Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of primary tumor resection (PTR) in asymptomatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with unresectable metastases using the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method to minimize selection bias. Methods: We selected 146 patients diagnosed with stage IV CRC with unresectable metastasis between 2001 and 2018 from our institutional database. In a multivariate logistic regression model using the patients’ baseline covariates associated with PTR, we applied the IPTW method based on a propensity score and performed a weighted Cox proportional regression analysis to estimate survival according to PTR. Results: Upfront PTR was performed in 98 patients, and no significant differences in baseline factors were detected. The upweighted median survival of the PTR group was 18 months and that of the non-PTR group was 15 months (P = 0.15). After applying the IPTW, the PTR was still insignificant in the univariate Cox regression (hazard ratio [HR], 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5–1.21). However, in the multivariate weighted Cox regression with adjustment for other covariates, the PTR showed a significantly decreased risk of cancer-related death (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.40–0.94). Conclusion In this study, we showed that asymptomatic CRC patients with unresectable metastases could gain a survival benefit from upfront PTR by analysis with the IPTW method. However, randomized controlled trials are mandatory.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) according to the method of appendiceal stump closure. Methods: Patients who underwent LA for appendicitis between 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified into locking polymeric clip (LPC) and loop ligature (LL) groups. Clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. Results: LPC and LL were used in 188 (56.6%) and 144 patients (43.4%), respectively for appendiceal stump closure. No significant differences were observed in sex, age, comorbidities, and the severity of appendicitis between the groups. The median operative time was shorter in the LPC group than in the LL group (64.5 minutes vs. 71.5 minutes, P=0.027). The median hospital stay was longer in the LL group than in the LPC group (4 days vs. 3 days, P=0.020). Postoperative incidences of intraabdominal abscess and ileus were higher in the LL group than in the LPC group (4.2% vs. 1.1%, P=0.082 and 2.8% vs. 0%, P=0.035; respectively). The readmission rate was higher in the LL group than that in the LPC group (6.3% vs. 1.1%, P=0.012). Conclusion Using LPC for appendiceal stump closure during LA for appendicitis was associated with lower postoperative complication rate, shorter operative time, and shorter hospital stay compared to the use of LL. Operative time above 60 minutes and the use of LL were identified as independent risk factors for postoperative complications in LA. Therefore, LPC could be considered a more favorable closure method than LL during LA for appendicitis.

Traditionally, urologists recommend an interval of at least 4 weeks after prostate biopsy before radical prostatectomy. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether the interval from prostate biopsy to radical prostatectomy affects immediate operative outcomes, with a focus on differences in surgical approach. The study population of 1,848 radical prostatectomy patients was divided into two groups according to the surgical approach: open or minimally invasive. Open group included perineal and retropubic approach, and minimally invasive group included laparoscopic and robotic approach. The cut-off of the biopsy-to-surgery interval was 4 weeks. Positive surgical margin status, operative time and estimated blood loss were evaluated as endpoint parameters. In the open group, there were significant differences in operative time and estimated blood loss between the <4-week and > or =4-week interval subgroups, but there was no difference in positive margin rate. In the minimally invasive group, there were no differences in the three outcome parameters between the two subgroups. Multivariate analysis revealed that the biopsy-to-surgery interval was not a significant factor affecting immediate operative outcomes in both open and minimally invasive groups, with the exception of the interval > or =4 weeks as a significant factor decreasing operative time in the minimally invasive group. In conclusion, performing open or minimally invasive radical prostatectomy within 4 weeks of prostate biopsy is feasible for both approaches, and is even beneficial for minimally invasive radical prostatectomy to reduce operative time.
Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/*statistics & numerical data ; *Operative Time ; Postoperative Hemorrhage/*epidemiology ; Prevalence ; Prostatectomy/*statistics & numerical data ; Prostatic Neoplasms/epidemiology/*pathology/*surgery ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Time-to-Treatment/*statistics & numerical data ; Treatment Outcome

