High expression of immune checkpoints is associated with the TIL load, mutation rate and patient survival in colorectal cancer.

Adoptive cell therapy with the use of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is a very promising immunotherapeutic approach for the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). However, within the tumor microenvironment, co‑inhibitory immune checkpoints can inactivate TILs. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between the TIL load, the mutation rate and the clinical outcome in the immune landscape of patients with CRC.

Understanding the Interplay between COX-2 and hTERT in Colorectal Cancer Using a Multi-Omics Analysis.

Background: Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is involved in the initial steps of colorectal cancer (CRC) formation, playing a key role in the catalysis of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin E2 (PGE). The human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT or TERT) also plays an important role in colorectal cancer growth, conferring sustained cell proliferation and survival. Although hTERT induces COX-2 expression in gastric and cervical cancer, their interaction has not been investigated in the context of CRC.

Cytolytic activity correlates with the mutational burden and deregulated expression of immune checkpoints in colorectal cancer.

Background: Microsatellite unstable colorectal cancers (MSI+ CRCs) expressing PD-L1, respond to anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 checkpoint blockade, whereas microsatellite-stable tumors do not respond the same. Our aim was to examine how the immune landscape relates to different aspects of the CRC's biology, including neoepitope burden.

Methods: We used TCGA data to stratify patients based on a cytolytic T-cell activity expression index and correlated immune cytolytic activity (CYT) with mutational, structural, and neoepitope features of each tumor sample.

Effects of octreotide and insulin on colon cancer cellular proliferation and correlation with hTERT activity.

Peptide hormone somatostatin and its receptors have a wide range of physiological functions and play a role in the treatment of numerous human diseases, including colorectal cancer. Octreotide, a synthetic somatostatin-analog peptide, inhibits growth of colonic cancer cells primarily by binding to G-protein coupled receptors and elicits cellular responses through second-messenger systems. Insulin also initiates mitogenic signals in certain cell types.

Effects of intravenous versus epidural lidocaine infusion on pain intensity and bowel function after major large bowel surgery: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Background: We compared the effects of intravenous lidocaine (IVL) with lumbar epidural lidocaine analgesia (LEA) on pain and ileus after open colonic surgery.

Methods: Between December 2011 and February 2013, 60 patients were randomly allocated to IVL, LEA, or control group. The IVL group received intraoperatively lidocaine 2 % intravenously (1.

Differences in telomerase activity between colon and rectal cancer.

Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers and the third leading cause of cancer death in both sexes. The disease progresses as a multistep process and is associated with genetic alterations. One of the characteristic features of cancer is telomerase activation.

Tacks-free transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernioplasty, using an anatomic 3-dimensional lightweight mesh with peritoneal suturing: pain and recurrence outcomes-initial experience.

Background: The emphasis for research in inguinal hernia repair has shifted from hernia recurrence to groin pain, which is considered the most important factor for poor quality of life.

Aim: : To evaluate hernia recurrences and pain at trocar site and at inguinal hernia site, in patients who underwent tacks-free transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair, using a lightweight nonfixed 3-dimensional mesh with peritoneal suturing.

Materials And Methods: Between 2009 and 2011, 32 patients (2 female) with mean age 51 years underwent hernia repair.

Laparoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia complicated with sliding hiatal hernia with reflux in adult.

Introduction: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in adults is a relatively rare condition being asymptomatic in the majority of cases. Symptomatic CDH should prompt surgical management because they may lead to intestinal obstruction or severe pulmonary disease. This is the first reported case of a symptomatic CDH complicated with sliding hiatal hernia (SHH).

Spontaneous rupture of the splenic capsule with massive bleeding subsequent to the pringle maneuver during laparoscopic liver resection.

Background: The Pringle maneuver has its applications to minimize blood loss during hepatic resection. Splenic rupture during the Pringle maneuver in open liver surgery was described only in few cases. This is the first report of such a complication during laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy: a UK experience and a systematic review of the literature.

Background: Advances in operative techniques and technology have facilitated laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) and laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD).

Methods: All distal pancreatectomies were attempted laparoscopically, while selected patients underwent LPD. The literature was systematically reviewed.

Computed tomography to detect accessory spleens before laparoscopic splenectomy: is it necessary?

Background: Some one-fifth of patients may have accessory spleens (AcS) and require their removal at the time of splenectomy to achieve and maintain hematological response. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefit of computed tomography (CT) in patients undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy (LS).

Methods: All patients who required splenectomy were offered LS and underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced CT scan to detect and locate AcS.

Laparoscopic revision of failed fundoplication and hiatal herniorraphy.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms of failure after laparoscopic fundoplication and the results of revision laparoscopic fundoplication.

Background: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication has become the most commonly performed antireflux procedure for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, with success rates from 90 to 95%. Persistent or new symptoms often warrant endoscopic and radiographic studies to find the cause of surgical failure.

Role of laparoscopic right portal vein ligation in planning staged or major liver resection.

Background And Aims: Right portal vein ligation (PVL) has its recognized role in inducing hypertrophy of future liver remnant (FLR) prior to major liver resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of laparoscopic right PVL and to explore its applications.

Methods: Laparoscopic right PVL was employed either during staging laparoscopy when a right hepatic trisectionectomy was indicated, leaving a small (<25%) FLR (indication 1), or during a laparoscopic left hepatic lobectomy (left lateral sectionectomy) when a second-stage right hemihepatectomy was to follow (indication 2).

Emergency laparoscopic splenectomy for splenic trauma in a Jehovah's Witness patient.

The safety and efficacy of laparoscopic splenectomy in the management of benign hematologic diseases is well established. However, most consider the laparoscopic approach to splenectomy in trauma patients contraindicated. We present a 76-year-old Jehovah's Witness who sustained a blunt abdominal trauma, rib fractures, and grade III splenic injury.