Purpose: C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) has been utilized as a prognostic factor in various carcinomas. We investigated the relationship between preoperative, postoperative day (POD) 1, and POD 7 CARs and the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods: Three hundred twenty patients with CRC who underwent laparoscopic radical resection between May 2011 and December 2016 were enrolled. Patients were selected into 2 groups, high CAR and low CAR (n=72/group), based on preoperative, POD 1, and POD 7 CARs. The relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between groups using propensity score matching.Results: The high CAR group had a significantly worse RFS (P<0.001) and OS (P=0.002) at POD 7 than those in the low CAR group. However, in preoperative and POD 1 analysis, no differences were observed.Conclusion: In patients with CRC, CAR of POD 7 was a significant prognostic factor.

Background/Aim: C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) has been utilized as a prognostic factor in various carcinomas. We investigated the relationship between preoperative, first postoperative day (POD1), and seventh postoperative day (POD7) CARs and the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Patients and Methods: 320 patients with CRC who underwent laparoscopic radical resection between May 2011 and December 2016 were enrolled. Patients were selected into two groups, high CAR and low CAR, based on preoperative, POD1, and POD7 CARs. The relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between groups using propensity score matching. Results The high CAR group had a significantly worse RFS and OS (n=72/group, RFS: p<0.001; OS: p=0.002) at POD7 than those in the low CAR group. However, in preoperative and POD1 analysis, no differences were observed. Conclusion In patients with colorectal cancer, CAR of POD7 was a significant prognostic factor.

An 83-year-old Japanese man with Alzheimer’s disease was admitted to our hospital for treatment of hyponatremia resulting from water intoxication. During hospitalization, the patient developed focal impaired awareness seizures, focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures, and subsequent status epilepticus. Electroencephalogram during focal impaired awareness seizures showed rhythmic 5–9 Hz theta activity in the right frontotemporal region. Electroencephalogram during focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures showed bilateral polyspikes. Electroencephalogram during an interseizure period revealed sharp waves in the right frontal region. Continuous intravenous administration of midazolam was the only effective treatment for status epilepticus. The patient died of aspiration pneumonia on day 58. Hyponatremia-associated status epilepticus is rare; in the present case, multifocal epileptogenicity resulting from Alzheimer’s disease and hyponatremia-associated elevation of glutamate levels in the synaptic cleft may have contributed to the onset of focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures with subsequent status epilepticus.

Background Although unexpected cardiac arrest is a very rare intraoperative complication, strategies regarding preoperative screening and procedures to be taken in the event of an emergency need to be well established. Case presentation A man in his late 70 s diagnosed with thoracic esophageal cancer, cT3N1M0, and cStage III was admitted. His metabolic equivalents were 4 or more. Electrocardiogram (ECG), ultrasound cardiography, and hematological examinations revealed no severe abnormalities. Computed tomography (CT) showed highly calcified coronary arteries. We performed mediastinoscope-assisted transhiatal esophagectomy. Procedures in the mediastinum involving access from the neck and abdomen were completed uneventfully. Middle mediastinal lymph node dissection and gastrointestinal reconstruction with the patient in the prone position were scheduled for later. However, before the change in position, pulseless nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) suddenly occurred and caused blood pressure to drop sharply to below 30 mmHg. The VT disappeared in approximately 20 s, and there was a return to sinus rhythm after cardiac resuscitation; however, the ECG showed a decrease in the ST segments of leads II, III, and aVF. Immediately thereafter, the patient was transferred to the cardiac catheterization laboratory for percutaneous coronary intervention. Cardiac catheterization revealed diffuse stenosis of 90% in the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery (segment no. 6). Plain old balloon angioplasty and stent placement were performed. Dual antiplatelet therapy was needed. On the next day, thoracoscopic esophagectomy was performed in the left lateral decubitus position, followed by cervical esophagostomy in the supine position. He developed acute respiratory distress syndrome and thoracic aortic dissection on the 5th postoperative day (POD) and intraperitoneal bleeding on the 16th POD. On the 105th POD, laparoscopic-assisted cervical esophagogastric anastomosis was performed. Parkinson’s disease was diagnosed on the 126th POD. On the 313th POD, the patient was discharged. Conclusion Surgeons should be familiar with the guidelines for patient screening and management of intraoperative cardiac arrest. In patients with severe coronary artery calcification, further investigation such as coronary angiography CT may be necessary before esophagectomy. Furthermore, highly invasive surgery should be performed in well-equipped hospitals.