Objective By contrasting and analyzing the clinic manifestations, radiological features and pathological results of patients with bone invasion from skin of the lower limbs that were associated with malignancy, authors advanced X-ray diagnostic evidence to promote its diagnostic accuracy. Methods The radiological appearances of squamous cell carcinoma arising in chronic ulcers, sinus and scars of the lower limbs in 16 patients from February 1968 to April 2002 confirmed by pathology, were analyzed retrospectively. All cases were taken posterior-anterior and lateral radiograph before operation. There were 15 males and 1 females aging from 15 to 67 years (mean, 50.4 years). The lesion was located at the front of tibia in 15, and the middle inferior part of femur. The medical history of primary diseases varied from 1 to over 50 years with an average of 20 years and 3 months. Of 16 cases, the duration of 8 cases from a sudden change of state of an illness to the final diagnosis was 4 to 6 months, 4 cases above 1 year, and 4 cases were found with no any change of state of an illness. Results There were 14 cases observed as typical chronic osteomyelitis, which demonstrated peripheral osteolytic defect, 13 cases with osteolytic destruction spreading outwards from front of tibia, and 1 case with widespread osteolytic destruction in the middle and inferior part of femur. Floating-ice-like rudimental bone in the defect was found in 11 cases, and 4 case were observed with old fracture. 2 cases without obvious history of typical chronic osteomyelitis, 1 case with soft tissue trauma and 1 case of burn, showed small Saucer-like erosion of the cortex and huge lobar soft tissue masses. Moreover, patchy shadow and Codman's triangle were found in 1 case of burn. Furthermore, lobar soft tissue masses and huge ulcer accord with osteolytic destruction was observed in all cases, and soft tissue masses were larger than the area of bony destruction in 6 cases. Conclusion Roentgenogram could display shape, location and extension of bone invasion from skin of the lower limbs that were associated with malignancy, which contribute to diagnose the lesion and provide useful evidence for surgical plan.

Objective:To investigate the prognostic value of gastroepiploic lymph node (GLN) metastasis in transverse colon cancer.Methods:The propensity score matching and retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 371 patients with transverse colon cancer who were admitted to Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from November 2010 to November 2017 were collected. There were 202 males and 169 females, aged from 21 to 92 years, with a median age of 58 years. Patients were performed complete mesocolic excision combined with GLN dissection by one group of surgeons. Of the 371 patients with transverse colon cancer, 15 cases had positive GLN metastasis (GLN+), and 356 cases had negative GLN metastasis (GLN-). Observation indicators: (1) the propensity score matching conditions and comparison of baseline data between GLN- patients and GLN+patients with transverse colon cancer after propensity score matching; (2) follow-up and survival of GLN- patients and GLN+patients with transverse colon cancer; (3) influencing factors for prognosis of patients with transverse colon cancer. Patients were followed up by outpatient examination or telephone interview to detect tumor metastasis and survival. Follow-up was conducted once every 3 months within postoperative 2 years, once every 6 months within postoperative 2-5 years and once a year thereafter up to January 2020. The propensity score matching was conducted by 1∶4 matching using the nearest neighbor method. Measurement data with skewed distribution were described as M (range), and comparison between groups was analyzed using the rank sum test. Count data were represented as absolute numbers, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rates and draw survival curves, and Log-rank test was used for survival analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the COX proportional hazard regression model. The variables with P<0.10 in the univariate analysis were included for multivariate analysis. Results:(1) The propensity score matching conditions and comparison of baseline data between GLN- patients and GLN+ patients with transverse colon cancer after propensity score matching: 55 of 371 patients had successful matching, including 44 GLN- patients and 11 GLN+ patients. Before propensity score matching, the age, cases in stage 0 or stage 1 of M staging, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen were 60 years(range, 24-92 years), 328, 22, 4.1 μg/L(range, 0.2-343.7 μg/L) for GLN- patients, respectively, versus 67 years(range, 21-79 years), 11, 4, 5.0 μg/L(range, 0.7-952.4 μg/L) for GLN+ patients, showing significant differences in the above indicators between the two groups ( Z=-1.440, χ2=9.031, Z=-2.086, P<0.05). After propensity score matching, the above indicators were 58 years(range, 45-67 years), 40, 4, 4.0 μg/L(range, 2.0-10.0 μg/L) for GLN- patients, respectively, versus 67 years(range, 59-71 years), 9, 2, 5.0 μg/L(range, 8.0-19.0 μg/L) for GLN+ patients, showing no significant difference between the two groups ( Z=-1.580, χ2=0.105, Z=-0.821, P>0.05). (2) Follow-up and survival of GLN- patients and GLN+ patients with transverse colon cancer: GLN- patients and GLN+ patients with transverse colon cancer were followed-up for 12-92 months and 1-70 months, with a median time of 53 months and 30 months respectively. Three cases of GLN- patients and 2 cases of GLN+patients had postoperative liver metastasis, respectively, showing no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 =0.344, P>0.05). One case of GLN- patients and 3 cases of GLN+ patients had heterochronous lung metastasis, respectively, showing a significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 =4.870, P<0.05). The 5-year disease progression-free survival rates were 82.3% and 33.9% for GLN- patients and GLN+ patients, respectively, showing a significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 =13.366, P<0.05). (3) Influencing factors for prognosis of patients with transverse colon cancer: results of univariate analysis showed that pT staging, pN staging, M staging and GLN metastasis were related factors for prognosis of patients with transverse colon cancer ( hazard ratio=1.599, 5.107, 4.511, 6.273, 95% confidence interval as 0.467-5.471, 1.867-13.971, 1.385-14.694, 2.052-19.176, P<0.05). Results of multivariate analysis showed that pN staging, M staging and GLN metastasis were independent influencing factors for prognosis of patients with transverse colon cancer ( hazard ratio=6.399, 6.163, 4.024, 95% confidence interval as 2.028-20.189, 1.666-22.800, 1.177-13.752, P<0.05). Conclusion:For the patients with transverse colon cancer, GLN metastasis is associated with high postoperative heterochronous lung metastasis rate and poor prognosis. GLN metastasis is an independent prognostic factor for patients with transverse colon cancer.

