Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research最新文献

Purpose: Postoperative adhesions following thyroid surgery can lead to multiple complications that significantly impact quality of life. The use of an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) adhesion barrier device has been proposed as a potential solution to reduce the risk of such adhesions. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and anti-adhesive effect of an ADM in patients undergoing thyroid surgery.

Methods: In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, patients undergoing thyroid surgery were randomly assigned to receive either ADM (n = 42) or no ADM (n = 39) during surgery. The primary outcome was the Swallowing Impairment Score (SIS-6), measured 6 weeks after surgery and compared between groups. Secondary outcomes included intergroup comparisons of the SIS-6, the Voice Handicap Index (VHI)-10, and the Glasgow-Edinburgh Throat Scale (GETS) at baseline, and 2, 6, and 18 weeks after surgery.

Results: At week 6, the mean SIS-6 scores were 4.0 ± 4.1 and 3.3 ± 4.2 in the ADM and control groups, respectively, which was not significantly different. Both groups showed similar postoperative improvements in SIS-6, VHI-10, and GETS scores over time, without significant differences between groups at any time point, indicating that the ADM did not reduce the incidence of postoperative adhesions or alter the course of recovery compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Although application of the ADM is safe for use in patients undergoing thyroid surgery, it did not produce a clinically significant advantage in preventing postoperative adhesions. Future research should focus on identifying specific patient populations or surgical scenarios where the use of the ADM may be beneficial.

Purpose: Pilonidal sinus disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects approximately 1% of the population. Although many treatment methods have been described, there is no consensus on the exact treatment method. This study was conducted to evaluate the wound healing-promoting effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in patients treated using the unroofing and curettage technique.

Methods: A total of 140 patients diagnosed with pilonidal sinus disease were included in the study. The patients were randomized into 2 groups; one group was followed up with a standard dressing after the operation, and the patients in the other group were treated with PRP in addition to the standard dressing. In this study, the wound healing rate between the 2 groups was determined as the primary objective.

Results: In postoperative follow-up, a difference in wound healing rate was detected on postoperative day 10 (P = 0.007). While the average wound healing time of the patients in the control group was 41.1 ± 11.0 days (median, 40; range, 20-65), it was 23.6 ± 8.5 days (median, 25; range, 6-45) in the PRP group (P < 0.001). It was determined that the wound closure time of patients in the PRP group was faster.

Conclusion: In our prospective randomized study, we found that PRP significantly increased the wound healing rate and patient comfort, with recurrence rates below 1% and minimal pain. We think that it should be the first-choice method before operations that cause extensive tissue loss, such as flap surgery.

Purpose: Mitochondria-accumulating amphiphilic peptide (Mito-FF) was designed to selectively target mitochondria in cancer cells and enhance anticancer effects through its unique structure. Mito-FF consists of (1) diphenylalanine, a β-sheet-forming building block critical for self-assembly; (2) triphenylphosphonium, a mitochondrial targeting moiety guiding the peptide to mitochondria; and (3) pyrene, a fluorescent probe enabling visualization of its accumulation and self-assembly. This study evaluates the anticancer efficacy of Mito-FF in breast cancer cells and explores its combination with paclitaxel, a standard therapy for breast cancer, focusing on its modulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway.

Methods: In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed using MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines and their respective xenograft models. Cell viability, migration, EMT marker expression, and apoptosis-related proteins were analyzed.

Results: Mito-FF demonstrated superior inhibition of cell viability and migration compared to paclitaxel alone in both cell lines. Combination therapy with Mito-FF and paclitaxel resulted in enhanced reduction of cell viability and migration. EMT markers were significantly modulated, with decreased mesenchymal markers (Snail and vimentin) and increased epithelial marker (E-cadherin) following combination treatment. Furthermore, the combination therapy synergistically elevated pro-apoptotic markers such as poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase and reduced anti-apoptotic markers such as myeloid cell leukemia 1. In vivo experiments revealed a marked reduction in tumor volume with combination therapy, accompanied by the highest expression levels of E-cadherin and pro-apoptotic marker Bim.

Conclusion: Mito-FF, designed for mitochondrial targeting and visualization, exhibited potent anticancer effects when combined with paclitaxel, in the breast cancer cells.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of proximal gastrectomy (PG) compared to total gastrectomy (TG) in patients with proximal stomach cancer, focusing on nutritional advantages and overall survival.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 87 patients who underwent gastrectomy for stomach cancer at Adnan Menderes University from January 2016 to January 2023. Among them, 21 patients underwent PG and 32 patients underwent TG. Clinical parameters, nutritional status, postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms, and survival rates were compared between the 2 groups. Statistical analyses included the chi-square test, Student t-test, and Mann-Whitney U-test.

