Substernal Goiter: When is a Sternotomy Required?

The presence of substernal goiter is, per se, an indication for surgical management. Surgical approach of substernal goiter can most commonly be performed using the cervical access, but at times, a sternotomy or thoracotomy is necessary. The aim of this study was to identify the preoperative predictors of a sternotomy in the management of substernal goiter in order to provide better preoperative planning and patient consent. Between 2005 and 2012, 665 patients were referred to our clinic for thyroidectomy, 42 patients (6.3%) had substernal goiter and were included in this study. All substernal goiters were treated surgically, 38 (90.5%) by a cervical approach and 4 (9.5%) by full median sternotomy. All surgeries were successful, with no major postoperative complications. Minor postoperative complications of transient hypocalcemia and transient paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve occurred in 5 (11.9%) and 2 (4.7%) cases, respectively. Indication of median sternotomy was as follows: extension of goiter below the aortic arch, large thyroid tissue extending towards tracheal bifurcation, and ectopic thyroid tissue in the mediastinum. Substernal goiter can be removed through a cervical incision, but on rare occasions, a median sternotomy may be required.Key words: Sternotomy, Substernal goiter, Surgery, TreatmentSubsternal goiter (SG) was first described by Haller in 1749 and first surgically removed by Klein in 1820.¹⁻⁴ There is no uniform definition of substernal goiter.¹⁻³ However, various different criteria have been suggested by authors. These include a thyroid gland extending 3 cm below the sternal notch or extension of the gland below the fourth thoracic vertebra.^5,6 An extension of the thyroid gland below the thoracic inlet has been defined as substernal, retrosternal, intrathoracic, or mediastinal goiter. Drawing upon the relationship of the intrathoracic extension of SG to the arcus aorta and the right atrium and findings from imaging methods, diagnostic classifications have been established that take into account the percentage of goitrous thyroid in the mediastinum.^7,8 Substernal goiters are common, with a reported incidence of 1−20% of all patients undergoing thyroidectomy.^3,5,9−14 Diagnosis of substernal goiter is most frequently made in the fifth or sixth decade of life, with a female/male rate of 4:1.^11,14,15 The vast majority of SGs (85−90%) are located in the anterior mediastinum with the remainder (10−15%) located in the posterior mediastinum.^1,10,16,17Substernal goiters show, in most cases, a slow-growing enlargement, which usually remain asymptomatic for many years; about 20−40% of substernal goiters are discovered as an incidental finding on a radiographic examination.^2,11,18 Patients with mediastinal goiter are rarely asymptomatic. The most common symptoms are related to compression of the airways and the esophagus, and represented by dyspnea, choking, inability to sleep comfortably, dysphagia, and hoarseness.^2,12,14,18 In the diagnostic management of mediastinal goiter, chest computed tomography (CT) was of the highest value. CT scanning is, at present, the most exhaustive examination for assessment of the extent of the goiter and compression effects on adjacent anatomic structures. A preoperative CT scan should be routinely performed in every suspicion of a substernal goiter.^12,19−21 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) adds little additional information to that obtained with CT and is not routinely used.¹¹Substernal goiter must be removed surgically due to relation to compressive symptoms, potential airway compromise, and the possibility of an association with thyroid malignancy.¹⁷ There is a general consensus that most can be successfully removed via a cervical approach and that thoracic access is rarely necessary.^9,11,12 Various factors have been reported to increase the likelihood of a median sternotomy being required. These factors include involvement of the posterior mediastinum, extension of the goiter to the aortic arch, recurrent goiter, superior vena cava obstruction, malignancy with local involvement, and emergent airway obstruction.^{6,10,12,16,17,19} In addition, inability to palpate the lowermost extent of the gland also is considered to be an indication for median sternotomy. The incidence of sternotomy in substernal goiter is variable, ranging between 0−11 %.^2,9,11,12 This wide range in incidence might be related to variation in the definition of substernal goiter.In order to improve preoperative planning and patient consent, we aimed to identify the preoperative predictors of a sternotomy in the management of substernal goiter.     

Improved Health-Related Quality of Life After Surgical Management of Severe Refractory Constipation-Dominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common of the functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). Despite its prevalence and health-care costs, there are few effective therapies for patients with severe symptoms. Our objective was to determine whether surgical management would improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in severe refractory constipation-dominant FGIDs. From 2003 to 2005, 6 patients underwent total colectomy with end ileostomy or primary anastomosis. They completed Short Form 36 (SF-36) and IBS-36 questionnaires preoperatively and postoperatively. HRQOL was compared with age- and sex-matched Canadian norms using Welch''s unpaired t test. Preoperative SF-36 physical and mental health summary scores were significantly lower than Canadian norms (P < 0.0001), while postoperative scores were not significantly different than Canadian norms (P = 0.50 and P = 0.57, respectively). After surgical management, HRQOL in patients with severe constipation-dominant IBS improved from drastically below that of Canadian norms to a comparable level. This finding questions the convention of avoiding operations in IBS patients and demonstrates that surgical management may be suitable for the appropriately screened patient.Key words: Health-related quality of life, Surgery, Irritable bowel syndromeIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of 20 functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). These are a heterogeneous group of chronic disorders in which the presenting gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms cannot be explained by structural or biochemical abnormalities.^1,2 IBS is characterized by abdominal pain associated with defecation, change in bowel habit, bloating, and distension.^3,4 The ROME III committee developed a set of diagnostic criteria for each FGID separately.^3,4 However, it has become increasingly accepted that the FGIDs overlap considerably and therefore, IBS should not be considered as a single entity but rather on a spectrum of related disorders.^1,5IBS is the most common of the FGIDs with a prevalence rate in the United States anywhere from 3% to 20%, with most studies quoting around 10%.^1,2 Although up to 70% of IBS sufferers in the United States do not seek medical attention, the total health-care costs and burden to the health-care system is substantial.^5,6 In fact, in the United States, among GI illnesses, IBS was second only to gastroesophageal reflux disease in prevalence in a comprehensive assessment of burden of illness.⁵ In addition, the estimated direct and indirect annual health-care costs of IBS in the United States are $1.6 billion and $19.2 billion, respectively.^1,5 Despite the high expenditure for this illness, there are very limited effective treatment options, and patients continue to demonstrate poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL), which is comparable to that seen in patients with organic disease.^1,7–12Treatment options have largely been directed at symptom relief and vary depending on symptom severity. They include any and all of the following: education and reassurance, diet and lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy directed at relief of bowel-specific symptoms with medications (such as anticholinergics, antispasmodics, antidiarrheals, and laxatives), as well as antidepressants and narcotics, along with referrals to mental health and pain services.^2,5,13 A combination of the above therapies has been somewhat effective in patients with mild to moderate symptoms; however, in moderate to severe cases, patients often have symptoms that are refractory and persistent despite exhaustive use of the above modalities.Patients who suffer from severe symptoms of IBS commonly present with a picture of acute severe abdominal and/or pelvic pain and frequently undergo unnecessary emergent abdominopelvic surgeries.^14–17 As the literature would suggest, these surgeries are often nontherapeutic, and thus it is a general convention to avoid operating on patients with IBS and other FGIDs for the purpose of symptom control.^14–17 Nevertheless, there are some motility-disordered patients who have such intractable symptoms as to severely diminish their quality of life. These patients have received operative management aimed at ameliorating their symptoms and thus improving their lives. At our tertiary care center, we have identified a group of such motility-disordered patients. Patient accounts of their disease experience relate severe pain and constipation leading to debilitating loss of daily functioning, emotional distress, disability, and impaired quality of life. The objective of this study was to determine whether surgical management of severe refractory constipation-dominant motility disorders in adult patients would result in improved HRQOL.     

