Safety and efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection for rectal neoplasia: a multicenter North American experience.

Background and aims  Rectal lesions traditionally represent the first lesions approached during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) training in the West. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of rectal ESD in North America. Methods  This is a multicenter retrospective analysis of rectal ESD between January 2010 and September 2018 in 15 centers. End points included: rates of en bloc resection, R0 resection, adverse events, comparison of pre- and post-ESD histology, and factors associated with failed resection. Results  In total, 171 patients (median age 63 years; 56 % men) underwent rectal ESD (median size 43 mm). En bloc resection was achieved in 141 cases (82.5 %; 95 %CI 76.8-88.2), including 24 of 27 (88.9 %) with prior failed endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). R0 resection rate was 74.9 % (95 %CI 68.4-81.4). Post-ESD bleeding and perforation occurred in 4 (2.3 %) and 7 (4.1 %), respectively. Covert submucosal invasive cancer (SMIC) was identified in 8.6 % of post-ESD specimens. There was one case (1/120; 0.8 %) of recurrence at a median follow-up of 31 weeks; IQR: 19-76 weeks). Older age and higher body mass index (BMI) were predictors of failed R0 resection, whereas submucosal fibrosis was associated with a higher likelihood of both failed en bloc and R0 resection. Conclusion  Rectal ESD in North America is safe and is associated with high en bloc and R0 resection rates. The presence of submucosal fibrosis was the main predictor of failed en bloc and R0 resection. ESD can be considered for select rectal lesions, and serves not only to establish a definitive tissue diagnosis but also to provide curative resection for lesions with covert advanced disease

Prognostic Value of Body Mass Index on Short-Term and Long-Term Outcome after Resection of Esophageal Cancer

Introduction: Cachexia and obesity have been suggested to be risk factors for postoperative complications. However, high body mass index (BMI) might result in a higher R0-resection rate because of the presence of more fatty tissue surrounding the tumor. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether BMI is of prognostic value with regard to short-term and long-term outcome in patients who undergo esophagectomy for cancer. Methods: In 556 patients who underwent esophagectomy (1991-2007), clinical and pathological outcome were compared between different BMI classes (underweight, normal weight, overweight, obesity). Results: Overall morbidity, mortality, and reoperation rate did not differ in underweight and obese patients. However, severe complications seemed to occur more often in obese patients (p = 0.06), and the risk for anastomotic leakage increased with higher BMI (12.5% in underweight patients compared with 27.6% in obese patients, p = 0.04). Histopathological assessment showed comparable pTNM stages, although an advanced pT stage was seen more often in patients with low/normal BMI (p = 0.02). A linear association between BMI and R0-resection rate was detected (p = 0.02): 60% in underweight patients compared with 81% in obese patients. However, unlike pT-stage (p < 0.001), BMI was not an independent predictor for R0 resection (p = 0.12). There was no significant difference in overall or disease-free 5-year survival between the BMI classes (p = 0.25 and p = 0.6, respectively). Conclusions: BMI is not of prognostic value with regard to short-term and long-term outcome in patients who undergo esophagectomy for cancer and is not an independent predictor for radical R0 resection. Patients oncologically eligible for esophagectomy should not be denied surgery on the basis of their BMI class

A comparison of neoadjuvant therapies for gastroesophageal and gastric cancer on tumour resection rate: A network meta-analysis

Background: Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies around the world, and a variety of neoadjuvant chemotherapies with different drug combinations are available for the treatment. R0 resection refers to a microscopically negative margin on resection, where no gross or microscopic tumour remains in the primary tumour. We aimed to find evidence on the relative effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapies for patients with advanced gastroesophageal and gastric cancer on the R0 resection rate. Methods: Relevant randomised controlled trials were searched using appropriate keywords in health-related databases. We performed network meta-analysis within a frequentist framework. The endpoint assessed was the R0 resection rate. We assessed consistency and transitivity assumptions that are necessary for network meta-analysis. This study only used data from published studies. The need for consent from participants was waived by the Ethics Review Committee of the International Medical University in Malaysia. Results: Six randomised controlled trials involving 1700 patients were identified. A network plot was formed with five neoadjuvant regimens [DLX (pyrimidine analogue + platinum compounds + chemoradiotherapy), DELX (pyrimidine analogue + epipodophylllotoxins/etoposide + platinum compounds + chemoradiotherapy), ADL (anthracycline + pyrimidine analogue + platinum compounds), ADM (anthracycline+ pyrimidine analogue + anti-folate compounds) and LTX (platinum compounds + taxane + chemoradiotherapy)] and surgery alone for management of patients with advanced gastroesophageal and gastric cancer. Assumptions required for a network meta-analysis such as consistency ((global test: Chi2 (1): 3.71; p:0.054)), and the transitivity in accord to the characteristics of interventions considered in this review were not violated. In the network comparison, surgery alone has a lower R0 resection rate compared with LTX (OR 0.2, 95%CI:0.01, 0.38) or DLX (OR 0.48, 95%CI: 0.29, 0.79). LTX has higher resection rate compared with DLX (OR 2.47, 95%CI: 1.08 to 5.63), DELX (OR 106.0, 95%CI: 25.29 to 444.21), ADM (OR 5.41, 95%CI: 1.56 to 18.78) or ADL (OR 3.12, 95%CI: 1.27 to 7.67). There were wide or very wide CIs in many of these comparisons. Overall certainty of the evidence was low or very low. Further research in this field is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the R0 resection rates between LTX versus other neoadjuvant chemotherapy is likely to change the estimate. Conclusions: Findings suggest that overall quality of evidence on the relative effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapies was low to very low level. Therefore, we are very uncertain about the true effect of neoadjuvant therapies in the R0 resection rate in patients with gastroesophageal and gastric cancer. Future well-designed large trials are needed. To recruit large samples in this field, multicountry trials are recommended. Future trials also need to assess treatment-related adverse events, and patients-centered outcomes such as health‐related quality of life