Results: The PG group showed significantly less weight loss at 12 months (6.9 ± 5.2 kg vs. 17.9 ± 4.0 kg, P < 0.001) and higher albumin levels at both 6 and 12 months, postoperatively (P < 0.001). The reflux index was higher in the PG group (9.4 ± 2.4 vs. 5.2 ± 1.6, P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in overall Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale scores (P = 0.266). Disease-specific and overall survival were significantly better in the PG group (P = 0.004 and P = 0.003, respectively).

Conclusion: PG offers significant nutritional advantages and improved survival outcomes compared to TG despite higher rates of reflux. These findings suggest that PG can be a viable, function-preserving alternative to TG for patients with proximal stomach cancer. Further large-scale, prospective studies are needed to confirm these results and ensure oncological safety.

Purpose: As the number of older adults with gastric cancer requiring gastrectomy has increased, it has become increasingly important to use techniques that enhance surgical safety and reduce postoperative complications in this vulnerable patient population. Articulating laparoscopic instruments (ALIs) may improve maneuverability and precision, leading to better outcomes in older patients. This study aimed to compare postoperative outcomes of older adults undergoing laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer using conventional versus ALIs.

Methods: This retrospective study included 147 older patients (aged ≥70 years) who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer between 2017 and 2024. Surgery was performed using conventional laparoscopic instruments in 61 patients and ALIs in 86 patients. The median follow-up period was 20 months.

Results: Postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the articulating group than in the conventional group (4.6 ± 2.0 days vs. 5.4 ± 2.4 days, P = 0.030). Time to first flatus was also significantly shorter in the articulating group (2.4 ± 0.7 days vs. 2.8 ± 1.0 days, P = 0.022). However, there were no significant differences in overall complications, major (≥grade III) complications (conventional, 1.2% vs. articulating, 0%; P = 0.398) overall survival, or recurrence-free survival between groups.

Conclusion: The use of articulating instruments in older adults undergoing laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer was associated with shorter postoperative hospital stays and faster recovery of bowel function, with no apparent detrimental effects on complications, recurrence, or survival. These findings suggest that ALIs enhance recovery and possibly overall surgical outcomes in this patient population.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of patients with failed initial Kasai portoenterostomy (KP) and to compare the long-term prognosis of redo-KP with that of liver transplantation (LT) in these patients.

Methods: The medical records of patients with biliary atresia (BA) who failed initial KP from 2010 to 2021 at a single center were retrospectively analyzed. KP failure was defined as persistent jaundice (total bilirubin concentration, ≥2.0 mg/dL) after KP or the performance of LT.

Results: During the study period, 32 patients experienced initial KP failure, with 10 undergoing redo-KP and 22 undergoing LT. Redo-KP was successful in a minority of patients with failed initial KP, but the complications, particularly cholangitis, were more frequent in the redo-KP group. The long-term prognosis of redo-KP compared to LT showed that while some patients benefited from native liver survival after redo-KP, LT remains the more definitive solution for sustained liver function and survival in patients with BA.

Conclusion: The only factor differing significantly between patients who underwent redo-KP and LT after failed initial KP was complications of cholangitis. Redo-KP was successful in 4 of 10 patients with failed initial KP, suggesting that redo-KP may be a treatment option in patients with BA and failed initial KP.

Purpose: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with a 5-year survival low of 2% in advanced cases. Despite being a fatal disease, there is a lack of a good predictor of prognosis which can aid in the management of patients. The tumor microenvironment of PDAC, including immune cells, plays a vital role in the progression and invasiveness of PDAC. Cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) which has a "don't eat me signal" to macrophages through receptor signal regulatory protein alpha, prevents immune cell surveillance of cancer cells. This contributes to the immune escape and invasiveness of cancer.

Methods: We obtained pancreatic cancer tissue microarray samples from 98 patients treated in Hanyang University Hospital. The diagnosis was proven by a tissue biopsy obtained after surgical resection. Immunohistochemical staining was done using CD47 antibody. Data was analyzed using R software ver. 4.3.3.

Results: In a study of 98 patients with PDAC, CD47 expression (54.1%) was significantly correlated with advanced disease stage. Positive CD47 expression was associated with lower overall survival (P = 0.028) and disease-free survival (P = 0.005) in all patients. In advanced-stage patients, CD47 remained a predictor of lower overall survival (P = 0.012) and disease-free survival (P = 0.023). Multivariate analysis identified positive CD47 expression as an independent factor affecting overall survival (P = 0.048). These results emphasize CD47's prognostic relevance in PDAC, particularly in advanced stages.