Medullary Carcinoma of the Thyroid With Axillary Metastasis: A Case Report

We report a case of axillary lymph node metastasis as a consequence of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in a 42-year-old man. On January 2009, the patient was referred to us for the management of right cervical lymph node enlargement. Total thyroidectomy was performed with right-sided functional neck dissection. Postoperative histopathology revealed MTC in the right lobe of the thyroid, with extrathyroidal extension and right-sided neck metastases. Multiple left cervical, mediastinal, and right axillary lymphadenopathies were detected at the third year follow-up exam. Left-sided functional neck dissection, axillary lymph node dissection, and mediastinal lymph node dissection were performed, and the pathologic outcomes revealed as the metastatic dissemination of MTC. After a disease-free term for 1 year, multiple metastatic lesions were detected in the patient.Key words: Medullary thyroid cancer, Lymph node metastasis, Axillary involvementMedullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare tumor originating from the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid gland. MTC accounts for approximately 3% to 5% of all thyroid cancers.¹ The frequently used prognostic markers in the follow-up period of MTC patients are serum calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels. Calcitonin hormone is a specific and sensitive biomarker for parafollicular C-cell disorders. The CEA produced by neoplastic C cells is generally considered a marker of dedifferentiation and is associated with worse prognosis for MTC.^2,3 MTC may occur sporadically or may be inherited. Hereditary forms of this cancer account for 25% of all cases and include familial MTC and multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes (MEN 2A, MEN 2B). Seventy-five percent of cases are sporadic.⁴ The overall prognosis of MTC is affirmative, with a 10-year overall survival rate of approximately 95% for patients with tumors confined to the thyroid gland. However, for patients with distant metastasis at presentation, the 10-year overall survival rate is estimated to be only 40%.⁵ For metastatic cases, lymph node involvement is very common throughout the clinical course. During initial staging, the incidence of pathologically proven cervical lymph node metastasis has been reported as 71% to 80%^6–8; the corresponding value for mediastinal involvement is 36%.^6,8 Whereas, distant metastases have been reported in 20% of MTC patients.⁹ Considering the spectrum of MTC, axillary lymph node metastasis (LNM) is rare, and there are reports of isolated cases.^10–12     

Pneumoretroperitoneum and Pneumomediastinum Revealing a Left Colon Perforation

Left colon perforation usually occurs in complicated diverticulitis or cancer. The most frequent signs are intraperitoneal abscess or peritonitis. In cases of retroperitoneal colonic perforation, diagnosis may be difficult. A 59-year-old woman presented with left thigh pain and with abdominal discomfort associated with mild dyspnea. Computed tomography scan showed air bubbles and purulent collection in the retroperitoneum, with subcutaneous emphysema extending from the left thigh to the neck. Computed tomography scan also revealed portal vein gas and thrombosis with multiple liver abscesses. An emergency laparotomy revealed a perforation of the proximal left colon. No masses were found. A left colectomy was performed. The retroperitoneum was drained and washed extensively. A negative pressure wound therapy was applied. A second-look laparotomy was performed 48 hours later. The retroperitoneum was drained and an end colostomy was performed. Intensive Care Unit postoperative stay was 9 days, and the patient was discharged on the 32nd postoperative day. Pneumoretroperitoneum and pneumomediastinum are rare signs of colonic retroperitoneal perforation. The diagnosis may be delayed, especially in the absence of peritoneal irritation. Clinical, laboratory, and especially radiologic parameters might be useful. Surgical treatment must be prompt to improve prognosis.Key words: Pneumomediastinum, Retroperitoneum, Colonic, PerforationColonic perforation can be caused by either benign or malignant diseases. Left colon perforation is generally due to diverticular disease or cancer.^1–3 Uncommon causes are iatrogenic ischemia, colonic ischemia, trauma, or toxic megacolon.^1,3,4 Symptoms are usually due to abscesses or peritonitis. However, retroperitoneal ruptures can be difficult to diagnose because their presentation can vary widely.^1,2,4–6Through this case of retroperitoneal colonic perforation we aim to describe the presentation and therapeutic management of this entity.     

