ObjectivesTo develop an orthotopic xenografts model that can dynamically observe the growth of rectal cancer and lymphatic metastasis, and to preliminarily explore the feasibility of monitoring the growth and metastasis of rectal cancer by in vivo imaging system.MethodsAn orthotopic xenografts model was developed in nude mouse by rectal submucosal injection of red fluorescent protein-labeled human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line HCT 116. Then, the fluorescence signal from cancer cells was collected at different time points by means of in vivo imaging system, and the growth and metastasis of cancer cells in the rectum of nude mice was observed in real time. Finally, the model was evaluated by pathology.ResultsFifty visualized nude mouse models of orthotopic implantation and lymphatic metastasis were successfully constructed. At 2-7 weeks after implantation, the fluorescent protein of tumor were observed in all nude mouse with in vivo imaging system. After the orthotopic implantation, the volume of the transplanted tumor grew with the extension of time, and the integrated density expanded gradually. The number of caudal mesenteric lymph node metastases, para-aortic lymph node metastases, liver metastases and lung metastases increased time-dependent. The results of histological study was consistent with depending on lymph nodes to express fluorescent proteins to determine metastasis.ConclusionsIt is reliable and feasible to visualize the orthotopic implantation and lymphatic metastasis model of nude mice. The in vivo imaging system is simple and effective for real-time, non-invasive and dynamic observation of the growth of orthotopic xenografts and lymphatic metastasis in nude mice.
ObjectiveTo compare the short-term outcome of 3-port and 5-port laparoscopic assisted radical resection for middle and high rectal cancer.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of 67 patients with middle and high rectal cancer who were treated in the Gastrointestinal Ward of Center of General Surgery in General Hospital of Western Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army from January 2018 to December 2018. The operative, pathological, recent postoperative related indicators, and follow-up results of the two groups were compared and analyzed.ResultsAmong all the enrolled patients, 33 cases received 3-port laparoscopic surgery (3-port group) and 34 cases received 5-port laparoscopic surgery (5-port group). The total length of incision and the pain score of the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) on the 3rd postoperative day of the 3-port group were significantly better than those of the 5-port group (P<0.05). Peripheral incisal margins were negative in both two groups. However, there were no statistically significant differences in indicators such as operative time, intraoperative blood loss, operative conversion rate, hospitalization expenses, length of the distal margins, number of positive lymph nodes, number of lymph nodes harvested, time to the first flatus, time to the first ambulation, time to urinary catheter removal, time to drainage tube removal, time to the first oral intake, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complication rate (P>0.05). Thirty cases of the 3-port group were followed up for 12–24 months (median of 19 months), as well as 29 cases of 5-port group were followed up for 12–24 months (median of 19.5 months). There were no significant differences on the incidences of intestinal obstruction, local recurrence, distant metastasis, and death between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionCompared with the conventional 5-port laparoscopic surgery, the 3-port laparoscopic surgery could shorten the total length of incision and reduce the surgical trauma, suggesting that it is safe and effective.