Conclusion: Positive CD47 expression in PDAC indicates an advanced stage of the disease and independently predicts poor outcomes. This highlights CD47's role as a crucial prognostic marker in advanced PDAC stages.

Purpose: Patients with stage I colorectal cancer (CRC) rarely experience recurrence after curative resection. Therefore, the risk factors for stage I CRC recurrence are yet to be established. We aimed to identify risk factors for stage I CRC recurrence.

Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for articles published between 1990 and 2022. The pooled proportions and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated. Fixed- or random-effect models were considered based on heterogeneity, using Cochran's Q-statistic and the I²-test.

Results: Nine studies involving 19,440 patients were included. Nine analyzed risk factors were identified. T2 stage (pooled HR, 2.070; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.758-2.438; P < 0.001; I²=0.0%), lymphovascular invasion (HR, 1.685; 95% CI, 1.420-1.999; P < 0.001; I² = 0.0%), venous invasion (HR, 1.794; 95% CI, 1.515-2.125; P < 0.001; I² = 0.0%), CEA level (HR, 1.472; 95% CI, 1.093-1.983; P = 0.011; I² = 1.8%) and rectal cancer (HR, 2.981; 95% CI, 2.378-3.735; P < 0.001; I² = 0.0%) were risk factors for the recurrence. However, the risk of recurrence in right-sided colon cancer was lower than in left-sided colon cancer. (HR, 0.712; 95% CI, 0.537-0.944; P = 0.018; I² = 0.0%). No statistically significant differences were observed in the number of harvested lymph nodes, age, and sex.

Conclusion: T2 stage, lymphovascular invasion, venous invasion, CEA level, rectal cancer, and left-sided colon cancer were risk factors for recurrence in stage I CRC. Intensive monitoring and surveillance are warranted for patients with high-risk features of recurrence.

Purpose: This study investigated epidemiologic features of patients with pancreatic cancer in Korea, according to the histologic subtypes.

Methods: The Korea Central Cancer Registry data on patients with pancreatic cancer from 1999 to 2019 were reviewed. The 101,446 patients with pancreatic cancer (C25 based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision) were allocated according to the following morphological codes: A, endocrine; B, carcinoma excluding cystic and mucinous; C, cystic or mucinous; D, acinar cell; and E, sarcoma and soft tissue tumor.

Results: The distribution of each pancreatic cancer subtype group in Korea from 1999 to 2019 was as follows: A, n = 3,101 (3.1%); B, n = 95,051 (93.7%); C, n = 2,856 (2.8%); D, n = 299 (0.3%); and E, n = 139 (0.1%). In group B, 49.2% of patients were aged >70 years, and half of them did not receive treatment within 4 months of diagnosis. In addition, only 30.9% of the patients were in the localized and regional stage in which surgical treatment was possible. Pancreatic cancer occurred more frequently in females than in males only in group C. Between 1999 and 2019, the average annual percentage changes in the age-specific incidence rates were positive in groups A (13.9%, P < 0.001), B (1.0%, P < 0.001), and C (6.5%, P = 0.025). Significant improvements in 5-year survival rates over time were observed in subtypes A, B, and C.

Conclusion: The subgroups of pancreatic cancer show different epidemiologic features, including incidences, treatment rates, and prognoses.

Purpose: One of the most common and significant complications following thyroid surgery is postoperative hypocalcemia due to postoperative hypoparathyroidism. This study aimed to observe the effect of parathyroid gland autotransplantation on postoperative hypocalcemia in cases of incidental parathyroidectomy in total thyroidectomy cases.

Methods: Patients who underwent bilateral total thyroidectomy surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Patients in the study population were divided into group A (no incidental parathyroidectomy), group B (incidental parathyroidectomy with no autotransplantation), and group C (incidental parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation). The patients' calcium levels on day 1, transient and permanent hypocalcemia times, time to return to normocalcemia, and surgery duration were examined.

Results: A total of 647 patients meeting the research criteria were included in the study. Group A consisted of 443 patients (68.5%), group B consisted of 176 patients (27.2%), and group C consisted of 28 patients (4.3%). The rate of incidental parathyroidectomy in the entire patient population was 31.5% (n = 204). Transient and permanent hypocalcemia rates in the entire patient population were 27.7% (n = 178) and 0.6% (n = 4), respectively. It was observed that the frequency of day 1 hypocalcemia was higher in group B than in group C among incidental parathyroidectomy groups (P = 0.005). Furthermore, group B had a significantly higher frequency of transient hypocalcemia compared to group C (P = 0.006). There was no significant difference in terms of permanent hypocalcemia.

Conclusion: This study showed that parathyroid gland autotransplantation reduces transient hypocalcemia in patients with 2 or fewer incidental parathyroids.