Fecoflowmetric Analysis of Anorectal Motor Function in Postoperative Anal-Preserving Surgery Patients With Low Rectal Cancer Comparison With the Wexner Score and Anorectal Manometry

The aim of this study was to elucidate whether fecoflowmetry (FFM) could evaluate more detailed evacuative function than anorectal manometry by comparing between FFM or anorectal manometric findings and the clinical questionnaires and the types of surgical procedure in the patients who received anal-preserving surgery. Fifty-three patients who underwent anal-preserving surgery for low rectal cancer were enrolled. The relationships between FFM or the manometric findings and the clinical questionnaires and the types of procedure of anal-preserving surgery were evaluated. There were significant differences between FFM markers and the clinical questionnaire and the types of the surgical procedure, whereas no significant relationship was observed between the manometric findings and the clinical questionnaire and the types of the surgical procedure. FFM might be feasible and useful for the objective assessment of evacuative function and may be superior to manometry for patients undergoing anal-preserving surgery.Key words: Anorectal manometry, Anal-preserving surgery, Fecoflowmetry, Incontinence, Rectal cancerSphincter preservation has been one of the key issues of rectal cancer surgery. Low anterior resection (LAR)¹ and internal and external sphincter resection (ISR and ESR) are anal-preserving surgeries.^2,3 The aim of these procedures is to restore the normal process of defecation, along with its function, and to improve the quality of life of patients by avoiding permanent colostomy. However, anal-preserving surgery is often associated with evacuative dysfunction and various degrees of incontinence.^4–7Most studies that have assessed the evacuation function have used clinical questionnaires, which are subjective and may vary according to the patient perception.⁷ There are many factors that can affect the evacuative function, such as the stool consistency, rectal capacity, anal sphincters, pelvic floor muscles, and intra-abdominal pressure. Although manometry with or without the clinical score has also commonly been used, fecoflowmetry (FFM) has been reported to be more accurate and useful for assessing the postoperative anorectal motor function.^8–13 FFM was first introduced by Shafik and is a dynamic method for examining the anorectal motor activity that simulates the natural act of defecation.¹⁴ Some studies have shown its usefulness in postoperative patients with anorectal disease,^8–11 but only a few studies have been performed to examine the evacuative function following anal-preserving surgery.^12,13 The aim of this study was to evaluate the evacuative function in the postoperative period following anal-preserving surgery in patients with low rectal cancer using FFM, and to compare the results with the Wexner score and anorectal manometry.¹⁵     

Heterotopic Pancreatic Pseudocyst Radiologically Mimicking Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

Heterotopic pancreas is a relatively common variant of foregut embryologic dystopia that can be described as pancreatic tissue found outside the normal anatomic location, being independent from vascular supply of normal pancreas. Having all features of pancreatic tissue except for the major duct structures, this ectopic tissue may be clinically recognized when pathologic changes take place. Inflammation, hemorrhagic or obstructive states, and eventually malignancy-related problems may become a diagnostic challenge for clinician and finally lead to consequences of misdiagnosis. In this article we will discuss a case of heterotopic pancreatic tissue located in gastric cardia, which was diagnosed preoperatively as gastrointestinal stromal tumor.Key words: Ectopic pancreas, Pseudocyst, Gastrointestinal stromal tumor, MisdiagnosisHeterotopic (ectopic) pancreas is defined as the presence of pancreatic tissue in an aberrant site that is not anatomically and vascularly connected to the pancreas proper.^1,2 Ectopic pancreatic tissue is most commonly found in the duodenum (particularly the second portion), ampulla, stomach (prepyloric antrum), and upper jejunum; it can also occur in the liver, biliary tract, Meckel''s diverticulum, and several other sites such as large bowel, spleen, omentum, mediastinum, lung, thyroid, and even brain.^1–6 The heterotopic pancreatic tissue is usually located in the submucosa and/or the muscularis or subserosa.^1,2,4Practically any pancreatic pathology can also occur in the heterotopic pancreatic tissue including acute pancreatitis and neoplastic transformation.^1,4,7,8 Episodes of acute pancreatitis may cause local inflammation and typical pancreatitis-related complications in the host organ. The ectopic pancreatic tissue can lead to ulceration and bleeding in the cases located beneath a mucosa. Being a mass-forming lesion, it may also result in luminal obstruction (particularly in the prepyloric antrum).^1,4Although it is a relatively common congenital anomaly (0.5% to 13% in autopsy series), in most cases heterotopic pancreas remains clinically silent and is found incidentally during surgery or an endoscopic and/or radiological investigation.^1,9 Heterotopic pancreas may be confused with other solid tumors of the host organ.Heterotopic pancreas in the stomach is usually located in the prepyloric area.¹⁰ We report here an unusual case of heterotopic pancreas with a pseudocyst formation in the gastric cardia mimicking gastrointestinal stromal tumor.     

Our Contrivances to Diminish Complications After Pylorus-Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy

The objective of this study is to diminish postoperative complications after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy is still associated with major complications, especially leakage at pancreatojejunostomy and delayed gastric emptying. Traditional pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed in group A, while the novel procedure, an antecolic vertical duodenojejunostomy and internal pancreatic drainage with omental wrapping, was performed in group B (n = 40 each). We compared the following characteristics between the 2 groups: operation time, blood loss, time required before removal of nasogastric tube and resumption of food intake, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications. The novel procedure required less time and was associated with less blood loss (both P < 0.0001). In the comparison of the 2 groups, group B showed less time for removal of nasogastric tubes and resumption of food intake, shorter hospital stays, and fewer postoperative complications (all P < 0.0001). The novel procedure appears to be a safe and effective alternative to traditional pancreaticoduodenectomy techniques.Key words: Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD), Internal stent, Omental wrapping, Postoperative stayPylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) has replaced conventional pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) as the standard operation for both benign and malignant conditions.^1,2 Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was first reported by Watson in 1944 and popularized by Traverso in 1978. Mortality related to PD has been reduced, or even eliminated^3–5; however, in comparison with other abdominal operations such as gastrectomy and rectal surgery, PPPD has a high morbidity rate.^6–9 Pancreatic fistula is one of the most difficult complications to eradicate in both PD and PPPD. In addition, delayed gastric emptying is a specific complication of PPPD. These complications may extend the duration of hospital stay required after the operation.Sugiyama et al¹⁰ first reported that delayed gastric emptying can be prevented by a vertical duodenojejunostomy. Since then, antecolic reconstruction and vertical stomach reconstruction have also been reported to be useful procedures for minimizing the adverse effects in both pancreaticojejunostomy and pancreaticogastrostomy.^11,12 The likelihood of a pancreatic fistula can also be reduced, by a duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy^3,13,14 and by the use of omental wrapping.¹⁵ However, none of the studies have examined whether the complications after PPPD would be diminished if vertical reconstruction, antecolic reconstruction, internal drainage, and omental wrapping were simultaneously performed.To address this problem, we developed a new reconstruction method for preventing delayed gastric emptying and pancreatic fistula. Here, we describe this new technique for the first time, and compare the efficacy of this technique with that of our classical method.     