Many studies have focused on the identification of risk factors and prevention of anastomotic leakage following rectal cancer surgery. However, there is little knowledge regarding classification and management of anastomotic leakage in clinic. Herein, we reviewed and summarized the classification and management of anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery. The relevant treatments of anastomotic leakage should be chosen based on patient's manifestation, including general and local reactions, anatomical location, and nature of the leakage (contained or free, controlled or uncontrolled leakage) . 1) Surgery is imperative for anastomotic leakage with acute general peritonitis and sepsis. 2) Circumscribed peritonitis and the pelvic abscess can be managed conservatively with complete drainage. During the conservative management, diverting stoma, minimally invasive techniques of seal or repair should be implemented at an appropriate time, if necessary. 3) Subclinical leakage seldom requires surgical intervention promptly. 4) For persistent anastomotic leakage after diverting stoma, we should consider whether chronic presacral abscess, epithelialized sinus, fistula or local recurrence of cancer is present. With regard to definitive salvage surgery, reconstruction of the coloanal anastomosis or permanent stoma is usually required under these circumstances. 5) Complicated fistula often necessitates surgical repair with advancement tissue flap or tissue interposition under the condition of diversion. Reconstructing the coloanal anastomosis is the alternative management, whereas other treatments are invalid, including ultra-low anterior resection, intersphincteric resection, proctectomy with colon pull-through, and primary or staged coloanal anastomosis. 6) During the surgical repair of recto-vaginal fistula and recto-urinary fistula, colorectal surgeons may require the cooperation of gynecologists, urologists, and orthopedists. 7) For anastomotic leakage with local recurrence of cancer after conservative management, diverting stoma should be performed promptly to facilitate the subsequent chemoradiotherapy. Surgeons should pay more attention to systemic knowledge and understanding of the classification and management of anastomotic leakage following rectal cancer surgery. Accordingly, we can follow the principles of management, individualize the treatments, apply the concepts of damage control and minimally invasive surgery, and enhance the recovery of anastomotic leakage. Prevention remains more important than remedies. To prevent the occurrence of permanent injuries, not only early diagnoses and treatments should be performed, but also the timing of cancer treatments is warranted for anastomotic leakage.