PURPOSE: Despite a recent surge in the performance of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS), concerns remain about performing LESS pyeloplasty (LESS-P) because of the technical difficulty in suturing. We report our techniques and initial experiences with LESS-P using additional needlescopic instruments and compare the results with conventional laparoscopic pyeloplasty (CL-P). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients undergoing LESS-P were matched 2:1 with regard to age and side of surgery to a previous cohort of 18 patients who underwent CL-P. In both groups, the operating procedures were performed equally except for the number of access points. In the LESS-P group, we made a single 2 cm incision at the umbilicus and used a homemade port. We also used additional 2 mm needlescopic instruments at the subcostal area to facilitate suturing and the ureteral stenting. RESULTS: The preoperative characteristics were comparable in both groups. Postoperatively, no significant differences were noted between the LESS-P and CL-P cases in regard to length of stay, estimated blood loss, analgesics required, and complications. But, LESS-P was associated with a shorter operative time (252.2 vs. 309.7 minutes, p=0.044) and less pain on postoperative day one (numeric rating scale 3.7 vs. 5.6, p=0.024). The success rate was 94% with CL-P (median, 23 months) and 100% with LESS-P (median, 14 months). CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experiences suggest that LESS-P is a feasible and safe procedure. The use of additional 2 mm instruments can help to overcome the difficulties associated with LESS surgery.
Analgesics ; Cohort Studies ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Length of Stay ; Operative Time ; Stents ; Umbilicus ; Ureter ; Ureteral Obstruction

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Benign intestinal strictures are common complications in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aimed to assess the long-term prognosis of endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) to treat benign strictures in IBD patients. METHODS: Patients with IBD who had benign strictures and who underwent EBD in four tertiary referral university hospitals between January 2004 and February 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Technical success was defined as the ability to pass the scope through the stricture after balloon dilation, and clinical success was defined as improved obstructive symptoms. RESULTS: Forty-two benign strictures were identified in 30 patients (15 males and 15 females). Technical success was achieved in 26 patients (86.7%) at the first EBD attempt and in all 30 patients (100%) at the second EBD attempt. Clinical success was seen in 28 patients (93.3%). The median follow-up duration was 134.8 months (range, 10.2 to 252.0 months), and recurrence occurred in eight patients (26.7%), who required repeat EBD. The median duration to relapse was 1.7 months (range, 0.2 to 6.3 months). During repeat EBD, perforation occurred in two cases (6.7%), which were both clipped successfully. Finally, only one patient (3.3%) underwent surgery for the relief of recurrent obstructive symptoms during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The experience of 10 years shows that EBD is safe and effective for the treatment of benign strictures in IBD patients. Importantly, EBD may allow long-term effective palliation of the symptoms associated with benign intestinal strictures in IBD patients.
Colitis, Ulcerative ; Constriction, Pathologic* ; Crohn Disease ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases* ; Male ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Referral and Consultation ; Retrospective Studies

PURPOSE: In this study, we investigated the role of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a predictor of tumor response and as a prognostic factor in patients with rectal cancer who had undergone curative surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (nCRT). METHODS: Between January 2009 and July 2016, we collected 140 consecutive patients who had undergone curative intent surgery after nCRT due to rectal adenocarcinoma. We obtained the pre- and post-nCRT NLR by dividing the neutrophil count by the lymphocyte count. The cutoff value was obtained using receiver operating characteristic analysis for tumor response and using maximally selected rank analysis for recurrence-free survival (RFS). The relationship among NLR, tumor response, and RFS was assessed by adjusting the possible clinico-pathological confounding factors. RESULTS: The possibility of pathologic complete response (pCR) was significantly decreased in high pre- (>2.77) and postnCRT NLR (>3.23) in univariate regression analysis. In multivariate analysis, high post-nCRT NLR was an independent negative predictive factor for pCR (adjusted odds ratio, 0.365; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.145–0.918). The 5-year RFS of all patients was 74.6% during the median 37 months of follow-up. Patients with higher pre- (>2.66) and post-nCRT NLR (>5.21) showed lower 5-year RFS rates (53.1 vs. 83.3%, P = 0.006) (69.2 vs. 75.7%, P = 0.054). In multivariate Cox analysis, high pre-nCRT NLR was an independent poor prognostic factor for RFS (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.300; 95% CI, 1.061–4.985). CONCLUSION: Elevated NLR was a negative predictive marker for pCR and was independently associated with decreased RFS. For confirmation, a large-scale study with appropriate controls is needed.
Adenocarcinoma ; Biomarkers ; Chemoradiotherapy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymphocyte Count ; Lymphocytes ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neutrophils ; Odds Ratio ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prognosis ; Rectal Neoplasms ; ROC Curve

Bone Marrow Cells ; Dexamethasone ; Mandible ; Osteoblasts ; Osteogenesis ; Platelet-Rich Plasma ; Rabbits ; Silver Nitrate