Effect of Intraoperative Valsalva Maneuver Application on Bleeding Point Detection and Postoperative Drainage After Thyroidectomy Surgeries

The purpose of this paper was to analyze the effect of Valsalva maneuver application before finalizing thyroidectomy operations on the identification of bleeding points and postoperational drainage. One hundred patients (age range, 24–76 years) with multinodular goiter, recurrent multinodular goiter, toxic diffuse multinodular goiter, or papillary thyroid cancer were included in the study and were divided into 2 groups of 50 randomly. Both groups underwent thyroidectomy operation, only 1 group received intraoperative Valsalva maneuver application (twice, 30 seconds of 30-cm PEEP). The size of the thyroid gland, the duration of operation, hospital stay, and drain usage were reported. Postoperational occurrences of drainage, hematoma, reoperation, and additional complications were compared between the groups. Valsalva maneuver application helped to identify minor bleeding points in 32% of the cases. There was no significant difference between the study groups regarding the thyroid gland size, operation duration, hospital stay, and the duration of drain usage (P > 0.05 for all). The amount of drainage as well as the frequencies of hematoma, reoperation, and further complications was not significantly different between the study groups (P > 0.05 for all). Intraoperative application of Valsalva maneuver is only useful to detect minor bleeding points in some patients during thyroidectomy operations, but it had no effect on the duration of postoperative drain usage, the amount of drainage, and risk of hematoma. Therefore, intraoperative application of Valsalva maneuver has no beneficial effect on postoperative hemorrhagic complication after thyroidectomy operations.Key words: Drainage, Hemostasis, Thyroidectomy, Valsalva maneuverThyroidectomy is one of the most commonly performed operations worldwide.¹ Though a series of improvements were introduced to the operation process, still several postoperative complications remain to be faced such as seroma, wound infection, skin flap complications, and hematoma.^2,3Despite the richness of the blood vessels in the thyroid area,⁴ the rate of postoperational bleedings thus hematoma events are low (1–5% of the cases).⁵ However, once not controlled, hematoma can result in airway compression and create a life-threatening situation for the patient.⁶ Hence, preventive measures have been emphasized and employed to avoid postoperational bleedings after thyroidectomy. These approaches range from exercises to avoid Valsalva maneuver kind of forces such as coughing or straining at opening bowel⁷ to the use of drains after the operation. However, recent literature indicates that the drain usage does not have a significant effect on the recovery period or on the duration of the hospital stay.^3,5,8,9 Furthermore, it may cause wound infection and contribute to the discomfort of the patients.^5,8,10,11 Thus a proper hemostasis and an early detection of potential bleeding sites are crucial steps for a successful operation and a steady recovery period.⁴ Several techniques have been used to detect and treat bleeding points immediately after the operation to prevent postoperational hematoma. These techniques involve the use of hydrogen peroxide, water in the wound, Valsalva maneuver, and Trendelenburg tilt.^4,7 Recently, the success of Valsalva maneuver and Trendelenburg tilt application on bleeding point detection was demonstrated by Moumoulidis et al.⁴ However, no further information is provided until now regarding the postoperational evaluation of the patients.In this paper, we aim to analyze the effect of the Valsalva maneuver application on the identification of bleeding points before finalizing the surgery and its influence on the postoperative drainage, complications, and recovery process.     

High Expression of DARPP-32 in Colorectal Cancer Is Associated With Liver Metastases and Predicts Survival for Dukes A and B Patients: Results of a Pilot Study

The purpose of this study was to investigate prognostic significance of Dopamine and cAMP-Regulated neuronal Phosphoprotein 32 (DARPP-32) expression in primary colorectal cancer. The study material consisted of clinical and histopathological data of 100 patients operated for colorectal cancer between 1994 and 1997. For immunohistochemical analysis, specific rabbit antibodies for DARPP-32 were used and the percentage of stained tumor cells was calculated under gross magnification (400 times) on a sample of 500 tumor cells. DARPP-32 expression in the primary tumor was significantly greater in patients with distant metastases compared to patients with no distant metastases (p=0.002). In multivariate regression analysis, DARPP-32 expression in the primary tumor was a significant predictor of distant metastases. With a cut-off point of 76.5%, DARPP-32 expression in the primary tumor significantly influenced both overall and disease free survival, especially for Dukes A and B patients (p=0.037). The results of this study indicate that DARPP-32 may be a potential marker of worse prognosis and a valuable tool for managing further adjuvant treatment in patients with stages Dukes A and B colorectal cancer.Key words: Colorectal neoplasms, Dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein 32, Humans, Nerve tissue proteins, Liver metastasesColorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer related death in Western Europe and the United States, with the incidence of 50/100,000 population.¹ In spite of significant developments in surgery and new chemotherapy drugs and protocols as well as radiotherapy regimens, this malignancy still has high mortality.²The 5-year survival rate of colorectal cancer patients with Dukes A cancer ranges from 74 to 93%. Patients with Dukes B cancer have a 5-year survival of 40 to 82%, and those with positive lymph nodes (Dukes C) have a 5-year survival rate of 30 to 59%.^3,4 Recurrences are observed in as much as 34% of patients with Dukes A and B stage, compared with 59% in patients with lymph node metastases.⁵Liver metastases are a well proven major determinant of survival in patients with colorectal cancer.^2,6 Therefore, better selection of patients with potential to develop liver metastases or those having occult metastases may increase the survival of those patients in whom adjuvant therapies would not otherwise be indicated.^2,5,7Recently, overexpression of dopamine and 3′5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate regulated neuronal phosphoprotein 32 (DARPP-32) has been found in several gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas.⁸ Although most of the research on this protein focused on its role in the central nervous system,^9–11 the finding of overexpression of this protein in cancer tissues brought up the hypothesis of its role in carcinogenesis.^8,12 Genetic studies led to the discovery of frequent 17q DNA amplifications in gastric cancer.⁸ Subsequently, the gene located at this site, called PPP1R1B, has been sequenced and found to encode DARPP-32 molecule, that was brought into connection with several malignancies.^8,13–18 The DARPP-32 molecule is a protein with molecular mass of 32 kDa, consisting of 204 amino acids and 4 phosphorylation sites: Thr34, Thr75, Ser102, and Ser137. Depending on the phosphorylation of 1 of these 4 amino acids, the DARPP-32 molecule is acting as the signal integrator and as the regulator of the phosphorylase and kinase activities in eukaryotic cells.¹⁹Basic research indicates that DARPP-32 may be associated with worse prognosis in some carcinomas.²⁰ However, it is remains unknown if evaluation of DARPP-32 expression in colorectal cancer patients may aid to evaluate prognosis.The purpose of this study was to investigate possible associations of DARPP-32 expression in primary colorectal cancer with known prognostic determinants of colorectal cancer and therefore set the basis for further clinical research.     