Preoperative inhibition in patients with irresectable locally advanced stage III melanoma

Aim: Neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced disease with BRAF inhibitors is expected to increase the likelihood of a R0 resection. We present six patients with stage III unresectable melanoma, neoadjuvantly treated with BRAF inhibitors. Methods: Patients with unresectable, BRAF-mutated, stage III melanoma, were treated with BRAF inhibitors between 2012 and 2015. Unresectability was determined based on clinical and/or radiological findings. At maximal response, resection was performed. The specimen was reviewed to determine the degree of response. Results: In five of six patients a radical resection was achieved. Postoperative complications were unremarkable. In five of six resected specimens, vital tumor tissue was found. Conclusion: Neoadjuvant BRAF inhibitor treatment of locally advanced melanoma is feasible and has the potential to facilitate an R0 resection

Effective optical identification of type "0-IIb" early gastric cancer with narrow band imaging magnification endoscopy, successfully treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection

Background Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is currently considered the minimal invasive endoscopic treatment for early gastric cancer. Most superficial gastric neoplastic lesions are depressed type ”0-IIc” (70-80%), while totally flat, classified as type ”0-IIb” early gastric cancer, is rarely reported (0.4%). The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of narrow band imaging (NBI) magnification endoscopy in identifying type “0-IIb” early gastric cancer and ESD treatment with curative intention.Methods Twelve of 615 (2%) patients (10 males, median 72 years), treated by ESD at our center, were diagnosed as type “0-IIb” gastric cancer. Ten had exclusively type “0-IIb”, while two had combined types “0-IIb+IIc” and “0-IIa+IIb” gastric cancer. Initial diagnosis was made during screening gastroscopy, while NBI magnification endoscopy combined with indigo-carmine chromoendoscopy were also used.Results White light endoscopy showed only superficial redness. One patient with signet-ring carcinoma showed whitish appearance. Indigo-carmine chromoendoscopy showed better visualization, while NBI magnification endoscopy revealed abnormal mucosal microsurface and microvascular findings which enabled border marking. ESD with curative intention was completed without complications. Histological examination showed complete (R0) resection, in 10 patients (83%). One patient with positive margins received additional surgery (8%). Mean procedure time was 149 (range 60-190) min. One to six years post-ESD all patients remain alive.Conclusions ESD is considered a safe and effective curative treatment for type “0-IIb” gastric cancer, resulting in long-term disease-free survival. NBI magnification endoscopy is effective for accurate optical identification and border marking of type “0-IIb” early gastric cancer

Feasibility of Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS) for Rectal Tumours and Its Impact on Quality of Life ? The Bristol Series

Aim: We assessed feasibility of the transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) procedure and quality of life postoperatively. Patients and Methods: A total of 28 patients with rectal lesions were treated using TAMIS at Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust. Outcome measures included feasibility of excision, negative margin (R0) resection rate, length of hospital stay, morbidity and mortality, and postoperative quality of life associated with anal incontinence. Results; TAMIS was feasible in 90% of cases. R0 resection was 82%. The mean length of hospital stay was 1.5 days. Six (21%) patients experienced acute urinary retention postoperatively. One (4%) patient was re-admitted with rectal bleeding. One patient experienced a perforation. Mortality was 0%. Postoperative quality of life indicated low severity of symptoms of anal incontinence. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that TAMIS is a feasible option in the treatment of rectal tumours and does not impair quality of life postoperatively

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of Gastric Neoplastic Lesions. An Italian, Multicenter Study

