鯉沼 広治

PURPOSE: We hypothesized that a reduction in the size of the lymph nodes after neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal carcinoma would be associated with decreased lymph node metastases and/or a better prognosis. METHODS: Between March 2006 and April 2012, 71 patients with primary rectal cancer received neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT). For all lymph nodes 5 mm or larger in size, the major and minor axes were measured on CT scan images, and the product was calculated. The lymph node size was determined before and after CRT. The patients were divided into three groups based on the lymph node size before and after treatment. Group A exhibited a reduction in size of 60% or more, Group B a reduction of less than 60% and Group C had no lymph node enlargement before treatment. RESULTS: The incidence of lymph node metastases on pathological examination was 15% in Group A and 50% in Group B (p = 0.006). The five-year disease-free survival in Group A was 84% compared with 78% in Group B (log rank p = 0.34). The five-year overall survival in Group A was 92% compared with 74% in Group B (log rank p = 0.088). CONCLUSIONS: A reduction in the size of enlarged lymph nodes after neoadjuvant therapy may be a useful prognostic factor for recurrence and survival.

A 72-year-old male underwent a laparoscopic low anterior resection for advanced rectal cancer. A diverting loop ileostomy was constructed due to an anastomotic leak five days postoperatively. Nine months later, colonoscopy performed through the stoma showed complete anastomotic obstruction. The mucosa of the proximal sigmoid colon was atrophic and whitish. Ten days after the colonoscopy, the patient presented in shock with abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography scan showed hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) and a dilated left colon. HPVG induced by obstructive colitis was diagnosed and a transverse colostomy performed emergently. His subsequent hospital course was unremarkable. Rectal anastomosis with diverting ileostomy is often performed in patients with low rectal cancers. In patients with anastomotic obstruction or severe stenosis, colonoscopy through diverting stoma should be avoided. Emergent operation to decompress the obstructed proximal colon is necessary in patients with a blind intestinal loop accompanied by HPVG.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical features, pathology, and etiology of adenocarcinoma in patients with anal fistulae. METHODS: We identified seven patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma associated with anal fistulae from a retrospective chart review. RESULTS: Five patients were diagnosed with primary adenocarcinoma associated with anal fistulae. Two patients were diagnosed with secondary adenocarcinoma associated with anal fistulae originating from rectal cancer on the proximal side. The primary adenocarcinomas included cancers arising from long-standing anal fistulae fulfilling established diagnostic criteria in two patients, and cancer arising from short-duration anal fistulae in three patients. Excision of the fistula was performed based on the initial diagnosis of the anal fistula for all five patients. Increased suspicion of cancer was due to the existence of gelatinous material in the anal fistula in three patients and induration in the resected specimens in two patients. The etiologies of the secondary adenocarcinomas associated with anal fistulae included implantation in the anal fistula from rectal cancer and fistula formation originating due to the progression of rectal cancer. CONCLUSION: Anal fistulae are commonly seen in the coloproctology clinic, but special attention to similar conditions associated with malignant disease is needed.

A 41-year-old woman was admitted with upper abdominal pain, vomiting and fever. Abdominal CT scan showed a colo-duodenal fistula with inflammatory thickening of the transverse colon. The patient's general health was poor because of hypoalbuminemia and coagulopathy. Endoscopy showed a fistula at the lower duodenal angle and the stomach was filled with refluxed stool. Ileostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy were performed at that time and a double lumen gastro-jejunostomy inserted through the gastrostomy to allow both gastric drainage and distal enteral feeding. Nutrition support was gradually converted from parenteral to enteral feeding. Colonoscopy showed stenosis of the transverse colon with a colo-colonic fistula near the stenosis. Two months later, right hemi-colectomy and closure of the colo-duodenal fistula were performed. The resected specimen showed stenosis and a fistula in the transverse colon due to Crohn's disease. The colo-colonic fistula was present and the colo-duodenal fistula had almost closed due to fibrosis. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged after administration of infliximab. Use of a double lumen gastro-jejunostomy tube was effective in improving the patient's general condition. This therapeutic strategy allowed the safe conduct of major resection in a high-risk patient.

症例は66歳の女性で，嘔吐と体重減少を主訴に当院を受診した．腹部CTにて十二指腸周囲，肝十二指腸間膜，小網に至る気腫像，胃十二指腸下行脚部の著明な拡張，水平脚部のcaliber changeを認めた．さらに，多量の腹腔内free airと十二指腸周囲の後腹膜ガス像も認めたため，上腸間膜動脈症候群による腸管気腫症および上部消化管穿孔の診断で緊急手術を施行した．術中所見では胃十二指腸の拡張，および十二指腸気腫を認めたが穿孔所見や腹水は認めなかった．経胃腸瘻造設のみ行い，術後経過は良好であった．腸管気腫症の原因は多岐にわたり，時にfree airを伴い消化管穿孔との鑑別が困難なことがある．患者の臨床所見と腸管気腫症の成因を詳細に検討し治療方針を決定することが重要で，審査腹腔鏡も選択肢の一つと考えられた．

Retroperitoneal abscess after duodenal ulcer perforation is a rare condition. A 71-year-old woman was admitted with 1 month of appetite loss and back pain. Abdominal computed tomography scan showed a retroperitoneal mass behind the third and fourth portions of the duodenum. Single-balloon enteroscopy revealed erosion of the third portion of the duodenum with leakage of contrast agent into the retroperitoneal space. Based on a preoperative diagnosis of retroperitoneal abscess after duodenal perforation, laparotomy was performed. Partial duodenectomy with a duodeno-jejunal anastomosis was performed, and her postoperative course was uneventful. Pathology showed an ulcer with no specific findings.