Mini-Laparotomy for Superior Mesenteric Artery Aneurysm Due to Takayasu's Arteritis

Superior mesenteric artery aneurysm (SMAA) is reported to be the third-most common type of visceral aneurysm (VA), accounting for 5% of all VAs. The etiology of SMAA is commonly thought to be infection, and it usually exists in the proximal part of the superior mesenteric artery, which is suitable for endovascular treatment. We herein report an extremely rare case of the distal part of SMAA caused by Takayasu''s arteritis (TA), which was successfully resected using a mini-laparotomy method without impairing the intestinal blood supply. A 51-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with sustained fever and lower back pain. Physical examination showed that she had a discrepancies in blood pressure between both arms. Contrast-enhanced whole-body computed tomography showed stenosis of the thoracic aorta and an aneurysm located in the distal part of the superior mesenteric artery. The diameter of the aneurysm was 4.5 cm. The aneurysm was resected via 4-cm mini-laparotomy, and the vascularity of the intestine was successfully preserved. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was diagnosed as having TA based on both clinical and pathologic findings. Additional corticosteroid therapy was started to treat the arteritis, and at 3-month follow-up she was without critical incidents. Mini-laparotomy is a safe and less-invasive approach to treat SMAA, especially when the lesion is located in the distal part of the artery.Key words: Superior mesenteric artery aneurysm, Takayasu''s arteritis, Mini-laparotomyVisceral aneurysms (VAs) are rare, with an incidence of 0.01% to 2% in routine autopsies.^1,2 However, the recent widespread use of computed tomography (CT) has led to frequent incidental detection of them.³ Superior mesenteric artery aneurysm (SMAA) is reported to be the third-most common type of VA,⁴ accounting for 5% of all VAs.⁵ Although SMAA shows few specific symptoms, several reports have revealed that it has a very high risk of rupture and mortality.^4,5 SMAA is commonly located in the proximal part of the SMA,^4,6 which is suitable for endovascular treatment (ET).^7,8 Here, we report a rare case of SMAA associated with Takayasu''s arteritis (TA), located in the distal part of the SMA and treated by surgical resection using the mini-laparotomy method.     

Perioperative Allogeneic Blood Transfusion Is Associated With Surgical Site Infection After Abdominoperineal Resection—a Space for the Implementation of Patient Blood Management Strategies

Allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) has been reported as a major risk factor for surgical site infection (SSI) in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. However, the association of ABT with SSI in patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection (APR) and total pelvic exenteration (TPE) still remains to be evaluated. Here, we aim to elucidate this association. The medical records of all patients undergoing APR and TPE at our institution in the period between January 2000 and December 2012 were reviewed. Patients without SSI (no SSI group) were compared with patients who developed SSI (SSI group), in terms of clinicopathologic features, including ABT. In addition, data for 262 patients who underwent transabdominal rectal resection at our institution in the same period were also enrolled, and their data on differential leukocyte counts were evaluated. Multivariate analysis showed that intraoperative transfusion was an independent predictive factor for SSI after APR and TPE (P = 0.004). In addition, the first–operative day lymphocyte count of patients undergoing APR, TPE, and transabdominal rectal resection was significantly higher in nontransfusion patients compared with transfusion ones (P = 0.026). ABT in the perioperative period of APR and TPE may have an important immunomodulatory effect, leading to an increased incidence of SSI. This fact should be carefully considered, and efforts to avoid allogeneic blood exposure while still achieving adequate patient blood management would be very important for patients undergoing APR and TPE as well.Key words: Colorectal cancer, Abdominoperineal resection, Surgical site infection, Allogeneic blood transfusion, Patient blood managementPostoperative surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most frequent complications associated with various surgical procedures, and it results in adverse outcomes, including longer hospital stay, higher health care costs, and increased surgical mortality.¹ It is one of the most frequent nosocomial complications, accounting for almost one fifth of all health care–associated infections.² Colon surgery and rectal surgery are associated with higher SSI rates compared with most other abdominal procedures, with 5% to 25% of colon and rectal surgery patients developing incisional and organ/space SSI.^3–5 Moreover, the incidence of overall SSI was reported to be higher in rectal surgery patients (17%–28%) than in colonic surgery patients (9%–23%),^3,5,6 with especially higher overall SSI rates observed in patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection (APR; 12%–51%).^7–9 These are attributed to the high infection rates of the perineal wound, reported to be as high as 21%.¹⁰ Thus, the incidence of SSI associated with APR should be the highest among the various abdominal operative procedures.Various risk factors for postoperative SSI in colorectal surgery were reported previously. Open surgery,^10–12 perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT),^4,10,12 and prolonged operation time^4,9 have been found to be risk factors for SSI in a number of studies. Although several preceding reports have investigated the risk factors for SSI associated with APR, the reported independent risk factors varied among the studies. Although a number of studies have reported on the role of ABT as a strong risk factor for incisional SSI in colorectal surgery,^13,14 only one study has investigated on its relevance to the onset of incisional SSI after APR procedure; but this study failed to demonstrate a significant association. Presently, therefore, the role of ABT as a potential risk factor for incisional SSI in APR remains to be elucidated, and doing so will be very important for the implementation of measures to achieve patient blood management in this group of patients.In this study, we aimed to elucidate the risk factors for SSI in patients receiving APR, especially focusing on ABT.     

