Ki Jae Park

Clinical significance of preoperative serum vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein level in colorectal cancer

BackgroundAngiogenesis is a multistep process in which many growth factors and cytokines have an essential role. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic agent that acts as a specific mitogen for vascular endothelial cells through specific cell surface receptors. The interleukin-6 (IL-6) pathway is another mechanism linking angiogenesis to malignancy. C-reactive protein (CRP), a representative marker for inflammation, is known for its association with disease progression in many cancer types. The aim of this study was to determine preoperative serum levels of VEGF, IL-6, and CRP in colorectal carcinoma, and to correlate them with disease status and prognosis.MethodsA 132 of 143 patients who underwent curative resection for colorectal cancer were enrolled in this study. 11 patients with resection margin positive were excluded. Factors considered in analysis of the relationship between VEGF, IL-6, and CRP and histological findings. Patient prognosis was investigated. Serum levels of VEGF and IL-6 were assessed using Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA), and CRP was measured using immunoturbidimetry.ResultsMedian follow-up duration was 18.53 months (range 0.73-43.17 months) and median age of the patients was 62 years (range, 26-83 years). Mean and median levels of VEGF and CRP in colorectal cancer were significantly higher than in the normal control group; 608 vs. 334 pg/mL and 528 (range 122-3242) vs. 312 (range 16-1121) (p < 0.001); 1.05 mg/dL vs. 0.43 mg/dL and 0.22 (range 0.00-18.40) vs. 0.07 (range 0.02-6.94) (p = 0.002), respectively. However mean and median level of IL-6 in patients were not significantly higher than in control; 14.33 pg/mL vs. 5.65 pg/mL and 6.00 (range 1.02-139.17) vs. 5.30 (4.50-13.78) (p = 0.327). Although IL-6 and CRP levels were not correlated with other pathological findings, VEGF level was significantly correlated with tumor size (p = 0.012) and CEA (p = 0.038). When we established the cutoff value for VEGF (825 pg/mL), IL-6 (8.09 pg/mL), and CRP (0.51 mg/dL) by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, we noted that high VEGF levels tended to reduce overall survival (p = 0.053), but not significantly. However, IL-6 and CRP demonstrated no significance with regard to disease free survival (p = 0.531, p = 0.701, respectively) and overall survival (p = 0.563, p = 0.572, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that VEGF (p = 0.032), CEA (p = 0.012), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.002), and TNM stage (p = 0.025) were independently associated with overall survival.ConclusionsPreoperative serum VEGF and CRP level increased in colorectal cancer patients. High VEGF level has been proposed as a poor prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with colorectal cancer.

Isolated primary schwannoma arising on the colon: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Primary schwannoma of the large intestine is an extremely rare neoplasm. Here, we report two cases of colonic schwannoma confirmed pathologically after laparoscopic resection. A 52-year-old female and a 59-year-old female were referred by their general practitioners to our coloproctologic clinic for further evaluation and management of colonic submucosal masses. Colonoscopies performed in our institution revealed round submucosal tumors with a smooth and intact mucosa in the mid-ascending and descending colon, respectively. Computed tomography (CT) scans showed an enhancing soft tissue mass measuring 2 × 2 cm in the right colon and well-defined soft tissue nodule measuring 1.5 × 1.7 cm in the proximal descending colon, respectively. We performed laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and segmental left colectomy under the preoperative impression of gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Two cases were both diagnosed to be benign schwannoma of the colon after immunohistochemical stains (S-100 (+), smooth muscle actin (-), CD117 (-), and CD34 (-)).

Laparoscopic rectosigmoid flap vaginoplasty

Abstract Various methods have been developed for vaginoplasty, of which the rectosigmoid flap has its own advantages including sufficient increase in the vaginal length and lower incidence of complications such as contracture or strain after vaginoplasty. Laparoscopic operation can greatly minimise the abdominal scar associated with laparotomy and allow cosmetically superior outcomes. Its minimally invasive procedure can also achieve rapid recovery and shorten the duration of hospital stay. Twelve patients (age range 18-40 years) had vaginoplasty using the rectosigmoid colon. We evaluated the ecological changes of the neovagina from the change of pH in the neovagina, culture of the normal flora, and vaginal wall biopsy taken 6 to 12 months postoperatively. Details of sexual activity were also examined. No patient from interviews developed vaginal narrowing as a result of the contracture that caused painful intercourse, or had smelly discharge or spontaneous bleeding from the vagina. Laparoscopic procedures may need only five-openings of 1–1.5 cm in diameter. Mean operating time was 130 minutes (IQR, 113-140) and duration of hospital stay 8.5 days (IQR, 7-11). Twelve months postoperatively the intravaginal pH was about 6. In one case, the histological test showed that the original columnar cell of the intestinal mucosa had been transformed to stratified squamous cell tissue. The key to the vaginoplasty is that it should give functional satisfaction and a minimal rate of complications. The laparoscopic rectosigmoid flap technique of vaginoplasty allowed less morbidity and excellent aesthetic and functional postoperative outcomes.