Objective: To explore the peri-operative application of GLP-1 analogue and insulin on myocardial perfusion and clinical prognosis in patients of acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with stress-induced hyperglycemia. Methods: Our research was a prospective single center randomized control study. A total of 114 consecutive STEMI patients received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 12h of onset were enrolled, the patients had no diabetes while blood glucose ≥11.1mmol/L at immediate admission. Based on random number table, the patients were divided into 2 groups: Observation group, the patients received GLP-1 analogue, n=59 and Control group, the patients received insulin, n=55. The post-operative myocardial perfusion, indicators of myocardial damage and cardiac function, myocardial infarct area (MIA) and myocardial salvage index (MSI) were compared between 2 groups. The patients were followed-up for 6 months to record the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Results: At peri-operative period, compared with Control group, Observation group had decreased peak values of creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) and troponin T (cTnT), P<0.05. At 6 months post-operation, compared with Control group, Observation group showed increased myocardial perfusion and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), P<0.05, reduced MIA (15±12) g vs (20±14) g, P<0.05 and 12% elevated MSI as (0.64±0.13) vs (0.56±0.12), P<0.001. The MACE incidence was similar between 2 groups, P=0.217. Conclusion: In STEMI patients with stress-induced hyperglycemia, peri-operative application of GLP-1 analogue may safely regulate blood glucose, improve cardiac perfusion and function, reduce MIA; while it had no influence on myocardial perfusion at peri-operative period and no impact on MACE occurrence at 6 months post-operation.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of intestinal resection on hydrogen sulfide (H2S) biosynthesis and interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC) in mice.

METHODSAfter intestinal resection mouse model was established, the activity of MPO in the proximal anastomosis intestinal tissue were detected. Sensitive sulphur electrode assay was applied to measure the H2S level. RT-PCR technique was employed to investigate the mRNA expression of the endogenous H2S biosynthesis enzymes, cystathionine-b-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-c-lyase (CSE). Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of c-kit in order to calculate the area of ICC.

RESULTSThe mRNA expression of CSE was detected in the small intestine tissue of mice, while no CBS mRNA was found. The mRNA expression of CSE in proximal anastomotic stoma increased in time-dependent manner in the model group. CSE mRNA expression began to increase 1 hour after operation, reached the peak at 6th hour, then decreased gradually, and was similar to the control group at postoperative 24th hour. Compared to the model group, in the intestinal tissues of proximal 3 cm to anastomotic stoma, the mRNA expression of CSE (1.16 ± 0.18 vs. 1.63 ± 0.13, P<0.05), the activity of MPO [(0.54 ± 0.07) U/g vs. (0.83 ± 0.09) U/g, P<0.05], the H2S level [(36.1 ± 6.1) nmol/mg vs. (5.3 ± 5.6) nmol/mg, P<0.05] were significantly reduced in the PPG group. Meanwhile, average percentage of positive ICC area in the PPG groups was significantly higher [(2.26 ± 0.19)% vs. (1.65 ± 0.24)%, P<0.05].

CONCLUSIONSInflammatory reaction in muscular layer induced by intestinal resection up-regulates the mRNA expression of CSE proximal to anastomotic stoma, generates excess H2S to damage ICC leading to intestinal motor dysfunction. Preoperative inhibition of endogenous H2S generation may protect the ICC.

Animals ; Cystathionine gamma-Lyase ; Disease Models, Animal ; Hydrogen Sulfide ; Inflammation ; Interstitial Cells of Cajal ; Intestines ; Mice ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit ; RNA, Messenger

There are three goals of the treatments for rectal cancer, including risk reduction of local recurrence in the pelvic cavity through treatment to the most extent (better down to less than 5%), reduction of acute or chronic complications as soon as possible, and preservation of good sphincter function as well as life quality. As a new concept, rectum preserving surgery following neoadjuvant therapy, remains controversial in its implementation process. There are controversies in the selection criteria, regimens of neoadjuvant therapy, therapy procedures, complications, and evaluation of oncological prognosis and life quality. The authors discuss the above issues in this article based on literatures and our own practical experience, in order to provide references for the promotion of rectum preserving surgery.