Prevention of Incisional Surgical Site Infection Using a Subcuticular Absorbable Suture in Elective Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer

This study examined whether subcuticular absorbable sutures actually reduce incisional SSI in patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. Surgical site infection (SSI) is still a source of major complications in digestive tract surgery. Reportedly, incisional SSI can be reduced using subcuticular suturing. We performed subcuticular suturing using a 4-0 absorbable monofilament in patients undergoing elective surgery for GI cancer beginning in 2008. Using an interrupted technique, sutures were placed 1.5-2.0cm from the edge of the wound, with everted subcuticular sutures created at intervals of 1.5-2.0cm. The control group consisted of cases in which the common subcutaneous suture method using clip. One hundred cases were examined in the subcuticular group. The incidence of SSI was 0% in the subcuticular suture group, compared with 13.9% in the control group; this difference was significant. Incisional SSI can be prevented using the devised subcuticular absorbable sutures in patients undergoing elective surgery for GI cancer.Key words: Surgical site infection, Subcuticular suture, Absorbable monofilament, Gastrointestinal cancer surgerySurgical site infection (SSI) is still a source of major complications in digestive tract surgery. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System (NNIS) risk adjustment index is an internationally recognized method of stratifying the risk of SSI according to three major factors.¹ First, the American Society of Anesthesiologists'' score reflects the patient''s state of health before surgery.² Second, the wound classification reflects the degree of wound contamination. And third, the duration of the operation reflects the technical aspects of surgery. The infection rate increases with an increasing risk index score.^1,3 Excellent surgical technique is widely believed to reduce the risk of SSI.^4–7 In the case of wound closure, such techniques include the maintenance of effective hemostasis while preserving an adequate blood supply, preventing hypothermia, gently handling the tissues, avoiding inadvertent entries into a hollow viscus, removing devitalized (e.g., necrotic or charred) tissues, the appropriate use of drains and suture materials, the eradication of dead space, and the appropriate postoperative management of incisions. Hematoma at the site of a surgical wound is a relatively common complication in elective surgical procedures. In most cases, the hematoma is caused by incomplete preoperative hemostasis, and not the omission of a subcutaneous fat layer suture.^1,8 According to current knowledge, seroma formation is caused by the ultrafiltration of blood serum, lymphatic secretion, the fibrinolytic activity of plasmin (causing the decay of fibrin complexes in the surrounding injured vessels), and tissue exudate formed during early inflammation reactions.^3,9,10 A large dead space also appears to contribute to the formation or a seroma.³ According to some authors, the presence of suturing material (as extraneous material) in tissues can also increase the risk of surgical site infections.^11–13Subcuticular suturing was recently reported to reduce incisional SSI.^14–16 Subcuticular sutures are thought to enable a maintained blood supply and to eradicate dead space in the subcutaneous environment. Therefore, we investigated whether the devised subcuticular suturing actually reduces incisional SSI, compared with the common subcutaneous sutures with clip, in patients undergoing elective surgery for gastrointestinal cancer.     

Giant Extraluminal Leiomyoma of the Colon: Rare Cause of Symptomatic Pelvic Mass

Leiomyomas (LMs) may appear throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract but are rarely seen in the colon-rectum and only 5 of those measured greater than 15 cm in diameter. Pain and palpable abdominal mass are the most common symptoms. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for most LMs. We here describe a case of a 46-year-old woman who presented with a 3-month history of abdominal pain associated with worsening constipation and abdominal distension. A pelvic solid, polylobulate, left-sided mass was noted on examination. Preoperative findings revealed a dishomogeneous sigmoid mass with calcified spots compressing small intestine and bladder. At laparotomy, a large polylobulate and well-circumscribed mass arising from the descending colon mesentery and displacing small intestine, uterus, and ovaries. A segmental colon resection was performed. An extraluminal 18- × 12- × 5-cm paucicellular sigmoid colon leiomyoma was histologically diagnosed. Our case is one of the few giant (>15 cm) sigmoid colon LMs reported in the literature. Although rare and benign in nature, LMs of the colon can cause life-threatening complications that could require emergency treatment and they should be included in the differential diagnosis of large abdominopelvic masses. Follow-up after surgery is necessary for tumors with any atypia or mitotic activity.Key words: Leiomyoma, Digestive tract, Bowel obstruction, Pelvic massPrimary leiomyomas (LMs) present most commonly in the female genital tract and skin but they are rarely seen in the colon-rectum. Macroscopically, LMs may be intraluminal, intramural, extramural, or dumbbell.^1,2 The majority of LMs remain asymptomatic until they have reached a large size: most common symptoms are pain and palpable abdominal mass.^1,2 Symptomatic left colon LMs are uncommon and only 5 of those reported in the literature measured greater than 15 cm in diameter.¹ Histologically, most of them arise from the muscularis propria.^1,3 The most important differential diagnoses are malignant leiomyosarcoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).^1,3 Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for large LMs: complete excision should be always attempted and follow up is necessary for tumors with any atypia or mitotic activity.^1,2 Although rare and benign in nature, LMs of the colon can cause life-threatening complications that require emergency treatment.^1–3 We here describe a case of large extraluminal sigmoid colon LM causing pain and worsening bowel obstruction.     

