no statistically significant difference in migration of Lovo cells between group A and B (t =1.571,P＞0.05) and between group C and D (t =2.013,P＞0.05).There were statistically significant differences in migration of Lovo cells between group A and C or D (t=7.861,10.652,P＜0.05) and between group B and group C or D (t=7.161,10.453,P＜0.05).Conclusion Microbubbles combined with high mechanical index ultrasound irradiation can make the ultrastructural alterations in the cancer cells,resulting in tumor cell degeneration and death,ultimately inhibit tumor cell migration and metastasis.

Objective To investigate the clinical value of a new anvil inserting method for esophagogastrostomy or esophagojejunostomy during laparoscopic radical proximal gastrectomy or radical total gastrectomy for gastric cancer.Methods The clinical data of 21 patients with gastric cancer who received laparoscopic radical proximal gastrectomy or radical total gastrectomy at the Southwest Hospital from March 2010 to February 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.Five trocars were inserted through the abdominal wall of the patients.After perigastric lymphadenectomy and mobilization of esophagus,an incision was made on the esophagus above the tumor,and then the anvil with drawn wire attached was inserted into the esophagus.An endo-cutter was applied to cut the esophagus adjacent to the incision left the drawn wire untouched,and then the stem of the anvil was pulled out by the drawn wire for laparoscopic anastomosis. Results The operations were successfully accomplished under the laparoscope with no conversion to open surgery.Fifteen patients received laparoscopic radical total gastrectomy and 6 received laparoscopic radical proximal gastrectomy. The mean operation time,volume of blood loss,time to off-bed activity,passage of flatus and postoperative duration of hospital stay were (257 ± 38) minutes,( 119 ± 32) ml,(2.5 ± 0.5 ) days,( 3.7 ± 0.8 ) days and (7.5 ± 2.6) days,respectively.No perioperative mortality,anastomotic bleeding or anastomotic fistula was detected.One patient was complicated with pulmonary infection + pleural effusion and was cured by conservative treatment; 1 was complicated with anastomotic stenosis which was alleviated by gastroscopic balloon dilation; 1 was complicated by incisional infection and was cured by medical treatment after drainage.No cancer cells were detected at the anastomotic ring or resection margin of the specimen.There were 4 patients with well-differentiated adenoma,8 with moderate-differentiated adenoma and 9 with poor-differentiated mucinous adenoma.There were 5 patients in stage Ⅰ,10 in stage Ⅱ and 6 in stage Ⅲ (UICC staging).Twenty-one patients were followed up for a mean period of (11 ±4) months (range,6-17 months ),no tumor recurrence or metastasis was detected. Conclusions The new technique for anvil insertion is safe,effective and easy for manipulation and learn.It offers a new approach for laparoscopic digestive tract reconstruction.

Advanced gastric cancer is usually dealt with D2 radical dissection. There are different opinions as to whether it is necessary to perform D3 radical lymphadenectomy.Some scholars thought that properly enlarged radical dissection can improve long-term outcomes for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer.In recent years,laparoscopic D1 and D2 radical dissection of gastric cancer could be carried out in many hospitals.However,the technique and related skills for performing D3 radical lymphadeneetomy through laparoscope remains to be explored.Based on our previous experiences,D3 radical lymphadeneetomy using artery suspension method and medial-to-lateral approach for advanced gastric cancer is proved to be safe and feasihle.

Objective To measure the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α in acral malignant melanoma (MM) tissue and to investigate its relationship with the stem cell factor (SCF)/c-kit pathway.Methods Immunohistochemical staining was performed to measure the expression of HIF-1α in tissue specimens from lesions of 93 patients with acral MM,21 with non-acral MM,39 with acral melanocytic nevi,and from the normal acral skin of 15 healthy human controls.Meanwhile,the expression of c-kit was detected by immunohistochemical staining in the 93 acral MM tissue specimens.Statistical comparisons were carried out by chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test.The relationship of HIF-1α expression with c-kit expression as well as tumor progression and staging was assessed by Spearman correlation analysis.Results Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression rate of HIF-1α was 87.10％ (81/93) in acral MM specimens,90.48％ (19/21) in non-acral MM specimens,15.38％ (6/39) in acral melanocytic nevus specimens,but 0 (0/15) in the normal acral skin specimens.The expression of HIF-1α was significantly higher in acral MM lesions than in normal acral skin and acral melanocytic nevus lesions (both P ＜ 0.01),and significantly different between acral MM and non-acral MM lesions (P ＜ 0.01).Moreover,HIF-1α expression was positively correlated with Clark level and Breslow depth of melanoma (rs =0.442,0.368,respectively,both P ＜ 0.01),with the progression of acral MM (from in situ to aggressive and metastatic MM) (rs =0.420,P ＜ 0.01),and with the expression of c-kit (rs =0.307,P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions HIF-1α is highly expressed in acral MM,positively correlated with the staging,progression and aggression of MM,and co-expressed with c-kit in acral MM tissue,suggesting that both HIF-1α and c-kit take part in the pathogenesis of acral MM.