Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Early Gastric Cancer in Elderly vs. Non-Elderly Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ObjectiveThis study aimed to review the applicability and complications rate associated with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer in elderly patients.MethodsDatabases of PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and ScienceDirect were searched till 15th April 2021. All types of studies comparing ESD in the elderly vs non-elderly were included. Subgroup analysis was conducted for the following groups: ≥80 years vs <80 years, ≥75 years vs < 75 years, and ≥65 years vs <65 years.Results17 studies were included. Meta-analysis indicated no statistically significant difference in the en-bloc resection rates (OR: 0.92 95% CI: 0.68, 1.26 I2 = 8% p=0.62) and histological complete resection rates (OR: 0.93 95% CI: 0.75, 1.15 I2 = 26% p=0.50) between elderly and non-elderly patients. The results were non-significant even on subgroup analysis. Overall, we found a non-significant but a tendency of increased perforation rates in the elderly as compared to non-elderly patients (OR: 1.22 95% CI: 0.99, 1.52 I2 = 0% p=0.06). However, there was a significantly increased risk of perforation in elderly patients aged ≥80 years as compared to patients <80 years (OR: 1.50 95% CI: 1.00, 2.24 I2 = 3% p=0.05). Bleeding rates were not different in the two groups (OR: 1.07 95% CI: 0.87, 1.32 I2 = 19% p=0.52). Pooled analysis indicated a statistically significantly increased risk of pneumonia in elderly patients (OR: 2.52 95% CI: 1.72, 3.70 I2 = 7% p<0.00001). Length of hospital stay was reported only by five studies. Meta-analysis indicated no significant difference between the two study groups (MD: 0.67 95% CI: -0.14, 1.48 I2 = 83% p=0.10).ConclusionEn-bloc and histological complete resection rates do not differ between elderly and non-elderly patients undergoing ESD for early gastric cancer. Elderly patients have a small tendency of increased risk of perforation with significantly increased rates in the super-elderly (≥80 years of age). The risk of pneumonia is significantly higher in elderly patients but the rates of bleeding do not differ. The certainty of evidence is “very low” and there is a need for high-quality studies taking into account confounding factors to enhance the quality of evidence.

A case report of duodenal arteriovenous malformation: usefulness of intraoperative indocyanine green angiography for precise identification of the lesion

Background Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can cause bleeding. The treatment choice for GI tract AVM is surgical resection of the involved bowel segment with complete resection of the nidus. The AVM formed in the duodenum or pancreatic head could also cause gastrointestinal bleeding, and there are several reports of pancreaticoduodenectomy as its treatment. However, if the area of AVM can be accurately identified during surgery, it may be possible to completely resect the AVM while preserving the organ. We report a case of duodenal AVM in a patient successfully treated with a subtotal stomach-preserving duodenal bulb resection using intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) angiography technique. Case presentation An 18-year-old man was diagnosed with duodenal AVM after several examinations for anemia and was referred to our hospital for further treatment. Preoperative imaging studies showed that the inflow vessels of this duodenal AVM were the inferior pyloric artery and the superior duodenal artery, and the AVM was localized to the duodenal bulb. Thereafter, stomach-preserving duodenal bulb resection preceded by ligation of the inflow vessels was performed. During the surgery, ICG angiography clearly demonstrated the area, where the nidus was distributed, and a duodenal bulb resection with complete resection of the AVM was successfully performed. There was no recurrence at the 6-month follow-up. Conclusions Intraoperative ICG angiography was a useful procedure for precise identification of the AVM of the GI tract.

Examination of The Characteristics of Long-Term Survivors Among Patients With Gallbladder Cancer With Liver Metastasis Who Underwent Surgical Treatment: A Retrospective Multicenter Study (ACRoS1406)

Background: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) with liver metastasis is considered unresectable. However, there have been infrequent reports of long-term survival in patients with GBC and liver metastases. Therefore, we examined the characteristics of long-term survivors of gallbladder cancer with liver metastasis.Methods: A retrospective multicenter study of 503 patients with GBC (mean age, 68.6 years; female, 52%) was performed. Although patients with pre-operatively diagnosed GBC and liver metastasis were generally excluded from resection, some cases identified during surgery were resected.Result: In patients with resected stage III/IV GBC (n = 228), the period 2007–2013 (vs. 2000–2006, hazard ratio 0.55), other type histology (vs. well/moderate histology, hazard ratio 2.34), ≥2 liver metastases (vs. one liver metastasis, hazard ratio 4.30), and positive margin resection (vs. complete resection with a negative margin, hazard ratio 1.57) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival, whereas one liver metastasis (vs. no liver metastasis) was not. The 5-year overall survival and median survival times in those with one liver metastasis with complete resection and a negative margin (40.9%, 28.3 months) were significantly better than those in patients with ≥2 liver metastases with complete resection and a negative margin (0%, 11.0 months, p = 0.025), and comparable to those in patients with liver metastasis with complete resection and a negative margin (37.0%, 33.0 months). According to the univariate analysis of resected patients with GBC and liver metastases (n=24), minor hepatectomy, less blood loss, less surgery time, papillary adenocarcinoma, T2, morbidity of Clavien–Dindo classification ≤ 2, and adjuvant chemotherapy were significantly associated with longer survival. Long-term survivors (n = 5) had a high frequency of T2 tumors (4/5), had small liver metastases near the gallbladder during or after surgery, underwent minor hepatectomy without post-operative complications, and received post-operative adjuvant chemotherapy.Conclusions: Although there is no surgical indication for GBC with liver metastasis diagnosed pre-operatively, minor hepatectomy and post-operative chemotherapy may be an option for selected patients with T2 GBC and liver metastasis identified during or after surgery who do not have other poor prognostic factors.