Seminal Vesicle-Rectal Fistula Secondary to Anastomotic Leakage After Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer: A Case Report and Brief Literature Review

We report a case of a patient with seminal vesicle-rectal fistula, an extremely rare complication of low anterior resection of the rectum. A 53-year-old man with rectal adenocarcinoma underwent low anterior resection in our hospital. The patient experienced diarrhea, pneumaturia, and low-grade fever on postoperative day 13. A computed tomography scan showed emphysema in the right seminal vesicle. We concluded that anastomotic leakage induced a seminal vesicle-rectal fistula. The patient underwent conservative therapy with total parenteral nutrition and oral intake of metronidazole. Diarrhea and pneumaturia rapidly improved after metronidazole administration and the patient was successfully cured without invasive therapy such as colostomy or surgical drainage. A seminal vesicle-rectal fistula is a rare complication of low anterior resection, and therapeutic strategies for this condition remain elusive. Our report provides valuable information on the successful conservative treatment of a secondary seminal vesicle-rectal fistula that developed after low anterior resection of the rectum in a patient.Key words: Seminal vesicle-rectal fistula, low anterior resection, rectal cancerSeminal vesicle-rectal fistula is a rarely encountered complication in patients. The reported causes of this condition are Crohn''s disease,^1,2 diverticulitis,^3–6 operative complications of the prostate,^7,8 direct invasion of rectal cancer,⁹ congenital anomalies,¹⁰ iatrogenic perforation by transrectal aspiration or seminal vesicle abcess,¹¹ secondary vesiculitis,¹² and anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection (LAR) of the rectum.^2,13–18 We could find only 9 reported cases of seminal vesicle-rectal fistula after LAR in the PubMed database.Here, we present a case of a seminal vesicle-rectal fistula that developed after LAR in a patient and review the clinical manifestation, radiographic findings, and treatment procedure for this condition.     

Impact of Glissonean Pedicle Approach for Centrally Located Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Mongolia

Approaches to surgical resection of centrally located HCC remain controversial. Traditionally, hemi- or extended hepatectomy is suggested. However, it carries a high risk of postoperative complications in patients with cirrhosis. An alternative approach is Glissonean pedicle transection method. This study was conducted to assess the surgical and survival outcomes associated with central liver resection using the Glissonean pedicle transection. Sixty-nine patients with centrally located HCC were studied retrospectively. They were divided into conventional approach group with hemi- or extended hepatectomy, and Glissonean approach group with multisegmental central liver resection using the Glissonean pedicle transection. Glissonean pedicle transection method has comparable or superior surgical and survival outcomes to conventional hemi- or extended hepatectomy with regard to intraoperative bleeding, complications, hospital stay, and postoperative mortality and survival outcomes in patients with centrally located HCC. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates of the conventional approach group were 74%, 64%, and 55% respectively. For the Glissonean approach group, the 1 and 3-year overall survival rates were 86% and 61%, respectively. Glissonean pedicle transection method is a safe and effective surgical procedure in patients with centrally located HCC.Key words: Centrally located HCC, Glissonean approach, Glissonean pedicle transection, Central hepatectomyHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the first leading cause of cancer-related mortality in both men and women in Mongolia, and its incidence is among the highest worldwide.¹ Surgical resection remains the first-line therapeutic strategy for HCC despite recent advancements in treatment modalities.^2-4 However, underlying liver diseases significantly limit the number of HCC patients eligible for surgical resection. This is especially problematic, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B and C is over 10% in the general population, and 86.8% of HCC patients have cirrhosis.⁵ Therefore, refining surgical techniques to preserve as much liver parenchyma as possible could potentially improve treatment prospects for cirrhotic HCC patients, particularly in cases when the tumor is centrally located.Traditionally, hemi- or extended hepatectomy is suggested for the treatment of centrally located HCC.⁶ However, such a major hepatic resection sacrifices a large volume of noncancerous liver parenchyma, which carries a high risk of postoperative liver failure in patients with cirrhotic background.^6-8 Preservation of functioning liver parenchyma to a maximum extent possible is crucial to avoid postoperative liver failure in cirrhotic patients. Therefore, Glissonean pedicle transection method is increasingly considered as an effective alternative to hemi- or extended hepatectomies in such cases.^9-16 Nonetheless, multisegmental central liver resection has not been widely used since its introduction for gallbladder cancer in 1972.^17,18 Conventional central liver resection method is technically demanding, and may require prolonged surgical time in order to dissect and confirm each branch of hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct to the anterior section.^19,20 This often results in increased risk of bleeding, bile leakage or parenchymal necrosis, and therefore, central liver resection particularly in cirrhotic patients remains controversial.^21,22 The answer to the dilemma could lie with the Glissonean pedicle transection method, which was introduced in the mid-1980s owing to a better understanding of the surgical anatomy of the liver.^20,23 When using this resection method, Glissonean pedicle supplying the target area is ligated and divided at the hepatic hilum prior to resection without exposing the vessels individually.²³ This simplifies hepatic resection, shortens operation time and reduces intraoperative bleeding.²³⁻²⁵ Our previous experience with using this method for hemihepatectomy has resulted in considerable reduction of blood loss during resection, a major determinant of patient outcome.This approach has allowed the ability to adapt the size of resection to the extent of the tumor and to preserve the maximum amount of liver parenchyma, which is crucial for the prevention of postoperative liver failure especially in patients with cirrhotic background. However, it remains unclear whether central liver resection using the Glissonean pedicle transection improves long-term survival. Therefore, the current retrospective study of patients with centrally located HCC, who underwent either hemi- or extended hepatectomy or multisegmental central liver resection, was conducted to assess the perioperative and long-term outcomes associated with central liver resection using the Glissonean pedicle transection.     

Achieving Good Perioperative Outcomes After Pancreaticoduodenectomy in a Low-Volume Setting: A 25-Year Experience

