Dae Ro Lim

Oncologic Outcomes of a Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy for Colon Cancer: Results of a 3-Year Follow-up

Purpose The purpose of the study is to evaluate the oncologic outcomes of a laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy for the treatment of colon cancer and compare the results with those of previous randomized trials. Methods From June 2006, to December 2008, 156 consecutive patients who underwent a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with a curative intent for colon cancer were evaluated. The clinicopatholgic outcomes and the oncologic outcomes were evaluated retrospectively by using electronic medical records. Results There were 84 male patients and 72 female patients. The mean possible length of stay was 7.0 ± 1.5 days (range, 4 to 12 days). The conversion rate was 3.2%. The total number of complications was 30 (19.2%). Anastomotic leakage was not noted. There was no mortality within 30 days. The 3-year overall survival rate of all stages was 93.3%. The 3-year overall survival rates according to stages were 100% in stage I, 97.3% in stage II, and 84.8% in stage III. The 3-year disease-free survival rate of all stages was 86.1%. The 3-year disease-free survival rates according to stage were 96.2% in stage I, 90.3% in stage II, and 75.6% in stage III. The mean follow-up period was 36.3 (3 to 60) months. Conclusion A laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for the treatment of colon cancer is technically feasible and safe to perform in terms of oncologic outcomes. The present data support previously reported randomized trials.

Colon Stricture After Ischemia Following a Robot-Assisted Ultra-Low Anterior Resection With Coloanal Anastomosis

Four consecutive cases of a colonic stricture following a da Vinci robot-assisted ultra-low anterior resection (LAR) with coloanal anastomosis and diverting ileostomy for the treatment of rectal cancer are reported. The colonic strictures developed after early proximal colonic ischemia without anastomotic site leakage or disruption. All patients were treated with preoperative chemoradiation therapy. During the postoperative recovery period, patients developed colonic ischemia, presenting with a high, spiking fever, but without any symptoms of peritonitis. Patients were treated with conservative management (antibiotic therapy) and discharged after two weeks when in good condition. Several months after discharge, all four patients developed a long-segment colonic stricture from the anastomosis site to the distal colon. Management of the colon strictures, including the anastomotic site, involved colonic dilation with a Hegar dilator in an outpatient clinic for several months. The ileostomies in three patients could not be closed.

Intrauterine Contraceptive Device-Related Actinomycosis Infection Presenting as Ovarian Cancer with Carcinomatosis

BACKGROUND Actinomycosis is a chronic granulomatous infection characterized by variable presentations, including disease states that can mimic neoplastic disease. A case is presented of actinomycosis that resembled metastatic carcinoma of the ovary. METHODS Case report and review of pertinent English-language literature. CASE REPORT A 52-year-old female presented with a four-month history of abdominal discomfort and general weakness, and a two-month history of weight loss (8 kg). She had no history of medical disease. She had undergone exploratory laparotomy in the past because of ectopic pregnancy and she had used an intra-uterine contraceptive device for many years. Abdominal-pelvic computed tomography (CT) and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 5.9 × 6.4 cm heterogeneous enhancing pelvic soft tissue mass with central necrosis, probably arising from the left adnexa, and was consistent with ovarian cancer. She also had multiple peripheral enhancing cystic lesions in the pelvis, abdominal wall, both paracolic gutters, the root of the small bowel mesentery, the omentum, and Morison pouch. She had a moderate amount of ascites with diffuse peritoneal thickening consistent with carcinomatosis. An exploratory laparotomy was performed, showing multiple large abscesses with adhesions and a large soft tissue mass in the left pelvic cavity. After resection and drainage, final pathology was reported as actinomycosis. After her operation, she was given intravenous penicillin for six weeks and discharged. CONCLUSION Surgeons and clinicians should be aware of this infectious disease because of its atypical symptoms and potential to mimic soft tissue tumors or malignant neoplasms.