Evolution in Sinonasal Mucosal Melanoma Management

Sinonasal mucosal melanoma is a rare and aggressive cancer with poor prognosis. Surgical resection with clear margins, when possible, remains the treatment of choice. Radiation therapy is generally used in the adjuvant setting with improved rates of local control following complete resection. Traditional chemotherapeutic agents do not improve the rates of locoregional control or survival. Immunotherapy has been used with some responders but with overall relatively poor outcomes. These outcomes highlight the need for new agents and more prospective trials in this space. We provide a unique case report of a patient with an advanced sinonasal mucosal melanoma and an overview of the recent literature pertaining to the management of this disease.

Refractory Craniopharyngioma: Successful Treatment with LINAC Based Stereotactic Radiosurgery(SRS): First Case in Nepal

Purpose: To present first case of refractory craniopharyngioma treated successfully with SRS in Nepal.Background: Craniopharyngioma is a benign tumour, which progresses slowly and compresses the pituitary gland and nearby structures. First line of treatment is surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy as complete resection is usually not feasible. Here, we are reporting a case of recurrent craniopharyngioma treated with LINAC based SRS.Case Presentation: A 43 years old man diagnosed case of craniopharyngioma in May 2019. He underwent left pterional craniotomy and subtotal resection of tumour and kept on observation. He developed symptomatic as well as radiological recurrence in July 2020. Second debulking was not possible, so we did SRS on 23rd August 2020; 14Gy Dose was delivered to gross tumour volume. Six months after SRS, Patient is doing well.Conclusions: LINAC based SRS is a frameless, non-invasive and safe procedure with excellent clinical outcomes for recurrent or residual craniopharyngioma.

A Case Report of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Sphenoidal Sinus

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a tumor composed of differentiated myofibroblastic spindle-shaped cells. It occurs in the soft tissues of the abdomen and lungs, and is very rare in the sphenoid sinus. The diagnosis depends on histopathology and immunohistochemistry, and is easily misdiagnosed. Although metastasis is rare, the recurrence rate is high. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice, and where complete resection is difficult, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, or molecular targeted drug therapy can be administered. We report a rare case of IMT with a primary origin in the sphenoid sinus, which was entirely resected by nasal endoscopy and confirmed by histological examination.

The Glans Schwannoma: A Rare Clinical Entity

Introduction: Schwannoma of the glans is a rare clinical entity. The diagnosis is histological. Treatment is surgical, with complete excision. The authors report this rare case encountered at the University Hospital of Libreville in order to identify its clinical and therapeutic characteristics. Observation: Mr. I.B, 50 years old, with no medical-surgical history, consulted for swelling of the glans evolving for 06 years, preventing coitus. He reported a notion of poor healing from an acorn sore after the trouser fly was closed. The diagnostic suspicion was a glans keloid. A complete resection was performed. Histologic examination favored a glans schwannoma. Healing was effective on D7 postoperatively. Erectile functions have been preserved. Conclusion: The glans schwannoma is rare. Surgical treatment gives good results.

Endoscopic transcecal appendectomy: a new endotherapy for appendiceal orifice lesions

Background Endoscopic transcecal appendectomy (ETA) has been reported as a minimally invasive alternative procedure for lesions involving the appendiceal orifice. The aim of this case series study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of ETA for lesions at the appendiceal orifice. Methods This retrospective study included consecutive patients with appendiceal orifice lesions who underwent ETA between December 2018 and March 2021. The primary outcome was technical success. The secondary outcomes included postoperative adverse events, postoperative hospital stay, and recurrence. Results 13 patients with appendiceal orifice lesions underwent ETA during the study period. The median lesion size was 20 mm (range 8–50). Lesions morphologies were polypoid lesions (n = 5), laterally spreading tumors (n = 4), and submucosal lesions (n = 4). Technical success with complete resection was achieved in all 13 cases. There were no postoperative bleeding, perforation, or intra-abdominal abscess. The median length of hospital stay after ETA was 8 days (range 6–18). There was no tumor recurrence during a median follow-up of 17 months (range 1–28). Conclusions ETA is feasible, safe, and effective for complete resection of appendiceal orifice lesions. Larger, multicenter, prospective studies are needed to further assess this technique.