PURPOSE: High Gleason score (8 to 10) is a poor prognostic factor regardless of treatment. Pathological downgrading sometimes occurs in high grade prostate cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate treatment outcomes in patients with high grade prostate cancer on biopsy who were pathological downgrading after radical prostatectomy (RP). The impact on outcomes according to changes in the Gleason score after RP was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 3,236 men who underwent RP between September 1995 and December 2014, 541 patients with biopsy Gleason score 8 to 10 were retrospectively reviewed. We analyzed incidence and biochemical recurrence (BCR) free probability in this downgraded group according to the Gleason grade of cancer in the RP specimen. RESULTS: Of 541 patients had a prostate biopsy Gleason score of 8 to 10. Two hundred ten patients showed pathological downgrading after RP (38.8%). Five-year BCR-free probability of patients who had Gleason score of 7 or less after RP was 46.8%. However, 5-year BCR-free probability of patients who remained Gleason scores 8 to 10 after RP was 28.5%. There was a significantly higher BCR-free probability in pathological downgrading group (p<0.001). On multivariate analysis, biopsy Gleason 8, lower PSA, clinical T2 stage was a significant predictor of downgrading. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, 38.8% of patients with high grade prostate cancer had a Gleason score of 7 or less in the RP specimen. Downgraded prostate cancer had more favorable treatment outcome. Serum PSA, clinical stage and biopsy Gleason score were the predictive factors for pathological downgrading.
Biopsy* ; Humans ; Incidence* ; Male ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Grading* ; Prostate* ; Prostatectomy* ; Prostatic Neoplasms* ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome*

PURPOSE: We compared biopsy results and surgical outcomes of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided biopsy with transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided biopsy to demonstrate efficacy of MRI-guided biopsy on previous biopsy negative patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data of 120 patients who were categorized into MRI-guided biopsy groups (n=20) and TRUS-guided biopsy groups (n=100). All patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) and had undergone radical prostatectomy (RP) after MRI-guided or TRUS-guided repeat biopsy between January 2010 and March 2016. Detection rate of significant cancer and Gleason score upgrading and downgrading were examined, in addition to biopsy results and subsequent RP outcomes. RESULTS: Median values for prostate-specific antigen level of the TRUS-guided biopsy group and the MRI-guided biopsy group were 6.67 and 5.86 ng/mL (p=0.303), respectively. Median prostate volume of each group (34.1 mL vs. 23.5 mL, p=0.007), number of positive cores (2.0 vs. 3.0, p=0.001) and maximum cancer/core rate (30.0% vs. 60.0%, p<0.001) were statistically different. Positive core rates of each group were 21.9% and 87.1%, respectively. Pathologic T stage was the only variable that showed difference in surgical outcomes (p=0.002). Most of PCa was confirmed as clinically significant PCa after RP in MRI-guided biopsy group (95%). CONCLUSIONS: MRI-guided biopsy showed higher positive core rate and detection rate of clinically significant PCa than TRUS-guided biopsy in repeat biopsy setting. Prospective multicenter large-scale study and accumulation of data is expected to further define superiority of the MRI-guided biopsy.
Biopsy* ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neoplasm Grading ; Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis ; Prospective Studies ; Prostate ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; Prostatectomy ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography

PURPOSE: To determine the negative predictive value (NPV) of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) for clinically significant cancer (CSC) based on the Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) version 2 in very low-risk or low-risk prostate cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 380 patients with low risk of prostate cancer who underwent mp-MRI before radical prostatectomy (RP) from 2011 to 2013. Of the 380 patients, 142 patients were in the very low risk group. CSC at RP was defined as follows: any T3−4, G3+4 with tumor volume>15%, G4+3 or higher. In the very low risk and low risk groups, we analyzed the rate of CSC according to PI-RADS score and calculated the NPV of mp-MRI for detection of CSC. RESULTS: In the low risk group, 20.8% (n=79) of patients had PI-RADS version 2 score 1–2 and 17.4% (n=66) of patients had PI-RADS version 2 score 3. In the very low risk group, 26.8% (n=38) of patients had PI-RADS version 2 score 1–2 and 17.6% (n=25) of patients had PI-RADS version 2 score 3 in the very low risk group. Rates of CSC were 33.7% (n=128) and 16.9% (n=24) in the low risk and very low risk groups, respectively. The NPV of MRI was 93.7% in the very low risk group and 78.6% in the low risk group. CONCLUSIONS: The NPV of PI-RADS for CSC is high in the very low risk group, but not in the low risk group. Further multicenter studies are needed to investigate the utility of PI-RADS version 2 for NPV.
Humans ; Information Systems* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Prostate* ; Prostatectomy* ; Prostatic Neoplasms* ; Retrospective Studies