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) allows removing neoplastic lesions on gastric mucosa, including early gastric cancer (EGC) and dysplasia. Data on ESD from Western countries are still scanty. We report results of ESD procedures performed in Italy. Data of consecutive patients who underwent ESD for gastric neoplastic removal were analyzed. The en bloc resection rate and the R0 resection rates for all neoplastic lesions were calculated, as well as the curative rate (i.e., no need for surgical treatment) for EGC. The incidence of complications, the one‐month mortality, and the recurrence rate at one‐year follow‐up were computed. A total of 296 patients with 299 gastric lesions (80 EGC) were treated. The en bloc resection was successful for 292 (97.6%) and the R0 was achieved in 266 (89%) out of all lesions. In the EGC group, the ESD was eventually curative in 72.5% (58/80) following procedure. A complication occurred in 30 (10.1%) patients. Endoscopic treatment was successful in all 3 perforations, whereas it failed in 2 out of 27 bleeding patients who were treated with radiological embolization (1 case) or surgery (1 case). No procedure‐related deaths at one‐month follow‐up were observed. Lesion recurrence occurred in 16 (6.2%) patients (6 EGC and 10 dysplasia). In conclusion, the rate of both en bloc and R0 gastric lesions removal was very high in Italy. However, the curative rate for EGC needs to be improved. Complications were acceptably low and amenable at endoscopy

Surgical approaches to adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction: the Siewert II conundrum.

BACKGROUND: The Siewert classification system for gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma has provided morphological and topographical information to help guide surgical decision-making. Evidence has shown that Siewert I and III tumors are distinct entities with differing epidemiologic and histologic characteristics and distinct patterns of disease progression, requiring different treatment. Siewert II tumors share some of the characteristics of type I and III lesions, and the surgical approach is not universally agreed upon. Appropriate surgical options include transthoracic esophagogastrectomy, transhiatal esophagectomy, and transabdominal extended total gastrectomy. PURPOSE: A review of the available evidence of the surgical management of Siewert II tumors is presented. CONCLUSIONS: Careful review of the data appear to support the fact that a satisfactory oncologic resection can be achieved via a transabdominal extended total gastrectomy with a slight advantage in terms of perioperative complications, and overall postoperative quality of life. Overall and disease-free survival compares favorably to the transthoracic approach. These results can be achieved with careful selection of patients balancing more than just the Siewert type in the decision-making but considering also preoperative T and N stages, histological type (diffuse type requiring longer margins that are not always achievable via gastrectomy), and the presence of Barrett\u27s esophagus

Mesenteric-Portal Vein Resection during Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Cancer

The aim of the present study was to determine the outcome of patients undergoing pancreatic resection with (VR+) or without (VR 12) mesenteric-portal vein resection for pancreatic carcinoma. Between January 1998 and December 2012, 241 patients with pancreatic cancer underwent pancreatic resection: in 64 patients, surgery included venous resection for macroscopic invasion of mesenteric-portal vein axis. Morbidity and mortality did not differ between the two groups (VR+: 29% and 3%; VR 12: 30% and 4.0%, resp.). Radical resection was achieved in 55/64 (78%) in the VR+ group and in 126/177 (71%) in the VR 12 group. Vascular invasion was histologically proven in 44 (69%) of the VR+ group. Survival curves were not statistically different between the two groups. Mean and median survival time were 26 and 15 months, respectively, in VR 12 versus 20 and 14 months, respectively, in VR+ group . In the VR+ group, only histologically proven vascular invasion significantly impacted survival , while, in the VR 12 group, R0 resection and tumor\u2019s grading significantly influenced long-term survival. Vascular resection during pancreatectomy can be performed safely, with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Long-term survival was the same, with or without venous resection. Survival was worse for patients with histologically confirmed vascular infiltration

Transanal minimally invasive surgery for rectal lesions

Background and Objectives: Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) has emerged as an alternative to transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). The authors report their experience with TAMIS for the treatment of mid and high rectal tumors. Methods: From November 2011 through May 2016, 31 patients (21 females, 68%), with a median age of 65 years who underwent single-port TAMIS were prospectively enrolled. Mean distance from the anal verge of the rectal tumors was 9.5 cm. Seventeen patients presented with T1 cancer, 10 with large adenoma, 2 with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and 2 with carcinoid tumor. Data concerning demographics, operative procedure and pathologic results were analyzed. Results: TAMIS was successfully completed in all cases. In 4 (13%) TAMIS was converted to standard Park’s transanal technique. Median postoperative stay was 3 days. The overall complication rate was 9.6%, including 1 urinary tract infection, 1 subcutaneous emphysema, and 1 hemorrhoidal thrombosis. TAMIS allowed an R0 resection in 96.8% of cases (30/31 cases) and a single case of local recurrence after a large adenoma resection was encountered. Conclusion: TAMIS is a safe technique, with a short learning curve for laparoscopic surgeons already proficient in single-port procedures, and provides effective oncological outcomes compared to other techniques