Perioperative mortality following pancreaticoduodenectomy has improved over time and is lower than 5% in selected high-volume centers. Based on several large literature series on pancreaticoduodenectomy from high-volume centers, some defend that high annual volumes are necessary for good outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy. We report here the outcomes of a low annual volume pancreaticoduodenectomy series after incorporating technical expertise from a high-volume center. We included all patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy performed by a single surgeon (ADC.) as treatment for periampullary malignancies from 1981 to 2005. Outcomes of this series were compared to those of 3 high-volume literature series. Additionally, outcomes for first 10 cases in the present series were compared to those of all 37 remaining cases in this series. A total of 47 pancreaticoduodenectomies were performed over a 25-year period. Overall in-hospital mortality was 2 cases (4.3%), and morbidity occurred in 23 patients (48.9%). Both mortality and morbidity were similar to those of each of the three high-volume center comparison series. Comparison of the outcomes for the first 10 to the remaining 37 cases in this series revealed that the latter 37 cases had inferior mortality (20% versus 0%; P = 0.042), less tumor-positive margins (50 versus 13.5%; P = 0.024), less use of intraoperative blood transfusions (90% versus 32.4%; P = 0.003), and tendency to a shorter length of in-hospital stay (20 versus 15.8 days; P = 0.053). Accumulation of surgical experience and incorporation of expertise from high-volume centers may enable achieving satisfactory outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy in low-volume settings whenever referral to a high-volume center is limited.Key words: High annual volume, High-volume, Low annual volume, Low-volume periampullary malignancies, Whipple procedureDuring the 1960s and 1970s, early mortality rate after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) varied between 20% and 40%.^1,2 Since the 1980s, significant advances in the selection of patients and in surgical technique, associated with the refinement of perioperative care and standardization of postoperative care, have contributed to an important improvement in the outcomes after PD.^3–6Recently, evidence has suggested that better perioperative results expressed by a mortality rate lower than 5% are achieved by hospitals and surgeons with a high annual volume (HV) of PDs.^7–11 This relationship between HV and excellence in results has led to an increasing regionalization of PD.¹² However, morbidity remains high in a large number of series.^13–16In the United States, a reassessment in pancreatic surgery training has been triggered.¹⁷ Parsa et al¹⁸ noticed that from 1990 until 1997, the average of PDs performed by each general surgery resident in the United States was less than three. Moreover, publications regarding the learning curve in PDs are scarce.^19,20Although HV positively influences the outcomes after PD, we hypothesize that HV might not be an obligation for successful outcomes on this procedure. The present study analyzes the outcomes of a 25-year low–annual volume (LV) series on PD.     

Multiple Muscle Metastases of the Renal Cell Carcinoma After Radical Nephrectomy

Skeletal muscle is a very rare location for the metastasis of renal cell carcinoma. We report a 48-year-old man with multiple metastases in skeletal muscles 4 years after right radical nephrectomy was carried out for grade III renal cell carcinoma. The tumors located in the right psoas, paravertebral, and gluteus medius muscles. We performed magnetic resonance imaging for detection metastatic lesions in our patient. In this case report, we discuss the characteristics of these metastatic lesions on magnetic resonance imaging.Key words: Renal cell carcinoma, Multiple muscle metastases, MR imagingRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) has widespread and unpredictable metastatic potential, even after curative nephrectomy is performed.^1–3 RCC is able to metastasize to virtually any site. The most common sites of metastatic RCC are the lungs, lymph nodes, bones, liver, adrenal glands, and brain.^1,4 In several autopsy series, about 0.4% of cases with RCC had skeletal muscle metastases.² Making a diagnosis of metastatic RCC to the skeletal muscle is challenging, because the site is unpredictable, in addition to it being rare, a recent review of the literature revealed some cases.^2–5In our study, we report a case of RCC with metastases to the right psoas, paravertebral, and gluteus medius muscles after 4 years right side radical nephrectomy. We wish to emphasize the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of metastatic RCC to the skeletal muscles.     

Elevated Platelet Count as Predictor of Recurrence in Rectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy Followed by Surgery

The impact of systemic inflammatory response (SIR) on prognostic and predictive outcome in rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has not been fully investigated. This retrospective study enrolled 89 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant CRT and for whom platelet (PLT) counts and SIR status [neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR)] were available. Both clinical values of PLT and SIR status in rectal cancer patients were investigated. Elevated PLT, NLR, PLR, and pathologic TNM stage III [ypN(+)] were associated with significantly poor overall survival (OS). Elevated PLT, NLR, and ypN(+) were shown to independently predict OS. Elevated PLT and ypN(+) significantly predicted poor disease-free survival (DFS). Elevated PLT was identified as the only independent predictor of DFS. PLT counts are a promising pre-CRT biomarker for predicting recurrence and poor prognosis in rectal cancer.Key words: Platelet, Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, Platelet/lymphocyte ratio, Rectal cancer, Prognosis, ChemoradiotherapyPreoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and total mesorectal excision for the management of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) have significantly decreased local recurrence rates and improved sphincter preservation and patient survival.^1,2 However, distant recurrence remains the major cause of mortality in patients who undergo preoperative CRT followed by Total Mesorectum Excision (TME). Further improvements in the survival rate cannot be achieved without the control of postsurgical distant recurrence.Postoperative histopathologic features such as surgical margins (achievement of R0 resection) and lymph node metastases are recognized as predictors of local and distant recurrence in rectal cancer patients treated by preoperative CRT.^3–5 However, preoperative serum markers that could predict recurrence and/or poor prognosis⁶ might present a convenient tool to permit intensification of either preoperative neoadjuvant or postoperative adjuvant chemotherapeutic strategies.Aberrant activation of platelets (PLT) and the coagulation pathway are associated with malignancies. Increased PLT count may indicate poor prognosis in cancer patients,^7,8 nearly a third of whom have thrombocytosis at diagnosis and before treatment,⁹ although the mechanisms by which thrombocytosis develops in malignancies remains unknown. Particularly in colorectal cancer, the prognostic significance of thrombocytosis was recently reported by Ishizuka et al and Cravioto-Villanueva et al.^10,11 Pretreatment thrombocytosis is also a predictor for CRT response and local recurrence in rectal cancer patients.¹²However, the systemic inflammatory response (SIR), which is thought to be secondary to hypoxia or tumor necrosis, is associated with anti-apoptotic characteristics in cancer cells¹³ and has been shown to act as a biomarker of outcome in a variety of malignancies.¹⁴ Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are two representative indexes of systemic inflammation; their prognostic values have been studied in many cancer types.¹⁵ High NLR or PLR reportedly predicts poor outcomes in colorectal cancer patients who undergo primary resection without lymph node metastases and who undergo hepatectomy for liver metastasis.^16–18 Recently, the clinical significance of NLR in rectal cancer patients undergoing CRT followed by surgery has been demonstrated, showing that it was predictor for recurrence and overall survival.¹⁹In this study, we investigated the correlations between levels of PLT, NLR, and PLR in pretreatment blood tests, and clinicopathologic features in patients who undergo CRT followed by TME for locally advanced rectal cancer, and evaluated and compared their potentials as prognostic biomarkers.