Background::Pre-operative assessment with high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for assessing the risk of local recurrence (LR) and survival in rectal cancer. However, few studies have explored the clinical importance of the morphology of the anterior mesorectum, especially in patients with anterior cancer. Hence, the study aimed to investigate the impact of the morphology of the anterior mesorectum on LR in patients with primary rectal cancer.Methods::A retrospective study was performed on 176 patients who underwent neoadjuvant treatment and curative-intent surgery. Patients were divided into two groups according to the morphology of the anterior mesorectum on sagittal MRI: (1) linear type: the anterior mesorectum was thin and linear; and (2) triangular type: the anterior mesorectum was thick and had a unique triangular shape. Clinicopathological and LR data were compared between patients with linear type anterior mesorectal morphology and patients with triangular type anterior mesorectal morphology.Results::Morphometric analysis showed that 90 (51.1%) patients had linear type anterior mesorectal morphology, while 86 (48.9%) had triangular type anterior mesorectal morphology. Compared to triangular type anterior mesorectal morphology, linear type anterior mesorectal morphology was more common in females and was associated with a higher risk of circumferential resection margin involvement measured by MRI (35.6% [32/90] vs. 16.3% [14/86], P = 0.004) and a higher 5-year LR rate (12.2% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.030). In addition, the combination of linear type anterior mesorectal morphology and anterior tumors was confirmed as an independent risk factor for LR (odds ratio = 4.283, P = 0.014). Conclusions::The classification established in this study was a simple way to describe morphological characteristics of the anterior mesorectum. The combination of linear type anterior mesorectal morphology and anterior tumors was an independent risk factor for LR and may act as a tool to assist with LR risk stratification and treatment selection.

Coloanal anastomosis is a surgical procedure in which the colon is connected to the anus after rectal resection, and it can be divided into one-stage immediate anastomosis and two-stage (delayed) coloanal anastomosis. Based on relevant literature and team practices, the authors explore the indications, technical essentials, complications, and functional aspects of both immediate and delayed coloanal anastomosis. When performing coloanal anastomosis, it should make rational choices based on the patient′s indications, condition, and actual technical situation of the surgeon. In sphincter-preserving surgery for low rectal cancer, the success of coloanal anastomosis depends on achieving effective reconstruction that ensures oncological safety, anatomical integrity, and func-tional recovery.

OBJECTIVETo explore predictive factors associated with pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer.

METHODSClinicopathological data of 163 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who were treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by radical surgical resection from January 2007 to May 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to analyze associated factors of pCR, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, anemia, tumor diameter, distance of the tumor from the anal verge, circumferential extent of the tumor, tumor pathological types, tumor differentiation, pre-chemoradiotherapy T stage, pre-chemoradiotherapy N stage, pre-chemoradiotherapy CEA level, pre-chemoradiotherapy CA199 level, per-operation CEA level, pre-operation CA199 level, radiation dose, chemotherapy modality, time interval from completion of chemoradiotherapy to surgery, etc.

RESULTSTwenty-nine patients(17.8%) achieved pCR after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer. Univariate analysis showed circumferential extent of tumor(≥1/2 cycle)(P=0.018), tumor pathological types(adenocarcinoma)(P=0.036), tumor differentiation (moderate or high)(P=0.021) and pre-chemoradiotherapy CEA level(≤2.5 μg/L)(P=0.007) were significantly correlated with pCR after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer. Logistic regression revealed that circumferential extent of tumor (≥1/2 cycle)(OR=2.901, P=0.020) and pre-chemoradiotherapy CEA level (≤2.5 μg/L)(OR=2.775, P=0.022) were independent predictive factors of pCR after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer.

CONCLUSIONPatients with circumferential extent of tumor ≤1/2 and pre-chemoradiotherapy CEA level ≤2.5 μg/L are more likely to achieve pCR after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer, and these two indices can be used to predict pCR after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Chemoradiotherapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Rectal Neoplasms ; therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo explore the risk factors of anal function after transabdominal intersphincteric resection(ISR) for low rectal cancer.

METHODSClinical and follow-up data of 96 patients with low rectal cancer who underwent transabdominal ISR in our department from January 2005 to December 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. The Wexner scoring scale was used to evaluate the anal function and the risk factors of anal function were analyzed by the Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTSNinety-six patients completed Wexner scoring scale with mean follow-up of 32.7 months. Eighty-three cases(86.5%) presented good continence with a Wexner score less than 10. There was negative correlation between Wexner score and follow-up duration (Pearson coefficient, -0.078, P=0.003). Univariate analysis suggested the distance less than 5 cm from tumor to anal verge(P=0.043), height less than 2 cm from anastomosis to anal verge (P=0.001) and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy(P=0.001) were the risk factors. Multivariate analysis revealed that distance less than 2 cm from anastomosis to anal verge(P=0.020) and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy(P=0.001) were independent risk factors for fecal incontinence.

CONCLUSIONSMost patients have good continence after transabdominal ISR. A distance of less than 2 cm from anastomosis to anal verge and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy are independent risk factors for poor anal function after transabdominal ISR.

Anal Canal ; physiopathology ; Fecal Incontinence ; Humans ; Rectal Neoplasms ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors